Placed on top of a tall cliffs along the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, the archaeological ruins of Tulum are one of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites in Mexico, as well as one of the most photogenic and popular among tourists. This Tulum Ruins Guide will give you all the infos you need to fully enjoy your visit.

A Guide to Everything about Tulum Ruins

The most spectacular aspect of the place is without a doubt the location. The ruins are anchored on a cliff overlooking the brilliant turquoise water of the Caribbean. The name Tulum (pronounced “too-LOOM”) means wall. It refers to the fact that Tulum (ruins) was a walled city protected on one side by steep cliffs facing the sea and on the other side a wall of about 12 feet in height.

Moreover, Tulum served as a trading port. The buildings that are visible on the site were build around 1200 to 1500 AD and the city of Tulum was functioning at the time of the arrival of the Spaniards. 

Highlights to see:

– El Castillo – The Castle

This is the tallest building of the archaeological site. It may have functioned as a navigational aid, directing Mayan craft through the break in the reef to the beach. By the way, this is the one that represents Tulum for most people.

– Temple of the Frescoes

The interior of this building has original Mayan frescoes, in blue-green and outlined in black, depicting Mayan gods and religious motifs.

– The beach

The beach at the Tulum ruins it’s one of the most beautiful beaches along the Mayan Riviera, and is perfect for taking a swim after visiting the ruins.

Useful Tips to Visit Tulum Ruins

1. Arrive early!

The Tulum Archaeological Zone is open everyday from 8AM to 5PM. As it’s one of the most popular site in Mexico, the Ruins are visited by thousands of tourists everyday. So to enjoy the location without the crowds, make sure to arrive few minutes before it opens. 

We arrived around 7.45 AM and for about an hour we had the place mostly to ourselves. By 9-9.30 AM the ruins were already full. We were so happy we got to see the temples and take pictures with nobody around. Additionally, we tried to go straight for the Castello to be sure to be the first and get nice pictures.

2. Admission fee 

Ticket to the site costs 65 pesos for adults. But it is free for children under 13.

3. Getting there

If you are staying in Tulum Beach or city, the easiest way to get there is just by biking. Its a few kilometers away but shouldn’t take you more than 20 or 30min. Otherwise you can drive or take scented scooter. 

4. Bring plenty of water

And please use a reusable water bottle!

5. Skip the guided tours and explore by yourself

The ruins are pretty small and with the map you’ll get at the entrance, you will be perfectly fine visiting it by yourself. All the historical infos that we don’t give in this Tulum Ruins Guide can be easy read on panels throughout the visit. And once again, you’ll have a chance to take pictures without being rushed or people around!

6. Bring a bathing suit and dip into the turquoise waters after completing your tour.

The beach is accessible via a staircase and it’s really beautiful. You will probably be the only one doing it.

↬ If you don’t like the waves of the Caribbean, then you’ll prefer the clear & still waters of the beautiful Cenotes close to Tulum.

7. Have a yummy and deserved breakfast at Mezzanine

Visiting Tulum Ruins shouldn’t take you more than 2hours (+30min for the swim). So if you followed this guide, it should be around 10AM when you are done. Which means that it is time to appreciate a nice break from all this walking, and have a delicious breakfast.

We heartily recommend Mezzanine hotel for its breakfast. The location is serene, not crowded and very cute; and only a few hundreds meter away from the ruins. It was by far the best we had in Mexico, if not the best in our lives. Even the marmalades were TO DIE FOR, and we are not usual big on sweet things ???

↬ Read : Our Favorite Food Spots in Tulum