Tourist Hurt at Ek Balam, One of Our Last Climbable Pyramids

A visitor suffered serious injuries after falling on the main pyramid at the Ek Balam archaeological site in eastern Yucatán, one of the few remaining ancient Maya sites where climbing is still permitted. The accident occurred as the tourist attempted to navigate its steep stone steps.

Witnesses said the tourist, whose identity has not been revealed, lost his balance and tumbled down several hard limestone steps.

Security personnel and first aid staff responded quickly. Cruz Roja paramedics determined that his injuries required urgent transfer to the Hospital General de Valladolid.

Rare Climbing Opportunity in Mexico

Ek Balam stands out among Mexico’s archaeological sites as one of the last places where visitors can still legally climb the main pyramid. While major sites like Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, and Teotihuacán have banned climbing to protect both visitors and ancient structures, Ek Balam’s main structure, known as the Acropolis, remains accessible to tourists willing to navigate its 106 steps.

Chichén Itza stopped allowing tourists to ascend its famed Castillo, or Temple of Kukulcan, after a climber’s death in 2006. Still, some visitors brazenly attempt to break through the barriers and make the climb, often with adverse consequences.

The pyramid stands 480 feet (146 meters) long and over 90 feet (27 meters) in height, offering 360-degree views of the surrounding jungle from its summit. Halfway up the pyramid, visitors can observe 1,200-year-old stucco carvings under protective thatch roofing. The elaborate wall ornaments and carved figures on the Acropolis are unique among all decorative elements in the ancient Maya world, making Ek Balam famous. The city had its maximum development during the Late/Terminal Classic period (600-850/900 AD) and was possibly the seat of the kingdom of “Tlalol.”

Safety Risks at Last Climbable Sites

The incident underscores the dangers that led to climbing bans at Mexico’s most famous archaeological sites. The limestone steps, worn smooth by centuries of weathering and thousands of visitors, can become particularly treacherous. Mexico enforced climbing prohibitions at Uxmal and Teotihuacán pyramids in 2020, extending the ban from the 2008 prohibition on climbing the Temple of Kukulcán at Chichén Itzá.

The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has been systematically closing monuments to climbing in recent years due to both preservation concerns and safety issues. Monday’s accident at Ek Balam demonstrates why these restrictions have become necessary at major sites, even as it highlights the unique appeal of the few remaining climbable pyramids.

Visitors to Ek Balam frequently note the steep nature of the pyramid climb, with many reviews advising “extreme caution when climbing up or down.” The ancient Maya steps can be particularly challenging due to their steepness and the effects of weather and wear over time. Tour operators typically recommend proper footwear.

Drawing Visitors Willing to Take Risks

Ek Balam’s status as one of Mexico’s last climbable pyramids has made it increasingly popular among tourists seeking experiences no longer available at major sites. The archaeological site welcomes hundreds of national and international tourists daily, many drawn specifically by the opportunity to climb where major destinations like Chichén Itzá no longer permit access.

The site is 17 miles (27 kilometers) north of Valladolid, and 115 miles (185 kilometers) from Cancún. Many visitors make the approximately 2.5-hour drive from Cancún’s hotel zone, taking the toll road toward Valladolid before turning off at the Ek Balam/Temozón exit.

Entry fees total 561 pesos for foreign adults, including a 100-peso INAH fee and 461-peso Yucatán state tax. The site opens at 8 a.m., with many tour operators recommending early arrival for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Unlike Chichén Itzá, which can see up to 9,000 visitors daily, Ek Balam typically receives around 500 visitors per day.

The archaeological zone offers visitors more than just pyramid climbing. One of the attractions of Ek Balam is the Xcanché cenote, one of the most beautiful cenotes in Yucatán, located 1.5 kilometers from the main ruins. The cenote features a large open pit of 130 feet (40 meters) in diameter surrounded by 50-foot (15-meter) walls, accessible by bicycle or tricycle taxi from the archaeological site.

So Where Can You Still Climb the Pyramids?

Feel lucky? Willing to take risks to get a better view? Here are more pyramids in Mexico where tourists can still climb to the top or partway up:

Coba (Quintana Roo)

Nohoch Mul Pyramid – At 138 feet tall, this is one of the tallest pyramids on the Yucatan Peninsula and still allows climbing to the summit. The climb is steep and challenging, with a rope to assist climbers.

Uxmal (Yucatán)

Pyramid of the Magician – Limited climbing is permitted on certain sections, though not always to the very top depending on current regulations.

Calakmul (Campeche)

Structure II – This massive pyramid in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve allows climbing, offering views above the jungle canopy where you might spot howler monkeys.

Becán (Campeche)

Several structures at the lesser-known site of Becán still permit climbing.

Xunantunich (near Mexican border in Belize)

While technically in Belize, Xunantunich is easily accessible from Mexico and “El Castillo” can be climbed.

Mexico City

After a five-year closure for conservation work, the first section of the Pyramid of the Moon at Teotihuacán has reopened for climbing. Visitors can climb to the top of the first platform, but the upper levels remain closed to preserve the monument.

Important notes: Climbing policies can change frequently due to preservation concerns and safety issues. The climbs can be physically demanding and potentially dangerous due to steep, narrow steps.