Ek Balam - a glimpse back into Mayan history

If you have ever been to Cancun, you have likely been approached by vendors wanting to sell you tours to Mayan Ruins. Whether you want to take a tour, or just rent a car and drive, that will depend on your own sense of adventure versus your perception of the safety in Mexico. But should you see ruins when in the Mayan Riviera? Definitely!

But which ones? The usual candidates are Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Coba. They are all great, and have much to offer. Chichen Itza is huge and impressive. Tulum has a beautiful setting. Coba is in the jungle, and you can still climb the pyramid. Might I suggest though another option - Ek Balam. It can be added to a trip to Chichen Itza, which is what I would recommend.

But definitely go to Chichen Itza too. Do not sleep on “the itza”

Why Ek Balam? It has much of what makes the other sites attractive, plus it has its own appeal. Extensive ruins? Check. Climb on the big structures? Check. Feeling that you have just walked into the distant past? Double check!

One other great appeal of Ek Balam - it isn’t as popular as the other sites. You might just be able to get those perfect “screensaver” pictures without other tourists in them. Doing that at Chichen Itza generally requires some extensive image editing. but at Ek Balam, just wait a few minutes, and the picture will happen.

Or if you are too impatient to wait for people to move, they might be far enough away they can barely be seen.

So if you are in the Mayan Riviera and like to explore the past - check out Ek Balam. Take it slow, and consider hiring a guide. Or just explore at your leisure. #wandering

Have other destination in mind? Want an inexpensive travel guide from someone who has actually been there? Check out our verified recommendations.