Tulum Ruins Guide

The Tulum archaeological site, one of Mexico's best-preserved, is renowned for its ancient Mayan temples, imposing walls, limestone cliffs, and breathtaking seascape scenery. El Castillo, the Temple of the Descending God, and the Temple of the Frescoes are a few of the beautifully preserved highlights of this majestic site. The significant beachfront location provides breathtaking views of the Caribbean and is a great location to relax after your fill of exploration. The intricate carvings and details on the stone ruins also reveal the art style of the past. Check out this Tulum Ruins guide’s ‘tips to visit’ section to have a memorable trip of this incredible archaeological site.

El Castillo (the Castle), the tallest building in the Tulum Ruins, stands at 7.5 metres and is one of the most prominent attractions for visitors due to its impressive pyramid-like architecture. It also carries significant religious importance for having a shrine on the top. This ancient pyramid served as a lighthouse during the Mayan period and had many tiny windows at the top that helped sailors to traverse the sea at dusk. The structure's design, as well as serpents adorning its corners, add to its allure, while its proximity to the water offers the chance to take in the breathtaking views of the coastline.

One of Tulum Ruin's most stunning structures, the intricately designed Temple of the Descending God is located in the eastern part of the city on the left side of the El Castillo. The relief figure above the door, which shows a descending (upside-down) male god with his feet up and hands pointing downwards, gave the structure the name Temple of the Descending God. The carving, which is possibly the most recognisable representation of Tulum, features a peculiar Venus deity known as Ah Macehcabob or Xuk Ek, the Mayan bee God. It draws visitors during the spring equinox when a ray of sunlight passes through the temple, perfectly aligning beneath the image.

Located opposite the El Castillo pyramid, the Temple of the Frescoes is one of the most magnificent and well-preserved structures in the Tulum Ruins. This two-story building was used by the ancient Mayans as an observatory so they could keep a closer eye on the sun's path and track the seasons. It draws tourists because it showcases some of Tulum's most ornate decorations, such as paintings on stucco masks that are still in their original colours and vibrant murals on the interior walls that show a variety of Maya deities. The first floor's backroom's black, green, yellow, and red stones are other highlights of this temple.

The Casa del Cenote, also known as the House of Cenote, is a building that sits at the entrance to a cenote (natural sinkhole) at the Tulum ruins. Cenotes, which were extremely important in Mayan culture, are thought to serve as a gateway into the underworld of Xibalba. Archaeologists discovered a tomb and Mayan relics inside the Casa del Cenote and believe it was a mausoleum during the reign of the Mayans. Its proximity to the cenote, the assumed underworld entrance, supports this theory. Although other cenotes near the Tulum Ruins provide swimming opportunities, this particular cenote is not suitable for swimming. Nevertheless, the historical and archaeological significance entices visitors to this iconic Tulum Ruins attraction.

The Secret Beach situated beneath the ruins and shielded by the cliffs is a must-see hidden treasure on any trip to Tulum. This protected beach, also known as "Playa Ruinas," offers spectacular views of the seascape and is a great place to unwind after all your exploring away from the crowd. When planning a trip to the Tulum ruins, be sure to check out this Tulum Ruins guide’s what to wear section because you can also take a dip here in the azure water while admiring the beauty of the ruins from the water. A view of the fort from the water also piques one's curiosity about what this city might have looked like nearly a thousand years ago.