Compare Mayan architectural styles

The Chichen Itza – Ek Balam Combo is a private YucaTreks excursion that provides guests with a compare and contrast opportunity of two very different Mayan architectural styles. This opportunity was created by our team to show how the Mayan evolved and changed their building styles throughout the Yucatan. Chichen Itza predominantly has carved stone buildings, a typical style found in most ruin sites. Ek Balam is a personal favorite due to its decorated buildings.

First stop – Chichen Itza the ancient Maya wonder

Named a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1988, Chichen Itza was also declared one of the new 7 Ancient Wonders of the World in 2007. Once you see this archaeological site for yourself you’ll understand why it is the most visited Mayan Ruin in the area! This vast Mayan city was constructed in phases providing the most diverse examples of carved Mayan architectural styles in one location. Chichen Itza was one of the Mayan World’s most important cities with an array of monumental buildings that carry a long spiritual, religious and political history. The most famous is the Pyramid of Kulkulcan, with the Temple of 1000 columns and the largest ritual ball court in the Mayan World following in the Mayan tradition of influential buildings.

We start the day early to avoid the midday heat and beat the tour bus crowds that descend upon this Mayan Ruin site. Chichen Itza has plenty to see and we want to make sure that you experience this fantastic site and all it’s splendor fully. Our goal is to create a different tour experience, an intimate excursion with friends that is fun, relaxing and educational.

Now for something completely different – Valladolid

Our next stop is in the colonial town of Valladolid where you have free time to stroll around the quaint town square and pop into local shops. This historical city has the oldest church in the Yucatan, colonial Spanish architecture, family-run shops and wonderful crafts by local artisans. Take a few pictures, perhaps do a little shopping, a perfect conclusion to your Yucatan day. Setting foot from an ancient Mayan city into the heart of a Spanish colonial city gives you an inside look into the history of the Yucatan. The contrast is amazing.

Compare and contrast local flavors

After a morning of walking within the walls of Chichen Itza, we further our understanding and appreciation for the Yucatan with a Yucatecan lunch served at a historic hacienda. In the early 1900s, Haciendas were the focal point of agrigriculture and business in the Yucatan. They have been compared to Plantations and working farms that built the wealth of the Yucatan. The hacienda staff prepare original recipes for this lunch, giving us a try foodie experience in a historical setting. Only local ingredients are used and the flavors are out of this world. Mexican dishes are served alongside Yucatecan dishes, highlighting cooking styles, and recipes.

Observe the unique architecture at Ek Balam Ruins

This archaeological site provides insight into a very different style of Mayan architecture unique to Ek Balam. You have the earlier experience of typical Mayan carved buildings at Chichen Itza. You now have the unique ability to compare and contrast the techniques used on the buildings of Ek Balam. The construction and decoration of Ek Balam’s buildings was completed with stucco and limestone mortar, not the stone carvings found at Chichen Itza, Coba or the Tulum Ruins. In additon to the highly decorated and detailed structures, Ek Balam has unique features within its city limits. Sacbes, man-made roads, lead into the center of the city that is protected by an unusual wall. The Mayas took the four cardinal points into great consideration when building their city giving Ek Balam a deeper spiritual significance.