Zona Arqueológica de Ek Balam

Archaeological site · Temozón

2

@travelleisure

9 Best Pyramids to Visit in Mexico

"On the way to Chichén Itzá is another lesser-known Maya site called Ek Balam. This Maya city, just outside of the modern-day Spanish-influenced city of Valladolid, was at its height between 700 and 1000 C.E., though it operated for more than 1,000 years. Only the center of Ek Balam has been excavated, with 45 structures mapped out. El Torre, also known as The Tower, is one of the largest Maya structures in the region, measuring more than 500 feet long, 200 feet wide, and 100 feet tall. Its inscriptions are not carved into the rock like other pyramids. Instead, the creators used stucco and limestone to shape beautiful imagery. El Torre also houses the tomb of Ukit Kan Lek Tok, one of the rulers of the city. "The Tower is one of the few you can still climb, but its real claim to fame is the stucco facade about halfway up the pyramid. It's called the 'White Reading House' based on the hieroglyphs, and archaeologists think it was a royal library. The doorway is carved like the mouth of a monster, with a lower jaw with teeth and an upper jaw. In the eyes are sitting full human figures, called the Ek Balam Angels. It's probably one of the best pieces of Maya art in the entire world," said Barnhart." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-pyramids-in-mexico-8582024

VVQ8+F4, 97743 Ekbalam, Yuc., Mexico Get directions

inah.gob.mx
@inahmx

2 Postcards

See full details

More Places For You

Cenote Palomitas

Tourist attraction · Temozón

Dive into a stunning underground cenote with crystal-clear blue waters, surrounded by mesmerizing stalactites and a serene vibe that feels all your own.

1 Postcard

Fundación de Artistas

Art center · Mérida

Step into a beautifully restored 19th-century home where contemporary art meets vintage charm, complete with a cozy café and an enchanting courtyard.

1 Postcard

Taquería De La Unión

Taco restaurant · Mérida

Dive into the ultimate taco experience at this cozy Mérida spot, serving up rich Yucatecan flavors in a relaxed, air-conditioned setting.

0 Postcards

Nectar

Mexican restaurant · Mérida

Nectar in Mérida offers a relaxed vibe with innovative dishes like pork belly tacos and grilled snapper, though its service could use some polish.

4 Postcards

Restaurante Amaro

Restaurant · Mérida

Nestled in a historic courtyard with potted palms, Amaro offers a delightful mix of pizza, pasta, and Yucatecan dishes paired with live trova music.

0 Postcards

CIGNO HOTEL

Hotel · Mérida

Nestled in a serene setting, Hotel Cigno offers beautifully restored rooms in a charming boutique, complete with two pools and a top-notch dining experience.

2 Postcards

SALÓN GALLOS

Restaurant · Mérida

Discover a trendy fusion spot in Mérida blending Lebanese and Yucatecan flavors, complete with a wine bar, cinema, and vibrant nightlife.

4 Postcards

Parque de Santa Lucía

Park · Mérida

Yucatecan Serenade brings Merida's Parque de Santa Lucia to life every Thursday night with vibrant open-air dances and live music, surrounded by charming eateries and photo ops with gigantic chairs.

1 Postcard

Cenote X'batun

Tourist attraction · Chocholá

These stunning cenotes, X'batun and Dzonbakal, are jungle-encased gems boasting crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming or cave diving.

1 Postcard

El Caracol

Tourist attraction · Tinúm

El Caracol, or "the Snail," is a striking Mayan observatory at Chichen Itza with its iconic spiral staircase and stunning views of the cosmos.

3 Postcards