Skip to content
Voykit
Draft data. Times, fares and step counts are desk estimates awaiting field checks. How we verify
Source checked
A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
Field checked
Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
Plan calculated
Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.

Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

National park · Mexico

Ek Balam

Visit Ek Balam for a quick 1.5‑hour walk to the Acropolis (entry MXN 100‑150, park at M$100) or add the 2 km (1.2 mi) cenote hike and zipline (extra MXN 150‑250). Go November‑April for cooler heat and fewer crowds.

Not field-verified
Source checked
A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
Field checked
Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
Plan calculated
Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.

Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

Some areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026
Map to the park
Google Maps Apple Maps Street View
Directions
From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

12 km² (5 sq mi)

approximate

Established

2020

Best months

Nov–Apr

UNESCO

None

Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
  • North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
  • North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
  • North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
  • Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
  • Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
  • Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
  • Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.

At a glance

Country
Mexico
Area
12 km² (5 sq mi)
Archaeological zone covering about 12 km² of the ancient Maya city centre (check).
Established
2020
Best months
Nov–Apr
Permits
For some areas

Ek Balam is a compact Maya site with well‑preserved stucco friezes, an Acropolis offering panoramic jungle views, and a nearby cenote with swimming and zipline options.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

  • No UNESCO listing; national park since 2020.

Size and age

12 km² (5 sq mi) · national park since 2020

Archaeological zone covering about 12 km² of the ancient Maya city centre (check).

Why go

  • Compact Maya city centre with well‑preserved stucco friezes.
  • Climb the Acropolis for panoramic jungle views.
  • Nearby Cenote Xcanche offers swimming and zipline thrills.

When to go

12-month verdict
  1. JanBest
  2. FebBest
  3. MarBest
  4. AprBest
  5. MayGo
  6. JunCaution
  7. JulCaution
  8. AugCaution
  9. SepCaution
  10. OctGo
  11. NovBest
  12. DecBest
  • JanCool, dry.
  • FebCool, dry.
  • MarWarm, little rain.
  • AprWarm, low humidity.
  • MayHeat rises, occasional showers.
  • JunHot, start of rainy season.
  • JulHot, frequent rain.
  • AugHot, rain.
  • SepRainy, humid.
  • OctRain eases, still warm.
  • NovCool, dry.
  • DecCool, dry.

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year
Wildlife and nature calendar for Ek Balam
WhatJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
IguanasAll yearyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Turquoise‑browed motmotsMar–Sepnonoyesyesyesyesyesyesyesnonono
SquirrelsAll yearyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map

How to get there

From Mérida

Drive or collectivo south on highway 180 (≈ 45 km (28 mi)).

45 min

From Valladolid

Collectivo from the central station; vans leave when full (≈ 15 min).

15 min

From Cancún airport

Bus to Valladolid then collectivo, or rent a car.

2 h

Open the page →

Zones and sectors

Zones of Ek Balam
ZoneWhat is thereAccess
Main entrance & ticket officeGate, restrooms, information desk, start of Acropolis trail.Open with ticket.
Acropolis areaLargest platform, stair climb, views, stucco friezes.Open with ticket.
Cenote XcancheFreshwater sinkhole with swimming platform and zipline.Separate entry fee.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation
Sketch map of 3 approximate points in Ek Balam, north up123
Coordinates from Wikidata centre of the archaeological zone; cenote point approximate.
  1. 1Ek Balam ruins · Headquarters≈20.891, -88.136Map ↗
  2. 2Cenote Xcanche · Cave≈20.885, -88.130Approximate location.Map ↗
  3. 3Genesis Eco‑Oasis · Sleep≈20.894, -88.144Map ↗

Take the points offline

GPX waypoints · approximate

3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.

Coordinates from Wikidata centre of the archaeological zone; cenote point approximate.

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Show Top experiencesHide

Top experiences

ViewpointsModerate1‑2 hAcropolis climbSteep stone steps; start early to avoid heat.
TrailsEasy1‑1.5 hSite walk – walls, ballcourt, stelaeFlat paths, shaded in parts.
Boat tripsEasy30 minCenote Xcanche ziplineHigh‑zipline ride over the cenote; entry fee includes safety gear.Booking: Ticket at cenote entrance

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related

Entry fees and permits

MXN ranges · check
Fees for Ek Balam
ItemRangePerNote
Site entry (ticket office)MXN 100–150 (≈ US$6–9)personCovers access to Acropolis trail (check).
ParkingMXN 100 (≈ US$6)vehicleJune 2026 rate.
Cenote Xcanche entryMXN 170 (≈ US$10)personIncludes lockers, showers, life‑vests.
Cenote zipline (high)MXN 150 (≈ US$9)person—

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Site entry permit or guide

Buy ticket at the visitors' centre near the entrance.

What would our group pay?

from the fee rows above · estimates

People

2

Nights or days

1
  • MX$100–150≈ US$6–9
  • MX$100≈ US$6
  • MX$170≈ US$10
  • MX$150≈ US$9

Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.

A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Check with the park or your operator before you go.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more
Drones
Not allowed without INAH permission.
Guides
Not required for the main site, but recommended for the cenote zipline.
Litter
Carry out all rubbish; bins at ticket office.
Fire
Open fires prohibited inside the site and cenote area.

Where to stay

In the park

Genesis Eco‑Oasis

Eco‑lodge 2 km (1.2 mi) from the ruins, pool, restaurant.

Near the park

Valladolid town

Budget hotels and hostels 15 min drive.

Safety

Heat and steep stairs medium

Carry water, wear hat, start climb before 10 am.

Slippery stone when wet high

Avoid climbing after rain; use handrails where present.

Cenote depth low

Use provided life‑vests, watch children.

How much daylight do you have?

computed for this spot

Time out

Finding the local time zone…

Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.

Accessibility

  • Main entrance and flat walkways are wheelchair‑compatible.
  • Acropolis stairs are steep; not suitable for limited mobility.

Visiting lightly

  • Buy food and services from local vendors in Ek Balam village.
  • Use refillable water bottles; refill at the site’s water tap.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Ek Balam?

Entry tickets are MXN 100‑150 per person (covers the Acropolis trail). Parking is MXN 100 per vehicle.

What are the best hikes in Ek Balam?

The main hike is the moderate climb to the Acropolis (1‑2 h). A secondary walk adds the 2 km trail to Cenote Xcanche, where you can swim and zipline.

When is the best time to visit Ek Balam?

November to April offers cooler, drier weather and fewer crowds; the site remains open year‑round.

Can I visit the cenote without extra fees?

No. Cenote Xcanche charges MXN 170 entry, which includes lockers, showers and life‑vests.

Is a guide required?

A guide is not required for the main site, but a guide or staff assistance is recommended for the zipline rides at the cenote.

Related

Plan your trip to Mexico

Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go

Show the detailsHide

Sources