Chichen Itza, Cenote Hubiku, and Ek Balam- Small Group

Exploring the Chichen Itza, Cenote Hubiku, and Ek Balam Tour: What You Need to Know

I haven’t personally been on this tour, but from the glowing reviews and comprehensive details, it sounds like a well-rounded way to soak up some of the Yucatán’s most iconic sights. If you’re visiting Playa del Carmen and want to see the ancient Maya ruins, swim in a cenote, and explore a less crowded archaeological site—all in one day—then this tour could be a good fit.

Two things we really like about this experience are the knowledgeable guides who make history come alive and the variety of stops, which balance cultural exploration with relaxation. The inclusion of meals and transfers also adds convenience. A potential consideration is the long duration—around 12 hours—so it’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with a full day on the move.

If you’re into history, want an authentic experience, and appreciate good value for money, this trip will likely tick your boxes. It’s particularly suited if you’re traveling with a group or solo and are looking for an organized, all-in-one day adventure that covers major highlights without skimping on details.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Covering Chichen Itza, Cenote Hubiku, and Ek Balam in one day.
• Great value: For $179, you get meals, transportation, and guided tours of significant sites.
• Expert guides: Reviews highlight friendly, knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience.
• Comfortable logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off, with minimal wait times at key points.
• Balanced itinerary: Mix of cultural, natural, and relaxation activities.
• Long day: Expect around 12 hours on the move, suitable for active travelers.

What This Tour Offers

This tour is designed to give you an immersive yet practical way to see some of the Yucatán Peninsula’s most notable archaeological sites and natural wonders. It’s perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their day without the hassle of planning every detail, thanks to the included transportation and guided commentary.

Starting with Convenience: Pickups and Transfers

The day begins with hotel pickup from Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Morelos, or the Riviera Maya. You’ll ride comfortably in an air-conditioned van, which makes the long hours more bearable. Multiple reviews mention the punctuality of pickups and the ease of the process, which is a relief if you’re wary of logistical headaches.

Visiting Chichen Itza: The Iconic Maya Site

Your first stop is Chichen Itza, one of the most famous Mayan archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The entrance tickets for Chichen Itza aren’t included in the base price, but the tour handles that for you, with a quick skip-the-line process. You’ll explore the ruins with a guide—who is often praised for their knowledge—viewing the Kukulkan pyramid, the observatory, and the ball court, among other structures.

One of the best things about this experience, based on reviews, is the opportunity to learn about the significance of each structure. For example, Samuel from one review mentions, “Our guide, Julian, picked us up right on time,” and others praise guides like Maria and Oscar for their storytelling skills and enthusiasm.

Cenote Hubiku: Refreshing and Scenic

Next up is Cenote Hubiku, which many describe as a highlight. The cenote is a natural, crystal-clear sinkhole—an inviting spot for a swim after exploring ruins. Visitors often comment on the stunning beauty and the historical importance of cenotes as portals to the underworld for ancient Maya.

The included buffet lunch at the cenote’s restaurant adds a much-needed break and fuel for the rest of the day. Drinks are available for purchase, and reviews confirm the food is decent and satisfying. The cenote itself is described as “absolutely breathtaking” and perfect for cooling off in the heat.

Ek Balam: The Hidden Gem

After lunch, the tour heads to Ek Balam, a site less crowded than Chichen Itza but equally fascinating. You can still climb the main pyramid here, which is a treat, and admire the intricate stucco carvings. The site’s less-restored state offers a more authentic feel—something many travelers appreciate, as one review mentions, “this site is a fascinating look at how people once lived.”

The guide’s commentary helps paint a picture of Maya rulers and daily life, making the history tangible. Reviewers raved about the experience, with Leanne describing Ek Balam as an “off-the-beaten-path gem” that made the trip special.

End of Day: Return and Reflection

After a full day of exploration, transport will return you to your hotel in Playa del Carmen or nearby. Expect to be on the road for a good chunk of the day, but the comfort of the van and the well-organized schedule make this manageable.

The Value and Practicalities

At $179 per person, this tour packs a lot into one day—two major archaeological sites, a cenote swim, meals, and round-trip transportation. When you consider the skip-the-line tickets and guided commentary, it’s quite a decent deal for people who want a hassle-free experience and don’t want to spend time arranging logistics themselves.

Some reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides and the smooth organization, which makes the long day feel more manageable. The guide-to-guest ratio is small—max 15 travelers—which helps maintain a personal touch and allows for more interaction.

However, keep in mind that the admission fee to Chichen Itza is $40 USD per adult and $5 USD per child, payable upon pickup. The tour fee covers the logistics, but this optional expense is something to budget for. Also, the tour’s duration is about 12 hours, so it’s best suited for those who are ready for a full day on the go.

Flexibility and Reviews

While most reviews are glowing, a few mention minor hiccups, such as a missed pickup or a changed itinerary (when Ek Balam was temporarily closed). The company appears flexible and communicative, and last-minute bookings are possible with confirmation.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for history buffs, adventure seekers, and travelers who want an organized way to see highlights without the stress. It’s suitable for those comfortable with a physically active day—walking, climbing, swimming—and who appreciate having meals and transportation included.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a well-organized, cultural day trip that combines history, nature, and tradition, this tour offers a compelling package. The guides’ reputation for knowledge and friendliness, the quality of the sites visited, and the overall value make it a solid choice.

It’s especially good if you prefer not to worry about logistics, want a small-group setting, and enjoy a mix of sightseeing and leisure. Just be prepared for a long day and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.

This tour seems to strike a good balance between educational content and fun, making it a worthwhile option for your Yucatán adventure.

FAQ

Do I need to pay the entrance fee separately for Chichen Itza?
Yes, the $40 USD per adult and $5 USD per child entrance fee is paid at pickup, but the tour handles the process for you, so you avoid lines.

What is included in the price?
You get breakfast, a buffet lunch, guided tours, beverages, transportation, and entry to Cenote Hubiku and Ek Balam.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 12 hours, including pickups, site visits, meals, and travel back to your hotel.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The physical nature of climbing ruins and swimming should be considered.

What should I bring?
Bring water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, a hat, and a swimsuit if you want to swim in the cenote.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While not marketed specifically as family-oriented, active children who enjoy history and outdoor activities will find it engaging.

Can I book last minute?
Yes, last-minute bookings are possible with confirmation from the provider, especially if you book after 6 PM the day before.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight guides like Maria, Oscar, and Joel for their extensive knowledge and friendly approach.

What is the group size?
Maximum 15 travelers, providing a small-group experience that feels personalized.

What if Ek Balam is closed?
The company may offer an alternative site such as Coba, which many travelers find just as rewarding.

This tour offers a thorough, enjoyable way to experience the Maya world while keeping logistics simple. If you’re aiming to see Mayan ruins and have a relaxed, guided experience with some swimming thrown in, this could be just what you’re looking for.