Ek BalámEk BalámWe drove from Piste to Valladolid along Highway 180 (45 km or 30 miles), then east on Highway 295 to Ek Balám (about 11 miles). The Highway 180/295 intersection is in the middle of town. Watch for the turnoff from Highway 295 to Honuku, turn right and go another 11 miles. The roads are good.
We established a base in the town of Pisté, at the Pirámide Inn, a moderate motel with large clean rooms (air-conditioned), a small restaurant, pool and beautiful garden. Since it is on the main road, if you stay there try to get a room in the back.
This is a newly excavated site with on-going work. It was an active city between 100A.D. and 1200 A.D. The name means "star jaguar".
The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is free. Entry is free on Sundays.
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The sentry post as shown in the picture for the heading. It is strategically placed near the entrance to the site, with arched doorways in each of the building's faces. |
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The Tower, is the site's largest building. From the top you can see the archeological site at Cobá, more than 30 miles away as the crow flies. |
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The Palace of the Nuns has a row of corbel arched rooms. It is built in the Puuc style of other sites. Much progress has been made in the excavation. |
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The best preserved stella at the site. |
