Tulum Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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Tulum Mayan Ruins showing tropical scenes and rugged coastline
Tulum Mayan Ruins which includes 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 which includes 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 Hunab Lifestyle Center are top sights worth seeing.

Zama
Tulum which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements

Tulum City Center

4/5(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

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 Dos Aguas Park 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 NZ$626 per night from 20 Dec to 21 Dec
NZ$626
20 Dec - 21 Dec
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! (1,985 reviews)
The team really did their best to provide a great service, we were in casa 6, of waiting time for the shuttle and arrive. The last day they had s conference, so very crowded. ALSO very average food at the restaurant. Always cold food, by the time the food came out was room temperature or cold.

Reviewed on 29 Nov 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 NZ$529 per night from 25 Dec to 26 Dec
NZ$529
25 Dec - 26 Dec
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! (1,011 reviews)
The resort in general is great. The only negative issue I noticed is that for those who smoke there are only two places no very convenient. One is next to the lobby and the second one is behind the buffet restaurant and the security personnel are always asking guests to only smoke in those places. ...

Reviewed on 27 Nov 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 NZ$832 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
NZ$832
22 Dec - 23 Dec
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! (608 reviews)
The staff, the amenities, the activities, just everything. We had an amazing stay, we had a great time, everything we experienced was just special. The variety of restaurants and selections. I do recommend this resort for anyone considering. We really felt well taken care of, it was a much needed ...

Reviewed on 3 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (181 reviews)
Clean, modern and we had an amazing 2-day stay. Kurt the front desk manager was super helpful and we would definitely stay here again next time we’re in Tulum. It’s near the beach and all the restaurants plus shopping. We knew Tulum would be expensive, but honestly, I’m not sure if it’s worth it ...

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2025

Otonomus Tulum
Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa

Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa

5 out of 5
Quintana Roo 15 Tulum QROO
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (153 reviews)
Everything about this place is beautiful and peaceful along with great nature. The chef took toooooo long to cook we waited over an hour everyday for breakfast tasty but some were cold.

Reviewed on 7 Nov 2025

Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa
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! (111 reviews)
Balcony tub is nice but you will need to clean it first and the hot water will run out before filling but you don’t need it haha. Staff is really nice although only the Manager speaks English. The area is not as developed as hotel zone and you will need a scooter. But I stayed here for 5 days and ...

Reviewed on 26 Oct 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

Activities

Reviews of Tulum

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
5 - Excellent 39%
4 - Good
7
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 6%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

If your diving the caves this is a great location as central to most of the Cenotes with the benefit of many dining choices within walking distance of the hotel.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely little place that is not over-commercialized, yet. If you want big party and huge shopping centres, this is not your place. But it has cute little shops, great places to eat and is a strategic position to visit Sian Kaan, Cobá, cenotes etc

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Tulum was my favourite place. So beautiful all along the beach

4/5 - Good

Jeremy

Tulum is a nice place to visit as there are a number of activities you can do, such as exploring ruins, going to a cenote or the beach. Unfortunately Tulum was experiencing very bad seaweed issues while there making the beach very disappointing.

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