Name: Parador Turistico Xaman Ek
Address: Carretera Nueva a Ek Balam Tablaje 9099, Temozón, YU, Mexico, Temozon, Temozon, Temozon, 97781, Mexico
Rating: 7

Restaurant

Meals

Internet access

Internet

Swimming pool

Pool and beach

Location

At the apartment

Coba Ruins

Parador Turistico Xaman Ek

Temozon

The restaurant is closed, the pool and playground are in ruins. The owner has kept his rental business, but you have to love sleeping alone in the jungle, in the middle of nowhere, with the prospect of making a 20-minute drive to find a cafe or a place to dine in the evening. And provide a torchlight: why bother lighting at night, since there's no one... in short, an establishment to avoid.

Almost abandoned

We came across this magic place almost by accident - we needed coffee and our five year old was hungry on the road to Ek'Balam, so we stopped in here without much thought or expectation. What a paradise we found.

Once we decided to drink our coffee out back, our daughter couldn't believe what she was discovering - a pool, and deer, a playground and a giant olookout tower and Alfredo even let her feed the baby turtles. After a couple of weeks at the beach it was a real pleasure to let her roam a bit without worry.

The grounds are beautifully and thoughtfully landscaped, with a "Fred Flintstone Lounge", a fire pit and a temezcal. At night the white stones paint a picture...

Alfredo (along with his co-owner siblings) was the perfect host, embodying both the 'no molestar' spirit and the kind personal charm that is Mexican hospitality - he didn't try to sell us on the room at all, but once we asked he was more than happy to show it; they have only two (we had the upstairs, with a bathtub on the roof deck!). Understated good taste, I'd say, and supremely comfortable beds.

I could go on and on but you must discover this spot for yourself.

As for our daughter, she's sttill talking about the board games and darts, the turtles and the deer....

go for the coffee, stay for the night

I came across this lovely spot by accident near the Ek Balam ruins.  It is a daytime restaurant and artisan shop, with accommodation.  The landscaped gardens, set amongst the jungle, are beautiful.  There is a pool, picnic areas, play equipment for the kids and a viewing tower with 360 degree views across the surrounding jungle (a great spot at sunset!).  The accommodation is comfortable, private and reasonably priced.  

It is family run and Antonio, the owner, is super friendly and helpful.  We ended up chatting for a few hours over a couple beers and it was a lovely evening.  Breakfast was cooked to order the next day and was the perfect start to a day of exploring the ruins at Ek Balam and Chichen Itza.

There is not much in the way of accommodation or food near Ek Balam, but these ruins are well worth the visit (one of my favourite Mayan sites in Mexico), so the addition of Parador Touristico Xaman'Ek is very welcome!  I stayed here as a solo female traveller and felt very safe and well cared for.  I hope to be back to show my partner the wonderful ruins at Ek Balam and will be sure to stay with Antonio again.  

My only other note would be to let them know in advance if you would like dinner.  I didn't need dinner, but I think they would be more than happy to arrange something for you if needed.

Parador Turistico Xaman Ek

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