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.

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 Las Palmas Public Beach.

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$757 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
NZ$757
17 Feb - 18 Feb
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! (672 reviews)
Loved it

Reviewed on 19 Jan 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$883 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
NZ$883
1 Feb - 2 Feb
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! (291 reviews)
The rooms were clean and spacious. Loved the pools and beachside access, along with the extracurricular activities presented. Beds were comfortable and staff attentive. Front desk staff could be a bit warmer, and not all were knowledgeable in addressing/resolving customer concerns.

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
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$724 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
NZ$724
23 Feb - 24 Feb
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! (1,965 reviews)
Overall, great resort, and loved the location and peaceful getaway. One thing that was a little annoying was that the bathroom did not have simple, basic fixtures for towels or amenities. It was always interesting to figure out where to put my stuff in the bathroom.

Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
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! (206 reviews)
Hotel was nice and staff were awesome. Hotel is a little remote not much around it so you have to drive or taxi. The road to the beach is a little sketchy to walk with no shoulder. But overall it’s a nice hotel. Will be nice when they finish the gym and have a few amenities. Staying at other hotels ...

Reviewed on 19 Jan 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (106 reviews)
Place was great. Restaurant was so clutch. Staff was amazing. Great communication.

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Irie 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! (158 reviews)
Peaceful, beautiful,clean

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

Siwa Tulum Unique Hotel & Spa
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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