“The sea was never just water here; it was a compass, a god, and a gate.”
Built on a bluff above the Caribbean, Tulum wasn’t meant to be hidden. It was a coastal stronghold, one of the last great cities of the Maya. Canoes once arrived here loaded with obsidian, jade, and cacao. Priests studied the sky from its towers. Traders passed through its gates. And behind its thick walls, temples rose to honor wind, water, and time.
What makes Tulum unforgettable isn’t just its history; it’s the setting. Nowhere else can you wander through thousand-year-old ruins with the sea glittering beside you and the wind threading through the carved stone? It’s compact, vivid, and open to the horizon in every direction.
This self-guided audio tour helps you unlock the deeper meaning behind every temple, platform, and fresco. No groups. No rush. Just stories that play exactly where they belong, letting you explore at your pace, offline, and on your terms.
You’ll pass the House of the Cenote, built beside a sacred water source, and walk along walls that once protected the city from invaders and storms. The Temple of the Wind stands perched by the sea, aligned with the elements it was built to honor. The Palace of the Great Lord still feels powerful, while the Temple of the Descending God invites closer inspection with its upside-down figure carved above the doorway.
At the heart of it all is the Castle, towering over the turquoise water, a ceremonial center and beacon for incoming travelers. You’ll also discover the House of Columns and the Temple of the Frescoes, where faded artwork still speaks of gods, time, and cosmic order. Even the lesser-visited corners, such as the House of Chultun and the Temple of the Initial Series, offer surprising glimpses into the brilliance of Mayan design.
And one final tip: Bring authentic shoes, not flip-flops. The iguanas won’t judge you, but the limestone might.
Your Tulum Ruins Tour is now available in Spanish as well! Buy it today!
Hello Hola, and Hallo – Explore Tulum Ruins in English, Spanish and German!
All languages are available to you when you purchase the tour.
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Tour Map
Starting Point
You can begin the tour at the suggested starting locations provided below.
Ruinas de Tulum, Zona Hotelera Tulum, 77765 Q.R., México
Begin from Ruinas de Tulum, Zona Hotelera Tulum, 77765 Q.R., Mexico.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Tulum Ruins Audio Tour
Things to do on the Tour Include:
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Civilization
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History
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Spanish Conquest
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The Ticket booth
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Architecture
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Hieroglyphics
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The Watchtower
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North Gate
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Casa Cenote Entrance
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The House of the Cenote
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Tulum Walls
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Temple of the Wind
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Religion
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Palace of the Great Lord
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Temple of the Descending God
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The Castle
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Dancing Platform
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The House of Columns
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Calendar
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Temple of the Frescoes
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House of Chultun
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Temple of the Initial Series
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Port and Nesting Turtles
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Beach
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Mayan Ballgame
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Temple
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Today
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The town of Tulum used to be known as Zamá, a Mayan name that means Place of Dawning Sun, because it faces the sunrise.
Most tourists will agree that November through April are the ideal conditions for sightseeing. The truth is, Tulum is amazing no matter when you go. All that preserved history is available for you to discover any day of the year using our self-guided tour.
This tour of Tulum takes about one to two hours. But don’t let the small size of the site fool you – – there’s a TON of historical ground to cover. Read our comprehensive guide for more information on the length of the tulum tour.
Tulum is the site of some fantastic and well-preserved Mayan ruins.The ancient walled city of Tulum is the best-preserved of all the Mayan coastal settlements.Tulum’s unique cultural history is waiting to be discovered. How come everyone knows about Tulum is available in our blog post of: Why is Tulum famous?
The Mayan ruins in Tulum, Mexico, are a must-see for anybody visiting the breathtaking Riviera Maya. The ancient city, built as a seaside fortification with steep cliffs and limestone walls, is one of Mexico’s best-preserved coastal Maya ruins.
The Tulum Ruins are open every day of the week from 8 AM – 5 PM.
The ruins are located on the Mayan Riviera in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, just 3 kilometres (1.8 miles) from Tulum Town. It may take twice as long if you are coming from Tulum Beach’s hotel zone.
Climbing is prohibited at the ruins of Tulum. Due to the age and instability of the remains, the central structures such as Pyramid El Castillo and Temple of the Frescoes have been cordoned off. Visitors must remain on the authorised walking pathways.
No doubt Chichen Itza is crazy popular but many people prefer tulum as it is less crowded & serene. For a detailed comparison (and more confusion), you can read our blog post on: Which is better to visit: Chichen Itza or Tulum?
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Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.
GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.
Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.
Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.
Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.
Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.
Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.
Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included.
Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.
Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours.
