Tulum Things to Do Tips by Dabs

Tulum-ruins Tulum Ruins Review

Tulum is probably best visited in the morning before all the tourist buses show up and before the scorching sun starts beating down on you since most of it is uncovered. The site is open from 7 am until 5 pm in the winter and 8 am until 6 pm in the summer.

In terms of the structures still standing at Tulum, they are not as impressive as other Mayan ruins in Mexico such as Chichen Itza, both in size and the amount of detail you can still see.

But it is an easier day trip from either Cancun or Playa del Carmen and it is easy to combine with a visit to Xel-ha if you get an early enough start. And the location on the Caribbean sea is spectatcular!

Address: Just north of the town of Tulum

Directions: About 50 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, access to the site is off highway 307.

Tulum-beach Beaches Review

Heading south from the Temple of the Wind God, there is a small beach where the water looked quite inviting. If you are enjoying a leisurely day, bring along your swimsuit and go for a dip!

El Castillo-a closer view El Castillo Review

Tulum-El Castillo El Castillo Review

El Castillo is Tulum's tallest building, perched on it's highest cliff. This structure served as a watchtower.

Tulum-iguanas Iguana Watching Review

Although they are probably all over the grounds, this little fella is the only iguana I spotted. He seemed to enjoy posing for photos.

Tulum ruins-El Palacio Tulum Ruins Review

This building was the residence of the most important people of Tulum. There are benches along the wall which were used as seats and perhaps as beds and a sanctuary in the back of the building where they held religious ceremonies.

Tulum-Templo del Dios Descendente detail Temple of the Descending God Review

Tulum-Templo del Dios Descendente Temple of the Descending God Review

This temple is named for the relief figure over the door (see the next tip for a photo). It was constructed on top of another. Neither the walls nor the door is a straight vertical line because of this.

Tulum-Templo del Dios del Viento Temple of the Descending God Review

Heading south from the Casa del Cenote you will come upon the Templo del Dios del Viento (Temple of the Wind God). It is built over a circular platform which is associated with the Wind God Kukulkan.

Tulum-Casa del Cenote Gran Cenote Review

From the tower and the entrance, head east towards the Caribbean and you will find the Casa del Cenote.

This building is named because it was built on top of a cave containing water. Originally it was a rectangular building with 2 rooms. A small tomb was found here. There was a small sanctuary at the back where they held religious ceremonies.