Tulum Mayan ruins self-guided walking audio tour
Do this because
- Enjoy a warm sea breeze and stunning views as you explore, thanks to the sapphire-blue ocean right next to Tulum
- Decipher the hidden meaning behind etchings and architecture throughout the site
- Snap photos of the astonishing Temple of Frescoes, one of the most richly decorated buildings in any Mayan city
- Learn the full story behind the infamous Mayan Calendar, which predicted the world would end in 2012
What to expect
Your tour of the Tulum Ruins begins on the outskirts of this incredible archaeological site. As you enter, you’ll learn about the fascinating, complicated history of Mayan society, including why they built things the way they did, and why so much mystery surrounds their hieroglyphics.
The first major structure you’ll see will be the House of the Cenote, where the city’s ancient residents got their water. From there, you’ll have a good view of the walls and watchtower which once guarded this place from outsiders.
Up next is the Temple of the Wind, once a shrine built to honor the wind god. From there, you’ll get a crash course in Mayan religion and the significance of all these temples.
After that comes the Palace of the Great Lord, a truly impressive structure which was once occupied by the rulers of this city. Then it’s on to the Temple of the Descending God. Not only is this one of the tallest buildings on the site, it’s also one of the most detailed, with all sorts of etchings and designs to decipher.
Next, you’ll find the Castle, which is pretty hard to miss. This imposing building is larger than any other in the Tulum Ruins, and looms over all of them from atop a bluff. It even has a platform out front dedicated for use by ancient dancers!
The House of Columns comes next, thought by scholars to be a sort of administrative building. As you pass this, you’ll learn the details of the infamous Mayan Calendar, including the fact that it’s actually two calendars!
Then you’ll reach the Temple of Frescoes, bedecked in so much ancient artwork you’ll be glad you have a tour guide to unpack it all for you! After that are the House of Chultun and the Temple of the Initial Series. These two structures are some of the best examples you can find of ancient Mayan architecture.
As you continue toward the conclusion, you’ll learn about the high stakes ball games played by the Mayans, and get filled in on where the Mayans are today. The truth might surprise you!
Important to know
Know in advance:
- Entrance tickets to Tulum Ruins are not included and must be purchased separately
- This is a self-guided tour; no guide will accompany you. The Action Tour Guide app functions as a guide, an audio tour, and a map all in one
- After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions immediately to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do not wait until you are on-site
- Works perfectly without cellular or Wi-Fi with offline maps
- This tour has been developed by local guides, curated by creative writers, and narrated by professional voice artists
- The audio stories play on their own based on your location. You can start anytime and pause anywhere
- Most stops along the tour have animated videos allowing you to visualize what you cannot see, such as snapshots from different centuries or interior rooms
- This tour is valid for an entire year - from the moment of booking. You can use it multiple times over multiple trips
What’s included
Self-guided tour taken via the app
Unique password (sent by email) for access to app
Static map on your phone
Audio narration
Written text explanations
What’s not included
Entrance fees to paid attractions
Food or drinks
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Location
Provider
ACTION TOUR GUIDE
Need a hand?
Would you like some help making a booking? Or perhaps you just want to ask a few questions. Whatever the reason, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Opening hours: Our team is available from 10.00 to 18.00 CET
Phone number: +1 208-744-6464
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