Chichen Itza & Ek Balam: App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle
Active
2h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Travel deep into Chichen Itza and Ek Balam on this self-guided driving excursion. Explore El Castillo, the Temple of the Warriors, and The Red House. Discover The Church's history, the Ceremonial Circular Steam Bath, and The Tomb. Your climax? Pyramid vista is stunning. For a flexible and immersive experience, navigate these hallowed locations with rich audio narration, brilliant pictures, and an easy map.
After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Available options
Chichen Itza & Ek Balam: App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle
What's included
Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Easily the most famous landmark in Chichen Itza. El Castillo, also known as the Pyramid of Kukulkan, was built to honor the snake deity Kukulkan. Its impressive and imposing architecture also reveals a lot about Mayan civilization, which you'll learn as you admire the striking structure.
Note: The tour is over 1.5 miles long per tour, with more than 20 audio stories per tour, and takes about 2-3 hours per tour to complete.
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
2
Stop 2
Tzompantli literally means skull rack, and it was once exactly what it sounds like. This represents a place where the heads of sacrificial victims were placed following their sacrifice. The platform depicts warriors carrying human heads, skulls, snakes and eagles on all of the walls.
3
Stop 3
Otherwise known as the Well of Sacrifice, this is one of the most sacred sites in Chichen Itza. This exposed pool of water was believed to house the rain god Chaac, and was thus chosen as a sacrificial site in times of drought and flood.
4
Stop 4
Much like an expensive wedding cake, the Temple of Warriors has three thick tiers at the bottom with a small temple on top. It also features about 200 columns, each of which sports carvings of Toltec warriors in varying scenes.
5
Stop 5
El Caracol is one of the more interesting buildings of Chichen Itza. On top of this structure sit the remains of what was once an observatory. From here, the Mayans would watch the stars and try to infer things about the future based on the movement of the planets.
6
The Nunnery, or Las Monjas, is one of the largest buildings in Chichen Itza. It's also one of the most archaeologically significant, owing to the huge number of texts inscribed into the walls, many of which mention a ruler named Kakupakal.
7
Your tour of Ek' Balam begins directly adjacent to the parking area for the ruin. Best known for the well-preserved tomb of king Ukit Kan Le'k Tok’, this archaeological site is packed with history and mystery. It's also one of the few places where you can still climb to the top of a pyramid!
8
Several more attractions to see...
- Welcome
- Civilization
- Visitors Centre
- History
- Spanish Conquest
- Sacbe
- Defensive Wall
- Entrance Arch
- Mayan Ballgame
- Ballcourt
- Architecture
- Ceremonial Circular Steam Bath
- Religion
- The Acropolis
- Hieroglyphic Serpents
- The Tomb
- Top of the Pyramid
- South Plaza
- Today
- Farewell
What's not included
Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
Savings tips: Walking tours: couples can share one tour by splitting headphones
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
For the best experience, bring headphones/earbuds for your walking tour.
For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
Meeting point
Begin from Zona Arqueológica de Ek Balam, VVQ8+F4, 97743 Ekbalam. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Important notes
1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:
• Download the App: actiontourguide.com/app
• Find Your Password: Search your email or text messages for “Action Tour Guide”
• Enter Password: Open the app and enter your 8-digit password
• Download the Tour NOW while you have Wi-Fi or cell service
• Offline Ready: Once downloaded, the tour works without internet
• Need Help? Visit: actiontourguide.com/redeem
2. Download The Tour NOW:
• Download NOW over WiFi or cellular data ahead of your trip.
• Don’t wait until travel day - your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR from purchase.
• Your password redemption is limited to the number of travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.
3. Audio Tour Tips:
• This is a self-guided audio tour - no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Entrance and attraction tickets are not included. Please book those separately.
• Curious how it works? Watch a quick video here: actiontourguide.com/tutorial
• Bring headphones for the best experience on your walking tour.
• Valid for 12 months - listen to your tour on any day without changing your travel date or rebooking!
4. Help & Support:
• Visit our FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq
• Chat online: actiontourguide.com
• Call: 1-315-291-0634
• Email: support@actiontourguide.com
About Chichen Itza, Riviera Maya & the Yucatan
Chichen Itza, Riviera Maya, and the Yucatan offer a captivating blend of ancient Mayan history, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. This region is home to some of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world, alongside crystal-clear cenotes and lush jungles.
Top Attractions
Chichen Itza
One of the most famous Mayan ruins in the world, Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring iconic structures like El Castillo (the Great Pyramid) and the Great Ball Court.
Historical
Half to full day
Moderate ($25-$50 including guides and transportation)
Tulum
A stunning coastal Mayan ruin perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Tulum offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Historical
Half to full day
Moderate ($20-$40 including transportation)
Cenote Ik Kil
A breathtaking natural sinkhole near Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil offers crystal-clear waters for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Nature
1-2 hours
Budget ($5-$10)
Riviera Maya
A stretch of Caribbean coastline known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife, the Riviera Maya is a popular destination for relaxation and adventure.
Beach
Multiple days
Varies (budget to luxury options available)
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected natural area, the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is home to diverse wildlife, mangrove forests, and pristine lagoons.
Nature
Full day
Moderate ($50-$100 for guided tours)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cochinita Pibil
Slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote and citrus, traditionally cooked in an underground pit.
Main Dish
Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Panuchos
Fried tortillas stuffed with refried beans and topped with shredded chicken, pickled onions, and avocado.
Appetizer
Contains chicken, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Sopa de Lima
A tangy and refreshing soup made with lime, chicken broth, and shredded chicken, often served with tortilla strips and avocado.
Soup
Contains chicken, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Pescado a la Tikin Xic
Grilled fish marinated in achiote and citrus, wrapped in banana leaves.
Main Dish
Contains fish, suitable for vegetarians if fish is omitted, but not for vegans.
Popular Activities
Snorkeling
Scuba diving
Cenote exploration
Zip-lining
ATV tours
Beach lounging
Yoga and wellness retreats
Spa treatments
Best Time to Visit
December to April
This is the dry season, offering pleasant weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. It's the most popular time to visit, with vibrant festivals and ideal conditions for exploring ruins and beaches.
22-30°C
72-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English, Mayan languages
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Mexican Peso (MXN)
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5)
Electricity
127VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas
The Yucatan is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation. Exercise caution when using ATMs, and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or isolated areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs
Getting there
By air
- Cancún International Airport • 200 km from Chichen Itza
- Mérida Rejón International Airport • 60 km from Chichen Itza
By bus
Cancún Bus Station, Mérida Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
ADO buses are comfortable, reliable, and affordable, with frequent services between major towns and cities.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Didi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Playa del Carmen
Tulum
Mérida
Valladolid
Day trips
Isla Mujeres
13 km from Cancún • Full day
A small island known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere.
Cozumel
64 km from Playa del Carmen • Full day
A popular island destination known for its world-class scuba diving and snorkeling.
Rio Lagartos
150 km from Mérida • Full day
A small coastal town known for its pink lakes, flamingos, and traditional fishing villages.
Festivals
Carnaval de Mérida • February or March (dates vary)
Festival de las Calaveras • October
Cervantino de Yucatán • October
Pro tips
- Visit Chichen Itza early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat
- Explore the region's cenotes for a unique and refreshing swimming experience
- Try local Yucatecan cuisine, including cochinita pibil, panuchos, and sopa de lima
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your travel experience and connect with locals
- Be mindful of the region's climate and pack appropriate clothing and sun protection
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
