Tulum

Travel Guide
Tulum Mayan Ruins featuring rocky coastline and tropical scenes
Explore Mayan ruins, dive in natural sinkholes and relax on picturesque beaches in this enchanting Riviera Maya town.

Tulum is an enigmatic and scenic city best known for its fascinating ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Tulum’s ancient structures are among the most well-preserved Mayan ruins in the world. Learn about the Mayan people and enjoy the town’s spectacular tropical scenery.

The Tulum Ruins is a former Mayan fortress-city, which consists of several temples and castles with views of the sea. Gaze up at the magnificent El Castillo, which stands on a dramatic limestone cliff. In front of the castle is the Temple of the Frescos, which contains wall paintings depicting the Mayan’s spiritual beliefs. Head to the north side of the site to see some small altars and lovely views of El Castillo.

After exploring the archaeological site, relax on the Tulum Ruins Beach. Take photos of this beautiful cove’s white sands and sparkling waters against the backdrop of the Mayan ruins.

Swim, snorkel or go cave diving in cenotes, natural swimming holes once revered by the Maya as a source of water during dry seasons. Scuba dive through a cave system of jagged stalagmites, stalactites and other intriguing rock formations in the Gran Cenote or the Dos Ojos Cenote.

Bring the kids to the remarkable Xel-Ha Water Park. This enormous nature park, found a 15-minute drive north of Tulum National Park, features cenotes, jungles, lagoons and rivers. Snorkel among colorful fish, go kayaking and dive off the Cliffs of Courage. Get around the park by cycling or riding the convenient jungle train.

The temperature in Tulum is fairly consistent throughout the year. The months of October through December are the best times to visit, with the wettest weather occurring from July to September. Tulum is located in the state of Quintana Roo, 80 miles (130 kilometers) south along the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula from Cancún. Fly to Cancún International Airport and take one of the daily tour buses that depart for Tulum.

Find a mix of thrilling adventure and rich culture in Tulum.

Where to stay in Tulum

Tulum Mayan Ruins showing a ruin

Zona Hotelera

Travellers to Zona Hotelera praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Tulum Beach and Tulum Mayan Ruins.

Zona Hotelera
Tulum featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements

Tulum City Center

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Historical sites and bars are notable features of Tulum City Center. You might consider stopping by Dos Aguas Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Tulum City Center
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Zama

Zama might not have many top sights, but Playa Paraiso and Las Palmas Public Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Zama
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La Veleta

4/5(8 area reviews)

Well liked for its beaches and historical sites, you might stop by Playa Paraiso and Tulum Mayan Ruins while you're exploring La Veleta and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

La Veleta
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Villas Tulum

While Villas Tulum isn't home to many top sights, Tulum Mayan Ruins and Playa Paraiso are some notable places to visit nearby.

Villas Tulum
The Waves Tulum
The Waves Tulum
4 out of 5
Avenida Kukulkan, Region 1, Mz. 32, Lt. 1, La Veleta, Tulum, QROO
The price is RM526 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
RM526
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (485 reviews)
"In general, our stay was nice. Breakfast was good and sauna y gym are ok. Gym needs maintenance but we worked out with the machines that we could."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

The Waves Tulum
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
4.5 out of 5
Carretera Cancun Tulum 307, Tulum, QROO
The price is RM2,242 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
RM2,242
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free valet parking, and 8 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,069 reviews)
"Nice resort"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
5 out of 5
Carretera Cancun Tulum 307, Tulkal Chemuyil, Tulum, QROO
The price is RM2,334 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
RM2,334
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Tulum. Enjoy free valet parking, 3 outdoor pools, and 7 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (138 reviews)
"Nice resort, jacuzzis were lukewarm only, no live entertainment, meals were very expensive at the on-site restaurants, taxis to go anywhere were expensive. $20 USD for a 7 minutes drive to Akumal beach one way for two people. The beach was covered with seaweeds. We were there at the beginning of ..."

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2024

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
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.
Xambé
Xambé
3.5 out of 5
Avenida Central, Aldea Zama, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (8 reviews)
"Quiet getaway for those looking for a more intimate jungle feel. Plenty of development in the area so be mindful that you still will be in a neighborhood that is actively undergoing construction. Would book again for multiple couples trips."

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2024

Xambé
Siwa Tulum
Siwa Tulum
4 out of 5
Quintana Roo 15, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Tulum Beach and Tulum Mayan Ruins are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"This resort was fantastic would definitely recommend!"

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Siwa Tulum
Casa Wahh
Casa Wahh
4 out of 5
Privada Luum Zama en Aldea Zama,, Mza 27, lte 1, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room massages. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Tulum Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (95 reviews)
"The place was amazing. Only about a 20-minute walk from Tulum Central if you like to walk. We spent five nights there, and our host, Anel, was immaculate. She helped us with everything we needed to make our trip a success."

Reviewed on 5 Nov 2023

Casa Wahh
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Tulum

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
23
" "5 - Excellent 46.93877551020408%
4 - Good
23
" "4 - Good 46.93877551020408%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 6.122448979591836%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Nick
10 Mar 2020

Tulum is vibrant, not crowded. Local feel, numerous excellent varied & affordable restaurants. Always felt safe!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Dec 2019

Absolutely loved Tulum. There's so much to see and do. We did a lot of activities early in the trip then chilled out at the beach towards the end. The town is much cheaper and more vibrant with all the shops and bars and there are great vegan options

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
16 Dec 2019

It is very expensive, and the luxury hotels are miles away from the cheaper and more upbeat area of the main town. However it is beautiful and very peaceful.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
20 Nov 2019

The ruins were great. Go for a swim. The public beach is best - forget the rest - charge 40 dollars for 2 beds at the strip following the public beach . Due to the busy highway in Tulum there is a lack of atmosphere you can get elsewhere .

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 Nov 2019

Beautiful and relaxed.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 Nov 2019

Paradiso!