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CONTENTS
THE TULUM RUINS, THE MAYAN SITE OVERLOOKING THE CARIBBEAN SEA 🇲🇽
The Tulum ruins, also called the “Tulum archaeological zone,” are an absolute must in Mexico. They sit about 4 km (2.5 miles) from downtown Tulum, perched on a cliff on the edge of the Caribbean Sea. Tulum is a great base for exploring the many places nearby, like the cenotes, the Mayan cities and the Sian Ka’an reserve. Getting to the Tulum ruins couldn’t be easier, whether you have a car or not. It’s a very touristy town, with lots of luxury hotels.
As for history, a stela dated 564 was found on the site, but most of the buildings you see today date from what’s called the Postclassic period, roughly between 1200 and 1500. Tulum was then an important seaport for maritime trade, and a place dedicated to the Descending God (or Diving God). The city was still inhabited by the Maya when the Spanish arrived in 1518, before being abandoned during the 16th century. This place is full of history and offers a gorgeous view of the Caribbean Sea and its turquoise water.
👉 Planning your trip? Also read our 10 things to know before visiting Mexico.
THE MAP OF OUR MEXICO ROAD TRIP 🗺️
To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve gathered every place from our 30-day road trip in Mexico 🇲🇽 on an interactive map: cenotes, Mayan sites, beaches and stopover towns, from Yucatán to Quintana Roo. Click on each pin to discover the place in detail 📍. And to keep it handy during your trip, open it in Google Maps: you’ll find it easily on your phone 📱.
Our itinerary
Our trip to Mexico
1 month8 stops2 states: Yucatán & Quintana RooCar + ferry to the islands
The stops, in order
- 1
Cancún
1 night
Arrival by plane, then last night before the flight home
- 2
Holbox
3 nights
Beaches, sunsets and a timeless vibe
- 3
Valladolid
5 nights
Suytun, Oxman, Ik Kil, Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam
- 4
Mérida
3 nights
Uxmal and the 3 cenotes of Cuzamá
- 5
Bacalar
5 nights
The lagoon of seven colors and its cenotes
- 6
Tulum
4 nights
Ruins, Coba, Sian Ka'an, Cenote Azul and Calavera
- 7
Cozumel
4 nights
Scuba diving and snorkeling
- 8
Isla Mujeres
3 nights
Jet skiing, beaches and the end of the road trip
OUR VISIT TO THE TULUM ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE 😃
A CHAOTIC ARRIVAL
To visit the Tulum ruins, you can get there several ways: by car, by colectivo, by bike… Since we had a car 🚗, we decided to drive there in our GOLF. We turn after the traffic light (carrera 307) and suddenly there are dozens of Mexicans telling us to park in different spots, waving signs that say “Parking 100 pesos” 😱. I won’t lie, I was really surprised and didn’t quite understand why there were so many locals at that spot. They come right up to you and almost force you to use their parking lot 🅿️, and that’s exactly the kind of thing I hate 😡.
We had to park somewhere, so we decided to follow one guy and park at his place. I don’t know if the different lots belong to these people, but it seems to be the usual thing there. If anyone knows why, I’d love to hear it 🧐. After all that, we got approached by lots of guides, which is normal, we’re used to it by now, and we headed off to visit the Tulum ruins.
AN EXCEPTIONAL NATURAL SETTING
You won’t believe me, but there were still very few people that day. In lots of articles and forums, we’d read that there were long waits to visit the Tulum ruins, but luckily, that day there was nobody 😉. During our visit in October 2021, it cost 80 pesos per person (€4) to visit the Tulum archaeological site. Coba, Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam, Uxmal are Mayan cities that are very different from the Tulum ruins.
This Mayan city sits right by the sea, with a beautiful view 😍. The color of the water is incredible, with lots of rocks and cliffs (we were lucky to have very little sargassum.). You’ll see the two walls, one inside and one outside, they’re easy to spot. You’ll see some of the Mayan architecture, with temples, altars… During our visit, you couldn’t go down to the iconic beach you see in every photo of Tulum and on travel sites in general 😥. Good news: it recently became accessible again by a wooden staircase (more info below). The most impressive building on the whole site is El Castillo, though if you’ve visited other Mayan cities like Chichén Itzá, it’s not a hugely impressive monument either.
THE MONUMENTS YOU CAN’T MISS
What struck us most was really the setting: realizing you’re walking among such ancient buildings, facing the sea, is an incredible experience 😍. Here are the main monuments to look out for during your visit:
- 🏛️ El Castillo: the largest building on the site, perched on the edge of the cliff. It’s believed to have served as a landmark for sailors arriving by sea.
- 🙃 The Temple of the Descending God: easy to recognize thanks to the small sculpture of a god shown upside down above the entrance.
- 🎨 The Temple of the Frescoes: it still has traces of Mayan murals and is one of the best-preserved monuments on the site.
- 🧱 The wall: Tulum is one of the few Mayan cities surrounded by a wall, on three sides, with the sea protecting the fourth.
You can’t go inside the buildings; you admire them from the marked paths.
INCREDIBLE SCENERY
Besides seeing very old buildings full of history, you can stroll along the cliffs and take in this gorgeous scenery 🥰. There are lots of animals, like iguanas and coatis… That Caribbean water makes you want to dive right in, and that’s exactly what you can do after leaving the Tulum ruins by heading to the nearby beaches 🏖️. Take your time exploring the Tulum ruins and enjoying the view! We stayed about 1 to 1.5 hours before enjoying the beach right next door 🏖️.
HOW TO GET TO THE TULUM RUINS ⏳
To get to the Tulum ruins, you can go:
- By car 🚗: allow about 5 to 10 minutes from downtown Tulum, 1 hour from Playa del Carmen, 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours from Cancún and about 1 hour 30 minutes from Valladolid. We were staying in Tulum and had a rental car. Don’t forget that Mexico is big: if you want to be free and independent in getting around, a car is a great compromise. Feel free to check out my article on renting a car in Mexico.
- By bus 🚌: just like for Chichén Itzá, lots of ADO buses run to Tulum from Cancún and Playa del Carmen. From downtown, finish the trip by colectivo (about 20 to 30 pesos), by taxi or even by bike. There’s also a Tren Maya station in Tulum.
- By taxi 🚕: there are plenty of taxis in Mexico, and you can arrange a round trip with them. Of course, it can get very expensive 💰 depending on where you’re coming from.
👉 For us, the car was essential during our trip: it let us be 100% independent and visit the Tulum ruins and other places without relying on public transportation.
RENTING A CAR IN MEXICO 🚗
To explore Yucatán and Quintana Roo, we think a rental car is the best option: you’re free to string together cenotes, Mayan sites and beaches at your own pace, without depending on bus schedules or organized tours 🌴.
We did our whole one-month road trip by car, and everything went really well. Here’s the agency we used and recommend, plus an alternative if you’d rather compare 👇
Our rental tip
Renting a car in Mexico
The agency we used, and an alternative to compare.
TouraCancun
Car rental in Mexico
We rented with them for our whole road trip: we recommend them without hesitation!
Our budget€95028 days, insurance included · ~€34/day
- Tested for 1 month
- Pick-up in Cancún
- Our go-to in Mexico
DiscoverCars
Rental comparison site
To compare several rental companies in a single search.
Excellent rating290,000+ Trustpilot reviews
- 1,000+ rental companies compared
- Free cancellation
- 24/7 support
To compare before you choose
Good to know before you rent
- Third-party liability insurance is mandatoryIn Mexico, it's often not included in the price shown online: check before you pay.
- A deposit on a credit cardAn amount is held on your card for the whole rental. Bring a card with a high enough limit.
- Your French driving license is enoughIt's accepted for tourists. The international driving permit is optional: only if you want one.
- Photos and video at pick-upFilm the car from every angle when you collect it, to avoid any dispute when you return it.
- Filling up at the gas stationCheck that the pump meter is at zero before the attendant starts.
- Watch out for “topes”These speed bumps are everywhere, sometimes without a sign: slow down as you enter villages.
TULUM RUINS ENTRANCE FEE AND OPENING HOURS ⏰
▶️ The site is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 3:30 p.m. Come right at opening time: it’s cooler, there’s little shade on the site and you’ll beat the tour buses.
💰 During our visit in October 2021, admission cost us only 80 pesos per person (about €4). Since then, the ruins have become part of the Parque del Jaguar, a large national park created around the site, and prices have changed several times. Since July 2026, a foreign visitor pays about 265 pesos in total:
- 🐆 100 pesos for access to Parque del Jaguar;
- 🏛️ 165 pesos for the combined national park + archaeological zone ticket.
On top of that, there’s parking (see below) and sometimes the small shuttle to the site entrance. These prices change often, so check them before you go. You can hire a guide on site to better understand the history of this unique place.
💵 Bring pesos in cash, as cards aren’t always accepted. To get organized, read our article Where to withdraw money in Mexico.
WHERE TO PARK TO VISIT THE TULUM RUINS? 🅿️
For us, the arrival was a bit of a circus: dozens of locals were waving at us to park at their place, and we ended up paying about 100 pesos at a private lot by the side of the road.
Today, there’s an official Parque del Jaguar parking lot (about 160 pesos, check on site), in addition to the private lots along the road (usually 100 to 200 pesos, cash only). The entrance to the ruins is then about a ten-minute walk away, with an electric shuttle that sometimes charges a fee (about 20 pesos).
Our tip: keep a cool head with the touts and go for the official parking lot, which is easier and closer to the entrance.
OUR TIPS FOR VISITING THE TULUM RUINS 🥰
As in all our articles, here are a few tips for visiting the Tulum archaeological site:
- A few places to eat nearby 🍽️.
- Parking isn’t free 🅿️: get ready to be target number one for the touts.
- A very touristy visit (we were really lucky to have very few people around).
- There’s very little shade: a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle are a must ☀️.
- Sargassum (seaweed) can take over the beach, especially from May to August. From November to April, you have the best chance of clear water.
- Wild iguanas and coatis 🦎.
- The beach below the ruins: it was off-limits during our visit, but it’s now accessible by a wooden staircase. It may close when the surf is high or during turtle nesting season (May to October).
- Drones are banned in the archaeological zone.
- No lockers on site: keep a small backpack with you.
- No need to book online; tickets are sold on site.
- You can tip your guide, it’s always appreciated.
OUR REVIEW: ARE THE TULUM RUINS WORTH IT? 💭
As always, if you’re in Tulum, it’s a must-do. The site is very close to downtown, and what you’ll see is spectacular 🤪! The price has gone up a lot since our visit with the Parque del Jaguar, but no other Mayan site offers this view of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Smaller than Coba or Chichén Itzá, it takes 1 to 1.5 hours to visit, and it’s easy to head to the beach afterward. The wildlife and plants are just as incredible, it’s a feast for the eyes 👀.
Fun and discovery, that’s everything Adeline and I love. You just have to be ready to deal with the touts who want you to park in their lot. Once you’re past that, you’ll be able to enjoy the place!
👉 The Tulum ruins were part of our one-month road trip in Mexico. Itinerary, real budget, places to stay, cenotes and Mayan sites: we’ve gathered everything on our Mexico travel blog.
👉 What about you? What did you think of the Tulum ruins?
FAQ: YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TULUM RUINS ❓
These are the questions people often ask before visiting the Tulum ruins. Feel free to ask yours in the comments, and I’ll add to this FAQ 💬.
Since July 2026, a foreign visitor pays about 265 pesos: 100 pesos for Parque del Jaguar and 165 pesos for the national park and the archaeological zone. These prices have changed a lot in recent years, so check them before you go. In 2021, we paid 80 pesos!
The site is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 3:30 p.m. Get there right at opening, before the tour buses.
No, tickets are sold on site. Bring pesos in cash, as cards aren’t always accepted.
There’s an official Parque del Jaguar parking lot (about 160 pesos) and private lots along the road. We paid 100 pesos to a local. Go for the official lot.
Yes, the small beach below the ruins is now accessible by a wooden staircase. It may close when the surf is high or during turtle nesting season. During our visit, access was off-limits: bring your swimsuit, but don’t count on it too much.
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours to see the whole site, like we did. Add extra time to enjoy the beach or the nearby beaches in Parque del Jaguar.
In the morning at opening time, for cooler temperatures and fewer people. Season-wise, November to April is ideal; from May to August, sargassum can take over the beach.
No, drones are banned in the archaeological zone. For tripods, ask at the entrance: the rules vary depending on the source.
The site is about 4 km from downtown Tulum: a colectivo, a taxi or a bike will do the job just fine. From Cancún or Playa del Carmen, ADO buses run to Tulum.
For us, yes! The site is smaller than Chichén Itzá or Coba, but no other Mayan site offers this view of the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
WHERE TO STAY IN MEXICO 🏨
During our one-month road trip in Mexico 🇲🇽, we stayed in 8 different towns, alternating between Airbnbs and hotels. And we were always very happy with where we stayed 😇.
We deliberately avoided “All Inclusive” packages. It’s not our idea of travel: we’d rather be in the heart of towns and villages, eat local and discover the country at our own pace 🌮.
OUR TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLACE TO STAY
- 📅 Book ahead in high season: the best places go fast and prices climb.
- 🚗 Private or secure parking if you’re traveling with a rental car. You’ll see, it’s not always available, but depending on the town it can be really worth having.
- ❄️ Air conditioning: essential in Yucatán and Quintana Roo, where it’s hot all year round.
- 🏊 A pool: up to you whether you want one at some of your stays, because it can quickly push the price up.
- 📍 A place close to the center: so you can do everything on foot in the evening. That said, if you like places outside town and you have the car, nothing forces you to stay near the center
- ✅ Free cancellation, to keep your itinerary flexible.
AIRBNB OR HOTEL IN MEXICO?
Both have their advantages. An Airbnb is ideal for more space, a kitchen and living like a local. A hotel is more convenient for one or two nights passing through, with a reception desk and often breakfast included. As for us, we liked both. It all depends on what you want, whether you’re with family, solo or as a couple, and how you like to travel.
HOW MUCH DOES ACCOMMODATION COST IN MEXICO?
There’s something for every taste and every budget. We paid between €40 and €100 a night for two. To be completely transparent with you: €1,800 for 29 nights, or about €62 a night on average (that was in 2021, prices may have changed since).
👇 Here are the 8 places where we slept during our road trip, with our review of each one.
Tested during our road trip
Our 8 places to stay in Mexico
AirbnbHotel
-
AirbnbHolbox
An incredible room, with the pool right next door to cool off. Just perfect!
- Room
- Pool right next door
- Incredible room
- Hotel
Valladolid
A stunning setting and a super spacious room, ideal for catching your breath between two cenotes.
- Very spacious room
- Pool
- On-site massages
- Airbnb
Mérida
A whole house just for us, with a small pool to relax.
- Whole house
- Small pool
- A bit out of the way
- Hotel
Bacalar
A gorgeous place right in the town center, with a superb pool.
- Hotel
- Superb pool
- Town center, far from the lagoon
- Airbnb
Tulum
A whole place with a pool, but very far out: you'll need the car.
- Whole place
- Pool
- Far out, car essential
- Airbnb
Cozumel
A clean, well-located studio, so you can do everything on foot from the town center.
- Studio
- Clean and well designed
- Close to the center
- Hotel
Isla Mujeres
A beautiful seafront hotel with a magnificent pool.
- Hotel
- Magnificent pool
- Seafront, a bit out of the way
- Hotel
Cancún
Right next to the airport: perfect for the first or last night of the trip.
- Hotel
- Close to the airport
- Ideal for the 1st or last night
MY MUST-HAVE TRAVEL GEAR 🧳
It’s a question that comes up a lot when preparing a trip “What should I bring?” That’s why you’ll find below some essential travel accessories to set off on vacation with peace of mind (your documents kept safe) 🛡️ . Planning ahead and getting these items in advance helps you save money and avoid paying for some of them on the spot, where they’ll cost you much more 💸 These are the accessories we took to Mexico and still use for every destination we travel to 👇.
Our road trip checklist
What to pack for Mexico?
Most of these items came with us throughout our 30-day road trip.
0 / 12 in my suitcase · check what you already have
- Essential
ElectronicsUniversal travel adapter
In Mexico, outlets are the American type: French chargers won't fit.
- Essential
ElectronicsPower bank
Long days between ruins and cenotes: your phone lasts until evening.
- Essential
Health & protectionBiodegradable sunscreen
Mineral and biodegradable, kinder to cenotes and reefs.
- Essential
Health & protectionMosquito repellent
Mosquitoes are everywhere, especially in the evening and near the jungle.
- Essential
Cenotes & beachWaterproof phone pouch
To film in cenotes and at the beach without any risk.
- Recommended
Health & protectionFilter water bottle
Tap water isn't drinkable in Mexico: filter it and avoid plastic.
- Recommended
Health & protectionTravel first-aid kit
Band-aids, painkillers, anti-diarrhea meds: enough to handle small issues.
- Recommended
Cenotes & beachWaterproof bag
Papers and keys kept dry on boats, at the beach or by the cenotes.
- Recommended
Cenotes & beachWater shoes
For slippery cenote steps and rocky seabeds.
- Recommended
Cenotes & beachMicrofiber towel
Light and quick-drying: perfect for swim after swim.
- Bonus
Travel & securityTSA lock
To lock your suitcase on the plane, with no risk of it being broken at security.
- Bonus
Travel & securityAirTag
To track your suitcase if your luggage is delayed or lost.
OUR YOUTUBE VIDEOS IN MEXICO 
During our 30-day road trip in Mexico 
, we filmed everything! From Holbox to Cancún, by way of Valladolid, Mérida, Bacalar, Tulum, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, we take you along with us step by step in our vlogs.
You’ll discover the cenotes we swam in, the Mayan sites we explored, the beaches that made us dream, our places to stay, our favorite spots to eat… and above all our honest take on each place: what amazed us, and what disappointed us a little 
.
If you’re planning your trip, or simply dreaming of getting away, these videos will give you a real glimpse of Mexico, far from the tourist brochures.
Our road trip on video
Our YouTube videos in Mexico
Now watching: Episode 1 · Discovering Mexico & Holbox
21 minEpisode 1Discovering Mexico & Holbox- 17 minEpisode 2Cenotes & Mayan cities
- 9 minEpisode 3Mérida, Uxmal, Cuzamá & the bats
- 13 minEpisode 4Bacalar, a hidden paradise
- 12 minEpisode 5Tulum, Coba, Sian Ka'an & Cenote Azul
- 12 minEpisode 6Cozumel, diving & snorkeling
- 17 minEpisode 7Isla Mujeres, jet skiing & the end of the road trip
21 min
17 min
9 min
13 min
12 min
12 min
17 minTHANKS FOR YOUR FEEDBACK
Thanks for reading this article all the way to the end 🙏! We hope it helps you plan your trip.
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