14 Things You Need to Know About the Tulum Ruins (2024)

Look at you!

You budding archeological wanderer.

Since you’ll be visiting the infamous Tulum Ruins of Mexico, it only makes sense to prepare.

This post covers all your nail-biting questions about the Tulum Ruins.

Are you ready?

It’s time to you immerse yourself into Mexico’s most enchanting histories.

This awe-inspiring cliffside Mayan Kingdom is your chance to travel back in time!

Let’s do this!!!

14 Things You Need to Know About the Tulum Ruins:

1. Where are the Tulum Ruins?
2. Who built them?
3. History of Tulum Ruins
4. Tulum Ruins: 7 fun facts
5. What are the opening hours?
6. What is the entrance fee?
7. Tulum Ruins tours
8. Things to see at the Tulum Ruins
9. Are the Tulum Ruins worth visiting?
10. Tulum Ruins vs. Chichen Itza
11. Other Mayan Ruins near Tulum
12. Where to eat near the Tulum Ruins
13. Tulum Ruins from Playa del Carmen
14. Tulum Ruins map

 

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A MUST-SEE Bucket List Activity!

All aboard the PlayaDelCarmen.Com time machine, we’re going right back to the 13th and 14th centuries!

It’s time to check this one off your list!

Here’s why…

1.  Where Are the Tulum Ruins?

Located 100 miles (62 km) to the south of Playa del Carmen (around 30 minutes) and 80 miles (128 km) from Cancun (around 1 hour 10 minutes).

The magical ruins of Tulum are walled into the east and face the Caribbean Sea to the west.

During its splendor, Tulum served as a major trading post for both neighboring city-states such as:

• Chichen Itza
• Ek Balam
• and Cobá

… as well as to other communities and their entities to the south in what is now Central America.

Thanks to its strategic location, Tulum proved to be one of the most powerful city-states during the 13th and 14th centuries, particularly following the fall of a rival city of Mayapan.

Back in their day, the Mayan ruins surely presented an imposing figure for seafaring visitors to the walled city.

In fact, when the Spanish first arrived there in 1518 they considered Tulum to be as large as Sevilla.

However, shortly after the Spaniards began their occupation of Mexico, the ancient Mayas who once called this majestic site their home abandoned it.

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2. Who Built the Tulum Ruins?

You’re probably thinking Mayans, right?

Wrong!

That would be the easy answer.

Of course, that’s like saying that the French built the Statue of Liberty.

According to archaeological findings at the Tulum Ruins, the site began to be inhabited as early as 564 A.D.

Although with never more than an estimated 1,600 inhabitants, the site remained occupied until shortly before the end of the 16th century.

That’s when disease brought by the Spanish eliminated the majority of the population.

Over a period of 7 centuries, rulers came and went. The city we know as Tulum was transformed by each new generation of inhabitants and their respective styles and influences.

As a result, like in other Mayan ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula, many of the buildings fuse different architectural styles depending on the epoch in which they were built or expanded upon.

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3. Tulum Ruins History

Tulum Ruins aren’t just about snapping Insta-worthy pics  (though, let’s be real, that’s part of the fun!).

They’re more like a time capsule, offering you a front-row seat to the ancient Mayan world.

Want to know the fascinating history behind them? Read on!

Mayan Civilization:

Tulum was one of the last cities inhabited and built by the Mayans, flourishing between the 13th and 15th centuries.

It served as a prominent trading hub for goods like jade and turquoise.

It connected inland cities with maritime trade routes along the Caribbean coast.

Evidence from artifacts found in or near the site confirms contact with regions as far as Central Mexico and Central America.

Tulum was also a hotspot for religious activities. Those walls? They were there to safeguard the sacred leaders and priests.

Strategic Importance:

The strategic location of Tulum atop cliffs made it a vital defensive outpost.

Its walls, watchtowers, and location made it a formidable fortress against potential invaders.

Decline and Abandonment:

Factors such as drought, disease, and Spanish conquest are believed to have contributed to the decline of Tulum, and the broader Mayan civilization.

The city eventually faced a decline in population and was abandoned by the 16th century.

Discovery:

Tulum ruins were discovered by John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood in the 1840s during their exploration of the Yucatán Peninsula.

These explorers were drawn to the stunning coastal location and the well-preserved Mayan structures.

Preservation:

Tulum’s ruins gained renewed attention in the 20th century. It began attracting archaeologists, historians, and tourists alike.

Efforts have been made ever since to preserve and protect the site, balancing tourism with conservation.

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4. Tulum Ruins: 7 Fun Facts

1. The Tulum Ruins are situated atop 12-meter (39 ft) cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, with the surrounding wall measuring 3 to 5 meters (10-16 ft) in height, 8 meters (26 ft) in thickness, and stretching 400 meters (1,300 ft) in length.
2. It was one of the few enclosed cities built by the Mayas. With walls on three sides and the Caribbean Sea on the other, Tulum was built to be a fortress.
3. Tulum means wall in Maya, however, the town’s original name, Zamá (pronounced zam-MAH) translates as “Place of the dawning sun.”
   
4.  No more than 1,600 ever lived in Tulum at one time, meaning it was more of a religious and ceremonial center rather than a population center.
5. The town served as a major gateway for connecting the Yucatan Peninsula and the Gulf of Mexico with the Mayan peoples of Honduras and modern-day Central America.
6. Tulum is one of the most visited Maya ruin in the Yucatán Peninsula, drawing in thousands of visitors each day.
7. Wondering how long it takes to walk through the Tulum ruins? At least 2 hours – enough to actually know the fascinating history of the ruins.

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5. What Are the Hours for the Tulum Ruins?

The Tulum ruins are open Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Entrance is free to all archaeological sites on Sundays for Mexican citizens and foreign residents.

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6. How Much do Tulum Ruins Cost?

The cost of your visit to Tulum will depend on how exactly you prefer to wander these ancient testaments to the amazing civilization of the Maya.

If you prefer to go on your own with no guide, the cost of entrance is just 95 pesos = $6-7 USD.

A hired guide will take you for around 600 pesos = $35 USD

Because the ruins are a little removed from the parking lot, a folkloric train is available to take you to the entrance and is another 20 pesos = $1 USD per person.

If you choose to walk instead this can take around 10-15 minutes but is VERY hot during the dry season from Nov-June.

To get to the ruins yourself you can either take public transportation for 50 pesos = $2-3 USD per person or go by car and pay 120 pesos = $6 USD for parking.

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7. Tulum Ruins Tours

Want to get the most from your experience?

Don’t choose entrance-only and walk around willy-nilly.

Please go on a guided tour.

You can get a great combo tour of Tulum and Xel-Ha at 15% off.

In the end, about 2 hours at the park is enough to see everything.

Combining Tulum Ruins with other activities in the area makes sense.

Here are 3 combo tour options.

1) Tulum & Xelha Tour

Looking for a family-friendly tour? This combo’s for you.

Xel-Ha Park is one of  Mexico’s most famous eco-parks. It’s over 40 football fields large.

Kids LOVE Xel-Ha… so do parents 😉

It’s a zoo in a jungle setting, mixed with water adventures like tubing, snorkeling and more.

It’s a fantastic family experience.

Tulum & Xel Ha tour combo includes all entrance fees, professional guide, and entrance to the all-inclusive Xel-Ha Park.

Tour Name – Tulum & Xel Ha
Price – $135 USD for adults | $67 USD for children
Discount – 15%
Book Online – Save 15% Here

2) Tulum & Turtle Snorkel Explorer Tour

If you’d like to visit Tulum and snorkel with sea turtles, this is the excursion for you.

You’ll explore the 2nd largest barrier reef int he world, packed with ocean life! It’s a nice mix of culture and fun.

Tour Name – Tulum & Turtle Snorkel Explorer Tour
Price – $75 USD for adults | $59 USD for children
Discount – 15%
Book Online – Save 15% Here

3) Tulum Xtreme Tour

If you’re an adrenaline junky, consider this heart throbber.

You’ll zipline, rappel and swim in freshwater sinkholes (cenotes) in a jungle adventure.

Tour Name – Tulum Xtreme Tour
Price – $75 USD for adults | $59 USD for children
Discount – 15%
Book Online – Save 15% Here

I recently did the Tulum Full-Day Explorer Tour, here’s a video from my day!

 

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8. Things To See At The Tulum Ruins

While exploring the Tulum ruins, keep an eye out for these main sights:

1. El Castillo

El Castillo, the main castle of Tulum, was initially thought to be a temple.

But it reflects the glory of Maya civilization at its height.

It also used to double up as a lighthouse.

2. Temple of the Descending God

Located next to El Castillo is the Temple of the Descending God. It’s a single-room structure situated atop a small staircase.

This temple is believed to be related to bees and honey.

During the spring equinox, sunlight streams directly through the temple, adding to its mystique.

3. Temple of the Frescoes

The name of this building comes from the mural paintings found in the back room of the first floor.

These paintings depict female and male deities, snakes, and offerings to the Gods like flowers and fruits.

The Temple of the Frescoes in Tulum was religiously significant – its architecture, murals, decorations, and overall appearance indicates deep reverence.

4. Temple of the Wind God

It is believed that the Temple of the Wind God had a rooftop opening designed to whistle when the wind picked up!

It was basically for residents to know about approaching storms or hurricanes! How cool is that!

5. House Of The Halach Uinic

This structure served as the residence of the halach uinic in Tulum.

The halach uinic was the highest authority in a Mayan Kuchkabal, the prevailing form of government in the Yucatán Peninsula before the arrival of Europeans.

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9. Are the Tulum Ruins Worth Seeing?

Yes, yes, and yes they are worth seeing.

But it depends….

1. Are you interested in learning more about the people and history of the places you visit?
2. Do you enjoy the opportunity to see pyramids like the ones you can only find in this region of Mexico and Central America?

Then, by all means.

However, if you’re looking for a more in-depth experience into the fascinating world of the Maya, you may want to consider either combining a visit to the Tulum ruins with a trip to other archaeological sites or visiting some other ruins altogether.

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10. Tulum Ruins vs. Chichen Itza

Which ruins would we recommend that you visit?

As mentioned above, Chichen Itza offers a more holistic view and history of the ancient Maya.

You also have the chance to visit the most famous pyramid in the entire region: the great Kukulkan Pyramid.

The only problem with the Chichen Itza tour is that it is very long.

Expect to spend about 11 to 12 hours between round-trip transportation, visiting the site, lunch, and a trip to a beautiful cenote.

If that’s your thing, we definitely recommend the Chichen Itza tour at 15% off.

However, if time is of an essence and you would like to have a light version of the history and architecture, then Tulum offers a great alternative, plus the beach in Tulum is not to be missed!

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11. Other Mayan Ruins Near Tulum

Of course, there are also several other great archaeological sites to visit in the surrounding region.

The 2 that we would recommend in addition to Tulum and Chichen Itza are the Coba ruins and Ek Balam.

For more information on their location and a bit of background information, be sure to read our article on where are the Mayan Ruins.

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12. Where to Eat Near the Tulum Ruins

If you decided to visit the Tulum ruins on your own, in all likelihood your next destination is Tulum for some beach and a bite to eat.

The Tulum beaches are stunningly beautiful.

But before you go, make a stop in town and get a bite to eat.

For seafood, be sure to visit El Camello, located on the southern outskirts of town.

If you’re wanting some more Mexican or international fair, don’t miss a stop at Don Cafeto’s.

Not only is Don Cafeto’s a great place to sit and people watch, but they also have strong coffee and great food (be sure to try a drink called Chiagra!).

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13. Tulum Ruins from Playa del Carmen

The route from Playa del Carmen to the Tulum archaeological site is about a 50-minute drive and 38 miles south of your fabulous home away from home.

You can either take the ‘combi’ or ‘colectivo’ mentioned above, which depart Playa del Carmen from 2nd Street between 10th and 15th Avenues or you can rent a car / go on an organized tour.

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14. Tulum Ruins Map

As you can see in the map below, the Tulum ruins are not as extensive as they are fascinating.

Several of the buildings to the west provide stunning views (and backdrops for those selfies) of the Caribbean Sea.

All are full of history and wonder and are worth the time spent learning about them.

Be aware, however, that there is little signage to help you understand the importance of each building without the help of a professional guide.

Additional Information You May Find Useful

1. Top things to do with your kids in Tulum
2. Best hotels in Tulum
3. Your 1-day guide to Tulum, what to do in 24 hours

Time to Go?

Ready to don that Indiana Jones look and set out on your next adventure?

Our ever-savvy travel consultants at PlayaDelCarmen.com can guide you through the jungle of choosing the right hotel and activities.

Call us toll-free today at 888-537-9797 or email us for help booking your next vacation.