Guide To Tulum Archaeological Park

About Tulum

About 80 miles south of Cancún is the small town of Tulum, best known for its ruins, which overlook turquoise colored waters and soft sandy beaches on the Caribbean coast.

Tulum was built during the dying days of the Mayan empire, and was actually a fort. It's quite tame in comparison to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, but it does have one overwhelming attraction: its location next to the sea.

There are no resorts or fancy hotels nearby - you can come here for a day, enjoy the ruins and then walk down to the great beaches and crystal-clear water for sunbathing, paddling, swimming or snorkeling.

Just 15 minutes' away from Tulum is the Sian Ka'an Biosphere, a UNESCO listed and federally protected area which is more than 2,000 square miles in size. You can find out more about this in the section below about the Riviera Maya, of which Tulum is part.

Tulum is easily accessible by road from Cancún or Playa del Carmen and if you like archaeology, should be included as a fun trip, with the chance to see some delightful scenery and have a refreshing swim.

There are a number of accommodation options in the town of Tulum itself (inland from the ruins) as well as along the Riviera Maya (see Key Attractions and Practical Information below).

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Key Attractions

Archaeological Areas

El Castillo (The Castle) is the largest of the buildings, and it overlooks the coast on the cliff edge.

Templo del Dios Descendente - (Temple of the Descending God) depicts a diving figure, (looks like a bee) and is the same figure you can see depicted at other Mayan sites, including Cobá.

Templo de los Frescos - Temple of Frescoes dates back to the mid 1400s, and is a two-story building with colorful murals on the inner wall. It is thought to have been one of the last structures built by the Maya before the arrival of Hernan Cortez.

Guidebooks

For further details about the attractions at this archaeological site, consult one of the mainstream Guidebooks, available via the Mexperience Bookshelf, or consult the local tourist office (see Practical Information below).

Tulum is Part of The Riviera Maya

The 125-km stretch of coastline that runs from the southern edge of the resort town of Cancún, through Playa del Carmen and the Mayan ruins of Tulum, finishing at the Sian Ka'an Biosphere, is known as the Riviera Maya.

• Find Hotels in Riviera Maya

About The Riviera Maya

A number of small towns and villages, nature parks, resorts and the Mayan Ruins of Tulum lie along this coast. Besides the well known and developed areas of Playa del Carmen and Tulum, the coast's four other main points of interest are:

Puerto Morelos - as yet an undeveloped quiet village, perfect for a break away from the crowds and commercialism surrounding Cancún.

Akumal - one of the least commercialized areas of this coastline, Akumal offers the perfect place to relax away from the hype and bustle of Cancún and other commercially developed areas. The location has a high number of holiday houses for rent, making it a popular place for families and couples who want to enjoy the experience and economy of a self-catering rental holiday.

• Find Hotels in Akumal

Sian Ka'an Biosphere is located between Tulum and Akumal and is a federally protected reserve that features freshwater canals, tropical forests, mangrove wetlands, lagoons, prairies and a 70-mile long barrier reef - the second largest barrier reef in the world.

Costa Maya - the area south of the Sia Ka'an Biosphere to the coast off Belize. The area holds attractions for SCUBA divers and sports fishing, although the beaches themselves are not as attractive as the ones further up the coast if you're looking for swimming, bathing and strolling opportunities.

• Find Hotels in Riviera Maya

Health Spas: The Riviera Maya is host to some good resort spas. For more information about health spas, and how to benefit from a magnificent health spa experience in Mexico, connect to the Mexperience guide to Spas in Mexico.

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Getting There & Around

By Air - The closest airport to Tulum is Cancun. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

Airport Shuttles: If you're arriving in Mexico by airplane, you can book your airport transfer in advance. Shuttle services are available from all of Mexico's key airports and offer the choice of either a Standard or VIP service level. Standard shuttles will transport up to ten people and their baggage in a modern and comfortable surburban van to/from local hotels; the VIP service provides transportation exclusively for your party, taking you and your belogings directly to/from your local hotel. Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details and to reserve your Airport Shuttle in Mexico.

By Car - Tulum is located about 80 miles south of Cancun and just a short car or bus ride away from Playa del Carmen. Take Highway 180 south along the coast to Tulum. Also see additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental: To explore the local area around Cancun, the Rivera Maya, Tulum and the Yucatan, consider renting a car locally. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

By Bus - Regular buses and mini vans make the trip from Cancun and Playa del Carmen to the town of Tulum and the ruins alongside the coast. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

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Practical Information

Opening Days & Times: Open 7 Days between 8 am to 5 pm. Admission used to be free for everybody on Sundays, but this rule was changed in February 2003; now only Mexican Citizens and foreign residents (with proof of residency) can enter free. All children under 13 and those over 60 can still enter free of charge.

Avoid the Crowds: Tulum's archaeology park is a big tour-bus destination. If you want to miss the crowds, then you'll need to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. We recommend you experience the archaeological site during the early morning, before the crowds and the high heat of the day.

Local Tours: Mexperience offers access to local tours and activities in the Yucatan region of Mexico, including guided tours to Tulum and environs. Tours and activities are organized and run by well-established, professional and fully-insured operators. You can search for tours by location or category and make reservations online or by telephone. Buying tours in advance is more convenient and secure, and your spaces on the tour are guranteed. Connect to the Mexperience Travel center to browse and reserve Local Tours in Mexico.

Photography & Video: A permit is required if you want to use a tripod to take photographs at the archaeological site. A small fee is made for the use of hand-held photographic and video equipment. Read the section on Mexperience Travel Essentials about Video & Photography at archaeological sites in Mexico.

Ideal Clothing & Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes with a non-slip sole. Take your swimming gear and snorkeling equipment if you want to enjoy the refreshing waters off the beach at Tulum, next to the ruins.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Accommodation: There are accommodation options in the town of Tulum (inland from the ruins) and ample accommodation along the whole stretch of the Riviera Maya coastline. Find Hotels in Tulum

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Nearby Places & Attractions

Major Cities:Mexico City (closest)

Colonial Cities:Oaxaca, Puebla, Veracruz

Nearest Beaches/ Resorts: Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres.

Also nearby: Xel-Ha Water Park - See the In Mexico Diary - Playa del Carmen / Tulum & Xel-Ha for further information and local knowledge about traveling in this area.

Other Archaeological Sites: Chichen Itza, Coba, Uxmal

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Local Climate

The local Climate is the same as it is for nearby Playa del Carmen and Cancun.

This region is Hot - and humid, but the humidity is not as drenching as it can be in some other places in Mexico. August through October is hurricane season in this part of the world - and the weather becomes more changeable and less predictable during these months. The rainy season is May through October. November through February is the high season here, and quite hot, although evenings can be cooler, so a wool pullover may be a useful item to pack with you during these months.

Dress with light clothes that enable your skin to breathe. Bring sun cream, insect repellent and a hat. Carry plenty of water and stay well hydrated at all times.

Live Weather Report: (Cancun)

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