Tulum

Travel Guide

Photo provided by PhotoJoy
Tulum Mayan Ruins featuring tropical scenes and rocky coastline
Tulum Mayan Ruins showing a ruin
Tulum showing heritage elements and a ruin
Tulum showing heritage architecture

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 which includes a ruin

Zona Hotelera

Zona Hotelera is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Tulum Mayan Ruins and Tulum Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Tulum.

Zona Hotelera
Tulum showing heritage elements and heritage architecture

Tulum City Center

4/5(451 area reviews)

Historic sites and bars are notable features of Tulum City Center. You might consider a stop by Dos Aguas Park while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Tulum City Center
Default Image

Zama

While visiting Zama, you might make a stop by sights like Tulum National Park and Hunab Lifestyle Center.

Zama
Default Image

La Veleta

4/5(89 area reviews)

Beaches and historic sites are notable features of La Veleta. You might consider a stop by Holistika Art Walk while you're exploring the neighborhood.

La Veleta
Default Image

Villas Tulum

When in Villas Tulum, you can plan a visit to Tulum Mayan Ruins and Cenote Calavera, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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
$289 nightly
The price is $289 total per night from Sep 9 to Sep 10
$289 total
Sep 9 - Sep 10
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Tulum. Enjoy free valet parking, 8 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,899 reviews)
"Property Is huge with several facilites. Food Is not bad, mostly great staff. Decent activities and family entertainment. No Beach access or small stretch of rocky beach."

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
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
$336 nightly
The price is $336 total per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
$336 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (475 reviews)
"The property was magnificent, the service was great. I want to give a special shout out to Fernando, for helping me with my reservation when there was a problem and did it in minutes. Also, Andrea made sure we got the most out of our stay and was very attentive. Even til the end when we left something ..."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

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
$32 nightly
The price is $42 total per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$42 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Total with taxes and fees
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! (597 reviews)
"Would definitely go back in the future. Christopher was an amazing manager at the property and he went above and beyond for service for us. Only bad thing was I love hot water and there it wasn’t working. Luke warm water was the only option. Being the price, location, service, amenities offered. ..."

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

Naala 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.
Otonomus Tulum

Otonomus Tulum

4.5 out of 5
Calle 71 sur mz 699 L1 004, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite spa services, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tulum Beach and Tulum Mayan ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (122 reviews)
"Very nice would stay again!"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Otonomus Tulum
BESPOKE, member of Small Luxury Hotels

BESPOKE, member of Small Luxury Hotels

4.5 out of 5
Tankah 3, Cdad., M3 L-1 y 2 Tulum, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Xel-Há Park ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
"The food was absolutely delicious and service unmatched! We loved this place and will go back for sure. Sea turtles, private beach, meticulous cleaning and property upkeep, beautiful, lush pool and very quiet, removed from all things “touristy” - Bespoke was a gem."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

BESPOKE, member of Small Luxury Hotels
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! (145 reviews)
"My family and I recently stayed at this location for around 16 nights, and we absolutely loved it. The staff was friendly and kind, the rooms were clean, and everything was just phenomenal. The restaurant was exquisite. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our experience; it was an ideal location for our ..."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 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

Cities near Tulum