Why are the Tulum Ruins so popular?

Tulum Archaeological site Quintana Roo Mexico

All the tourists who come to the Riviera Maya have in their bucked lists to go to an archaeological site, and the first that comes on the list is Tulum. I lost count of how many times I have visited this site, and I love it, love it, love it.

So, why are the Tulum Ruins so popular? Tulum ruin is so popular for many good reasons; to begin, it is the third most-visited archaeological site in Mexico, after Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza, receiving over 2.2 million visitors a year. What sets the site apart from other ruins in Mexico is the fact that it is so well-preserved, and it`s built on a cliff on the Caribbean sea and boasts its own inviting beautiful beach and YES, you can swim there.

The location of the Tulum Ruins is one of the most impressive of all

South of Cancun, you can find Tulum site considered by many as the most beautiful archaeological zone. They are small but impressive, and the greatest attraction of Tulum is the combination of the imposing ruins with the amazing tonalities blue-turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The ruins of Tulum have one of the most beautiful beaches of the Riviera Maya. You probably heard/read that already!

What does Tulum Mean and what is the History behind?

Tulum (Spanish pronunciation: tuˈlum, Yucatec: Tulu’um). This Maya site may formerly have been known by the name Zama, meaning the City of Dawn, because it faces the sunrise. Tulum stands on a bluff facing east toward the Caribbean Sea. Tulúm is also the Yucatan Mayan word for fence, wall.

TULUM is the site of a pre-Columbian Mayan walled city serving as a major seaport for Coba, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, trading mainly in turquoise and jade.

The Tulum ruins are situated on 12-meter (39 ft) tall cliffs along the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Made of limestone, the 784-meter wall encloses the site on three sides. As well as being the only Mayan city built on a coast, Tulum was one of the few protected by a wall and was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya; it was at its height between the 13th and 15th centuries and managed to survive about 70 years after the Spanish began occupying Mexico.

How many people lived in Tulum?

The Mayan population inside the walls was of approximately 600 including priest and nobility; the peasants were kept outside, living in palapas/thatch roof houses with walls made out of adobe. (Clay)

After entering the ruins through one of five doorways in the wall, visitors are greeted by fantastic well-preserved buildings that still show the magnificence they once were.

The construction of the Castillo appears to have taken place in stages. A small shrine appears to have been used as a beacon for incoming canoes. This shrine marks a break in the barrier reef that is opposite the site. You can verify this by yourself if you decide to take a boat tour and see the ruins from the ocean outside of the reef. If you have time, it is worth taking a trip and do it because it is incredible to see the ruin from the sea.

Here, there is a cove and landing beach in a break in the sea cliffs that would have been perfect for trading canoes coming into the shore. This characteristic of the site may be one of the reasons the Maya founded the city of Tulum exactly here, as Tulum later became a prominent trading port during the late Postclassic. (There is an excellent National Geographic documentary about this).

The Mayas are Here: There are those questions that surround the decline of the Mayan world, “What happened to the Maya?” is the one always asked. My answer is that the Mayan still live here. They are everywhere. They are the people you guide you at the ruins. They are the locals, the vendors and the ones who serve you in restaurants. If you visit small villages, you will find people who do not speak Spanish; Maya is the language they speak, and the language they use to tell their stories.

Can you see the ocean from the Tulum Site?

The view of the Caribbean from this site is fantastic. It is breath-taking. You can visit the beach and spend the day; it is refreshing after walking under the sun and the heat. Here visitors realize that what is left of Tulum can spark the imagination.

Why we can`t climb the temples of Tulum anymore?

For the most part, the ruins are roped off to keep visitors from getting too close. Visitors are not allowed into any of the structures, and none can be climbed anymore. Why? There are two main reasons for this.

1.- Protection; needs to preserve the structure from deteriorating
2.- Accidents had happened. There are too many people running around, climbing the temples without being careful and disrespectful to these sacred sites.

Where in the world is Tulum?

In the Caribbean Coast of Mexico in the state of Quintana Roo.

Where is Tulum Ruin located in Mexico?

The Tulum archaeological site, is located at km. 230 of the federal highway Chetumal-Cancun, 128 kilometers south of Cancun and is easily accessible through the federal highway 370, in the State of Quintana Roo.

There are many ways to get to Tulum and here are a couple of options for you and directions:

The smooth and affordable way is to take public transportation. Take the Colectivo to Tulum from Cancun to Playa del Carmen and from there another Colectivo to Tulum; it is a long way. It costs 80 pesos one way. Let the driver know you are going to the ruins in Tulum, so they can let you off in the right stop. You can say to them, “Voy a las Ruinas de Tulum.” Meaning I`m going to Tulum Ruins. Don`t just say Tulum, because you will end up far down the road.
From Playa del Carmen, you can also take the bus ADO’ it will be more comfortable and costs MXN62 pesos.
Taxis are also available; ask for the price before you get in the taxi
Private services are the faster and most comfortable way to travel a long distance to sites of interest and is worth to pay the price if you are a group of 4 or more.
Renting a car is a great option; you have the freedom to explore after the visit to Tulum ruins. You can go to a cenote and have lunch in one of the restaurants in town. Simply beware of the highways; they can be a bit crazy depending on the hour and the season. There can be aggressive drivers along the way, and there are a few police checkpoints on the drive, as well.
Another good option if you are staying in Tulum town is renting a bicycle. Many places rent bikes in Tulum for $12 per day; the rate is the same everywhere. The ruins are about 3 km from the center of town. If you go to visit the ruins, don`t forget to ask for a lock; you will need to lock up your bike by the entrance of the park before going in. Also, check out the road to the beach because there is a bike trail and it makes for a lovely ride.
The journey from the parking lot to the site is about 1 km. It can be done on foot or by train; the cost of the ticket is MXN20 pesos, round trip on the train.

Services available at Tulum Site:

Restrooms
Parking: there is one in the shopping center, the rate is set depending on the type of vehicle. A standard car is MXN $180 Minivan MXN $280 Bus MXN $430
Restaurants & Bars
The service unit of the site has a store, ticket issuing area, and restrooms.
There are facilities and access for handicap, from the service area to the archaeological site.

Distance to Tulum from:

Cancun 135 km.
Puerto Morelos 90 km
Playa del Carmen 62 km
Puerto Aventuras 43 km
Akumal 27 km.

Entrance Fee: $70 pesos

Tulum Ruins Hours:

Opens every day from Monday to Sunday from 8:00hrs. To 17:00 hrs. (Last access to the site is at 16:30).
If you try to be there a few minutes before the doors open at 8 am, you will have a great experience, walking around alone in the ancient Mayan site, early morning. It is the best, and they will let you into the zone!

Are There Tour Guides available for the Tulum Ruins?

There are certified guides in archaeology at the ticket booth; they are all carrying an official ID. The prices are negotiable depending on the season; generally, tour guide prices range from $300 to $700, also depending on the number of people in your group.

You can also bring your guidebook or buy it at any of the stores before going to the site. You will have a better idea when you know the history behind those structures. Getting a little bit of knowledge does not hurt.

Can I take photos at the ruins?

You`ll get the chance to take stunning pictures; however, if you are bringing a professional camera, tripods, video camera there is a fee of $300 pesos.

If it`s a professional video camera, then special permits will be required in advance, contact INAH at:

Centro INAH Quintana Roo. Insurgentes 974, Colonia Forjadores, Chetumal, Quintana Roo. C.P. 77025.
Phone: (52) 983 837 24 11 y 837 0796, ext. 318002 y 318003.
Email: direccion.qroo@inah.gob.mx.
Zona arqueológica de Tulum. Tel. 01 (984) 802 5405

How Long it Takes to Tour the Site?

The site is relatively small; however, it can take from 1 hour to 3 hours, depending on your interest and if you are up for a swim, it will take another hour. So, plan to spend half a day.

The beach at the Tulum Ruins:

Don’t miss the beautiful beach at the bottom of the stairs! A great way to cool off after a hot walking day. Colorful Caribbean waters and a totally different view being down below the ruins.

What is there to see and do at Tulum ruins?

As this very popular site, there are plenty of places where you can have a meal, coffee shops, bars to hang out, ice creams, small stand where you can get a cold beer, snacks, refreshing coconuts. There are restaurants and lots of shops for your souvenirs.

There is also a ritual that you can watch every hour by the train stop. Is called the Voladores de Papantla, (The birds Men). They are the indigenous people from Veracruz, Papantla. They climb to the top of a 30 meters post and fly down tied by their feet. You might see them in other areas or parks like Xcaret as well in the Plaza Andadores in Playa del Carmen. The beauty of the ritual ceremony of the Voladores de Papantla has surprised both locals and strangers since time immemorial, which is why it was considered, in 2009, Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

And if you want to have a fantastic view, you got to go to Tulum Tower. This great new attraction is unique in its kind in Mexico and worldwide. The tower makes a 360º turn for a space of 15 minutes from 40 meters high. Enjoy the fantastic view of miles and miles of the jungle around Tulum from the Ruins, the same way that my white beach friends and family enjoy the ocean, the Biosfera Sian Ka’an, and more. This is the time for photos and videos; be ready!

Is there a place to eat in Tulum ruins?

There are restaurants by the shopping area of Tulum; if you don`t like what you find there, then you can go to town or the hotel zone where there are excellent restaurants, great options, and plenty of places from which to choose the one you will love.

Tips and Recommendations when visiting the Tulum Ruins:

Bring a light towel and use a lot of biodegradable sunscreens, and mosquito repellent in your backpack.
Drink a lot of water before going and take a bottle or two to drink during your tour. There are no facilities within the archeological site (the ruins) itself, neither restrooms nor a place to buy a beverage.
It is possible to access with swimsuit and towel to swim on the beach, but access to food or large packages is not allowed.
Visit this site early morning, to avoid the heat and the tour buses. But, the best is if you can get there a few minutes before they open; you can have the site just for you.
Rain is also fairly likely in the afternoons so you might want to include a light, compact rain jacket or umbrella. There is no protection from rain while walking around.
Be prepared for a couple of hours of exposure to the sun. There are some trees for shade, but protect yourself from the heat.
If you drive to the ruins, there are many gift shops by the entrance. It is almost hard to find the trail to the ruins. Don’t give attention to overly aggressive salespeople.

What to wear in Tulum Ruins:

There is no dress code for any ruins.
Wear cool, comfortable clothing, shorts, and a T-shirt.
Walking sandals or tennis shoes
Swimming suit
Hat
Sunglass
Light backpack

What to Bring:

A light a towel
A sarong
Light, compact rain jacket
Biodegradable sunscreen & insect repellent.
Water
A snack such as a granola bar or chocolate.
And of course, a camera or phone to take amazing moments.

What to Expect:

Read and inform yourself well before traveling to the area, so you can be prepared and ready for anything; then, your expectation can be better managed.
Expect to find friendly people and enjoy the fresh air, the amazing view, and bring with you beautiful memories and a wide smile.