The Tulum ruins are considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved archeological sites of the Mayans. The ruins are a popular destination on the Yucatán Peninsula and are easily accessible from many popular cities like Cancun or Playa Del Carmen (a vegan haven ;)). 

 The site features beautiful stone temples, lush palm trees swaying in the breeze, and breathtaking oceanside cliffs. The scenery alone is enough to make this location desirable. 

The natural beauty of the site of the ruins makes this destination a popular one for tourists worldwide. 

A Brief History of the Tulum Ruins

Built atop the cliffs as a fortress overlooking the Caribbean, Tulum was once a central trading hub for the ancient Mayans. The location was prime for trading turquoise, jade, cotton, food, and cacao beans. 

The city was surrounded by 16 ft walls protecting and preserving the city. The word “Tulum” is a colonial word that actually means wall. The city flourished until the Spanish settlers brought diseases that resulted in high fatalities, eventually causing the city to be abandoned. Tulum is one of the best-preserved coastal Mayan sites, making it a popular destination for tourists.

Visiting the Tulum Ruins

Navigating large tour groups and visitors and large corporations setting up tourist spots nearby might make you feel like crowds take away from the magic of the experience. But don’t be discouraged. There are plenty of things you can do that make it feel like more of an authentic experience. The Tulum Ruins are a bucket list item you must see.

Here are my 7 tips to make sure you have an enjoyable trip to the Tulum ruins.

1. Be sure to arrive early

The Tulum ruins are open from 9 am to 3:30 pm every day at the time of writing, and your best chance to enjoy them before the crowds start filtering in is to get there right as open. There will still be a small crowd but not nearly as crowded as the afternoon or late hours. Who wants to get up early on vacation?  

2. Prepare for a long day in the sun

No matter the season, the sun is always shining in Mexico. It’s likely to be hot and humid so prepare accordingly. Bring lots of water, bring your sunscreen, a towel, and wear light, breathable clothing. There is a shopping center if you run out of water or forget any essentials on your trip but, be warned, it is very expensive!

 3. Explore on your own and skip the guided tour

There are plenty of guided tours available for you to sign to navigate the ruins. Even if you decide last minute when you get there, a guide will be happy to take you with you. Guided tours are great if you don’t mind being herded in a large group of people. Striking out on your own gives you the time to cover more ground and go at your own pace to learn about the rich history and explore. You can pick up a Tulum guide at the entrance to reference as you tour the site. 

4. Bring plenty of pesos

While many cashiers do accept U.S. dollars, most prefer pesos. Some vendors might not accept any other currency, and it might be difficult to access an ATM or a currency converter. It’s also a good idea as there are plenty of fees associated with visiting the ruins and you want to be sure to be prepared. There’s also a little shopping center and plenty of tourist gifts available if you want to bring home some souvenirs. 

 5. Wear your swimsuit

Tulum sits above beautiful little beaches you can go down and visit. You can take a break and go for a bit of a swim. Or just relax on the beach and enjoy the scenery. Be sure to put on your swimsuit before heading to the ruins. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a site to change. Be sure to check the tide times before you go. Hightide leaves little room for all the visitors creating a crowded beach that might not be appealing.

 6. Respect the natural habitats

When visiting the Tulum ruins, be respectful of the native birds, iguanas, and turtles on the ruin grounds. Keep your distance and take pictures from afar. The local fauna may be beautiful, and you may be tempted off the path, but please be sure not to step on any plant life or break off any pieces of cactus. And course, follow the leave no trace rules: stay on marked trails, and whatever you bring in with you (including trash), be sure to bring it out.

7. Bring plenty of snacks

Although there are places to grab a bite to eat near the entrance of the Tulum ruins, you likely would be paying close to double the price compared to what you would pay in a town or city. Bring your own snacks and save yourself from waiting in long lines and saving your money.

8. Avoid the Tulum ruins on Sunday

If you’re hoping to avoid crowds, avoid planning your trip on a Sunday. Mexican residents can enter the ruins for free on Sundays. It gets incredibly crowded with local families.

Getting to the Tulum Ruins

You can get to the ruins through many avenues. If you decide to book a tour, usually these include travel by taxi, car, or bus. If you choose to rent a car to get there, be prepared to pay fees for things like parking and an entrance fee, and don’t forget to bring some extra cash any souvenirs or guides you’d like to purchase. Only purchase your entrance fee at the actual entrance as many vendors will try to sell you a ticket that may not be valid. 

You can visit the Tulum ruins year-round and never have to worry about what the weather will be like. The climate is hot and humid through all four seasons. 

With gorgeous coastal views, visiting the Tulum ruins should be at the top of your to-do list when visiting Mexico. Be sure to remember to wear comfortable clothing (you’ll be walking a ton), bring lots of water and pesos, and enjoy the rich history.

These tips are sure to make your trip to the Tulum ruins a memorable one.