Day tripsCountriesMexicoCancunCancun to Ek Balam and Valladolid: Private day trip

Cancun to Ek Balam and Valladolid: Private day trip

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Private ride with a local driver

10h 30m
Round trip
Private driver
Trusted by 1+ million happy travelers across 120 countries
4.9
Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2025
Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2025
4.9
5176
Reviews

About your trip

Spend a day exploring the artistic wonders of Ek Balam and the colonial charm of Valladolid. Wander ancient ruins, stroll historic streets, or take a refreshing dip in the cenote at the town’s heart, experiencing Maya heritage, local traditions, and the rhythm of daily life in one unforgettable day.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
From €84
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€252

What to expect

Your day trip begins wherever you are

Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Cancun whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.

Discover more with local expertise

Your driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden café here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.

Explore at your own pace

The journey begins with your personalized pickup in Cancun. Your driver will take you to your stops, helping you make the most of your time by pointing out the attractions that best match your interests and pace. You'll spend your time exactly how you want, creating an unforgettable day that's uniquely yours.

Perfect for any private group

Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.

Good to know

  • Two-way private car transfer
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Personalized pickup and drop-off
  • Professional English-speaking driver
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
  • Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Ek Balam and Valladolid should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
  • Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From €84
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€252

Your trip at a glance

Your trip at a glance

Start in Cancun
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Ek Balam
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 3 hours - admission not included
Monday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Itinerary stop at Ek Balam on private day trip from Cancun
Itinerary stop at Ek Balam on private day trip from Cancun
Itinerary stop at Ek Balam on private day trip from Cancun
Itinerary stop at Ek Balam on private day trip from Cancun
Itinerary stop at Ek Balam on private day trip from Cancun
Itinerary stop at Ek Balam on private day trip from Cancun

Step into a once-thriving Maya city where mystery and craftsmanship echo through quiet ruins.

Ek Balam, meaning “Black Jaguar” in Maya, captivates with its towering Acropolis Pyramid, intricate stucco friezes, and royal tombs. Walk through the entrance arch and along the remaining walls of this fortified city, imagining ceremonies and daily life that once unfolded here. Explore the ball court and twin pyramids, each structure reflecting the artistry and ambition of its builders. The site’s largely untouched ruins allow visitors to sense the scale and creativity of the city while wandering paths that connect its monuments. The site is usually open from 8 am to 5 pm, with last entry at 4 pm, but it’s best to check the current schedule and ticket prices online for a smooth trip: https://www.inah.gob.mx/zonas/21-zona-arqueologica-ek-balam

2
Valladolid
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 3 hours - admission not included
Itinerary stop at Valladolid on private day trip from Cancun
Itinerary stop at Valladolid on private day trip from Cancun
Itinerary stop at Valladolid on private day trip from Cancun
Itinerary stop at Valladolid on private day trip from Cancun
Itinerary stop at Valladolid on private day trip from Cancun
Itinerary stop at Valladolid on private day trip from Cancun
Itinerary stop at Valladolid on private day trip from Cancun
Itinerary stop at Valladolid on private day trip from Cancun
Itinerary stop at Valladolid on private day trip from Cancun

A lively town of colonial streets, cultural landmarks, and a cenote at its very heart.

Experience the charm of a town where colonial heritage and vibrant local traditions come alive. Stroll down Calle de los Frailes, lined with boutique shops and cafes, and visit the Convent of San Bernardino, a historic landmark dating back to the 16th century. In the heart of town, Cenote Zaci offers a refreshing swim in a natural pool just steps from the main square. Wander the lively plaza and admire the cathedral while absorbing the rhythms of daily life. With its mix of architecture, history, and local culture, Valladolid offers an immersive experience that is both relaxing and captivating.

Back to Cancun
We’ll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7

Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.

5.0
5176 reviewson Tripadvisor
or
4.9
991 reviewson Trustpilot

Know more about your day trip

Yes, Valladolid offers excellent local restaurants serving cochinita pibil, sopa de lima, and other regional specialties around the main plaza and Calle de los Frailes.
Yes, Cenote Zaci in Valladolid's town center is a great swimming opportunity on your trip.
Ek Balam and Valladolid are only half an hour's drive apart, and about two hours of driving away from Cancun. All travel is on modern highways.
Plan about 3 hours at Ek Balam for exploring the ruins and 3 hours in Valladolid for sightseeing, shopping, and experiencing the local culture.
Valladolid offers colonial architecture, the 16th-century Convent of San Bernardino, Calle de los Frailes shopping street, and Cenote Zaci right in the town center.
Ek Balam means "Black Jaguar" in Maya. The site features the impressive Acropolis pyramid, royal tombs, ball courts, and remarkably preserved artwork and sculptures.
Stroll the historic center, visit the main cathedral, explore local markets, enjoy traditional Yucatecan cuisine, and experience the relaxed pace of colonial Mexican life.
Ek Balam features exceptionally well-preserved stucco friezes and sculptures, including intricate carvings of winged warriors and mythological creatures that are rarely found elsewhere.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Day tripsCountriesMexicoCancunCancun to Ek Balam and Valladolid: Private day trip