If you're heading to Tulum, visiting the Tulum Mayan Ruins should be high on your list—whether you're deep into history or just in it for the views. It's a must-visit site when visiting Tulum or even as an excursion from nearby Playa del Carmen.
I spent a hot but rewarding morning exploring the ruins before cooling off at Playa Ruinas, the beach tucked just below the archaeological site. My visitor guide will get you set with everything you need to know to make the most of your trip—including when to go, how to plan, and what not to skip.
And if you enjoy this article, you'll love my hot air balloon experience over Teotihuacan pyramids!
Jump to:
Why visit the Tulum Mayan Ruins?
Unlike many other ruins across Mexico, the Tulum ruins are the only ones situated right along the coast. That means your history lesson comes with an ocean breeze and panoramic views of turquoise water. My favorite way to learn!
This was once a major trading port for the Mayan empire—and today, it remains one of the top attractions in Tulum (and a gorgeous reason to enrich your beach vacay with a bit of culture).
My highlights of the Tulum Ruins include:
- El Castillo, the iconic temple perched above the cliffs
- Sweeping ocean views for Instagram-perfect photos
- Stone structures surrounded by lush greenery and native wildlife
- Access to Playa Ruinas, also known as the “Hidden Beach,” if you're up for a post-tour swim
Getting to Las Ruinas
Wondering how to get to Playa Ruinas Tulum? Here’s what you need to know:
- From Playa del Carmen a Ruinas Tulum, it’s about a 45-minute drive.
- If you’re staying at one of the nearby hotels in Tulum, you can either bike or taxi—there’s parking available at the archaeological site for a fee.
- Once you enter the ruins site, signage to navigate different structures is clearly indicated in both Spanish and English.
- To go straight to the beach, follow the path far to the left. You’ll spot a lookout point where people are snapping selfies and enjoying the view. From there, a steep staircase leads down the weathered coral cliffs to the beach.
Fair warning: It’s a bit of a trek, the weather can get quite hot, and not directly accessible for those with mobility issues. But if you’re up for the descent, the reward is well worth it.
Read my guide to driving to Tulum if you plan to rent a car!
These guided tour options include transportation. Or you can bike, take a taxi, or colectivo (shared van) to reach the Ruins and Ruins Beach.
When to Visit the Tulum Mayan Ruins
For the most enjoyable experience, timing really is everything—especially in the tropical heat. I recommend arriving as soon as the site opens, which is typically 8 a.m. daily. Here's why that early wake-up call is worth it:
- Fewer Crowds: The ruins get packed fast, especially with tour groups from Cancun and Playa del Carmen arriving mid-morning. Getting there early means wide-open walkways and uninterrupted photo ops (aka no strangers in the background of your shots).
- Better Photos: Soft morning light and fewer tourists mean you can actually get the iconic shot in front of El Castillo without battling a crowd—or photobombers.
- Less Heat: Tulum is hot year-round, and the ruins don’t offer much shade. Trust me, wandering through history under the noon sun is not the move.
- Shorter Lines: There’s only one public restroom and a single main entrance. Arrive early to skip the wait and get ahead of the tour buses.
Pro Travel Tip
Access to the ruins is free on Sundays for Mexican citizens, so if you want a less crowded beach excursion, go on the weekend.
These are not the only ruins worth visiting in Mexico and I highly recommend adding a trip to the ruins in Quintana Roo to your bucket list!
What You'll Need
Can you visit Playa Ruinas for free? Technically, the beach itself is public—yes, Playa Ruinas is free—but it's only accessible through the ruins site, where the entrance fee is currently $95 MXN or $5 USD. if you want to bring a camera or video equipment, there's a small additional fee.
And bring cash (Mexican pesos or USD) since cards aren’t always accepted at the ticket booth. Here are the other essentials to pack:
- Comfortable Walking Shoes
- Hands-free Bag + Beach Bag
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses and Sun Hat
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- Water Bottle
- Water Shoes (trust me, the sand is powdery soft but there are rocks)
There are plenty of vendors and shops outside the Las Ruinas de Tulum so you can purchase any snacks or items you forgot and think you might need. This is where I took the monkey photo above! I recommend grabbing souvenirs on the way out, if you plan to do so.
The only onsite restroom is just before the entry point to Tulum Ruins so make sure to use it before you head inside. And there are no changing rooms either so I wore my swimsuit under my outfit and recommend you do the same if you plan to dip into the sparkling blue water!
Here's what to pack for Tulum + women's outfit ideas for your whole trip!
The Hidden Beach at Tulum Mayan Ruins: Playa Ruinas
Tulum has no shortage of beautiful beaches. Playa Paraiso is probably my most favorite and Santa Fe Beach is a popular local spot. But Playa Ruinas, also called Tulum's Hidden Beach or Secret Beach, is literally where the relaxation of sand and shore and Mexico's pre-colonial history meet.
The meaning of “ruinas” is exactly what it sounds like: ruins. But don’t let the simplicity of the name fool you. Playa Ruinas isn’t the biggest or flashiest beach, but its unique blend of culture, nature, and unmatched views make it one of the best places to visit in the Tulum Yucatan region.
It’s not a beach club or resort experience—it’s better. What makes Playa Ruinas so special is that it feels like a secret, even if you share it with a few dozen other travelers. Just bring a sense of adventure.
And yes—it is as dreamy in person as it looks in the photos.
For even more unique local experiences, check out my guide to visiting cenotes in Tulum!
Is Playa Ruinas Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Playa Ruinas is not the beach for an all-day lounge with cocktails and cabanas, but if you're looking for a laid-back beach experience, you'll love it.
I also highly recommend this activity for history and architecture buffs for a two-in-one. Despite the lack of kid-friendly amenities, I saw plenty of families have fun, too.
Even if you’re beach-hopping from the United States (USA) or popping down to Tulum from another stop en Mexico, Playa Ruinas holds its own among the best coastal experiences. It's low-key, picturesque, and rooted in history that should be on every Tulum vacation itinerary.
Pro Travel Tip
If you’re traveling during peak season (December through April), go early to beat the heat and the tour buses. You’ll thank yourself when you’re standing barefoot in the sand, staring up at the ruins like you’ve stepped into another world.
Here are my top 10 things to do in Tulum to fill out the rest of your time!
For Solo Travelers
As a woman visiting by myself, I felt completely safe at the Ruins and the beach, even with the iguanas all around. I also didn't feel out of place while enjoying my solitude.
In some destinations I've been to, there were so many other tourists staring or asking why I would visit alone. This was not that vibe at all. So I recommend hitting up Ruinas de Tulum Playa solo, if you're so inclined. Or if you want to do the friendly thing, book a hidden beach group excursion.
Read all my top tips for solo women travelers to Mexico and all around the world!
More Favorite Tulum Moments
I hope you enjoy the beauty and peace of Playa Las Ruinas Tulum soon and very soon. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this post for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
