The Tulum Mayan Ruins are some of the most mysterious and picturesque pre-Hispanic ruins on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. The ruins are a cluster of well-preserved buildings, set within fortified walls that date to the 13th century. The ancient town was protected by high cliffs, the Caribbean Sea and a defensive wall, and is thought to have been an important trading post that thrived until the Spanish arrived in 1518. The city of Tulum reached its peak between the 13th and 15th centuries, and was one of the last Mayan cities to fall to the Spanish. Today, despite their relatively small size, the ruins are one of the most visited archeological sites in Mexico.Enter the ruins through the north wall and you’ll be immediately drawn to El Castillo, the most impressive building on the site. At 25 feet (7.5 meters) tall, it dominates the entire area. Since the structure is under protective conservation, you can only look up to El Castillo entry is not permitted. Arrive early in the morning before the tour buses roll in. Even better, arrive just before dawn to experience the sun rising over the Caribbean Sea and slowly illuminating El Castillo. Swim in the crystal clear waters off Tulum and picture the trading canoes landing and disembarking from the sheltered cove beneath the towering ruins.The ruins are open daily and there is a small entrance fee. The area itself is less than 1,640 feet (500 meters) in length, so allow an hour to visit, and wear comfortable shoes and a hat. The town of Tulum Pueblo is approximately 2 miles (3 kilometers) south and has several great restaurants. The ruins are an hour’s drive from Playa del Carmen and about 80 minutes from Cancún. Buses run regularly from Cancún and Playa del Carmen. You can also take a shared van service. If you are driving to Tulum, note that the community has three sections: the ruins, the town and the beach (where many of the hotels are).
Tulum Mayan Ruins Tours
![Tulum Mayan Ruins showing general coastal views, a beach and tropical scenes](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/34000/34050-Tulum-Mayan-Ruins.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Visit Tulum Mayan Ruins
Plan a trip to see Tulum Mayan Ruins
![Kore Tulum Retreat and Spa Resort - Adults Only](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/8000000/7270000/7260600/7260522/e5ea10c0_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Kore Tulum Retreat and Spa Resort - Adults Only
Reviewed on Jul 23, 2024
![Tago Tulum by G Hotels](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9480000/9479100/9479017/f528f1f1_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Tago Tulum by G Hotels
Reviewed on Jul 26, 2024
![Delek Tulum](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/29000000/28930000/28929900/28929900/d746b28e_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Delek Tulum
Reviewed on Jul 8, 2024
Browse tours and tickets to explore Tulum Mayan Ruins
Attractions
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Xcaret Park with Mexico Espectacular Show
Water activities
See all 148 activitiesOpens in new tab![Chichén Itzá, Cenote Hubiku & Valladolid with Traditional Lunch Buffet](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/414540/96e01ebc-5173-4b77-a323-951db21421e5.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Chichén Itzá, Cenote Hubiku & Valladolid with Traditional Lunch Buffet
Wildlife & nature
See all 49 activitiesOpens in new tab![Holbox Island Full Day Trip with Lunch From Playa del Carmen](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2694294/4886aea1-2dc3-4810-96ff-84828b9a2b14.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Holbox Island Full Day Trip with Lunch From Playa del Carmen
Private & custom tours
See all 57 activitiesOpens in new tab![Tulum, & Coba Mayan Ruins Guided Tour with Cenote Swim](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/238697/f38903d2-dc95-4521-9181-65b6352b2263.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Tulum, & Coba Mayan Ruins Guided Tour with Cenote Swim
Classes & workshops
See all 17 activitiesOpens in new tab![Tequila and Mezcal Tasting in Tulum with Cheese Pairing](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46339351/a31d9326-10fb-4b3c-9e59-df4ce6224d79.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Tequila and Mezcal Tasting in Tulum with Cheese Pairing
Reviews of Tulum Mayan Ruins
5/5 - Excellent
Our favourite site after Chichen-Itza, set on a clifftop overlooking the sea. Go early to avoid the crowds and bring swimming gear if you want to take advantage of the beach below the ruins.
3/5 - Okay
Way too many people and babies in strollers
5/5 - Excellent
Extremely hot bring water
3/5 - Okay
far ride, hated all the vendors trying to sell stuff in such a historical area. kick them out!
4/5 - Good
Bring lots of water and be prepared to walk a lot in full sun.
5/5 - Excellent
Our tour of the Ruins was absolutely incredible. If you can, book your tour with Gabriel through Soy La Pesera, he has been doing guided tours for 15 years and made it SO much fun. Very informative and knowledgeable but also so funny and personable. Unforgettable time!
Popular places to visit
Tulum National Park
One of the Yucatán’s most impressive Mayan ruins and spectacular subterranean formations sit side by side on the sun-drenched Caribbean coast.
Playa Ruinas
If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Playa Ruinas might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Tulum. Wander the seaside in this trendy area.
Playa Paraiso
Nothing says vacation like spending a lazy day at Playa Paraiso, a popular beach in Tulum. Wander the seaside in this trendy area.
Temple of Doom
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Temple of Doom during your travels in Tulum. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Gran Cenote
Explore the great outdoors at Gran Cenote, a lovely green space in Tulum. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.
Temple of the Frescoes
Find out about the history of Tulum when you take a trip to Temple of the Frescoes. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.
Best Lodging Options Near Tulum Mayan Ruins
Check availability on hotels close to Tulum Mayan Ruins
![Siente Tulum](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/77000000/76370000/76366900/76366891/7fa42e3e_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![The Waves Tulum](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/68000000/67490000/67483900/67483819/35c72f82_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Alito Tulum Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/74000000/73730000/73727100/73727035/d753ea0a_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Villa Pescadores Tulum](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/11000000/10010000/10005400/10005343/26c6fef6_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Ikal Hotel Tulum](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/33000000/32790000/32787700/32787679/112fd3ec_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Glamp Ikal Tulum](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/47000000/46050000/46046400/46046356/e540ad45_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Kai Tulum](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/30000000/29760000/29751100/29751039/5e848c2f_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![El Paraiso Hotel Tulum](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/46000000/45720000/45713000/45712913/7e1217da_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club - Adults Only - All Inclusive](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/90000000/89770000/89768600/89768532/1c713e68_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
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