Tulum is one of many beautiful beach towns in Mexico, but it is home to some of the most impressive Mayan ruins in the world. The ruins are located on a 12-meter-high cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea and offer stunning views of the coastline. Visitors can explore the ruins, learn about Mayan history and culture on a guided tour, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
How To Get To Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is located roughly 80 miles south of Cancun. The most convenient way into the area for tourists from outside of Mexico is to fly directly into Cancun International Airport. If you want Tulum to be your first stop in Mexico, then you can book a bus or shuttle that will connect you directly to the city, but it can be pricey during peak travel seasons.
If your schedule allows for it, look into renting a car and make the short drive along the coast. You can usually find rental cars for cheap if you book early, and if you’re a U.S. resident, all you’ll need is a valid driver’s license to secure a car. A rental car is the way to go if you plan on making multiple stops at any of the area towns or cenotes along the way to Tulum.
Most travelers will have no problem following their phone’s built-in GPS systems, such as Google Maps or Apple Maps, directly to the ruins. Once there, you may be in for a bit of sensory overload as parking attendants will be vying for your attention to park in their designated spots.
I was able to park in a nice area and secure to walk-up tickets to the ruins with my paid parking stamp for roughly $20 total for parking and two tickets to the ruins.
What You’ll See At The Mayan Ruins In Tulum, Mexico
The bigger and more famous Wonder of the World, Chichén Itzá, is a similar drive from Playa del Carmen so many tourists opt to see it over Tulum. That means it can be incredibly crowded. If your schedule it tight or you just want to avoid large crowds, then Tulum is the right choice.
The Mayan ruins here are well-preserved and offer a fascinating glimpse into Mayan culture. Visitors can explore the temples, palaces, and other structures that were once part of a thriving Mayan city. The visitors center offers guided tours for an extra charge, but it’s worth it because these guides are an excellent way to learn about Mayan history and culture. There are several museums nearby that offer exhibits on Mayan art, architecture, and religion as well.
The largest and best preserved of the structures here is called El Castillo, or the castle, and it is situated on a tall cliff that overlooks the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea.
In addition to the ruins, Tulum is also a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The town is centrally located, and several cenotes (natural swimming holes) are nearby. Water-worshippers can also go swimming, snorkeling, or diving in the Caribbean Sea through offers from local companies.
Are The Mayan Ruins At Tulum Worth It?
If your schedule can allow about an hour and a half and you don’t mind a bit of walking, Tulum is a great place to visit for a day trip. The city itself is good for a longer visit if your travelers want to escape the party atmosphere of Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
The Mayan ruins are a wonderful attraction unique to Mexico, and the town itself is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Tips When Visiting The Mayan Ruins At Tulum
Cash, in U.S. or Mexican Dollars, is king. Be sure to bring a bit for any nearby souvenirs or food. Some shops will take credit cards like Visa but never presume that everyone will take plastic.
The ruins have a bus that travels from the parking area to the front gates. The ride is only a couple of dollars for a round trip ride, and it beats walking on hot summer days.
At the nearby shop area, we came across a great place to eat called Don Cafeto Tulum Ruinas. It had excellent drinks and really delicious food for a reasonable price. I highly recommend it.
Have thick skin and patience when you visit areas like Tulum. They are a tourist-heavy industry and are desperate to make sales, so vendors can, at times, be pushy. If you’re not interested, just politely say ‘no thanks’ and move on. In my experience, though, you can find some good deals on trinkets and souvenirs if you take the time to look around.
