Ek Balam



The enormous elaborate Acropolis pyramid, located inside the Mayan site of Ek Balam, is a striking sight after driving miles through the surrounding jungle. Ek Balam, which means black jaguar, was at the height of its importance as a city during the Late Classic period (600-900 AD). When the Mayas abandoned the site, it went under cover, literally, as the dense low-lying jungle of the Yucatán engulfed it. As with all of the Mayan pyramids, these were discovered when archaeologists and adventurers saw a group of hills with trees and brush growing out of them. Digging in the mounds, they uncovered treasures of buildings and artifacts hidden for hundreds of years.

At Ek Balam, restoration has been ongoing since 1997. The Acropolis is the largest restored building, measuring 480 feet across, 180 feet wide and 96 feet tall. This palace has six levels where the governors and higher echelons of the city’s population lived. Archaeologists believe it was not built all at once. You can climb this imposing structure, and from the top you can see all the other structures at Ek Balam, as well as two large hills which are two unrestored buildings.

At the entrance to the Acropolis pyramid there is a monster-like figure that is said to be guarding the entrance to the underworld. Under the thatched roofs that protect the facade, other statues and carvings of angels, animals and various figures are integrated in a complex and beautiful design.

Ek Balam, located just north of Valladolid, is special in another sense: it is never overwhelmed with tourists. While it is quieter and more peaceful than Chichén Itzá, it is also not as fully excavated nor does it provide the same comfort facilities for the traveler. There is one restroom at the site, but no refreshments, so be sure to bring your own. You can buy drinks and food in Temozon, a small village you will pass on your way from the cuota road. Temozon has a delicious claim to fame...its smoked meat, be sure to try some!

In the small village of Ek Balam, there is an unexpected oasis...an Italian hotel and restaurant called Dolce Mente. They grow their own organic veggies and have honey from their own bees. They make their own pasta, and have an extensive menu. 

The Ek Balam site is open from 8 am to 5 pm and the entrance fee is 89 pesos for foreigners, 64 pesos for Mexican nationals, free on Sundays and holidays for Mexican nationals.

MexiGo Tours offers one day tours to Río Lagartos, Ek Balam and Uayma, from Valladolid: www.mexigotours.com