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Mayan ruins of Tulum

Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Last updated: 07 February, 2025

This small Maya settlement dating from between AD 564 and 1450, probably served as a port for the larger inland city of Coba.

The buildings, which cluster around a 30m-high stepped pyramid, are modest, but the site has become emblematic of the Riviera Maya because of its magnificent location – perched dramatically on a craggy cliff top overlooking a pristine, white-coral beach and a limpid, aquamarine sea.

It’s heavily visited and spoilt when there are crowds – its appeal is the beautiful setting rather than the undistinguished ruins themselves.

Don’t miss

It’s hard to miss anything at tiny Tulum, but the highlight is the view of the aquamarine ocean from the main cliff-top temple, aka the Temple of the Descending God

While you’re there

The Riviera Maya barrier reef comes within a few hundred metres of shore just south of the Mayan ruins at Tulum, offering easy snorkelling over coral gardens in calm water. Take snorkel gear with you.

Logistics

Price from: £2

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 8+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Hotels and tour operators throughout the Riviera offer tours to Tulum, though the ruins are a straightforward, well-signposted drive and can easily be done independently.

The ticket office provides folders and a map of the site. The ruins are so small that a guide is not really necessary (though it’s easy to organise one near the gates). One hour is usually enough, two to really soak up the atmosphere.

There are cheap snack and drink stalls in the car park next to the ruins and decent restaurants in Tulum village half a mile to the south.

When to do it

The site is open all year round, seven days a week. Arrive for opening time (usually 9am), when there are few visitors and contemplation of the stunning setting is interrupted by the call of fairy terns rather than the clamour of crowds. Then spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beautiful beach at the base of the ruins.

Tulum is beautiful all year round but can be very crowded. The rainy season from May through October sees the fewest visitors to Mayan Riviera. The dry season – November through April – gets busy.

If you can, avoid peak season in December to January, when it gets oppressively crowded, especially around Christmas and New Year.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Viator Exclusive: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves

Cancun

Viator

Experience the ultimate 3-in-1 adventure along the stunning Riviera Maya with our Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, and Cenotes Tour. Explore the ancient Tulum ruins, immerse yourself in the vibrant world beneath the Caribbean Sea with a snorkeling adventure among colorful coral reefs, and cap off your day by taking a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear cenotes and exploring mystical caves. This unique tour promises a day of unforgettable exploration and relaxation in one of the world's most enchanting destinations."

Min age 0

Rating 4.82 / 5 [3887 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Tulum Guided Tour, Magical Cenote, Lagoon Snorkeling and Beachside Lunch

Tulum

Viator

Get ready to enjoy a day full of history, culture and adventure. Walk through the ruins of Tulum - one of the last cities inhabited by the the Mayan people. Explore two unique cenotes that are part of the world's oldest underground river systems. Jump into Yalku - a breathtaking lagoon teeming with aquatic life and ideal for snorkeling. These are three of the main attractions of the Riviera Maya and they are now together in one eco-diverse tour. Lunch, entrance fees, a professional guide and transport are all included.

Min age 0

Rating 4.88 / 5 [1689 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Tulum & Coba with Cenote, Buffet Lunch & Tastings

Cancun

Viator

Embark on an unforgettable tour that takes you deep into the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula! Start your day exploring the stunning cliffside ruins of Tulum, where you will uncover the secrets of this ancient Mayan port city. Then, explore Coba, and discover Nohoch Mul pyramid, the tallest in this region. Recharge your energies by indulging in a delicious buffet lunch featuring a variety of traditional Mexican dishes before diving into a cenote. Cool off with a refreshing swim in a crystal-clear cenote, a natural wonder cherished by the Mayans. Do not forget that your adventure includes delightful chocolate and tequila tastings, where you will learn about traditional production methods and savor a variety of flavors. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, history, and culinary delights, making it a must-do experience in the Yucatan. Book now and create lasting memories on this one-day tour of Tulum and Coba!

Min age 0

Rating 4.53 / 5 [1205 ratings]

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Tulum Ruins, Turtles in Akumal and Cenote tour

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Viator

In this tour you will visit the highlights of the Riviera Maya. You'll visit the Tulum ruins, then go snorkeling with turtles in Akumal and finally you'll get to swim in a crystal clear water cenote and visit some caves. Your tour also includes a delicious lunch of typical regional food, all the equipment required for the water activities and round transportation.

Min age 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [993 ratings]

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Tulum, Coba, Cenote, and Mayan Ceremony Full-Day Tour plus Lunch

Cancun

Viator

Enjoy the perfect blend of culture and adventure as you immerse yourself in Mayan culture like a local. Visit two significant archaeological sites: Tulum, the walled city by the beach with stunning Caribbean views, and then head to a refreshing semi-open cenote. Here, experience Mayan traditions, including an introduction to Mayan Bee Melipona honey, a demonstration of cocoa seeds, and a visit to a Shaman who will perform a Mayan ceremony in your honour. Indulge in the finest local cuisine to recharge, and then continue to Coba, where you'll find the tallest pyramid of the Peninsula. An immersive adventure in Mayan culture awaits you.

Min age 0

Rating 4.54 / 5 [950 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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