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Ek' Balam
The turnoff for fascinating Ek' Balam is 17km north of Valladolid, from where the archaeological site is a further 6km east. 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. 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), whose hands are poised in gestures looking for all the world like Hindu/Buddhist mudras (ritual hand movements used in Hindu religious dancing; also gesture of Buddha figure). It's enough to make you wonder, either about connections between ancient civilizations or the artistic license taken by the restoration crew, though much of the plaster is supposed to be original. The view from the top of the pyramid is fantastic as well. Across the flat terrain you can make out the pyramids of Chichén Itzá and Cobá.
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X-Canche Cenote
From the Ek' Balam parking lot you can visit the X-Canche Cenote. It's worth the extra dough to take the fun rappel and kayak tour.
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