Ek Balam Mayan Ruin Videos:
Exploring the Ek’ Balam Ruins
Are the Ek Balam worth visiting?
Though certainly less glamorous than their more famous neighbor, Chichen Itza, the ruins of Ek Balam are home to 45 structures including the city’s defensive walls, oval palace, and Acropolis which contains the tomb of Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’, a former ruler of Ek Balam.
Jaguars are a running theme in Mayan architecture and Ek Balam is no exception. The name of the former city means Black Jaguar in the Yicatec Maya language. The doorway into the temple which houses the tomb of Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’ is shaped like the mouth of a jaguar.
There is a nearby cenote which deserves a visit, especially on what will no doubt be a hot day in Ek Balam.
Getting to the Ek Balam Ruins
The Ek Balam ruins are closest to Chichen Itza; only 35 miles northeast of the popular site. You can visit both in one day and many tour companies offer package deals to see Ek Balam in addition to Chichen Itza.
Ek Balam can be reached from neighboring Valladolid, Mexico; a town of 50,000 people known for its cathedral and beautiful cenotes. The drive takes 30 minutes and is included in the price of tours to the ruins. If you are traveling from Cancun, the journey will take slightly longer than two hours.