A particularly well-liked day trip from Playa del Carmen is to the Tulum ruins. The most popular attraction in Riviera Maya is the recognizable ruins that overlook the Caribbean. How can you make the most of your time there? How can you travel on a budget without wasting time? Here is our guide to provide you with all the details you require!
Ruins at Tulum
It is obvious why this lovely location is so well-liked among tourists after looking at the image above. The tulum ruins opening times are about 40 minutes’ drive from Playa del Carmen and are a fantastic day trip. Check out this gallery for a beautiful model of how Tulum seemed during its heyday as a settlement. Until the entrance of the Spaniards in the 15th century, this walled city was inhabited. The fact that this coastal Maya city is now the best maintained makes it so interesting for tourists to visit.
Should you take a tour or go independently to Tulum?
Both are excellent choices, however the response will vary depending on the person. The main factor is convenience. The cost of a basic half-day tour, which includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the entrance price to the ruins, and a tour guide, is about $39 USD. Hence, it will essentially cost roughly $80 USD for two individuals on a tour as opposed to about $25 USD for two people doing it on your own. The convenience of not having to figure out how to use the bus and the lack of a guide if you travel alone make up the difference. Because it doesn’t take a full day to travel there and see it, other tours almost usually include something else. The opportunity to do something you might not have done on your own, such as seeing a cenote or other stop, might be an extra benefit of taking a trip; nevertheless, the cost will be more than the tour’s “base” fee.
How to reach the ruins of Tulum
It is simple to take the 307 Highway directly to Tulum if you are driving there alone. You will see a parking area and signage for the ruins as you approach Tulum, but they are only for buses. The parking lot and automobile entrance are higher up on the left side, marked with a sizable, yellow sign that reads “Tulum” and parking.
From Playa Del Carmen, you can go to Tulum by colectivo. The link will take you to our article on colective. Make sure the driver is aware that you’re heading to the ruins in Tulum and not just Tulum; it costs 40 pesos one way. If you miss the first stop at the ruins, it will cost you roughly 40 pesos to return there from Tulum’s downtown. The colectivo is less expensive and roughly 15 minutes faster than the ADO bus, but it’s also less pleasant.
Almost hourly ADO buses travel to the ruins at Tulum. Each way, it cost between 54 and 62 pesos. Reminder: Double-check the return schedule. You might not want to stay that long because they don’t begin until 1:40 p.m. By leaving later, you may be sure there will be a bus coming back to Playa when you need it. The only drawback is that you are going to be there at the hottest part of the day.
How much does it cost to enter the Tulum Ruins?
85 pesos is the entrance fee to the ruins. Sundays are free if you’re a local or a citizen. The cost of parking a car is 160 pesos; this has lately increased and is now almost absurdly expensive. Due to the distance between the parking lot and the entrance, a tractor-pulled train is available for 25 pesos each way. This can be a wonderful alternative if it’s hot outside and you don’t want to travel very far; otherwise, take the free walk. Plan ahead and bring a bottle of water if you can because both food and water are more expensive here.
What time are the ruins accessible?
Every day of the week, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, the ruins are accessible. It should be mentioned that the cutoff time for admission is 4:00 PM, so you must there before then. In this manner, you will have at least one hour before they close to explore and go.
What to see in the ruins of Tulum
You will be shown all the interesting sites inside the walled city if you have a guide or rent one at the entry. Actually, it’s not that big. The stunning blue waves that lap the beaches below the ruins are what give them their unique charm.
By the ticket office, tour guides can be found providing services. All recommended prices are negotiable. For a group of four or more people, a greater price ought to be charged. You can receive a lesser price if the day is slow or the weather is not ideal. The average cost of a tour guide is between 500 and 700 pesos. The guides will be properly identified and trained to provide quality trips.
Recommendation: Wear your bathing suit under your clothes or bring it with you so you can jump in the water. It provides a welcome change of pace after exploring the ruinous areas. Having a towel will be helpful because there are no restrooms near the beach (just the ones by the ticket booth).
Fun fact: There are 3,287 visitors every day on average. That puts into perspective just how crowded this location can get during peak hours. Yet because the grounds are so big, they are spaced out throughout the day.
You may access the trail from the parking lot and the train will drop you off here. Take advantage of the public restrooms since they are the only ones close to the ruins. Get your tickets here, then proceed to number two by following the red line.
Although the second gate is considerably prettier and offers more opportunities for photography, you can still enter through the first gate. On general, the side of the ruins next to the coast is far more intriguing and photogenic. The remaining sections are also walkable, although you can choose to view them from a distance if you choose. You’ll have a stunning view of the coastline as you make your way to number three.
This location will place you in front of the “Castillo” or “castle,” which is the most well-known location in the ruins.
You can take some of the nicest pictures from this overlook!
In addition, a substantial wooden stairway descends from here to the beach, where you can enter the water.
Be careful to circle the “Castillo” at the back for an additional stunning vista.
The structures here have intricate carvings, so take a stroll there before using exit number 7.
It is time to leave. The ruins’ conclusion is peaceful. If you step outside, you will typically see someone selling ice cream or water, which you might want after being in the sun.
To return to your car or bus, you must now walk. Moreover, this is where you can board the tractor train.
Additional advice for touring the ruins in Tulum
A rain poncho will come in handy if it starts to rain. While moving about, there is no protection from the rain.
Walking about is typically hot, so it’s a good idea to wear comfortable clothing, shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water.
There are numerous gift shops beside the entrance if you choose to drive to the ruins. Finding the trail leading to the ruins is practically difficult. If you care about the animals, avoid taking photos of them and do not pay attention to extremely pushy salespeople. They should be out in nature, not behind a desk all day. The usage of animals on the roadway has already been outlawed in other areas of the Riviera Maya.
To walk around takes roughly an hour. It may take up to two hours if you have a guide, go swimming, or are with a big group. Beyond that, it will be too hot for many people to be outside for that long.