Valladolid: Rio Lagartos Boat Tour & Ek Balam Ruins Day Trip

Summary

Flamingos at Rio Lagartos then climb Ek Balam’s ruins with a guide

You’ll drift past flamingos in Rio Lagartos’ wild lagoons, then walk ancient steps at Ek Balam with a local guide who brings Maya history to life. Expect laughter over lunch, maybe a mispronounced word or two, and moments where nature just takes over your senses. This day trip from Valladolid is full of real encounters—the kind you keep thinking about long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you open your eyes and everything’s just—different? That’s how it started in Valladolid. We piled into the van early (I was still half-asleep), but the ride to Rio Lagartos was quiet, just this slow brightening over the flat Yucatán. Our guide, Ana, handed out cold bottles of water and pointed out some weird-looking trees—mangroves, I think she said. I’d never seen so many birds in one place; pink flamingos everywhere, making these low honking sounds that didn’t match their look at all. The air smelled like salt and something earthy. There was this moment when the boat slowed near a crocodile—Ana just grinned and said “he’s probably more scared of us.” Not sure I believed her.

After the boat tour (which honestly felt both longer and shorter than two hours), we dried off in the sun for a bit—my shirt stuck to my back from the humidity. Lunch was included; simple stuff but good after all that wind and water. Then we headed to Ek Balam. The ruins are only about 30 minutes away, but it feels like another world. Ana switched between Spanish and English without missing a beat; I tried to say “mausoleum” in Spanish and got it wrong—she laughed, which made me feel less self-conscious somehow. Climbing up those stone steps was harder than I thought (maybe don’t wear sandals), but seeing that ancient façade up close… there’s something about touching stone that old.

If you’re not into ruins, there’s a cenote nearby—I saw some people heading there instead, towels slung over their shoulders looking ready for a swim. But for me, standing at the top of Ek Balam with wind in my face and jungle stretching forever—that sticks with me even now. It wasn’t perfect; I got bit by a mosquito right on my ankle and Ana teased me about “Yucatán souvenirs.” But sometimes it’s those small things you remember most.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ria Lagartos boat tour and Ek Balam visit

• Take guided boat tour in Ria Lagartos
• See birds, mangroves, and crocodiles
• Observe flamingos in their nesting area
• Join English/Spanish guided tour of Ek Balam
• Explore Maya mausoleum facade from 800 AD

Top questions

How long is the Rio Lagartos boat tour?

The guided boat tour lasts about 2 hours.

Are flamingos visible year-round at Rio Lagartos?

Yes, flamingos can be seen throughout the year at Rio Lagartos.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included as part of the tour.

How far is Ek Balam from Valladolid?

Ek Balam is about 30 minutes by vehicle from Valladolid.

Can I visit the cenote instead of Ek Balam?

Yes, you can choose to visit Cenote Xcanché if you prefer.

Are entrance fees covered?

The entrance fee for Ria Lagartos is included; Ek Balam or cenote entrances are extra.

Is pickup available for this tour?

The tour includes air-conditioned transport from Valladolid.

Are guides bilingual?

Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish fluently.

What’s included

Your day covers air-conditioned transport from Valladolid, bottled water along the way, all fees for Ria Lagartos including boat rental with an English/Spanish-speaking guide on board, plus lunch before heading to Ek Balam where your certified guide leads you through its ancient secrets—entry fees for Ek Balam or cenote are separate if you choose those options.