Tulum Mayan Ruins Tours and Activities

Tulum Mayan Ruins which includes a ruin
Tulum Mayan Ruins showing a beach, general coastal views and tropical scenes
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Tulum Mayan Ruins
Tulum Mayan Ruins showing building ruins and rugged coastline


Sitting high above the Caribbean Sea, these spectacular ruins have become one of the most popular tourist sites in all of Mexico.

Located atop a dramatic height along the Yucatán Peninsula, the pre-Hispanic Tulum Mayan Ruins are a sight to behold. The history of the ruins is equally fascinating, with fortified walls that date right back to the 13th century.

Also defended by the surrounding cliffs and the Caribbean Sea, the ancient city of Tulum was a thriving trading post between the 13th and 15th centuries and was one of the last cities in Mexico to fall to the Spanish invaders. The area remains successful to this day, now as one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country.

Visitors generally approach the ruins from the north wall, so the first thing they see is El Castillo, the commanding 7.5-metre structure that looms over the entire site. Unfortunately, due to a protection order, it is not possible to enter El Castillo, but the view from below is more than impressive. For the best possible view, arrive before dawn and long before the tourist buses begin their descent. The sight of the sunrise as it crosses the Caribbean to light up the length of El Castillo is well worth the early wake-up call.

As the day begins to warm up, make your way down to the sheltered cove nestled beneath the ruins. Once upon a time, this was where the trading canoes would land. Nowadays, it’s the perfect spot to cool down with a leisurely dip.

The Tulum Mayan Ruins are open every day and there is a small fee to enter. You'll need about an hour for your visit and you should make sure you have a hat with you as well as a pair of comfortable walking shoes.

There are regular buses to the area from Playa del Carmen and Cancun, or you could try the shared taxi van service. The town of Tulum Pueblo is about 3 kilometres to the south and is home to a variety of great restaurants.

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Top Tulum Mayan Ruins Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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

Wyndham Tulum

4.5 out of 5
Region 011 Manzana 001, Tulum, QROO
Wyndham Tulum
Alito Tulum Hotel

Alito Tulum Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Carr.Tulum-Punta Allen KM 0.47, MZ 1 Lote 5, Tulum, QROO
Alito Tulum Hotel
Siente Tulum

Siente Tulum

3 out of 5
Carretera Federal Cancún - Tulum, No. 307 KM 230, Mz. 1, Lt. 1, Tulum, QROO
Siente Tulum
Ikal Hotel Tulum

Ikal Hotel Tulum

3.5 out of 5
Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila km 3, Tulum, QROO
Ikal Hotel Tulum
Villa Pescadores Tulum

Villa Pescadores Tulum

3 out of 5
Carretera Tulum - Ruinas Km 0.5, Tulum, QROO
Villa Pescadores Tulum
Playa Esperanza Hotel Tulum

Playa Esperanza Hotel Tulum

4 out of 5
Carretera Tulum, Boca Paila km 2.5, Tulum, QROO
Playa Esperanza Hotel Tulum
Naala Tulum

Naala Tulum

3.5 out of 5
Av. Cobá Sur, Región 014, Súper Manzana 001, Manzana 004, Lote 001, Tulum, QROO
Naala Tulum
Glamp Ikal Tulum

Glamp Ikal Tulum

3.5 out of 5
Playa Mayas/n, National Park of Tulum, Tulum, QROO
Glamp Ikal 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.

Things to do near Tulum Mayan Ruins

Discover the beauty of Tulum Mayan Ruins with a variety of activities such as exploring the stunning sparkling beaches and embarking on exciting Mayan ruins tours. Enjoy day trips to nearby attractions, yacht excursions, and even a day trip to Cancun. There's plenty to keep you entertained while soaking in the rich history and vibrant culture of this unique destination.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Hunab Lifestyle Center, located 3.2km from Tulum Mayan Ruins, offering a mix of city, family, and business vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out Centro Maya, about 16.1km away, featuring a variety of shops and eateries.

Recreation

Xel-Há Park, located 12.9km from Tulum Mayan Ruins, offers a beautiful natural setting for relaxation and wellness activities. Tulum Beer Spa, just 1.6km away, provides unique body treatments in a tranquil atmosphere. For sports enthusiasts, Riviera Maya Golf Club, 19.3km away, boasts stunning outdoor golfing experiences.

Adventure

Dolphinaris Tulum, located 19.3km from Tulum Mayan Ruins, offers thrilling underwater sports experiences where you can swim with dolphins. Blu Riviera Maya, 40.2km away, provides another exciting underwater sports adventure. For family fun, Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park, located 46.7km away, features a variety of water attractions.

Nightlife

Experience Tulum's vibrant nightlife at Batey Mojito Bar, where you can sip on refreshing mojitos and enjoy live music. For a laid-back vibe, visit Papaya Playa Project, featuring beach parties and DJs under the stars, creating an unforgettable atmosphere by the ocean.

Find the best attractions near Tulum Mayan Ruins

While visiting the Tulum Mayan Ruins, immerse yourself in the stunning ancient ruins and the rich Mayan civilisation. Explore nearby beaches for a relaxing day out or venture into the national parks and caves for outdoor adventures. Don’t miss the chance to learn about Tulum's fascinating history, and consider staying at local hotels to fully experience this unique destination. It’s a perfect blend of culture, nature, and history waiting to be discovered.

  • Playa Paraiso: A stunning beach located 1.4km from the Tulum Mayan Ruins, Playa Paraiso offers pristine white sand and turquoise waters. It's the perfect spot to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the laid-back beach vibes.
  • Tulum National Park: Situated a mere 161m from the ruins, this national park is a haven for adventure seekers. With lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking scenery, it's ideal for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
  • Gran Cenote: Located 4.8km away, this captivating cave features crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The outdoor adventure and unique geological formations provide an unforgettable experience.

Best time to go to Tulum Mayan Ruins

The best time to visit Tulum Mayan Ruins is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
February75.7°F (24.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
March77.0°F (25.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April79.3°F (26.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May81.0°F (27.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June81.7°F (27.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July82.6°F (28.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August82.8°F (28.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September81.9°F (27.7°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October79.9°F (26.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November77.2°F (25.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December75.9°F (24.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Tulum Mayan Ruins

To save money on your trip to the Tulum Mayan Ruins, consider visiting between September and November when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Tuesdays, which are the cheapest days to stay. For budget-friendly travel, explore public transport options like colectivos, and enjoy free activities such as beach days and visiting cenotes. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities through Expedia packages to score exceptional deals and ensure a memorable experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Tulum Mayan Ruins are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Tulum Mayan Ruins about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Tulum Mayan Ruins is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Tulum Mayan Ruins is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near the Tulum Mayan Ruins with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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