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Ek Balam & the undergroundcenote Palomitas.
An intimate Maya city and perhaps the finest cenote in the region, back in time for lunch. Departure ≈ 6.30am, return ≈ 2.00pm, group of 6 to 14 people, your own guide, €100 per adult all inclusive.
The place
Ek Balam, the quiet “black jaguar”
Long overshadowed by its big sisters, Ek Balam, “black jaguar” in Maya, holds a monumental acropolis with astonishingly well-preserved stucco: winged angels, a monster’s open jaws, intact frescoes. A few kilometres away along back roads, the Palomitas cenote opens like an underground cathedral of crystal-clear water.
The programme
How the day unfolds.
- ≈ 6.30amDeparture from your hotel
We head for Ek Balam, 30 km north of Valladolid, around 2 hours 30 minutes of driving from Playa del Carmen.
- MorningGuided tour of Ek Balam
About 1 hour 15 minutes on the site, longer if you want to take your time.
- MorningCenote Palomitas
Along the back roads, we reach what is probably the most beautiful cenote in this area: a huge underground freshwater shaft pierced by shafts of sunlight. A swim is on the program.
- ≈ 2pmReturn
We chose the long half day so you can enjoy your hotel in the afternoon, where meals are most often included. Lunch is not included on this excursion.
In detail
Included, not included.
- Transport from your hotel
- English-speaking guide
- Ek Balam + cenote entrance fees
- Lunch (back at 2pm)
- Tips
- Bath towel
In your bag
They lived it
Travellers rate “Ek Balam · Cenote Palomitas” 4.9/5 on Google (323 reviews).
Gallery
What you will see.
Frequently asked questions
Everything people ask us.
Back around 2pm: ideal for keeping the afternoon for the beach, or for short stays.
Yes, there are proper steps; swimming in the underground well is the highlight of the outing.
You write to us (form, email or WhatsApp) with your dates, your hotel and how many of you there are; we confirm quickly. A deposit of €10 per person from 3 people (refundable up to 48 h before), the balance on the day in euros, pesos or dollars.
Straight from your hotel or accommodation in Playa del Carmen, Tulum or Puerto Morelos. In Cancún, pick-up is available for Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy (and for groups, on request). The exact time is confirmed the day before on WhatsApp.
Most of them are. We give you all the details when you book: depending on your children’s ages, we will recommend a particular outing, or advise against it.
free
★ 48 h ★
Simple, quick booking
Under-12 prices: ask us · Quick reply, 365 days a year
A deposit of €10 per person from 3 people (refundable up to 48 h), the balance paid on the day.
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