Chichen Itza & Ekbalam Tour: Ruins and Cenote Swim

See two major Mayan sites and swim in a limestone cenote without arranging the route yourself

A full-day tour from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza and Ekbalam with a guided visit to both UNESCO sites, a swim in Cenote Saamal, and a stop at Naayil Kú Maya Village for a traditional blessing and live ball game demonstration. Hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and bottled water are included. The guide speaks English or Spanish. The tour runs 12 hours and requires moderate fitness to climb the Acropolis at Ekbalam.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Mayan ruins and swim in cenote

• Visit Chichen Itza with expert guide
• Climb Ek Balam Acropolis
• Swim in Saama Cenote
• Experience Naayil Kú Maya Village
• Watch Mayan Ball Game demonstration
• Enjoy tequila tasting

The experience

You start from your hotel in Playa del Carmen and travel to Cenote Saamal first, where you swim in crystalline water surrounded by limestone rock formations unique to the Yucatan Peninsula. The cenote is a natural sinkhole carved into the jungle, and the water is cool and clear. Bring a swimsuit and towel, and the guide will give you time to change and dry off before the next stop.

Next is Naayil Kú Maya Village, where a Maya warrior and shaman greet you before leading a walk through a sacred jungle path. You receive a traditional blessing and cleansing, then watch a live ball game demonstration performed by authentic warriors. The kind of sport that was central to ancient Maya culture. There is a small shop for locally made handicrafts and a tequila tasting before you move on.

Chichen Itza comes next, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Your guide leads you through the site and explains the history and folklore as you see the ball court, the Temple of a Thousand Columns, and the Kukulkan Pyramid. Lunch is provided during this stop. After Chichen Itza, you head to Ekbalam, a less crowded but equally spectacular ruin site. The main draw here is climbing the Acropolis. The climb is steep but the view from the top and the preserved carvings of the ancient Maya make it worth the effort. You return to your hotel by evening.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Playa del Carmen.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• entry to Chichen Itza, Ekbalam, and Cenote Saamal.
• lunch.
• bottled water.
• a traditional blessing and live ball game demonstration at Naayil Kú Maya Village.
• a tequila tasting.

Options for this experience

4 options

Tulum Meeting pointGuide in English or Spanish · 07:00Hotel pickup not included. Meeting point is Super Market Super Aki at 8:00 AM in Tulum Down Town. Lasts 10 hours. Buffet lunch included.

Pickup in Playa del CarmenGuide in English or Spanish · 07:00Hotel pickup included. Lasts 12 hours. Buffet lunch included. Pickup is included.

Meeting point in Tulum, Plus optionGuide in English or Spanish · 07:00Plus option, hotel pickup not included. Meeting point is Super Market Super Aki at 8:00 AM in Tulum Down Town. Lasts 10 hours. Includes buffet lunch, box lunch and drinks on board.

Drinks are provided on boardGuide in English or Spanish · 07:00Plus option, hotel pickup included. Lasts 13 hours. Includes buffet lunch, snack and drinks on board. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesWednesdayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Yalku Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see two major Mayan sites and swim in a cenote without renting a car or planning the route. The 12-hour day is full, so you need moderate fitness to climb the Acropolis at Ekbalam, but the guide, transport, meals and entry fees are all arranged. Drinks on board are available as an add-on at checkout if you prefer not to carry your own water.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Cenote Saamal like for swimming?

Cenote Saamal is a natural limestone sinkhole filled with crystalline water and surrounded by spectacular rock formations. You have time to swim and cool off in the jungle setting before moving to the next stop on the tour.

What happens at Naayil Kú Maya Village?

At Naayil Kú Maya Village, you walk a sacred jungle path guided by a Maya warrior and shaman, receive a traditional blessing and cleansing, and watch a live ball game demonstration performed by authentic warriors. There is also a tequila tasting and a small shop selling locally made handicrafts.

Is lunch included, and can I request a vegetarian meal?

Lunch is included in the tour price. Vegetarian options are available. Let the operator know your dietary requirements when you book.

What is the difference between Chichen Itza and Ekbalam?

Chichen Itza is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the iconic Kukulkan Pyramid and large ball court. Ekbalam is less well-known but equally spectacular. Its main feature is the Acropolis, which you can climb to see preserved carvings and enjoy views across the site.

Do I need to bring anything for the cenote swim?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sports shoes or sandals, sunglasses, a hat, biodegradable sunscreen, and mosquito repellent. A camera is useful for the ruins. The tour includes bottled water, and you may want to bring Mexican Pesos in cash for tips and any personal expenses.