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Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam & Cenote Tour from Cancún

Two archaeological sites in one day, with a cenote swim

-25% Save $50 USD 4.8 · 4,326 reviews on Google
All Day
Wednesday
English / Spanish
Digital voucher
Transportation

Our Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam and Cenote tour combines two remarkable Maya archaeological sites with a refreshing cenote swim in a single unforgettable day from Cancún.

Departing from Cancun in the early morning, a knowledgeable guide from Cancun Bay will lead you to this ancient capital of the Mayan civilization. Upon arrival, you'll begin exploring its main structures, such as the Temple of the Warriors, the impressive Ball Court, and of course, the most famous Mayan building: El Castillo or the Pyramid of Kukulcan. Throughout the guided visit, you'll learn fascinating details about the history and culture of the Yucatan Peninsula.

This full-day journey through Yucatan's pre-Hispanic treasures continues with a stop at a beautiful cenote with refreshing waters where you can take a swim and enjoy the surrounding nature. Later, at the same location, you'll have the opportunity to savor a delicious buffet lunch featuring a selection of Yucatan's extensive gastronomy.

The last stop of the day is at the still largely unexplored archaeological site of Ek Balam, which means 'jaguar star' in Mayan. You'll be able to climb to the top of the main pyramid, La Acropolis, which also houses an imposing and lavish tomb that resembles the entrance to the underworld. This tour to Ek Balam from Cancun is something you'll surely remember forever! Enjoy the magic and mystery of this Mayan archaeological site from Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

Book the Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Ek Balam Tour to immerse yourself in the Mayan past!

  • Round-trip transportation
  • Accident insurance
  • Regional lunch buffet
  • Entrance fees to the sites
  • Certified bilingual guide
  • Personalized attention
  • Swim in cenote
  • Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam archaeological site entrances and taxes included
  • Nothing to pay at the ticket office: the only on-site charge is the cenote life jacket
  • Change of clothes
  • Bathing suit and towel
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Water shoes
  • Cash for tips and souvenirs
  • Insect repellent
  • Biodegradable sunblock
  • Life jacket rental at the cenote (6 usd), not included. Payment at check-in. Mandatory for the cenote swim.
  • The use of professional and video cameras in archaeological sites requires the payment of a tax at the ticket office. Flying drones is not allowed.
  • The rate for an infant only applies and becomes valid with the prior payment of an adult.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Chichén Itzá tour?

It's a full-day tour. It includes round-trip transportation, entrance to the Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam archaeological sites, a swim in a cenote and a regional lunch buffet. Times are approximate.

What does the tour include?

Round-trip transportation, accident insurance, entrance fees to the sites, a certified bilingual guide, a swim in a cenote, a regional lunch buffet and personalized attention.

Is the entrance fee to Chichén Itzá included?

Yes. Entrance fees and taxes for Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam are included in the price; there is nothing to pay at the ticket office.

What is not included and paid on site?

Only the life jacket rental (6 usd), mandatory for safety to swim in the cenote. Entrance fees and taxes for Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam are already included in the price.

What should I bring?

A swimsuit, towel and a change of clothes, water shoes or sandals, biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent, a camera (video cameras are not allowed at the archaeological site), and cash or card for tips and purchases.

How much does the tour cost?

Check the current rate on the tour page when you book. Infant rates apply and are validated with the prior payment of an adult.

How far is Chichén Itzá from Cancún?

About 197 km (122 mi) from Cancún — roughly 2.5 hours each way on the toll highway. The tour includes round-trip transport from your hotel in Cancún or the Riviera Maya, so you do not need to arrange the drive yourself.

What our travellers say

See all on Google
  • Monika Prei
    Monika Prei a month ago

    What an unforgettable experience! We had an absolutely amazing day on our tour from Cancun to Chichén Itzá, the cenote, and Valladolid. From early morning until late in the evening, Alfredo, Enrique, and Xiomara went above and beyond to make this trip truly special. They didn’t just show us the most beautiful places—they brought every location to life with fascinating stories, incredible historical knowledge, and genuine passion. Their enthusiasm, professionalism, and attention to every detail made us feel comfortable, welcomed, and completely immersed in the experience. Every stop was perfectly organized, and they made sure we had enough time to enjoy every moment while sharing so many interesting facts that we would have never learned on our own. A huge thank you to Alfredo, Enrique, and Xumaro for their kindness, positive energy, and outstanding service. They turned a great tour into a truly unforgettable memory for our family. At the end of the tour, Xiomara surprised us with one more thoughtful gesture. She bought a cake for our birthday celebrants—we had three of them! She then started singing “Happy Birthday,” and soon the whole group joined in. It was such a warm, joyful, and memorable moment, and without a doubt one of the top highlights of the entire tour. It was the perfect way to end an amazing day. If you’re looking for the best tour from Cancun, don’t hesitate—this is the one to book! Highly recommended!

  • walter thalmeiner
    walter thalmeiner 2 months ago

    We did the 4x1 trip (Tulum, Coba, Cenote/Lunch, Playa del Carmen), on June 5, 2026. It was a long trip, but the whole experience was outstanding. Zeferino is an excellent guide with a lot of knowledge about the Mayan culture. I believe he was by far the best guide we met during our many trips we took during the years! And Eric is an excellent driver, a very important part of a day-long trip. I recommend both Zeferino and Eric wholeheartedly, along the company organising this trip (Cancun Bay Tours)!

  • Zain Talukdar
    Zain Talukdar a month ago

    Xiomara was one of the best tour guides I’ve had in an international excursion. Our crew did the tour of Chichen Itza, a cenote, a Mayan village, and the downtown plaza of a Mayan city. She was incredibly informed, patient, kind, and knowledgeable. Shoutout also to Enrique and Tony for their help in making this day tour an enjoyable one. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting

  • Eddie Loera
    Eddie Loera 4 months ago

    Ilse was a FANTASTIC tour guide and I'm confident that there is no better tour guide that exists. Her ability to seamlessly talk in both English and Spanish and her knowledge on Mayan culture made the tour worth every peso. Our driver, Jonathan, was extremely friendly and even offered us beverages. I imagine the drive isn't the easiest but still he seemed to enjoy his job. I would 100% guarantee this tour to friend and family in the future. If you plan on swimming in the cenote, remember to bring your own towel. Water shoes are not necessary but very helpful as the walk from the changing area to the cenote is a bit difficult to do barefoot.

  • Movin Karma
    Movin Karma 5 months ago

    Gonzalo is an amazing tour guide. We had a once in a life time experience. You will learn allot about the Mexican culture. You can find yourself in having a spiritual awakening of sorts with the Mayan people, and stand in awe at the pyramid. Carlos will transport you to all your destinations. He is a true professional. An original Mario Andretti, w/ out the racing.... Lol. If you get the chance to meet them, consider yourself blessed.

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