Tulum Mayan Ruins Tours

Tulum Mayan Ruins showing general coastal views, a beach and tropical scenes
Choose one or more items to build your trip:
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

Tulum Brew House Hotel - Adults Only
Chiringuito Tulum
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - All Inclusive
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Tulum Mayan Ruins

Reviews of Tulum Mayan Ruins

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
642
" "5 - Excellent 64.52261306532664%
4 - Good
291
" "4 - Good 29.246231155778894%
3 - Okay
46
" "3 - Okay 4.623115577889447%
2 - Disappointing
10
" "2 - Disappointing 1.0050251256281406%
1 - Terrible
6
" "1 - Terrible 0.6030150753768844%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 25, 2020

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
Dec 31, 2019

Way too many people and babies in strollers

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 15, 2019

Extremely hot bring water

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Aug 9, 2019

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jul 24, 2019

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 24, 2019

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

Ikal Hotel Tulum
Ikal Hotel Tulum
3.5 out of 5
Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila km 3, Tulum, QROO
Ikal Hotel 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
Villa Pescadores Tulum
Villa Pescadores Tulum
3 out of 5
Carretera Tulum - Ruinas Km 0.5, Tulum, QROO
Villa Pescadores Tulum
Alito Hotel Tulum Formerly La Diosa
Alito Hotel Tulum Formerly La Diosa
3.5 out of 5
Carr.Tulum-Punta Allen KM 0.47, MZ 1 Lote 5, Tulum, QROO
Alito Hotel Tulum Formerly La Diosa
Kai Tulum
Kai Tulum
3.5 out of 5
Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km 0.5, Zona Hotelera Norte, Tulum, QROO
Kai Tulum
Glamp Ikal Tulum
Glamp Ikal Tulum
3.5 out of 5
Playa Mayas/n, National Park of Tulum, Tulum, QROO
Glamp Ikal Tulum
Kimpton Aluna Tulum, an IHG Hotel
Kimpton Aluna Tulum, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Poligono 04 Fraccion 05 Lote 04 S/N, Tulum, QROO
Kimpton Aluna Tulum, an IHG Hotel
Incredible 6 Bedroom Mansion On One Of World Best Pristine Beaches.
Incredible 6 Bedroom Mansion On One Of World Best Pristine Beaches.
Paraiso Beach
Incredible 6 Bedroom Mansion On One Of World Best Pristine Beaches.
Playa Esperanza Hotel Tulum
Playa Esperanza Hotel Tulum
4 out of 5
Carretera Tulum, Boca Paila km 2.5, Tulum, QROO
Playa Esperanza Hotel 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.