Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Day Trip with Cenote Swim & Lunch

Summary

Walk ancient ruins, cool off in a cenote, taste Yucatan flavors

You’ll wander Chichen Itza’s ancient stones with a local guide, swim in Saamal Cenote’s cool waters, climb Ek Balam’s Acropolis for wild jungle views, and share a Yucatecan lunch with your group. Expect honest stories, small surprises, and moments that stay with you long after you’ve rinsed off the cenote water.

What’s the experience like?

We’d already been on the road from Playa del Carmen for what felt like ages when we finally pulled up to Chichen Itza. Our guide, Ana, handed out bottles of cold water—she called it “liquid gold” and honestly, she wasn’t wrong. The air was thick with humidity and chatter from other groups, but Ana had this way of making us feel like we were getting the real story. She pointed out the shadows on Kukulkan Pyramid (I tried to catch them just right for a photo—missed it), and then led us past the ball court where she told us about the players’ fate. I didn’t expect to feel so small standing there, surrounded by all that stone and history.

Afterwards, we drove out to Saamal Cenote. The first thing I noticed was the shift in temperature—the air cooled instantly as we walked down those slippery steps. You could smell wet earth and something almost sweet from the trees above. I hesitated before jumping in (Ana laughed at my face), but once I did, it was shockingly clear and cold—a total reset after the heat at Chichen Itza. Floating there looking up at dangling roots and sunlight slicing through, I sort of forgot about everything else for a minute.

Last stop: Ek Balam. Fewer crowds here, which made it feel secret somehow (even though obviously everyone knows about it). We climbed up the Acropolis—my legs were jelly by then—and Ana pointed out carvings that looked almost new despite being centuries old. There was this breeze at the top that hit just right; you could see jungle forever. Someone in our group tried to pronounce “Ek Balam” properly—Ana grinned but didn’t correct him. Lunch after was simple Yucatecan food—I can’t remember what the soup was called but it tasted earthy and bright at once.

I still think about that moment floating in the cenote light or standing above the trees at Ek Balam. If you’re looking for a day trip from Playa del Carmen that’s more than just checking boxes, this is probably it—even if you leave with muddy shoes and slightly sunburned shoulders.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Mayan ruins and swim in cenote

• Visit Chichen Itza archaeological site
• See ball court and Kukulkan Pyramid
• Swim in Saama Cenote
• Explore Ek Balam ruins
• Climb Ek Balam Acropolis

Top questions

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

The tour lasts most of the day including travel time between sites and lunch; expect an early start and late afternoon return.

Is swimming in Saamal Cenote included?

Yes, entry to Saamal Cenote is included along with time to swim during the tour.

Do I need to bring cash for anything?

It’s recommended to bring Mexican Pesos for personal expenses or tips not covered by the tour price.

Are lunch and drinks provided on this tour?

A traditional lunch is included as well as bottled water throughout the day.

Is hotel pickup included from Playa del Carmen?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are part of your booking for convenience.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

Vegetarian options are available if requested when booking your spot on the tour.

Is climbing allowed at Ek Balam ruins?

You can climb parts of Ek Balam’s Acropolis during your visit as part of this tour experience.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Playa del Carmen, bottled water throughout, guided entry to Chichen Itza and Ek Balam ruins plus Saamal Cenote admission, and a traditional Yucatecan lunch before heading back home together.