Small Group with early access to Chichen Itza, Ekbalam and Cenote
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
As if getting early access to Chichen Itza—one of the New 7 Wonders of the World—wasn’t enough, this small-group tour from Playa del Carmen also includes Ek Balam, another major Mayan archeological site, and a cooling dip in a cenote. Add to that a freshly prepared regional lunch and you’ve got the ultimate cultural day out in Mexico
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Total time including the land transportation to the places to visit and come back to your hotel or meeting point is between 12 and 13 hours, depending on the location of your accommodation.
!! NOT INCLUDED!! Chichen Itza and Ekbalam taxes are 1500 MXN per Adult and 315 MXN per Child under 12 years old. MUST BE PAID AT THE TRAVEL DATE
What To Expect
Zona Arqueologica de Chichen Itza
Arrive to Chichen Itza with the ruins just open to enjoy a full visit guide of 2 hours around. Know the old Chichen Itza where are the buildings as La Iglesia, Las Monjas, The Observatory and see 1 of the 2 cenotes inside the ruins. Take amazing pictures in Kukukkan castle without crowd around and enjoy a fantastic walk around to know the history of the Kukulkan Castle, 1000 Columnas Temple, Jaguar Temple and the biggest Ball Game stadium of Mayan Culture Total time in Chichen Itza is for 2 hours and a half. 1 hour 45 minutes visit guided and 45 minutes free time for take pictures, explore yourself the site or shopping souvenirs where you choice inside the ruins.
Cenote Hubiku
Discover one of the most impressive cenotes underground in Yucatan the Cenote Hubiku where you can take a refreshing swim under hundreds of stalactites after visiting Chichen Itza ruins. After the swimming, you enjoy a reginal buffet lunch at the Cenote restaurant.
Options
Playa del Carmen Departure
Hotel pick up included Duration: 13 hours Pickup included
Tulum Meeting Point
Hotel pick up not included Duration: 12 hours
What‘s Included
All visits guided
Bottled water
Lunch
Early access to Chichen Itza
Air-conditioned vehicle
Profesional guide speaking 100x100 English
Chichen Itza and Ekbalam State taxes, must be paid at the travel date in Mexican Pesos Cash
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
216 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Early Start, Beats the Crowds
Happiness288255,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Edgar and Alex were great, Edgar drove and worked with Alex to make sure we never waited in the sun for the van and that the van (and water) were cold. Alex was very knowledgeable about both Chichen Itza and Ek Balam and told us about most of the structures at each site. Since there is not a lot of records, he made sure let us know what was unconfirmed but spread as fact and what there are records explaining. This trip starts early and makes for a long day, but it is worth it. We were able to take great pictures at Chichen Itza without a lot of people in the background and could move around pretty freely. By the time we were leaving, the crowds had really shown up and it was very busy. We were also there before most of the vendors had setup for the day, which made for a quieter entrance, which was noticeable as we exited and were offered lots of souvenirs 'at good prices'. The cenote and buffet was also very good. The cenote is picturesque and likely what you think of when you imagine one. The water was blue, there was a constant stream of water running in, and the sun phone through right in the middle. It was nice to soak in the cool water after the 2 hours in the hot sun. The buffet was good and there was tequila tasting on-site if you would like to partake and included with the package. There are additional fees to be paid in local currency, so make sure to find out how much before pickup.
Perfect Tour: Early Chichén Itzá, Beautiful Cenote, and Hidden Ek Balam!
marisw78,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00"An absolutely unforgettable day! We booked the small-group early access tour and it was worth every penny. Getting to Chichén Itzá early meant we beat the massive crowds. Our guide Alex was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history to life. After walking the ruins, cooling off in Cenote Hubiku was absolute perfection—the crystal-clear water and the light shining from above were magical. The included buffet lunch was also delicious with plenty of variety. We finished the day at Ek Balam, which feels so wild and intimate compared to the bigger sites. Being in a small group made the whole experience feel personal and well-paced. Highly recommend this excursion to anyone visiting the Riviera Maya!
An incredible way to spend a day
E2302ETsamf,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an incredible fun filled day. I really felt like Miguel gave us and our small 14 person group a good look into mayan culture and history. He was very personable, and was great to talk to. The historical sites were incredible, and getting to Chichen Itza before most of the crowds arrived was definitely the way to do it. I also really appreciated seeing the Ek Balaam ruins, a much less manicured set of ruins where you get to actually climb around and explore. The admission fees are given to the guides on the way over, and they deal with getting all the tickets which was definitely the way to do it. The cenote was also incredibly beautiful, and the food was pretty solid for a buffet. Overall a great experience, and I would definitely recommend.
Small group for the win
jeepersa,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour! Small group and early arrival was amazing. We had done the standard tour with a buss load of tourists in the past. This trip was superior in every way. Miguel our local expert was friendly and informative.
Highly recommended
dominicsJ77FA,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time at chichen itza and ek balam. The cenote was a good bonus too.
11/10
panvadc,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.0011/10 the guide is so nice and experienced, our driver as well
Great tour experience
667rubinl,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip experience to Coba and Ekbalam. Miguel, our tour guy is super friendly and knowledgeable about Mayan culture. Really recommend book the excursion with Viator.
Slightly adjusted trip was well worth it!
garretta732,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Miguel our host and our driver Rodrigo were excellent! During our trip, there were protests at Chinchen Itza, but they made the trip to Coba and Ek-Balam and the cenote a wonderful time. Rodrigo also made the recommendation that we end on the cenote which was the perfect way to end the trip. We were the first visitors at Coba which made it a lot less crowded. Highly recommend!
Coba, ek balaam and cenote tour
cortlandh2026,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything went smoothly! The tour was informational but not too much. Edgar was a great driver and Miguel was an amazing tour guide.
Excellent!
maruc495,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was beautiful! Miguel, an excellent guide, explained every detail to us! He knows every detail of the history; highly recommended.
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