Ek Balam Express focuses on the "Black Jaguar" city itself — quieter than Chichén Itzá, with a climbable Acropolis and spectacular stucco carvings. We leave early, explore with your certified guide and bring you back in time to enjoy the afternoon.
What's included
Private round-trip transport, a certified English-speaking guide and the Ek Balam entrance fee. Cold water all day.
✓ Certified archaeological guide
✓ English-speaking driver
✓ Ek Balam entrance fee
✓ Private air-conditioned vehicle
✓ Passenger insurance
✓ Free time at the site
✓ Cold bottled water all day
Your day, hour by hour
A focused, efficient day at one of the most impressive and least crowded Maya sites.
Hotel pickup & road trip
Your guide picks you up and shares stories of Maya culture along the way.
Ek Balam archaeological site
Explore the Acropolis, the jaguar-mouth stucco and the jungle views from the top.
Drive back
Head back to your hotel, with an optional lunch stop if you like.
Pickup & departure cities
We offer private hotel pickup from Cancún, Playa Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Tulum and anywhere in the Riviera Maya. Duration and the suggested pickup time depend on where you are staying — your guide tailors the departure time to your hotel.
Pickup area
Suggested pickup
Duration
Playa & Costa Mujeres
6:30 AM
7–8 h
Cancún
6:30 AM
7–8 h
Riviera Maya
6:30 AM
7–8 h
Playa del Carmen
6:30 AM
7–8 h
Akumal
6:30 AM
7–8 h
Tulum
6:30 AM
7–8 h
Exact times depend on you — everything happens at your own pace — and can vary with traffic and whether you stop for lunch.
Why book a private tour
On a private tour the day moves at your pace. You skip the long waits, get personal attention, stop for the photos you want and travel only with your own group. For families, couples and small groups, it's the difference between seeing Ek Balam and truly experiencing it. Rated 5.0 by 3,500+ travelers on TripAdvisor.
Full price list
Group size
Price per person
2 adults
$250 USD
3 adults
$200 USD
4 adults
$175 USD
5–7 adults
$145 USD
8–10 adults
$125 USD
Kids (3–10): $100 USD each · Babies (0–2): $25 USD · All federal & state taxes included
Good to know
✓ What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Hat & sunglasses
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- A big smile
✕ Not included
- Lunch (optional stop)
- Souvenirs
- Tips (optional)
Frequently asked questions
“How long is the Ek Balam Express private tour?”
Around 7–8 hours door to door from anywhere in Cancún and the Riviera Maya.
“What time is hotel pickup?”
Around 6:30 a.m., adjusted to your location.
“What is included in the price?”
Private transport, your certified guide and the Ek Balam entrance fee.
“What is the difference with the full Ek Balam tour?”
The Express version focuses only on the archaeological site. The full tour adds a cenote swim and lunch in Valladolid.
“Is this a private or a shared tour?”
100% private — only your group, with your own guide and vehicle.
“Do I need to pay a deposit?”
No. You reserve online and pay on the day of your tour in cash (USD or MXN), card, PayPal or Zelle.