Welcome to the Riviera Maya in Mexico, where you’ll find sun, sand, and some of the most spectacular Mayan ruins in the world.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know why YOU should visit the Tulum Ruins. This is still a hugely undervalued location in Mexico!
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Location
The Tulum Ruins are located on the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
The Ruins are situated on 40-foot-tall cliffs along the east coast of the Caribbean Sea. The Ruins are actually built to face the rising sun so definitely visit at sunrise! We guarantee you Instagrammable pictures!
What’s more, Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the extinct Maya people. Tulum is located about 80 miles south of Cancun (approximately 1 hour 10 minutes from Cancun). The Tulum Ruins are accessible by car, there is a large parking lot available for visitors.
Easy to Reach
There are four ways to get to the Tulum Ruins.
If you’re coming from a further destination, we recommend using a private car. For example, if you’re coming from Playa Del Carmen, the drive is around 45-60 minutes. There is a large parking lot available at the Ruins.
If you’re staying in Tulum town, biking is a popular and eco-friendly way to get to the Ruins. It’s about a 20-minute bike ride from the town center to the archaeological site.
You can also opt to use a taxi. They are available in Tulum and from nearby towns like Playa del Carmen. The price from Playa del Carmen to the Tulum Ruins is around 600 to 650 pesos.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also take the bus from Tulum town to reach the Tulum Ruins. However, the bus does not completely stop at the Ruins site, so you might have to take a taxi after all.
Historical Significance
The historical significance of the Tulum Ruins is one of the most important reasons to visit the Tulum Ruins.
The Tulum Ruins represent one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya civilization. It thrived from the 13th to the 15th century, making it a valuable site for understanding the Late Post-Classic period of Mayan history.
What’s so special about this site? Well, the Tulum site was one of the only walled cities built by the Mayas and the only one built on a coast. This makes it unique among Mayan archaeological sites. You cannot find this anywhere else in the world.
Besides being a one-of-a-kind attraction, this archeological site is also well-preserved. Especially the El Castillo pyramid and the Temple of the Frescoes, offer insights into the architectural ability of the Mayan civilization.
However, there is also an astronomical reason why the Ruins were important for the Maya people. The Tulum Ruins are known for their connection to astronomical events. For example, the main entrance to Tulum’s wall corresponds with the Mayan calendar’s “Descending God” event, demonstrating the Mayans’ advanced understanding of astronomy.
Well Conserved Mayan Site
Unlike many other ancient ruins, the structures at Tulum are remarkably well-preserved, allowing visitors to get a real sense of how the city would have looked back in the day. The Tulum ruins are exceptionally well-preserved due to several factors.
Firstly, the location of the Ruins has definitely played a role in their preservation. Tulum is perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, which has provided some natural protection from the elements.
Secondly, the Mayans used special materials and construction techniques that preserved the site. For example, they used limestone to build the structures, a material that we know can endure time. We can comfortably say that they were skilled artists.
Lastly, the abandonment and rediscovery of the city have also contributed to its preservation. After the fall of the Mayan civilization, the city was left alone for centuries until it was rediscovered in the late 19th century. Since then, consistent efforts have been made to preserve and restore the site. In the last couple of years, the Mexican government, together with international organizations, has been investing in preservation efforts for the archeological site.
Unique Location
The unique location of the Tulum Ruins is another key reason why you should visit it.
The Ruins are the only known Mayan coastal town on a cliff. Because of its location, you can admire amazing panoramic views that also give you a feeling of the importance of this city. We especially like that El Castillo, the castle of the city, is located right on the edge of the cliff.
Easy Accessibility
Easy accessibility is a significant reason why the Tulum Ruins are a popular tourist destination.
The Ruins are relatively small and can be explored in a couple of hours, making it an easy half-day trip for visitors. The archaeological site is well-maintained with clear paths, which makes navigating the ruins straightforward.
Moreover, parts of the Tulum Ruins are wheelchair accessible. This inclusivity allows more people to experience the stunning cliffside views and learn about the ancient Mayan civilization. The ruins are also equipped with plenty of amenities such as parking, restaurants, and shops nearby.
Less Touristy Than Other Mayan Ruins
The Tulum Ruins are still largely left alone by tourists. Most people go to famous attractions such as Chitzen Itza or visit the city of Cancun. But they do not visit the hidden gem that the Tulum Ruins are. This makes the ruins stand out in calmness and tranquility. Fewer tourists mean better Instagram pictures without people in the background.
Beautiful Beaches
One more reason to visit the Tulum Ruins is for the beaches that are in the neighborhood. For example, right under the archeological site is a beach with amazing turquoise water and white sand. So this is perfect to cool off after visiting the ruins site.
Most of the beaches in the neighborhood are also protected areas. So you can find many species of fauna and flora nearby. Sometimes, even turtles visit the beaches to rest during the right season (between May and October). It’s important to respect any signs that areas are closed when turtles are lying there. This is done to preserve them and create as little stress as possible for the turtles.
We saved the best for last. The Tulum beaches are facing east, so they are perfect to watch at sunrise! The whole sky is filled with orange and pink colors. all that at the background of the archeological site.
Tulum Beaches Include:
- Tulum Ruins Beach: This picturesque beach is located right beneath the famous Ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum.
- Playa Paraíso: Known as Paradise Beach, this is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Tulum.
- Las Palmas Beach: This public beach is less crowded and offers a peaceful atmosphere.
- Playa Pescadores: Known for its clear waters and soft sand, it’s also the departure point for tours to the reef.
- Playa Ruinas: Named after the nearby Mayan ruins, this beach offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
Visit in Winter
Visiting the Tulum Ruins in winter has several advantages that make it an attractive time to tour this archaeological site.
We especially like the pleasant weather. The winter months (December through February) in Tulum offer cooler temperatures, typically ranging between 70°F and 80°F (21°C – 27°C). This makes exploring the Ruins more comfortable than during the hot summer months.
What’s more: winter is also the dry season in the region. So there is less chance that you will be ambushed by heavy rainfall. Another reason is that in the winter there are generally fewer tourists, not only in the Tulum Ruins but also in the whole of Mexico. This means you can have a relaxed and private experience.
The last reason is that in the winter, there is a lot of wildlife activity. You might especially spot a lot of different and majestic birds at the Tulum Ruins.
Centrally Located
The Tulum Ruins are easily accessible from other locations in Mexico. They’re only around 2.5 miles from Tulum town center, 45 minutes from Playa del Carmen, or about 1.5 hours from Cancun. This makes the destination perfect for a day or half-day visit.
Nearby Cenotes
You don’t have to go to Tulum only for the Ruins. It also has the world’s largest underground river, which breaks through the surface in a series of cenotes and sinkholes.
Below, you can find a list of different beautiful natural sinkholes in the area.
- Cenote Calavera: Also known as the “Temple of Doom,” this cenote is one of the most popular diving spots in the world.
- Gran Cenote: Known for its clear waters and impressive stalactites, this is one of the most famous cenotes in the Tulum area.
- Cenote Dos Ojos: This cenote is part of a flooded cave system and is popular for snorkeling and diving.
- Cenote Zacil-Ha: This cenote is smaller than others but offers a more relaxed environment with crystal-clear waters.
- Cenote Carwash: Also known as Aktun Ha, it’s popular for both swimming and diving.
Practical information
Opening Hours: The Tulum Ruins are open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM every day.
Entrance Fee: As of 2023, the general admission fee is around 80 Mexican Pesos (around 4 USD). There might be an additional fee if you want to bring in a video camera.
Parking Costs: Parking at the Tulum Ruins costs around 100 Mexican Pesos (about 5 USD). However, prices can vary, especially during high season.
Restaurants: There are several restaurants near the Tulum Ruins where you can enjoy a meal. Prices vary depending on the restaurant, but you can expect to pay between 150-500 Mexican Pesos (around 7.5-25 USD) per person for a meal. Some popular nearby restaurants include El Camello Jr and Sale e Pepe.
Where to Stay Near the Tulum Ruins
Luxury Hotel: La Valise Tulum: This is one of the best overall luxury hotels near Tulum Ruins with large and luxurious guest rooms. It offers a unique blend of nature and comfort. The hotel’s beachfront location provides stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
Mid-Budget Hotel: Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort: Hilton is renowned for its service and this all-inclusive resort is no exception. Located close to the Tulum Ruins, the resort offers an array of amenities including several dining options, swimming pools, and a fitness center.
Budget Hotel: Hotel Tiki Tiki Tulum: This is a great budget option that doesn’t compromise on comfort or style. It’s known for its modernist design and lush surroundings. The hotel also features a swimming pool and an onsite bar.
Essential Tips and Tricks for visiting the Tulum Ruins
What to wear: The Tulum Ruins are situated on rocky, uneven terrain and 40-foot cliffs. Therefore, it’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes. Also, you should wear light-colored and lightweight clothing. The Ruins don’t have a lot of shade areas, so bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Weather: Given that Tulum is located in Mexico, it can get quite hot, especially during the summer months. Make sure to stay hydrated and take breaks when needed.
Amenities: There aren’t too many details available about the amenities at the Tulum Ruins. However, one source suggests bringing a reusable, sustainable bottle pre-filled with water, implying that there may not be readily available drinking water on site.
Cash: We recommend you bring cash when visiting the Tulum Ruins. Most local places, including the ruins, operate on a cash-only basis, and ATMs can frequently run out of money. It’s also important to note that while USD is accepted in many places, you may find it more financially beneficial to carry Mexican Pesos. We suggest bringing around 100 to 2,000 Mexican pesos per person.
Conclusion
That’s it, you are now fully ready to visit the Tulum Ruins comfortably.
We’ve covered everything you need to make your trip to the Tulum Ruins as enjoyable as we possibly could.
Remember to bring cash, wear comfortable shoes, and most importantly, keep an open mind ready to soak in all the wonders that the Tulum Ruins have to offer.
Let us know about your experience in the comments!
About the Authors
This article was written by Alexander & Laura, the owners of the Travel Blog Lost Between Oceans. They specialize in blog posts about South America and Europe. Specifically, they love to write about Isla Mujeres and Cenote Calavera Tulum.
Hi! We are Jenn and Ed Coleman, and together we are Coleman Concierge. It is our goal to inspire you to get out, expand your world, and to seek adventure, even in your own backyard.
