As one of the most renowned archaeological sites in the world, the Tulum Ruins are a “must-see” on your travel bucket list. In this guide we break down our 5 top reasons to travel back in time and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this ancient city.
1. Breathtaking Views
We’re kicking off this list with our number 1 reason for visiting this particular site – its spectacular views! Perched atop tall limestone cliffs in a lush green jungle, overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, the Tulum Ruins have the most eye-catching and picture perfect views of all the Ruins in Mexico. With the added sight of palm trees, cactus flowers, and the occasional iguanas, the area’s scenic and photogenic views have made the site one of the most popular Tulum hotspots for camera wielding tourists.
2. Perfect for a short daytime tour
Another huge bonus to the Tulum Ruins is its convenient location. Located just 70 miles south of Cancun and 38 miles from Playa del Carmen, the ruins are perfect for a half day adventure. It has two entrances, one from the highway and the other by the beach, making it easily accessible no matter which direction you’re coming from. From the town, they are less than a 10 minute drive away. With the Ruins being so compact, you can see all its main structures in under two hours, allowing for a much shorter tour than other ruins in the Peninsula.
3. A rich dose of Tulum history
For the archaeological wanderers and historical buffs out there, the Tulum Ruins provide a rich view of the city’s ancient history. The walled Mayan city of Tulum was built as a centre of trade for neighbouring cities such as Chichen Itza and Coba. Thanks to its strategic location, Tulum acted as one of the most powerful cities during the 13th and 14th centuries despite having no more than 1,600 inhabitants at one time.
For the full cultural and historical experience, we have a local historian and Tulum guide join each private tour to share historical accounts of this ancient city and its Mayan civilisation.
4. Much to visit and experience
The Tulum Ruins remain one of the best conserved of the Mayan sites, with a number of truly remarkable structures that you simply shouldn’t miss. Among these includes El Castillo (the tallest of the buildings, with a stunning view overlooking the sea), the Temple of the Descending God (with the most elaborate design), and the Temple of the Frescoes (arguably the most remarkable of them all).
5. Finish with a dip in the sea
Thanks to its proximity to the ocean, visitors can end their day with a visit to the white sandy beach and crystal clear water – the perfect end to a tour in the hot sun! Of course, if the beach isn’t your thing, you can combine a Tulum and cenote tour for that refreshing post-tour dip!
To book your private tour of the Tulum Ruins with O2, click here.
Please note that due to the current situation surrounding Covid-19, a number of our tours are temporarily unavailable and will be reopening soon.
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