Tulum Mexico is the combination of beach [coastline], archeological zone, and town [pueblo]. You could say that there are three distinct zones making up what people commonly refer to as Tulum.
Tulum Pueblo grew from being a small junction stop into a thriving town supporting an ever growing number of residence and visitors.
Staying somewhere on the Tulum Beach Road puts you in close proximity to a number of exciting outdoor activities, especially if you are interested in Mayan culture and history.
The further away from Cancun you get, the more laid back things become. Tulum is a perfect example of this.
TULUM RUINS
Tulum ruins are located 130 km south of Cancun. The "Tulum Archeological Zone" is the first distinct zone. You can't miss the ruins driving along Hwy 307 either in a rental vehicle or in a bus/colectivo. There are numerous signs and there is a big pink hotel on the corner.
Tulum ruins are approximately 1 km East of Highway 307 towards the coast. There is a large craft market there as well as a few fast food restaurants and assorted stores. Along the road towards the ruins on your immediate right is where the Mayan Pole Flyers do their pole flying. They perform throughout the day and you can sit and watch.
Tulum ruins has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. You can jump in the water at Tulum ruins and swim north to Boca Paila [we have done this]. Even if you are just going to visit the ruins it is still quite an experience to swim out on the ruins beach and see the ruins from the water. On a hot summer day it is a great way to cool off.
Even if you are just going to visit the ruins it is still quite an experience to swim out from the ruins beach and look back at the ruins. On a hot summer day it is a great way to cool off.
You can spend a couple hours visiting Tulum ruins or you can spend the day. The following is a break-down of what is available to you:
Explore the Mayan ruins.
Swim or relax on the beach.
Visit craft market.
Get something to eat.
Walk up Tulum Beach Road.
Watch the Poll Flyers.
In recent years they have built a large parking lot for Tulum ruins, which you access off Highway 307 [parking fee was $4 USD last time we were there].
This is where the craft market and restaurants are. The walk to the ruins is approximately 1 km. There is a little train that transports people back and forth to the ruins all day. Last time we took the train it was $1 USD one way. [On a hot day you can save time and energy by taking the train.]
