Tulum, Mexico: Top tips from TripAdvisor reviewers
Mexico's Caribbean jewel, Tulum, combines a rare mix of beautiful beaches, fascinating archaeology and peaceful villages. Travellers can sunbathe on the Yucatan sands within sight of the well-preserved Mayan Ruins of Tulum, which one TripAdvisor reviewer described as 'absolutely magnificent'.
Did you know?
• Tulum's original name was Zama, which means 'The City of Dawn' due to its positioning towards the morning sunrise.
• South of Tulum, you'll find the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a 1.3 million acre national park that became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
• Tulum got its name from the Yucatecans and is translated to the 'Walled City'. Visitors can easily spot the wall which was built around this ceremonial city, it is an architectural addition that is found in few Mayan sites.
Great value hotel options in Tulum :
• Las Palmas Maya, bookable on TripAdvisor for an average of £92 per night
• Posada Yum Kin, bookable on TripAdvisor for an average of £89 per night
• Posada Luna del Sur, bookable on TripAdvisor for an average of £74 per night
TripTips from the TripAdvisor community:
• Maniri: You can't miss going to the Tulum ruins, but try to be there early as it gets crowded. You will enjoy it so much, history, culture and then you can relax at the beach! The beach there is amazing, but unfortunately after 10/11am it gets very crowded, so if you have time the same day, after you see the beach and Tulum Ruins, go to one of the beach clubs or hotels that allow you to enjoy their facilities and spend the day there. Papaya Playa Project or La Zebra can be good options.
• Maniri: I'd recommend taking one day to relax, walk and enjoy the amazing beaches, rent a bike and go through the Coast Road (where all the hotels are). Stop by La Zebra, Zamas, Coqui Coqui or Papaya Playa Project and ask for some mojitos or margaritas to drink and relax with by the beach.
• MNhasSnow: Take one day of your holiday to hit all the sites with a tour company of some sort. It will probably run to $50 per person (or more) but it is really an efficient way to see a lot of what is offered in the Riviera Maya. Then your remaining days can be relaxing and walking beaches etc.
• Maniri: Renting a bike is a must, when in Tulum Town, which is a pretty small town; you can ride in the main avenue and you will see Mexican shops, restaurants and many local people. From Tulum Town to Tulum Beach there is a road/walkside that you can ride on to Tulum Beach.
• Maniri: Coba Ruins are fabulous, you can get there by taxi or ADO (Mexican Busline). Once you are there, rent a bike (the easiest way to see the area).
• Maniri: Swimming in a Cenote, a natural pit, or sinkhole, is a real Mexican-Mayan experience. You can pick from many different cenotes in the area, including Caleta Tankah.
• Maniri: Sian Ka'an is a biosphere reserve where you can see crocodiles, dolphins, turtles, birds and an amazing sunset. The best way to see it is via a tour.