best tulum ruins tour

10 Best Tulum Ruins Tours to Experience in 2024

LOOKING TO GO ON A TULUM RUINS VISIT?

You’re in the right place because the Top 10 Best Tulum Ruins Tours are all featured here. How do I know they’re the best? I have lived in Mexico since 2018, and visit Tulum frequently .

I have also been on Ruins Tours in Tulum, Mexico, so I used my insider knowledge and vetted all the tours in this article to make sure they’re highly rated and well-reviewed —  so all you have to do is book a Tulum ruins tour and enjoy!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Don’t have time to read the whole article? I recommend booking this All-Inclusive Tour of Tulum Ruins & Cenotes  — a top-rated experience with a near-perfect 5 Star rating.

If that one’s not for you, don’t worry! There are plenty of other great Tulum Ruins tours so you can explore these unique cliffside ruins with a top-notch guide, experiencing a place that once belonged to the ancient Mayans.

No matter your preferences, interests, time constraints, or budget, you’re sure to find a Tulum Mayan ruins tour to love on this list. From all-inclusive offerings, to group Mayan Ruins Tulum tours and private ventures — we’ve got you covered.

If you’re wondering which of these Tulum ruins tours is best for you then please read on to find out — but now matter your choice, get ready to make fabulous memories and have the time of your life in Tulum Mexico.

Top 3 Picks: Best Tulum Ruins Tour

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ All-Inclusive Tour of Tulum Ruins and Cenotes ✔️ Private Tulum Ruins tour ✔️ Cave cenote swim ✔️ Entrance fees included

Tulum Ruins Private Tour With Turtle Swim & Cenote Dos Ojos ✔️ Private guide and driver ✔️ Snorkeling with turtles ✔️ Lunch and beverages included

Tulum Ruins, Swim With Turtles in Akumal & Cenote Tour ✔️ Tulum Ruins group tour ✔️ Snorkel with turtles ✔️ Traditional Mexican buffet lunch

The 10 Best Tulum Ruins Tours

1. all-inclusive tour of tulum ruins and cenotes  .

⭐️ RATING: 4.94 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | 🏛️ Check Rates and Availability

Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience? If so, join a super storytelling guide for an incredible Riviera Maya adventure on this Tour of the Tulum Ruins in Mexico .

During this tour, you’ll visit multiple locations and learn the mysteries, secrets, and fascinating and rich history of The City of Dawn.

Julio and Henry were very knowledgeable and personable , the cenotes were incredible and so refreshing after a hot tour of the ruins. Definitely recommend! rachel (see more reviews )

After pickup from your hotel, you’ll be treated to a private guided walking tour of the Tulum ruins. Walk around for 1.5 hours learning incredible information, taking pictures, and soaking in the splendor.

Next, head to three different cenotes and either swim or float your way through them. Refreshing. End with a mouth-watering Mexican lunch from a casual and authentic eatery. 

Best Tulum Ruins Tours

2. best tulum ruins private tour with turtle swim & cenote snorkeling.

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7-8 hours | 🏛️ Check Rates and Availability

This Tulum Private Tour of the Tulum Ruins and Beyond ensures you get a top-notch personalized experience! Learn Tulum Mayan Ruins history, visit a cenote, and go snorkeling at Akumal — all with a private guide.

This private tour was superb . Our tour guide, Alex, was fun, educational and professional. By booking a private tour, you control the pace and exactly what you want to do.  mike (see more reviews )

If you’re thinking this amazing tour can’t get any better, it does! Your lunch is included as well, and so is round-trip hotel transportation. Also, the guides are excellent, informative, and very accommodating.

🤿 Note: You will be spending a lot of time swimming on this tour, so keep that in mind as you might want to bring extra clothing and this handy quick dry towel .

3. Tulum Ruins Tour, Swim With Turtles in Akumal & Cenotes

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | 🏛️ Check Rates and Availability

If you love snorkeling, coastal ruins, and freshwater cenotes, this is the best Mayan Ruins tour Tulum has to offer .

We had a wonderful experience . Our Tulum Ruins tour guide, Victor, was excellent, very knowledgeable and patient. richard (see more reviews )

Spend 1.5 hours exploring the archaeological site, then head to Turtle Bay for snorkeling. Don your mask and swim with tropical fish above coral beds, and maybe even see some sea turtles.

Rinse off the salt in a freshwater cenote at the Xtun Cavernas. Lunch and hotel pickup are included in this top rated Tulum Mexico Ruins tour .

4. Tulum Ruins & Tulum Cenote Tour Combo

If you’re looking for a tour with excellent value and an awesome storytelling host, this Cenotes and Tulum Ruins Mexico Tour is the perfect choice .

Explore the ancient Mayan city of Zama (which is now called Tulum) with an expert guide. Along the way, you’ll learn about Mayan ceremonies and their calendar system, Spanish invaders, and basics about the Mayan culture.

Awesome adventure! Informational, interesting and absolutely fun. This is a very comprehensive trip, composed of many different and great activities. veronica (see more reviews )

Next, you’ll enter the magical Tankah Park. Here you’ll get to snorkel , zip-line, go out on canoes, dive into lagoons, and more.

Travelers adored this experience , from the great information and tour of the ruins to the adrenaline-pumping fun and delicious food at Tankah.

5. Private Half-Day Tulum Ruins Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | 🏛️ Check Rates and Availability

If you’re pressed for time, or full-day adventure tours wear you out, this half-day Tulum tour from Playa del Carmen or Tulum is sure to deliver.

Tulum is absolutely beautiful! The history of the city is fascinating and Eli was the best tour guide ever ! He was very knowledgeable and entertaining. susan (see more reviews )

Enjoy all the benefits of a private tour: an expert guide, specialized attention, great refreshments, and an early start — but only invest in four hours of your precious travel time. If your Tulum itinerary is only a few days, a half-day tour is the way to go.

On this Tulum express tour, you’ll beat the crowds and the heat as well as enjoy informative guided Tulum parks tours, snacks, drinks, and a roundtrip transfer from your hotel .

6. Cenotes and Tulum Ruins Tour from Cancun

Looking for the best day trips to Tulum from Cancun? Then look no further because this Cancun to Tulum Ruins Tour is it. Kick-off your Cancun adventure tour directly from your hotel in Cancun, then travel to the archaeological site in Tulum.

Staff was awesome! Camilla was a fantastic tour guide and Asha was a terrific photographer. The Tulum ruins were a must see and the cenotes were magical. melanie (see more reviews )

Once there, you’ll have 1.5 hours of free time to explore, take pictures, and read about the ruins. Next, you’ll visit several amazing cenotes of different styles and with different colored water.

This Tulum Tour from Cancun finishes off with a delicious, traditional Mayan meal. Cancun Ruins Tulum tour — here we come!

7. Deluxe Mayan Tour: Tulum Ruins, Coba Ruins & Cenote

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 11 hours | 🏛️ Check Rates and Availability

Hit three major stops in one day on this Deluxe Mayan Tour in Tulum . Enjoy time exploring the Tulum archaeological site, then head to the Coba Ruins , and end the day with a refreshing dive in Cenote Tamcach-Ha — one of the best Tulum cenotes.

It was perfect just as described . Just be prepared for an all day adventure. The ride was a little long but gave us time for a nice nap in between. xavier (see more reviews )

You can also add an additional trip transportation to Playa Del Carmen if you’re up for an extra stop. ⭐️ Tulum Ruins Tips: Bring water, snacks, and a bunch of extra cash for this and all Tulum Mexico excursions to the ruins.

8. Walking Tour: Tulum Ruins & Brunch

⭐️ RATING: 4.95 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | 🏛️ Check Rates and Availability

Get ready for an awesome morning on this Mexican Ruins Tulum Tour with Brunch Included .

You’ll meet your super storytelling host at the archaeological site at 9:00 am and spend the next couple of hours wandering the ruins and listening to stories that will bring the history of the place to life.

Roger gave us incredibly detailed historical context for everything we were seeing. It was fascinating and greatly increased my appreciation for an already amazing site. avril (see more reviews )

Travelers loved the host on this tour. He is super knowledgeable, speaks incredible English, and answers questions like a pro.

Travelers also appreciated the small group size and the amazing brunch. This is hands down one of the best Tulum Mayan ruins tours .

9. Tour Tulum Ruins Without Crowds

⭐️ RATING: 4.95 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | 🏛️ Check Rates and Availability

Join this small, intimate Tulum Mexico Mayan Ruins Tour — which lets you visit minus the crowds! An early start makes all the difference on this tour, and yes, setting your alarm is 100% worth it for this.

On this tour, you’ll spend about 2.5 hours visiting the ruins with a top-notch guide. Hearing the stories of the place from an expert will make all the difference in enjoying these ruins to the max.

An excellent, excellent experience that I would highly recommend. Tania was a phenomenal host who really respects the location, and brought the ruins to life. katy (see more reviews )

Skip reading the guidebook and hear about Mayan history from a gifted storyteller on one of the best Tulum Ruins tours from Tulum.

Travelers loved the guides on this tour, the insight into culture, history, and fauna, and the early start to beat the crowds and the blazing hot midday sun.

10. Sightseeing Tour of Tulum Ruins National Park Mexico

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | 🏛️ Check Rates and Availability

Looking for a group tour of the Mayan ruins near Tulum? If so, this Highly-Rated Sightseeing Day Tour is the optimal choice .

Enjoy private transportation to the site and spend time seeing Tulum’s El Castillo, the Temple of the Descending God, and the Temple of the Frescoes.

We had a wonderful trip to Tulum ruins and the Cenote Tak Be Ha. Thanks a lot to David who shared his enormous knowledge about Mayan history with us. tamara (see more reviews )

You can choose between an 8:30am and a 12pm departure from Tulum, which is great for travelers who like to get up early as well as those who want to sleep in. Once you arrive, you’ll have one hour of free time to enjoy all the ruins Tulum offers.

All your entrance fees, snacks, and water are included with the cost, so there’s no hidden fees or extra charges. With so many positives, it’s easy to see why this is the best no frills tour Tulum Ruins has to offer.

Tulum Ruins Tour: FAQs

Where are tulum ruins located.

The Mayan Ruins of Tulum Mexico are located just 2 miles (three kilometers) from downtown Tulum. They are accessible by scooter, bicycle, on foot, taxi or by rental car, and it only takes 10 minutes to drive there in normal traffic.

🗺️ Tulum Ruins Map

Where is tulum located.

Tulum is located in Quintana Roo State, which is in the Yucatan Peninsula on the east coast of Mexico. It is about two hours south of Cancun by car.

Are the Tulum Ruins Mayan or Aztec?

Mayan — The Tulum Ruins, and all ruins located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, are part of the Mayan culture .

What do I need to know before visiting Tulum Ruins?

Arrive early — If there’s one great Tulum Ruins tip, it’s that you want to arrive early to beat the crowds, and also explore the whole site before the midday sun starts beating down 🥵

Can you bike to Tulum Ruins?

Yes — You can ride a bike to the Tulum Ruins . It’s actually one of my favorite Tulum trip ideas because the ruins are located on Tulum Beach, so you can continue exploring the beach by bike after you visit the ruins.

Is there parking at Tulum Ruins?

Yes — There is a parking lot at Tulum Ruins. You’ll need to walk about a half-mile (one kilometer) from the parking lot to reach the entrance. You can rent a bike for that short journey, but the walk is nice.

How much is parking at Tulum Ruins?

$160 pesos — While parking fees can vary, it’s usually $160 MXN pesos, or about $10 USD. You will have to pay for parking if you come on a scooter or in a car; bike parking at Tulum Ruins is free.

Are the Tulum Ruins worth seeing?

Yes — The Mayan Tulum Ruins are definitely worth seeing. They are the only Mayan Ruins located on a cliffside, and many will say this makes them the most beautiful ruins in Mexico .

The location is stunning, the Tulum Mexico Ruins history is fascinating, and the Tulum Ruins beach is so beautiful!

The ruins are in excellent condition despite being over eight centuries old! This ancient city, called Place of the Dawning Sun, was strategically situated to act as a trading port. It also acted as a religious center. 

The site is located within Tulum National Park, which serves as a haven for wildlife.

What is the difference between Chichen Itza and Tulum Ruins?

While Chichen Itza is the more famous of the two, it is located about 2.5-3 hours from Tulum. Tulum Ruins are located in Tulum itself, so they are much easier to access for those staying in Tulum Mexico .

The ancient ruins of Tulum are the most iconic archaeological site in the state of Quintana Roo Mexico. Not only are the ruins well-preserved, but they are also unique for their striking cliff-side location on the coastline.

While Tulum Ruins is a relatively small site, Chichén Itzá is a massive complex in the state of Yucatán Mexico. It is a much bigger site that takes hours to see, versus Tulum Ruins which you can tour in a few hours.

Of course, Chichen Itza is much more famous. Considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it is home to the famous El Castillo Pyramid (AKA Kukulkan Pyramid), and sees about two million annual visitors.

When planning a trip to Tulum, know that both archaeological sites are worth seeing.

Can you visit Tulum Ruins on your own?

Yes — While the Mayan Ruins of Tulum tours are some of the best tours in Tulum, you can absolutely visit the Tulum ancient ruins on your own.

To get there from Tulum, you can drive a scooter, your rental car , or a bicycle. You can even walk two miles (3 km) to the ruins from downtown Tulum if you choose.

If you go in a motorized vehicle, you’ll need to leave them in the parking lot, pay the parking fee (about $10 USD), then walk about a half-mile (1 km) further to the entrance.

Once you pay the entrance fee you can hire a guide here if you wish. Note that guides are booked on a first come, first served basis, so if you want to make sure you get one, arrive early.

Is there a dress code for Tulum Ruins?

No — There is no dress code at Tulum Ruins. However, you’ll want to wear sneakers or sandals because the ground is rocky. Also, opt for comfy clothing that keeps you cool because you’ll be walking a lot under the sun.

What at the Tulum Ruins hours of operation?

The Tulum Ruins are open daily, from 8am to 5pm. The last admission to Tulum Ruins is at 4pm.

How much does it cost to see the Tulum Ruins?

The Tulum Ruins entrance fee costs $90 Mexican pesos (about $6 USD) per person for adults. Children under 12 are free.

If you bring a video camera, you’ll need to pay an extra $30 pesos ($2 USD) for the video permit.

How much is the Tulum Ruins tour?

Tulum Ruins tour cost about $50-$150 USD per person. The higher-priced guided tours also include boat rides to go snorkeling or a visit to the Tulum cenotes so you can swim.

Do you need a tour guide for Tulum Ruins?

No — You can visit Tulum Ruins on your own and just admire the beauty of this important Mayan site.

However, if you want to understand their history, significance and symbolism, a qualified guide can bring the ruins to life! Personally, I prefer the to tour the ruins with a guide, at least on my first visit.

What time of day is best for Tulum Ruins?

It is best to visit the Mayan Ruins at Tulum as early in the morning as possible . The ruins open at 8:00 am, and if you start your Tulum excursion close to opening time, you can enjoy the ruins with fewer crowds and get better pictures. 

Temperatures will also be cooler in the mornings as well, which is always a plus. Since there’s very little shade at Tulum Ruins, you will really appreciate being done touring the site before the midday sun arrives.

💡 Tulum Ruins Tips: Try to avoid going on Sundays when the entrance is free for Mexican residents. The site tends to be super busy that day, as well as holidays.

Can you swim in Tulum Ruins?

Yes — There is a beach located just below the ruins that’s known as Tulum Ruins Beach (Playa Ruinas).

There is a staircase from the ruins that you can take down to the beach, but it is not always accessible during high tide. Once when I visited the ruins in the summer, we weren’t able to access the beach because of this, but I don’t think that’s common.

Are Tulum Ruins worth visiting?

Yes — The Mayan Ruins in Tulum are spectacular and fascinating. Not only are the Tulum pyramids the only cliffside Mayan archaeological site in existence, but it is also the perfect size place for a half-day, couple-hour visit.

The scenery is spectacular and the buildings brim with secrets of the ancients. Whether you’re a first-time visitor from Europe or an annual visitor from Canada or the US, Tulum Ruin tours and Tulum tour packages are a great choice for any traveler.

Final Thoughts: Best Tulum Ruins Tours

Now that we’ve reached the end of the article, Which Tulum Ruins tours from this article caught your fancy? While I hope this article helped you pick the best Tulum Ruins tour packages for you — if you’re still undecided, I’m here to help!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Still unsure which is the best Tulum Ruins tour? I recommend this Tour of Tulum Ruins & Swim in 3 Cenotes  — which has a near-perfect 5-Star rating.

On a Tulum Ruins excursion, you’ll gain amazing insight into the ruins. You can also opt to do additional activities like snorkeling in Turtle Bay to cool off in the sun, swimming through cenotes, and visiting a fun-packed jungle park to round out your Tulum trip.

Not staying in Tulum? Remember there are a lot of day trips that come to Tulum, including Tulum tours from Riviera Maya, Cancun and Playa del Carmen — so wherever you are, you can still visit this unique place by just coming to Tulum for the day.

Want to book more Tulum Mexico Tours?

Looking to take more tours in Tulum during your visit? Tours are so convenient because you don’t have to worry about planning anything —  you just show up and enjoy!

Here are all of my recommendations for the top-rated Tulum tours:

• 💎 Tulum Private Tours
• 🛥️ Tulum Boat Tours
• 🗿 Tulum to Chichen Itza Tours
• 🐬 Sian Kaan Tours from Tulum
• 🤿 Tulum Snorkeling Tours
• 📸 Tulum Photoshoot Tours
• 🗿 Tulum to Coba Ruins Tours
• 🐋 Tulum Whale Shark Tours
• 💧 Tulum Cenotes Tours
• 🚲 Tulum Bike Tours
• 🍽️ Tulum Food Tours
• 🥃 Tulum Mezcal Tasting Tours
• 🌮 Tulum Taco Tours
• 👩‍🍳 Tulum Cooking Classes
• 🏍️ Tulum ATV Tours
• 🚗 Cancun to Tulum Tours

Tulum Travel Planning Guide

1. should i buy mexico travel insurance.

100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

2. Can you drink the water in Tulum?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. ( Read more )

3. Is it safe to rent a car in Tulum?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks both international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

4. Will my phone work in Tulum?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy this Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

5. What’s the best way to book my Tulum accommodations?

For Tulum hotels, Booking.com is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World . If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb.

6. What do I pack for Tulum?

Head to the Ultimate Tulum Packing List to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

7. What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend Skyscanner .

8. Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you do a Mexico travel visa. The majority of travelers will receive a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa or passport stamp upon arrival.

Visiting the Tulum Ruins: A Complete Guide [2024]

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: March 4, 2024

Categories Mexico , North America

Visiting the Tulum Ruins soon? Here is a complete guide to these Mayan Ruins – how to get there, best tours, what to visit + prices and practical info!

If you’re visiting the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, you can’t miss the Tulum Ruins. This Mayan archaeological site gets its fame (mainly) for being perched on a cliff that overlooks the Caribbean Sea …

The ruins at Tulum offer views that will make you believe you’re in paradise. (Or your favorite Pirates of the Caribbean scenery!), and they’re definitely one of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico .

Visiting the ruins is one of the best things to do in Tulum , and one of the best day trips from Playa del Carmen and from Cancun.

But there’s much more to the ruins of Tulum than their stunning surroundings. In this complete guide you’ll find plenty of tips for visiting the Tulum Ruins .

It includes fantastic tours (or self-guided tours), the best time to escape the crowds , and how to get there. Check it out!

Table of Contents

BEST TULUM RUINS TOURS

Taking a tour is one of the best ways to visit the famed Mayan Ruins at Tulum. You won’t have to worry about transportation or parking. And besides an interesting tour around the ruins, you’ll get to experience some cool activities afterward!  

I researched the best tours to the Tulum ruins in Mexico, and here are the ones that I believe are the absolute best ones.

▶️ The Viator Exclusive: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves is a fantastic excursion. Visit the Tulum archaeological site, snorkel through a coral reef with sea turtles, swim in a local cenote, and explore a limestone cave. 

The tour includes pick-up from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, and Tulum, so it’s a great option no matter where you’re coming from.  ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ The Tulum Ruins Visit and Swim in a Cenote Guided Tour is affordable and a great option if you’re short on time. You’ll visit the ruins with a guide who’ll tell you about the Tulum Ruins history, and then head to the beautiful cenotes Chen Ha and Mariposa.

Transportation from Cancun and Riviera Maya is available. ➥ BOOK IT HERE  

▶️ With this Full-day tour to Tulum and Jungle Maya Native Park you’ll head to the jungle after exploring the ruins. Spend the day snorkeling, rappelling, ziplining, and witnessing a Mayan blessing ceremony.

It includes transportation from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, and Tulum. ➥ BOOK IT HERE  

HOW TO GET TO THE TULUM RUINS ON YOUR OWN

Getting to the Tulum Ruins on your own is fairly simple, and there are many options depending on where you’re coming from. 

How to get to the Tulum Ruins from Tulum

The Mayan ruins are near Tulum Town (about 3 Km), and there are several ways to get there if you’re visiting the Tulum archaeological zone on your own. 

▶ You can take a taxi directly to Tulum Ruins . This is the most comfortable option, although considerably more expensive. The 3-minute ride from Tulum can set you back around 1,500 MXN ($90).

▶ An alternative is to rent a bike . There’s a great bicycle path that connects the nearby town of Tulum with the ruins, and the ride only takes about 10 minutes. While you can leave your bike at the bike racks outside the site, remember to take a bike lock just in case!

▶ The cheapest option is to take the colectivo (shared mini-van) at Tulum town’s main street and tell the driver where you’re headed. The Colectivo departs regularly and you’ll be there in no time! The ride costs approximately $3.

▶ Of course, you can also drive to the ruins . The closest Tulum Ruins parking lot is a 10-minute walk away, or you can park in Carretera Tulum Boca Paila street for free. 

How to get to the Tulum Ruins from Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is 64 Km (40 miles) from Tulum . If you’re driving you can take the 307 Highway straight to Tulum Ruins, and you’ll be there in about 45 minutes.  

Other options to get from Playa del Carmen to the Tulum Ruins include:  

▶ Take a bus for about 150 MXN ($9). Be sure to ask the ticket office if the bus stops at the ruins ; as some buses will only leave you in Tulum Town. ADO has regular buses from Playa del Carmen to Tulum , and you can find the bus station at 5 Av. Nte. LTE 2, Centro.  

▶ Though more expensive, you can take a taxi to the ruins. If you’re going in a group and share the expense it could be worth it! Expect to pay between 3000-3500 MXN ($180-200) for the 1-hour ride.

▶ Colectivo, which you can take in the Colectivo Stand located on Calle 2 between the 15th and 20th Avenue , in the city center. It costs around 70-90 Mexican Pesos ($4-5) currently and it departs every 10 minutes. 

READ ALSO : How to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum

How to get to the Tulum Ruins from Cancun

Cancun is 131 Km (81 miles) from Tulum , and the Tulum Ruins are some of the Mayan ruins near Cancun that are most easily accessible.

▶ You can take the ADO bus directly from Cancun to Tulum . Prices are around 300 pesos ($17) currently, and the trip takes a little over 2 hours.

▶ The most convenient option, although the priciest, is to take a taxi . The trip could set you back anywhere between $250 and $300.

▶ There are no direct colectivos between them , but don’t panic! It’s really easy to visit the ruins from Cancun city center through Playa del Carmen if this is your means of transport of preference.  

You can take a colectivo from Cancun to Playa del Carmen (they depart every 15 minutes) and then switch to a Colectivo from Playa to Tulum. Prices for the Colectivo from Cancun to Playa range between 60 and 80 MXN (about $4 to 5).

▶ If you’re coming straight from the airport, check out how to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum .

PRACTICAL INFO FOR VISITING THE TULUM RUINS, MEXICO

Where are the Tulum Ruins located?

The ruins are in the Mayan Riviera, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, barely 3 Km (1.8 miles) away from the nearby Tulum Town. If you’re coming from the hotel zone in Tulum Beach, it can take double the time.

If you’re driving to the site, the Tulum Ruins address is Carretera Federal, Cancun – Chetumal Km 230, 307, Tulum .

How much does it cost to visit the Tulum Ruins?

The Tulum Ruins entrance fee is 95 MXN (6 dollars) without a guide, perfect to explore it at your own pace. If you want to hire a guide on site, it’ll cost you around 600-800 MXN (35-50 dollars).

Be aware that if you want to take pictures with a device other than your smartphone you’ll have to pay a photography fee (around 45 MXN – 2.5 dollars)  

At the site they only accept Mexican pesos for the site’s entrance and any snack or beverages you may want to buy, so don’t forget to have some pesos with you!  

Tulum Ruins Opening Hours

The Tulum site is open from 8 AM to 4 PM daily. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Can I buy the ticket online?

Yes, you can buy your Tulum Ruins tickets online . In fact, I highly recommend it to ensure your entrance.

Parking at Tulum Ruins

Parking in the Tulum Ruins costs approximately 160 MXN ($9) . Please note that prices in Mexico can change unexpectedly, so take more pesos just in case. From the parking lot, you can take a small train for $1 (20 MXN) or walk the ten-minute distance to the site. 

It used to be possible to park for free along the public beach Playa Santa Fe and walk a similar distance to the Tulum Ruins. However, it seems that this is not an option anymore .

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TULUM RUINS

Tulum is a town in the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico, Central America. It’s part of the Yucatan Peninsula and is best known as the site of the pre-Columbian Mayan walled city .

It’s home to the popular tourist attraction, the Mayan ruins of Tulum, the last remaining vestige of what was once a thriving civilization.

The town of Tulum used to be called Zam a , a Mayan name that means Place of Dawning Sun, because it faces the sunrise. The location of the town did more than just influence its name – it also served an important role during the time of the ancient Mayan civilization .

During the Classic Period, the ancient Maya built temples and pyramids to showcase their incredible power . They were known for their excellence in the field of arts, astrology, and mathematics.

This knowledge enabled them to construct intricate causeways and structures, some of which still stand.

The ancient walled city was built by the Mayans between 1200 and 1450 CE. It was abandoned by the late 16th century, after the Spaniards arrived with the fatal Old World diseases.

During its golden period, it represented a prosperous civilization that served as a crossroads for trade from land or sea. It’s also believed to have been a religious center.

Did you know that the word Tulum means “wall” ? When Juan de Grivalja landed in Mexico during the 1800s, he stumbled upon the ancient walled Mayan city of Tulum

Ever since then, tourists from all over the world have been making their way to Tulum. It’s magical to experience firsthand contact with an ancient civilization .

You’ll get to discover the mystery behind the fortified walls, and understand life in the Mayan world.

WHAT TO VISIT AT THE TULUM RUINS

The Mayan Ruins in Tulum are a magnificent seaport fortress built on a steep ocean cliff. It’s surrounded by thick and large limestone walls that enclose the city from all three sides. It protected the Mayans during the height of their civilization.

While walking around the ruins , you’ll also see iguanas and coatis (an animal similar to a raccoon). They will make the visit more fun if you’re traveling with kids!

This Mayan archaeological site is also home to a number of old stone structures that are worth checking out.

El Castillo (The Castle)

El Castillo structure is the main Tulum pyramid. It’s also the largest and most prominent structure of the Tulum settlement so it’s definitely a must-see.

This ancient pyramid served as a lighthouse during the time of the Mayans . It has a couple of small windows at the top that helped sailors to navigate the bay during dusk.

The pyramid was originally covered in stucco and painted red but most of the paint has come off by now. If you examine the structure closely, though, you can still see smears of red paint.

There is a wide external staircase that will lead you to the top of the pyramid. There you’ll see that the central niche features a sculpture of the diving god.

The diving or descending god got its name from the position in which he is always depicted.

The Temple of the Frescoes

This Temple of the Frescoes in the Tulum Ruins is easy to find because it’s right in front of El Castillo. During the time of the ancient Mayas, this structure served as an observatory where they could track the seasons and monitor the sun’s movement.

It’s the best preserved of all the Tulum pyramids. If you peer inside it, you’ll see that there is a colored mural still intact! Unlike El Castillo, though, this is a rather small building, and it also features representations of the descending god.

The Great Palace

The Great Palace , called also the House of Columns, consists of several rooms that are supported by columns.

This place served as a residence for the Great Lord and his family. On top of that, there were also numerous religious ceremonies performed on the altar, so it has a lot of historical importance. 

House of the Halach Uinic

When exploring the Mayan Ruins of Tulum, be sure to check out the House of the Halach Uinic .

In the ancient Mayan civilization, the halach uinic was the supreme leader for the government of Mayan Kuchkabal. This great lord was responsible for appointing administrative officers.

This building in the settlement of Tulum appears to have served as the official residence of the halach uinic and his family.

Relax at the Tulum Ruins Beach

The Tulum Mayan ruins not only consist of archaeological constructions. If you climb down a wooden staircase along the cliff, you’ll get to one of the most beautiful Tulum beaches . It’s located below the ancient ruins and somewhat hidden.

The beach opens at 10 AM and it’s a fantastic idea to swim in its incredible blue waters to cool off after visiting the historical site. The Tulum Ruins can also be seen from the water, so it’s quite a unique experience!

➤ And if you’re still craving some water experiences after relaxing at the Playa Ruinas beach, head to one of the many cenotes near Tulum . I personally suggest visiting Cenote Dos Ojos and Cenote Calavera , my two favorite ones.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE TULUM RUINS

These ancient ruins can get really crowded , with 2000 tourists visiting each day, so here are a few tips on the best time to visit: 

➤ One of the best Tulum ruins tips is: Arrive early! Tour buses arrive at around 10 AM so it gets really packed. When that happens, you can escape the crowds by taking a dip in the beach or go visit Tulum (make sure to bring your bathing suit! ) 

Once you’re done for the day, make sure to visit one of the many great cafes and restaurants in Tulum !

➤ Visit late in the afternoon. After the hectic hours of the late morning and noon, the site gets quieter an hour or so before closing. It could be a good idea to visit the last couple of hours.  

➤ Avoid going on Sundays. This day the entrance is free for Mexican citizens and foreign residents, so it gets more crowded than usual.   

TULUM RUINS VS CHICHEN ITZA

Visiting Tulum ruins while in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is on everyone’s bucket list, period. But which ruins to visit, when there are so many?

If you’re wondering which of these archaeological Mayan sites is worth your visit, this information will help you decide between Tulum and Chichen Itza (or convince you to visit both!).

While Chichen Itza is definitely more impressive – and home to the most famous pyramid in Central America – the drive to Chichen Itza is much longer .

If you’re visiting with a tour expect it to last about 12 hours between transportation to the site, visiting, and lunch.

If spending long hours on the road is not a problem and you really want to see this iconic landmark, then you should definitely visit Chichen Itza . Expect it to be quite crowded though, as it’s a major tourist destination (5 thousand visitors a day on average!)

The Mayan ruin in Tulum, Mexico, even if smaller and not so well-known, is still pretty impressive.

The Tulum Ruins’ history is really interesting, and not many archaeological sites have a backdrop of the sea like this one. And trust me, this alone is worth your visit. 

If you want to prioritize your time and don’t mind getting a lighter (though complete!) version of the Mayan history and the architecture of the ruins, then the Tulum Ruins tour is one you won’t regret . 

Other Mayan ruins that are worth visiting are the Coba ruins , one of my favorite ruins in Mexico.

TULUM RUINS GUIDE FAQ

Yes! The ruins of Tulum are a historical site worth visiting even if you don’t enjoy history that much. The location in itself is breathtaking, the ruins are impressive and the view from the cliff is awe-inspiring to say the least.  The Archeological Site is a fabulous way of traveling in time and learning about the people and ways of life of the ancient civilization. Also, these kinds of ruins can only be found in this region of Mexico, so you shouldn’t leave Tulum without visiting them. 

These Mayan ruins are situated on the coast of the Caribbean sea, so it’s probably going to be humid and hot regardless of the time of year in which you visit. That said, you should wear light and comfortable clothes to confront both the heat and all the walking around. Take a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially if you visit late in the morning or in the afternoon, and don’t forget to take your swimsuit! You’ll definitely want to jump right into the water once you see the beach.    

You can spend from two hours to half a day in the ruins . After you explore the site and relax for a bit at the Tulum beach area, you can visit the Bazaar, a nearby craft market (beware of the pushy vendors, be polite but firm when saying ‘no, gracias’) and get something to eat to wrap up your excursion. 

These ruins are situated in Quintana Roo, on the east coast of Mexico. If you’re looking for sites in Central Mexico, the Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan are the best in the area. They can be easily reached from Mexico City.

There are plenty of spectacular Tulum beaches near the ruins, but the best one is Tulum Beach, which can only be accessed by climbing down a ladder from the ruins.

You can get your tickets online here , or else visit with a tour.

In my opinion, the best tours to explore the Tulum Ruins are these: • Viator Exclusive: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves • Tulum Ruins Visit and Swim in a Cenote Guided Tour • Full-day tour to Tulum and Jungle Maya Native Park

The opening hours at the Tulum Ruins are daily from 8 AM to 4 PM.

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you book something through one of my links I might get a commission, at absolutely no extra cost to you

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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Christina Schneiderman

Wednesday 8th of February 2023

Are there “bike taxis” there for folks who have trouble walking?

Tuesday 14th of February 2023

I do not remember seeing anything like this. There are ramps for wheelcahir users, but not in a great state, In Coba, there most definitely are bike taxis, so you might consider visiting Coba instead (it's a great alternative!).

Tuesday 17th of January 2023

I'm heading to Mexico next week and have found all your posts very useful. I will definitely be heading to Tulum during my trip.

Wednesday 18th of January 2023

Thank you!! I'm so glad they were useful :)

Tulum Ruins: A Visitor’s Guide

Posted on Last updated: 05/04/2023

Categories Things To Do

If you’re visiting Tulum, one thing that should definitely be at the top of your list is to pay a visit to the impressive Tulum Ruins. Tulum was once a mighty walled city built by the Mayan people, the ruins of which are still standing today.

The Tulum Ruins are some of the best-preserved Mayan ruins you can see. As such, they attract people from all over the world. 

Planning your visit to Tulum’s Mayan ruins?  Discover everything you need to know – from their history, how to get there and entrance, in this insider’s guide. 

Why Visit the Tulum Ruins? 

No visit to Tulum would be complete without seeing its ancient ruins. Here are a few reasons why you should visit this impressive archaeological site. 

Gives Insight Into Mayan History

The Mayan people are famous for being one of the dominant empires of the ancient world. They are well-known for excelling at pottery, hieroglyphic writings, calendar making and mathematics. 

They’re also famed for their imposing architectural structures, such as the Tulum Ruins. Tulum was initially built to protect its people. The town is also known for being an important trading and religious center between the 11th and 16th centuries. 

The Tulum Ruins are one of the most well preserved Mayan sites along Mexico’s coast and provide a glimpse of how the Mayans lived and why they were a renowned civilization. 

Stunning Natural Scenery 

This impressive Tulum archaeological site sits on the edge of a steep cliff. It overlooks the gorgeous Caribbean Sea. 

Right below the site lies the Tulum Ruins Beach, one of the area’s best beaches . 

The site is also surrounded by palm trees, delicate cactus flowers, and even sunbathing iguanas. 

Tulum Ruins: What To Expect When You Get There 

The ruins sit inside the Tulum National Park. It is a massive area with a few important structures. These structures include: 

El Castillo 

The Tulum pyramids are one of the most well-known landmarks in the area. El Castillo is the tallest of these pyramids, standing at 24-feet (7.5 meters) tall. It served as a lighthouse that guided ships into the port. 

Temple Of the Frescoes

The Temple of the Frescoes is a two-story building in front of El Castillo. In Tulum’s peak, it had an important social and religious significance. 

It has interesting architectural elements, murals, decorations, and sculpture. While it has had some wear and tear over the last 800 years, you can still see a few of them today. 

House of Columns 

The House of Columns, also known as El Palacio (The Palace), is a large building complex consisting of four rooms. It served as the residence for important Mayan leaders. 

House of Halach Uinic 

Each Mayan city had a supreme leader and high priest known as the Halach Uinic . The House of the Halach Uinic served as the residence for the leader and is one of the most well-preserved buildings on the site. 

The History of Tulum’s Ruins 

It’s believed that Tulum is one of the last great cities built and inhabited by the Mayans. Its original Maya name was Zama, meaning “ City of Dawn ,” as it faces the sunrise. 

The city served as an important site for the worship of “ The Great Descending God, ” whose image is still found on the temple in the Tulum Ruins. Tulum was originally built as a seaport fortress along the steep ocean cliffs. 

At its peak between the 13th and 15th centuries, around 1,600 people called Tulum home. It was a booming trade center and port mainly for the trading of obsidian rock. 

Other goods such as jade and turquoise stones, cotton, food, copper, axes, and cacao beans were all traded in Tulum. Tribes from all over Mexico and other Central American countries would travel to the town for trading purposes. 

Today, the huge stone wall that surrounds the site protected Tulum and the nearby city of Coba from pirates and invasions from the east. 

Planning Your Visit to Tulum’s Mayan Ruins 

There are a few things that you should know before visiting Tulum and its ruins. Here is some useful information to help you plan your visit to the Tulum Ruins. 

Tulum Ruins Address 

Physical Address : Carretera Federal, Cancun – Chetumal Km 230, 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

The Tulum Ruins sit on the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Quintana Roo State of Mexico. It stands on the north side of Tulum Beach and is a few minutes away from the Tulum Center. 

Tulum Mayan Ruins Opening Hours

The Tulum Ruins are open seven days a week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST. 

It is best to arrive early in the morning, at around 8:00 am, as there are fewer crowds. From around 10:00 am, crowds start to pick up, with larger tour groups arriving. 

There is also very little shade onsite, so it’s best to arrive early as it is much cooler. 

Getting to Tulum Ruins Independently 

There are a few ways to get to the Tulum Ruins. 

Car Rental 

Renting a car is best for self-exploration. You can rent a car from Cancun Airport, which services the greater Tulum area. This will cost you around $40 per day. 

Tulum is about 45 minutes away from Playa del Carmen and 90 minutes away from Cancun. There’s a parking fee of 160 Pesos ($7) at the Tulum Ruins. 

By Bus 

If renting a car is too expensive, you can take a bus from Playa del Carmen or Cancun. It will cost you around 80 Pesos ($4) for a one-way trip from Playa del Carmen and around 260 Pesos ($13) from Cancun. 

Some buses stop directly at the ruins, while others stop at the bus station in Tulum, which is about 1.8-miles (2.9 km) from the ruins. 

Colectivo 

One of the cheapest ways to visit Tulum and the ruins from Playa del Carmen and Cancun is to take a Colectivo , or group taxi. It costs around 60 Pesos ($3) per person from Playa del Carmen and 130 Pesos ($6) from Cancun for a one-way trip. 

By Taxi 

If you’re planning to take a taxi from Playa del Carmen or Cancun, it will cost you approximately 600 to 800 Pesos ($30 to $40) for a one-way trip. 

From Tulum Town 

The Tulum Ruins are about 2.5 miles (4km) from the town center. You can rent a bicycle from anywhere in the town, which will cost you around 170 Pesos ($8) per day, and cycle to the ruins. 

You cannot ride a bike inside the site, but there are bicycle racks with locks outside the entrance gate. You can also take a taxi from the Tulum center, which will cost you approximately 60 to 100 Pesos ($3 to $6). 

One of the cheapest ways to get to the ruins from the town center is to use a Colectivo, which costs around 20 Pesos (less than $1). 

On A Tulum Mayan Ruins Tour 

Tours of the Tulum Ruins from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or any other location in the Riviera Maya can cost anything between $50 and $250 depending on what’s included in the tour. Some tour options include full-day and half-day tours. 

Other tour options combine visiting the Tulum Ruins with other activities like visiting the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and visiting a cenote. 

This tour from Cancun , which costs around $99, for instance, offers the following : 

• Hotel pick up and drop off
• A certified bilingual guide
• Entrance fees to the Tulum Ruins and Coba 
• A visit to Playa Del Carmen
• Entrance fee to one cenote
• A buffet lunch 

When choosing which tour to book, it comes down to what you would like to do and your budget. 

Tulum Ruins: Frequently Asked Questions 

Are the tulum ruins worth seeing.

Absolutely. No visit to Tulum would be complete without visiting this important historical landmark as it gives visitors a glimpse into the mighty Mayan civilization’s past. 

How Much Does It Cost to Go to Tulum Ruins?

If you plan on getting to the Tulum Ruins by yourself, the entrance fee is 65 Pesos (around $3.50). If you plan on filming at the Tulum Ruins with video camera equipment, this will cost you an extra 30 Pesos (a little over $1). 

What Are the Ruins in Tulum Called?

They are simply called the Tulum Ruins. The ruins are part of the Tulum Archaeological Zone.

How Far is Tulum from the Mayan Ruins?

The Tulum Ruins are about 2.5 miles (4km) from the town center.

Tulum Ruins, Mexico: Map

Looking for More Tulum Guides?

• Insider’s Tulum Travel Guide
• Things to do in Tulum 
• Tulum Dining Guide
• Jaw-Dropping Mayan Ruins in Mexico

Stories by Soumya

The Travel Blog of a Culture Addict

Mayan Ruins Of Tulum Mexico: The Ultimate Travel Guide For 2024

Last Updated on January 29, 2024 by Soumya

Planning to visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum in Mexico ?

Wondering if a trip to the Tulum archeological zone is worth it? Does Tulum even have a pyramid?

You’re at the right place because we have the perfect Tulum ruins visitor’s guide for you. In this ultimate travel guide, we will answer all your questions and some more.

From the best things to do at the Tulum ruins (including a beach!) to the tiniest details about tickets, opening hours, and logistics, we cover everything in this best Tulum ruins travel guide.

And before you’ve any second thoughts, let me tell you that visiting the Mayan ruins of Tulum Mexico is absolutely worth it.

Of all the amazing Mexican pyramids that I have seen, the location of Tulum’s El Castillo is the most dramatic .

It is unusual to find an ancient Mayan ruin perched on a bluff by a white sand beach. And that is what makes the Tulum Archeological Site so special.

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this post. This will be at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links help me keep this website up and running. Thanks for your support!

My Top Pick: Best Tour of Mayan Ruins of Tulum

🥇 Best Tour of Tulum Ruins

No time to read the whole article? Just need the best tour?   I get it.

Here’s the Best Guided Tour of Tulum Ruins from Cancun that also includes a cenote swim, snorkeling in the lagoon, and a beachside lunch.

Table of Contents

How to get to the Mayan Ruins in Tulum Mexico?

Tulum is easily accessible from many cities in Riviera Maya. That’s why it makes for an easy day trip from Cancun , Playa del Carmen , and Valladolid .

Here’s a rough idea of how long a drive to Tulum takes from some of the major cities.

• Cancun to Tulum – 2.5 hours
• Playa del Carmen to Tulum – 1 hour
• Valladolid to Tulum – 1.5 hours
• Merida to Tulum – 4 hours

If you prefer, you can stay in the town of Tulum and drive, take a collectivo, or ride a bike or cycle to the ruins which are only 2 miles away from the city center.

Tulum is a great place to stay because of its proximity to the beach . With so many accommodation options available, including some great hostels in Tulum , I am sure you will not have any problems finding the perfect stay for yourself.

Now, let’s look at some of the best ways to get to the Mexican ruins at Tulum from the nearby towns of Cancun , Playa del Carmen, and Valladolid.

Getting to Tulum Ruins by Public Transport

If you want to get to Tulum ruins by public transport, take the ADO bus from Cancun Airport, Cancun city center, Playa del Carmen Turistica bus station, and the ADO bus station in Valladolid.

ADO buses run every hour from Cancun and are quite comfortable. Book your ADO bus tickets on the Busbud website here .

Another option is to take a collectivo – a small van that is cheaper than the bus but has several stops in between. I would not recommend taking the collectivo from Cancun to Tulum but between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, sure.

Getting to Tulum Ruins by Car

Renting a car and driving to Tulum is a great way to explore the ruins at your own pace.

Driving gives you the flexibility and freedom that no other means of transport can ever give. Go ahead and rent your car here .

Parking is available at the Tulum ruins and costs around 100 – 150 pesos.

Getting to Tulum Ruins by Guided Tours

Guided tours are the best and the most convenient way to visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum from Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

You do not have to worry about transportation and tickets. Additionally, a knowledgeable tour guide will take you on an immersive trip of the history and culture of this ancient Mayan city.

Some of these tours also include cenote swims, reef snorkeling, and traditional lunches. Isn’t that fun?

Here are the best-guided tours for Tulum ruins.

• On this highly recommended full-day tour from Riviera Maya , you’ll visit the Tulum ruins on a guided tour, visit a cenote, snorkel in a lagoon, and enjoy a beachside lunch.
• This bestselling (and so affordable!) Tulum day trip includes a guided tour of the ruins and a refreshing swim in a cenote.
• This private, half-day tour takes you on an immersive tour of the Tulum archeological site. This tour is only about the ruins and appeals to history enthusiasts. Includes pick-up from Tulum, Akumal, and Playa del Carmen (for an extra charge).

About the Archeological Zone of Tulum Ruins in Mexico

• Tulum was an important pre-Hispanic city that had been first settled around the 6th century. It was influenced both by the Mayan and Toltec civilizations.
• Tulum reached its zenith between the 13th and the 16th centuries as an important trading center because of its closeness to the sea.
• If you are not keen on history, then you can visit the site for the sheer beauty of the place against a stunningly beautiful backdrop of the ocean.
• Food items, metal objects, and cotton were traded here. Tulum was the only city that was built on the seashore. So, it is easy to imagine the strategic importance that it held during those times.
• Today, Tulum is the third most visited historical site in Mexico after Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza . On busy days, more than 2,000 tourists visit the ruins.
• The name “Tulum” means “the wall”. It was named so by the Spanish conquerors. The original Mayan name of the city was probably Zama or “the dawn” since the city faced the rising sun.
• The city of Tulum is a charming beach town located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It has a wonderful Caribbean coastline with pristine white beaches. Some of Yucatan’s best cenotes are also located here.

📖 Related Read: If you wish to read about another Mayan city that bore both Mayan and Toltec influence, head to our article on Interesting Facts about Chichen Itza .

Best Things To Do at Tulum Archeological Site

Tulum was a walled city – surrounded by tall walls on 3 sides and by the Caribbean Sea on the 4th.

It was probably built as a fortress town in addition to being a trading port . Not the usual format of other Mayan sites like Chichen Itza or Coba which were inland.

That’s probably why we see a smaller pyramid in Tulum and several structures facing the sea as if waiting for traders and enemies to show up!

Here are some of the main attractions at the Tulum Archeological Zone that you must definitely check out.

El Castillo or the Pyramid of Tulum

El Castillo or the Castle is the largest and the tallest structure in the Tulum archeological zone.

It is an ancient shrine and one of the most fascinating pyramids to visit in Mexico. That’s because of its special location facing the vast expanse of the Caribbean Sea.

There’s a small shrine on top of El Castillo that is believed to have served the purpose of a lighthouse.

Imagine hundreds of ships and canoes docking at the Tulum port thousands of years ago. Their first point of reference would have been El Castillo because that would’ve been visible from very far away.

Temple of the Descending God

One of the must-visit attractions in Tulum is the Temple of the Descending God.

The Descending God (so named because of his upside-down image) is special to Tulum. It is believed that the Descending God is the Mayan God of Bees.

You can find his figure all over Tulum’s structures but the Temple of the Descending God is the most important shrine dedicated to him.

✦ Pro Tip : Mayans have a long-standing culture of bee-keeping and honey extraction . No doubt, they had a deity dedicated to bee-rearing. If you’re someone who enjoys learning about bees and what part they played in Mayan cultural practices, then you have to check out this Mayan Bees Tour from Valladolid .

Temple of Frescoes

The Temple of Frescoes, situated right in front of El Castillo, is another important place to visit at the Tulum.

This temple is a two-story building and one of the most well-preserved ones in Tulum. It is called the Temple of Frescoes because it still possesses an intact mural painting in a room on the first floor colored in red, black, and green.

At this temple, you can also see niches above the columns featuring Tulum’s Descending God, standing figures, and stuccoed masks.

The second floor of the temple has ancient handprints in red color.

Even though there’s no way to access the rooms at the Temple of Frescoes, this shrine forms an important part of the Tulum historic zone because it is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient Mayan art.

House of Columns or the Tulum Palace

The House of Columns is an important attraction because this was once the home of the rulers of the Tulum’s Mayan community.

Also known as El Palacio, this was a 3-story building with big rooms and utility areas.

It is called the House of Columns because of the numerous large columns that must have held up the roof.

Beach at Tulum Ruins

The beautiful beach right by the side of the ruin is absolutely unmissable. There is a flight of wooden stairs that will take you to the beach.

While climbing down, be sure to notice scores of iguanas in the rock crevices.

The beach opens around 10:00 a.m. and is usually a little less crowded till about noon.

The beach at Tulum is beautiful and inviting. So, be sure to pack your swimsuit and towels.

This is probably one of the most unique places in Mexico where history and nature go hand-in-hand . No wonder, the ruins of this ancient Mayan city are often called the Tulum beach ruins.

Sometimes the beach is closed because of Sargassum seaweed infestation. But the government is proactively cleaning them up. Be sure to check for an update on Sargassum seaweed in Mexico before planning your trip to the ruins at Tulum.

Tulum Ruins Tickets and Prices

Admission tickets for the Tulum Archeological Zone cost 90 pesos (approx $5.5) per person. Check the official website for the latest prices.

Since the ruins are part of a CONANP Protected Area , there’s an additional fee of 58 pesos (approx. $3.5) per person. This fee does not apply to children

So, expect to pay an admission fee of 148 pesos (approx. $9) per person at the ruins of Tulum.

You can buy your tickets at the Tulum Ruins box office. Be sure to have cash on you because the box office does not accept dollars or cards!

Or get a skip-the-line ticket here . However, remember that online tickets may only include the INAH fee and not the CONANP fee. This means you will need to queue up to pay the CONANP fee anyway!

Also, I haven’t seen great reviews of Tulum’s skip-the-line tickets . So, it is best to buy them at the box office or book a guided tour that covers admission .

Here are a few more points that you should know about admission prices at Tulum ruins.

• The entrance to the ruins is a 10-minute walk from the parking which is also where taxis and collectivos will drop you. If you don’t want to walk, you can take the shuttle for 50 pesos.
• In case you’re planning to record videos on-site or have professional photography gear, there’s an additional charge of 50 pesos.
• Entrance is free on Sundays for Mexican citizens and residents of Mexico. So you can expect a bit of a crowd.

Best Guided Tours of the Mayan Ruins of Tulum

Guided tours are a great way to see the best of the ruins at Tulum, Mexico.

Tours usually cover round-trip transportation and include the services of a local guide which, in my opinion, is pretty helpful when exploring an archeological site as rich and complex as Tulum.

Here are a few great guided tours of Tulum ruins.

• Highly recommended full-day tour from Riviera Maya – includes a guided tour of the ruins, a cenote visit, lagoon snorkeling, and beachside lunch.
• Bestselling & Affordable Tulum day trip – includes a guided tour of the ruins and a refreshing swim in a cenote.
• Private, half-day tour – includes an immersive guided tour of the Tulum archeological site.

Tulum Archeological Ruins Opening Hours

The Archeological Ruins of Tulum are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday. The last admission is one hour before the site closes.

Early morning (8:00-9:30 a.m.) or late afternoon (3:00-5:00 p.m.) are good times to explore Tulum ruins without the crowds. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. is usually busy.

Best Time to Visit Tulum Ruins

The winter months, November to February, are the best months to visit the ruins or anywhere else in Tulum City.

Temperatures are lower and the weather is dry. Rains and hurricanes are over. It is the perfect time to be out exploring.

However, remember that December and January are the busiest months in Tulum. If you’re planning to visit Tulum during this time, be sure to make your bookings in advance.

If you can be flexible with the dates, I highly recommend visiting in the shoulder months of November and February when crowds are fewer and accommodation and tours are more affordable.

Tulum Ruins Travel Tips

• Visit early at 8:00 a.m. or late after 2:00 p.m. to avoid crowds and the sun.
• It gets unbearably hot during the day . Get a hat, sunscreen, and lots of water with you.
• The ruins of Tulum are not as huge as those of Chichen Itza . You can see all of them in 1-3 hours depending on your interest in history and architecture.
• Entrance to the site is free for Mexican citizens and residents on Sundays. So, avoid Sundays if possible . If not, go early.
• The ticket counter accepts only cash. Even restaurants and bars deal only in cash. Good to have some pesos with you.
• Be sure to walk the entire stretch near the sea while doing exploring the ruins at Tulum. And don’t forget to take some wonderful pictures of the sea.

Tulum Mayan Ruins Travel FAQ

Yes, the Mayan ruins at Tulum, with their stunning location by the Caribbean Sea and an interesting history that dates back more than a thousand years, are absolutely worth visiting.

Tulum ruins are special because they are located at a scenic location, on a cliff by the turquoise Caribbean Sea. In short, the ancient Mayan city of Tulum is a wonderful mix of history and nature.

Yes, there are Mayan ruins in Tulum. Tulum was an important trading center and an ancient seaport of the Mayan civilization that controlled access to the sea. The Mayan ruins at Tulum depict quintessential East Coast Mayan architecture and even feature a lighthouse pyramid.

The Tulum ruins are Mayan ruins located along the Caribbean coastline in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Mayan ruins, on the other hand, refer to all ruins of the ancient Mayan civilization. For example, the ruins of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Coba, and Ek Balam are also Mayan ruins.

Yes, it costs money to visit the Tulum ruins in Mexico. You need to pay an admission charge of 90 pesos ($5.5) and an additional protected area fee of 58 pesos ($3.5) to enter the archeological site of Tulum.

Yes, there is a pyramid in Tulum. It is called El Castillo. The Tulum Pyramid is unique for its picturesque location by the Caribbean Sea and was once used as a temple as well as a lighthouse.

The pyramid in Tulum is called El Castillo or the Castle. It was once an ancient temple and also functioned as a lighthouse due to its proximity to the sea.

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36 thoughts on “ Mayan Ruins Of Tulum Mexico: The Ultimate Travel Guide For 2024 ”

Mayan architecture never fails to surprise me. Would love to visit someday.

So true. Mayan architecture is mind boggling. Even if it is thousands of years old.

Didn’t know this was the most visited after the Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan! I was just there last spring and it’s definitely one of the most beautiful ruins I’ve ever seen. (Although I am a sucker for water views so I may be biased.) Bummer the beach was closed when you went though. The seaweed infestation is becoming a huge problem. I really hope it gets better soon!

Yeah, a big issue in Mexico these days. Tulum is definitely a wonderful set of ruins. Hope I can get there again.

As Yucatan is full of Mayan archaeological sites, then I would love this place. I am very much interested to know about Mayan civilization as have read much on it. Temple of Descending God is a very unique name as the image is upside down. House of Columns look wonderful and I am totally sold out for that beach in Tulum.

You will love this place, Yukti. So much to learn about the Mayans here. And that beach is wonderful.

The landscape looks so fascinating! Being a Mayan Civilization site, I’d totally want to visit the place. So thanks for the detailed guide. Glad that you managed to visit both Chichen Itza and Tulum. Temple of Frescoes still has a fresco from that era? Whoa! I have to go there! Thanks for the tips. Good to know that they open as early as 8 AM. Its definitely a good idea to go at that time to beat the crowd.

Yep. Frescoes from thousands of years ago. I knew you would love that.

We LOVE LOVE LOVE Tulum but never made it to the ruins. We are planning a trip back and I’m so excited to go see everything this go around! Would love to learn all of the history first hand!

That’s would be fun. I am so glad you are going there again. Want to go back too.

Wow! This is interesting. I would definitely love to join this Tulum ruins tour. I have always been fascinated with ancient ruins. Thank you for sharing this. I am happy to learn something new today.

GEEEZ that is so much seaweed! I went to Cancun a few years back before it was a problem, and now I’m kicking myself that we didn’t also visit Tulum then! I hope it clears up soon!

Hope so too. The seaweed is a big nuisance for Tulum beaches now.

I still haven’t visited Mexico but once I get there, the Tulum Ruins are one of the first places I would like to visit. The pyramid temple looks fascinating! Your tips seem very helpful for first time visitors, especially the one about avoiding Sunday because entrance to the site is free for locals.

Absolutely. Steer clear on Sundays. We found the same rule at almost all important sites in Mexico. So, stay away.

Ahhh, thanks for the Sunday tip! That explains why when I went on my tour there were so many locals. I was surprised and a little isolated because the only English speakers were the guides and a mean lady traveling with her daughter. Oh, and let’s not forget the couple that made every location a full instagram photo shoot. It was fun but it would have been nice to connect with more English speaking tourists.

With its intriguing Mayan ruins, dramatic location and breathtaking views, Tolum looks and sounds extremely fascinating! Hundreds of iguanas in the crevices of rocks! – wow! That must be a jaw-dropping sight. I would love to go for the sunset tour. It must be a hypnotic experience to watch sunset from Tolum. The place is now added to my bucket list.

Really great post! I appreciate that you took the time to give us the history of Tulum and many of the important structures around the site. Also good advice about time to visit – when I went I had no idea how popular it was. I arrived early afternoon and there were a TON of people there. Still an incredible experience, but I’ve heard it’s nicer at the end of the day when most folks have left. Thanks for sharing this informative post!

Yeah, early morning and late afternoons are the best. It is quite popular I agree. Even I had no idea when I went.

I’ve always wanted to visit the Tulum Ruins and it looks like I might finally get the chance to this fall! All of your tips are SO helpful (especially the one about avoiding Sundays). Thanks for sharing!

You are most welcome. I hope you have a good time there. Happy travels

The Tulum Ruins are in a beautiful location. I bet the sunset tour would be amazing. Your visiting tips are helpful, especially about only being able to pay in cash.

Cash is king in Mexico. It’s good to have pesos with you always.

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Tulum Ruins Tour Review: Discover The Mayan History of Tulum

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: January 17, 2024

If you are heading to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, you can’t miss visiting the ancient Mayan Ruins of Tulum; they are beautiful and unique. Here is a complete guide to assist you in planning your trip – from how to get there, what to expect, and the best Tulum tours to take.

Tulum, the ancient Mayan-walled city on the stunning Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, has become a must-visit destination for travellers seeking a blend of history and natural beauty.

With well-preserved ruins shrouded in Mayan history and beliefs and perched atop dramatic cliffs overlooking turquoise waters, this heritage site offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich culture of the Mayan civilization.

Situated in the coastal town of Tulum, the walled ruins differ from other Mayan sites, like Chichen Itza, which tend to be nestled deep in the jungle and have no walls around them. This unique feature makes the Tulum ruins one of Mexico’s most visited attractions.

Read on for further information on how to visit this enchanting archaeological site and why the Mayan ruins at Tulum are worth visiting.

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – please read my  disclaimer and privacy policy for more information.

Table of Contents

Are Tulum Ruins Worth Visiting?

You can’t come to the Yucatan Peninsula and not visit Tulum. The ruins are the biggest attraction in the Quintana Roo area and a must-see.

The ruins tell the story of a civilisation that built incredible temples and pyramids, worshipped astrological beings and sacrificed animals at the high altar to appease their Gods. You can’t get further away from today’s society than that, so yes, Tulum ruins are worth visiting.

Where Are The Ruins of Tulum?

The Tulum ruins are located around 2 miles from the Tulum city centre on the coast.

The ruins are 140km from Cancun, a little under 2 hour’s drive.

They are 50km from Playa Del Carmen; the drive time is 45 minutes.

Remember that the Riviera Maya’s main road is busy and can encounter traffic problems, so the times are approximate.

Opening Hours For Tulum Ruins

Tulum archaeological site is open daily from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm.

Are The Ruins Free To Enter?

No. You must have a ticket to enter the site; however, you can freely wander around the car park area, where you will find restaurants and souvenir shops.

Beware of the “entertainers” dressed as Mayan high priests who invite you to take photographs with them. Our tour guide warned us that once you have a photo, they will ask you for exorbitant amounts of money for the image and if you refuse, they can get confrontational.

Also, there are people with animals on leads – iguanas and monkeys that visitors can have photos taken with. Please do not endorse this cruelty by taking part.

How to Buy Tulum Ruins Tickets

Tulum Tour tickets can be purchased online. Guided tours usually include visiting the ruins and cenotes with transport included.

I joined one of the Tulum Ruins Tours on a half-day trip from my Riviera Maya hotel resort in Akumal, which combined exploring the Tulum ruins with swimming in cenotes. It was a great way of learning about the Mayan ruins from an expert guide and having free time to swim in the mystical Tulum cenotes , which was a great experience.

If you prefer to travel independently and want to buy a ticket once you arrive at the ruins, do not buy one from the main car park/tourist area, as these ticket touts do not sell genuine tickets.

Only buy from the official ticket booth, which you will find once you have walked away from the main shopping/tour meeting area and arrived at the Tulum ruins entrance. This is a 10 – 15 minute walk from the car park.

The entrance fee is 90 pesos $5 (2023)

Tulum Ruins Facts

All facts were learnt from my Tulum Tour Guide

Tulum Mayan ruins were once a thriving walled city built around the 13th to 15th centuries. The Mayan city was known as Zama (meaning place of the dawning sun), as it was one of the first places in Mexico to see sunrise.

The purpose of the 7-metre thick wall was to allow the elite to live inside, away from the common people who resided in thatched huts outside of the complex.

Everyday life in Tulum was entwined in politics, magical religious rituals, the arts and astronomy.

In the 19th century, following the arrival of explorers, Zama was renamed Tulum (trench or fence in Mayan) due to the sights and smells the explorers experienced.

Being on the coast, the seaport city received and distributed goods to and from central Mexico and Central America, as well as the Pacific and Gulf coasts. Jade and turquoise were its biggest exports.

Another export was the gum-like resin ( Chicle ) tapped from trees and sold to a certain Mr Wrigley in Chicago, Illinois. The chicle was mixed with mint and sugar to become Wrigley’s spearmint gum!

What Can You See At Tulum?

Once you have entered the archaeological site of Tulum, you will see several stone temples set in a central grassy area. They are in pretty good condition, considering they date back centuries.

If you are booked on a tour, this is where your guide will tell you about the Mayan people, why Tulum was built and what it was used for. There is not much shade here, so be prepared and wear a hat and sunscreen and drink plenty of water!

El Castillo is the focal point in Tulum. This iconic limestone temple perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea is the most recognizable structure in the Tulum archaeological zone. It served as a ceremonial site and a navigational beacon for Mayan seafarers.

The Temple of the Descending God is named after the distinctive figure carved into the roof lintel. It’s a striking example of Mayan architecture with intricate carvings and can be seen on the left of El Castillo.

The Temple of the Frescoes is a small but beautifully decorated building showcasing intricate Mayan murals. The murals depict the Mayan Gods and offer insights into their artistic and religious practices.

The House of Columns was the official palace of the Mayan leaders. It once rose three storeys high. A row of 4 columns can still be seen at the front of the ruins.

The House of Cenote is close to the House of Columns and has a small cenote below it. The ancient Mayans would have used the cenote to get fresh water from the underground river.

Best Place to Take a Photo at Tulum

As you follow the path towards the cliff edge, you will arrive at the viewing platform by El Castillo .

It gets jam-packed by the castle temple, as this is the perfect place for visitors to take photographs. It’s a great place to admire the magnificent views or try and make it down the wooden steps to Tulum Beach.

Tulum has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean; however, on my visit, the stairs were out of bounds due to the rough seas and the amount of much-documented Mexican sargassum (seaweed) on the beach, so be prepared for this potentially happening on your visit.

It’s a good idea to continue to the left of El Castillo, along the coastal path, to get a photo of the iconic Temple of the Wind God with the palm trees, beach and sea as a backdrop.

Can You Swim At Tulum Beach?

You can swim at Tulum Beach if the surf is calm; otherwise, it’s a no-go for visitors.

The stairs to the beach usually open at 10 a.m. (weather permitting), so pack your costume if you fancy swimming in the shadows of the mystical Tulum temple perched above. The beach closes at 4.30 pm.

Can You Go Inside The Temples?

The ancient temples are in ruins, so there is nothing to see inside them. However, walking around the grounds gives you a great insight into the civilisation that once lived here through information boards and your tour guide (if you have booked a guided tour ).

Please note that visitors are no longer allowed to climb up the steps of El Castillo.

When Is The Best Time To Visit?

If you are joining a tour and staying in Akumal or Tulum Town, an early morning pick-up time is a great option to avoid the crowds. You can get to Tulum before the coachloads of visitors arrive from Cancun. Of course, the same applies if you are visiting independently.

If you can’t get to Tulum in the morning, wait until near closing at 5 p.m. for a more peaceful visit with fewer people around.

Try to avoid Sundays when Mexican residents get free entry to the ancient ruins, as it gets busy.

These timings also coincide with the weather. Tulum has hardly any shaded areas, and it gets hot during the day, so arriving early or late is advisable. Remember to wear a hat and sunscreen and drink plenty of water!

To reduce plastic waste, invest in a refillable bottle. I love Super Sparrow water bottles because they keep water super chilled throughout the day.

How Long Will I Need At Tulum?

The site is not huge, so allow at least one hour to wander around. If you plan on swimming, then adjust this time accordingly.

If you are a history buff like me, you will have enough time in one day to visit Tulum and Coba ruins, another important Mayan archaeological site. You can find details of the tour here .

Tulum is a magical place, and to walk around the grounds and see the ruins allows you to imagine what it must have been like when this was a thriving Mayan community.

It’s such a pretty spot; if you love taking photographs, there’s lots of great subject matter to capture.

The combination of ancient Mayan architecture and the picturesque setting makes Tulum one of Mexico’s most popular and visually captivating archaeological sites and, in my opinion, a place worth visiting on a trip to the Riviera Maya.

Do you need to arrange travel insurance, car hire or accommodation? Please check out my  resources page  to help you plan your trip.

Please PIN for Future Travel to Mexico

Are you looking for further Mexican travel inspiration? Please check out the following posts:

Swimming with Turtles in Akumal: What You Need To Know

The Truth About Scuba Diving with Bull Sharks in Playa del Carmen

Secrets Akumal Review: Most Romantic Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico

Excellence Riviera Cancun Review: Affordable All-Inclusive Luxury in Puerto Morelos

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The 7 Best Tulum & Maya Ruins Tours From Cancun

Experience the history and beauty of the tulum & mayan ruins with one of these tours.

The Yucatan peninsula is a place that everyone should check out at least once. Whether you’re a history buff or simply want to experience something different from your regular, everyday life, this is a location that everyone seems to love.

However, because of this it’s once of the biggest tourist hot spots in the world and there are a lot of sub-par tours that simply aren’t worth it.

We’ve done the hard work for you, bringing you the top Tulum and Mayan ruins tours out there so you can spend your time having fun, learning, and adventuring!

With these tours, you can also count on air-conditioned transport and hotel pickups and drop-offs.

Best Tulum & Mayan Ruins Tours

Quick answer: the 7 best rated tulum & maya ruins tours from cancun.

• Coba & Tulum Mayan Ruins Discovery Combo Tour
• Quintana Roo Exclusive Rio Secreto and Tulum Tour
• Cancun Half-Day Private Tulum and Sak Aktun Cenote Tour
• From Cancún Tulum and Tankah Cenotes Eco-Adventure Tour
• Tulum Early Bird Experience Ruins, Cenote, Lagoon, & Lunch
• Cancun/Riviera Maya Tulum Ruins, Sea Turtle Swim & Cenotes
• Tulum Discovery Tour From Cancun or Playa del Carmen

Be sure to see our reviews on Cancun snorkeling tours and Chichén Itzá and the Cenotes tours .

Tulum Tour Reviews

1.  coba & tulum mayan ruins discovery combo tour.

• Duration: 11 hours
• Departure: Hotel pickup included
• Departure Time: Around 7 am
• Includes:  Transportation with air conditioning, refreshments, water and beer on board the bus, bilingual guide, entrance fees, bicycle in the archaeological zone, buffet lunch, taxes and insurance

Tulum is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world, no matter the age or background of the person. We agree that it’s an incredible place, but so is the fascinating town of Coba. Explore both with the Coba & Tulum Mayan Ruins Discovery Combo Tour .

This 11-hour tour starts by picking you up at your hotel, and you’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle so you’re riding in comfort the entire time. The first stop of this tour is in Coba, which is home to one of the most significant Mayan ruins in North and Central America.

Most notably, it holds the tallest Mayan pyramid at the entire peninsula, which is “Nohock Muul”. At 137 feet tall, its name appropriately means “great mound”. There’s also an optional bicycle rental service, so you can see more, quicker.

Coba is great for walking around and checking out all kinds of gems at this archaeological site, which means you’re likely to work up an appetite!

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Head over to enjoy a delicious lunch consisting of Mayan “platos tipicos”, including incredible guacamole, handmade tortillas de maiz, and more.

After filling your stomach, you’ll get back on the road to Tulum, located on the Caribbean coastline. On board, refreshments, water, and beer is included so you will remain well-hydrated throughout the trip.

Known for its white sand beaches and very well-preserved Mayan ruins, Tulum is a place you simply can’t miss if you travel to the Yucatan. The ruins on their own are very impressive, but add in the turquoise sea in the background, and it’s simply unreal!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. quintana roo exclusive rio secreto and tulum tour.

• Duration: 6 hours
• Departure Time: Varies
• Includes:  Private transportation in air-conditioned vehicle, train service from the parking lot to archeological site, entrance fees, lunch box, experienced guide, necessary gear, buffet and non-alcoholic drinks

If you’re looking for a comprehensive tour that isn’t an all-day option, check out the Quintana Roo Exclusive Rio Secreto and Tulum Tour ! Just as the name suggests, this tour will take you through the Tulum ruins, and then the Rio Secreto.

Both are some of the most beautiful, interesting places in the country and at just 6 hours, you will still have time to do other things with your day!

We have to start out by saying this is one of the most well-organized tours in all of Quintana Roo. The staff is highly experienced and friendly, making sure that you’re entertained the entire time.

All necessary gear, included life jackets, wetsuits, lockers, towels, umbrellas, and a helmet with lamp is included. Not only that, but the air-conditioned vehicle is comfortable to ride around in.

To start things off, you’ll arrive at the Tulum ruins, where the guide will offer a tour of about 40 minutes regarding the history of the area. After this, you’ll get to enjoy about 1 hour of free time to explore Tulum.

This time allows you to check out any part you found particularly interesting, while also taking photos of the turquoise waters below.

After this, you’ll head over to Rio Secreto where you’ll begin at the reception to watch a welcome video. This video offers a brief history and what you can expect, where you’ll then be transported over to the reserve. Rio Secreto is essentially a museum of crystals and all kinds of other geological formations, complete with crystalline water.

Here, you’ll also be provided with a safety helmet with lamp, wetsuit, and life jacket to keep you safe and comfortable. As this is underground, all of this gear is important to wear and use properly. You’ll be able to walk approximately half a mile through the crystals, which takes about 1.5 hours.

After you come back “above ground”, you’ll return your gear and then make a toast with Xtabentun. Xtabentun is an anise liqueur which is typical to the region, and made of fermented honey.

3. Cancun Half-Day Private Tulum and Sak Aktun Cenote Tour

• Departure Time:  8am
• Includes: Entrance fees, private guide, round-trip private transfer, transport by air-conditioned vehicle

If you’re on the hunt for a tour that teaches you a lot about Mayan history, but don’t want to be out all day, this is an excellent choice.

The Cancun Half-Day Private Tulum and Sak Aktun Cenote Tour lasts just 6 hours, so you’ll have time to rest back at the hotel or partake in other activities in the area. Combining history and adventure, you can count on entertainment for sure!

While it is a shorter tour, it still starts off with a hotel pickup early in the morning, so you may even be back before lunch! You’ll start off by boarding your private minivan, which includes AC the entire time.

If you’ve been to the Caribbean before, you’ll know that this is a must to travel comfortably due to the humidity and heat!

The first stop on the tour is Tulum, which was founded back in the 13 th century. Needless to say, there’s a lot of history and culture behind “the walled city”.

The port overlooks a turquoise sea, which makes it easy to see why the Mayas chose this area. It remains one of the best-preserved Maya sites, which actually lasted around 70 years after the Spaniards arrived.

Along with your professional historian guide, you’ll get to learn how the ruins served as a fort and watchtower and see the Temple of the God of Wind, the Temple of Frescoes, and El Castillo.

Next up, you have Sak Aktun, which means “white cave” due to the limestone and white stalactites which surround the crystal-clear waters! As the second-longest underwater cave in the world, this is a place that is great for swimming and diving into!

4. From Cancún Tulum and Tankah Cenotes Eco-Adventure Tour

• Duration: 10 hours
• Departure Time: Between 7-8am
• Includes: Round-trip hotel transfers from the main hotels in Cancun and the Mayan Riviera, park admission fees, buffet lunch, bilingual guide

If you’re into adventuring outdoors and learning about ecological conservation, this tour is the one for you. The Tulum and Tankah Cenotes Eco-Adventure Tour will take you through the thick vegetation of the area to see archaeological zones, and learn about the local plants and wildlife.

This 10-hour tour is a longer one, but will cover much more than if you were to take shorter, individual ones.

You’ll be picked up at your hotel lobby between 7 at 8 am in Cancun or the Riviera Maya, so you don’t have to worry about heading to a meet up spot this early in the morning.

The tour starts by going over to Tulum, where your guide will teach you all about the ancient Mayan civilization. The archaeological site features all kinds of fortresses, lookout sites, sacred structures, and much more.

The guides are bilingual and very knowledgeable in the culture and area. However, after your guided tour, you’ll have some time to look around on your own. We recommend checking out the ocean views over the cliffs!

Once you’ve seen Tulum, you’ll drive over to Tankah park, which is known for its 4 different cenotes. You’ll enjoy some fresh, in-season fruits which are honestly some of the most flavorful we’d ever tried.

After, head into Cenote Cueva, which features a diving platform and zipline! However, don’t exhaust yourself just on the first one, because there are 2 more cenotes to see, too!

After all of this, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved buffet full of all kinds of local food: chicken Pibil, tortillas de maiz, and many other dishes. Before boarding the transport again, you’ll take some time to check out the Tankah village where local Mayas still live.

5. Tulum Early Bird Experience Ruins, Cenote, Lagoon, & Lunch

• Departure Time: 8am
• Includes:  Round-trip hotel transfers from the main hotels in Cancun and the Mayan Riviera, park admission fees, buffet lunch, bilingual guide

You’ve surely heard the saying “the early bird gets the worm”, right? Well, on the Tulum Early Bird Experience Ruins, Cenote, Lagoon, and Lunch , you may not get a worm but you will get to check out legendary spots and yummy traditional food!

This 10-hour tour packs a big punch, but it’s one of those options that offers so much more than you’re paying!

The experience will start with a hotel pickup at 8am to avoid the hottest parts of the day. You’ll head straight to the Tulum archaeological site with your certified guide who knows all about the history of the area.

At this time, there is hardly anyone there so you have the place basically all to yourself. Located right on the Caribbean sea, you’ll only hear the waves crashing on the white sand beaches.

Afterward, you’ll go to a jewel-green cenote and be able to jump in for a refreshing dip! You definitely don’t have to go in the water, but with the notorious heat of the Caribbean, it is definitely appealing!

Next up, you’ll head over to a laguna that’s the perfect spot for taking photos, or just taking in the experience. Again, if you’d like you can go into the warm waters should you like! After all this adventuring, you’ll go to a traditional Mexican restaurant, along with some exploring around downtown Tulum.

Downtown Tulum is perfect if you’re looking for some unique souvenirs for those who weren’t able to accompany you on the tour.

6. Cancun/Riviera Maya Tulum Ruins, Sea Turtle Swim & Cenotes

• Duration: 8-10 hours
• Departure Time: Early morning
• Includes: Hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, professional archaeological INAH-certified tour guide, tolls, gasoline and parking fees, cold water and sodas, admission tickets

If you’re looking to not only explore historic ruins, but also see some sea turtles, this is quite possibly the best tour. The Tulum Ruins, Sea Turtle Swim, and Cenotes tour combines it all to make sure you don’t even have time to think about being bored!

Lasting around 8 hours, make sure you come prepared with a sense of adventure and appropriate clothes and shoes!

Start the tour off right by heading to the ruins of Tulum. Once you arrive to the Walled City, you’ll meet up with your professional archaeologist guide who knows just about everything we could possibly know about the Mayas.

Afterward, you’ll have some time to check out the site at your own pace and revisit the parts that really called out to you.

Once on the air-conditioned coach with your group, you’ll head over to the Xtun cenote. Located in the heart of the jungle, there isn’t exactly a paved road to get there, so a bit of bumpy off-roading is involved for an Indiana Jones-esque adventure.

Once you arrive, you’ll get to enjoy a wonderful Mexican buffet-style lunch. Try the local dish “Cochinita Pibil” which is some of the best barbeque in the world and is marinated in lime and spices. Vegetarian options are available if you give advanced notice, so keep this in mind!

Next up, you’ll see 2 different types of cenotes: stage 1 and 2. The dry stage 2 cenote consists of unreal stalactite and stalagmite formations (one comes down from the cenote while the other comes up from the ground). Afterward, you’ll go to the “wet” stage 1 cenote where you can snorkel (equipment is included).

If you’d like to warm up, you can also drink their “café de olla” which is an interestingly sweet coffee made with piloncillo (a dark, raw sugar) in a pot or “olla”.

Travel to Akumal Bay, where you’ll get to snorkel once again but this time with tropical sea turtles! The instructor will teach you how to properly use your equipment and all about the turtles and their conservation efforts.

7. Tulum Discovery Tour From Cancun or Playa del Carmen

• Includes: Hotel pick-up in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya, air-conditioned transportation, 2-hour visit of the Tulum archaeological site, entrance fees

Next, we bring you the Cancun or Playa del Carmen: Tulum Discovery Tour . This 6-hour tour is great if you’re looking for something to fill your morning with but aren’t looking to go on an all-day exploration. In fact, 2 of these hours will be spent in an air-conditioned coach and 4 hours on your actual excursion.

First, you’ll be picked up in the morning in your hotel lobby, so long as it’s in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or the Riviera Maya. During your time in the coach, you’ll get to look out of the wide windows to the jungle and even catch site of some jungle critters!

Once you arrive in Tulum, you’ll get to partake in a 1-hour guided tour with an expert guide who has a lot of experience in Mayan culture and history. They’ll show you around the ruins and tell you all about how significant it was to the Mayas.

Sitting above the Caribbean sea, it also offers some incredible ocean views! There are tons of different structures to check out, so plan wisely. Following the guided tour, you’ll have some time on your own or with a partner to check it all out at your own pace.

Once you have seen everything you want, you’ll head back to your coach transfer and be dropped off at your hotel around 2pm. This is a great tour if you have evening plans, or will be with children who won’t do well on all-day tours.

Travel Guide to Cancun

When to visit cancun, getting around cancun, staying safe in cancun, what to pack for your trip, it’s time to plan your trip.

Going to Cancun, even if you can only go for a long holiday weekend, should be something on everyone’s bucket list. There’s beaches to walk at sunset, attractions to visit, and even if you want to spend a whole day of relaxation at your all-inclusive hotel there will be plenty to do in the form of spa treatments and even a 9am tee time.

Oh, and don’t forget to book your snorkeling tour!

However, there are some things you should know about vacationing in Cancun before you book your trip, such as when to go, what you should be packing, and how you will be getting around the area. Let’s explore a bit of Cancun before you book your trip, shall we?

If you are looking to spend less on your trip to Cancun, you could always plan to go in the off-season. However, you risk the chance of the weather becoming a problem. It’s the off-season for a reason. Mid-December to March typically has the best weather, as well as the highest costs.

If you want to avoid the biggest crowds and the biggest bill, avoid Spring break season when college students flood the area. From May to December, you will run into the highest temps as well as unpredictable rains. Early December and the whole month of April are usually good compromises for both cost and weather.

Public transportation is actually very good in Cancun. It’s clean. It usually runs on time as long as the weather isn’t a problem and the crowds aren’t heavy like during Spring break.

And, you will find that it will usually be able to take you to all of the local area attractions that you will want to visit without any issues. If you are looking to cut costs, this is definitely one place you can do it.

Don’t spend the extra money on a rental car and worry more about packing as much fun into every day you are there as possible.

Like at any beach, currents and undertows can be dangerous. If you don’t know what to watch for with the tides or how to get yourself out of a sticky situation in the water, it’s best to stay out of deeper waters.

Also, you should learn what the flags by the lifeguard towers mean. If you don’t know, be sure to ask a lifeguard to teach you beach safety. Many hotels will also have brochures about how to stay safe on the beaches.

If you go out at night – to restaurants, bars, or especially nightclubs – it is important to keep your wits about you. This is important while traveling to any tourist destination. Keep the flashy jewelry and cameras at the hotel room. Always have identification on you. And don’t drink so much that you can’t safely get back to your hotel.

You will be getting wet quite often, whether at the beach or on your snorkeling tour, and you might end up having to bring back wet clothes. Pack a few plastic bags that can tie or zip closed so that your other clothes or your suitcase doesn’t get wet.

Customs isn’t going to like seeing a suitcase that is leaking! While walking around shopping or going to the beach, you will want a tote bag, either canvas or mesh, to carry sunscreen, sandals, etc. so don’t forget to bring a beach bag.

While walking around Mayan ruins or doing some souvenir shopping, you will want walking shoes and if you aren’t traveling in them, make sure to pack them along with sandals fit for the beach. Also, be sure to pack a carry-on that will make it through both the US airport as well as the Mexican airport in Cancun. You will be going both ways.

If you plan on doing much shopping, you might want to pack an extra duffel for the extras that you will be purchasing to bring home with you. Plus, it’s inevitable that not everything fits back into the suitcase the way you packed it in the first time, so extra space might be handy.

Now that you have the low down on vacationing in Cancun and you know which snorkeling tour you’d like to take with the family, it’s time to book your flights, arrange your snorkeling adventure and start packing!

I hope this guide was helpful for finding the best Tulum and Mayan ruins tours to fit your needs. If you want to comment or recommend a tour I didn’t include, please use my contact form to get in touch.

Remember; be safe, and stay within your limits and most of all enjoy your time in Cancun!

Tour Guides

The Coba & Tulum Mayan Ruins Discovery Combo Tour is our Editor's Choice for the best tour.

Robert Baker

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The 5 Best Cabo San Lucas ATV Tours [2024 Reviews]

19 Best Tulum Tours in 2023

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no cost to you, I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the links in this article. 

Taking one of Tulum tours is a perfect option if you want to learn about the Mayan culture, swim in cenotes, explore the jungle or go on a snorkeling tour.

Tulum is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico’s Rivera Maya and narrowing down the list of things to do here is not easy task.

In this article, we will go over some of the most popular tours that offer historical and cultural context of the area while you enjoy the spectacular scenery.

✅ Check my complete guide to tipping in Mexico to find out how much to tip your tour guide!

Cenote tours

1. Tulum and Cenotes tour

Cenotes are freshwater-filled sinkholes that are some of the biggest draws of the Yucatan Peninsula. This is one of the best introductory cenote tours from Tulum that includes stops in Cenotes Chen Há and the Tulum ruins where you will learn about the historical and cultural significance of the area from your guide.

👉 Learn about the best time to visit Tulum so you can get the most out of your trip.

Not only do you get a guided tour of the massive archaeological site, but you make the most of your time by visiting the beautiful cenote. 

What’s included: 

• Multilingual guide tour at Tulum ruins
• Visit two cenotes, open and underground
• Round-trip transportation from your hotel

What’s not included:

• $15 conservation fee to access cenote
• Personal expenses

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2. Coba Ruins Punta Laguna and Cenote Dos Ojos – Small Group Tour

One of the best tours for a small group, this fun day trip is packed with natural beauty, adventure, and the introduction to the Mayan culture 😀

Taste cochinita pibil, explore Mayan ruins by bicycle, and climb the tallest pyramid in Yucatan – all in a day! Head to Punta Laguna to participate in a sacred ritual to enter Otoch Maax Yetel Coh – a house of the spider monkey and puma.

Speed through the jungle on a zipline and snorkel at Las Calaveras, before finishing your trip with a refreshing swim in cenote.

What’s included:

• Round-trip – transportation from the dive shop to the
• Bottled water in a reusable eco bottle
• Lunch – traditional Mayan food in a Coba restaurant
• All equipment – wetsuits, snorkels, bike rental fee, zip line fee, canoe, etc.
• Swimming in cenote Las Calaveras
• Free GoPro & Video lights rental
• All fees and taxes

3. Cenote Triple Adventure

Free dive, snorkel, and cliff-jump at three different cenotes is a fun adventure! Admire the mangroves of Casa Cenote, before exploring the caverns and rock formations of Gran Cenote . Dare to to pencil-drop 10 feet from a roof opening into the freshwater below at the Temple of Doom Cenote.

• Use of GoPro
• Snorkel gear
• Round-trip transportation from the central meeting point
• Professional guide
• Bottled water
• Lunch add-on is $15

4. Tulum Day-Trip Mayan Ruins With Cenote Swim

Combine an in-depth tour of Tulum ruins with a refreshing dip in a cenote, during this tour. You’ll enjoy a guided visit to the ancient Mayan site perched above the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, with admission tickets and priority access included, followed by a swim in the gorgeous underground cenotes.

👉 Looking for a place to stay in Tulum? Check my complete guide to the best Tulum hotels

This is one of the most fun full-day tours from Cancun that provides a basic introduction to the area without having to plan all of the logistics and organization by yourself. Bring your snorkeling gear for a chance to peek beneath the water. The tour departs from Cancun.

• Guided tour of Tulum ruins
•  Admission fees and priority access at Tulum ruins
•  Roundtrip transportation to and from your centrally located hotel (if selected)
• Natural reserve fee at cenote for conservation efforts (15 USD) 
• Optional lifejacket and snorkel rental (10 USD) 
• Pick-up and drop-off if from Tulum hotels 
• Food and beverages not listed as inclusions 

5. Tulum, Coba, and Cenote

Need a break from the beach and want to explore some of the best Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula?

This full-day adventure includes stops in Tulum and Coba Ruins where you can learn about Mayan culture and history before arriving in a cenote where you can snorkel swim and round up your adventure with a delicious buffet lunch. 

• Roundtrip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
•  Hotel pick-up and drop-off from main Cancun and Riviera Maya hotels
•  Playa del Carmen and Tulum pickup is at a meeting point
• Optional tips

6. Tulum Ruins Private Tour with Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling

Combine ancient temples with a cenote and sea turtles on a full-day, private tour that includes an a la carte lunch at a local restaurant. You will leave your hotel early morning which means cooler temperatures and fewer crowds during your excursion of the Tulum archeological site, which is followed by stops to snorkel in a cenote and swim with sea turtles.

What’ included:

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Private transport
• Professional guide lunch (one meal a la carte) with water, soda, beer included
• Beverages water, soda, beer
• Snorkel equipment including life jackets and wetsuits

What’s not included:

• Tulum truck shuttle

Chichen Itza Tours

7. Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid Small Group Day Trip

Journey to the cultural heart of the Yucatan on this combo tour of Chichen Itzá and the colonial city of Valladolid on one of the best Chichen Itza tours from Tulum. Your knowledgeable guide will offer you perspective on the Maya-Toltec design as you walk past the impressively restored structures. 

Continue to Valladolid, where you can explore the colonial city and enjoy a delicious lunch. Make a stop at a cenote where you can swim and relax before heading back to your hotel.  

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tulum (revise confirmation email for pick-up time)
• Lunchin downtown Valladolid
• Snacks and drinks
• All entrance fees
• Pick-up outside of Tulum

8. Chichen Itza Day Trip from Tulum Including Cenote and Lunch

This popular tour allows you to explore one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site without a hassle of public transportation and standing in line.

Following a stop in Chichen Itza, plunge into the refreshing waters of Cenote Saamal, capture photographs of Chichen Itza highlights including the Kukulkan Pyramid, and feast on a buffet lunch inspired by Mexican classics.

• Guided visit
•  Certified bilingual guide
•  Lunch
•  Pickup and drop-off from one of Tulum hotels
•  Visit a sacred cenote
•  Bottled water
• Drinks during lunch
• State Tax applies Per Access of $286 MXP or its equivalent in USD

9. Chichen Itza Private VIP Tour

Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the busiest destinations in the  Yucatan Peninsula . If you want to avoid crowds, planning a trip from Tulum to Chichen Itza requires careful preparation and planning. 

But what if you are busy with other things and still want a great experience? 

This  private VIP tour of Chichen Itza  is a perfect option! 

After getting picked up at your hotel early morning, you will arrive at the ruins, where your guide will give you an overview of Chichen Itza’s history. Following the tour, you will visit the  Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman  and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant on the main square of Valladolid. 

After lunch, you will have a chance to explore this gorgeous colonial town independently. Enjoy everything at your own pace and customize your experience however you like.

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Private transportation

10. Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid Private Tour

A private Chichen Itza tour  is the best way to see the top highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula with a private guide. Skip crowds at Chichen Itza – one of the most popular  Mayan ruins in in Mexico , and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. 

It’s one of the most highly rated Tulum private tours, with many visitors leaving great reviews. 

You can customize the itinerary and choose a pick-up time. After enjoying Chichen Itza, you visit Valladolid, a colonial town with pastel-colored buildings and a beautiful San Gervasio Cathedral.

As a bonus, you can swim in cenotes Ik Kil, Xcajum, or visit the Mayan jungle. 

• Round-trip air-conditioned transportation exclusively for your group
• Entrance fees to Chichen Itza 
• Visits to cenotes Ik-Kil, Selva Maya or Xcajum 
• Buffet lunch with traditional dishes from the Yucatan
• Onboard cooler with beers, sodas, and bottled water

What’s not included: 

Tulum tours from cancun.

11. Tulum and jungle Maya Native Park with zip-lines and cenotes

One of the best excursions from Tulum that combines history and adventure, this tour will take you through the Jungle Maya Native Park where you can learn about its rich history and architecture before heading into the jungle.

Rappel into an underground pond, glide over a lush forest on a zipline, visit a 137-mile (220-kilometers) underground river, snorkel in crystal clear waters, and participate in a Mayan blessing ceremony with a shaman – all in one day!

The tour is followed by a complimentary lunch and drop-off at your hotel. 

• A stop at Tulum ruins 
• All activities and equipment
• A professional guide
• A hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Photos (available to purchase)
• Souvenirs (available to purchase)

12. VIP Tulum Private Tour

If you are visiting Rivera Maya for the first time, and want to get the most out of your trip, book this popular tour  to combine a visit to Tulum ruins with a stop at the Xunaan-Ha and Taak Bi Ha Cenotes with a private guide. 

• All entry fees
• Snorkeling equipment will be available for you to borrow at no extra cost.

13. Tulum and Sac Actun Private Tour

Explore the Mayan ruins of Tulum and visit the Cenote Sac Actun on one of the most popular tours from Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

Learn about the ancient Mayan civilization in Tulum on a private guided tour, then have time to swim at the beach near Tulum before continuing to the cenote for a tour of the underground chambers. 

Have free time in Tulum for photo ops and visiting the beach.

• Entrance fees for Tulum and Cenote Sac Actun
• Private bilingual certified guide in Tulum
• Expert guide at Sac Actun
• Traditional Mexican lunch

Best overall Tulum tours

14. Cobá Ruins Tour (Private, Half Day)

A guided tour of the ancient  Mayan city of Cobá  is one of the best tours for a fun day trip. Located deep in the Yucatán jungle, this archeological site was once a major trade zone. 

✅ Read my guide to the best beachfront hotels in Tulum for the ultimate getaway

Translated as  “waters stirred by wind”  in the Mayan language, Coba ruins in Mexico are famous for the largest network of sac-be’s (or white road in the Mayan language). They connect various areas of Coba to the main Pyramid Nohoch Mul – the largest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula, and the nearby lake.

It is also a bigger archaeological area with plenty of shade, so you will not have to bake in the sun the entire time you are here. 

Your guide will share the history of the ruins, and you can also climb to the top of massive stone pyramids to enjoy views of the lush vegetation below.

• Bottled water 
• Snacks 
• Lunch 

15. Private Sailing and Snorkeling Experience in Tulum

One of the most popular Tulum tours, this catamaran adventure offers a fun trip in Mexico’s Caribbean combined with snorkeling.

• Snorkeling equipment
• National Park bracelet – 60 Mexican Pesos per person

16. Sian Ka’an Adventure, a private full-day tour

Swap the beaches and bars of Tulum for a deep dive into Mayan history on this popular day trip from Tulum. This private Tulum tour takes you into the heart of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, the largest protected area of Mexico’s Caribbean that’s home to a stunning array of biodiversity. 

During a tour, you will explore the clear, cool canals of Sian Ka’an and visit the Mayan ruins of Muyil. You will also learn about the local culture and history, see tropical birds and animals like dolphins and manatees, and enjoy a delicious local-style lunch.

• Pick-up and drop-off from Tulum and Akumal transportations 
• Snacks and bottled water
• Parking fees
• Coffee and/or Tea
• Alcoholic beverages

17. Tulum Private Photo shooting session

Want to have some spectacular photos from your trip to Tulum? 

This private photoshoot  allows you to choose from many scenic locations in the area, or have your photographer come straight to your hotel. 

The package includes 20 high-resolution images, with the option to purchase additional photos for an extra fee. You can choose from morning or evening photo sessions and also include add-ons like makeup, and additional photo packages are available

• Professional photographer guide
• The photo session includes 20 high-resolution photos professionally edited for lighting and color.
• Round-trip transportation from your resort is available upon request

18. Mexican cooking from scratch and mezcal tasting in Tulum

Learn about the flavors and ingredients of Aztec, Mayan, and Mexican cuisine in a local’s home. Prepare a 3-course meal – soup, main, and dessert – along with homemade salsa and tortillas.

You’ll also sample and learn the proper way to taste mezcal. Share the meal you’ve prepared with your hosts and new amigos. This is one of the best small group tours from Tulum that’s limited to 10 people.

Mezcal tasting

19. Tulum Adventure: Mayan ruins, zip-lines, cenote , rappel

Pack your time in this corner of the Yucatan Peninsula with plenty of activities – and you don’t have to organize a single one of them. See ancient Mayan pyramids, swim in cenote caves, and fly through the canopy on a zip-line in this action-packed day. And how about roaring through the Yucatan jungle on the back of an ATV?

This is a small group which means you no longer have to wait in lines.

• Roundtrip transportation
• Pick-up from your accommodation
• Small groups
• Equipment for all the activities
• Camcorder tax (50 pesos)
• Alcoholic Beverages

Tulum tours: FAQ

How many days do you need in Tulum?

Plan at least 3 days in Tulum to experience the amazing scenery with all the beaches, cenotes and Mayan ruins. It’s also a good amount of time to enjoy the local food scene at some of the best Tulum restaurants and a guided tour to places like Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve or Coba .

Are Tulum beaches swimmable?

Yes, Tulum beaches are swimmable and are often called some of the best beaches in Mexico.

How much time do you need in Tulum ruins?

1,5-2 hours is a perfect amount of time in Tulum ruins that will allow you to enjoy this archaeological area. The best time to visit Tulum ruins is when they open before it gets too crowded.

Can you go to Tulum without a tour?

While you can visit Tulum on your own, some places like Tulum ruins, or cenotes are best visited with a guided tour, as it can provide a better context and history of the area.

The ancient ruins of Tulum can be visited fairly easily on your own or you can book a guided tour for the added convenience of roundtrip transportation with pickup from your hotel in Playa del Carmen.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit the Tulum Ruins?

When you arrive at the ruins, tickets are sold at the entrance. The entrance fee to Tulum ruins is 85 Mexican Pesos per person. If you want to take photos with a professional camera or GoPro, you will need to pay an additional fee of 45 Pesos.

Do you need a tour to visit cenotes Tulum?

You can visit Tulum cenotes without a tour, but a tour provides a nice overview of the area and also dives into the local history. If you are new to the area and want to get a basic introduction and more curated experience, Tulum cenote tours are a great option.

Can you do Tulum and Chichen Itza in one day?

You can visit Chichen Itza from Tulum in one day, if you plan your trip correctly. The best way to do so is by taking one of guided tours that combine stops in Chichen Itza and Tulum. These tours include professional tour guides, private transportation and stops in cenotes.

More resources for planning your trip to Tulum, Mexico

• Agoda.com  – a great website for budget hotels in Tulum and other parts of Mexico.
• WorldNomads  – Great service for insurance coverage that will keep you safe on the road.
• Safety Wing  – Excellent insurance plan for long-term travelers that offers competitive rates is you are planning to stay on the road several weeks in a row. 
• iVisa  – the best website for getting help with your Mexico visa.
• DiscoverCars.com  – There’s nothing like exploring Tulum and surrounding areas at your own pace. Rent a car at Discover Cars if you want more freedom exploring Rivera Maya. 
• GetYourGuide.com  – This is one of the best platforms for finding best tours in Tulum. Get Your Guide is my favorite platform that offers awesome tours and top-notch guides in many destinations in Mexico.
• CheapoAir.com  – One of the best platforms for saving money on flights within Mexico and beyond. 
• Booking.com  – a popular website with tons and tons of options for accommodations of all sorts.

Tulum Half Day Tour

Description

Practical information, good to know.

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• Discover the ancient Mayan walled city of Tulum
• Experience the only ruins facing the Caribbean Sea
• Enjoy the view of the beautiful beach near Tulum
• Activity duration: 2 hours approx. (not including transportation to and from activity)
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off included
• Round-trip, air-conditioned transportation
• Certified guide
• Bottled water
• Entrance to Tulum archaeological site
• Bring biodegradable sunscreen, a hat or cap, and sunglasses
• Bring extra money for tips, snacks, and souvenirs (tipping is optional)
• Not suitable for people with limited mobility
• Be aware that transportation time to Tulum is 2 hours from Cancun and 1 hour from Playa del Carmen
• Please note that our partner will be providing transportation in their vehicle so that you can enjoy this exciting excursion.
• As of January 12, 2024, the use of disposable plastic bottles is now prohibited. Kindly make the switch to reusable containers for your water and soft drinks.
• Important: If you are in Cozumel and wish to have this experience, please select your pick-up location at the meeting point that best suits you.
• Tour Language: English / Spanish
• Tour Location(s): Riviera Maya
• Season: All year long
• Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
• Minimum Age Requirement: 4 years old
• Hotel Pick-up Available: Yes
• Good Physical Condition Required: Yes
• Suitable For Children : Yes
• Suitable For Elderly: Yes
• Pregnant Woman Allowed: Yes

10 Beachside Ruins That Will Make You Forego Sunbathing For Exploring

The world is full of incredible ancient sites and ruins with fascinating backstories , from crumbling metropolises to fortified sanctuaries that have weathered daily adversity. Many of these prehistoric communities were incredibly inventive and ingenious. People can contemplate their meticulous city planning and incredible engineering feats, some of which archeologists are still trying to fully understand, and consider how much they can learn from these ancient relatives; perhaps the most fascinating aspect is what they can't reveal.

The most interesting ancient ruins and archeological sites are undoubtedly rife with ancient mysteries that will astound even the most inquisitive brains. Nothing can compete with the beauty of coastal ruins, not even the nearby mesmerizing waters. Therefore, here are a handful of beachside ruins around the world that will make their visitors forego sunbathing for exploring.

Essaouira, Morocco

To mirror the camel trains that formerly carried gold and salt from Timbuktu, Essaouira has long drawn waves of artists, filmmakers, and tourists. Both Game of Thrones and Orson Welles' 1951 play Othello included the walled medina's wave-lashed fortifications, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

In Essaouira, visitors will be embraced by a fascinating fusion of Moroccan and European architecture due to its whitewashed medina and spectacular seaside battlements, despite the widely held local legend that the fort receding into the beach served as the inspiration for Jimi Hendrix's Castles Made of Sand. Plus, this place isn't just home to some of the world's best ruins on the coast; visitors will also enjoy discovering charming attractions and things to do in Essaouira .

• Entrance fee: $0.99 (10 MAD) per visitor

Related: Visit Essaouira: Morocco’s Most Charming Seaside Town

Kaleköy, Turkey

Kaleköy is home to some of the best coastal ruins in the world. The name of this fishing community in the Mediterranean, which can only be reached by boat or on foot along the Lycian Way, alludes to the crusader castle that towers above its dilapidated cottages and is home to the smallest theater in antiquity . Visitors can follow the roads down to the harbor, where two Lycian house tombs rise sharply from the brilliant turquoise shallows, to find a Turkish Atlantis.

They can also hop in a boat or sea kayak to observe building foundations, stairs, and broken amphorae vanishing into the azure depths near Kekova island. They are remnants of ancient Simena, the sunken city submerged by a series of earthquakes in the second century AD . On a trip, tourists can travel there from Kaş.

• Entrance fee: $3.61 (70 TL) per visitor

Byblos, Lebanon

North of Beirut, atop a sandstone cliff, stands the beach town of Byblos. There are many reasons to visit Byblos , which has been continuously inhabited since the Neolithic era, but perhaps one of the most compelling is that it's an outstanding example of an early Phoenician civilization site. The buildings from various eras that are strewn around the area, including the medieval city intra-muros and antique homes, show the evolution of the town. Byblos is a testament to a history of continuous building, from the town's first structures, which date back 8000 years , to the Bronze Age's monumental temples, Byzantine churches, Persian fortifications, the Crusade citadel, Roman roads, and the medieval and Ottoman town.

Byblos is also closely related to the development and spread of the Phoenician alphabet. With the oldest Phoenician inscription found in Byblos, it was determined where the modern alphabet originated. Today, tourists will not only visit ruins, but they will also enjoy shopping, partying, eating, and other activities in Byblos. The ruins are spread across the area, so no matter where visitors are or what they are doing, they will be enchanted by the beauty of this exceptional, ancient town.

• Entrance fee: $3 (300,000 LBP) per visitor

Related: Why Lebanon's Roman Ruins Make It Worth Visiting

Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

Eilean Donan, a location in several movies, including Highlander and the Pierce Brosnan Bond movie The World Is Not Enough , stands on an island where three large sea lochs converge on the coastal road to Skye. A squadron of English frigates bombarded it for three days before blowing it up with a stockpile of 343 gunpowder barrels because Spanish forces were stationed there during the brief Jacobite uprising of 1719. The solid building, which was fortunately spared total destruction, was restored to its former splendor in the early 20th century.

To tour the impressive pile, which was dubbed Scotland's "Best Heritage Tourism Experience," and see artifacts, including a sword used at the Battle of Culloden in 1746 , visitors should cross the stone-arched bridge.

• Entrance fee: $12.46 (10 GBP) per adult and $7.48 (6 GBP) per child

Related: Visiting Eilean Donan? Here Are Some Tips For Going Inside

Ostia Antica, Italy

Ancient Rome's harbor, Ostia, was located at the Tiber River's mouth. This significant harbor was founded around the 7th century BC and overcame pirate attacks and civil wars to become a great one before the fall of the Roman Empire caused it to be plundered once more. The location of the site has changed due to river silting; it is now on the last alluvial bend of the Tiber before it joins the Tyrrhenian Sea. This build-up preserved many of the ruins by submerging them in the muck.

The sprawling site today is one of the best day trips from Rome , with attractions like the Baths of Neptune and the amphitheater. Visitors are recommended to keep an eye out for the mosaics in the café and the fresco menu in the Piazzale delle Corporazioni, which served as the meeting place for Ostia's merchant guilds.

• Entrance fee: $16.32 (14.80 EUR) per visitor

Chersonesus, Crimea

Chersonesus, which is Greek for "peninsula," was an ancient Greek colony founded 2500 years ago on the Crimean Peninsula and was known as the Ukrainian Pompeii. In addition to Greek, Byzantine, and Roman ruins, it also has a basilica that is shown on Ukrainian banknotes. A Russian Orthodox cathedral looms ominously over the entire scene.

The contested peninsula creates logistical difficulties and moral conundrums as a result of Russia's widely denounced annexation of this portion of Ukrainian land in 2014. To get a taste of life two thousand years ago, tourists can still travel to this Pompeii on the Black Sea.

• Entrance fee: $6.13 (500 RUB) per adult and $3.07 (250 GBP) per youth

Skellig Michael, Ireland

Tourists can only visit Skellig Michael between April and October. It is the largest of the two Skellig Islands. Along the way, they will see a variety of wild birds circling above Little Skellig, the second-largest gannet colony in the world . The stone beehive cells atop Skellig Michael were built by the monks who resided there between the sixth and the twelfth centuries AD. At that point, it is time to disembark and ascend the cliffside stairs.

This lonely, wind-beaten Irish cousin of Cornwall's St. Michael's Mount and Normandy's Mont St. Michel still exudes the same intensity of devotion that inspired the ancient priests to build it. Its aura of mystery even inspired Luke Skywalker's Jedi temple in the most recent Star Wars films. In addition to those who disembark on the island, eco-tours are also offered. Another option is the Skellig Experience on the more tranquil Valentia Island.

• Tour costs: $44.11 (40 EUR) per adult and $33.09 (30 EUR) per child

Related: This Northern Ireland Town Is Home To A Cliff Walk, A Castle, And A History Of Witch Trials

Lindos Acropolis, Greece

Lindos Acropolis is one of two breathtaking Greek acropolises, or fortified upper cities, on Rhodes that date back more than 2000 years . Visitors can climb the steep road to the towering hilltop, which, due to its battlements built by the crusading Knights of St. John, who captured the island from the Byzantine Empire in the 14th century, rules over Lindos' sugar-cube buildings and blue bay like a medieval fortress.

Today, this is one of the best ruins on the coast in Greece; the temple to the goddess Athena Lindia and a Hellenistic stoa with 20 brilliant white columns are among the remnants there. Awe-inspiring views of the marine world may be seen from here, which drew intrepid travelers like Alexander the Great and Odysseus.

• Entrance fee: $13.23 (12 EUR) per visitor

Port Arthur, Australia

Port Arthur, an abandoned 19th-century jail, is located at the farthest point of the peninsulas and islands clustered southeast of Hobart, on the final sheltered harbor before visitors cross the Tasman Sea to New Zealand's remote South Island. These sturdy Victorian fortifications, which could be reached from mainland Tasmania via Eaglehawk Neck, were used to imprison hardened offenders who committed new crimes after arriving in Australia.

On lantern-lit ghost tours of the abandoned facility, visitors can hear about the more than 3500 convicts who were employed in logging and shipbuilding at the height of the penal settlement in the 1840s. More than 1000 people have passed away here over Port Arthur's 50-year history, providing the tour guides plenty to discover, from an iconic history to stories of strange happenings and chilling situations that have alarmed everyone from colonial soldiers to present-day tourists.

• Entrance fee: $25.96 (39 AUD) per visitor

Learn more about the history of Port Arthur and what to know about visiting it today.

Related: Next Time You're In Cancun, Step Back 700 Years & Explore The Mayan Ruins At Tulum

Tulum, Mexico

When the Spanish conquistadors passed by this walled Mayan port city overlooking the Caribbean in 1518, they took note of its multicolored structures and ceremonial fire. Tulum, whose name means "wall" in Yucatán Mayan, withstood the arrival of the Spanish by over a century and has since continued to be a favorite among tourists.

The beachside town of Tulum has two main Mayan ruins to visit . The most magnificent of these ruins, El Castillo (the Castle), with its majestic stairway and plumed serpent carvings, has iguanas darting over the aged stones. Visitors are recommended to keep an eye out for the wonderful Templo del Dios del Viento and Templo de las Pinturas, which each have lofty columns, relief carvings, and colored murals.

• Entrance fee: $5.01 (90 MXN) per visitor