Tulum Mayan Ruins

Tulum Mayan Ruins showing a ruin


Sitting high above the Caribbean Sea, these spectacular ruins have become one of the most popular tourist sites in all of Mexico.

Located atop a dramatic height along the Yucatán Peninsula, the pre-Hispanic Tulum Mayan Ruins are a sight to behold. The history of the ruins is equally fascinating, with fortified walls that date right back to the 13th century.

Also defended by the surrounding cliffs and the Caribbean Sea, the ancient city of Tulum was a thriving trading post between the 13th and 15th centuries and was one of the last cities in Mexico to fall to the Spanish invaders. The area remains successful to this day, now as one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country.

Visitors generally approach the ruins from the north wall, so the first thing they see is El Castillo, the commanding 7.5-metre structure that looms over the entire site. Unfortunately, due to a protection order, it is not possible to enter El Castillo, but the view from below is more than impressive. For the best possible view, arrive before dawn and long before the tourist buses begin their descent. The sight of the sunrise as it crosses the Caribbean to light up the length of El Castillo is well worth the early wake-up call.

As the day begins to warm up, make your way down to the sheltered cove nestled beneath the ruins. Once upon a time, this was where the trading canoes would land. Nowadays, it’s the perfect spot to cool down with a leisurely dip.

The Tulum Mayan Ruins are open every day and there is a small fee to enter. You'll need about an hour for your visit and you should make sure you have a hat with you as well as a pair of comfortable walking shoes.

There are regular buses to the area from Playa del Carmen and Cancun, or you could try the shared taxi van service. The town of Tulum Pueblo is about 3 kilometres to the south and is home to a variety of great restaurants.

Reviews of Tulum Mayan Ruins

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
16
" "5 - Excellent 66.66666666666667%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 8.333333333333334%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Arrive early to miss both the heat and the crowds! This is, I believe, the only Mayan coastal site. Definitely worth visiting. We found more information boards provided at this site in English and Spanish which was helpful.

Popular places to visit


Top Tulum Mayan Ruins Hotel Deals

Naala Tulum
Naala Tulum
3.5 out of 5
Av. Cobá Sur, Región 014, Súper Manzana 001, Manzana 004, Lote 001, Tulum, QROO
Naala Tulum
Villa Pescadores Tulum
Villa Pescadores Tulum
3 out of 5
Carretera Tulum - Ruinas Km 0.5, Tulum, QROO
Villa Pescadores Tulum
Ikal Hotel Tulum
Ikal Hotel Tulum
3.5 out of 5
Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila km 3, Tulum, QROO
Ikal Hotel Tulum
El Paraiso Hotel Tulum
El Paraiso Hotel Tulum
3.5 out of 5
Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila, Mz 3, Lote 2, Tulum, QROO
El Paraiso Hotel Tulum
Kimpton Aluna Tulum, an IHG Hotel
Kimpton Aluna Tulum, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Poligono 04 Fraccion 05 Lote 04 S/N, Tulum, QROO
Kimpton Aluna Tulum, an IHG Hotel
Aloft Tulum
Aloft Tulum
4.5 out of 5
Av. Coba Sur Mz 5 Lt 1, Smz 1 Region 14, Tulum, QROO
Aloft Tulum
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.