Ek Balam Ruins

[AdGuy]

Hey Gang,

Has anyone visited the Ek Balam ruins? If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts/tips as well as comparisons to other ruins you may have visited.

[Steve O]

I've been to Ek Balam 3 times and would go again. It's a small site and the grounds are well maintained. The carving are awesome. You will most likely be the only tourists there. The entrance fee is around $30 pesos. Only one washroom. Bring your own drinks. An hour to an hour and a half is enough time to see everything. It's located a little north of Valladolid. My favorite ruins are Palenque, Calakmul, and Becan.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/ekbalam1.jpg


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/ekbakam2.jpg


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/ekbalam3.jpg


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/ekbalam4.jpg

[AdGuy]

Steve O,

Excellent photos!! I've not been to (nor honestly know anything about) the three ruins you mentioned. I'm not worthy! :D :D :D

[lianne]

Hi! My husband and I went to Ek Balam after we toured Chichen Itza, and we both enjoyed it much more. Very mysterious, amazing carvings, no tourists (6 besides ourselves), the ability to climb up and experience each building up close (nothing roped off) all in all, an incredible experience. IN comparison, Chichen Itza was reminicent of a theme park!

[AdGuy]

Hi! My husband and I went to Ek Balam after we toured Chichen Itza, and we both enjoyed it much more. Very mysterious, amazing carvings, no tourists (6 besides ourselves), the ability to climb up and experience each building up close (nothing roped off) all in all, an incredible experience. IN comparison, Chichen Itza was reminicent of a theme park!

Thanks lianne...did you get a guide or just visit the ruins on your own?

[minniemex]

Just thought I would let you know, if you haven't seen it already - PP on Logogringo site posted some pictures on Ek Balam - Pretty extensive coverage - thought you might like to check it out -

http://picasaweb.google.com/kword1962/AkumalDay2

[AdGuy]

Just thought I would let you know, if you haven't seen it already - PP on Logogringo site posted some pictures on Ek Balam - Pretty extensive coverage - thought you might like to check it out -

http://picasaweb.google.com/kword1962/AkumalDay2

Thanks minniemex! Their shots of Ek Balam we're great and I loved reliving Coba and Gran Cenote, as well! So are you getting excited?? Only a week to go!!! :D

[minniemex]

Ants, - can't sit still, can't work, can't concentrate - as my boss calls it "vacation mode" already??

I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooo excited!!!

[AdGuy]

Ants, - can't sit still, can't work, can't concentrate - as my boss calls it "vacation mode" already??

I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooo excited!!!

I can appreciate that! It's only 65 degrees here in Florida (I know you feel so sorry for me :rolleyes: ) so I can imagine how cold it is in your neck of the woods! Only a few more days to that great Mexican sun!! :cool:

[minniemex]

Started at 20 degrees this morning - didn't get that much warmer - no wind chill though - & next week promises of a heat wave - 50!!! :eek:

[Packoderm]

How long does it take to get to Ek Balam from Chitzen Itza? I am thinking about visiting both places on the same day driving from Tulum and back. Is this feasible?

[AdGuy]

How long does it take to get to Ek Balam from Chitzen Itza? I am thinking about visiting both places on the same day driving from Tulum and back. Is this feasible?

According to my 2006 Moon Yucatan Peninsula handbook, Chichen Itza is 25 miles west of the city of Valladolid and Ek Balam is 18 miles north of Valladolid. My guestimate at this point (we'll know much better in a couple of weeks) is that it will take you two hours from Tulum to get to Chichen Itza by car, and another hour to then get to Ek Balam. That said, you're probably looking at 5 hours of travel time. Depending on how much time you'll want to spend (maybe three hours at Chichen Itza and 1-1/2 at Ek Balam) it certainly doable in a day.

The key will be getting to Chichen Itza EARLY (it opens at 8:00AM) before all the tour buses show up, grabbing lunch in Valladolid (Hotel El Meson del Marques gets GREAT reviews), then visiting Ek Balam. You should have time for a cenote dip to cool off or to stop off for some shopping in Valladolid on your way back.