Tulum Archeological Site
Zona Hotelera Tulum, Tulum, Mexico
Perched on the Yucatan Peninsula's coastline, the Tulum Archaeological Site is a remarkable relic offering a journey into Maya history and architecture. With the Caribbean Sea as its backdrop and a sandy beach at its base, this well-preserved walled city deserves a top spot on your Riviera Maya and Cancun bucket list.
The Mayas didn’t shy away from building cities and Tulum was no exception. Highlights of the vast archeological complex include El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the Temple of the Descending God. Don’t forget to tip your toe in the Caribbean Sea at the on-site beach. Most tours of the walled city include round-trip transport from Riviera Maya and Cancun hotels, lunch, and skip-the-line admission tickets. Full-day excursions often visit surrounding attractions such as the Coba Archeological Site and a cenote.
Remember your swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen if you plan to take a dip at the public beach below the cliffs.
Respect the site's rules, such as refraining from climbing the ruins and staying on designated paths.
Bring Mexican pesos in small denominations, such as 5 and 10 peso coins, and 20 pesos bills, for easier transactions with vendors selling souvenirs and snacks nearby.
Situated on Highway 307, it’s a straight shot to the Tulum Archeological Site from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Travel options include driving, taxiing, or hopping on a bus from major tourist hubs. From the town of Tulum, it's just a short drive, bike ride, or—if you’re feeling adventurous—a colectivo (shared van) journey to the ruins. Alternatively, many day tours offer hassle-free transport directly to the ruins.
Conveniently open seven days a week, the Tulum Archaeological Site welcomes visitors from 8am to 5pm. Plan your visit for when the site opens to beat the Carribean heat and tour bus crowds. Weekdays tend to see fewer tourists than weekends, and visiting during the off-peak season (May to November) offers cooler temperatures.
To learn more about the Maya empire, head to the Coba archaeological complex. Enveloped by lush jungle, the site boasts ancient architecture such as the majestic Nohoch Mul pyramid. Given its secluded location, Coba can feel difficult to reach. For a stress-free sightseeing experience, opt for a guided tour with transport and commentary. Full-day excursions often also visit the Tulum ruins for a comprehensive Maya adventure.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!