Built around 2000 BCE as the Mayan civilization was declining, Tulúm has both Mayan and Toltec influences. These striking ruins were an important Mayan trading center until 1521 CE. Today, Tulúm is a small but stunning area of ruins built as a Mayan fortress beautifully located on a cliff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea and surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches.

The most outstanding structures at Tulúm are El Castillo (The Castle), The Temple of the Frescoes, and The Temple of the Descending God. El Castillo, the tallest building on this site, is located near a cliff and overlooks the Caribbean Sea. In ancient Tulúm, El Castillo faced the city. The entire city is surrounded by a 4 m high wall essentially used for defense as the Maya were politically unstable.

The other buildings in the city are mainly interesting for their frescos, masks and murals. Look for the niche with the figure of the Descending God which is frequently seen in Tulúm. The Descending God corresponds with the planet Venus and the setting Sun, and also with the bee, whose honey was the primary Mayan trading product. The cove to the side of El Castillo is thought to be where trade goods were brought from Costa Rica, Panama, the eastern coast of the peninsula, and even the Gulf of Mexico.

Watch on top of the buildings at Tulúm for the iguanas. Small ones are seen all over the ruins on the tops of buildings and in windows. Large, mature iguanas are also common in Tulúm around the back of the exterior fort walls where people usually don’t venture.

Palace Resorts offers two different tours to Tulúm: the Tulúm Paradise tour which takes you to Tulúm and then snorkeling, and the Tulum Express provides you with a guided toura of Tulúm followed by free time to enjoy the ruins on your own. Tulum Paradise is available from all Palace Resorts in Cancun and on the Mayan Riviera. Tulum Express is available from the Cozumel Palace, Aventura Palace, Playacar Palace and Xpu-Ha Palace only.

View a Map of Tulúm

Included in the Tulúm Tour:

• Round trip transportation on an air-conditioned bus
• Bilingual tour guide to explain the Mayan history and culture
• Entrance fee to the Tulúm archaeological site and park
• Towel service (with Tulúm Paradise tour only)

Not Included in the Tulúm Tour:

• Beverages & meals
• A fee of approximately $4.00 US to bring a video camera into the ruin site
• Shopping for souvenirs at the market

What to Bring on the Tulúm Tour:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hat
• Water
• Biodegradable Sunscreen
• Mosquito Repellant
• Camera
• Swimsuit for snorkeling (for Tulúm Paradise tour only)
• Extra money for shopping and beverages

Departures:

• Tulum Paradise departs daily from Cancun Palace, Sun Palace, Beach Palace, Moon Palace, Aventura Palace, Playacar Palace and Xpu-Ha Palace
• Tulum Express departs Tuesday & Thursday from Aventura Spa Palace, Playacar Palace, Xpu-Ha Palace
• Tulum Express departs Tuesday from Cozumel Palace

Items of Note:

• Tours are subject to availability so book early.
• Details such as departure days and times are subject to change without notice.
• Detailed tour information is available at the Palace Resorts/Chaza Travel & Tours desk at your hotel. Reservations are made at the hotel with your Chaza Travel tour representatives.
• Guests are required to make tour reservations at the Chaza Travel desk in advance, but not prior to your arrival at the hotel. It is advised that you make tour bookings shortly after you arrive.