A Guide To Visiting The Tulum Ruins

Mexico has no shortage of ancient Mayan ruins, but the ones in Tulum are unlike any other. Sitting proudly on the edge of a cliff and overlooking the azure ocean waves, the Mayans that built the Tulum Ruins really found the prime location.

If you’re visiting Tulum you really can’t miss a trip to these iconic ruins, it is a beautiful way to learn more about the history of Mexico and the Mayan people.

Find the best places to stay around Tulum, within walking distance of the Mayan Ruins

Getting to the Tulum Ruins

Easy to locate, less than 20 minutes from the Tulum Beach Strip and about 10 minutes from the main town of Tulum, the Ruins are easy to get to by both car, public transport and even bicycle.

There is a large secured car park out the front for those of you driving, surrounded by market stalls, food carts and souvenir shops that line the entrance way to the ruins. If you’re looking for souvenirs or gifts, this is probably the best place to do some shopping, as there are very limited options in the main town of Tulum and more boutiques and designer items on the beach strip.

And if you’re looking for a snack before you get into exploring there is no shortage of tacos and fresh coconuts leading up to the entrance.

Exploring The Tulum Beach Strip

Check out the best tours of the Tulum Ruins

The Tulum Ruins are atop rolling hills, covered in different structures and temples, with the largest and most important overlooking the ocean. The walk to get to the ruins will take you up to the top of the hill and through a series of tight squeezes and low rock formations that acted as doorways once upon a time.

Beach Luxury: Staying at Coco Tulum

Like every Mayan city, Tulum was built for a purpose. It was a seaport, allowing the Mayans living here to trade in turquoise and jade. As well as being the only Mayan city to be built on the coast, it was also one of the few that was protected by a wall.

Find the perfect day tour to visit the Tulum Ruins

The Ruins were beautiful to walk around, with a constant sea breeze breaking up the humidity and literally countless iguanas hiding amongst the temples.

Entrance to the Tulum Ruins only costs 70 pesos per person, with an additional optional 20 pesos for a return trip on the train that drives you to and from the entrance of the ruins. Definitely worth paying for the train, the walk would have been long and very tiring in the muggy Mexico humidity.

Cenote Hopping Around Tulum

Top tips for your visit to the Tulum Ruins

For the best experience visiting the Tulum Ruins here are a couple of tips to make your visit easier –

Get there early
Bring lots of water
Skip the guided tours and explore on your own
Don’t touch the wildlife
Carry some pesos with you
Bring your bathers so you can hit the beach next door straight after visiting the ruins