Playa del Carmen to Ek Balam and Valladolid: Day trip

Ek Balam was a thriving Mayan city dating back to the 1st millennium BC. Around the start of the Common Era, it was the regional capital and remained inhabited up until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. Today, the site consists of around 45 buildings, with many dating from around the 8th to 11th centuries. Unlike other Mayan cities, the intricate decorations on the building were made from plaster, rather than carved into stone, allowing for the artisans to create some of the most intricate motifs found in the Yucatan. The facade of the ruler Ukit Kan Leʼk Tokʼs tomb, for example, is styled like the open maw of a jaguar. The tomb sits atop a pyramid that’s 150 meters long and 30 meters high- one of the largest Mayan structures in the Yucatan!

Founded by the Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Montejo in 1543 at a lagoon called Chouac-Ha, Valladolid was moved to its current location in 1545 because of mosquitos. Despite being one of the largest cities in Yucatan, Valladolid has a laid-back atmosphere and preserves both its Colonial and Mayan roots. At the heart of the city, dominating the main square is the Iglesia de San Servacio, which was built in 1706 after the Bishop Pedro De Los Rios Reyes ordered the destruction of the original 16th-century cathedral. The Convent of San Bernadino de Siena is another notable Colonial landmark, which is filled with colorful frescoes dating back to the 16th century. For Mayan culture, don’t miss the Casa de los Venados, which exhibits the Mexico’s largest private collections of pre-colonial art. But the top activity here is just wandering the streets, starting with the colorful Calzada de Los Frailes, to enjoy the atmosphere.