Ek Balam Travel Guide

 Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:  Structure 1 or the Acropolis on the North side of the site is the largest structure at Ek' Balam and is believed to contain the tomb of Ukit Kan Le'k Tok', an important ruler in Ek’ Balam. Excavations on it began in 1998, when it was just a mound. The structure has 525 ft.... 

 Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:  On the South Plaza you will also see the Twins atop of which there are two mirroring temples on either side.Facing Structure 17 is Stela 1. This monument depicts a ruler of Ek Balam, probably Ukit Jol Ahkul.Another attractive structure is the Ballcourt.You can watch my photo... 

 Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:  Before visiting the Acropolis you would better detour towards the South Plaza. Its largest structure is the Oval Palace (or the Structure 16). The Oval Palace contained burial relics and its alignment is assumed to be connected to cosmological ceremonies. You will also see... 

 Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:  About 50 structures are surrounded by two concentric stone walls plus there is another wall that unites the central buildings. The walls were used to control the access. The city was one of the longest continuously inhabited Maya sites. The Entrance Arch stands at the... 

 SJTravel Says:  They are a VERY small set of ruins compared to some in the area. And they cost more than some of the others as well (but still less than Uxmal and Chichen Itza). The reason is you have to pay for both INAH and Culture. It is worth the visit because the view from the top of... 

 dila Says:  Near Ek Balam there is a cenote as when i was arriving i was alone i was in doubt to go there.But in Ek Balam i met Biamtim and told him about it.So we went together. It is very deep and you need to walk down.There were tubes for to use in the water after you could shower in... 

 mtncorg Says:  Every Mayan ruin has to have a ball court and Ek Balam is no exception. The court here can be found just to the west of las Gamelas. 

 mtncorg Says:  The largest structure at Ek Balam, the Acropolis - also known as la Torre - contains the tomb of Ukit Kna Le'k Tok'. Measuring 146 meters across by 55 meters wide, the Acropolis is also some 29 meter high which means you get some great views out over the jungle plains of the... 

 mtncorg Says:  The excellently preserved limestone stellae in the South Plaza depicts a ruler of Ek Balam, probably Ukit Jol Ahkul. Magnificent sculpture and frescos have been discovered here on the site, especially those found on the terraces of the Acropolis. 

 mtncorg Says:  Just east of the archway/el Arco is la Redonda, also known as the Oval Palace. From the top of this semi-circular building you have a grand view over the south Plaza towards the impressive Acropolis/la Torre. The similar looking buildings on the west side of the Plaza are... 

 mtncorg Says:  This free-standing korbel archway stands at the intersection of four sacbeob and was probably used for ceremony, ritual or both. El Arco was one of five entrances to Ek Balam. From the arch you enter into the South Plaza. 

 mtncorg Says:  Sacbe - plural is sacbeob - means 'white ways' in the local Mayan dialect. These were raised paved roads which connected temples, plazas and other groups of buildings within ceremonial sites. Longer sacbeob could also connect cities - the longest running from Merida to the... 

 SJTravel Says:  The cheapest way to get to Ek Balam is to take a Collectivo from Valladolid. It costs from 30 to 40 pesos per person. When you are in Valladolid, you can catch a collectivo on calle 44. During the less busy time, they won't run the collectivos but instead will take you out... 

 dila Says:  Near my hotel there was a shared Taxi stop.Arrived there around 8.15 and had to wait for a third person to get in around 8.55 we finally left. I had to pay 40 pesos think it was 30 for Mexicans.Taxi (collectivo) was at Calle 44 n0 182 and Calle 36 at the front of a... 

 shdw100 Says:  Just another example of the fine stone and stucco work that that Mayans performed to adorn their temples and buildings. Absolutely facinating! 

 shdw100 Says:  Of all the Mayan and Aztec sites that I have visited, Ek Balam takes the prize hands down for the intricacies of the sculptures that the ancient civilization made. I was facinated that they could perform such exquisite, detailed work. It really shows the care and precision...