Tulum

Travel Guide

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Tulum Mayan Ruins featuring tropical scenes and rocky coastline
Tulum Mayan Ruins showing a ruin
Tulum showing heritage elements and a ruin
Tulum showing heritage architecture

Explore Mayan ruins, dive in natural sinkholes and relax on picturesque beaches in this enchanting Riviera Maya town.

Tulum is an enigmatic and scenic city best known for its fascinating ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Tulum’s ancient structures are among the most well-preserved Mayan ruins in the world. Learn about the Mayan people and enjoy the town’s spectacular tropical scenery.

The Tulum Ruins is a former Mayan fortress-city, which consists of several temples and castles with views of the sea. Gaze up at the magnificent El Castillo, which stands on a dramatic limestone cliff. In front of the castle is the Temple of the Frescos, which contains wall paintings depicting the Mayan’s spiritual beliefs. Head to the north side of the site to see some small altars and lovely views of El Castillo.

After exploring the archaeological site, relax on the Tulum Ruins Beach. Take photos of this beautiful cove’s white sands and sparkling waters against the backdrop of the Mayan ruins.

Swim, snorkel or go cave diving in cenotes, natural swimming holes once revered by the Maya as a source of water during dry seasons. Scuba dive through a cave system of jagged stalagmites, stalactites and other intriguing rock formations in the Gran Cenote or the Dos Ojos Cenote.

Bring the kids to the remarkable Xel-Ha Water Park. This enormous nature park, found a 15-minute drive north of Tulum National Park, features cenotes, jungles, lagoons and rivers. Snorkel among colorful fish, go kayaking and dive off the Cliffs of Courage. Get around the park by cycling or riding the convenient jungle train.

The temperature in Tulum is fairly consistent throughout the year. The months of October through December are the best times to visit, with the wettest weather occurring from July to September. Tulum is located in the state of Quintana Roo, 80 miles (130 kilometers) south along the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula from Cancún. Fly to Cancún International Airport and take one of the daily tour buses that depart for Tulum.

Find a mix of thrilling adventure and rich culture in Tulum.

Where to stay in Tulum

Tulum Mayan Ruins which includes a ruin

Zona Hotelera

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

Zona Hotelera
Tulum showing heritage elements and heritage architecture

Tulum City Center

4/5(451 area reviews)

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

Tulum City Center
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Zama

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

Zama
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La Veleta

4/5(89 area reviews)

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

La Veleta
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Villas Tulum

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

Villas Tulum
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
4.5 out of 5
Carretera Cancun Tulum 307, Tulum, QROO
The price is ¥48,330 per night from Jul 12 to Jul 13
¥48,330
¥48,330 total
Jul 12 - Jul 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Tulum. Enjoy free valet parking, 8 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,842 reviews)
"Our stay at the Hilton was an amazing experience. The resort was clean and had so much to offer. The house keeping staff was very helpful which made our experience even more comfortable. They assist with anything you need to ensure your stay is comfortable and amazing. I highly recommend"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club - Adults Only - All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Calle Itzimina esq. Av Kukulkan, Mz 001, Lote 007, Reg 014, Aldea Zama, Tulum, QROO
The price is ¥52,502 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥52,502
¥52,502 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (411 reviews)
"The rooms were spacious and clean. The staff were excellent and attended to our needs."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - All Inclusive
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Carretera Chetumal Pto Juarez km 236.7, No. 1 Tankah Riviera Maya, Tulum, QROO
The price is ¥46,143 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
¥46,143
¥46,143 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Everything!! Coming back in April"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Otonomus Tulum
Otonomus Tulum
4.5 out of 5
Calle 71 sur mz 699 L1 004, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite spa services, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tulum Beach and Tulum Mayan ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (81 reviews)
"Amazing Property:)"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Otonomus Tulum
Loch Tulum Condos by BUnik
Loch Tulum Condos by BUnik
4 out of 5
La Veleta, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Tulum Beach ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (97 reviews)
"I loved everything about this stay! I had my own little private pool and I absolutely loved my room. I had a little kitchen and my bed was super comfy. Danny was a pleasure to communicate with. She gave me a lot of information about things to do around and places to go. I cannot recommend this stay ..."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Loch Tulum Condos by BUnik
Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa
Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa
5 out of 5
Quintana Roo 15, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (133 reviews)
"Jungle feel was exceptional. Quiet and relaxing. Staff was great and efficient with transportation."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Tulum

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
959
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
362
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
81
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
19
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
7
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful beaches. Ruins within walking distance. Cenotes galore. Friendly people. Small town feel.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Tulum is a beautiful natural place. It is starting to get congested and a bit touristy. I hope there is enough sense to protect the nature.

5/5 - Excellent

Luci

Definitely going back

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We enjoyed seeing the Coba and Tulum ruins and taking a sunset cruise. People were extremely friendly and the resort was a peaceful, beautiful place to relax and enjoy. We enjoyed the nightly entertainment Dreams Tulum had to offer as well.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Tulum has so many dining options. We made our selections based off of Google reviews. Most of the restaurants and bars we visited were filled with lush plants for a laid back jungle vibe.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

So much to do in Tulum!!!

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