Tulum archaeological zone

Do you want to visit the archaeological site of Tulum and its Mayan ruins, but don’t know where to start? Here we offer you the answer to all your doubts. One of the most representative attractions in the city of Tulum is its archaeological area; this thanks to its privileged location in the corner of the Caribbean Sea and the remarkable preservation of its constructions.

Tulum archaeological zone

The archaeological zone is located only 5 kilometers from the heart of this city; it is one of the best known of the Riviera Maya, and stands out as the most alternative and impressive site of the whole place.

It is worth mentioning that the Mayan ruins of Tulum have something that the rest of the attractions do not have; its location in front of the sea. The Caribbean Sea has turquoise blue waters of different shades and aquatic species, making this a unique spot worth visiting.

How to get to the archaeological zone of Tulum?

There are several ways to get to the Tulum archaeological zone, many of these are related to the visitor’s budget, and the preferences he/she has regarding his/her trip.

Bus

This is one of the most economical means of transportation used by locals and foreigners to go to the Riviera Maya; it consists of a few buces, in which you just have to get on and tell the driver where you want to go. The price varies between 50 and 60 Mexican pesos each way.

ADO

The ADO bus service also runs routes from various cities to the archaeological site of Tulum. An example of this is the route that starts from Playa del Carmen to the Tulum ruins; it costs about 50 Mexican pesos and takes about 1 hour.

Renting a car

Renting a car is quite economical in the Riviera Maya; it costs approximately 400 to 600 Mexican pesos per day and, on top of that, it is an ideal option to be able to transport yourself independently.

Cab

Another option for transportation is the cab; perfect if you want to go freely to Tulum and don’t want to rent a car. However, they are much more expensive than renting a car.

Bicycle

If you are staying near the town of Tulum, you can bike to the ruins. From the heart of Tulum it is about 5 kilometers away; it is about a 20 minute bike ride.

Sightseeing Tour

If you want to take all the worry out of transportation, there are a multitude of tours to get to know the Tulum archaeological zone; these give you a space in the vehicle and drop you back at your accommodation.

Tulum archaeological zone history

The archaeological zone of Tulum was one of the most important cities of the Mayan civilization in the XIII and XIV centuries; for being an indispensable stopover for their commercial routes and, of course, in the exploitation of the maritime fortunes of the current state of Quintana Roo.

In the same way, it became the most outstanding tourist place in Quintana Roo, thanks to the fact that it is the only place facing the Caribbean Sea. Formerly known as Zamá, which means “sunrise”, the current name, Tulum, means “enclosure or wall”.

For the Mayan civilization, this city was the main center of maritime and land exchange in the area. Today, it attracts the attention of everyone who visits it; where the blue and turquoise tones of the Caribbean Sea can be appreciated in all its splendor.

Recommended activities and sites for the archaeological zone

If you are looking to learn about the Mayan culture, and you don’t know what to do in the archaeological zone of Tulum, don’t get upset; here we offer you a series of fascinating areas full of history.

Walls

It is an environment not very seen in the Mayan cities, in this case they determine the Ceremonial Precinct of the north, south and west sides; because it was protected by the Caribbean Sea. In its length five accesses are opened, in which only 1 is part of the tour.

Cenote House

It is a building built on top of the cave that overlooks a cenote; this place was essential for the Maya, given the importance of rituals in these subway water deposits. It was also used as a tomb.

Temple of the Wind God

This temple was built with the purpose of worshipping the God Wind, since the Mayan culture related it to Kukulkan, deity to whom they rendered rituals; its main characteristic is the circular surface where it was built. In addition, it is located next to the Castle, which is the most famous postcard of Tulum.

Palace of the Great Lord

It was the place where the most important entities of this tribe lived; among them obviously the Great Lord, or “Halach uinik” and the rest of his relatives. Several rooms and columns can be classified.

House of the Columns

It is one of the largest structures of the enclosure, built on a surface with great resemblance to an L; where the columns that give reference to its name are maintained. It was a castle where agreements and commercial exchanges were signed.

Tulum Archaeological Zone price and schedule

The archaeological zone in the city of Tulum is open from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 17:00; with a schedule in which the last access to its facilities is at 16:30 hours. On the other hand, the entrance fee is $70 Mexican pesos, this varies if you must enter with an electronic device, with an additional cost of $45 Mexican pesos.