We Drove to Ek Balam (Better than Chichen Itza)
Updated: Jul 9
So we have done a few of the Mayan Pyramids over the years in Mexico. Some of the more touristy Pyramids are Chichen Itza (one of the largest and most visited) and Tulum (built on a cliff overlooking the beach and beautiful turquoise water).
What we found to be significantly different with Ek Balam is that we were some of the only people there (consider going off season and during the wetter months). You also get to climb up the pyramids which you do not get to experience at Chichen Itza or Tulum.
Ek Balam is not far out of Temozon, Mexico. You can either choose to drive in from Cancun/Playa Del Carmen/Tulum or stay in the town of Temozon. It took us about 2 hours driving from downtown Playa Del Carmen to get to the archaeological site.
The climb up is quite steep, but the view from the top is breathtaking. This site is noted for the preservation of the tombs of the king and queen still buried in the side of the largest pyramid (they weren't here when we came as the gentleman at the site told us they had been removed to be maintained).
Our next stop was the Cenote Xcan che. This is a natural sinkhole near the Ek Balam ruins that you can go swimming or zipline over the beautiful water. You will need to shower before heading down to the sinkhole.
We went on a day that was extremely wet, and walking down these stairs was quite an endeavor. As you can imagine they are covered in moss and quite slippery when wet. My sandals were no good for the treacherous hike down, so bare foot I went.
Check out our video on Youtube so you can see the full trip to Ek Balam and the Cenote Xcanche.