Tulum Mayan Ruins Tours

Tulum Mayan Ruins which includes a ruin
Tulum Mayan Ruins showing general coastal views, a beach and tropical scenes
Photo provided by PhotoJoy
Tulum Mayan Ruins which includes building ruins, general coastal views and rugged coastline
Tulum Mayan Ruins featuring rugged coastline and building ruins


Visit one of Yucatan’s most impressive Mayan ruins, perched high on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

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).

Plan a trip to see Tulum Mayan Ruins

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Maya Tulum by G Hotels
Tago Tulum by G Hotels
Casa Gitano

Browse tours and tickets to explore Tulum Mayan Ruins

Tours & day trips

See all 347 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 69 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 61 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 52 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 11 activities

Reviews of Tulum Mayan Ruins

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
642
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
291
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
46
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
10
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
6
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Verified traveler

Way too many people and babies in strollers

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Extremely hot bring water

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

far ride, hated all the vendors trying to sell stuff in such a historical area. kick them out!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Bring lots of water and be prepared to walk a lot in full sun.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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


Best Lodging Options Near Tulum Mayan Ruins

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

Naala Tulum

3.5 out of 5
Av. Cobá Sur, Región 014, Súper Manzana 001, Manzana 004, Lote 001, Tulum, QROO
Naala Tulum
Siente Tulum

Siente Tulum

3 out of 5
Carretera Federal Cancún - Tulum, No. 307 KM 230, Mz. 1, Lt. 1, Tulum, QROO
Siente Tulum
Wyndham Tulum

Wyndham Tulum

4.5 out of 5
Region 011 Manzana 001, Tulum, QROO
Wyndham Tulum
Alito Tulum Hotel

Alito Tulum Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Carr.Tulum-Punta Allen KM 0.47, MZ 1 Lote 5, Tulum, QROO
Alito Tulum Hotel
Ikal Hotel Tulum

Ikal Hotel Tulum

3.5 out of 5
Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila km 3, Tulum, QROO
Ikal Hotel Tulum
Villa Pescadores Tulum

Villa Pescadores Tulum

3 out of 5
Carretera Tulum - Ruinas Km 0.5, Tulum, QROO
Villa Pescadores Tulum
Glamp Ikal Tulum

Glamp Ikal Tulum

3.5 out of 5
Playa Mayas/n, National Park of Tulum, Tulum, QROO
Glamp Ikal Tulum
Kai Tulum

Kai Tulum

3.5 out of 5
Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km 0.5, Zona Hotelera Norte, Tulum, QROO
Kai 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.

Things to do near Tulum Mayan Ruins

Exploring the Tulum Mayan Ruins offers an array of exciting activities, including guided tours that delve into the area's rich history and wildlife encounters. Visitors can enjoy stunning beaches nearby, perfect for relaxation or water sports. Outdoor adventures such as snorkeling in cenotes or hiking through lush jungles enhance the experience, making Tulum a must-visit destination for both culture and nature enthusiasts.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience, visit the Hunab Lifestyle Center, located 2 miles from Tulum Mayan Ruins. This center offers a blend of business, city, and family vibes, perfect for finding gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Explore Xel-Há Park for a day of snorkeling, lazy river floats, and natural beauty, all while soaking in a serene atmosphere. For golf enthusiasts, the Riviera Maya Golf Club and Puerto Aventuras Golf Club offer lush greens and invigorating outdoor experiences just a short drive from the ruins.

Adventure

At Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park, enjoy thrilling water slides and family-friendly activities, located 29 miles from the Tulum Mayan Ruins. Dive into adventure at Paseo El Cedral Reef, 28 miles away, for exhilarating underwater sports. Experience dolphin interactions at Dolphinaris Tulum, just 12 miles from the ruins.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Tulum is vibrant and eclectic, with venues like Papaya Playa Project offering beach parties and live DJ sets. For a chill vibe, check out Casa Jaguar, known for its jungle setting and artisanal cocktails. Tulum’s atmosphere is perfect for dancing under the stars or enjoying a relaxed evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Tulum Mayan Ruins

Tulum Mayan Ruins offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and stunning beaches. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins, relax on Tulum Beach, and discover nearby caves and national parks. For a comfortable stay, consider hotels close to the ruins, making it easy to access all that Tulum, Quintana Roo, has to offer. Whether you're seeking history, relaxation, or adventure, Tulum has something for everyone.

  • Playa Paraiso: A stunning beach located 0.9 miles from the Tulum Mayan Ruins, Playa Paraiso boasts soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation and soaking up the sun. The laid-back beach vibes make it an ideal spot for swimming and enjoying the tropical scenery.
  • Tulum National Park: Located a mere 0.1 miles away, Tulum National Park offers a blend of adventure and breathtaking scenery. Explore its lush nature trails, encounter diverse wildlife, and enjoy outdoor activities while taking in the stunning coastal views.
  • Gran Cenote: Situated 3 miles from the ruins, Gran Cenote is a magical underground cave system. Its clear waters and unique rock formations make it a popular destination for snorkeling and swimming, providing an unforgettable adventure in a stunning natural setting.

Best time to go to Tulum Mayan Ruins

The best time to visit Tulum Mayan Ruins is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
February75.7°F (24.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March77.0°F (25.0°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April79.3°F (26.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May81.0°F (27.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June81.7°F (27.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July82.6°F (28.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August82.8°F (28.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September81.9°F (27.7°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October79.9°F (26.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November77.2°F (25.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December75.9°F (24.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Tulum Mayan Ruins

To save money on your trip to Tulum Mayan Ruins, consider visiting between September and November for lower accommodation prices. Book your hotel about a month in advance or take advantage of last-minute deals on sites like Expedia, especially on Tuesdays for the best rates. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package for extra savings, and join their One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Utilize public transport or rent a bike for affordable travel around Tulum, and look for free activities like beach days and exploring local markets to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Tulum Mayan Ruins are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Tulum Mayan Ruins about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Tulum Mayan Ruins is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Tulum Mayan Ruins is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Tulum Mayan Ruins with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia