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 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 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, Tulum Mayan Ruins and Cenote Calavera 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$446 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
NZ$446
5 Oct - 6 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property 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! (1,935 reviews)
"great vacation spot"

Reviewed on 16 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 NZ$564 per night from 7 Oct to 8 Oct
NZ$564
7 Oct - 8 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (514 reviews)
"This property was amazing. The staff are all very friendly and kind, always happy to help. The swim out was definitely worth it. Food at Grotto was good. The downside was the numbers on the elevators were confusing and made it difficult to get around, the beach club is not on site so we didn’t get ..."

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

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

Naala Tulum

3.5 out of 5
Av. Cobá Sur, Región 014, Súper Manzana 001, Manzana 004, Lote 001, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (609 reviews)
Easy stay
"I would recommend this hotel for cleanliness and location. Centrally located to either beach Tulum or street shopping Tulum. Bike rentals or ATV rentals are accessible. We did both. Downfall is no ice unless you go up to the restaurant at top fllor and no early morning coffee provided until 8:00am ..."

Reviewed on 9 Sept 2025

Naala 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 WiFi, onsite spa services, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Tulum ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (142 reviews)
"This hotel is beautiful, very modern and spacious. I loved having my own pool area. The concierge was very attentive. The only issue is there isnt much near the hotel. So its necessary to have transportation to get around."

Reviewed on 9 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 WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Playa Paraiso ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (76 reviews)
"The hostess Raquel was Kind and she provided us with an upgrade to our room with a kings size bed. she stayed in contact with us and the property was cute. the pool is best at night in the day the hot sun makes it feel like a bathtub other than that everything was spot on. WILL DEFINETLY GO ..."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 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 WiFi, free valet parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Xel-Há Park ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (28 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

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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