Valladolid & the East
Ek Balam & Cenote X'Canché Tour
An Ek Balam and Cenote X'Canché tour pairs a smaller Mayan site with a swimming cenote just minutes away, in a relaxed half day or short full day. Both stops are close to Valladolid, so the schedule is easy. Request a quote and we can arrange pickup in Valladolid or from the coast.
Ek Balam & Cenote X'Canché Tour: options & departures
This is a good choice for visitors who prefer quieter places, and an Ek Balam and Cenote X'Canché tour gives you a morning of history and a swim. It is shorter and cheaper than the Chichén Itzá day.
An Ek Balam and Cenote X'Canché day trip can be shared or private. Private vehicles are the main format from Valladolid, while shared tours run from Cancún and the coast.
- Half-day private visit with guide and cenote
- Full day with lunch in Valladolid and the old town
- Version from Cancún or the coast, with a longer drive
- Early-start version that reaches the ruins at opening
Full-day itinerary
A typical half day from Valladolid looks like this; many guests spend the afternoon in town.
- 8:00 – Pickup in Valladolid
- 8:30 – Arrive at Ek Balam as the site opens
- 8:45 – Guided walk through the plazas and the Acropolis
- 10:45 – Short drive to Cenote X'Canché
- 11:00 – Swim and rest at the cenote
- 12:30 – Lunch in a village near the site
- 13:30 – Drive back to Valladolid
- 14:00 – Drop-off, with the afternoon free
What's included
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or an agreed meeting point (where pickup can be arranged) in Valladolid or the coast
- Air-conditioned vehicle and a local driver
- A local guide where the format includes one (language to be confirmed in your quote)
- Bottled water on board
- Time at the cenote
- A lunch stop near the site
Prices
Prices for an Ek Balam and Cenote X'Canché tour are lowest from Valladolid, because both stops are close, and highest from the coast, where the drive dominates.
| Format | Typical range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Shared small-group tour | USD 70–120 per person (mostly from Cancún) |
| Private vehicle with driver | USD 80–150 per vehicle from Valladolid; USD 380–580 from Cancún |
| Typically extra | Entry fees, lunch and tips |
Why combine these stops
Ek Balam and Cenote X'Canché are only a few minutes apart, so you can visit the ruins in the cool morning and swim afterwards without backtracking. Both are in the countryside north of Valladolid.
The pairing is also practical: the site involves walking and some climbing, and the cenote is a natural way to cool down. It makes a short day that still feels complete.
What to bring
Bring the basics for a morning of walking and swimming:
- Swimwear and a quick-dry towel
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (biodegradable if you will swim)
- Cash in pesos for entry fees, snacks and tips
- A refillable water bottle
- Water shoes if you have them
Related tours
FAQs
How long is the trip?
About 5 to 6 hours from Valladolid, or 10 to 12 hours from Cancún.
Can we climb the Acropolis?
It depends on current rules, so we cannot promise it. Your guide will tell you what is open.
Is the cenote deep?
It is an open cenote with a platform and a swimming area, and life vests are normally available.
Should we go early?
Yes. The site is cooler and quieter early, and the cenote is less busy.
Want this trip planned for you?
Tell us your dates, group size and where you are staying. We check availability with local guides and send back a price.