The Mayan ruins of Tulum are the only ones located at the coast. Therefore, we decided that our first destination in Mexico should be this small town. Here are some things you should know
before visiting the Mayan ruins of Tulum:
Tips for visiting the Mayan Ruins of Tulum
General Tips
- Arrive at 8 a.m., otherwise it will be very crowded and hot
- Stay the night before your visit in Downtown Tulum
- Plan approx. 2 hours for your visit
- Save the best – the beach area – for last
- Bring enough water! It is not possible to buy water after the entrance.
Travelling to Tulum
Travelling to Tulum from Cancun / Playa del Carmen
Every morning ADO busses from Cancun (travelling time approx. 2.5 hours; cost approx. 5€) and Playa del Carmen travelling time approx. 1 hour; cost 3€) go directly to the ruins. Furthermore,
there are busses to Downtown Tulum the whole day. I can really recommend you to stay the night before your visit in Downtown Tulum to be one of the first at the ruins in the morning.
Travelling to Downtoen Tulum from Cancun airport
From Cancun airport there is a ADO Bus to Downtown Tulum (travelling time approx. 1.5 hours, cost approx. 10€). The last bus is at 4 p.m. When missing the bus you can go by taxi (travelling
time approx. 1.5 hours, cost approx. 85€) or by ADO bus to Playa del Carmen (approx. 8€) and then by ADO bus to Tulum (approx. 3€).
Travelling to the Mayan ruins from Downtown Tulum
The famous ruins are located almost 4 km away from Downtown Tulum. You can go by bike, walk (approx. 30 Min.), by taxi (approx. 5€) or by bus (Colectivo).
Arriving at the Mayan Ruins of Tulum
Behind the great parking area there are several shops and restaurants. 400 meters away from this small “town” is the entrance. You can buy tickets for a small tourist train or just
walk.
Opening hours and admission fee
- Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Admission fee: 70 Peso per person (approx. 3.30€)
What to see with the Mayan ruins of Tulum
Behind the entrance a small path will lead you to the old Mayan city. The different temples, which are well preserved, are the home of many giant iguanas. Although the
site is much smaller than other Mayan sites like Chichén Itzá, we discovered some nice buildings like:
- El Castillo – the highest building of Tulum
- The Temple of the Descending God
- The Temple of the Frescoes
- The Temple of the Wind God
In 1 -2 hours you can see the whole area.
After discovering the temples you can go to the best part of the area. A steep wooden stair will lead you to the beautiful beach on the Caribean Sea. This Mayan site is the only
one at a coast. Therefore, take a bath here and enjoy the special atmosphere. And it really is like taking a bath because the blue, shallow water is as warm as in a bathtub. But it is still a
nice refreshment in the slowly starting midday heat.
Warning: It is not possible to buy any drinks on site. Therefore, bring enough water!
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