Jess at Sea

If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen in Mexico and looking for the perfect day trip, the Tulum Ruins are an absolute must. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this ancient Mayan city is one of the most scenic archaeological sites in Mexico. It’s got everything: fascinating history, turquoise waters, and plenty of opportunities for exploring.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Tulum Ruins from Playa del Carmen.

How to Get to the Tulum Ruins from Playa del Carmen

Tulum is about 65 km (40 miles) south of Playa del Carmen, which makes it one of the easiest and most popular day trips. You’ve got a few options for getting there:

• Guided Tour: I visited the ruins as part of a day tour from Playa del Carmen, which included transport, entrance tickets, and a guide who shared so much history. This was by far the easiest and most stress-free option.
• Colectivo (shared van): Budget-friendly and adventurous! Colectivos run between Playa and Tulum all day, and you’ll be dropped off near the ruins. Just be prepared for a bit of walking.
• ADO Bus: Comfortable and air-conditioned, the ADO bus is a great option if you want to go independently.
• Taxi or Rental Car: More expensive, but a rental car gives you the freedom to explore Tulum town or nearby beaches afterward.

Exploring the Tulum Ruins

Once inside, you’ll find yourself wandering through an ancient Mayan city that dates back to the 13th century. The highlights include:

• El Castillo – The iconic cliffside temple with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.
• Temple of the Frescoes – Once used as an observatory, with remnants of Mayan murals.
• The Beach Below the Ruins – Bring your swimsuit! There’s a staircase leading down to a small but beautiful stretch of sand where you can swim beneath the ruins.
• Iguanas – you might even spot some wild iguanas sunbathing on a rock!

I loved having a guide because they brought the ruins to life with stories about Mayan culture, trade, and astronomy.

When to Visit the Tulum Ruins

• Go early! The ruins open at 8:00 AM, and arriving early means cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
• Weekdays are usually quieter than weekends.
• Don’t forget a hat, water, and sunscreen, because there’s very little shade inside the ruins and when I visited in July it was overwhelmingly HOT.

What to Bring

Here’s what I recommend packing for your trip to Tulum Ruins:

• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
• Light clothing & a hat (the sun is strong!)
• Water bottle
• Swimsuit & towel (if you want to swim at the beach or head to a cenote afterwards)
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Camera or phone for those iconic cliffside shots

My Experience at the Tulum Ruins

Standing on the cliffs of Tulum, with the turquoise Caribbean stretching out endlessly in front of me, was one of those “wow” travel moments. Exploring the ruins gave me a deeper appreciation for the Mayan civilization, and swimming in a cenote afterward felt like the perfect way to cool off.

If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or anywhere in the Riviera Maya, visiting the Tulum Ruins is an easy and cultural day trip. Between the history, the views, and the chance to combine ruins with beach time, it’s one of the best things to do in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

Check out my full 1-Week Playa del Carmen Itinerary here!

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