We used the charming city of Valladolid as a base when visiting the ruins of Ek’Balam. The ruins site was only about a half hour drive away from the city center. There didn’t seem to be an easy way to catch a Collectivo, so we chose to hail a taxi to Ek’Balam.
We left early in order to arrive at the ruins just after it opened. This site was smaller and shadier than the previous ones we had visited, which made it more enjoyable. We paid the entrance fee, and also decided to hire a guide that spoke English. He accompanied us around the ruins and gave us a tour of the Ruins site.
There was plenty of opportunity for us to climb the ruins, which made for happy boys. The Oval Palace, pictured above, had a circular shape. My son appeared around the back before I could even figure out how to begin climbing it! It is believed that this building was used to study the stars.
Pictured below would have been the main plaza.
There was some cool stonework, such as the one pictured below.
This pyramid below was the Acropolis, both a temple and a palace, as well as a burial site. You notice the interesting covered areas as you climb, containing intricately carved stones that have been excavated. Much of this site is still buried beneath the trees.
The boys managed to climb this pyramid to the top. I changed my mind as I started upwards the steep stairs, because there was nothing to hold onto on the way down.
The Entrance Arch above has openings from all four sides, and was likely used for ceremonial purposes.
Posing with some Mayan warriors was quite fun.
Ek’Balam is definitely worth a visit if you are traveling to Valladolid!
