Chichen Itza & Ek Balam: Private Day Trip with Cenote Swim

Summary

Early chichen itza climb ek balam swim cenote taste valladolid lunch

You’ll wake up early for Chichen Itza before crowds arrive, climb Ek Balam’s pyramid above jungle treetops, taste Yucatecan flavors over lunch in Valladolid, and cool off swimming in a freshwater cenote—all with private transport and a local guide who keeps things real.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to be awake before sunrise on vacation, but there we were—half asleep, shuffling into the van outside our hotel in Playa del Carmen. Our guide, Ana, handed us cold water bottles and grinned like she’d already had two coffees. The drive out was quiet except for some birds waking up and the weird comfort of the air conditioning. I remember thinking: is it really worth it to beat the crowds? Turns out, yeah—it’s almost eerie how empty Chichen Itza feels when you’re one of the first through the gate. The stone felt cool under my hand, and Ana told us stories about Kukulkan that made me see the place differently. We had space to just… listen to the wind and take silly photos without anyone waiting behind us.

After wandering around (I still think about how silent it was), we drove north to Ek Balam. I’d never heard of it before this trip—Ana said most people skip it for the big names. You can actually climb the main pyramid here, which is wild because you get this view over endless green trees and there’s barely anyone else up there. My legs shook a bit on the way down (those steps are steep), but I felt oddly proud. We stopped for lunch in Valladolid—a sleepy square with bright buildings and a little restaurant where I tried cochinita pibil for the first time. Li laughed when I tried to say it in Spanish—probably butchered it.

The last stop was Oxman cenote. There’s this earthy smell as you walk down the stairs—like wet stone and roots—and then suddenly you’re looking down into blue water with vines hanging everywhere. Some guy did a rope swing flip that made everyone cheer; I just eased myself in slow because that water is cold at first. Floating on my back, watching sunlight flicker through leaves above… honestly, that’s what stuck with me most from the whole day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Chichen Itza and Ek Balam ruins

• Arrive early at Chichen Itza
• Tour Chichen Itza ruins
• Lunch in Valladolid main square
• Explore Ek Balam ruins
• Climb Ek Balam pyramid
• Swim in Oxman cenote

Top questions

How long does this private tour from Playa del Carmen take?

The tour lasts a full day, including travel between sites and stops for lunch and swimming.

Is hotel pickup included for this Chichen Itza & Ek Balam day trip?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup is included from Playa del Carmen.

Can you climb pyramids at Ek Balam during this tour?

Yes, climbing Ek Balam’s main pyramid is part of the experience.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, an à la carte lunch in Valladolid is included.

Are entry fees covered for Chichen Itza and Ek Balam?

All entry fees and taxes are included in your booking.

Do you visit a cenote on this private day trip?

Yes, there’s time to swim at Oxman cenote after visiting the ruins.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included throughout your day.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transportation with hotel pickup from Playa del Carmen, all entry fees for Chichen Itza and Ek Balam, bottled water along the way, time to swim at Oxman cenote (with rope swing or stairs if you’re less brave), plus an à la carte Mexican lunch in Valladolid before heading back home together.