Introducing Ek’ Balam
The turnoff for this fascinating archaeological site (admission M$27, guide M$250; 8am-5pm) is 17km north of Valladolid. Ek’ Balam is another 6km east of this. Vegetation still covers much of the area, but excavations and restoration continue to add to the sights, including an interesting ziggurat-like structure near the entrance, as well as a fine arch and a ball court.
Advertisement
Most impressive is the gargantuan Acrópolis, whose well-restored base is 160m long and holds a ‘gallery’ – actually a series of separate chambers. Built atop the base is Ek’ Balam’s massive main pyramid, reaching a height of 32m and sporting a huge jaguar mouth with 360-degree dentition. Below the mouth are stucco skulls, while above and to the right sits an amazingly expressive figure. On the right side stand unusual winged human figures (some call them Maya angels).
From the Ek’ Balam parking lot you can visit the X-Canche Cenote (985-107-47-74; admission M$30, bike rental M$70, bike, rappel & kayak tour M$110; 8am-5pm).
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
Some Mexico Travel Notes
by maury 23 October 2009
Just returned from Mexican vacation and I wanted to share a few notes. First off THANKS to all who answered my questions and posted additio…
-
RE: Quintana Roo - Off the beaten path
by Mayaphile 23 May 2009
The very reason that Quintana Roo only became a Mexican State in the '70's was that it had been independent of Mexico from the 1850's…
-
Re: Getting to Ek' Balam from Valladolid??
by devee56 22 January 2009
My family of four did this last spring. We took a taxi and it was very reasonable, also he picked us up afterward. Just so you know,…
Hotels & Hostels
-
Book now
Genesis Eco-Retreat
Ek' Balam -
Book now
Dolcemente Ek' Balam
Ek' Balam
Advertisement
