The combination of amazing ruins and beautiful beaches and ocean views makes Tulum a unique experience. We didn’t have a guide arranged before we arrived, but were able to find one and a place to park as we drove up near the entrance. Maybe we just got lucky with that arrangement, but it worked out great. David gave lots of interesting facts and took great photos for us. Lots of iguanas were hanging around the ruins. Tulum is a very popular tourist site and we were there during the Christmas holidays, so there were longer lines to wait in, and our tour guide was definitely pushing us to keep moving.
Perched on cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, these ruins offer breathtaking views and a glimpse into the past. The site, once a bustling port city, is surrounded by a protective wall and features well-preserved structures such as El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the Temple of the Descending God.
Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya, reaching its peak between the 13th and 15th centuries. The city’s strategic coastal location made it an important center for trade, connecting the Yucatán Peninsula with other parts of Mesoamerica. As you wander through the ancient city, you’ll encounter fascinating murals and carvings that tell stories of the Mayan people and their gods. The ruins are roped off, so no one can get close. If you’re looking for ruins to explore or climb, these aren’t the ones for you.
Afterwards, we went down to the beach, which was a little crowded but nowhere near as bad as the beach in Playa del Carmen. There are three main beaches located near the ruins.
Playa Ruínas
Located directly beneath the Tulum ruins, Playa Ruínas is a small but stunning beach. It is only accessible via a steep wooden staircase from the cliffs, but we weren’t allowed to visit the beach with post-COVID restrictions. It looked amazing, isolated by rocks from the surrounding coast.
Playa Paraíso
Just a short walk south of the ruins, Playa Paraíso is one of Tulum’s most famous beaches. Known for its powdery white sand and calm, shallow waters, it’s a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing. There are people along the beaches with boats offering tours and rides out to see the manta rays and sea turtles, as well as views of the ruins from the water. The prices are negotiable, so enjoy the challenge of getting a good deal. We were able to make the trip for 150 pesos. We were driven along the shore to see the ruins and then out to an area where rays are attracted by fish from the tours. We all jump in and the guides offer small fish to the rays to bring them closer to the surface. We saw dozens of rays when we were there.
Swimming from the shore is limited by the guides who are constantly shuttling visitors out to see rays
Playa Pescadores
Adjacent to Playa Paraíso, Playa Pescadores is another beautiful beach that reportedly offers a more laid-back atmosphere and a great spot for snorkeling and enjoying the local fishing boats that dot the shoreline. After our excursions at Playa Paraiso, we were too tired to continue on, so I can’t speak from personal experience on how it compares.
We stayed the night at a nice Airbnb along the west end of town and got dinner along the main street at El Sabor de las Cazuelas. Food was delicious and the sauces were FIRE, so be warned. There were a few runny noses in our group. There is really only one main road through town, so it can get pretty backed up depending on the time of day.