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The Tulum Ruins are one of the most famous attractions on the Riviera Maya. However, given how hot and busy they can be, you may be wondering if they’re worth sacrificing a day at the beach for!
We’ve visited the Tulum Ruins twice now – once independently, and once with a tour. We had two very different experiences so in this review, we’re going to weigh in on whether or not it’s worth visiting the Tulum Ruins. Plus, we’ve got lots of tips on how to make your visit more enjoyable if you decide to go.
What are the Tulum Ruins?
The Tulum Ruins are the ancient ruins of a Mayan city, and they’re just a 10-minute drive from the center of modern-day Tulum. The site overlooks the ocean and it’s believed to be the only city that the Mayan people built on the Caribbean coastline. Basically, you won’t find ruins with a more scenic backdrop than this!
The city was originally called Zama, which means “dawn” because it was built on an east-facing cliff. So if you don’t mind an early start, we would definitely recommend getting here for sunrise!
The current name, Tulum, means “wall” which stems from the fact that this is one of the only Mayan cities that is protected by a huge wall. To be more specific, the wall here is 5 meters (16 feet) tall and 8 meters (26 feet) thick – I wouldn’t fancy trying to climb over that, would you?
Exact dates aren’t known, but it’s thought that the Tulum Ruins were originally built as early as the 6th century. Between the 13th and 15th centuries, the city was a thriving gemstone hub, but it was abandoned in the 16th century after the Spanish invasion wiped out the Mayan population. However, it was rediscovered by European explorers and became globally famous.
Beyond that, the Tulum Ruins are shrouded in mystery. No one knows exactly what secrets these crumbling walls hold. To be honest, I think that adds to its appeal!
Pros of visiting the Tulum Ruins
Lots of restored structures
A lot of the structures at the Tulum Ruins have been really well preserved and restored. We were impressed by the castle, the snake walls, and all of the little houses in the El Mercado section of the ruins. It took us back in time and allowed us to imagine what life would have been like in the city.
Culturally significant
We loved learning about Mayan history and culture when we visited the ruins on this private tour. The city was an important trading hub for the Mayans and a significant worship site.
Close to Tulum
The Tulum Ruins are just 3.4 kilometers (2 miles) from the Tulum Hotel Zone, so they’re super easy to get to. It’s only a 10-minute drive, whereas it takes at least 2 hours to get to Chichen Itza from any of the major resort towns.
Affordable entrance fee
It only costs $90 MXN to get into the Tulum Ruins, which is about $5 USD. Not bad for such an iconic ancient site! But do note that admission is cash only. Remember to bring the exact amount because the cashiers won’t give you any change.
Fantastic views
The Tulum Ruins themselves are beautiful, and they’re perched on a cliff that juts out into the bright blue Caribbean Sea, with pristine white beaches below. I think it’s pretty safe to say that the views here are nothing short of spectacular! Throughout all of our travels, I don’t think we’ve ever seen ruins in a more scenic location.
Flat and easy to explore
The site of the ruins is flat and easy to walk around. Some of the paths have either cobblestones or lots of potholes, but there aren’t any steep inclines. Climbing on the ruins is not permitted, either, so as long as you wear comfortable shoes for walking around in, you shouldn’t have any problems. These ruins are also easy to navigate, so there’s no need to worry about getting lost.
Restaurants just outside
There are loads of great places to eat right outside of the main entrance of the ruins. I know this isn’t a standalone reason to visit a place – after all, there are plenty of restaurants in Tulum – but if you’re coming in the morning, it’s nice to be able to go and grab breakfast right after. We loved Don Cafeto Tulum Ruinas and got a huge breakfast spread there for a very reasonable price.
Can visit the beach
As if exploring the mysterious Mayan ruins wasn’t enough, visitors to the Tulum Ruins are also welcome to go down and visit the beach. There’s a set of wooden stairs leading from the castle down to the sand, and it’s usually pretty quiet down here until around 11 am, when the tour groups start to come down for a swim. However, do note that sometimes the beach closes due to excessive seaweed, high tide, or to protect the turtles.
Easy to fit in
You don’t need all day to explore the Tulum Ruins. In fact, we recommend spending about two hours walking around, and then you might want some more time to visit the beach. Therefore, this site should be pretty easy to fit into your itinerary, especially as it only takes about 10 minutes to get here from Tulum’s Hotel Zone.
Cons of visiting the Tulum Ruins
Can be extremely hot
There’s very little shade at the Tulum Ruins and this is Mexico we’re talking about, so expect to get hot and sweaty! We highly recommend going at 8 am when the ruins first open to beat the heat. Walking around at midday can be too much for some people. Whenever you visit, make sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and water.
Busy during the day
The Tulum Ruins is one of the most famous attractions in the whole of Mexico, and so it’s almost always crowded. There’s no real way of avoiding the crowds altogether, but if you visit before 10 am before the big tour buses rock up, it will be quieter. Try to avoid Sundays, too, if you can, as Mexican citizens can visit for free on Sundays, making this the busiest day of the week.
Not as impressive as Chichen Itza
Sorry, Tulum! This place is beautiful, but don’t expect the ruins to be on par with the grandeur of Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza has bigger, better restored ruins, and there are just a lot more of them. So if we had to pick just one to visit, Chichen Itza would win out over Tulum.
Related Read: If you decide to visit Chichen Itza, check out our guide to those ruins here!
Visiting the Tulum Ruins with or without a tour
We had a much better time at the Tulum Ruins when we visited with a tour. If you visit independently, you don’t learn any of the history, so we didn’t appreciate the place as much. However, when we came on a tour, we were fascinated by the stories our guide told us.
If you’re coming from further afield than Tulum, visiting with a tour also means that you don’t need to worry about transport to the ruins, as most tours handle that for you. Plus, sometimes tours will also take you swimming in nearby cenotes to cool off afterward. I promise, you’ll be very grateful for this!
Of course, taking a tour is more expensive, and, depending on the tour you book, you don’t necessarily get as much freedom. We took this private tour, though, so that wasn’t an issue for us! Although, this group tour has THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews and it’s more budget-friendly.
If you’ve already rented a car, you might also feel it’s not worth paying for transport twice. That’s partly why we visited on our own the first time we came. And if you’re not super into history, either, then you might not get as much out of a tour. However, we had a way better experience when we visited with a tour, so that’s what we would recommend.
Best Tours that Visit the Tulum Ruins
1. Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote, and Caves
This hugely popular tour has pick-up options from Riviera Maya, Cancun, and Tulum and is our favorite full-day option. We love a tour that offers variety, and this is a great one. It has 3,000+ positive reviews, so you know it’s a 5-star experience!
First, you’ll head to the Tulum Ruins, where your guide will tell you all about the history and cultural significance of this area. Afterward, you’ll have time to walk around the ruins on your own.
Next, you’re headed out on a boat to snorkel around a beautiful coral reef. Sometimes, there are even stingrays and sea turtles nearby. Make sure to bring $15 USD for the local conservation fee.
You’ll head to the Parque De Cenotes Yax-Muul next. You’ll have about three hours here to walk around subtropical rainforests, swim in cenotes, and spot all sorts of wildlife like tropical birds. This is the last spot on the tour and where lunch is, so it’s a great time to relax after a busy day exploring.
It’s worth noting that this tour is a Viator Exclusive, meaning you can only book it online here and you won’t find it anywhere else! Prices start at $129 USD which includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees, guides, lunch, and more.
Read all the 5-star reviews and book this Tulum ruins tour here!
2. Tulum Ruins Private Tour (from Tulum, Akumal, or Playa del Carmen)
We took this private tour and absolutely loved it. Shout out to our guide, Eli, who knew so many interesting facts about Mayan culture and really took his time educating us on the importance of this site. We really felt immersed in the history, and would honestly recommend this tour to anyone.
Including transport, the entire tour lasts about 4 hours, with 2 hours dedicated to walking around and learning about the ruins. We thought this was the perfect amount of time to ask questions and explore the area.
This tour will pick you up from Tulum or Akumal for $154 USD per person. If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, the fee is a little higher at $219 USD. All the details are handled so round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and expert guides are included. Plus they even have refreshments for you to enjoy while you explore.
This tour does fill up fast, so book this private tour here in advance!
3. Tulum Guided Tour with Magical Cenote, Lagoon Snorkeling, and Beachside Lunch
This guided tour of Tulum is a full-day tour that includes pick-up from most hotels in the Mayan Riviera, and it includes so many fun activities on top of visiting the Tulum Ruins. If you’re after a full day of exploring, look no further!
First, you’ll head from your hotel to the Tulum Ruins for two hours to enjoy a guided tour and a little downtime to venture out on your own. Afterward, you’ll drive to the beautiful Yal-ku Lagoon where you can swim and snorkel. This lagoon is home to an intersection of fresh water and seawater, so it’s a unique place to visit.
Next on the tour itinerary is one of our favorite activities – visiting a cenote! There are some awesome cenotes near Tulum, and this tour visits one of the best! You’ll have about an hour to swim around this natural fresh-water sinkhole, where you’ll go through caves on a guided eco-tour.
Finally, you’ll finish the tour by enjoying a delicious lunch at Punta Venado Beach Club. Nothing quite beats enjoying a meal with a beautiful ocean view.
This full-day tour is jam-packed with things to do and for only $169 USD, it includes entrance fees, round-trip transport, multiple guided tours, and a tasty lunch with a view. It’s no wonder this tour has 1,500+ raving reviews – check all the reviews here!
This tour often sells out, so grab your spot here and get FREE cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Would I visit the Tulum Ruins again?
Yes, and I would recommend stopping here if you’re visiting Tulum or the wider Riviera Maya. But I would definitely go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat, and I would take a tour.
The first time I visited the Tulum Ruins, I went in the middle of the day and without a tour and although I loved the scenery, I didn’t enjoy it very much. But I knew there had to be a better way, and when I went back with a tour I loved every minute. Hearing all about the ruins from our guide really made me fall in love with this place!
Related Read: Another popular attraction at the Tulum Ruins is the Mystika exhibit – read all our tips on checking that out here!
Other Activities to do While in Tulum
- Go scuba diving in cenotes – Tulum has amazing cenotes, and I highly suggest exploring these underground water worlds. This tour for snorkelers and certified scuba divers takes you to two cenotes, Dos Ojos and Casa Cenote. If you’re brand new to diving, this Discovery Tour is a great way to see an open cenote.
- Food tour – While visiting Mexico, a food tour is a must. This walking food tour of Tulum will take you to all of the best restaurants and local spots in the city to taste traditional Mexican dishes, such as tacos, tamales, mole, and dessert! I had some of the best tacos on this tour, and it honestly might be one of the best tours in Tulum!
- Have a beach day – With all the exploring you’ll likely be doing in Tulum, a lazy beach day is a must! Tulum has some of the best beaches in Mexico and one of the closest to town is Paradise Beach. The name speaks for itself, but it’s beautiful and there are great restaurants nearby.
- Try a Temazcal ceremony – Another fun and authentic way to experience Mayan culture is to try a Temazcal ceremony, which is a bit like a sauna where a shaman helps you rejuvenate and cleanse the body! I’d recommend this Temazcal tour for Tulum, which offers both shared and private tours, great for bringing along friends for the journey.
- Go ziplining – Traveling with kids? Or maybe you’re a big kid like us and still get a huge kick out of swinging through the trees? You’re never too old to let your hair down, and this 4-hour ziplining, rappelling, and cenote tour is a whole lot of fun! At $80 USD, I’d say this is great value and would make for an epic half-day out.
Where to Stay in Tulum, Mexico
If you’re going to be visiting the Tulum Ruins, staying nearby makes it easy! It cuts down on transport costs and travel time – whether you’re driving yourself or joining a tour.
No matter what you’re looking for in a hotel, Tulum has it! Offering everything from hostels to 5-star luxury hotels, there is accommodation for any budget! Here are some of the best places to stay in Tulum (categorized by budget!):
Luxury – $$$
Hotel Boutique TerraNova is a top-rated boutique hotel that truly makes your stay like paradise. All the rooms are spacious and have a garden patio, and there is an outdoor pool as well! You can expect to pay at least $300 USD per night during the peak season for a deluxe queen room. For an upscale hotel with modern, serene vibes, book your stay at TerraNova here!
Another incredible luxury option is Kan Tulum. This hotel is actually built around its own private cenote! These rooms have a unique jungle treehouse design, with gorgeous terraces to see the sunset. You are well located right next to beaches and nightlife. Rooms cost around $250-$450 USD, but will certainly be a memorable experience! For a unique stay you’ll only find in Tulum, reserve your room at Kan Tulum online here!
Mid-range – $$
XscapeTulum is a moderately priced hotel, that’s super comfortable with huge rooms! It has a great location only a few minutes away from the city center, but it’s off of the main road, so it’s quieter at night. Plus, it has a beautiful pool and garden that feels like an oasis in Tulum!
It’s great for couples and families as you can even rent an entire apartment. Prices are really good starting at only $60 USD a night – even in the peak season! But to take advantage of this awesome deal, you’ll want to book online well in advance!
Budget – $
For budget travelers, my favorite hostel is Che Hostel. It’s just steps from downtown Tulum and has a tropical vibe with gardens surrounding the property. There are lots of events happening here, including salsa dancing and pool parties!
You can get a dorm room for as low as $20 USD, which is truly a steal considering how nice this hostel really is! They also offer gorgeous private rooms. If you’re traveling on a budget, I encourage you to book well in advance – and you can do so on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check out all accommodations available in Tulum!
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this review of the Tulum Ruins has helped you decide whether you want to visit! The history here is amazing and the location is stellar. I can’t wait to come back for another visit next time we’re in Tulum!
Make sure you have a look through our Tulum section and all our blogs on Mexico to help plan your next vacation! We’ve spent a lot of time living and traveling in Mexico over the years, so we have a lot of advice to share.
Tulum Itinerary – How to Spend Up to 1 Week in Tulum (1 day to 7 days)
12 Things to KNOW Before Booking a Catamaran Cruise in Tulum