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Tulum

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The Mayan archaeological site of Tulum with its famous beach.

© SL_Photography/Getty Images

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Overview

Tulum’s spectacular coastline – with all its confectioner-sugar sands, cobalt water and balmy breezes – makes it one of the top beaches in Mexico. Where else can you get all that and a dramatically situated Maya ruin?

Attractions

Must-see attractions

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    Tulum Ruins

    Tulum

    Tulum is one of the most visited archaeological zones in Mexico and for good reason: it’s sublime. The ruins sit on seaside cliffs, high above turquoise…

  • SFER IK

    SFER IK

    Tulum

    Wandering barefoot through the contemporary art museum at Azulik hotel, you feel like you’re in a giant cocoon. Nature surrounds you, inside and out:…

  • Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

    Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka'an

    Tulum

    While floating down a canal that Mayans dug by hand centuries ago, you see tall grasses on either side and colorful birds flying overhead. You hear the…

  • Beautiful Cenote Manatee, ( a.k.a. Casa Cenote, and Cenote Manatí ), in Tankah Bay, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

    Tankah Tres

    Tulum

    At the end of a sand road is the hamlet of Tankah Tres (aka Tankah Bay), a seaside community of vacation homes and small hotels in Mexico, all facing a…

  • Templo del Dios Descendente

    Templo del Dios Descendente

    Tulum

    Templo del Dios Descendente is named after the relief figure of a descending god, aka the Diving God.

  • Templo de las Pinturas

    Templo de las Pinturas

    Tulum

    This two-story temple has some of Tulum's most intricate decorations, including relief masks, carvings, columns and partially restored color murals on an…

  • Estructura 25

    Estructura 25

    Tulum

    On the south side above the main doorway you'll see a lovely stucco frieze of the Descending God, also referred to as the Diving God. The upside-down,…

  • Templo de la Estela

    Templo de la Estela

    Tulum

    This is the temple where Stela 1 was found, an artifact now on display in the British Museum. Based on the stela's inscriptions, it is believed it was…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

From picture-perfect beaches to ancient seaside ruins, Tulum is a delightful destination. Here are the best things to do while you're there.

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Best Time to Visit

Planning a trip Tulum? Whether you're lazing on the beach, exploring ruins or soaking up the nightlife, we can help you decide the best time for your visit.

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Transportation

Hire a bike and ride the beach road, hail a colectivo and do your best to avoid the traffic with this guide to getting around in Tulum.

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Day Trips

Explore beyond the beauty of Tulum with these fantastic day trips.

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