Tulum is about 80 miles south of Cancun along Highway 180. The closest airport is Cancun. Tulum is best known for its ancient Mayan ruins, which overlook the clear turquoise colored waters and soft sandy beaches on the Caribbean coast. The ruins are open 7 Days between 08.00 and 1700. Tulum is a big tourist destination, so If you want to miss the crowds, then you'll need to make your visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Tulum was built during the dying days of the Mayan empire, and was actually an important fortress. It's now seems quite tame in comparison to the massive archaeological site of Chichen-Itza, but it does have one overwhelming attraction - its location next to the sea.
Fortunately for the preservation of the site there are no resorts or tourist hotels nearby - you can come here for a day, just enjoy the ruins and then walk or climb down to the great beaches in the bay for relaxation, sunbathing, paddling, swimming or even snorkeling.
Tulum is easily accessible by road from Cancun or Playa del Carmen and if you like archaeology, should be included classed as an enjoyable trip instead of the awe-inspiring archaeological find that it actually is. Combine the ruins with the opportunity to see some stunning scenery and have a refreshing swim.
There are a number of accommodation options in the town of Tulum itself a couple of miles inland from the ruins, as well as along the Riviera Maya.
The key archaeological areas of Tulum are:
El Castillo - The Castle - is the largest of the buildings, and it overlooks the Caribbean coast on the high cliff-edge.
Templo del Dios Descendente - Temple of the Descending God - depicting a diving figure that looks like a bee, the same figure you can see depicted at other Mayan sites, including the ruins at Coba.
Templo de los Frescos - Temple of Frescoes - dates back to the mid 1400's. The temple is a two-storey building with colorful murals on the inner wall.
Thought to have been one of the last structures built by the Maya before the arrival of the Spaniard Conquistador Hernan Cortez.
Tulum is Part of The Riviera Maya, a stretch of about 85miles of coastline that stretches from the southern edge of the tourist resort of Cancun, through the resort of Playa del Carmen and the Mayan Ruins of Tulum, finishing at its southern end at the Sian Ka'an Biosphere. The area is also known as the Rivera Maya. Take your swimming gear and snorkeling equipment if you want to enjoy the refreshing waters off the Caribbean coast beach at Tulum, next to the ruins.
There are organized tourist trips to Tulum from most tourist resorts, some trips are transport only, others also include lunch and a guided tour. Some tours are split 50/50 and take in nearby Xel-Ha water park.
A photo or video permit is required if you want to use a tripod to take photographs at the archaeological site. A small fee is made for the use of hand-held photographic and video equipment.
We recommend comfortable walking shoes, preferably with a non-slip sole.
This region is hot and humid most of the year. August through to October is hurricane season in this part of the world - and the weather becomes more changeable and less predictable during these months. The rainy season is May through October. November through February is the high season here, and quite hot, although evenings can be very cool.
Dress with light cotton clothes that enable your skin to breathe. use a sun barrier cream, good insect repellent and wear a hat. Carry plenty of water and stay well hydrated at all times. Sealed bottled water is available at the entrance.
The closest airport is Cancun. Tulum is best known for its ancient Mayan ruins, which overlook the clear turquoise colored waters and soft sandy beaches on the Caribbean coast. The ruins are open 7 Days between 08.00 and 1700. Tulum is a big tourist destination, so If you want to miss the crowds, then you'll need to make your visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Carmen and if you like archaeology, should be included classed as an enjoyable trip instead of the awe-inspiring archaeological find that it actually is. Combine the ruins with the opportunity to see some stunning scenery and have a refreshing swim.
Templo del Dios Descendente - Temple of the Descending God - depicting a diving figure that looks like a bee, the same figure you can see depicted at other Mayan sites, including the ruins at Coba.
coastline that stretches from the southern edge of the tourist resort of Cancun, through the resort of Playa del Carmen and the Mayan Ruins of Tulum, finishing at its southern end at the Sian Ka'an Biosphere. The area is also known as the Rivera Maya. Take your swimming gear and snorkeling equipment if you want to enjoy the refreshing waters off the Caribbean coast beach at Tulum, next to the ruins.
take photographs at the archaeological site. A small fee is made for the use of hand-held photographic and video equipment. 