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Tulum lies on the Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, where a walled Maya port overlooks the sea from a limestone bluff. Once a quiet stop for backpackers, it has grown into a well-known destination, with a modest inland town and a long beach strip of boutique hotels set among jungle and dunes.
The Tulum Archaeological Site is the starting point, best seen early before tour groups arrive, and the small cove beneath the ruins is one of the most photographed beaches in the region. South of there, Tulum's beach road runs past palapa restaurants and beach clubs toward the entrance of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, where boat trips explore lagoons and mangroves, and the ruins of Muyil sit along an old Maya canal. Inland, freshwater cenotes are a big draw: Gran Cenote's clear water and turtles, the small drop into Cenote Calavera, and the cave passages of Dos Ojos, popular with divers. Akumal, a short drive north, is known for snorkeling alongside sea turtles, and the jungle-covered site of Cobá offers a contrasting Maya city.
Tulum appeals to couples, divers and wellness-focused travelers. Beach lodging is expensive and the road can be congested; staying in town is cheaper. Seaweed can arrive in late spring and summer, and hurricane season runs through fall.
WiserMap travel guideTulum Mexico Clifftop Maya Ruins and Cenote SwimsPlan Tulum: the clifftop Maya ruins, Caribbean beaches, Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos, Sian Ka'an, Cobá and Muyil, plus food, seasons, transport and smart tips.Read the guide
The ruins of a walled Maya port city on cliffs above the Caribbean, at its height between the 1200s and 1500s. El Castillo stands on the cliff edge, and the Temple of the Frescoes keeps traces of murals. Arrive at the 8 a.m. opening to beat heat and tour buses, and bring water, sunscreen and a swimsuit for the beach below.
A quiet Maya site about 25 km south of Tulum, also called Chunyaxché, with a tall temple in the jungle at the edge of Sian Ka'an. A boardwalk leads through the forest to a lagoon, where boat tours float through ancient canals. It has far fewer visitors than Tulum. Bring insect repellent for the jungle walk.
A large Maya city about 45 km northwest of Tulum, spread through jungle with long white roads called sacbeob. Rent a bicycle or pedicab to reach the Nohoch Mul pyramid, one of the tallest in the Yucatán; climbing is currently not allowed. Several cenotes nearby are great for a swim afterwards.
A small, beautiful cove right below the ruins, reached by a wooden staircase from inside the archaeological site. Swimming here with El Castillo above you is a memorable experience. It is only open while the site is open and can be closed in rough seas or during turtle nesting. Space is limited, so arrive early.
One of the most famous beaches in Mexico, just south of the ruins, with white sand, palm trees and turquoise water, and beach clubs offering loungers and food. Mornings are the quietest time to visit. Seaweed called sargassum can arrive in the warmer months, so check conditions before you go.
Tulum National Park, now branded Parque del Jaguar, protects the coastal jungle and beaches around the ruins and Playa Paraíso. It has paved bike and walking paths through the forest and access to quieter stretches of beach. An entrance fee is charged; ride in early on a rented bike to spot coatis, iguanas and birds.
A popular cenote just outside Tulum on the road to Cobá, with crystal clear water, a cave section with stalactites, small turtles and wooden decks for swimming and snorkeling. Lockers and snorkel gear rental are available. Shower before entering and do not wear sunscreen, to protect the water. Arrive at opening for the clearest light.
A small cenote just west of Tulum town, nicknamed the Temple of Doom, with three holes in the ground like a skull's eyes and mouth. Visitors jump into the water from the openings or climb down a ladder, and there is a swing over the water. It is good for a quick swim, but it is not suitable for weak swimmers.
A pair of connected cenotes about 20 km north of Tulum, named the Two Eyes, that open into one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world. Snorkelers float in the clear water between stalactites, and certified divers explore the caverns with guides. Bring a mask and an underwater light if you have one.
Cenote Aktun Ha, nicknamed Carwash because taxi drivers once washed their cars here, is an open cenote on the road to Cobá with lily pads, fish and at times a small resident crocodile. It is popular with cavern divers for its decorated cave. It is quieter than Gran Cenote and good for snorkeling.
A huge UNESCO-listed reserve south of Tulum protecting tropical forests, mangroves, lagoons and coral reef. Boat tours look for dolphins, manatees, turtles and birds, and float down ancient Maya canals. The road in is rough and slow, so a guided tour is the easiest way to visit. Bring biodegradable sunscreen.
A turquoise lagoon about 15 km south of Tulum with a deep sinkhole in its center that appears dark blue. Wooden decks and swings line the shallow edges, which are good for wading and floating, with the deep part roped off. It is calm and less crowded than the cenotes. Avoid sunscreen and bring water shoes.
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