Tulum

Tulum ruins are located 130 km south of Cancun and is considered by many as the most beautiful of the Mayan Ruins sites around Cancun, is small but exquisitely poised on the fifteen-meter-high cliffs above the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea. Tulum has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.

Tulum's greatest attraction is its location. It stands on a bluff facing the rising sun looking out on views of the Caribbean that are nothing less than spectacular. In Maya, Tulum means "Wall", and the city was christened thus because it is a walled city; one of the very few the ancients ever built. Research suggests it was formerly called Zama or "to dawn" in its day, which is appropriate given the location.

Recommendations

Tulum is a must visit. The access fee is $90 pesos and the visit timetable is 8 am to 5 pm, everyday. It is important to mention that it is necessary to park the your car at the shopping center's parking lot when arriving through the main ruins entrance. The 1 km journey between the parking lot and the site's entrance can be made by walking or in a small train, which access fee is +/-$54 pesos.

You can spend a couple hours visiting Tulum ruins or you can spend the day. The following is a break-down of what is available to you:

Explore the Mayan ruins.
Swim or relax on the beach.
Visit craft market.
Get something to eat.
Walk up Tulum Beach Road.
Watch the Poll Flyers.

You can jump in the water at Tulum ruins and swim north to Boca Paila. Even if you are just going to visit the ruins it is still quite an experience to swim out on the ruins beach and see the ruins from the water. On a hot summer day it is a great way to cool off.

How to get to Tulum

The ancient Maya ruin of Tulum is a 2 hour drive from Cancun (130 km). There is easy access via Federal Highway 307 from Cancun to Tulum. It's unofficially the southern end to the Riviera Maya. In Cancun there are several travel agencies that organize guided visits and the local bus lines offer regular service between Cancun and the site. The site has a parking lot, refreshments and restrooms located at the shopping center. Tickets are sold at the entrance to the ruins.

A good option is to take a tour to visit Tulum and Xel-Ha ecko park in the same day, this is an excellent combination of activities for an unforgettable day. We also recommend to take a look our selection of Tulum Excursions