EK BALAAM AND VALLADOLID – PART 4

I am a big fan of Colonial Cities here in the Yucatan, and I am equally amazed and drawn the Mayan Ruins as well.  Over the years I have had the honor of visiting many of the local ruins AND had the ability to climb them and actually explore inside the great pyramid of Kukulkan at Chichén Itzá.  Alas those days are over with the new restrictions in place against climbing these iconic structures.  Fear not, if you still would like the experience, it is still available at the Ruins of Ek Balaam. As an added bonus, you will see one of the best preserved tombs with its statuary and detail still in place.

On a Commercial Tour, Ek Balaam is coupled with Rio Lagartos, Las Coloradas as well and can make for a very long day with limited time in each location.  Day trips should be leisurely and approached at you own pace to enjoy each location you visit.  Truth be told, Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas should be done on their own to really enjoy the natural beauty of these areas.  

If you are considering Ek Balaam, I prefer just a 3 stop visit.  The city of Valladolid where you can spend a couple of hours, then a short drive of about 45 minutes to Ek Balaam where you can climb to your hearts content.  There are a couple of interesting Pueblos on the route to Ek Balaam.  Final stop of the day at the Cenote X’Canche that is located within a short walk of the ruins.

Valladolid is a trip worthy of spending the night and using it as a base to enjoy the city, head up to Rio Lagartos where you can take a boat tour of the estuary, see flamingos, cover yourself in Mayan Mud, marvel at the many species of birds and see part of the Las Coloradas area.  From Valladolid Rio Lagartos is a good 2 hours and due to the system of roads to visit other areas you must backtrack south, head east then north again to Las Coloradas, so travel time will be a big factor in your plans.  

When I plan my groups, departure from Playa is about 7 am. This allows us to visit Valladolid Centro, have breakfast overlooking the Cenote Jací in the center of town and walk a short distance to the Valladolid Market.  If you have not experienced a true mercado (market) this will be a good introduction.  

Ek Balaam is of the beaten path, and with less visitors this is why you can still climb the monuments.  Ek Balaam is hardly every crowded to the extent of Tulum, Cobá and Chichén.  Normal admission price is $495 pesos without residency and $270 pesos showing your credential.  Once again, a guide is important as this Mayan city is unique and the history fascinating.  The more Mayan cities you visit and understand the underlying backstories, you will have a better understanding of the family dynasties, the architecture, and the religion. 

Yes, it is hot, much hotter than Playa, so hats, sunscreen and comfortable shoes for climbing are a necessity.  Once you finish your Tour of the city, close to the entry into the parking area is a dirt road leading the Cenote X’Canche.  This is an open cenote and  its cool water will be a refreshing end to a ruins tour.  Again, this is a cenote off the beaten path, and the times that I have been there we shared the enormous cenote with no more than 8 -10 others.