Even though Tulum is one of Mexico’s most well-known tourist destinations, we had hoped for a little more.
Sometimes we feel that the stunning beaches of Tayrona National Park or the impossibly gorgeous blue waters of El Nido have spoiled us a little bit.
In either case, enjoying the pricey town or lounging on the seaweed-filled beach is not why we would recommend this vacation spot.
Thankfully, there are still some stunning Mayan ruins and cenotes on the Yucatan Peninsula, including Coba Ruins and Coba Cenotes, which are near to Tulum.
Hence, we must acknowledge that visit tulum ruins offers a variety of activities.
The Tulum Ruins are without a doubt the most picturesque surroundings, while not being the biggest or historically most significant ruins in Mexico.
Tulum Ruins are breathtaking and incredibly photogenic, perched on the 12 meter high cliffs above the choppy sea.
The Tulum Ruins are a popular archeological site that draws tourists from all around the Riviera Maya because of its beauty and history.
Particularly from Cancun and Playa del Carmen, two other vacation cities where tourists frequently take day trips to the Tulum Ruins.
Simply said, the Tulum region is likely to be included in every trip itinerary to Mexico.
So, before you visit, here is everything you need to know about Tulum Ruins.
It’s a fantastic day excursion from the city to visit the Tulum Ruins.
RUINS OF TULUM
Even while Tulum Ruins are not as well-known or as big as Coba Ruins or Chichen Itza, they do feel more crowded due to their smaller size.
Even if you arrive early, the area quickly starts to fill up, making it difficult to take attractive shots.
Tulum Ruins are lovely, despite the fact that escaping the crowds and taking in the site alone is a myth.
Together with the archeological complex, the area is also home to iguanas lounging in the sun, cactus flowers, and palm palms.
Simply, while visiting Quintana Roo, you must never miss the Tulum Ruins.
In the Yucatan peninsula, Tulum Ruins is a well-known Mayan site close to Tulum city.
HISTORY
In comparison to other Mayan monuments in Mexico or Guatemala, where you must visit Tikal, Tulum was a pre-Columbian Mayan walled city that was constructed in the 13th century.
Individuals who lived at the location known as Tulum Ruins Zama, also known as the “city of dawn,” demonstrated that the Maya people understood the unique situation of their city from the very beginning.
Tulum was a significant transportation center having access to both land and sea despite its small and population (only notable people resided there).
When Spaniards arrived in the 16th century and introduced unknown diseases, the city of Tulum was abandoned.
The incredible historical location in Mexico known as Tulum Ruins.
ACCESS TO THE TULUM RUINS
The Tulum Ruins are conveniently placed less than four kilometers from the town’s center, making it simple to get there if you are staying in Tulum.
Colectivo
Regular colectivos don’t run on a set timetable; they depart Tulum when they are full. A one-way bus ticket to the Tulum Ruins costs between MX$30 and MX$40.
The major road going to the ruins does not have any set stations for colectivos; instead, you can wait anywhere along it (the vans typically have a sign behind the window that reads Tulum/Playa del Carmen).
Taxi
In Tulum, there are many taxi drivers; the ADO bus station area has the highest concentration of vehicles.
Run or stroll
We made the decision to jog from the town to the ruins because there is a great pavement between Tulum and the ruins. We not only took care of our health, but we also received free transportation.
Include some exercise in your trip if you want to stay healthy and fit while traveling, especially if you plan to travel for a long time.
Bike
The best method to travel to the Tulum Ruins is by bicycle, and you can rent bikes all across the city. Several hostels and hotels in Tulum also have their own bike rental shops.
Prices can range from MX 80 to MX 200, depending on the style of bike.
Vehicle rented
The community is not far from the Tulum Ruins. Hence, if you drive a rental car around Yucatan, it will take you less than 10 minutes to get to the parking lot.
Parking for the Tulum Ruins is 3.5 kilometers from Tulum.
In Tulum, there are numerous hotels.
ADMISSION FEE
For foreign visitors, Tulum Ruins entrance costs Mx 80.
Individual tickets cannot be purchased in advance, but be prepared to wait because the line goes slowly. Because there was only one counter open, we waited there for around 30 minutes.
BUSINESS HOURS
The Tulum ruins are accessible daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, but avoid going on Sundays when Mexican citizens are given free admission.
To avoid the heat and congestion, visit the Tulum Ruins early in the morning.
HOW TO AVOID THE STRONG PEOPLE IN THE TULUM RUINS
The only option to avoid the throng at the Tulum Ruins exists, but it doesn’t always work.
To be among the first visitors that day, try to arrive as early as you can (at 8 AM).
Eventually, a lot of groups show there, and the area becomes really congested. You can also arrive later, up to a half-hour or so before the store closes, although the heat may be intolerable.
The trip to the Tulum Ruins was fantastic.
THINGS TO DO IN THE TULUM RUINS
You cannot climb any structure at the Tulum Ruins, unlike in Uxmal or Edzna Ruins, therefore stick to the trails.
There are several well-preserved buildings, but the Temple of the Frescoes, El Castillo Pyramid, Palace of the Columns, and Temple of the Descending God are among the most significant ones you shouldn’t miss.
From the city, you may walk to the Tulum Ruins.
TULUM RUINS VISITING WITHOUT A TOUR
Since we cherish freedom and the ability to take our time while somewhere enjoyable or avoid some less interesting locations, we always choose to travel solo whenever possible.
When staying in Tulum, it is relatively easy to explore the Tulum Ruins on your own without taking a tour.
We would even say Tulum Ruins has one of the greatest signage systems in Mexico. There are several boards with explanations in Spanish and English throughout the archeological complex, so we had no trouble understanding the meaning of the structures.
If you’re on a tight travel budget, we believe visiting the Tulum Ruins without a tour or guide is fine.
TOURS TULUM
Nonetheless, we are aware that many tourists like guided excursions in order to learn even more about a location, and Mayan history is always interesting.
Although frequent buses run along the Maya Riviera route, it is far more convenient to take a tour that goes straight to the Tulum Ruins without worrying about transportation.
At the ruin’s entrance, you can either hire a private guide or make an advance reservation for a tour.
Tulum Ruins Tour | Due to Tulum’s and the Tulum Ruins’ recent surge in popularity, many tourists now visit the site as a day trip from Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
Tour of Tulum, Coba, and Cenotes You can book a standard trip, but you can also make the most of your day by seeing Tulum Ruins in addition to Coba Ruins and adjacent cenotes.
Private Tulum Exploration Tour | If group tours aren’t your style, you can still choose a private Tulum trip.
The trip to the Tulum Ruins was fantastic.
TULUM RUINS SWIMMING
Although there are numerous reasons to prefer the Tulum Ruins above many others in Yucatan, the location is certainly at the top of the list.
We cannot dispute that the Mayans knew exactly where to construct their important site—perched on tall cliffs, encircled by a stunning blue sea.
Tulum Ruins is one of the select few archaeological sites that can boast of having a private beach (if any others exist).
A wooden stairway leads down to the small beach, but get there early because it becomes busy.
But don’t forget your swimsuit!
However, we soon discovered that the beach appears much better from a distance because Riviera Maya has had a significant seaweed problem for the past few years.
We actually only went swimming once throughout our April 2019 vacation since the seaweed-filled beaches and waters were so unpleasant.
Travel Protection
We never leave the house without travel insurance, which is intended to assist in covering our costs in the event that something goes wrong while we’re away.
The necessities of your trip are covered by Global Nomads Travel Insurance, which was created by travelers for travelers.
The Caribbean Sea is close to the Tulum Ruins.
LOCATIONS IN TULUM
There are numerous luxurious all-inclusive hotels in Tulum, a well-liked vacation destination on the coast of Mexico, but you can also discover independent modest hotels and guest houses here.
Costs are slightly more than in other parts of Mexico, so it pays to book lodging far in advance, particularly during the busy travel months.
Cheap | Nativos Tulum Hotel Boutique – This well situated hotel has a garden, shared lounge, outdoor pool, stable wifi, and continental breakfast. It is close to several bars and restaurants.
Azura Boutique Hotel, midscale The main attractions of this reasonably priced hotel include its gorgeous rooftop, well furnished rooms with kitchens and contemporary furniture, and its friendly staff.
Luxury | Dune Boutique Hotel – An outstanding boutique hotel in Tulum that delivers the finest value for the money. The hotel is right on the beach, the rooms are spacious and comfy, the breakfast options are plentiful, and the outdoor pool is gorgeous.
THINGS TO BRING FOR THE TULUM ROOTS
Only a select few items have been hand-selected as necessities for your trip to the Tulum Ruins.
Sunscreen | The sun in Mexico is very powerful, so you should never leave your room without it.
Swimwear | Bring your swimsuit to the Caribbean Sea to cool down.
Bottle of water | In Mexico, where the sun is so hot, it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Bring your own water bottle to limit your plastic consumption and aid the environment.
As the water was always given at the hotels or hostels where we stayed, we did not need to purchase any plastic bottles while traveling in Mexico.
It’s amazing to see the Tulum Ruins.
Travel Information
Here are links to all the travel websites we use, which you might find useful while organizing your upcoming vacation.
Accommodations: Booking.com or Hostelworld are typically our first stops when seeking for lodging.
Tours: Even while we enjoy exploring new areas on our own, there are some places that are best seen on a guided tour.
Because of its user-friendly UI and good reputation, we recommend GetYourGuide. Viator is a fantastic additional option.
Rental cars: We regularly reserve a rental car in advance using Rentalcars.com while taking a road trip.
Flight Tickets: Skyscanner can be used to compare airline prices when seeking for tickets.
Travel protection: Global Nomads Travel Insurance offers protection from travel-related dangers.
