15+ BEST Tulum Ruins Tours (from anywhere)

Tulum is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico. Its laid-back vibes, healthy eateries, and pristine beaches are some of the reasons the town is so loved. But its most striking attraction is, without a doubt, the Tulum ruins. 

The archaeological site, which dates back to the 13th century, stands on top of a cliff overlooking the blue Caribbean Sea. No matter if you’re into history or not, you can’t be indifferent to these ruins and the views!

Being one of the landmarks that simply can’t miss from your Tulum itinerary, you’ll want to make sure the tour you choose to go with delivers. And that’s why I’ve dug up the best Tulum ruins tours available. 

These trips will transport you back in time as you explore the ancient Mayan wonders with a professional. In this post, you’ll find everything from private visits for your group to combo excursions and in-depth archaeological visits. 

Plus, you’ll find trips departing from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Cancun, and even Cozumel. So regardless of where you’re staying, these tours have you covered with transfers from all over Quintana Roo.

➥ Why should you trust me? I have a decade of experience helping travelers plan their dream vacations, and I’ve had the pleasure of traveling around Mexico for six months. I only choose high-quality, good-rated, and original tours, so you can trust that all the excursions in this article are gonna be worth your while.

I generally use Viator to book tours around the world. I especially recommend it for its great cancellation policy. It allows you to cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund. 

Are you in a rush? These are the best tours:

OUR PICK: The BEST Tulum Ruins Tour

Dive into a full-day adventure with this Viator Exclusive: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves. Starting with pick-up at your hotel, this trip takes you to the majestic Tulum Ruins early in the morning so hopefully it won’t be as crowded as later in the day.

You’ll explore the archaeological site with an expert, learning about its history and marveling at the scenery. I’ve visited the Tulum Ruins both with and without a guide, and trust me when I say that visiting with an expert makes a huge difference.

Then, take a boat trip to a spectacular reef where you’ll go snorkeling. Check out the vibrant colors of the corals and tropical fish as you swim in crystal-clear waters (don’t worry if it’s your first time, it’s an easy activity and they’ll teach you).

After a scrumptious buffet lunch that will help you refuel, make your way to the jungle.

Walk through a limestone cave filled with stalactites and enjoy the sounds of the birds at Parque de Cenotes. There you’ll get to swim and cool off in Cenote Xtun, a stunning natural sinkhole. This is the perfect end to a perfect day,

➤ Why is this the top tour? Besides the fact that it has over 3 THOUSAND 5-star reviews?! This trip combines the very best Tulum activities in a single day. 

You’ll tour the Tulum Ruins with a local and very experienced guide. Everything you ever wanted to know about the site and the Mayans will be covered. Not only that, but you’ll snorkel in the world’s second-largest barrier reef, and visit Tulum’s treasure: the cenotes. 

Plus, it offers pickup at your Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya hotel, so it’s available to anyone.

Read what the reviews say:

“This was such a fun day and Arian was great and full of knowledge and energy! Everything went smoothly, we saw sting rays and a sea turtle and the Cenote was amazing! It was the perfect day!’’

Kathryn_A – Read more reviews

This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, snorkel gear, lunch, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Tulum Ruins Tours from Tulum

▶️Embark on a fabulous trip by joining this Tulum Ruins and 3 Cenotes – Jungle Adventure. It offers an incredibly fun day with equal parts of history and thrill.

You’ll visit the Tulum Ruins first thing in the morning, effectively avoiding the crowds. Make the most of your free time at the site to take pictures, admire the structures, and learn about its fascinating history.

Then, head into the jungle to pay a visit to Tankah Park, where you’ll enjoy a myriad of adventures. Zipline above the treetops, snorkel and swim in three beautiful cenotes, practice canoeing, and wander along the jungle trails.

The tour includes a delicious Mayan lunch to help you refuel, as well as snacks and bottled water.

This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees, all activities, lunch, snacks, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Ditch the usual tourist path and cycle like a local on a fabulous half-day trip. We’re talking about the Tulum Bike Tour: Maya Ruins, Cenote Swimming, Pueblo History Art, and Tacos Lunch.

This unique excursion takes you pedaling through the heart of Tulum’s culture, starting at the mighty ruins. Park your bike outside and follow your guide around the ancient Mayan structures, soaking in the history that lives in them.  

Enjoy a snack of antojitos, and ride on both the busy and the back streets of Tulum Town. Marvel at the murals that adorn the walls, browse souvenir shops, and visit a beekeeping foundation. 

Cap off the trip with a scrumptious lunch of authentic tacos, and a cenote swim. 

This tour includes: A bike and helmet rental, a guide, entrance fees, snacks, tacos, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Private Tulum Ruins Tours from Tulum

Traveling with your group? You’ll appreciate these private excursions that are catered solely to you and your friends. 

▶️ This Tulum Ruins & Cenote guided private tour from Tulum and Rivera Maya is one of them. Rise and shine to reach the archaeological site as soon as it opens, beating the tourist rush.

Wander amid ancient history with an expert guide, then refresh with a plunge into a pristine jungle cenote. You’ll have time to snorkel and splash around before returning to your hotel. 

This Tulum Ruins tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, and entrance fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Dodge the sizzling midday heat with a morning Tulum Ruins Tour (Private, Half Day). You’ll enjoy transfers to the site in an air-conditioned van, and explore the Mayan structures with a professional guide.

Learn interesting facts about the history and culture of the ancient city with 14 of your friends. Snap pictures and enjoy refreshments before returning to your hotel. 

This tour includes: Transfers, a guide, entrance fees, snacks, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Tours to Tulum Ruins from Playa del Carmen & Riviera Maya

▶️ Coming from Playa del Carmen? Check out this Tulum Guided Tour, Magical Cenote, Lagoon Snorkeling and Beachside Lunch. First, explore Tulum’s stunning cliff-top ruins with a dramatic ocean backdrop. Discover everything you’re curious about from an expert local guide. 

Then, plunge into the mystical world of cenotes for an underwater cave adventure. You’ll also go snorkeling in Yal Ku Lagoon, a unique body of water that combines fresh and saltwater, and bustles with aquatic life. 

Finally, chill at Punta Venado Beach Club, a paradise of turquoise waters and white sands. The tour includes lunch, transport, and a mix of guided insights and free exploration.

This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, snorkel gear, lunch, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ This Tulum Express Riviera Maya whisks you to the historic city perched on a Caribbean cliff. You’ll explore the temples, pyramids, and observatories with a friendly and very knowledgeable guide. 

Uncover the secrets of the Mayans for two hours, and then enjoy some free time to roam at your leisure. Make sure to go down the ladder to the secret beach that lies beneath the ruins! After an hour of exploring on your own, you’ll be returned to your hotel. 

This Tulum ruins excursion includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees, a guide, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Embark on an adventure through time with this Coba Multun-Ha Cenote Tulum and Paradise Beach Small Group. Kick off the tour with a journey to Coba, a vast archaeological site nestled in the jungle. 

You’ll explore it with a professional guide, and get to climb its tallest pyramid, Nohuch Mul. Next up is the Tulum Ruins, another impressive ancient city that played an important role in the Mayan civilization. 

Refuel with a tasty buffet lunch and beverages, and cool off in the emerald waters of Cho Ha Cenote. Cap off the trip by soaking up the sun in Paradise Beach. 

This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, lunch, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Ready for an adventure? Go on this Tulum Ruins, ATV Extreme, and Cenotes Tour from Riviera Maya. Start with an exploration of the archaeological site with your savvy guide. 

Discover the interesting stories behind the structures, and then rev up for a thrilling ATV jungle ride. Make your way through bumpy trails and mud paths, and then cool off in a cenote, snorkeling in its clear waters. 

Finally, refuel with a tasty Mexican buffet lunch, and enjoy the convenience of round-trip hotel transportation. 

This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, equipment, lunch, and beverages. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Private Tulum Tours from Playa del Carmen & Riviera Maya

▶️ Rise and shine for this VIP Tulum Express Private Tour: Avoid Crowds and Heat! in which your group of 12 will be taken straight to the Tulum ruins in the early morning. 

Explore the archaeological wonders with a guide, and discover fascinating facts about the region. Snap photos, ask questions, and even squeeze in some souvenir shopping! 

This hassle-free tour includes all entrance fees and transfers, and ensures you’re back at your hotel just in time for lunch.

This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, water, and sodas. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Discover Riviera Maya with this Private Tour: Coba Ruins by Bike, Tulum Ruins by Boat and Swim in a Cenote. It’s a treasure trove of ancient ruins and pristine beaches! 

This unique tour whisks you away to the historic Mayan city of Coba, most of which remains hidden in the lush jungle. You’ll explore the massive site on a bike or pedicab, and climb one of its pyramids. 

After the visit, cool off in the clear waters of a nearby cenote. Refuel with a lakeside lunch, and head to the second Mayan site of the day: the Tulum Ruins. You’ll tour them with the insights of a professional guide, and then enjoy a boat ride along the coast. 

This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, bike rental, a boat ride, snorkel gear, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Plunge into history with a VIP Tulum Private Tour. Your gang of 15 will travel in an air-conditioned van to the Tulum Ruins. You’ll enjoy a super comprehensive, 90-minute tour around the site with your private expert. 

Then, make the most of the next half hour to wander on your own. The next stop is Cenote Xunaan Ha, where you’ll have time to cool off and snorkel to your heart’s content. Explore the hidden corners of Cenote Taak Bi Ha’s cave, and swim in its underground river.  

This tour includes: Private transfers, a guide, entrance fees, snorkel gear, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Tulum Ruins Tours From Cancun

▶️ Check out this Tulum and Coba with Cenote, Buffet Lunch & Tastings. It’s a comprehensive tour if there was ever one! Start this jam-packed, 12-hour day with a visit to the Tulum Ruins. 

Explore the picturesque ruins as you dive deep into the history of the ancient Mayans. Cool off in Cenote Kuxtal, and continue your cultural endeavors at Coba. Explore its multiple structures and climb one of its pyramids before enjoying a delicious lunch break. 

Your afternoon itinerary includes a trip to Playa del Carmen. Explore and shop around before returning to Cancun. 

This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, entrance fees, a guide, a buffet lunch, and free time in Playa del Carmen. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Join the Tulum Ruins Guided Tour and Swim in a Cenote. It’s an adventure that combines two of Tulum’s most special attractions: archaeology and nature. 

Begin your day with a guided visit around the Tulum ruins, discovering the history that still lives in the ancient structures. You’ll reach the site early in the morning, effectively avoiding the crowds. 

Then, head to Cenotes Chen Há and Mariposa for a refreshing swim (extra fee). Snacks to keep you going will be provided throughout the day.  

This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, entrance fees, facilities, snacks, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Ready for an adventure in the Yucatán? Join this Cancun Jungle Tour: Tulum, Cenote Snorkeling, Ziplining, and Lunch. Start with a trip to Tulum, where ancient ruins meet the Mexican Caribbean. Explore the archaeological site with a guide, and then venture deep into the jungle. 

There you’ll visit two mystical cenotes, Sac Actun and Nohoch Nah Chich. Snorkel in the clear waters before you go ziplining above the canopy. Keep your adrenaline pumping as you rappel down into a sinkhole, and learn about the local biodiversity. 

Finally, indulge in a traditional Mayan lunch at Rancho San Felipe. 

This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, all equipment, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Private Tulum Ruins Tours from Cancun

▶️ Choose this Private Tour: Tulum and Cave Adventure from Cancun for a cultural day out. Ditch the beach scene as you travel back in time at the Tulum Archaeological Site. 

Explore the ancient fortress as you hear live storytelling of the city’s thriving past. Then, venture into the underground world of Kantun-Chi, a network of caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites. 

Learn about its unique geology, and enjoy a refreshing swim. The cherry on top? A buffet lunch with traditional Mexican dishes. 

This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, equipment, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Plunge into the wonders of ancient Mexico with this Exclusive Private Tour Tulum & Coba Just for You. Zoom off from Cancun and learn about the Mayan history of the Riviera Maya as you make your way to Tulum. 

You’ll explore the stunning ruins of a once-thriving city, and take in the spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. Then, access the archaeological site of Coba. You’ll get to pedal around the site or ride in a pedi-cab, admiring the massive structures. 

Climb the tallest pyramid for jungle views, a rare treat when it comes to Mexican Mayan ruins! The tour is reserved for you and 14 friends. 

This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, bike rental, water, and snacks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Ready for a Mayan ruins combo tour? Join this Full-Day Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum Private Tour with Lunch. The adventure lasts 12 hours and takes you to explore the wonders of the ancient Maya world.

First stop is Chichen Itza, a UNESCO treasure with incredible history and many fascinating legends. Marvel at the Kukulcan Pyramid, and play with the echo sounds at the Ball Court. 

Then, cool off with a swim at Ik Kil Cenote, and head to Coba. This mysterious archaeological site is buried in the jungle and offers unparalleled charm. Explore it on a bike or a pedi-cab, and then head to Tulum. 

Marvel at the striking views from the ruins, and learn about the ancient city’s role in the Mayan trade routes. The tour includes a delicious buffet lunch to keep you energized.

This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, all equipment, snacks, beer, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

A Tulum Ruins Tour From Cozumel

Step into history with this Tulum Mayan Ruins Express Shared Tour. Enjoy a 2-hour guided exploration of the Tulum Archaeological Site, led by a local expert.

Unravel the secrets, facts, and enchanting myths of the ancient civilization with a small group of travelers. Take in the spectacular views, and learn about the purpose of each structure when the city was a thriving port. 

The tour includes the ferry crossings between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen, and the transfers to the ruins and back. Plus, there will be snacks and refreshments to enjoy. 

This tour includes: Ferry trips, roundtrip port transfers, a guide, entrance fees, and snacks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE