Tulum Archaeological Site
Tulum Archaeological Site
4.5
08:00 - 17:00
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
08:00 - 17:00
Sunday
08:00 - 17:00
About
Tulum (Spanish pronunciation: [tu'lum], Yucatec: Tulu'um) is the site of a Pre-Columbian Maya walled city serving as a major port for Coba.[1] The ruins are situated on 12-meter (39 ft) tall cliffs, along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.[1] Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya; it was at its height between the 13th and 15th centuries and managed to survive about 70 years after the Spanish began occupying Mexico. Old World diseases brought by the Spanish settlers appear to have resulted in very high fatalities, disrupting the society and eventually causing the city to be abandoned.[citation needed] One of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites, Tulum is today a popular site for tourists.[1]
Duration: < 1 hour
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J-Ro
Spokane Valley, WA20 contributions
Feb 2025 • Family
We only made it through half since we accidentally exited and had a hangry child. But the place is great, just know what to expect. We parked nearby for 100 pesos (about $5 USD). You pay twice to get in but it’s cheap and younger kids are free, they now let you know this upfront. There was even someone who put our wristbands on us, so they are trying to make efforts on the service side. We came on a Tuesday at noon and the lines weren’t long, didn’t need front of line passes. Bring cash. We had pesos and had no problems, we were given change. The first payment line also takes credit cards.
The shuttles help a lot to cut down on walking, so take them. The beach is gorgeous, the shuttle can take you down there. We were approached by about 4 different people trying to sell us tours, etc. Nothing I wouldn’t expect for a tourist area of Mexico. Just Say- no gracias, and keep walking.
TIPS:
-If you didn’t bring a metal reusable water bottle with you, they sell aluminum disposables at the little shops near the ruins entrance for under 40 pesos ($2 USD). Plastic disposable bottles are not allowed inside the ruins.
-Directional signs are all in Spanish which is why we accidentally exited at one point. You don’t really know where you are going so speak up and ask English speakers when you see them. Some staff speaks English and some tourists, but this is not a primarily American activity so don’t expect that crowd. We just rolled with it and it took us a little extra time, no biggie we figured it out.
-If you don’t like to figure out all the details and
The shuttles help a lot to cut down on walking, so take them. The beach is gorgeous, the shuttle can take you down there. We were approached by about 4 different people trying to sell us tours, etc. Nothing I wouldn’t expect for a tourist area of Mexico. Just Say- no gracias, and keep walking.
TIPS:
-If you didn’t bring a metal reusable water bottle with you, they sell aluminum disposables at the little shops near the ruins entrance for under 40 pesos ($2 USD). Plastic disposable bottles are not allowed inside the ruins.
-Directional signs are all in Spanish which is why we accidentally exited at one point. You don’t really know where you are going so speak up and ask English speakers when you see them. Some staff speaks English and some tourists, but this is not a primarily American activity so don’t expect that crowd. We just rolled with it and it took us a little extra time, no biggie we figured it out.
-If you don’t like to figure out all the details and
Written 11 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
salsacom
Pisano, Italy320 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
The site of Tulum is really suggestive for its proximity to the sea: for this reason, despite not being among the most beautiful, I think that as a whole, it is worth a visit.
It's quite small: you shoot it in less than 1 hour. I recommend someone or "something" to guide you.
Inside, in addition to iguanas, we also saw 1 snake.
Important, parking: as soon as you turn to enter the car, some people will try to convince you to stop and park at them; do not take the bait and continue to the official parking, which costs significantly less.
Inside the park (which also includes the archaeological site), it is not allowed to bring plastic bottles: however, you can bring your own bottle as it is not a disposable container.
I suggest you also bring an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun.
Also check your activities with the closing time of the site and do not get confused with those of the park. We first ate and snorkeled and then went to the site, which had closed in the meantime, as opposed to the park which was still open.
It's quite small: you shoot it in less than 1 hour. I recommend someone or "something" to guide you.
Inside, in addition to iguanas, we also saw 1 snake.
Important, parking: as soon as you turn to enter the car, some people will try to convince you to stop and park at them; do not take the bait and continue to the official parking, which costs significantly less.
Inside the park (which also includes the archaeological site), it is not allowed to bring plastic bottles: however, you can bring your own bottle as it is not a disposable container.
I suggest you also bring an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun.
Also check your activities with the closing time of the site and do not get confused with those of the park. We first ate and snorkeled and then went to the site, which had closed in the meantime, as opposed to the park which was still open.
Automatically translated
Written 11 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mare524
Windsor, Canada341 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
It’s quite the trek to get to the ruins. You park fairly far away, then walk to the first building to line up and pay the taxes and get a wristband, then you wait in another (the longest line when we went) to get searched - WARNING: you are not allowed to bring plastic inside. So don’t bring plastic water bottles or you have to toss them before you can go in (so we ran our water bottles back to the car) but you can plan ahead and bring glass or cans instead. Those are allowed. After your bags are fully searched you have another hike, then another lineup to pay for entry tickets (NOTE: bring pesos!! And correct change. They do not take US and do not give change), then a short walk past some bathrooms to the ticket taker, and you’re finally in, but still have a bit of a walk to get to the hole in the wall that go through to get to the ruins. Lots of walking (we ended up piggy backing two of the kids (5yo & 8yo) almost the whole way out).
That said, the ruins were really neat, and lots of info plaques (so you don’t need a tour guide if you don’t want one), and the kids loved all the iguanas. Gorgeous views of the bluff, and great photo ops. But the wind is blocked, so it is SUPER HOT and no shade at the ruins themselves (though luckily a lot of the walk has shade).
And when you’re done looking at all the ruins, you’re just a few minute walk away from the beach (the prettiest/nicest beach of our whole trip). If we were to return, we’d definitely come better prepared, with non-plastic bottles of water, so we could stay at the beach longer.
That said, the ruins were really neat, and lots of info plaques (so you don’t need a tour guide if you don’t want one), and the kids loved all the iguanas. Gorgeous views of the bluff, and great photo ops. But the wind is blocked, so it is SUPER HOT and no shade at the ruins themselves (though luckily a lot of the walk has shade).
And when you’re done looking at all the ruins, you’re just a few minute walk away from the beach (the prettiest/nicest beach of our whole trip). If we were to return, we’d definitely come better prepared, with non-plastic bottles of water, so we could stay at the beach longer.
Written 28 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric W
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Family
We arrived around 8:30 AM and easily parked a 15-passenger van for 100 Mex$ here 20°13'06.3"N 87°26'08.4"W. The parking attendant graciously explained the situation of multiple entrance fees and drew on a map where we should go. The first entrance fee had two lines, one for credit card and one for cash. There were no signs, just someone occasionally directing people. This was perhaps a 10-minute wait. There was a single fee, but each person got two wristbands, one for the ruins and one for the tram to the ruins and the Jaguar Beach. We could not decline the second wristband. We split our party and started simultaneously waiting in the security/bag check line, which was about the same length. Tulum is a small site, so we carried no bags, only non-disposable water bottles. We walked the 700 m to the entrance (our time is more valuable than waiting for a ride on the tram...). Here, we waited 5 minutes to make the second payment, which I believe was cash-only. We received printed QR codes, which we took to the site's entrance where we were met with a comical experience of none of the QR codes working for anyone but the guard. He had to go between each turnstile, take the printed receipt, scan it himself (What was his technique? No tourist could replicate it!), and usher everyone through. Later in the day when more people are arriving, this is surely no longer comical. Another short walk, and we entered the actual site around 9:20 AM. On our way out around 11 AM, the security check line was much shorter, but other lines and parking were much longer and/or less organized.
We've been to Tulum on four separate occasions in 2016, 2019, and 2025. Each time there's been some amount of chaos and confusion at the ticketing gate. I think this is the nature of Mexico, and I choose to find it amusing and charming because if I expected everything to just work, that would be very frustrating. Further on Tulum, it was crowded on each visit. The Tulum authorities (or randomness, because is anyone really in charge?) haven't yet found the maximum price/agony travelers are willing to pay to visit this site, so I think that price will continue to increase. I wrote this to give back since I've benefited from reviews here, but Mexico itself is also quickly growing so visiting Tulum will soon surely be a different adventure.
We've been to Tulum on four separate occasions in 2016, 2019, and 2025. Each time there's been some amount of chaos and confusion at the ticketing gate. I think this is the nature of Mexico, and I choose to find it amusing and charming because if I expected everything to just work, that would be very frustrating. Further on Tulum, it was crowded on each visit. The Tulum authorities (or randomness, because is anyone really in charge?) haven't yet found the maximum price/agony travelers are willing to pay to visit this site, so I think that price will continue to increase. I wrote this to give back since I've benefited from reviews here, but Mexico itself is also quickly growing so visiting Tulum will soon surely be a different adventure.
Written 3 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andycoldham
Crawley, UK1,068 contributions
Mar 2025 • Couples
We visited the site today and the buildings are quite remarkable, however visitors are not allowed to touch any of the stones or climb on any of the buildings. So all guests can do is follow the paths around the site and take photos from a distance. The first entrance fee is 415 mex pesos and at a later stage you have to pay another 100 mex pesos, cash only pp, to gain access to the site. Why one can't pay 515 pesos at the outset defeats me. I think its a tad expensive just to shuffle along a path forward few photos. The place gets packed very quickly which makes photos more difficult, so go as early as you can.
Written 6 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rodrigo C
State of Sao Paulo236 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Iconic, beautiful and must-visit place. It is different from Teotihuacán or Chichén Itzá and is worth the visit. Sunscreen, hat and water, as the sun is strong and there is little shade. It is interesting to arrive before 10am, before the tourist buses coming from Cancún. But like almost everything in Mexico, it is poorly signposted, poorly maintained and difficult to enter. Valuable tip if you have a car: go through the south entrance, along the beaches of the Riviera Maya. Right at the beginning of the path you pass a National Guard inspection and then CONATUR, where you buy a bracelet to enter the park area (60 pesos). Arrive around 8/9am, park the car at a beach club closest to the entrance (I recommend El Paraíso) and walk for about 15 minutes. Arriving at the ruins you have to buy the ticket to access the archaeological site (95 pesos). I suggest going clockwise, that is, from north to south, to end close to the exit and go down the road to the car. After the visit, enjoy the day at the beach club, as the beach is beautiful and calm.
Written 30 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IngelinKB
Loddefjord, Norway20 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
We took a taxi there and were there around 8:30 in the morning. About 500 meters to walk to official ticketing (it is thus past the "block" and a stand right next to where the taxi relaxed us). There was a minimum of queues, and it was easy and easy to get in. It was nice to walk, but it was also very pleasant to take transportation (free). New ticket stand right at the entrance, 100 pesos per person.
Very okay to take a taxi there, we didn't have a guide and that thought we were fine. If you are interested in having a guide then it was easy to find a guide on your way in. Many signs with information on the area.
We were there on a weekday, and early in the morning. The beach was not open so early in the day, but we did not miss it.
It was very quiet and comfortable when we were there. Relatively little people and we could walk anywhere without going in line. When it was about 10 a.m., many groups arrived, and the crowd increased considerably. It was still okay to be there, but we are happy that we got that time earlier to take pictures.
The ruins are part of the Jaguar National Park, and you buy a ticket to the whole area. It was possible to pay by card and cash, but in the last entrance (100 pesos per person) there was only cash.
Do not bring plastic bottles (you will not bring them in). We had thermos bottles with water and it went fine.
When we went out again after about 2 hours, we bought a rug. We've been looking for "the right carpet" for two weeks, and bought it there for 1100 pesos. We were offered the exact same three stalls down to 200 pesos. It doesn't matter for us, but fine to keep in mind. I knew on the rug before we bought it that it was a little worse quality than the others we have seen in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, but it was really nice.
All in all, it is highly recommended to take a walk here. It was great, both with the ruins and the park. A lot of eggs lay around and showed up.
Very okay to take a taxi there, we didn't have a guide and that thought we were fine. If you are interested in having a guide then it was easy to find a guide on your way in. Many signs with information on the area.
We were there on a weekday, and early in the morning. The beach was not open so early in the day, but we did not miss it.
It was very quiet and comfortable when we were there. Relatively little people and we could walk anywhere without going in line. When it was about 10 a.m., many groups arrived, and the crowd increased considerably. It was still okay to be there, but we are happy that we got that time earlier to take pictures.
The ruins are part of the Jaguar National Park, and you buy a ticket to the whole area. It was possible to pay by card and cash, but in the last entrance (100 pesos per person) there was only cash.
Do not bring plastic bottles (you will not bring them in). We had thermos bottles with water and it went fine.
When we went out again after about 2 hours, we bought a rug. We've been looking for "the right carpet" for two weeks, and bought it there for 1100 pesos. We were offered the exact same three stalls down to 200 pesos. It doesn't matter for us, but fine to keep in mind. I knew on the rug before we bought it that it was a little worse quality than the others we have seen in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, but it was really nice.
All in all, it is highly recommended to take a walk here. It was great, both with the ruins and the park. A lot of eggs lay around and showed up.
Automatically translated
Written 27 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrotherPete
Coventry, UK180 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
Archaeologists believe that Tulum was an important Mayan town during its heyday, overseeing the Coastal approaches. and maintaining trading routes way down to modern day Belize. You can get a taxi into Playa Del Carmen, ask for the area for the Colectivos, which are inexpensive air conditioned Minibuses that set off off on the main highway as soon as there is enough people on board, you can even go into the nearby Walmart store to top up supplies. The fee to enter the National Parks was 415 Mexican Peso's, there is an enforced prohibition on plastic bottles into the park, so carefully secrete a bottle of water or bring reusable bottles. Then you are put onto a shuttle cart from the entrance to the ruins where you are directed to a window to be charged 100 Mexican Peso's (cash only) to enter the ruins. The site is spectacular but not too expansive, even so the heat will get you and it is advisable to take advantage of the shaded areas when they arrive, the promontory where the sea breeze will momentarily cool you down. The Castillo and other temples and buildings are clearly signed with information on boards (you don't need a guide).
When you reach the end of the path you go through a hole in the wall, a different one than the one that you entered the shuttle carts pick you back up to bring you back to the entrance.
Well recommended, but go early.
When you reach the end of the path you go through a hole in the wall, a different one than the one that you entered the shuttle carts pick you back up to bring you back to the entrance.
Well recommended, but go early.
Written 6 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JM Zepeda
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico177 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Definitely one of many Mexican gems
Visiting those places is a must-see when visiting Cancun
They have it very well preserved only
Some tips
Sundays is free admission for nationals. You must only pay a tax that does not exceed 100 pesos
Keep an eye on people who don't work in the park who will try to sell you tickets. Go directly to the official place
When you enter the park you will get through a lot of people for parking. I recommend entering the official parking lot for the same security of your car
Plastic bottles won't let you in at the entrance. Cylinders only
From the entrance to the park is almost a kilometer, go with comfortable footwear and although chusco looked the patrols of the national guard served as transport that I imagine was something born of them
When you enter you have the option to pay for a guide, it is completely optional and not mandatory
In the end they do their job but there will be no shortage of those who almost tell you that a guided tour is mandatory
The place is beautiful and very well kept
Visiting those places is a must-see when visiting Cancun
They have it very well preserved only
Some tips
Sundays is free admission for nationals. You must only pay a tax that does not exceed 100 pesos
Keep an eye on people who don't work in the park who will try to sell you tickets. Go directly to the official place
When you enter the park you will get through a lot of people for parking. I recommend entering the official parking lot for the same security of your car
Plastic bottles won't let you in at the entrance. Cylinders only
From the entrance to the park is almost a kilometer, go with comfortable footwear and although chusco looked the patrols of the national guard served as transport that I imagine was something born of them
When you enter you have the option to pay for a guide, it is completely optional and not mandatory
In the end they do their job but there will be no shortage of those who almost tell you that a guided tour is mandatory
The place is beautiful and very well kept
Automatically translated
Written 24 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fireopal2013
United Kingdom198 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We felt like we was stepping back into history. It was amazing to see these ruins that were so well preserved. It's definitely one of our bucket list ticked... We went on a guided tour but it is much cheaper to go by yourself if you are willing to venture out on your own. It was only 95 mxn compared to the £80 sterling that we payed via a UK based travel company. But whichever way you decide to do it, it's a must on my eyes.
It is certainly a spectacular sight to see, it's crazy to think how these buildings were built all those years back when there wasn't the technology that there is now. Some of the intricate carvings were just something else. Also the view down to the see was breath taking.
I saw some of the biggest lizards that I have ever seen in my life there.
I believe that this place is now part of the world heritage site, so our tour guide told us... As this is the case you are not allowed to take single use plastic in with you such as water bottles so take a flask type water bottle with you (re usable). It was extremely hot there so I highly recommend that you do. We were not made aware of this when we booked the trip with the travel company, so I was gasping for a drink by the time I finished.Also as it is a heritage site now there are armed guards/ army around that check your bag as you go in bit it is nothing to worry about.
Go and explore this amazing place.
It is certainly a spectacular sight to see, it's crazy to think how these buildings were built all those years back when there wasn't the technology that there is now. Some of the intricate carvings were just something else. Also the view down to the see was breath taking.
I saw some of the biggest lizards that I have ever seen in my life there.
I believe that this place is now part of the world heritage site, so our tour guide told us... As this is the case you are not allowed to take single use plastic in with you such as water bottles so take a flask type water bottle with you (re usable). It was extremely hot there so I highly recommend that you do. We were not made aware of this when we booked the trip with the travel company, so I was gasping for a drink by the time I finished.Also as it is a heritage site now there are armed guards/ army around that check your bag as you go in bit it is nothing to worry about.
Go and explore this amazing place.
Written 15 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola de casualidad alguien sabe si hay algún servicio de Guarda Equipaje en la zona arqueológica o cerca de ella?
Written 21 March 2025
I’m trying to book a tour picked up from a cruise ship. Any recommendations?
Written 2 January 2025
Does anyone know the current cost of entry?
Written 17 December 2024
Car Parking 100/ archeological site fees&tax 355 per person/ tulum ruins entry 100 per person.
Written 1 January 2025
Are the ruins child friendly? Would there be a place to leave a stroller at the front entrance area?
Written 17 November 2024
Does anyone know if the ruins have different operating hours on New Year’s Day? We heard they might but have not been able to find anything on the internet to confirm that. The email address and phone number on the site don’t work. Thanks
Written 30 December 2023
Hola! ¿Sabríais decirme si hay mucha cola para comprar la entrada y si es recomendable llevarla ya comprada? Gracias!
Written 18 June 2023
Nein, die Schlange war nicht sehr lange, ich denke mal, daß ich 5 bis 10 Minuten gewartet habe.
Written 24 November 2023
Are they open now? Our hotel says they are closed 14th may for a few days? Is this right please?
Written 14 May 2023
I'm in us. Have no idea. Ask your hotel.
Written 15 May 2023
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