How to Visit the Mayan Ruins of Tulum

While I was in Tulum recently, I went back to the ruins of Tulum. While modern Tulum is an overrun tourist trap, the ancient Mayan city is a must-see if you’re in the area. Though I’d visited the ruins way back in 2011, I wanted to see them again because a) they are that beautiful and b) to see how the area has developed.

Well, they were just as epic and amazing as I remembered.

To help you make the most of your visit (and beat the crowds), here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip to the ruins of Tulum:
 

A History of the Ruins of Tulum

Constructed between 1200–1500 CE, Tulum was originally known as Zamá, which means “City of Dawn.” It was a thriving capital and trading city owing to the fact that it had access to both land and water trade routes. It was easily defensible and became a pivotal trading center for nearby Chitzen Itza. The region was inhabited as far back as 564 CE and the city continued to thrive until the Spanish arrived and destroyed it in 1518.

Around 500 people lived in the city center while up to 10,000 lived outside the walls by the time Spanish arrived. Much of the local population succumbed to diseases introduced by the Europeans not long after their arrival and conquest. After that, Tulum was abandoned and left to the jungle.

After its rediscovery in 1840, it became one of the most popular ruins in Mexico.

It’s incredibly beautiful, especially given its location near the ocean. Several buildings are still intact while many more lay in varying stages of decay. You could easily spend a couple hours here exploring.
 

The Ruins of Tulum

First, you have the beautiful Temple of the Frescoes. This is not the building’s original name though. The current names for all the buildings were actually created by archeologists. Nevertheless, this is one of the most important structures in Tulum. It was used as an observatory for tracking the sun. There are several carvings of the “diving god” (Venus) found here.

The outer temple has sculptures in three niches, including a central figure representing the descending god Venus and human figures carved into the frieze.

In the southwest and northwest corners there are small structures that have been identified as watch towers, showing again how well defended the city was. Tulum was protected on one side by a huge bluff, which would have taken a great deal of energy and work on behalf of the Maya.

There are five narrow gateways in the wall, with two each on the north and south sides and one on the west. A small cenote (a natural sinkhole filled with groundwater) on the northern side of the wall provided the entire city with water.

The Castillo (the castle) is the largest building in Tulum and it likely served as a landmark for sailors. There are serpent motifs carved into the upper rooms, and the building was originally painted red and covered in stucco.

The House of Columns is one of the more complex structures in Tulum. It was likely built in stages. Shaped like an “L,” six columns supported the roof. It’s likely someone important lived here, but archeologists aren’t certain.

Nearby, a shrine marks a break in the barrier reef that is opposite the site. Here you’ll find a cove and beach that would have been perfect for trading canoes coming in.
 

When to Visit the Ruins of Tulum

Today, the area around the ruins is overdeveloped with shops, bars, and even a Starbucks. There are a lot of people here too. For that reason, it’s best to come early (8am–9am) or late (3pm–4pm) to avoid the sun as well as all the day-trippers from Playa del Carmen and Cancun. This place gets packed so arrive early or late to beat the crowds!

You can see the ruins in around one hour, though you might want to spend closer to two if you plan on swimming.

Since you can swim here, make sure to bring a bathing suit. You’ll swim near the old ruined fortress, which is a cool experience. However, the beach fills up fast so if you want to swim be sure to arrive early!

Though the ruins are more touristy than they were on my first visit, they are still as beautiful and awe-inspiring as I remember and are definitely worth a visit. Even if you’re not a history buff like me, there is a lot to see and appreciate.
 

How to Visit the Ruins of Tulum

The ruins are located around 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the town of Tulum. You can reach the ruins in just under two hours from Cancun and in around 45 minutes from Playa del Carmen.

From the town of Tulum, you can reach the ruins on foot in under an hour. Otherwise, you can take a 10-minute taxi for around 150 MXN ($8 USD).

The ruins are open daily from 8am–5pm and cost 95 MXN ($5 USD). Parking costs around 100 MXN. There will be touts trying to sell tickets in the parking lot. Ignore them and only buy from the official seller at the entrance of the ruins.

I’d also recommend hiring a guide. It’s around 575 MXN ($30 USD). The signage here isn’t super great. You’ll get a lot more information and detail with a guide.

Lastly, make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen. There’s very little shade here so dress appropriately!

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While I’m not a big fan of Tulum, these ruins are a must-see. Even if you’re not a history buff like me, they are worth taking the time to up close. And, if you follow the tips above, you’ll be able to visit without the crowds, making the experience even more memorable!