Get a close-up look at Maya history and traditions on this off-the-beaten-track tour. You'll visit the ancient Maya city of Ek' Balam – the most recent to be opened to the public – as well as Yalcoba to swim in the cenote and a stop in Valladolid.

We'll start the adventure with a guided visit of Ek' Balam, which translates as ‘Black Jaguar.' The site has more than 40 structures and its walls formed a maze, while the main pyramid, known as the Acropolis, has a well-preserved entrance surrounded by the open jaws and fangs of a jaguar. It's bigger than even El Castillo at Chichen Itzá. Best of all, you can climb to the top – which few Maya sites allow.

Afterwards, we'll head to Yalcoba where you can try your hand at chocolate-making and learn how to craft obsidian at a workshop. After a tequila and mezcal tasting you'll have time to enjoy the crystalline cenote, then tuck into a tasty buffet lunch of typical regional dishes. Lastly, we'll have a quick stop in central Valladolid, a city known for its art and architecture and a picture-perfect medley of colourful colonial buildings and historic churches.

Really good day, from a historical perspective with enough time at ek balam, enough drinks were offered. Overall the day is far too long, you spent too long at the cenote and I don't know how you can say a trip to Valloid when we literally spent 30mins there! So much time was wasted waiting for 2 buses to be squeezed into one, which ruined the whole tripped before we even started. Initially there was enough room for everyone to have space, but then we were crammed in like sardines.

Ek Balam is an underrated beautiful gem that is absolutely worth seeing. The guide was kind and knowledgeable, kept us fed and refreshed with drinks and snacks. The bus was small and uncomfortable with little room for the legs for such a long journey. We didn't see the cenote because it was election day, but it was something guides knew in advance, could have planned an alternative instead. Had lunch in a different restaurant as a consequence and food was really poor.

Fantastic experience. Learnt a lot about the culture and history of the Mayans and Mexicans. The group was a good size, about 10 people plus guide. Good transportation. Very informative guide. Good refreshments and great tour of the Mayan Temple at Ek Balaam and a great swim and meal at the cenote. What an experience. A lot of travel, probably for hours on the coach but such a unique and memorable experience.

All was good, didn't get to do chocolate making or obsidian workshop as advertised

Ek Balam is a fantastic experience. The early start to the excursion is worth it to be one of the first groups in to the site to climb the pyramid. Beautiful views from the top of Ek Balam. The cenotes swim is good and the surrounding shops, tequila tasting and buffet were good. Overall a great experience if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Chicinitza

Am excellent day had by all ! Despite an early start really grateful that we did get there early as we virtually had the place to ourselves! Only when we left the place was itbeginning to fill up..so thank Tui! Loved the cenote venue and meal and the last stop at Valladalod where we got to see,an authentic Mexican town. Our guide Chang was excellent very informative and kept us safe ..thank you Chang! Thoroughly recommend the day to anyone thinking about going. Ps left hotel at 0650 got back 545

Why you’ll love this…

You'll head into the jungle to visit what's left of the ancient Mayan city of Ek' Balam
This trip includes a swim stop at a cenote, a kind of natural freshwater pool unique to Mexico
Chocolate-making, obsidian-crafting and mezcal-tasting are all part of the agenda
The tour wraps up in Valladolid, a small, colourful town that's one of the Yucatan's prettiest parts
You'll follow an expert local guide around this patch of Mexico, so they'll give you the lowdown

Important to know

There's a MXN 45.00 fee for using video cameras at the archaeological site
Order of route subject to change
Tour is guided in German
Pickups are available from Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen hotels. If you don't see the option to add a hotel for pickup, please provide the details at the checkout.
Bring biodegradable insect repellent
Bring bathing gear and sunblock
Bring suitable footwear
Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
Drinks not included

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 2 days before the experience begins.

What’s included

Transport
Guide
Admission fees
Buffet
Local delicacy tasting

This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Pickup points

To see which pickup points are available, check under availability & prices.

Provider

TUI MEXICANA SA DE CV

What people say about this experience

4.6/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 11 reviews

Review categories

Safety

4.6/5

Staff

4.6/5

Value for money

4.3/5

Service

4.6/5

All ratings (11)

5 stars (8)

73%

4 stars (3)

27%

3 stars (0)

2 stars (0)

1 star (0)

M
Miss Truth
Traveled with family
November 24, 2025
4.2
United States of America
Really good day, from a historical perspective with enough time at ek balam, enough drinks were offered. Overall the day is far too long, you spent too long at the cenote and I don't know how you can say a trip to Valloid when we literally spent 30mins there! So much time was wasted waiting for 2 buses to be squeezed into one, which ruined the whole tripped before we even started. Initially there was enough room for everyone to have space, but then we were crammed in like sardines.
E
Elisa
Traveled as a couple
June 17, 2024
3.8
United Kingdom
Ek Balam is an underrated beautiful gem that is absolutely worth seeing. The guide was kind and knowledgeable, kept us fed and refreshed with drinks and snacks. The bus was small and uncomfortable with little room for the legs for such a long journey. We didn't see the cenote because it was election day, but it was something guides knew in advance, could have planned an alternative instead. Had lunch in a different restaurant as a consequence and food was really poor.
N
Nick
Traveled with family
April 27, 2024
5
United Kingdom
Fantastic experience. Learnt a lot about the culture and history of the Mayans and Mexicans. The group was a good size, about 10 people plus guide. Good transportation. Very informative guide. Good refreshments and great tour of the Mayan Temple at Ek Balaam and a great swim and meal at the cenote. What an experience. A lot of travel, probably for hours on the coach but such a unique and memorable experience.
E
Emma and Matt
Traveled as a couple
March 22, 2024
5
United States of America
All was good, didn't get to do chocolate making or obsidian workshop as advertised
M
Mike
Traveled as a couple
February 27, 2024
5
United Kingdom
Ek Balam is a fantastic experience. The early start to the excursion is worth it to be one of the first groups in to the site to climb the pyramid. Beautiful views from the top of Ek Balam. The cenotes swim is good and the surrounding shops, tequila tasting and buffet were good. Overall a great experience if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Chicinitza
T
The Jays
Traveled as a couple
January 17, 2024
5
United Kingdom
Am excellent day had by all ! Despite an early start really grateful that we did get there early as we virtually had the place to ourselves! Only when we left the place was itbeginning to fill up..so thank Tui! Loved the cenote venue and meal and the last stop at Valladalod where we got to see,an authentic Mexican town. Our guide Chang was excellent very informative and kept us safe ..thank you Chang! Thoroughly recommend the day to anyone thinking about going. Ps left hotel at 0650 got back 545