Once again we bring you more cultural attractions to visit in different parts of Mexico. This time we have Ek Balam, a destination with a lot of history while you unwind from your vacations in the Oasis Hotel Group’s Cancun hotels.

If you don’t know them yet, we encourage you to take a look at the magnificent all-inclusive resorts located in Cancun and make a short list of what you would like to visit thanks to the tours that Caribe Maya Travel Agency offers you.

What does Ek Balam mean?

For those who are interested in knowing what Ek Balam means, this name comes from the Yucatecan Maya and is composed of ek ”black color” or ”star” and balam, which translates as ”jaguar”.

For those who are interested in knowing what Ek Balam means, this name comes from the Yucatecan Maya and is composed of ek ”black color” or ”star” and balam, which translates as ”jaguar”.

There is currently no evidence of this or other stories about the origin of the name of this frequently visited territory.

The ruins of Ek Balam

The ruins are located about 187 kilometers from Mérida or 30 kilometers from Valladolid, about 2 kilometers from the nearest town. You can access it every day of the week from 8:00 AM to 17:00 PM, although the last access is always one hour before closing time.

Access costs approximately 75 Mexican pesos and a fee of almost 400 pesos is charged to foreigners and about 100 to Mexican citizens.

The archaeological site of Ek Balam

Ek Balam’s period of greatest splendor was from 300 B.C. until the arrival of the Spaniards; this ancient city had a population of up to 18,000 inhabitants who lived in the territory that covered 12 kilometers.

There were 5 entrances and it was protected by 3 walls, inside which 45 structures were found, including the popular ball game, stelae, sacbes and many other buildings that make this place unique.

It can be said that the most important structure in Ek Balam is the Acropolis. This is a 30 meter high building inside which was found the tomb of the believed to be the ruler of the city, Ukit Kan Lek Tok surrounded by offerings and various objects.

Cenote Xcanche

This wonderful cenote is located about 15 kilometers from the ruins of Ek Balam, a highly recommended excursion after visiting the archaeological site.

Its greenish waters are 15 meters deep, full of fish and surrounded by vegetation that makes the place a mini paradise where you will want to stay for a long time. You can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking and even lie down on the palapas to rest.

You can swim in it and practice different sports activities such as biking, zip-lining, rappel and much more by hiring one of the two tour packages that you can hire in Ek Balam’s website. What are you waiting for to visit it?