Tulum Ruins Tour

TULUM RUINS TOURS

INTRODUCTION

Tulum Ruins

How often do you get to walk back centuries in time? Tulum provides a unique experience that allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of a civilization that once thrived here.

The ruined holy city sits some 12-meters (39 ft) above the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Earliest inscriptions date back as far as AD 564, but the civilization hit its peak between the 13th and 15th centuries. It is believed to be one of the last Mayan cities built and inhabited. The former name of the city was Zama, meaning “City of the Dawn”, appropriately named for its eastward view. The modern name Tulum is also fitting, meaning “wall”.

In addition to the breathtaking location, one of the things that makes these ruins different from other Mayan sites is the fact that it was once a walled city. It is unclear exactly why walls were constructed here and not in other cities. Theories suggest that perhaps a Spanish prisoner educated the residents on the building process or perhaps since the city served as a center for religion, the walls protected their religious leaders.

The walls varied in height and thickness, but averaged 5 meters (16 ft) high and 8m (26 ft) thick. On the southwest and northwest corners, there are small buildings that are believed to have been watchtowers, making the city a secure defense.

In the early 16th-century, the Spaniards first made contact. As a result they introduced disease to the city, decimating the estimated 1,000 to 1,600 inhabitants. By the end of that century, the city was abandoned.

TULUM RUINS TOUR OPTIONS

We offer multiple combo options for visiting the Tulum Ruins, including the popular private tour option which visits Coba and cenotes. Choose your preferred tour date and then click the book now button to reserve your visit.

*Private tour pricing does not include admission fees to the Tulum Ruins, Coba or XelHa.

Please read and understand the policies to avoid unnecessary charges.

All tours include a private vehicles that either accommodate a maximum of 8 or 13 passengers depending on the van size.  Drivers will not allow additional passengers.

If traveling with children requiring a child safety seat please include this in the comments at checkout and we will do out best to accommodate this need at no cost.

The tour is for a maximum of 12 hours and the latest departure time is 8:00 AM to allow for a decent return time.  If a later departure time is desired we cannot guarantee a full 12 hours of tour time.

Cancellation Policy

  • Tours cancelled more than 48 hours in advance receive full refund.
  • Tours cancelled within 48 hours or are considered a “no show” will be charge 100%
  • Tours cancelled due to unforeseen causes like severe weather or vehicle breakdowns will issue full refunds or rescheduling will be an option
  • Reservations cancelled 15 days or more prior the day of visit are subject to an additional 20 % fee; from 14 to 4 prior to the scheduled day of visit are subject to an additional 50 % fee. All reservations cancelled 3 to 0 days before the date of your visit or in case of no-show will not be reimbursed
  • Changes are not permitted on the same day of the visit
  • The use of snorkel gear requires a refundable deposit of $25 USD.

TULUM RUINS TOUR TIPS

It can get very HOT! Bring bottled water and perhaps a hat or umbrella for some shelter from the sun.

Bugs are not usually a problem, but you might want to bring some repellent just in case.

Wear shoes that are comfortable and secure. There is a fair amount of walking involved to properly see the site. Flip-flops are not the best
choice!

There is access from the ruins to a beautiful sheltered beach (requires taking stairs), so you may want to wear swimsuit and bring a towel.

There are restaurants and shopping available at the entrance, as well as restrooms. However, there are no amenities once you enter the ruins.

ABOUT XEL-HA

Like Tulum, Xel-Ha has a rich history, but unique as a important trade center. It also boasts some beautiful murals not found at Tulum.

The name Xel-Ha is Mayan for mixing of the waters–appropriate due to the convergence there of fresh underground springs and salt waters.
This phenomenon creates the appearance that the sea water is foggy.

The city was inhabited between 100 BC and 400 AD. Located on the Caribbean Sea but not directly on the coast, the site sits beside a lagoon that was once used as a maritime port. That port later became an important hub for the growth of the Yucatan region.

Tip: Picture ID, room key or cash is needed as a deposit for towels, lockers and snorkeling gear at Xel-Ha.

TULUM RUINS TOUR REVIEWS

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