Templo del Dios Descendente

Tulum


Templo del Dios Descendente in the Tulum Ruins is named after the relief figure of a descending god, aka the Diving God. Look for it above the building's door. The image, perhaps the most iconic of Tulum, is associated with the highly revered god of bees. At the spring equinox, a ray of sunlight shines through the temple, aligning perfectly under the image.
 

Planning a trip to Tulum? Here's some more advice to help you plan:
15 more experiences in Tulum to add your itinerary
On your way? How to get around Tulum 
Deciding when to go? The best time to plan your visit  
Tulum's 7 unmissable beaches


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Tulum attractions

1. Templo de la Estela

0.03 MILES

This is the temple where Stela 1 was found, an artifact now on display in the British Museum. Based on the stela's inscriptions, it is believed it was…

2. Estructura 25

0.04 MILES

On the south side above the main doorway you'll see a lovely stucco frieze of the Descending God, also referred to as the Diving God. The upside-down,…

3. Templo de las Pinturas

0.05 MILES

This two-story temple has some of Tulum's most intricate decorations, including relief masks, carvings, columns and partially restored color murals on an…

4. Tulum Ruins

0.06 MILES

Tulum is one of the most visited archaeological zones in Mexico and for good reason: it’s sublime. The ruins sit on seaside cliffs, high above turquoise…

5. Casa del Cenote

0.1 MILES

A small tomb was found in this house, which gets its name from a cenote found at its southern base. The Maya believed cenotes were gateways to Xibalbá …

6. Tankah Tres

1.55 MILES

At the end of a sand road is the hamlet of Tankah Tres (aka Tankah Bay), a seaside community of vacation homes and small hotels in Mexico, all facing a…

7. SFER IK

2.63 MILES

Wandering barefoot through the contemporary art museum at Azulik hotel, you feel like you’re in a giant cocoon. Nature surrounds you, inside and out:…

8. Bahías de Punta Solimán

5.97 MILES

These two beautiful, protected bays are separated by a narrow point, 123km south of Cancún and 11km north of Tulum. To get here, head east (toward the…