Ek Balam was a great experience of the Mayan Ruins. We'd seen the pictures of the crowds at Chichen Itza and we later experience Tulum. Ek Balam did not have nearly as many tourists because they are farther inland. There were still tourists, but we definitely never had to wait and it didn't feel crowded at all. The ruins were... more

We had a fantastic time here - probably our best experience of the ruins we went to (Tulum, ruins at Playa del Carmen, Coba, Chichen Itza). There is a good locally owned restaurant just outside the park as well (great prices). The town (5 minutes away) is the local village of hammock makers, which is also a great visit. Unbelievably,... more

Wow! My husband and I went to Ek Balam based on recommendations from tripadvisor forums after going to Chichen Itza on a private tour. Our private tour was with Carlos Diaz who was wonderful. We would highly recommend him if you are considering private transportation from Riviera Maya or Cancun. He was very reasonable and very knowledgeable. When we arrived... more

We went to Chitzen Itza in the moring and went to EK Balam in the afternoon. Completely different experiences. We did a guided tour of Chitzen Itza and it was a great educational experience. I had seen Ek Balam online and asked our guide about it and he recommended it as well. He rushed our tour so we could have... more

My husband and I visited Ek Balam on Sunday, August 23, 2009. We drove from our resort in the Riviera Maya, took the highway going through Coba and Valladolid from Tulum. The road is pretty good. Ek Balam is fantastic! They have a nice parking area and bathrooms. It is a one lane road past some small stores, but you... more

Our guide took us to Ek Balam after visiting Chichen Itza. Of course it is hard to compare the World Heritage, seven wonders of the world, impressive ruins of Chichen itza with a smaller site, but each ruins has its own personality and special feel. It was nice to see some ruins more up close and in a less crowded... more

We visited Ek Balam on our way up to Chichen Itza after a recommendation from the taxi firm we were using and were quite surprised at the lack of visitor numbers for a well excavated site that includes a large pyramid that you can walk up. The views from the top over the rest of the ruins were impressive. The... more

After crossing from Quintana Roo to the Yucatan state, we were stopped and questioned by a stern-faced, yet cordial, Federale. He let us pass through with minimal questioning. After about two and a half hours of driving, we found our way to the newly-discovered ruins, Ek Balam. These ruins were my favorite. They are accessible via a dirty, and pothole-infested... more

Ek Balam was my favorite ruin - and I visited 6 while in the Yucatan. It is in the jungle, not as commercial as some of the others, and less visited as a bit out of the way. Way worth the trip, though! Plus one can still climb their pyramid, while at Chichen Itza it's not allowed anymore. more