Tulum Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Tulum

Tulum Mayan Ruins showing a ruin

Zona Hotelera

Travellers to Zona Hotelera praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Tulum Mayan Ruins and Tulum Beach.

Zona Hotelera
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Zama

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

Zama
Tulum featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements

Tulum City Center

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Historical sites and bars are notable features of Tulum City Center. You might consider stopping by Dos Aguas Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Tulum City Center
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Villas Tulum

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

Villas Tulum
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La Veleta

4/5(8 area reviews)

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

La Veleta
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 ฿10,328 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
฿10,328
฿10,328 total
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Tulum. Enjoy free valet parking, 8 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,940 reviews)
"I would definitely go back"

Reviewed on 17 Sept 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 ฿11,924 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
฿11,924
฿11,924 total
14 Oct - 15 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (517 reviews)
"Everything was perfect !!!"

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025

Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Wyndham Tulum

Wyndham Tulum

4.5 out of 5
Region 011 Manzana 001, Tulum, QROO
The price is ฿2,120 per night from 25 Sept to 26 Sept
฿2,120
฿2,663 total
25 Sept - 26 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Playa Paraiso are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (66 reviews)
Wyndham Tulum
"This is a new property just opened in April 2025, and has been buit to a very high spec. The rooms are modern and each with private jacuzzi’s, with the suites super luxiorious with a kitchen and living room and very roomy. The swimming pool area has lots of loungers to relax after a swim, and has ..."

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2025

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

Otonomus Tulum

4.5 out of 5
Calle 71 sur mz 699 L1 004, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, on-site spa services and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Tulum ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (144 reviews)
"Loved this hotel. It is apartment style - would be great for long term stays. 7 min scooter ride from the beach. Nice pool and private pool at many of the rooms. Very convenient to be able to rent quads and scooters from there. Helpful concierge!"

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

Otonomus Tulum
NAJ TULUM

NAJ TULUM

4.5 out of 5
CTO YAAX, Aldea Zama Manzana 3 Lote 3, TLM Fracc Mayazama, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Playa Paraiso ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (77 reviews)
"Away from Tulum main st hustle and bustle. Easy 30 minute walk into town. The hotel and grounds are beautiful. Noisy street behind the building."

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

NAJ TULUM
BESPOKE, member of Small Luxury Hotels

BESPOKE, member of Small Luxury Hotels

4.5 out of 5
Tankah 3, Cdad., M3 L-1 y 2 Tulum, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free valet parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Xel-Há Park ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
"Stunning hotel, beautiful location. Car is essential otherwise hugely overpriced taxis are your only option. I do think a hotel of this calibre and price point really should include breakfast (this is the only luxury hotel I have stayed at that did not include breakfast). Would definitely return"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

BESPOKE, member of Small Luxury Hotels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Tulum

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
23
5 - Excellent 47%
4 - Good
23
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Nick

Tulum is vibrant, not crowded. Local feel, numerous excellent varied & affordable restaurants. Always felt safe!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Absolutely loved Tulum. There's so much to see and do. We did a lot of activities early in the trip then chilled out at the beach towards the end. The town is much cheaper and more vibrant with all the shops and bars and there are great vegan options

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It is very expensive, and the luxury hotels are miles away from the cheaper and more upbeat area of the main town. However it is beautiful and very peaceful.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

The ruins were great. Go for a swim. The public beach is best - forget the rest - charge 40 dollars for 2 beds at the strip following the public beach . Due to the busy highway in Tulum there is a lack of atmosphere you can get elsewhere .

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful and relaxed.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Paradiso!