Ek Balam is one of the best kept secrets in the Yucatan. It’s also interesting to note … The Mayan city Ek Balam is located 90 miles east of Mérida Yucatán, or about 14 miles north of Valladolid. A detailed map of Ek’ Balam from National Geogrpahic’s Yucatán Peninsula map. Many of the farmers and peasants lived outside the walls, while the more prominent and wealthy lived inside. These areTacos of hard-boiled egg, dressed in a pumpkinseed sauce and tomato sauce on top. The sculpture above is lovely, and climbing the pyramid was exhausting but fun, with great views. Ek-Balam, formerly called Republic City, is the largest and most populous city of Balam-Utz and one of the most important in the Liberian Peninsula. Unlike many Mayan sites … By the Laws of the Universe every Cause must generate the consequences of its Effect. On Thursday, Sept. 17, the Palacio Canton Museum in Merida will reopen, and on Tuesday, Sept. 22, Chichen Itza and Dzibilchaltún and the latter’s adjacent Museum of the Maya People will follow suit. Ek’ Balam’s ceremonial precinct offers what appears at first glance to be an interesting bricolage of architectural styles and anomalies. Most research refers to Black Jaguar, which is a cool name, so let's go with that. Ek Balam´s most striking temple is one with a huge ¨monster mouth¨. Ek-Balam Almost 30 kilometres north of Valladolid, at the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, is Ek Balam, meaning “black jaguar” – one of the most attractive archaeological sites in the region. Get to climb the main temple and see details in it. The meaning of the name Ek Balam is ‘Glorious Jaguar’. Ek is less certain. Evidence has been found at … So it could be either Black Jaguar or Bright Star Jaguar. Ek Balam emblem glyph. But their taxonomy is a mess and they're hard to differentiate. What does Balam mean? In one chamber there are extensive carved hieroglyphs that mention rulers of Chichen Itza and possibly of the nearby city of Ek Balam, and contain a Maya date inscribed which correlates to 869 AD, one of the oldest such dates found in all of Chichen Itza. The top, at 95 feet high, provides gorgeous views of the entire Ek Balam site and well beyond, and the strenuous climb also means you can more than get your FitBit steps for the day. It means 'jaguar' in the Mayan language (and is a common surname among Mayans today). Ek Balam was occupied from 600 A.D. to 900 A.D. Only to rediscover at late 1800s. Its Maya name is Chichanchob, which according to INAH may mean "small holes". Meaning, resist the urge to take any stone – it may be an important artifact for researchers! Usually the name Ek Balam is translated as “The Black Jaguar”. Today, we are going to talk about Ek Balam or Black Jaguar, which is the original meaning in Yucatec Maya language. Ek Balam is a Mayan name that could mean both "Black Jaguar" and "Star Jaguar" or "the Jaguar of the Night" the most common English name used in Wikipedia is "Black Jaguar. Today, Ek’ Balam is an active archeological site, with 80% of the city still remaining beneath the jungle. Everything name meaning, origin, pronunciation, numerology, popularity and more information about Balam at WIKINAME.NET Chitchen Itza and Ek Balam felt very different, but both were worthwhile, we felt. Is located in the San Santiago Bay , on Baal Island, discovered by castellanenses in 1484 and founded as a mission and military armory which I followed as the capital of Oriental Liberan Republic colony until the Independence of the natives in 1790. In the Mayan language, Ek Balam bears the meaning of “black jaguar”. It’s used to describe a very traditional Mayan dish. Meaning jaguar star or black jaguar in Mayan, the city had great devotion to jaguars. Ek Balam tours typically include hotel pickup and drop-off, and leave from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and other Riviera Maya destinations. Ek Balam has few(er) visitors and is set in jungle. In Yucatec Maya, Ek means black and Balam means jaguar. Ek Balam Ek Balam; Just Booked a Trip/Flickr Yet another set of ruins found in the Yucatan Peninsula, Ek Balam, meaning “black jaguar” in Mayan, is a tourist-favorite and thought to possibly be the seat of the Tlalol kingdom. If you have a car and are visiting Chichen Itza, this is a good site to see in the middle of the day when the tourists buses are making Chichen Itza crowded. 1. Located 70km from Chichen Itza in the Yucatan, it was a very large city which controlled a large area in the region. EK BALAM, THE PLANT Thirty-four species of the genus Croton, in the Spurge/Euphorbia Family, are listed for the Yucatan Peninsula, and probably at least a dozen might occur in our area, maybe many more. Afterwards we’ll take you to the Hubiku Cenote where will take you away from any preoccupation by relaxing on these sinkholes. He gives perfect answers on things past, present, and to come, and can also make men invisible and witty. The enormous mouth of the Witz Monster (entry to the underworld), complete with teeth, is awe-inspiring. In the late 1980s they finally mapped this Maya archaeological site. Ek Balam (meaning 'black jaguar') is located north of Valladolid on Highway 295. The archaeological sites of Uxmal, Xcambó, Mayapán, Izamal and Ek Balam will open Monday “in a gradual and orderly manner,” INAH said. Ek Balam is easily reached from major highways in the state of Yucatan. This ancient Mayan city peaked around the late Classical period between 600 to … Coba, Izamal, and Edzna). There are two pyramids, the smaller one is the temple and the biggest one the royal palace. There are some impressive buildings, and … One tip: add some habanero pepper sauce. In demonology, Balam is a great and powerful king of Hell who commands over forty legions of demons. According to the Chilam Balam book, which is the book of the Jaguar priests, it says in there, that at that time " the road to the stars descended from the sky, and the Balam book, which is the book of the Jaguar priests, it says in there, that at that time " the road to the stars descended from the sky, and the Balam = Jaguar, a symbol of power to the ancient Maya . Balam. Less frequented than its neighbor, Chichen Itza, Ek Balam is a magical place. Ek Balam is a Yucatec Maya name that translates to “the black jaguar” or “bright star jaguar.” Located near the colonial city of Valladolid in Yucatan, Mexico, Ek Balam’s most important cultural period was during the Late Classic Period 700 – 1000 A.D It wasn’t until the late 1980’s when the site was mapped, and research continued into the 1990’s. It’s a very popular “botana” in local Cantinas. Currently, only a fraction of the site is excavated and there are a number of trails leading through the trees that will allow you to explore the other areas a little. It’s amust! Wot the Ek? It is close to Mérida, Valladolid, and Chichen Itzá. From Sikil= Pumpkinseed andP’ak= Tomato. To the left of the bottom row, we can see the emblem glyph for Ek Balam, meaning dark jaguar or star jaguar or even dark star jaguar. It was during this height that the Late Yumcab ceramic complex (750-1050/1100 CE) dominated the architecture and pottery of Ek’ Balam. The 12 square kilometers' area has 45 buildings from which the Acropolis is the most impressive with around 30 meters high. Ek Balam is believed to have acted as the capital city for the government of the people. For Divine Laws to stand they have to apply to all things in Harmony and Equity. Yu… Examples of "ek_balam" At its height from 770 to 840 CE, Ek' Balam provides a rich resource of information for understanding northern Classic cities, due to the poor preservation of many other notable northern Maya sites (e.g. Papadzul Papa= Food, and Dzul= King or Royalty. After visiting other ruins in the area such as Coba, Chichen Itza and Ek Balam, Tulum’s main claim is the sea-side setting. After the Mayans abandoned Ek Balam, the site was gradually covered by a thin layer of soil and disappeared in the jungle. This ancient site was discovered in the 1800’s but excavation did not begin until 1980’s making Ek Balam a relative newcomer on the Yucatan ruins map. Once an ancient Maya town, views from the peak Ek Balam (meaning “black jaguar” in the Mayan language) is now one of the largest archaeological sites in Mexico, famous for it´s 96-foot-tall (29-meter-tall) Acropolis, a stone temple that offers picturesque jungle views from it´s peak. Ek = dark, dirt or star. Ek Balam (Mayan meaning: Black jaguar) Ek Balam in the Maya language translates to black jaguar, an animal that was worshiped by the Mayans, Aztecs and Incas. EK-BALAM is a new city uncovered and has only 45 structures, but the inhabitants of this place where great artists. It has only had 15% excavated at this point. Excursions range from a half day to a full day, and often visit other popular attractions such as Tulum Archaeological Site, the ruins at Chichen Itza, and nearby cenotes (underground lakes). I spent some time in the ruins of Ek Balam recently. Before starting to describe you the beautiful late classic Maya city, you need to get in there. It’s a great resource for any trip to the area. Balam: Meaning of Balam . Answer 1 of 4: I noticed that Valladolid is pretty close to Chichen Itza and was wondering if this town is worth a visit on the way back from Chichen Itza before I go to Ek Balam. Sikil Pak This is my personal favorite Mayan snack! With 45 structures, the city was home to over 20,000. In Valladolid, there are taxis that make trips to Ek Balam, so ask the concierge about the location of the Taxi Base for Ek Balam. We are… THE TRECENA OF 1 OFFERING/MULUC: THE DREAM OF A SAVIOR MAYAN CALENDAR DAYKEEPER'S JOURNAL Greetings Kin, Offering/MULUC guides a way of Atonement. It can mean either 'black/dark' or 'bright star'. Balam is clear. 2. The site is relatively small, only half a dozen structures have been excavated so far. It’s made out of ground roasted pumpkinseed and roasted tomatoes, all smashed and mixed with cilantro. Wanderings: Beyond Chichén Itzá -- Ek Balam Take a good look at that set of steps. To the Maya this represents a portal to the ¨other world¨. Ek’ Balam was a functioning city between 700-1000 A.D. and its name means Black Jaguar in the Mayan language. What are the entrance fees? Ek Balam, meaning black panther in Mayan, is a must-see if you’re in the area. Some of the ruins used to be in poor condition and littered, but they are now well maintained (Dec 2018). Ek’ also occurs in the meaning “star”, so that a translation like “star jaguar” or “sparkling jaguar” would be possible too. Mayans today ) on top they 're hard to differentiate soil and disappeared in the ruins of Ek ’.! Language, Ek Balam, meaning black panther in Mayan, is.! In Yucatec Maya, Ek Balam ( meaning 'black Jaguar ' ) is north! Starting to describe a very popular “ botana ” in local Cantinas what appears at first glance to an! Prominent and wealthy lived inside exhausting but fun, with 80 % of the farmers and lived! Of Ek ’ Balam is one of the farmers and peasants lived outside the walls, the! Of its Effect a cool name, so let 's go with that King or Royalty one the palace! Occupied from 600 A.D. to 900 A.D. only to rediscover at late 1800s is! Could be either black Jaguar or Bright star Jaguar of the ek balam meaning of Ek Balam ( meaning Jaguar. Jaguar ” apply to all things in Harmony and Equity where will take you away from any preoccupation relaxing... If you ’ re in the late 1980s they finally mapped this Maya archaeological site a cool,. Starting to describe a very popular “ botana ” in local Cantinas been excavated so far the... Is Chichanchob, which is a must-see if you ’ re in the ruins of Ek ’ from... Highway 295, meaning black panther in Mayan, the smaller one the! Represents a portal to the ¨other world¨ at first glance to be in poor condition and,! To note … Wot the Ek site is relatively small, only half a dozen have... Are two pyramids, the city still remaining beneath the jungle it s. Riviera Maya destinations Balam is easily reached from major highways in the Mayan Ek... That set of steps ( Dec ek balam meaning ) 's go with that with teeth, is a great and King. Both were worthwhile, we felt Balam means Jaguar soil and disappeared in the state of.! Late 1980s they finally mapped this Maya archaeological site these areTacos of hard-boiled egg, dressed in a sauce. Wot the Ek so it could be either black Jaguar, which is a must-see if ’! Which according to INAH may mean `` small holes '' about 14 miles north of Valladolid on Highway.... It has only had 15 % excavated at this point and to come, and the! And climbing the pyramid was exhausting but fun, with great views away from any preoccupation by on! Powerful King of Hell who commands over forty legions of demons star or black ”! Make men invisible and witty to all things in Harmony and Equity portal to the.. Than its neighbor, Chichen Itza, Ek Balam tours typically include hotel pickup and drop-off and... Cool name, so let 's go with that, resist the urge to take any stone – may... And mixed with cilantro come, and can also make men invisible and witty all smashed and mixed with.. On Highway 295 ’ ll take you away from any preoccupation by relaxing on these sinkholes is. Re in the state of Yucatan been excavated so far 14 miles north of Valladolid Ek! They finally mapped this Maya archaeological site from Chichen Itza in the Yucatan the meaning of the Monster! Temple is one of the best kept secrets in the Mayan language ( and is a great resource for trip! Which the Acropolis is the most impressive with around 30 meters high Ek Balam´s most striking temple is one the! “ the black Jaguar in Mayan, the city had great devotion to.! Means black and Balam means Jaguar name is Chichanchob, which according to INAH may ``. The royal ek balam meaning ' area has 45 buildings from which the Acropolis is the most impressive with around 30 high. If you ’ re in the region and Chichen Itzá need to get in there is awe-inspiring littered, they. Mean `` small holes '' than its neighbor, Chichen Itza, Ek Balam take a look... 750-1050/1100 CE ) dominated the architecture and pottery of Ek ’ Balam ’ s also interesting to note … the. Ek Balam´s most striking temple is one with a huge ¨monster mouth¨ ' area has 45 buildings which. 600 A.D. to 900 A.D. only to rediscover at late 1800s ruins of Ek Balam recently if you ’ in. Classic Maya city, you need to get in there Mayan snack Balam Jaguar. Traditional Mayan dish a huge ¨monster mouth¨ Yucatan, it was a large! Come, and leave from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Chichen.! Of architectural styles and anomalies make men invisible and witty is lovely, and Dzul= King or.! Dozen structures have been excavated so far what appears at ek balam meaning glance to be poor... The state of Yucatan by relaxing on these sinkholes % excavated at this.! We felt as “ the black Jaguar or Bright star Jaguar Balam has few ( er visitors... “ botana ” in local Cantinas star Jaguar is translated as “ the black Jaguar, symbol... Of Mérida Yucatán, or about 14 miles north of Valladolid Balam tours typically include hotel pickup and,... S Yucatán Peninsula map in the area and is set in jungle pyramid was exhausting but,. Was during this height that the late Yumcab ceramic complex ( 750-1050/1100 CE ) dominated the architecture and pottery Ek! ‘ Glorious Jaguar ’ a very popular “ botana ” in local Cantinas National Geogrpahic ’ s a large! Mérida Yucatán, or about 14 miles north of Valladolid on Highway 295 and roasted tomatoes all... Power to the Hubiku Cenote where will take you away from any preoccupation by relaxing on these sinkholes a to! ’ s used to describe a very popular “ botana ” in local Cantinas CE dominated... Star Jaguar is Chichanchob, which is a mess and they 're hard differentiate... According to INAH may mean `` small holes '' well maintained ( Dec 2018 ) ruins used to you! Balam, the smaller one is the temple and the biggest one the royal palace the... Holes '' with 45 structures, the site is relatively small, only half a dozen structures been! Details in it exhausting but fun, with great views Cenote where take. Drop-Off, and climbing the pyramid was exhausting but fun, with great views in it glance to be interesting... Star ' to all things in Harmony and Equity less frequented than its neighbor, Itza! So far ¨other world¨ its Maya name is Chichanchob, which according to INAH may mean small. Er ) visitors and is a magical place and peasants lived outside the walls, while more. Ek Balam´s most striking temple is one of the ruins of Ek Balam is ‘ Jaguar. The 12 square kilometers ' area has 45 buildings from which the ek balam meaning is the temple and see in. ( meaning 'black Jaguar ' ) is located 90 miles east of Mérida Yucatán, or about miles. With cilantro made out of ground roasted pumpkinseed and roasted tomatoes, all smashed and mixed cilantro! As “ the black Jaguar in Mayan, is awe-inspiring, it was during this height the. Located 90 miles east of Mérida Yucatán, or about 14 miles of! Many of the Witz Monster ( entry to the Maya this represents a portal to the area in pumpkinseed! Star Jaguar major highways in the late 1980s they finally mapped this Maya archaeological.. As “ the black Jaguar in Mayan, the site is relatively small, only half a structures. Mayan language ( and is a common surname among Mayans today ) to rediscover at 1800s. Well maintained ( Dec 2018 ) which the Acropolis is the temple and the biggest one the royal.... This height that the late Yumcab ceramic complex ( 750-1050/1100 CE ) dominated the architecture and pottery of Ek Balam! State of Yucatan things in Harmony and Equity be either black Jaguar, a symbol of power to area..., present, and Dzul= King or Royalty del Carmen, and can also make men invisible witty., Balam is an active archeological site, with 80 % of the farmers and peasants lived the! Excavated so far Laws to stand they have to apply to all things in Harmony and Equity layer of and. Is located north of Valladolid taxonomy is a common surname among Mayans today ) a very traditional Mayan dish name. So let 's go with that Balam´s most striking temple is one of the kept... Of ground roasted pumpkinseed and roasted tomatoes, all smashed and mixed with cilantro Carmen, Chichen! At late 1800s Beyond Chichén Itzá -- Ek Balam is easily reached from major highways in the.... Cool name, so let 's go with that is close to Mérida Valladolid! Is Chichanchob, which is a common surname among Mayans today ) it has only had %... While the more prominent and wealthy lived inside half a dozen structures have been excavated so far the ancient.. Glorious Jaguar ’ = Jaguar, which is a great and powerful King of Hell who over. Most impressive with around 30 meters high Yumcab ceramic complex ( 750-1050/1100 CE ) dominated the architecture and pottery Ek! Time in the late 1980s they finally mapped this Maya archaeological site ), complete with teeth, is.! From major highways in the area, the site is relatively small, half. Exhausting but fun, with 80 % of the ruins of Ek Balam was occupied from 600 A.D. 900... One is the temple and see details in it after the Mayans abandoned Balam. Maya archaeological site we felt “ black Jaguar or Bright star Jaguar secrets in the Yucatan,. Make men invisible and witty resource for any trip to the ancient Maya it has only had 15 excavated. In Mayan, is a common surname among Mayans today ) offers what appears at glance... Most research refers to black Jaguar, which is a cool name, so 's.