Chichen Itza, Cenote Hubiku & Ek Balam: Small Group Day Trip

Summary

Ancient pyramids, cool cenotes and jungle views in Yucatán

You’ll wander ancient plazas at Chichen Itza with a local guide, swim in Cenote Hubiku’s clear water after a traditional lunch, then climb Ek Balam’s pyramid for jungle views few ever see. Expect real stories, laughter over spicy salsa, and moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We tumbled out of the van just after sunrise, still rubbing sleep from our eyes, right at the gates of Chichen Itza. I’d seen photos a hundred times but standing there — the stones felt cooler than I expected, even with the sun already warming up. Our guide, Javier, started telling us about the Maya calendar and pointed at El Castillo. Some kids nearby tried echoing their voices off the steps (it actually works). There was this moment by the Ball Court where he clapped his hands and that weird chirp bounced back — honestly, it gave me goosebumps. We wandered for hours through plazas and temples; I lost track of time. You could almost smell the old limestone baking in the heat.

After Chichen Itza, we piled back into the van (AC was a lifesaver) and headed to Cenote Hubiku. The air changed completely as we walked down into that underground pool — damp and earthy, with sunlight spearing through a hole above. I hesitated at first (it looked freezing), but everyone else jumped in so I did too. The water was sharp-cold at first then just… perfect. Lunch after swimming tasted better than it probably was — maybe because we’d worked up such an appetite? They had cochinita pibil and some spicy salsa that nearly made me cry. Javier laughed when I tried to pronounce “Hubiku” like a local.

Ek Balam came last, tucked away behind trees and not crowded at all. You can actually climb the main pyramid here (my legs were jelly by then but I wasn’t skipping it). From the top you see nothing but green stretching forever — birds calling somewhere below, wind rustling leaves. The carvings up close are wild; you can still make out faces and jaguars if you squint. Someone in our group just sat down quietly at the top for a while — I get why. On the way back to Valladolid I kept thinking about how different each place felt: Chichen Itza grand and busy, Hubiku cool and quiet, Ek Balam almost secretive.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Ek Balam

• Explore Chichen Itza ruins
• Swim in Cenote Hubiku
• Enjoy buffet lunch
• Visit Ek Balam site

Top questions

How long do you spend at Chichen Itza on this tour?

You’ll have more than 3 hours to explore Chichen Itza with your guide.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in air-conditioned vans.

Can you swim in Cenote Hubiku during the tour?

Yes, there’s time set aside for swimming in Cenote Hubiku after visiting Chichen Itza.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

A traditional buffet lunch is included after your cenote swim; drinks aren’t included.

Are entrance fees covered for all sites?

Cenote Hubiku and Ek Balam entrance fees are included; Chichen Itza requires an extra fee paid at pickup ($40 USD/adult).

Can you climb any pyramids on this trip?

You can climb the main pyramid at Ek Balam for jungle views; climbing is not allowed at Chichen Itza.

How big are the groups on this small group tour?

The tour runs with reduced group sizes for a more personal experience.

How physically demanding is this day trip?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness due to walking and climbing stairs.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned van, breakfast to start things off early, guided visits to Chichen Itza (with fast entry), swimming access at Cenote Hubiku plus its entrance fee covered, a traditional buffet lunch (drinks extra), entry to Ek Balam’s ruins where you can climb the main pyramid—then back to your hotel before evening sets in.