Tulum

Travel Guide

Ancient stone ruins by a coastal area with clear blue water and a distant shoreline.
A beach with a wooden staircase leading down to the shore, surrounded by rocks and palm trees.
A large stone structure with a stepped design, surrounded by a grassy area and palm trees.
Ancient stone ruins with a grassy pathway.
A weathered stone wall with ancient carvings and a small doorway.

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

Find the best Tulum areas for the activities you enjoy most.

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 Playa Paraiso.

Zama

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

La Veleta

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

Tulum City Center

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.

Villas Tulum

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

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

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

5 out of 5
Calle Itzimina esq. Av Kukulkan Tulum QROO
The price is RM1,156 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
RM1,156
RM1,426 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (906 reviews)
"Since the moment my bestfriend and I arrived we were treated like royalty. It was the most special we have ever felt in any resort we have ever been to. It was my bestfriends bachelorette and they were kind enough to bring us champagne and put a sign on our door. It was so sweet and thoughtful. The ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2026

Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club - Adults Only - All Inclusive
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 RM1,636 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
RM1,636
RM2,007 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free valet parking and 8 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

4.5 out of 5
Carretera Chetumal Pto Juarez km 236.7 Tulum QROO
The price is RM844 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
RM844
RM1,048 total
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"We went here to celebrate a family members anniversary this past Valentine’s Day weekend. What a great experience this was! From the moment we checked in and were offered fresh cold cocktails to all the points in between. The staff and their attentiveness was amazing. The food was great, the bars ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2026

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - All Inclusive
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

4 out of 5
Avenida Central, Aldea Zama Tulum QROO
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (115 reviews)
"The place is beautiful and very spacious. The only complain I would give is the water pressure wasn't the best. But beautiful place to stay, also the pool on the rooftop is very nice!"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2026

Xambé
Irie Tulum

Irie Tulum

4 out of 5
Av. Central Tulum QROO
Stay at this aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (142 reviews)
"The property was very peaceful the staff was amazing we enjoyed our six days staying there the food was also good!"

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2026

Irie Tulum
Panacea Condo Tulum

Panacea Condo Tulum

3.5 out of 5
Calle 6 Sur Tulum QROO
Stay at this aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Tulum Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (151 reviews)
"Condo was very clean overall, staff was very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2026

Panacea Condo 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.

Stay near popular Tulum attractions

Things to do