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 Beach and Las Palmas Public Beach.

Zona Hotelera
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Zama

If you're spending some time in Zama, Tulum National Park and Jaguar Park 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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La Veleta

4/5(8 area reviews)

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

La Veleta
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Villas Tulum

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

Villas Tulum
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort

4.5 out of 5
Carretera Cancun Tulum 307 Tulum QROO
The price is ฿15,585 per night from 21 Jan to 22 Jan
฿15,585
฿15,585 total
21 Jan - 22 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Tulum. Enjoy free valet parking, 8 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,950 reviews)
The Mediterranean Restaurant's food was horrible and the bottom of the sea was full of very sharp sand and also very shallow. Adults pool the same depth as the kids' pool around 4 feet. But the hotel was super clean breakfast and lunch were good and the drinks were low alcohol.

Reviewed on 19 Dec 2025

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

4.5 out of 5
Carretera Chetumal Pto Juarez km 236.7 Tulum QROO
The price is ฿12,454 per night from 2 Jan to 3 Jan
฿12,454
฿12,454 total
2 Jan - 3 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
Room was great, very clean. Staff was amazing!

Reviewed on 16 Dec 2025

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

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

4.5 out of 5
Calle Itzimina esq. Av Kukulkan Tulum QROO
The price is ฿17,419 per night from 13 Jan to 14 Jan
฿17,419
฿17,419 total
13 Jan - 14 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (628 reviews)
The room, staff and amenities were all amazing! Julio, our concierge, was great as well

Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025

Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club - Adults Only - 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 luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, on-site spa services and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tulum Beach and Tulum Mayan Ruins ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (181 reviews)
Smart and highly efficient with personalized features that truly enhance the guest experience. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Reviewed on 16 Dec 2025

Otonomus Tulum
Calea Tulum

Calea Tulum

4 out of 5
Paseo Zama con Itzamna, Mz 26 Lt 144 Tulum QROO
Stay at this aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Tulum Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (28 reviews)
Our stay was great! The room was clean, comfortable and quiet! Only 5 min driving from downtown. Staff is friendly!

Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025

Calea Tulum
Loch Tulum Condos by BUnik

Loch Tulum Condos by BUnik

4 out of 5
La Veleta Tulum QROO
Stay at this aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Tulum Beach are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (115 reviews)
We had a suite which is nice, the single rooms were very small so best to upgrade if you can.

Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025

Loch Tulum Condos by BUnik
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!