Tulum Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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Tulum Mayan Ruins showing rugged coastline and tropical scenes
Tulum Mayan Ruins featuring building ruins
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 Tulum Mayan Ruins.

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)

Beaches and historical sites are notable features of La Veleta. You might consider stopping by Holistika Art Walk while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

La Veleta
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Villas Tulum

While Villas Tulum isn't home to many top sights, Tulum Mayan Ruins and Cenote Calavera 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 Rp6.347.682 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
Rp6.347.682
Rp6.347.682 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort 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! (1,844 reviews)
"Very friendly staff. Would definitely go again."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 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
The price is Rp5.870.847 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
Rp5.870.847
Rp5.870.847 total
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (418 reviews)
"Amazing staff, amenities, events, and resort options. The people were so friendly, accommodating, and thorough. Book through the resort for things to do. I enjoyed everything about this property and hope the return soon!!!"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

4.5 out of 5
Carretera Chetumal Pto Juarez km 236.7, No. 1 Tankah Riviera Maya, Tulum, QROO
The price is Rp4.910.938 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
Rp4.910.938
Rp4.910.938 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Carlos and Victoria in Preferred Club was amazing!!! Definitely will be back to enjoy their services again."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - All Inclusive
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 Wi-Fi, on-site spa services and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tulum Beach and Tulum Mayan ...
9/10 Wonderful! (87 reviews)
"Nice clean environment better than 5 stars hotels in my opinion if you ever need help, they are just a phone call away or there is always someone on the front desk… the pool in the main floor is very clean and Jacuzzi’s on the roof as well. I would consider on staying with them again soon."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Otonomus Tulum
Loch Tulum Condos by BUnik

Loch Tulum Condos by BUnik

4 out of 5
La Veleta, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Tulum Beach ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (101 reviews)
"All very good"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Loch Tulum Condos by BUnik
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 Wi-Fi, free valet parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Xel-Há Park ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
"This property was great I highly recommend it. Paola at the front desk is absolutely greatand helped with everything. Everything was super clean the rooms are huge perdect stay"

Reviewed on 10 Apr 2025

BESPOKE, member of Small Luxury Hotels
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!