Tulum

Travel Guide

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Tulum Mayan Ruins showing tropical scenes and rugged coastline
Tulum Mayan Ruins which includes a ruin
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 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 Playa Paraiso.

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

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

Zama
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La Veleta

4/5(8 area reviews)

Well liked for its beaches and historical sites, you might stop by Cenote Cristal and Playa Paraiso 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
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 €315 per night from 6 Mar to 7 Mar
€315
includes taxes & fees
6 Mar - 7 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free valet parking, and 8 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,662 reviews)
"There was too much noise around the pools and conflicting with music on poolside bars"

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2025

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
Naala Tulum
Naala Tulum
3.5 out of 5
Av. Cobá Sur, Región 014, Súper Manzana 001, Manzana 004, Lote 001, Tulum, QROO
The price is €101 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
€101
includes taxes & fees
24 Feb - 25 Feb
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (473 reviews)
"Great staff. Lovely roof deck pool. Excellent restaurant service staff . Chill ambience. Good accommodation- very comfortable bed / pillows etc. Unique and special"

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2025

Naala Tulum
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
5 out of 5
Carretera Cancun Tulum 307, Tulkal Chemuyil, Tulum, QROO
The price is €595 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
€595
includes taxes & fees
2 Mar - 3 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Tulum. Enjoy free valet parking, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (228 reviews)
"Absolutely gorgeous property, wonderful staff and great food options. Treat yourself to this exceptional experience!!"

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2025

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.
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 Playa Paraiso and Tulum Mayan Ruins ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (58 reviews)
"Brujlio was the best host. He was there right when we arrived. He was the sweetest & welcoming host I ever dealt with. He made us feel like we were at home. We felt safe & comfortable. The pictures does this place no justice. This was our first time coming to Tulum & it looks like we will be back ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2025

NAJ TULUM
Otonomus Tulum
Otonomus Tulum
4 out of 5
Calle 71 sur mz 699 L1 004, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room massages, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tulum Beach and Playa Paraiso are located ...
7.4/10 Good! (7 reviews)
"An unforgettable stay! Exceptional service, stunning location. A top-notch hotel, highly recommended"

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2025

Otonomus Tulum
Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa
Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa
5 out of 5
Quintana Roo 15, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (95 reviews)
"Siwa was truly a retreat for the soul! We were welcomed to the resort with smiles and delicious welcome drinks by Mara. The room had an amazing view of the tower and yet it still felt as though we were secluded in the jungle. The service was probably the star of the resort, however! Niki at reception ..."

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2025

Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa
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!