Tulum National Park

Have you ever wondered about the importance of Tulum National Park? This tourist place is a protected natural area of the Mayan Riviera, where apart from ecotourism, you can enjoy cenotes and beaches of different shades; besides the Mayan history in its archaeological site.

Tulum National Park

It was created with the purpose of preserving and caring for this area for the benefit of the community due to its charm, historical, scientific, educational and entertainment value, as well as to preserve and protect cenotes and mangroves that house the particular fauna and flora of the region; which are linked to the customs, ceremonies and laws of the Mayan people.

Tulum National Park is located in the state of Quintana Roo, specifically, in Tulum; between Route 179 and 183 of Federal Highway 307, about 130 km south of Cancun, on the coastal tourist region known as Riviera Maya. This natural reserved area has a total area of 6,643,213 square meters.

On the other hand, the fauna of Tulum National Park is abundant and varied, marking the presence of three protected species of sea turtles: leatherback, loggerhead and white. In addition, you can see different mammals such as anteaters, spider and howler monkeys, armadillos, squirrels and weasels.

How to get to Tulum National Park?

Tulum National Park is only 8 minutes away from Tulum, Quintana Roo, if you go by cab. Another way to get there much faster is to take the Tulum – Boca Paila highway, on the Victor Cháves Coastal Avenue; this is located 4 kilometers from Tulum, Quintana Roo.

The entrance to the national protected area must be done by private car on a paved road. The nearest town is Tulum, which is approximately a 30-minute walk away.

What to do in Tulum National Park?

Tulum National Park has its importance in its natural and cultural richness, distributed in its 664 hectares that form fascinating beaches, cenotes, embracing jungles and an archaeological zone; they are ideal places to visit with the family, that you won’t want to miss in your vacations. Here we offer you the best activities to do in this natural reserve.

Observing protected species

This is a favorite destination for ecotourists, because although it is not a very extensive area, it is home to important plants and animals. Some of these species are even in danger of extinction, such as the leatherback, white, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles, which are preserved here by the federal government.

The mangroves of this national park are also protected, as they are the habitat of various species of marine birds, acting as a natural hurricane protection barrier. In addition, here live antbirds, armadillos, tepezcuintes, howler monkeys and spider monkeys, as well as armadillos and squirrels.

Visiting cenotes

In this park you will find a great variety of cenotes and subway rivers that intertwine with the sea; these bodies of water that the Mayas considered sacred for their rituals, are currently known as one of the most popular tourist attractions.

It is worth mentioning that the area between Tulum and Cobá is prioritized due to its importance, identified in turn as Priority Hydrological Region number 107. The natural charm of Tulum National Park extends to its subway waters.

Tulum Archaeological Zone Tours

The archaeological site of Tulum, one of the most important in the Riviera Maya, is located within the park. This walled city was a strategic commercial and maritime center of the ancient Mayan civilization and a pilgrimage center. Here you can observe and discover its incredible vestiges facing the Mexican Caribbean, and even enjoy the beach.

Approximate costs of Tulum National Park

The general entrance fee to Tulum National Park varies between 80 to 100 MXN; you should have a budget of 7,000 MXN to cover food, activities, lodging and transportation.

To keep on blabbing, don’t miss our previous articles: Sian Ka’an Reserve, Playa Pescadores de Tulum and Best Hotels in Tulum with Beach.