Ek Balam self-guided tour from Cancun

Overview

Your tour of Ek Balam begins near the visitors center. As you head deeper into the site, you will learn of the fascinating history of Mayan civilization before Europeans arrived. This history dates back thousands of years. You’ll also hear about the arrival of the Spanish, and how their conquest forever changed the continent and its people.After crossing through the remnants of an ancient defensive wall, you’ll arrive at a ball court and learn about how the ancient Mayans played an intense, sometimes dangerous game that was something like a cross between soccer and basketball. The catch? They used a ball that weighed about 20 pounds!As you make your way to the Circular Steam Bath, you’ll learn about Mayan architecture, and why they built things in the way that they did. The bath was used for religious ceremonies, but also to heal the sick and wounded. You’ll get more familiar with Mayan religion on your way to your next stop.Next comes the Acropolis, the largest standing structure on the peninsula. This immense building is King Ukit Kan Le'k Tok’s most enduring legacy. What’s more, you can actually climb the stairs to the top!Along the way, you’ll notice a pair of hieroglyphic serpents, which the tour will help to explain. The Mayans used a great deal of animal imagery in their art, and everything had a specific meaning.After that comes the tomb of Ukit Kan Le'k Tok’. It is considered the best-preserved tomb of any Mayan king, and it fittingly impressive for such an effective ruler.Finally, you will reach the top of the pyramid. From here, you can see for miles in every direction. You’ll even be able to see the outline of Chichen Itza on a clear day! The tour concludes there, after detailing the plaza visible below.

What's included

Unique password (sent by email) for access to app

What's Not included

Food or drinks

Where

Cancun, Mexico

Meeting point:

This self-guided tour begins at the Ek Balam, Ekbalam, Yuc entrance

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What To Expect

Ek Balam is one of the few Mayan ruins where you can still climb to the top of an ancient pyramid
Discover the tomb of Ukit Kan Le'k Tok’, an ancient Mayan king
Unlock the secrets of the ancient hieroglyphics which are found throughout this unique site
Learn about the ancient Mayan culture, from their art and architecture to their complex religious convictions

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