Where is tulum ruins

What could be better than a patch of postcard-perfect beach washed by the foaming Caribbean Sea? Try one overlooked by an extraordinary Mayan ruin at one of the most recognised sites in all the Yucatan Peninsula.

The clifftop castle was built as a watchtower and is now the third most visited archaeological site in Mexico after Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza.

Bring sturdy shoes and nerves of steel when visiting the highest Mayan pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula as the view from the top should not be missed.

Far quieter than the ruins in Tulum, the Mayan site of Muyil is around 20 minutes away and is thought to be one of the earliest and longest inhabited Mayan areas. Visit the ruins then float down the bath-clear waters of the lagoon, a shallow river filtered through limestone that flows through the mangroves with a gentle current so you can just lie back and enjoy.

The two-storey building is decorated with ornate stucco figures and sculptures on the outside but the real treat is in the back room of the first floor where visitors can glimpse the remains of a mural painting in black, green, yellow and red. This is an updated version of an article originally by Stephen Woodman.

Wellness is big here, so book a slot in one of the top yoga studios before unwinding in one of the best bars in town. Looking for somewhere to stay? Wherever you stay, make sure to visit one of the best restaurants in Tulum to try some of the tastiest cuisine in Mexico. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements.

To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK". Sign Up. The Tulum ruins are the only ones built by the sea, so wear your swimsuit and head down to the beach for a refreshing dip. Is about a 30 minute ride north-west of Tulum and about 1. Unlike most archaeological sites on the Yucatan Peninsula, Coba is in the middle of the jungle and a totally different experience.

You can still climb the main pyramid, Nohoch Mul, the highest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula. Get info on the Coba Tours. Best known as it is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Count on a long journey 2. See the Chichen Itza tour details for more information about Chichen Itza excursions. A lesser known site of ruins not far from Chichen Itza. It was a site of worship to the Great Descending God whose image adorns the temples within the site. Tulum was also of great importance for sea trade, most specifically for the trading of obsidian.

Tribes from all over Mexico and other Central American countries would travel here for commerce. Today, numerous structures remain, spread out over groomed lawns and oceanside cliffs. Whether seeking a scenic holiday or the chance to dive into rich Mexican culture or Mayan history, Tulum is an epic travel destination. Below is our guide to making the best of your visit to Tulum.

We hope you enjoy! They are in the heart of the Riviera Maya on the Caribbean Sea. Tulum is approximately 45 minutes south of Playa del Carmen and 90 minutes south of Cancun by car. The tropical climate in Tulum is quite predictable and easy to make plans around. As it is a popular tourist attraction, the ruins do get busy with around 2, visitors each day. The best time of the day to visit the Mayan ruins is around opening time.

This is typically the prime time to explore with fewer crowds. Perfect weather-wise, but sees the highest influx of tourists.

If you are not a people person, consider this. The hottest and most rainy months of the year but still plenty of sunshine. Also, this is the hurricane season so keep an eye on the forecasts. Fewer tourists so you can typically expect lower rates at hotels, resorts and tour companies during this time.

The autumn-winter months are considered by many to be the best times to visit Tulum. The hurricane season has passed by this time and the humidity is low. The ruins are around 2. Here are some great options for visiting the ruins. Renting a car might be the best scenario if you plan on exploring the area a bit. From the Cancun International Airport, rent a car and head down the only highway southbound. You will pass Playa del Carmen, Akumal and so on.

Approximately 90 minutes later you will arrive in Tulum Town. If you will be spending the night in town, be sure to check if your lodgings are in the Zona Hotelera hotel zone or Centro town center , as your turn off will be on different sides of the road. Signs for the ruins themselves are plentiful. We recommend booking your car here for the best prices.

Book a car for pick up at the Cancun airport here. Book a car for pick up in Tulum town here. There are a number of wonderful tours available to visit the Tulum Ruins from Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum center. Many include visits to cenotes and other fun activities for the day. To join an amazing all day tour that includes transport to the ruins, a guide, a snorkeling trip and a swim at a local cenote, check out this hugely popular tour that can pick you up in Cancun, Playa or Tulum town.

There are many, many more popular Tulum tour options to explore here. Another popular option is to bicycle to the ruins from local hotels. Exploring the area by bicycle is often recommended by locals as it gives you the chance to get around at your own convenience. Taxis in Tulum are an easy way to get to the ruins which are about 2. Flag them down on the road or have your hotel call one for you.

There is so much to do in Tulum. Here are some helpful tips to make the most out of your visit to the ruins. Wearing the wrong outfit to the ruins can ruin your time pun intended.