Private Tour: Pink Flamingos, Maya Temples and Ek Balam

If you’re looking for a full-day private adventure from Cancun that combines ancient history, vibrant wildlife, and scenic boat rides, this tour offers a compelling option. Priced at $495 per group (up to 15 people), it promises a 12-hour experience filled with memorable sights and personalized touches. The tour is highly rated, with a perfect 5.0/5 from 4 reviews, emphasizing its quality and attention to detail.

This tour is especially suitable for families and small groups wanting an intimate, flexible exploration of some of the region’s most captivating sites. The private transportation, on-board beverages, and a local guide who doubles as the boat captain** add to the convenience. While the tour includes many highlights, it’s important to note that Ek Balam entrance fees and optional guide costs are additional, and the boat ride costs $95 USD per private boat.

Key Points

• Private tour from Cancun tailored for groups up to 15
• Highlights include Mayan temples at Ek Balam and wildlife at Rio Lagartos with pink flamingos
• Flexible itinerary that can be customized to meet your needs
• Includes private transportation and drinks on board
• Total duration approximately 12 hours
• Additional costs: boat ride, entrance fees, and optional guide at Ek Balam

Visiting Ek Balam: Ancient Mayan Temples and Main Pyramid

The tour begins with a visit to Ek Balam, a small but impressive archaeological site. The main temple is 40 meters high, and visitors are allowed to climb up and explore the top for panoramic views. The admission fee of $28 USD is not included in the base price, and you can choose to hire an optional guide for $55 USD for a more in-depth explanation of the site.

Ek Balam offers a quieter alternative to larger Mayan ruins, making it ideal for those interested in authentic archaeological exploration without overwhelming crowds. The two-hour stop provides enough time to walk through the site, admire the detailed carvings, and take photos of the impressive structures.

Rio Lagartos: Birdwatching and Pink Flamingos in Nature

The second major stop is Rio Lagartos, where a three-hour boat tour takes you along the river to spot various bird species and local fauna. The highlight here is the chance to see pink flamingos up close, a stunning sight that captivates many visitors.

The boat ride is operated by a local guide who is also the captain, ensuring you learn about the ecosystem and wildlife firsthand. The cost of the private boat is $95 USD (for up to 6 people), payable in cash. This allows for a personalized experience, and the boat can be booked exclusively for your group, ensuring a relaxed and intimate viewing of the wildlife.

Flexibility and Personalization of the Tour

One of the top advantages of this private tour is the ability to customize the itinerary. The guide offers choices between different routes, including a scenic, slower route versus a faster toll route, allowing you to prioritize comfort or efficiency.

The tour overall is designed to meet your needs, whether you’re traveling with children or a group of friends. The pickup service at your hotel adds convenience, and the ground transportation is private, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.

What’s Not Included and Additional Expenses

While many aspects are taken care of, some costs are not included in the base price. The boat ride costs $95 USD, payable in cash, and is optional but highly recommended for wildlife viewing. The entrance fee to Ek Balam is $28 USD per person, and hiring a guide at Ek Balam is an extra $55 USD if you want a detailed tour of the ruins.

You should also budget for lunch, which is not included, and the federal dock tax of $8 USD. These extras allow you to tailor the experience further but are important to plan for in advance.

Meeting Point and Booking Details

This tour operates daily, with pickups available from most hotels in Cancun. The meeting point is flexible, with confirmation provided at the time of booking. Travelers are advised to wear comfortable clothing and bring walking towels, tennis shoes, sandals, or similar footwear suitable for walking and outdoor exploration.

The experience is suitable for most travelers, including children, and is designed to be a comfortable, stress-free day with ground transportation and beverages on board.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this tour truly appealing is the combination of Mayan culture and vibrant wildlife, all in a private setting that can be tailored to your pace and interests. The expert local guide ensures you gain insight into both the archaeological sites and ecological areas.

The flexibility, personalized service, and small group size make this a quality choice for families and small groups seeking an engaging yet relaxed day trip from Cancun.

Final Thoughts on the Pink Flamingos, Maya Temples, and Ek Balam Private Tour

This tour delivers a comprehensive experience with historical ruins, exotic birds, and scenic boat rides all packed into a single day. The high rating and positive review from Janet H highlight the punctuality, comfort, and thoughtful amenities, like cold towels and water.

While you’ll need to budget for additional costs such as the boat ride and entrance fees, the private transport and customizable options make this tour worth considering. It’s particularly suited for families, small groups, or anyone wanting a personalized, relaxed exploration of Cancun’s nearby treasures.

If you appreciate a balance of adventure, culture, and nature, this tour provides a practical and enjoyable way to experience the region’s highlights in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is designed to be family-friendly, with flexible pacing and outdoor activities suited for children and adults alike.

What is included in the base price?
The private ground transportation and beverages on board are included, along with the local guide who is also the boat captain.

Are the entrance fees to Ek Balam included?
No, the $28 USD entrance fee for Ek Balam is paid separately. You can also hire an additional guide for $55 USD.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, with stops at Ek Balam and Rio Lagartos.

Can I customize the route?
Yes, the guide offers options for different routes, including scenic or toll-road options, allowing for some customization.

What if I want to skip the boat ride?
The boat ride is optional; if you choose not to participate, you can simply not book the $95 USD private boat.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable clothing, walking towels, and sandals or tennis shoes are recommended. Bring cash for optional expenses like the boat ride and entrance fees.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are fully refundable. Less notice may result in no refund.

What is the rating of this tour?
The tour holds an excellent rating of 5.0/5 based on 4 reviews, emphasizing its quality and positive experiences.

Who is the experience provider?
The tour is offered by Unittravel, contactable at +529981438491 or via email at [email protected].