Tulum Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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
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 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 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 Playa Paraiso.

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
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$738 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
NZ$738
19 Apr - 20 Apr
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! (1,962 reviews)
Went as a family vacation with 5 year old and the kid pool does offer a great place for the kids but besides popcorn chicken, they are very limited on food. Reservations are required for every restaurant and they were booked for almost the whole trip so we had no opportunity to try a few restaurants. ...

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

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 Tulum QROO
The price is NZ$780 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
NZ$780
19 Apr - 20 Apr
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! (740 reviews)
Great stay, the extra perks through Expedia including the Preferred Club were worth it

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya

5 out of 5
Carretera Cancun Tulum 307 Tulum QROO
The price is NZ$1,106 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
NZ$1,106
24 Mar - 25 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Tulum. Enjoy free valet parking, 3 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (308 reviews)
The hotel was beautiful and clean. The staff was always very friendly. We found the food offerings to be pretty disappointing compared to other 4-5 star hotels we've stayed at. The TVs had limited channels and were not smart TVs. I’d say this was a lower end 4 star hotel.

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
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

2.5 out of 5
Calle 71 sur mz 699 L1 004 Tulum QROO
Stay at this aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, on-site spa services and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tulum Beach and Tulum Mayan Ruins are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (238 reviews)
We had a nice stay at Otonomous. Our apartment was spacious and comfortable, and we enjoyed good wifi, tv and AC, and easy access to the pool (we had a pool view room with private pool, so we were on the main floor). The staff were all very nice and accommodating, as well. I would note, however, ...

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026

Otonomus Tulum
Irie Tulum

Irie Tulum

4 out of 5
Av. Central Tulum QROO
Stay at this aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (118 reviews)
The worst experience I have ever had at a hotel. From the over priced food to lack of communication. To having my room flooded simply because the drainage system wasn’t up to date. I then tried to call the front desk but there is no one to help you once it hits 10 pm. They add gratuity to every meal ...

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Irie Tulum
Bloom Tulum, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy

Bloom Tulum, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy

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 ...
Bloom Tulum, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy
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.

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