VIVAOHLALA · PRIVATE TOURS IN ENGLISH
Private Ek Balam & Rio Lagartos Tour
Trade the Caribbean coast for the northern Yucatan: mangrove waterways, birdlife and the intricate Maya architecture of Ek Balam. Travel with your own group and an English-speaking guide on a full-day itinerary that connects a wildlife boat outing with an archaeological visit.
Your day at a glance
- A private boat outing through Rio Lagartos
- Opportunities to observe flamingos and other wild birds
- Ek Balam’s remarkable Maya structures with a guide
- Local lunch and private air-conditioned transportation
Format: private day trip · Guide: English-speaking · Departure: confirmed hotel or meeting point.
What you’ll experience
Travel to the northern Yucatan
The day starts early with pickup at your accommodation or agreed meeting point. The French program describes an approximately 3½-hour journey, but actual transfer time depends on your hotel and traffic. Plan for a long day.
Explore Rio Lagartos by boat
Spend around two hours discovering waterways and watching for birds and crocodiles with your guides. Flamingos may be present, but wildlife activity changes naturally. Keep your camera ready without expecting a guaranteed sighting.
Enjoy the coastal stops and lunch
The itinerary includes salt-lagoon scenery around Las Coloradas, a traditional clay stop and a swimming break when conditions permit. Color intensity and access vary. Then pause for a local restaurant meal before continuing inland.
Discover Ek Balam
Explore the archaeological site with your English-speaking guide, looking at the carved details and substantial Maya structures. Access to individual monuments follows current site instructions; a climb is not promised. Return to your accommodation after the visit.
What’s included
- Private air-conditioned round-trip transportation within the included pickup area
- Certified English-speaking guide
- Approximately two-hour wildlife boat excursion and marine tax
- Ek Balam archaeological-site admission
- Local restaurant meal and drinks
- Water and sodas
Not included
Optional tips, personal purchases and any pickup supplement quoted for your hotel. Photography is an optional extra.
Private tour prices
Prices are per person, based on the number of travelers in your private group. Select your actual group size when comparing prices.
| Travelers | USD per person | MXN reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | US$370 | 6,540 MXN |
| 3 | US$330 | 5,850 MXN |
| 4 | US$275 | 4,820 MXN |
| 5 | US$240 | 4,250 MXN |
| 6 | US$220 | 3,900 MXN |
| 7 | US$215 | 3,750 MXN |
| 8 | US$195 | 3,400 MXN |
| 9 | US$190 | 3,350 MXN |
| 10 | US$165 | 2,900 MXN |
| 11 | US$160 | 2,800 MXN |
| 12 | US$155 | 2,700 MXN |
Solo travelers and groups larger than 12: contact us for an individual quote. Share children’s ages so we can confirm the applicable total.
USD amounts are rounded up to the next US$5 using 17.8413 MXN per US$1, the September 28, 2026 reference rate. Confirm the booking currency and final total before paying. If your balance is settled in MXN, the MXN reference amount applies; your bank’s exchange rate may differ.
Pickup, transportation & timing
Send the full name or address of your accommodation in Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Tulum, Akumal, Puerto Morelos or elsewhere on the Riviera Maya. We’ll check coverage and confirm your pickup time. Any supplement is charged per group for the round trip, not per person.
If you have a car, ask about a meeting point within the included pickup area. Total duration varies with your hotel, traffic and the itinerary; keep your return schedule flexible.
Who is this tour for?
Well suited to travelers who want both archaeology and wildlife and do not mind considerable driving. It is less suitable if a short transfer is your priority.
What to bring
Comfortable closed-toe shoes for Ek Balam, swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, UV shirt and a camera. Follow the guide’s sunscreen and wildlife-protection instructions.
Be in the photos, too
Our optional excursion photography package covers the key moments of your tour and includes 50 edited high-resolution photos, a preview of 3–5 images within 24 hours and a private online gallery within 5 business days. Availability is confirmed for your date.
Questions before you book
Are flamingos or crocodiles guaranteed?
No. Animals live freely in the reserve, and sightings depend on season, conditions and their movements.
Will Las Coloradas be bright pink?
The appearance of the saltwater changes with light, weather and local conditions. The itinerary does not guarantee a particular shade or access to every viewpoint.
Can we climb at Ek Balam?
Access follows the archaeological site’s current rules. Your guide will explain which areas are open on the day.
How is the private price calculated?
The table shows the price per person for your private group size. Multiply the applicable rate by your number of travelers. We confirm your hotel pickup, any supplements, booking currency and final total before payment.
How do I reserve?
Contact us with your date, hotel and group details. We confirm availability and the deposit required before you pay. The remaining balance is payable in cash in MXN to the guide, as stated in your booking confirmation.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Weather, access restrictions and operating conditions may require adjustments. Tell us your priorities before booking; customization must be confirmed and may change the price. Ask us to explain the cancellation and weather terms before payment.
Are flamingos or crocodiles guaranteed?
No. Animals live freely in the reserve, and sightings depend on season, conditions and their movements.
Will Las Coloradas be bright pink?
The appearance of the saltwater changes with light, weather and local conditions. The itinerary does not guarantee a particular shade or access to every viewpoint.
Can we climb at Ek Balam?
Access follows the archaeological site’s current rules. Your guide will explain which areas are open on the day.
How is the private price calculated?
The team confirms a written quote for your group size, travel date and hotel before payment. Request your total in USD and the MXN amount payable for your booking.
How do I reserve?
Contact us with your date, hotel and group details. We confirm availability and the deposit required before you pay. The remaining balance is payable in cash in MXN to the guide, as stated in your booking confirmation.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Weather, access restrictions and operating conditions may require adjustments. Tell us your priorities before booking; customization must be confirmed and may change the price. Ask us to explain the cancellation and weather terms before payment.
Are flamingos or crocodiles guaranteed?
No. Animals live freely in the reserve, and sightings depend on season, conditions and their movements.
Will Las Coloradas be bright pink?
The appearance of the saltwater changes with light, weather and local conditions. The itinerary does not guarantee a particular shade or access to every viewpoint.
Can we climb at Ek Balam?
Access follows the archaeological site’s current rules. Your guide will explain which areas are open on the day.
How is the private price calculated?
The team confirms a written quote for your group size, travel date and hotel before payment. Request your total in USD and the MXN amount payable for your booking.
How do I reserve?
Contact us with your date, hotel and group details. We confirm availability and the deposit required before you pay. The remaining balance is payable in cash in MXN to the guide, as stated in your booking confirmation.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Weather, access restrictions and operating conditions may require adjustments. Tell us your priorities before booking; customization must be confirmed and may change the price. Ask us to explain the cancellation and weather terms before payment.
Ready for Ek Balam & Rio Lagartos?
Send your preferred date, hotel name, number of adults and children’s ages. We’ll confirm availability, pickup arrangements and the complete price before you book.