- LAST UPDATE: JANUARY 6, 2025
Mayan ruins of Tulum Opening Hours​
Visiting Tulum ruins is one of the top things to do during your stay in Riviera Maya. With over 1 milion of visitors each year, Tulum ruins is the second visited archeological site of Mexico, after Chichen Itza (Yucatan State). Here the Tulum opening hours and useful info to prepare your next visit!
Tulum Opening Hours
All days 8am – 5 pm, last admission allowed 3:30pm.
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What is the best time to visit the ruins?
Early morning visit if the best to avoid crowds and heat. 8am-10 am is the best time to enjoy the ruins. End of day 3-5pm is also great but it might be very hot walking, especially in spring-summer time.
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Tulum Entrance Fees
For tourists, 2025 entrance fees are 515 pesos per person, split into:
- 100 pesos per person for the Ruins entrance INAH ticket.
- 120 pesos per person for the Tulum National Park CONAP bracelet (mandatory to access the ruins), free for less than 12yo.
- 295 pesos per person for Jaguar Park (mandatory to access the ruins), free for less than 12yo.
- 100 to 200 pesos for the parking (unlimited time for the day)
What to see in Tulum ruins?
The ruins cover a fairly small area, about 1.5 miles square, so you can see most everything in 1-1.5 hours.
Visiting the spectacular Tulum ruins is a thrill like no other! As you walk through the ancient gateway, you’ll be transported back in time. These well-preserved Maya ruins perched atop a cliff overlooking the Caribbean sea will leave you in awe.
The main ruins structures
- The Walls of Tulum are impressive ramparts surrounding the site.Â
- The Temple of the Frescoes features colorful painted decorations and a window perfectly aligned to view the sunrise on the equinox.
- El Castillo is the tallest structure.
- The Temple of the Descending God will fascinate you with its ornate artwork. Look for the honeycomb pattern and a deity emerging from a shell.
There’s so much rich history and culture to uncover in this mystical place! The Tulum ruins will not disappoint. The combination of ancient structures, tropical surroundings and turquoise sea create a scene straight out of a postcard. Discover the wonder and enchantment of this special spot for yourself!
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The Tulum ruins beach
Visiting the beach at the Tulum Ruins was once a highlight of exploring this ancient Mayan port city. Sadly, as of 2020 the beach within the ruins is closed to the public.
However, just a short walk south of the ruins you’ll find the picture-perfect Playa Paraiso!
After exploring the ruins, head to Playa Paraiso to relax and swim. Keep your national park entrance bracelet on – it’s required to access this beach! Playa Paraiso’s gentle waves are perfect for swimming, boogie boarding or just floating blissfully. When you’re ready to dry off, there are rustic beach bars where you can grab a drink or fresh seafood.
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Should I go for a guided visit?
Yes! You have very few information available if you visit the ruins on your own. You will find some boards with building names but not a lot of information about the Mayan civilization.
Options to hire a guide: you won’t have issue to find a guide but to avoid scams and make sure you have a great experience, we recommend:
– Hire an official guide at the entrance of the ruins site (they offer private – group visits in several languages, count 600-1500 pesos depending on service for a 30/40 minutes visit)
– Book an excursion, once again many options available:Â
Advantage of taking an excursion is that you don’t need to go to the ruins by yourself, no need to drive as you get transportation from your hotel. Also, booking a tour allows you to add other activities during the day.
Then, you need to choose between group tours or private tours. Group tours can easily be booked from your hotel (keep in mind that in general hotels subcontract tour operators, you end paying intermediaries and experience/inclusions may vary from the tour description your hotel provides), while you will usually book private tours from small businesses operating online.
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Taking a private tour has many advantages such as avoiding crowds, not sharing the transportation with other travelers, and getting the full private guided visit at your own pace! Read more about the Tulum Private Tours available.
Tulum Ruins Map
