Ekbalam significa "jaguar negro" en maya. Este sitio fue, tal vez, ante debido a su monumentalidad. el principal centro de actividad del oriente del estado de Yucatán y probablemente el más importe.

Cabe señalar que la Plaza Central destaca por su grandeza y está formada por tres estructuras ceremoniales de grandes proporciones. En el asentamiento existen, además, varios templos pequeños, altares y edificios habitacionales. La pirámide principal conocida como La Torre es comparable por su tamaño (30 metros de altura, 155 metros de largo y 60 metros de ancho) con las estructuras sobresalientes mayas del noreste de Yucatán.

El máximo desarrollo de Ekbalam tuvo lugar durante los años 700 al 1000 d.C., fechas que corresponden al periodo Clásico Terminal. En ese tiempo los edificios alcanzaron sus mayores dimensiones y el sitio dominó la región norte de Valladolid, en la que existen, al menos, una docena de sitios importantes. Es posible que éste haya sido un importante centro de producción y administración agrícola durante la época prehispánica. Tal aseveración se sugiere por la alta producción de maíz, cera, miel y algodón, que se da actualmente en el área.

La zona arqueológica se ubica a 190 kilómetros, al oriente de la ciudad de Mérida, en el estado de Yucatán. Para acceder se toma la carretera número 295 que se dirige a Tizimin.

The name Ek Balam means "black jaguar" in Maya, and judging by the monumental grandeur of this archaeological site, it is easy to see why it is considered to have been the hub of Mayan political and cultural activity in the eastern sector of Yucatán state.

Ek Balam's sublime central plaza is an outstanding example of Mayan architectural mastery and is formed by three large and excellently restored ceremonial structures. Surrounding the larger central buildings is a network of smaller temples, altars and domestic quarters in different stages of restoration, all of which makes wandering through the ancient citadel a quite unforgettable experience. However it is without doubt the main pyramid, known simply as The Tower, that dominates the site with its impressive proportions (30m high, 155m long and 60m wide). The pyramid shares architectural characteristics with many of the most famous pyramids of the northern Yucatán and the spectacular view from its summit and the beautiful sculptures of the Acropolis half-way up the steps are unmissable for any visitor to this site.

The peak of Ek Balam's development took place between 700 and 1000 AD, which places it within what experts refer to as the Terminal Classic period. During this period the buildings reached their most impressive dimensions and the city exerted its authority over at least a dozen smaller Mayan sites north of Valladolid. Ek Balam is thought to have been a major producer and trading post for products such as corn, beeswax, honey and cotton, all of which are produced in the region to this day.

To reach the archaeological site you should take the Tizimin road (highway 295) out of state capital Mérida and continue for 190 km until you see signs for Ek Balam.