Chichen Itza, Ek Balam & Cenote: Small Group Day Tour

Summary

Chichen Itza pyramids, Ek Balam climb and cenote swim in one day

You’ll wander ancient stones at Chichen Itza with a local guide, cool off swimming inside Hubiku cenote’s blue shadows, then climb Ek Balam’s pyramid for wild jungle views. Includes hotel pickup from Playa del Carmen, lunch, entry fees and all the little details handled — so you just have to show up curious (and maybe hungry).

What’s the experience like?

“You can actually climb this one,” our guide Luis grinned at Ek Balam, pointing up at the steep steps. I was still thinking about the morning — standing in front of Chichen Itza’s main pyramid as the sun crept higher, stone warming under my hand. There were already crowds but Luis knew a quieter corner where you could hear birds and not much else. He told us about the ball court and how people used to clap to hear the echo bounce back. I tried it — didn’t expect it to sound so sharp.

The drive between ruins was longer than I thought (Yucatán is bigger than it looks on a map), but we had cold water and cookies stashed in the van. At Hubiku cenote, I hesitated at the edge — it’s darker and cooler down there than photos ever show. The water smelled faintly mineral, almost metallic. Jumping in felt like hitting reset on my brain; everyone laughed when I came up sputtering. Lunch after was buffet style — nothing fancy but that lime soup hit different after swimming.

Ek Balam was last and honestly, climbing those steps with shaky legs made me question my life choices for a second. But up top? You see jungle forever, green all around and just wind for company. Luis pointed out tiny figures below — “That’s us in five minutes,” he joked. My calves are still mad about it but I’d do it again. The whole day felt like moving through layers of history (and humidity). If you’re curious about Mayan ruins beyond Chichen Itza or want a small group vibe with someone who actually knows their stuff, this day trip from Playa del Carmen is worth it — even if you end up sunburned and a little sore.

Step-by-step itinerary

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

• Tour Chichen Itzá archaeological site
• Swim at Hubiku Cenote
• Visit Ek Balam with pyramid climb

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza?

The tour lasts a full day including travel time between sites; expect an early start and return in the evening.

Can you swim at Cenote Hubiku on this tour?

Yes, there is time to swim at Hubiku cenote during the tour.

Is lunch included in this small group tour?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included after your swim at Cenote Hubiku.

Do you get to climb any pyramids on this trip?

You can climb the main pyramid at Ek Balam during your visit there.

Are entrance fees included for Chichen Itza and Ek Balam?

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

Is hotel pickup available from Playa del Carmen?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Playa del Carmen hotels.

How many people are in each group?

This is a small group tour limited to 12 people per group.

What should I bring for this tour?

A swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and some cash for Chichen Itza entry fee are recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Playa del Carmen, air-conditioned transport between sites with bottled water and snacks along the way, guided tours of Chichen Itza and Ek Balam (with entry fees covered except for Chichen Itza), swimming time at Hubiku cenote with entrance included plus buffet lunch before heading back home tired but happy.