Ek Balam, Yucatán, Mexicogenesisekbalam@gmail.com
Search
START TYPING AND PRESS ENTER TO SEARCH

archaeology yucatan

Welcome to Yucatan, home to some of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Chichen Itza, the most well known and explored, along with Coba and Ek Balam, are like points on an imaginary triangle, the peaks of each city likely visible from the next. Archaeologists are intrigued to know more about the relationship between these three great centres of advanced knowledge in mathematics, architecture and astronomy

EK BALAM

Ek Balam is one of the most exciting archaeological sites in Yucatan and it’s only a stone’s-throw from Genesis. Ek Balam governed the kingdom of Talol, once the political and spiritual heart of northern Yucatan. Even Chichen Itza and Coba, were once ruled from Ek Balam. Ek Balam retains its air of nobility, power and mystery. "The White House of Reading", commissioned by one of the city’s last great kings, features almost intact sculptures of rulers and sacred images. The gaping mouth of the Earth “monster”, edged with fangs the size of a forearm, marks the burial site of this great king and his treasures. Its acropolis is among the largest pre-Hispanic buildings by volume in Meso-America and visitors are still allowed to climb to its top.   Asleep for many centuries, Ek Balam is awakening little by little before the eyes of the world. With or without a guide, enjoy the tranquil energy and natural beauty of this spectacular site.

Chichen Itza

Almost all of our guests make the 45 minute drive to Chichen Itza from Ek Balam. Once a centre of advanced mathematics, architecture and astronomy, Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage site. More people visit Chichen Itza in one day than its population at any point during its height of power. Its frenetic commercial atmosphere recalls the essence of the original ancient marketplace with much haggling over the same materials like obsidian, jade, pottery, hide, fabrics, paper, clothing and food. Ask us for tips on getting to and from this busy site.

Coba

About an hour southeast of Genesis is Coba, once closely allied with Ek Balam politically, ideologically and spiritually. Archaeologists are particularly interested in Coba’s architecture for understanding the relationship between the Maya, nature and cosmos.

When reserving a room let us know which activities you are most interested in so that we may assist in coordination.