Post Last Modified – May 27, 2021 
Mayan Expeditions by Special Mayan Tours – Chechen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour
Table of Contents
On our recent travels to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico, my wife and I had the pleasure of enjoying a full day private escorted tour of the Ancient Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza and Ek Balam located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
A wonderful day spent with our personal tour guide Pepe and driver on this amazing journey into Mexico’s history.
First Stop Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins
Chichen Itza’s magnificent pyramid
After our timely pickup by our driver and guide at our hotel in Akumal at about 7:45 in the morning, our drive to Chichen Itza would take about 2 hours, heading inland from the sea.
By leaving bright and early in the morning, we would arrive well ahead of the larger bus tours making their way to the site. The drive was comfortable and passed by very quickly.
Monument located in the games arena
This was just one of the great advantages of taking a private individualized tour then that of the crowded bus tour groups. We arrived inside the Ruins with very little people about at this time of the morning!
Chichen Itza’s historic conservatory
Pepe guided us throughout the site, giving us a complete history of the people and their culture along the way. At each ruin location, our guide explained in detail, what that particular buildings function was at that given time.
Learning about the history as you strolled throughout this ancient Mayan city, added so much to the tour that you would certainly miss in larger crowded groups
It takes a good 2 hours discovering this beautiful seven square mile historic site which was inhabited for almost 800 years dating back as far as A.D. 432.
View this post on Instagram
Chichen Itza Must Not Be Missed on Your Visit to the Yucatan Peninsula
A spectacular and historic site that simply must be included in your holiday plans when visiting this beautiful region of Mexico. Arrive early and beat the heat and crowds as we did, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful and peaceful surroundings in the early morning hours.
Second Stop – Ek Balam Mayan Ruins
Our driver and guide Pepe Lopez Jr
After our informative tour of Chichen Itza, we headed back to our van just as the many bus- loads of visitors had arrived to the site. Perfect timing, having beaten the massive crowds arriving making our visit so much more enjoyable and relaxed!
The ancient Mayan city of Ek Balam is just a short distance from our last stop, approximately 56 kilometers, and really is an underrated site, making it truly a hidden secret and less visiting archeological Mayan site.
From the Pre-classic until the Post-classic period, it was the seat of a Mayan kingdom.
Ek Balam’s Main Temple
A truly magnificent site, where archeologists have uncovered hidden walls within the outer wall of the main temple of the city, revealing absolutely stunning architecture and works of the Mayan people.
Magnificent hidden walls and architecture
As well, you can still climb the steps to the top of the main temple, where you can admire the works of the inner walls.
Inside Ek Balam City
As we made our way around the site, our guide Pepe continued to inform us in great detail the history of the city of Ek Balam and its important influence and significance for the people during the Mayan period.
Two magnificent archeological ancient sites that must be seen to truly experience Mexico’s historical past.
Third Stop – Hubiku Mayan Ecopark
Entrance to Hubiku Mayan Ecopark
After hours of strolling the Ruins what a perfect way to beat the midday heat then to cool off in one of the most beautiful Cenote Cave fresh water pools! Our next stop was at the lovely Hubiku Mayan Ecopark for a refreshing swim, and as luck would have it, my wife and I were the only ones there at the time!
Again, keeping just ahead of and beating the midday crowds soon to arrive by bus!
Heading down into the Cenote Cave and Pool
A cool, yet refreshing swim in the Cenote leaving your skin smooth and feeling relaxed.
A beautiful fresh water cenote cave pool
This park offers wonderful newer facilities complete with dining, snacks and a lovely souvenir store offering more authentic items for purchase than that of your typical mass produced souvenirs sold by vendors everywhere
Mayan Expeditions Includes a Visit to an Historical Mexican Town
Wrapping up our wonderful day, we made a brief stop in a typical Mexican historical small city, giving us a glimpse of daily life for the people in the Yucatan Peninsula, without your typical tourist shops and masses of visitors spoiling the area.
Valladolid Mexico Town Square
The city’s name is Valladolid and it is the second oldest and largest city in the Yucatan after Merida, the state capital. It was founded in 1543 by the Spanish Captain Francisco de Montejo.
Valladolid is a very quaint and beautiful town with a great number of restaurants where the most traditional mayan-yucatecan cuisine can be found.
A great place to see on the way back from any of the nearby Mayan sites!
We made a brief stop in a lovely square with a beautiful church across the street dating back to the 1500’s.
Valladolid’s beautiful historic church
A Wonderful Day With Mayan Expeditions by Special Mayan Tours
It was dark by the time we arrived back to our hotel, making this a full and complete day. I can’t stress enough the advantages of taking a small group or private tour over that of the crowded large bus excursions, especially when visiting these amazing historical sites in Mexico.
You received more personalized service, travel in comfortable vans at your own pace and can alter your tour as you wish during the day. I do recommend checking out Mayan Expeditions before booking that large bus tour.
You will be surprised how competitive the rates are in comparison and the many advantages that go along with a smaller more intimate private tour.
View this post on Instagram
Below, I have listed the official website for this business for your convenience where you can access more complete detailed information on tours, prices and much more!
🚌 Mayan Expeditions Tours
Safe and Healthy Travels! 🙂
Although our Chichen Itza, Ek Balam and Hubiku Mayan Ecopark Private Tour was in collaboration with Mayan Expeditions, rest assured all content and opinions are that of the author and reflect my personal experience only.
✨ Did You Know …
“The Mayan Calendar Was Created With The Alignment Of The Stars In Mind.”
🌴 Be Sure To Follow Me & Gr8 Travel Tips! 🌴
Your thoughts are Always Welcome in the Comment Box Below. As well, if you enjoyed reading this post, please do share it with others by scrolling down ↓ to your favorite Social Media Button ↓. 🙂 
🤿 Scuba Diving In Tulum – Mexico
🏕 Canada to Mexico RV Camping Holidays
🌴 Affordable Holidays In Mexico
© 2021, All Rights Reserved ¦ gr8traveltips.com
