Questions about Ek Balam

[TheOtherRobin]

I found pics of Ek Balam on TA and was wondering if it is worth the trip from Playa. If it is, how the heck do you get there? My not so adventurous husband is dead set against renting a car. If we go should we try to combine the day with another site? We have been to Chitzen Itza in the past, and although it was incredible, we want to explore more options. Any advice is accepted with much gratitude. (You will all be remembered in my will)

[Libby]

The ruins at Ek Balam are my favorite in this area! They are certainly not the most extensive as they have only recently been excavated. There is still much more waiting to be unearthed there.

This site is generally not crowded at all, no big tour groups. We went early in the morning and there was only one other small group of visitors. It felt like we had the place all to ourselves, our own private discovery. You can climb the temple, and the carvings there are the most impressive and well-preserved ones I've seen. Also, the architecture is pretty unique, so even if you've seen alot of Maya ruins sites, you'll see something different here.

Generally, people rent a car to get there. One of the things I love about it is that very few tours go there. But if you're husband will only with a tour, you might try Mitch from Yucatreks. I believe his tour combines Ek Balam with Valladolid, which is the perfect combo.

[SUNBABY]

Mitch with Yucatreks gives the best tours...small groups, (van) very personable, and plenty of goodies to eat.

[Beachnutt]

I have to chime in and say that Mitch's tours are awesome. He is very knowledgeable on all of the tours we have been on and if there is a question he can't answer he will do his best to find out the info for you.

Ek Balaam is the one tour I have unfortunately not done yet but it is on my list for next trip.

[TheOtherRobin]

Thanks, you guys I will probably e-mail Yukatreks in a few days. Seems like i have a vague recollection of a reference to something like "Mitch is hot". Same guy????? Just curious....

[John]

Originally Posted by TheOtherRobin

Thanks, you guys I will probably e-mail Yukatreks in a few days. Seems like i have a vague recollection of a reference to something like "Mitch is hot". Same guy????? Just curious....

I'm pretty sure you must have that mistaken with "John is hot."

Just kidding! Mitch from Yukatreks is the one you've heard of before.

[SUNBABY]

BTW... John is hot too.

[TheOtherRobin]

John, I know I'm new to this forum, but that fact is just so evident that I didn't want to overstate the obvious.

[TheOtherRobin]

My "less than adventurous husband" did drive in Cozumel so he does get credit for driving in Mexico. I owe him a public apology. We made it to Ek Balaam. (by a small tour van than Tony & Cheri arranged for us THANK-YOU!) It was incredible, you can still climb the pyramid, the plaster sculptures near the top are awe inspiring. There were probably less than thirty others at the site plus the requisite random dogs.

[PlayadelSoul]

The drive to Ek Balam is easy. Go south to Tulum and then get on the road to Coba. After you pass Coba, you enter the state of Yucatan. Keep going towards Valladolid. You will see signs to Ek Balam, when you get close. About 2 hours, in total. Plus, you can swing by Coba, if you choose.