A view looking North. — Ek Balam, also known as the temple of the black jaguar, is a Mayan temple in Mexico that is often overshadowed by its more popular neighbor, Chichen Itza. The benefit of this overlook is that it is the perfect Mayan city to explore without feeling overcrowded and touristy. If you are looking for a hidden gem worth exploring off the beaten path, look no further. This Ek Balam travel guide includes key information on how to get there, ticket details, personal experiences, and important tips to help you decide how to spend your time here. I highly suggest having a plan before you arrive. Even if you do not follow it exactly, it will at least give you some direction.

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Ek Balam, Mexico: Travel Essentials, Tickets & Insider Tips

Let's start with some basics!

What is Ek Balam?

Ek Balam, or black jaguar, is a Mayan ruin located in the Yucatan Peninsula, near the charming city of Valladolid. As mentioned above, it is often overlooked by the ancient Mayan ruins nearby, Chichen Itza. While I was exploring the ruins, I saw only 10 other people the entire time, compared to the hundreds at Chichen Itza. So if you are looking for a Mayan ruin to explore, but want to avoid the crowds, this one is for you!

There are over 40 structures within Ek Balam, with the main structure, the Acropolis, stretching over 90 feet high, containing unique carvings and stucco facades, including the large “monster mouth” that is well known today. The structures in Ek Balam are very well-preserved, allowing for climbing and exploration in and around them.

Tip: You can find the official Ek Balam location here.

How much is it?

There are 2 fees you must pay to enter Ek Balam.

For foreigners, the entrance fee is 461 pesos plus an additional 95 pesos for the INAH fee.
The entrance fee for children is 95 pesos.
Residents of Mexico can enter the ruins for 127 pesos, plus the INAH fee (95 pesos). Yucatan residents can enter for 95 pesos. Don’t forget your I.D.!
- Mexican and Yucatan residents can enter for free on Sundays!
There is an additional 60 pesos fee for any professional cameras.
U.S. Dollars and Mexican Pesos only– card is not accepted.

When Is It Open?

Ek Balam is open Monday - Sunday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The latest available time slot to enter the ruins is 4:00 PM.
I recommend heading there right at 8:00 AM to avoid peak heat hours. Surrounding trees can offer some shade, but the structures themselves are out in the open sun.

Best Time to Visit:

Hurricane Season: June - October | Dry Season: November-April

Ek Balam, located centrally in the Yucatan Peninsula, is best visited during the cooler months from November to February, with February being the coolest month. March and April are also good months to visit the site, as they precede the rainy season and are still relatively cool. Keep in mind that the ruins are in the jungle, so if it is raining or has rained, expect an increase in mosquitos.

How Much Time Do I Need?

I spent 1-1.5 hours wandering Ek Balam—I consider myself a fast explorer. I recommend planning to enjoy anywhere from 1 to 2.5 hours here, depending on your interest level. There is also a cenote nearby that you can explore if interested. Cenote X´Canché does have an additional fee to enter. I skipped the cenote.

Where Should I Stay?

I highly recommend staying in Valladolid for easy access to the ruins. Valladolid is a cute but small historic city, located 27 km from Ek Balam. Accommodations are affordable, with plenty of food options and fun things to do. There is also an inexpensive Colectivo that heads to Ek Balam often (see more on this below in the “How do I get there” section).

The best area to stay in Valladolid is any location within walking distance of the main square. I have listed some of the best options below!

Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Hostel Candelaria
Best Low-Budget: Hotel Kookay or Hostel Casa Xtakay
Best Mid-Budget: Colonte Hotel Origen or Casa San Roque Valladolid
Best High-End Budget: Casa Tia Micha or Real Hispano

For more information on Valladolid, Mexico head here!

If you prefer to stay elsewhere and want to join a group tour, I suggest opting for either Merida (the closest after Valladolid) or Cancun, which has the most daily guided tour options.

How do I get there?

If you are navigating your way to Ek Balam outside of a guided tour you have a few options. Remember on Sundays, residents can enter for free, so this day could be much busier.

Option 1: Colectivo

There is a Colectivo Station/Shared Taxi here that will take you to Ek Balam for 70 pesos per person each way. They begin taking people at 7:00 A.M. The shared taxi will choose to wait for 4 people before heading off to the ruins. If you prefer not to wait and want to head there alone, you can opt to pay 280 pesos in total.
My Experience: I arrived at the station with my boyfriend right at 7:00 AM with 4 people ahead of us. We waited from 7-7:45 AM before deciding to take the taxi for 280 pesos with just the two of us. The taxis are small so it ended up being better this way– 4 people would have felt crammed during the 30-minute ride there. When leaving Ek Balam, there is a small gazebo near the parking area that you can sit in and wait for a taxi to take you back to the Valladolid station. The fee is an additional 70 pesos or 280 pesos depending if you choose to go alone or to wait for a full shared taxi.

Option 2: Car Rental

You can always opt to rent a car or motorbike and venture to the site on your own. Valladolid to Ek Balam is around 32 minutes. You will have to pay a parking fee. Be sure to have your driver’s license and passport with you in case you reach a police stop.

Option 3: Train

Transportation throughout the Yucatán Peninsula is on its way to becoming more accessible with the new Tren Maya Railway. Head here for more information and to stay updated on what routes are open now!

Can I go on my own or do I need a tour guide?

Reflecting back, I sort of wish I had opted for some form of tour, even if it was just a self-guided audio tour. I downloaded a guided tour from a website, but I prefer to look at something and listen to its history so I can take in both at the same time. I recommend opting for some form of tour whether that be a self-guided audio tour, a group tour, or hiring a private guide.

Best Self-Guided Tour Options:

Self-Guided Ek Balam Audio Tour
Self-Guided Bundle Audio Tour
- This one is great for people also heading to Coba, Tulum Ruins, and Chichen Itza.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget headphones to connect and listen.

If you prefer a guided tour you have a few options:

If you take the shared taxi from Valladolid mentioned above (in how to get there), you can choose to purchase a guided tour from a worker at Ek Balam for 600 pesos in Spanish and 800 pesos in English.
There are also hundreds of tours outside of the site that offer transportation, water, and sometimes a local cenote visit. However, they seldom include the Ek Balam entrance fee.

Best option from Merida

Includes the entrance fees and stops at Ek Balam and Chichen Itza.

Best option from Cancun
Best option from Rivera Maya

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Is there a dress code?

Nope! But I highly recommend wearing comfortable and breathable clothing due to the humidity. Pack LOTS of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, mosquito spray, etc. Of course, bring along a rain jacket if it is in the forecast for the day.

A dog wandering the ruins. — *My tour guide!*

Is there any food or water in the park?

Yes, there is a small vendor selling snacks and drinks at the entrance. But, I recommend packing a snack and water to avoid paying higher prices at the park. There are also vendors selling trinkets, Mayan-related items, decorations, etc.

There is a restroom available at the entrance as well.

Is It Safe at Ek Balam?

YES, most definitely. BUT, I recommend following basic safety precautions and staying up to date on your country’s travel advisories.

A Few Safety Tips:

Always keep an eye on your belongings.
Ek Balam is surrounded by trees and jungle areas. There are mosquitos about, so bring lots of spray.
Plack plenty of water to avoid overheating and heat exhaustion.
Sunscreen may also be necessary.
Never travel without the right insurance in case of any sickness, injuries, or theft. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Emergency Contact Number: 9-1-1

Highlights of Ek Balam & What not to miss…

The Acropolis

Fun Facts:

The Acropolis is one of the largest Mayan ruins reaching over 90 feet high and 480 feet long.
It was likely the center of action for its’ people in both religious, astrological, and political sense.
Contains unique carvings and stucco facades, including the large “monster mouth” that is well known today.
Several tombs have been found here including the famous ruler: Ukit Kan Le'k Tok’.
You can climb to the top of this structure for an incredible 360 view over Ek Balam and the surrounding jungle. It shows you how the Mayans were truly building something out of nothing—there is only jungle for miles.