Normal taxis functions as colectivos to Ek Balam; 4 to a car. Reminds me of the saying when I was a kid…Looking down from the top reminds me of the saying “I’m the King of the Castle and you’re the Dirty Rascal”Ek Balam means “Black Jaguar” in the Mayan language and we noticed many of these carvings throughout the ruins. The two at the bottom have an altar and stelae inside.Adjacent to it, there is a set of two small temples, set on top of a singular terrace stretching under them both. A few short walls sit just outside of it. The archeologists aren’t entirely certain what the purpose of the wall was since they didn’t seem high enough for defensive purposes and it is unusual for sites like this to have a perimeter fence.After entering through the archway, you wrap around a small temple. Its acropolis is among the largest pre-Hispanic buildings in Meso-America, laced with stairways, hidden passages, rooms, and temples. It’s a mesmerising site well worth a visit for an off the beaten track experience.A beautiful, stucco wall makes up the opening of the tomb with the doorway into this area made in the shape of a jaguar’s mouth with fearsome looking fangs. I’d never pass a chance to climb a pyramid and although I stepped very gingerly both up the precarious steps I was rewarded with the king’s 360 degree view from the top. Over the last decade the site of Ek Balam has emerged as one of the great surprises in Maya archaeology. Iguanas scurry around the floor and birds are swimming through the air above.Ek Balam is a great site. The one on the left has a beautiful facade. You can stop halfway at the platforms and the view at the top is totally worth it!The archway is beautiful and very well preserved. Relatively untouristed, Ek Balam retains its air of nobility, power and mystery. • English- Spanish speaking driver.
• Entrance fee. The name Ek Balam means “dark jaguar” so it makes sense to see the massive tribute to this incredible animal here.The cost for these is a bit high ($50 pesos per person) since they’re specifically for Ek Balam. And behind this area is a wide platform with about a dozen stairs leading to a small room on top.Eventually the trees give way and the magnificent staircase comes into view. • English- Spanish speaking driver. The huge and elaborate Acropolis Pyramid is located within miles of the Mayan site of Ek-Balam. About two-thirds of the way up the Acropolis, archaeological types recently uncovered the tomb of Ukit Kan Lek Tok, one of Ek’ Balam…
There are a few other small buildings, but the majority of the site is comprised of the archway, a place with 3 buildings, and the acropolis. OUR TOUR INCLUDES: • All transportation PRIVATE and in an air-conditioned van. It’s always great to get an idea of what these places looked like before they were unearthed and reconstructed. It was a tall, beautiful and well-restored pyramid with a large base that still retained its rugged feel …
This site is relatively new for tourists, so the lot was empty.The staircase is well constructed with steps that are about 8-10” deep, so you can fit your whole foot on them. Archaeologists believe it was not built all at once.Ek-Balam “the black jaguar”, was at the height of its importance as a city during the Late Classic Period (600-900 BC). Then turn around for one of the best views on the whole peninsula.Make your way back to the entrance and you’ll find a cenote!