Can you still climb Ek Balam?
You Can Climb All the Way to the Top Ek Balam ruins are some of the tallest in the area, standing at 95 feet tall. You’re allowed to climb to the highest point of the ruins, which will take you high above the treetops and give you a stunning view of the peninsula.
Is Ek Balam worth visiting?
Truly, visiting Ek Balam is absolutely worth the entrance fee. The experience is completely different than visiting a highly touristic site like Tulum or Chichen Itza, and it is absolutely magical!
What does Ek Balam mean in Mayan?
black jaguar
Ek Balam translated from the Yucatan Mayan language means black jaguar. But some inscriptions say that the original name of the site was Talol. The first known king of Ek´Balam is Ukit Kan Le´t Tok (the father of the four flint fronts). He was the builder of most of an incredible palace.
How long does it take to visit Ek Balam?
about 2 hours
It is about 2 hours, however I would suggest a guide. Normally we also do the self guided but the people we were travelling with wanted a guide and he was a plethora of information. Things I never would have thought of he told us.
Can you still climb the Coba ruins?
Situated just two hours outside of Cancun, Mexico, is Coba, one of the most prominent ancient Mayan sites in the Yucatan Peninsula. If you are looking for Mayan ruins you can climb you’re in luck, you can still climb Coba Ruins.
Why was the cenote so important to the Maya?
A cenote is said to be quite significant to the Mayan people. Whilst cenotes were their main water source, they were also considered it to be the entrance to the Xibalba, translated to the underworld, and a place where the Mayan gods would visit, especially Chaac, the Mayan god of rain, lightning, and thunder.
How many steps is Ek Balam?
106 steps
It might not be for the vertigo-challenged, but getting to the top of the Acropolis at Ek Balam is definitely worth the effort. It is, quite literally, a view fit for a king. It’s a deceptively hard climb considering it’s only 106 steps. The stones are old, worn, and uneven.
Why was Ek Balam abandoned?
Ek Balam’s History In the 11th century, the city was invaded by the Itzaes, and lost its power. Sometime during the Postclassic period, Ek Balam was abandoned in haste by its inhabitants, no one is really sure why, but probably because of an attack. Ek Balam means Black Panther or Star Panther in Mayan.
What is the cenote next to Ek Balam ruins?
The cenote next to Ek Balam ruins. Ek Balam ruins are one of the popular sites that people visit in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is also one of the top four most visited Mayan ruins from the Riviera Maya. When visiting, people also can visit the cenote that is nearby. The Ek Balam cenote is officially called Cenote Xcanche.
Where is the hidden Valladolid cenote?
This hidden Valladolid cenote is located in the jungle of the Ek Balam archaeological site, a 2 km / 1.2-mile walk (or rickshaw ride) from the entrance of the park. It’s so close to the ruins that it is sometimes referred to as the ‘Ek Balam Cenote.’
How to get to Cenote X’Canche?
Cenote X’Canche is 2 km (1.2 miles) from the Ek Balam ruins entrance. You can walk yourself, take a Bici-Taxi for $100 MXN pesos or rent your own bike for $70 MXN pesos. Ek Balam is 28 km (17 miles) north of Valladolid. Tour buses or colectivo taxis can be taken from Valladolid.
Where are the best cenotes in Mexico?
Mexico is well known for its amazing Cenotes and in my opinion, Valladolid had the best cenotes in Mexico by far! We spent an entire 5 days exploring all of the Valladolid Cenotes, and today I report back with the best of the best, so you can go exploring too!