Park or nature areaOutline guide

Ek Balam

Mayan archaeological site in Mexico

Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Ek Balam is an archaeological site in the state of Yucatan in Mexico. It is famous for its spectacular stucco friezes.

Where to eat, drink and stay

Sleep1 place

Lodging

Genesis Eco-Oasis
Beautiful upscale lodge with a swimming pool, lush tropical gardens, and unique rooms built and decorated in harmony with the local jungles. Secure parking, restaurant with breakfast.
Check-in
15:00
Check-out
13:00
Address
Ek Balam, Ek Balam Village
Phone
+52 985 101 0277
Website
genesisecooasis.com

Getting there and around

Getting there

Ek Balam is easily reached from major highways in the state of Yucatan. It is close to Mérida, Valladolid, and Chichen Itzá.

Read in the guide

Getting around

Ek Balam is an especially compact Maya site, and you can easily walk everywhere in minutes. The only thing a bit farther away is X'canche Cenote (see below).

Read in the guide

Airports and nearby hotels

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Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport Tulum

Tulum · International · TQO

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Read before you go to Ek Balam

Articles and travel topics about Ek Balam and Mexico.

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Full travel guide

Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.

UnderstandEk Balam, also spelled Ek' Balam or Ek' B'alam, is an important archaeological site of the late classic Maya culture.

Get inEk Balam is easily reached from major highways in the state of Yucatan. It is close to Mérida, Valladolid, and Chichen Itzá.

Fees and permitsAdmission fee is M$210 to the federal government and M$499 to the state government. The state government fee can be paid with credit card, but the federal fee is only possible to pay in cash. (June 2026).

Get aroundEk Balam is an especially compact Maya site, and you can easily walk everywhere in minutes. The only thing a bit farther away is X'canche Cenote (see below).

SeeThere are more than 45 structures at Ek Balam. including:

DoSee the cenote nearby, Cenote Xcanche. There is a 2km path from near the main entrance that leads to it, and there are often people with rickshaws who will taxi you to it for a small fee.

EatThe village of Ek Balam about 2km (1 mile) from the site. The village has at least one restaurant (Italian).

Sleep

Stay safeClimbing the Acropolis is scarier than it looks, and if you have an intense fear of heights, you may regret it once you get to the top. For others, it may seem like no big deal.

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Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Ek Balam" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Ekʼ Balam", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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