Walled Maya port city on a Caribbean cliff, with a small but photogenic cluster of temples above a beach, plus nearby cenotes.
Tulum was an active Maya trading port between about 1200 and 1500 CE and is notable for being built on a cliff above the sea. The main structures are El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes and the Temple of the Descending God.
Entry fees changed in 2026 and sources conflict (reports range from about MXN 100 to 265, USD 6-15 for foreigners), so confirm at the gate. Nearby cenotes such as Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos add a swim to the day.
| Distance | About 130 km south of Cancun |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 2 hours each way by ADO coach or car |
| Getting there | ADO coach from the Cancun downtown terminal on Avenida Tulum to Tulum bus station, then taxi or bike to the ruins; fare to be confirmed at the ADO counter |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Address | Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km 1, 77780 Tulum, Quintana Roo |
How to get there
- ADO coach
- Colectivo vans via Playa del Carmen
- Tren Maya to Tulum station
- Rental car on Highway 307
- Guided day tour
Suggested itinerary
- Morning ADO coach to Tulum, ruins at opening (about 8-9AM), beach below the cliff, lunch in Tulum town, afternoon cenote swim, return coach by evening
Location
Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km 1, 77780 Tulum, Quintana Roo
20.2147, -87.4291 View on map
Highlights
- El Castillo on the cliff
- Temple of the Frescoes
- Beach below the ruins
- Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at opening; the site fills by late morning
- Bring a swimsuit for the beach below the ruins
- Use reef-safe sunscreen only in cenotes
- Confirm the current entry fee because it changed in 2026
When to visit
Early morning on a weekday has the lightest crowds.
Accessibility
Paths are flat but unshaded; stairs and uneven stone limit wheelchair access.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Tulum from Cancun?
About 130 km, roughly 2 hours by ADO coach or car.
Can visitors swim at Tulum ruins?
Yes, a small beach below the cliff is open to visitors, though conditions depend on seaweed and surf.