Tulum Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Tulum Mayan Ruins which includes building ruins and rugged coastline
Tulum Mayan Ruins which includes building ruins and rugged coastline
Tulum Mayan Ruins showing rugged coastline and tropical scenes
Tulum Mayan Ruins featuring building ruins
Tulum showing heritage elements and a ruin

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 colourful 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 kilometres) 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 sunset in the amazing Mayan Riviera
#tulum #architecture #sunset 

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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 Las Palmas Public Beach.

Zona Hotelera
A panorama view out to sea beside the temple of the wind god at the Mayan settlement of Tulum, Mexico on a sunny day

Zama

If you're spending some time in Zama, Tulum National Park and Jaguar Park are top sights worth seeing.

Zama
Cozumel near Cancun, Mexico, colorful houses and colonial center and tourism shopping district.

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
Beautiful Caribbean coast in Tulum Mexico

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
Aerial drone view of Tulum beach in Mexico

Villas Tulum

While Villas Tulum isn't home to many top sights, Cenote Calavera and Temple of Doom are some notable places to visit nearby.

Villas Tulum
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 Tulum QROO
The price is Rp6.214.496 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
Rp6.214.496
Rp7.574.262 total
15 Feb - 16 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (690 reviews)
We had a great experience at Secrets Tulum. The room was impeccable and the service was top notch. We enjoyed the spa services, especially the hydrotherapy session. I would give the food 8/10, our favorite restaurants were Jasmine and Portofino. This resort's atmosphere was all about the chill vibes ...

Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026

Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya

5 out of 5
Carretera Cancun Tulum 307 Tulum QROO
The price is Rp6.194.034 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
Rp6.194.034
Rp8.532.828 total
2 Mar - 3 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Tulum. Enjoy free valet parking, 3 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (293 reviews)
My stay was absolutely amazing and relaxing. This was exactly what I needed. I can’t wait to go back again. Beautiful Resort!!

Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
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 Rp6.671.444 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
Rp6.671.444
Rp8.126.873 total
3 Mar - 4 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Tulum. Enjoy free valet parking, 8 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,956 reviews)
Had so much fun! The staff were very friendly and helpful. The resort was very clean as well.

Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
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 luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, on-site spa services and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tulum Beach and Tulum Mayan Ruins ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (215 reviews)
The place was clean only issues upon arrival the room was given away. No water on two occasions they fixed after we notified them. Not far from beach a short bike ride or scooter rental. Also the ocean view is lol. You can see it but barely. If you’re a smoker this is not the place for you. No elevator ...

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

Otonomus Tulum
Irie Tulum

Irie Tulum

4 out of 5
Av. Central Tulum QROO
Stay at this aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (107 reviews)
Place was great. Restaurant was so clutch. Staff was amazing. Great communication.

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Irie Tulum
Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa

Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa

5 out of 5
Quintana Roo 15 Tulum QROO
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (159 reviews)
Peaceful, beautiful,clean

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

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

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!