Cancun: Ek Balam Self-Guided Tour – Cancun, Mexico

EXPERIENCE:

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. NOTE: This 1-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Ek Balam in 1 hour.

Once downloaded, your tour of Ek Balam begins near the Visitor Center. As you head into the site, you’ll turn back the clock thousands of years and revisit the history of Maya before the Europeans arrived. Then, learn about the arrival of the Spanish, their conquest, and how it changed the course of history on the continent.

After crossing through the remnants of an ancient defensive wall, you’ll arrive at a ball court and learn the fundamentals of an intense, dangerous Mayan game that was a little bit like a cross between soccer and basketball, but with unbelievably high stakes.

Then, making your way to the Circular Steam Bath (which was used to heal the sick and wounded), you’ll get a crash course in Mayan architecture. You’ll also get more familiar with the complex tenets of ancient Mayan religion on your way to your next stop.

Next comes the Acropolis, the largest standing structure on the peninsula. This immense building is King Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’s most enduring legacy. Fortunately, you can actually climb the stairs to the top!

As you climb, you’ll notice a pair of hieroglyphic serpents and discover their meaning. After that comes the tomb of Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’ himself. It’s quite possibly the best-preserved tomb of any Mayan king, and is a must-see stop during your visit.

Finally, you’ll reach the top of the pyramid. From here, you’ll have panoramic views in every direction. You’ll even be able to see the outline of Chichen Itza on a clear day! The tour concludes here, after detailing the plaza visible below.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Climb to the top of an ancient Mayan pyramid
Discover the tomb of Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’, a Mayan king
Unlock the secrets behind ancient hieroglyphics found throughout the site
Learn about the ancient Mayan art, religion, and culture
Tour without the hassle of a group or the risk of an unreliable guide

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