Venturing into archaeological wonders: The Yucatan's Mayan Ruins of Ek Balam, a remarkable ascent
In the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, lies the ancient Mayan city of Ek Balam, named "Black Jaguar" in the Mayan language, and its nearby cenote, X'Canche. For those planning an early morning visit to Ek Balam, this article offers valuable insights into the transportation options and what to expect.
Ek Balam, built around 800 A.D., boasts some of the best Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula. The main Acropolis structure stands 95 feet high, with very steep stairs, offering a challenging yet rewarding climb.
However, reaching Ek Balam early in the morning might present a challenge when it comes to public transportation. Collectivos, a common and affordable mode of transportation in Mexico, may not be easily found at this hour. In such cases, private taxi services or private tours with transportation included become the best options. These services provide a modern, comfortable vehicle with A/C and a bilingual driver, ensuring a flexible and convenient early departure.
The cost for a taxi ride from Valladolid to Ek Balam, with a 3-hour wait, is approximately $40 MXN per person. Another advantage of these services is that they operate daily roughly from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
For those who prefer self-driving, renting a car is another practical alternative. This would allow you to set off early and travel at your own pace.
Once you reach Ek Balam, visitors can explore the ruins without any time restrictions, as the site is less crowded than some other nearby ruins, especially if visited early in the day.
Right next to the Ek Balam ruins is the X'Canche cenote, a sinkhole filled with fresh water. Unlike other popular cenotes visited in Mexico, X'Canche is not located inside a cave. Swimming in the cenote takes place outdoors, with a roof that opens to the sky.
Reaching the cenote might require some effort, as in one instance, renting bikes was necessary to get there in time. But the effort is worth it, as the cenote features a suspension bridge and a rope swing, adding to the adventure.
It's important to note that the cenote closes daily at a specific time, requiring visitors to plan accordingly. Swimming in the cenote lasts for a limited duration (25 minutes in this case).
Lastly, it's essential to mention that forests near Ek Balam are being cleared to make way for new tourist facilities. Visitors are encouraged to respect the environment and local culture during their visit.
In conclusion, for early morning travel from Valladolid to Ek Balam when collectivos are scarce, private taxi services or private tours with transportation included are the best options. These offer reliable, comfortable, and flexible scheduling. Renting a car is another practical alternative if you prefer self-driving. And once you reach Ek Balam, don't forget to take some time to explore the nearby X'Canche cenote.
After setting off early from Valladolid, private taxi services or private tours with transportation included offer a comfortable and reliable option for reaching Ek Balam, especially when collectivos are less available. Additionally, for the adventurous travelers, the X'Canche cenote, located near Ek Balam, provides a unique outdoor swimming experience with a suspension bridge and rope swing, making it a must-visit destination for those planning a home-and-garden-inspired lifestyle getaway or an exciting travel adventure in the Yucatan Peninsula.
