Ek BalamTrip Report
Ek Balam Review and Photos: Ek Balam is nearly a 3 hour drive from Playa. EK Balam means black jaguar in Mayan.
Our trusty driver Reyes with Playa.Info hauled us to Ek Balam right after the Chitzen Itza trip. Reyes is from this area and was very informative about the region.
The site dates from around 100 BC to about 1200 AD, with its peak between 700-1000 AD.
This was a prominent site based on its impressive architecture. The main pyramid, known as the Acropolis or the Tower (Torre) is taller than the Castillo at Chitzen Itza.
This pyramid is 100 feet high, 500 feet long, and 200 feet wide. The pyramid is located in a central plaza bordered by ceremonial structures. There are also numerous smaller buildings on the grounds.
White stucco designs have recently been uncovered within the pyramid. The main features near the top of the pyramid show a tall jaguar mouth with winged Mayan warriors and Mayan inscriptions.
From the top of the pyramid, you can see other towering Mayan sites. Some say these are Coba and Chichen Itza, but our guide at Ek Balam said they are other unexplored Mayan sites.
The presence of a wide system of sacbes (white roads) indicates frequent interaction with other cities.
Ek Balam has led archaeologists to theorize that it was probably an agricultural center - today the region produces corn, vegetables and honey.
The entrance to the city is a typical Mayan arch.
The ramp up and down the entrance is very steep requiring the visitor to come close to kneeling to enter or leave, perhaps a mandated showing of respect.
Beneath the outer layer of the temple walls, archaeologists discovered the tomb of the ruler of Ek Balam. The condition of the stucco reliefs which were protected inside the wall is amazing. The doorway is a huge jaguar mouth with teeth.
Full statues are so detailed you can see the braids in their hair and the pattern of their clothing. Hieroglyphs of corn are next to warriors with skulls on their belts. There are also wall paintings in excellent condition. This unique stucco architecture is amazing.
The city also has a wall which is not high enough to provide much protection, which probably means it was built for ceremonial purposes.
Other ceremonial features include the ball court, where the important Mayan ball game was held.
