Tulum Mayan Ruins: What is there to see and do?

How to get to the Mayan ruins of Tulum

The Mayan ruins of Tulum are approximately 80 miles south of the Cancun International Airport. As you drive south on Highway 307 just before arriving in the city of Tulum, you will see the signs for the Tulum Archaeological Zone and you cannot miss the large pink hotel located on the corner.

The Mayan Ruins of Tulum are on the left side of the road on the Caribbean Sea side. On the detour there is a large parking area, a handicraft market and some restaurants. The ruins themselves are a little over half a mile up the road. It is worth mentioning that next to the handicraft market is where you can also see the Mayan Pole Flyers. These men swing from a pole on a rope incredibly high in the air. It really is an impressive sight to see.

When you have paid the entrance you can take a little train or walk to the ruins, it can get quite hot so I recommend the train. Now another thing I would highly recommend is getting a guide. The guides are great and not very expensive. You can see the entire site in Tulum in about 2 hours. The story behind the Mayan ruins of Tulum is very interesting and the way the guides tell it is often funny.

The Tulum ruins also overlook a beautiful stretch of beach, in fact they are the only Mayan ruins on the coast. You can go downstairs and snorkel or swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. It really is an incredible experience. There are a lot of iguanas around and sunbathing waiting for their photos to be taken.

You can enjoy a full day in the ruins or just a couple of hours if you prefer.

Here are some things worth doing:

Take a tour of the ruins

Snorkel on the beach

Take a look at the handicraft market.

Stop at a restaurant for a bite to eat.

Look at the guys flying around the pole!

Things to take with you.

Snorkel gear

Swimwear

Biodegradable sunscreen

A camera (if the camera looks big and professional, they may not let you in)

Shades

A hat

A little bit of money

Comfortable shoes

Much water

A small towel