Tulum

Travel Guide

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Tulum Mayan Ruins featuring rocky coastline and tropical scenes
Tulum Mayan Ruins showing building ruins
Tulum
Tulum

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 colourful 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 kilometres) 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 Mayan Ruins and Tulum Beach.

Zona Hotelera
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Zama

If you're spending some time in Zama, Tulum National Park and Hunab Lifestyle Center are top sights worth seeing.

Zama
Tulum which includes 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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Villas Tulum

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

Villas Tulum
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La Veleta

4/5(8 area reviews)

Beaches and historical sites are notable features of La Veleta. You might consider stopping by Holistika Art Walk while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

La Veleta
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 RM1,371 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
RM1,371
RM1,371 total
1 Oct - 2 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Tulum. Enjoy free valet parking, 8 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,956 reviews)
"We had a beautiful oceanview from the room. There was lots of seaweed and more rocks than beach but they have multiple pools on the property to explore."

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club - Adults Only - All Inclusive

Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club - Adults Only - All Inclusive

4.5 out of 5
Calle Itzimina esq. Av Kukulkan, Mz 001, Lote 007, Reg 014, Aldea Zama, Tulum, QROO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM1,469 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
RM1,469
RM1,469 total
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (527 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Wyndham Tulum

Wyndham Tulum

4.5 out of 5
Region 011 Manzana 001, Tulum, QROO
The price is RM280 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
RM280
RM352 total
1 Oct - 2 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Playa Paraiso are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (70 reviews)
"Isolated enough to feel private but very close to the town center. I recommend renting a car but on cooler evenings it’s pretty easy to walk to convenience stores and there are plenty of taxis to take you to the center. The pools are all incredible and the staff are very helpful and kind and were ..."

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

Wyndham 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.
Otonomus Tulum

Otonomus Tulum

4.5 out of 5
Calle 71 sur mz 699 L1 004, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite spa services, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Tulum ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (147 reviews)
"Clean rooms and amazing staff , I highly recommend this place , so peaceful and quiet."

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

Otonomus Tulum
NAJ TULUM

NAJ TULUM

4.5 out of 5
CTO YAAX, Aldea Zama Manzana 3 Lote 3, TLM Fracc Mayazama, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Playa Paraiso ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (77 reviews)
"Away from Tulum main st hustle and bustle. Easy 30 minute walk into town. The hotel and grounds are beautiful. Noisy street behind the building."

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

NAJ TULUM
BESPOKE, member of Small Luxury Hotels

BESPOKE, member of Small Luxury Hotels

4.5 out of 5
Tankah 3, Cdad., M3 L-1 y 2 Tulum, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Xel-Há Park ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
"Stunning hotel, beautiful location. Car is essential otherwise hugely overpriced taxis are your only option. I do think a hotel of this calibre and price point really should include breakfast (this is the only luxury hotel I have stayed at that did not include breakfast). Would definitely return"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

BESPOKE, member of Small Luxury Hotels
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 47%
4 - Good
23
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Nick

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

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

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

Beautiful and relaxed.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Paradiso!