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 Beach and Las Palmas Public Beach.

Zona Hotelera
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Zama

If you're spending some time in Zama, Tulum National Park and Jaguar Park are top sights worth seeing.

Zama
Tulum which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements

Tulum City Center

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, Cenote Calavera and Temple of Doom 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 AU$518 per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
AU$518
26 Jan - 27 Jan
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! (1,989 reviews)
Only spent one night, so didn’t get to see everything, and only got to eat at the buffet. Very pleasant experience. Room was extremely comfortable.

Reviewed on 5 Jan 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 AU$832 per night from 28 Jan to 29 Jan
AU$832
28 Jan - 29 Jan
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! (656 reviews)
Very engaging staff! Well definitely return again if I ever chose to return to tulum

Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026

Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

4.5 out of 5
Carretera Chetumal Pto Juarez km 236.7 Tulum QROO
The price is AU$551 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
AU$551
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Tulum. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
Good app

Reviewed on 2 Jan 2026

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - All Inclusive
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! (187 reviews)
Long wait for check in and no hot water for shower. Otherwise place was clean.

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025

Otonomus Tulum
Calea Tulum

Calea Tulum

4 out of 5
Paseo Zama con Itzamna, Mz 26 Lt 144 Tulum QROO
Stay at this aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Tulum Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
The staff is amazing, very nice and responsive people. The room was clean, everything worked well. Amenities are amazing - there are coffee, tea and water in the lobby, the pool is good for refreshing. The location is perfect. I loved the neighborhood, there are a plenty of restaurants and coffeeshops, ...

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026

Calea Tulum
NAJ TULUM

NAJ TULUM

5 out of 5
CTO YAAX, Aldea Zama Manzana 3 Lote 3 Tulum QROO
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Tulum Mayan Ruins and Tulum Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (90 reviews)
Amazing staff

Reviewed on 23 Dec 2025

NAJ 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.

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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