If you haven’t been to the ruin of Ek Balam you are missing out on one of the Yucatan’s great wonders. Located just 20 minutes north of Valladolid or 51km from Chichen Itza, Ek Balam (which means Black Jaguar in Mayan) is still relatively unknown to tourists. Restoration of this site only began in 1997. 

The city was at the height of it’s importance between 600-900AD, the Late Classic period. The site was abandoned for reasons unknown after which it the jungle took over the site burring it under thick foliage. As with all sites in the Yucatan, it was first thought to be hills until explores starting digging down to find the treasure below.

Much of the site is still being uncovered, but what you can see is amazing. It houses one of the last pyramids, Acropolis, in the area which you can still climb. It also has many exquisite examples of detailed glyphs and frescoes.

Currently it is one of the least crowded sites in the area, but it is quickly becoming popular with tourists.

If you are looking for the complete Mayan experience you can spend the night in the local village of Ek Balam. There fellow Calgarian, Lee Christie has the lovely echo hotel, Genesis. She offers classes in traditional Maya cooking, tours of the artisans in the area and nature trips to caves and cenotes in the area.