Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Fiji
Archaeological site · Valladolid, Yucatán
Zona Arqueológica de Ek Balam
Maya city north of Valladolid, with the Acropolis and the tomb of Ukit Kan Le'k Tok', decorated with stucco sculptures of winged figures and a large monster mouth.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Zona Arqueológica de Ek Balam
Ek Balam is about 30 km north of Valladolid, in the middle of low jungle. The name is often translated as black jaguar, or star jaguar. It was an important Maya city between the 8th and 10th centuries, seat of a dynasty whose best-known ruler was Ukit Kan Le'k Tok'.
The city had walls and an entrance through a stone arch. The main structure is the Acropolis, about 30 meters high. At its top is the tomb of Ukit Kan Le'k Tok', with a very well-preserved stucco façade showing winged human figures and an enormous monster mouth with teeth, representing the entrance to the underworld.
The site also includes a ball court, the structure called La Redonda, and plazas surrounded by mounds still covered in vegetation. Being off the main route, it receives fewer visitors than Chichén Itzá.
Near the entrance is the X'Canché cenote, community-run, which is visited on the same excursion.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1½ to 2 hours.
Best time
Early in the morning, before the heat. Check opening hours and whether climbing the Acropolis is allowed.
How to get there
It is about 30 km north of Valladolid. Reachable by car, taxi or shared van to the entrance.
Tip
Combine with the X'Canché cenote near the entrance, and bring swimwear.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Zona Arqueológica de Ek Balam
What to see in Ek Balam?
The Acropolis, with the stucco-decorated tomb, the entrance arch, the ballcourt and La Redonda.
Is Ek Balam far from Valladolid?
About 30 km north.
Is there a cenote near Ek Balam?
Yes, X'Canché, run by the community, near the entrance.