Tulum Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Tulum Mayan Ruins featuring building ruins and rocky coastline
Tulum Mayan Ruins featuring building ruins and rocky coastline
Tulum Mayan Ruins showing tropical scenes and rugged coastline
Tulum Mayan Ruins which includes building ruins
Tulum showing heritage elements and a ruin

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.

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Where to stay in Tulum

Tulum sunset in the amazing Mayan Riviera
#tulum #architecture #sunset 

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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 Ven a la Luz Sculpture.

Zona Hotelera
A panorama view out to sea beside the temple of the wind god at the Mayan settlement of Tulum, Mexico on a sunny day

Zama

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

Zama
Cozumel near Cancun, Mexico, colorful houses and colonial center and tourism shopping district.

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
Beautiful Caribbean coast in Tulum Mexico

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
Aerial drone view of Tulum beach in Mexico

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
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$979 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
NZ$979
2 Mar - 3 Mar
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (707 reviews)
Clean, high service level, lots of amenities and entertainment . Location isn’t very good. Food ranged from really good to mediocre. Some of their restaurant offerings were really impressive. But I have to say their French restaurant was one one the worst attempts at French cuisine I have ever ...

Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026

Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club - Adults Only - All Inclusive
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$867 per night from 11 Mar to 12 Mar
NZ$867
11 Mar - 12 Mar
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,973 reviews)
Outstanding

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

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$728 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
NZ$728
22 Feb - 23 Feb
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Form the moment we arrived we were greeted with chilled Champagne at the door at that moment I knew that we were in the right place, and I wasn’t disappointed everything in this resort was by far exceeded what I expected the cleanliness the attention given to every guest, the entertainment offered ...

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

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 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! (220 reviews)
The place was clean only issues upon arrival the room was given away. No water on two occasions they fixed after we notified them. Not far from beach a short bike ride or scooter rental. Also the ocean view is lol. You can see it but barely. If you’re a smoker this is not the place for you. No elevator ...

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (163 reviews)
Absolutely stunning property. 10 minute drive to town or the beach. Recommend having a car as nothing else is around. From the moment you walk in it is an excellent experience. Very jungle like. The room was warm and welcoming. Swim right up to our room.

Reviewed on 14 Feb 2026

Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa
Bloom Tulum Apartments

Bloom Tulum Apartments

4 out of 5
Tulum QROO
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Tulum Beach are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Perfect stay

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

Bloom Tulum Apartments
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.

Cities near Tulum

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