Tulum, ruins above the Caribbean
A walled Maya city perched on a sea cliff, freshwater cenotes hidden in the jungle and long white-sand beaches.
Plan your Tulum trip
Advanced search (one-way flight, multi-hotel)
Book unique activities at special prices.
Tulum hotels
3 nights for 2 adults in town, in Aldea Zamá or along the beach.
Tulum essentials
Maya history, cenotes and protected wilderness, all within a short ride of town.
- Dec–AprBest time to go
- ≈ 30 minFrom TQO airport to town
- 1987Sian Ka'an, UNESCO World Heritage
- ≈ 2 hDrive from Cancún
Tulum, jungle meets sea
White sand, Caribbean surf and greenery that grows right down to the shore.
- Beach cleanup in Tulum · G.Mannaerts (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Beach between jungle and cliff · ROberto Carlos Román Don (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Caribbean waves in Tulum · Eden, Janine and Jim from New York City (CC BY 2.0)
- El Castillo, Tulum · Erik Cleves Kristensen (CC BY 2.0)
- Playa Paraíso at sunset · Erik Cleves Kristensen (CC BY 2.0)
- Turtle at Gran Cenote · dronepicr (CC BY 2.0)
Tulum FAQ
Airports, where to stay, weather and what not to miss.
Which airport should I fly into for Tulum?
Tulum International Airport (TQO), which opened in late 2023, is about 30 minutes from town and has flights from Mexico City and some US cities. The alternative is Cancún (CUN), with far more routes, about 2 hours away by road.
When is the best time to visit Tulum?
December to April is dry and pleasant. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Sargassum seaweed tends to reach Tulum's beaches in spring and summer; hotels and the town clean the sand, but the water can look murky on some days. Cenotes are a great plan when seaweed is heavy.
Where should I stay in Tulum?
Tulum town is the most affordable base, with the widest choice of restaurants, ideal if you'll get around by bike or car. Aldea Zamá and La Veleta, between town and the beach, offer quieter apartments and boutique hotels. The beach hotel zone has the design-led oceanfront hotels, at higher prices.
What should I know before visiting the ruins?
Tulum was a walled Maya city built on a cliff above the sea, and El Castillo is its best-known building. Arrive early to beat the heat and crowds, and bring water, a hat and biodegradable sunscreen. The site takes one to two hours on foot.
Which cenotes should I visit near Tulum?
Gran Cenote, about 4 km (2.5 miles) from town on the road to Cobá, is great for snorkeling among stalactites and often has turtles. There are many more nearby, from open swimming holes to caverns for divers. Shower before getting in and skip regular sunscreen to protect the water.
Is Sian Ka'an worth a visit?
Yes. Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, protects jungle, wetlands, lagoons and reef. Boat tours float through ancient Maya canals in the mangroves, with birdlife and, with luck, dolphins or turtles. Book with licensed guides.
How do I get around Tulum?
Biking is popular between town and the beach thanks to the bike path. For cenotes, Cobá or Sian Ka'an, rent a car or join a tour. Taxis are handy but unmetered, so agree on the fare before getting in.
How many days do I need in Tulum?
Four or five days lets you combine the ruins, the beach, two or three cenotes, a Sian Ka'an tour and a trip to Cobá. If you're arriving via Cancún, factor in the transfer time.
What documents do I need to travel to Tulum?
US citizens need a valid passport to enter Mexico, whether through Tulum or Cancún. For domestic flights within Mexico, a valid official photo ID is enough.
Keep your Tulum flight and hotel bookings in the app, handy when the signal drops on the beach or in the jungle.
