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Mérida & the Northwest

Private Ek Balam Tours

Our private Ek Balam tour gives you a private vehicle, a driver and a guide who speaks your language, with Ek Balam as the focus of the day. Ek Balam is about 180 km from Mérida, a drive of about 2 hours 30 minutes. Send a quote request and we will tailor the plan to your group.

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Private Ek Balam tour options

Ek Balam is a smaller site north of Valladolid, known for its large Acropolis with an ornate stucco façade and for a visitor experience that is less crowded than Chichén Itzá. Rules for climbing the Acropolis can change, so we confirm the current policy before you arrive.

A Ek Balam private guide on the day explains what you are looking at, while the driver handles the road and parking.

  • Ek Balam with a swim at Cenote X'Canche, a short ride from the site
  • Ek Balam combined with Valladolid for lunch and a walk through the town
  • Ek Balam with a second cenote, such as Suytun or Zací
  • Ek Balam and Chichén Itzá on a long day, for travelers who want to see both

What's included

Bottled water can be arranged.

The entrance fee is roughly MXN 500 to 600 per foreign adult (2026), plus a separate fee at the cenote.

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with a local driver
  • Local guide for the main site, in English or Spanish, and other languages on request
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Mérida, arranged on request
  • Fuel and highway tolls
  • Not included: entrances, meals, drinks, tips

Sample private itinerary

Here is a typical day.

Bring swimwear, a towel and cash for entrances. The drive is longer than other day trips, so the early start is worth it.

  • 7:30 Pickup in Mérida and drive east on the toll highway
  • 10:00 Arrive at Ek Balam and walk the site with your guide
  • 12:00 Swim at a nearby cenote
  • 13:30 Lunch in Valladolid
  • 15:00 Visit a second stop such as Cenote Zací or the San Bernardino convent
  • 16:30 Drive back, arriving in Mérida around 19:00

Private tour prices by group size

The private Ek Balam tour price depends mostly on the vehicle and the length of the day.

Group sizeVehicleTypical total (USD)Approx. per person
2 peopleSedan or SUVabout $280 to $350about $140 to $175
4 peopleSUVabout $310 to $390about $80 to $100
6 peopleVanabout $360 to $450about $60 to $75
10 peopleVan (up to about 10)about $450 to $560about $45 to $55

Private vs. small-group tours

Neither option is better for everyone.

FactorPrivateSmall group
ScheduleSet by youSet by the operator
PaceFlexible, with extra time at your favorite stopsFixed stops and times
Cost per personLower with larger groupsLower for solo travelers
PickupYour hotel onlyOften several hotels
InterestsTailoredGeneral

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FAQs

How long is the tour?

Plan on 10 to 12 hours door to door, depending on your pace and any added stops.

How much does a private Ek Balam tour cost?

Typical prices start at about $280 to $350 total for two people, and the cost per person falls as the group grows. Entrances and meals are generally extra.

Can the tour be changed on the day?

Within reason, yes. A private vehicle and guide can adjust stops and timing, as long as closing hours and the drive time allow.

Is Ek Balam a good alternative to Chichén Itzá?

Many travelers choose it for the smaller crowds and the chance to see structures closer up, though Chichén Itzá is larger and more famous.

Is pickup available outside Mérida?

Pickup can be arranged from other towns on request, and the price changes with the extra distance.

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.

Request a quote