Tulum

Travel Guide

Tulum Mayan Ruins showing a ruin and rocky coastline
Tulum Mayan Ruins which includes tropical scenes and rocky coastline
Tulum Mayan Ruins showing a ruin
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.

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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

Zona Hotelera is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Tulum Beach and Playa Paraiso, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Tulum.

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

While visiting Zama, you might make a stop by sights like Tulum National Park and Jaguar Park.

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

Tulum City Center

4/5(107 area reviews)

Historic sites and bars are notable features of Tulum City Center. You might consider a stop by Dos Aguas Park while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Tulum City Center
Beautiful Caribbean coast in Tulum Mexico

La Veleta

3.5/5(13 area reviews)

Beaches and historic sites are notable features of La Veleta. You might consider a stop by Holistika Art Walk while you're exploring the neighborhood.

La Veleta
Aerial drone view of Tulum beach in Mexico

Villas Tulum

When in Villas Tulum, you can plan a visit to Cenote Calavera and Temple of Doom, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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 CA $498 per night from Mar 28 to Mar 29
CA $498
CA $607 total
Mar 28 - Mar 29
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury property in Tulum. Enjoy free valet parking, 8 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,954 reviews)
Yes the ocean was visible from our room. I had paid for the garden veiw, the room wasnt ready and apparently they had some cancelations we were comped. Problem was the two double beds. There is no shuttle offered by the resort. Be aware of the extreem prices up to 300us. Theres an independent taxi ...

Reviewed on Mar 12, 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 CA $535 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
CA $535
CA $651 total
Apr 14 - Apr 15
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury property in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (735 reviews)
We just checked out today and wanted to give a review, especially after seeing lot of negative reviews. We were contemplating cancelling but decided to come anyways 1) Room service in building 3: after seeing all the terrible reviews, our experience was opposite! When we first checked in and they ...

Reviewed on Mar 13, 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 CA $645 per night from Mar 21 to Mar 22
CA $645
CA $886 total
Mar 21 - Mar 22
includes taxes & fees
Book a 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (306 reviews)
0star

Reviewed on Mar 12, 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 WiFi, onsite 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 Mar 13, 2026

Otonomus Tulum
Irie Tulum

Irie Tulum

4 out of 5
Av. Central Tulum QROO
Stay at this aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our 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 Mar 9, 2026

Irie Tulum
Bloom Tulum, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy

Bloom Tulum, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy

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

Reviewed on Feb 11, 2026

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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Tulum

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
97
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
55
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller

I’m just very unsatisfied he left 1 week earlier. Still can’t believe to this day that they try to make extra money on our head for asking them to call a taxi for us.. I CANNOT refer this hotel to anybody. I suggest Aluna hotel instead

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Absolutely beautiful hotels and restautants. Boutiqe spas.and shopping. Incredibly expensive in comparison to the rest of Mexico. Tulum is an elitist tourist location that has other than a taco here or there and the Ruins nothing that says Mexico.

5/5 - Excellent

BirthdayBummer

Tulum is a dream and we will absolutely come back, just staying elsewhere. Tulum Beach area is where it's at! Will look into resorts on that strip.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Cenotes are close. Corazon cenote was like an old fashion swimming hole. Not busy or touristy

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

This is my second time visiting as a solo female traveller. There is something special about this place, which will keep me coming back. Slower pace and more peaceful than Playa Del Carmen & Cancún. Perfect for recharging & relaxing.

5/5 - Excellent

SD

Love Tulum for the fact it has no big all inclusive resorts. It’s casual and laid back with great food and warm friendly people. The simplicity of this place is what makes it so beautiful and appealing. Don’t change it!

Cities near Tulum

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