A unique combination of great white sand beaches and a scenic seaside archaeological site, Tulum in the tropical Caribbean coast of Mexico introduces you ancient Mayan culture and some of the best beaches in Mexico with powdery white sand, palm trees and tropical sun. More than that, there are beach bars and nightclubs, coral reefs, mangrove lagoons and underwater caves waiting to be explored by diving, snorkeling or kayaking. Affordable beach cabins are available as well as hotels on this beautiful part of the Mayan Riviera.
Located by the beach along the Caribbean Sea in the east coast of Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, Tulum is an archaeological site as well as a small vacation town between Cancun in the north and Chetumal in the south. Tulum ruins are one of the best preserved coastal Maya sites, as well as one of the most popular archaeological sites in Mexico. Formerly known as Zama, the ancient town of Tulum was a trading post and a place of worship of the ancient Mayans. Built in the 13th century, Tulum was discovered by Spaniards in 1518, and was abandoned in the 17th century. Today, the compact small archaeological site of Tulum is a popular destination for tourism, thanks to its close proximity to the large resort areas such as Cancun and the beautiful beaches right next to the site. The adjacent modern town of Tulum has grown from a small village into a town with a wide range of tourism facilities.
The modern town of Tulum, set a bit inland from the beach and the ruins, hosts a wide variety of services such as shops, restaurants, small hotels, tour operators and nightlife spots. Tulum area also has another archaeological site called Muyil, as well as a large number of underwater caves and waterholes called cenotes, that offer some exciting opportunities for diving in Tulum, in addition to the large coastal barrier reef that is also great for diving and snorkeling.
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a large protected area located south of the Tulum hotel zone along the beach, introduces you to the wild side of Yucatán Peninsula with its lagoons, deserted beaches, mangrove forests and small Mayan ruins. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers great opportunities for fly fishing around Tulum, as well as kayaking and birdwatching. The smaller Aktun Chen Natural Park north of Tulum also has some interesting wildlife.
Located by the beach along the Caribbean Sea in the east coast of Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, Tulum is an archaeological site as well as a small vacation town between Cancun in the north and Chetumal in the south. Tulum ruins are one of the best preserved coastal Maya sites, as well as one of the most popular archaeological sites in Mexico. Formerly known as Zama, the ancient town of Tulum was a trading post and a place of worship of the ancient Mayans. Built in the 13th century, Tulum was discovered by Spaniards in 1518, and was abandoned in the 17th century. Today, the compact small archaeological site of Tulum is a popular destination for tourism, thanks to its close proximity to the large resort areas such as Cancun and the beautiful beaches right next to the site. The adjacent modern town of Tulum has grown from a small village into a town with a wide range of tourism facilities.
Sights and activities in Tulum: historical ruins, beaches, diving & snorkeling
The main attraction of Tulum is the Tulum archaeological site, El Castillo, with its ancient Mayan ruins on a hill along the coast, next to beautiful sandy beaches and the glimmering Caribbean waters. The site itself is not nearly as large as some of the more impressive archaeological sites in Mexico, but its scenic location makes Tulum a popular place to visit. Large tour groups arrive to the archaeological site daily, so if you want to avoid crowds, it is best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. South from the Tulum ruins, a gorgeous white sand beach extends south along the coastline. The wide beautiful beach is lined with small bars, beach and spa hotels, beachfront cabins and restaurants to choose from.The modern town of Tulum, set a bit inland from the beach and the ruins, hosts a wide variety of services such as shops, restaurants, small hotels, tour operators and nightlife spots. Tulum area also has another archaeological site called Muyil, as well as a large number of underwater caves and waterholes called cenotes, that offer some exciting opportunities for diving in Tulum, in addition to the large coastal barrier reef that is also great for diving and snorkeling.
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a large protected area located south of the Tulum hotel zone along the beach, introduces you to the wild side of Yucatán Peninsula with its lagoons, deserted beaches, mangrove forests and small Mayan ruins. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers great opportunities for fly fishing around Tulum, as well as kayaking and birdwatching. The smaller Aktun Chen Natural Park north of Tulum also has some interesting wildlife.
Photo: joiseyshowaa, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
Tulum travel information and practical tips
Tulum has a tropical climate with plenty of warmth and sunshine. There is a slightly cooler dry season from November to May that is the best time to visit Tulum, and a hot and humid rainy season from June to November. Occasional hurricanes may occur during the autumn months.How to get there. Travelling to Tulum is easy by bus from Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Chetumal, and buses stop both near the archaeological site and the bus station in Tulum town. Long-distance buses to Tulum can be found also as far as in Mexico City. Local minivans called collectivos also bring people to Tulum, and you can also visit Tulum by driving or taking part of an organized day tour. The nearest airport is in Cancun.
Local transportation. Tulum area has three main parts, that are all located a bit apart from each other: the archaeological site of the ancient Tulum, the modern Tulum town (also called Tulum Pueblo), and the hotel zone along the Caribbean beaches south of the archaeological site. In Tulum town, you can get around by walking, but the ruins and the hotel zone are located further away. Inexpensive local taxis are available for transportation. Bicycles can be rented, and car rental in Tulum can also be arranged.
Visitor services. Hotels in Tulum can be found both in the coastal hotel zone south from the Tulum ruins, and from Tulum Pueblo. Restaurants in Tulum can be found along beaches, at hotels as well as in the town, offering Mexican and international cooking. Nightlife in Tulum is lively both on the beach and in the town, with many bars and some nightclubs.
Safety. Tulum area is quite safe for visitors, although some petty crime such as theft may occur. It is best to stay in well-lit areas at night. Although many people in Tulum can speak English, it helps you a lot to learn at least some phrases in Spanish.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Cancun
