Ek Balam Mayan Ruins

After the crowds and sellers of Chichen Itza started to grate our nerves, we headed back to the coast. After a stop for lemon marinated BBQ chicken at some town right there, we see a sign for Ek Balam. What’s that? Sounds Arab. Let’s go see.
What a cool place. No tour buses parked in the lot, just six or so cars. Wow, this place must really suck, but we’re here already so let’s check it out. BUT IT DIDN’T SUCK. It was pretty freaking awesome. As usual, most ruins were still buried, and this is definitely a work in progress. But you can see they are working on it. But what was uncovered already was really great and left a lasting impression. 90 minutes of coolness, in and out. I think it was 12 bucks admission, or a thousand pesos (lol).
You can climb the pyramid, Mexican style. No ropes, no rails. Authentico. One false slip and you’ll plunge to your death. Woohoo, this is adventure! After I climbed the pyramid, and viewed the incredible, detailed murals that looked like they were just carved, it started to rain. Oh yeah, I forgot this is a tropical jungle. Now I’m really nervous as the limestone steps are REALLY SLIPPERY. I remembered watching the German couple walk methodically back and forth, so that’s what I did. They were lucky and got down before the sudden rain.
This place is so bitchin good I doubt you will have no crowds like in 2011 when it was just opened. But really, if you rent a car be sure to go here when Chichen Itza gets to be too much. And don’t forget the roadside BBQ chicken in the adjacent town. Hands down, some of the best chicken I’ve ever had. I may sound a little unappreciative sometimes with my little jokes about Mexico, but I really love the surprises and have been about 150 times. Why the hell my Spanish isn’t better is an unsolved mystery. Maybe it’s because the people are generally warm and friendly and are very tolerant of a gringo like me. I’m kinda lazy for languages since my brain is already full of other stuff I think. Maybe I should delete some apps to make more space. Ek Balam rocks! Maggie C. would say it was Yummylicious, if you like to lick limestone.