10 Archaeology Tours in Tulum That You Shouldn't Miss

May 6, 2022 Frederic Celentano

Mayan ruins tower over the sea in Tulum. The formerly walled city was one of the last to be built by the Mayans, and its archaeological sites are incredibly well preserved. Take a break from the beach to visit El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the Temple of the Descending God. Explore an underground river under a canopy of stalactites in the sacred caverns of LabnaHa Eco Park, or dive into Cenote Dos Ojos to snorkel inside of caves in the middle of a forest.
Restaurants in Tulum

1. Private Tour of Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum with Lunch and Cenote Swim

OlMar Travel Mexico
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

See three of the Yucatan's most popular archaeological sites in one day during this private tour with a driver and guide. During the 12-hour adventure, visit the ancient Maya ruins of Chichen Itza, Coba, and Tulum. Cool off by swimming in a 'cenote'; a naturally formed underground pool, and refuel with a buffet lunch. Chauffeur-style transport for your private party is included.

Inclusions: Lunch, Professional certificated private guide services, Private tour only for your group, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Rent of the pedicabs in Coba, Sweet snack, soft drinks, water & 2 cans of beer/per person, Transportation by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Beverages during the lunch, Tips

Reviewed By chrisfC1829YL

Wow!!! So much happened in this trip that it's hard to summarize. First off...take more cash than you think you need. You'll visit several places that don't have credit cards as an option. And then remember to tip your house at the end. We felt so bad that we only had $1 dollar left to give them because they were so amazing!! So nice and polite and knowledgeable. This was a very long excursion (12.5 hours) that was incredible and we're so glad we took the time to do it. We learn s so much from the guide and the places themselves.

2. Tulum Day-Trip Mayan Ruins with Cenote Swim and Lunch

Captain's Cove, Blvd. Kukulcan KM16.5, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico Cancun Travel Experience
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

The day starts with a convenient and easy pickup at your hotel or meeting point of your choice, aboard an air-conditioned and comfortable vehicle, you will be shuttled to Tulum. This archeological site is a local landmark, since it served as a main port in the ancient Mayan civilization. Enjoy beautiful scenery along the way on this nature-filled ride. You will priority access the archaeological site and enjoy a professionally-guided tour of the temples to see and learn about the main attractions such as the astronomical observatory of the Mayan city of Tulum and cultural buildings throughout the limits of the walls. As you leave Tulum and its turquoise background waters, you will start on your way to the next leg of the journey, a scenic cenote that as expected, has cultural and traditional significance to the Mayan culture. Enjoy a tasty deli-style lunch with beautiful scenery surrounding you before a smooth-ride back.

Inclusions: Admission fees and priority access at Tulum archaeological site, Deli-Style Box lunch and bottled water, Roundtrip transportation to and from your centrally located hotel (If selected)

Exclusions: Natural reserve fee at Cenote for conservation efforts (15USD), Hotel pickup and drop-off if you select the meeting point option, Optional snorkel gear and locker rental at Cenote, Food and beverages not listed as inclusions, Gratuities

Reviewed By Robert S

Had a great time. The catamaran was in great shape. The crew was fantastic on the boat and very attentive to those that went snorkeling. Always ensured you had a drink if wanted. Good party on boat. Only negative, buffet not very good. Would have liked the buffet on a sandy beach with lounges available.

3. Tulum Ruins Private Tour with Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling

Absolute Adventure Mexico
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5.0 based on 81 reviews

Visit Tulum with a private guide at the best times to avoid the crowds! Discover the unique beauty of a cenote (choose between Jaguar, Nicte Ha or Taak bi Ha) and swim with turtles in Akumal! This private tour is the perfect combination to do the best activities of the Riviera Maya. Of course with lunch at a local Mexican restaurant.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Professional guide, Lunch (one meal a la carte) with water, soda, beer included, Beverages water, soda, beer included, Use of snorkel equipment including life jackets and wetsuits

Exclusions: Gratuities, Tulum truck shuttle

Reviewed By Swicktrip

I've been diving in Cozumel a dozen times but this was my 1st trip to Tulum and the Cenotes. Stumbled on ABSOLUTE ADVENTURES on Trip Advisor. It seemed a bit expensive but was so worth it! Dulce (what a doll!) and her driver met us just off the boat and gave us a day to remember, highlight of the week! Dulce was personable, articulate and knowledgeable of all aspects of Tulum ruins and Mayan history and the Cenotes and "their" amazing history. The tour also included a Mayan lunch at Dos Ojos and then Dulce joined us for a "snorkel with the turtles" at Playa Akumal before dropping us back off at the pier where we caught the ferry back to Cozumel. There was even a little shopping time and a quick Starbucks at the adjacent mall; all in all, a full and very satisfying day of New Adventures and lots of photos.

4. Cobá Ruins Tour (Half Day)

Yucatan Eli's Tours
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

This is approximately a 5 hour tour (including travel time) to the majestic Cobá ruins! Located in the Yucatán jungle, this location is one of the last remaining Mayan ruins that has a large structure you can actually climb. You will learn many interesting facts such as why different structures were designed the way they were and why they are located where they are. After entering the site, there is a short walk or bicycle ride through the jungle before reaching the main pyramid. If you choose to climb the pyramid, once at the top you can see over the beautiful Yucatán jungle tree tops! This tour includes entrance ticket, bottled water, and a snack.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By rbjknoyes

We have had this and similar tours while cruising, this is amazing place . your tour guide will help you to understand why this city was built and why it was located at the coast. when you are there you get a feeling of how old the world is and how we barley know about other places when we are just living day to day...this give a new prospective of other cultures and other times..Amazing

5. VIP Tulum Private Tour

My Quest Concierge Private Tours
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5.0 based on 14 reviews

- Deep clean and sanitize van and equipment (done for every tour). - VIP Private Tour. Just for you. - Avoid the crowds. - Open the Fortress & avoid the midday heat. - Admire the only Mayan ruins facing the Caribbean Sea. - Jump & refresh in an open sky Cenote. - Feel the crystalline cold water of the underground rivers in your body. - Explore a cave. - Eat the best fresh ceviche in the Riviera Maya from local fishermen restaurant. - Everything is done at your pace. No rush. - Customize the schedule if you want.

Inclusions: Certified archeological guide., English speaking local expert all day., Entrance fee to the archeological site., Professional and disinfected premium snorkel equipment., Open Cenote entrance fee., Cave & Underground River entrance fee., Free time in all activities., Private Transportation., Air-conditioned vehicle. , Cold bottled water all day.

Exclusions: Don’t forget your towel & swimsuit., Don’t forget comfortable shoes., Don’t forget a good sunscreen., Not included - Lunch at a Local Restaurant (optional)., Not included - Tips (optional)

Reviewed By ZestyChic

Fantastic tour!! Damien promptly responded to all our tour related questions. He communicated well and provided great background on our ride to 45 min drive to Tulum. Joel was an amazing tour guide for The Tulum ruins and 2 Cenotes we visited. He is so passionate and proud he is of his heritage. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and provided great history facts and old photos of the Mayans ruins in all their glory. He was cheerful, fun, polite, professional and helpful along the tour. He’s a gem on this tour. He also had great recommendations for the best photos along the tour. He swam with us in the Cenote underground cave and pointed out places to check out or avoid as we snorkeled. He’s a genuinely positive and happy-go-lucky guy. He drove us to the beat keep secret Cenotes and the did not disappoint! They were truly beautiful and magical. We were the only ones at the Taak no-ha Cenote underground cave and it was truly a special experience to swim and snorkel there. The second Cenote was a swimming hole with some diving planks (Xunaan-ha). Also very fun. Both were pretty chilly water - but definitely refreshing after walking the ruins in 90’. Thanks for sharing your beautiful secret spots- Cenotes with us! This private tour was so worthwhile. We got to go at our own pace, take our time and enjoy our day. The owner, Damien followed up with us to confirm we enjoyed our tour were happy customers. You can tell they love what they do and they do it well. We would highly recommend this tour company!

6. Tulum Ruins, Turtles in Akumal and Cenote tour

Ocean Tours
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5.0 based on 14 reviews

In this tour you will visit the highlights of the Riviera Maya. You'll visit the Tulum ruins, then go snorkeling with turtles in Akumal and finally you'll get to swim in a crystal clear water cenote and visit some caves. Your tour also includes a delicious lunch of typical regional food, all the equipment required for the water activities and round transportation.

Inclusions: Bilingual guide, Round Transportation with AC, Equipment required for water activities, Lunch: Traditional Mexican buffet (Vegetarian or Gluten Free option available under request), Drinks: Fresh fruit water and bottle of water

Exclusions: The Natural Marine Reserve Fee 13 USD per person is payable upon pick-up in cash, Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By Lkelse

This tour is worth every penny. Jorge was the most amazing guide. He made sure we were always having fun and comfortable in each section of the tour. At one point when we were snorkeling he noticed a member of our group struggling to swim so he pulled her all the way through the wavey waters with a life saver. Still making sure we were all doing okay ourselves and making sure we were all able to see the turtles, sting rays and fish which were all over the place. I know Jorge had to be so tired by the end of that part because a lot of us were and he had to pull another persons weight almost the entire time. The very last section of the tour was my favorite. I would do this entire tour again but definitely because of the last part. The caves blew my might at how cool is was. Then we got fed this delicious meal at the very end. It really was a perfect day. Book this tour. It is worth it.

7. Mayan World Tour | Tulum + Cobá + Cenote + Buffette

Súper Akí Tulum, Carretera Federal Tulum Ruinas s/n, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico Maya Adrenaline
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

This tour is a good experience of getting closer to one of the most fascinating cultures of humanity that contacts you about time, history, adventure and knowing first-hand that culture that inhabited and left a relevant legacy for all of us, not only in architecture, but also in mathematics, astrology, medicine and even many myths and legends that made us all tremble in 2012 ... haha! We will visit 2 of the most important arequological centers of the Mayan culture (Tulum and Coba), a cenote in an excellent state of conservation without dynamiting and we will also have an approach to an authentic contemporary Mayan village. What makes this tour a very complete experience made up of adventure and discovery.

Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Drinks not included, Bring towel, Bring bathing suit, Bring mosquito repellent (bio degradable please),, Bring comfortable shoes,, bring an extra change of clothes, Bring cash., Bring Sun protector

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, use of drone or tripod, Tips

Reviewed By brandonkQ9130CV

It started off a little rocky.... literally. But when we made it to the zip lining to start the day off things started picking up. The cenote was amazing and our tour guide Pedro was the best!! He made our day and I would highly recommend trying to book with him. He helped make it an awesome day.

8. TULUM AND COBÁ from Riviera Maya and Cancun (Private)

Karma Trails
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4.9 based on 16 reviews

Riviera Maya ,with its subtropical weather and average temperature of 25ºC, is considered a wonderful Caribbean Paradise, offering pristine white sand beaches. The privileged position of this Mexican corner, the great weather conditions, cultural characteristics and entertainments, allows every year millions of tourists to combine a relaxing vacation and the opportunity to visit historical places, where Mayan civilization left evident traces and marks on the history and on the culture.

Inclusions: English/Spanish Speaking Guide, Lunch in Local Restaurant, Roundtrip Transportation, Lunch

Exclusions: Drinks During the Lunch, Supplement for Pick-up / Drop-off in Cancun Hotels

Reviewed By keriirenee

Amazing, private tour from San Cristobal to Palenque with stops at Agua Azul & Misol-ha waterfall on the way. We opted for 2 days & 1 night because of all the driving we didn't want to be rushed or spend 7+ hours in the car in one day. Our driver & guide Guillermo was incredible - definitely the highlight of the trip. He's been working as a guide locally for 20+ years and knew so much about Mayan history + all the other random questions we threw at him throughout the trip. His English was perfect. The car which the agency provided was very comfortable. The hotel we stayed at in Palenque was okay, definitely a little outdated, but it did the job (+had AC which was a must) and the grounds in which the hotel is located on are beautiful. Overall, 10/10 for the trip. Everything we saw was beautiful and would definitely recommend!

9. Chichen Itzá, cenote and Valladolid Small groups day Trip from Tulum

Mexico Kan Tours- Eco Tours Tulum Riviera Maya, Avenida Tulum S/N. Entre Orion y, Calle Centauro Sur, Tulum Centro, Centro, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico Mexico Kan Tours
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4.9 based on 249 reviews

Recently selected as one of the New World Wonders, Chichen Itza is without a doubt one of the most spectacular and important archeological sites of the Yucatan peninsula and Mesoamerica. The Maya-Toltec style; which can be appreciated in Chichen Itza is the result of the cultural exchange between the different cultures of Mesoamerica. The excellent restoration of this ancient city makes it an absolute “must-see” destination for any visitor to the Yucatan peninsula interested in history and culture. After visiting Chichen Itza we cool off in an impressive cenote (flooded cave) where nature and mysticism will bring you to a whole new dimension. Valladolid is a city where past and present come together to delight us with astounding sights of beautifully colored colonial architecture and tastes of an incredibly rich gastronomy. A visit to the main square of the town will absorb you in the peace and tranquility of its people while you learn about the local customs.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (revise confirmation email for pick up time), Lunch, Snacks and drinks

Exclusions: Extra Transportation Fees (North of Tulum). +$10USD per person extra for pick-ups between Bahía Puerto Principe and Puerto Aventuras. +$20USD per person extra for pick-ups between Puerto Aventuras and Playa del Carmen Colosio Street. +$30USD per person extra for pick-ups between Colosio Street (North of Playa) del Carmen to Iberostar Grand Paraiso.

Reviewed By anais_lfbvr

Good experience. Ursula, the tour guide was amazing and informative. We enjoyed a lot this tour!! Be ready to see turtles, dolphins, crocodiles !! Incredible experience.

10. Sian Ka'an and Muyil Archaeological Site Tour from Tulum

Mexico Kan Tours- Eco Tours Tulum Riviera Maya, Avenida Tulum S/N. Entre Orion y, Calle Centauro Sur, Tulum Centro, Centro, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico Mexico Kan Tours
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4.9 based on 219 reviews

The archaeological site of Muyil is located in the northern part of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere reserve. This ancient Mayan trading post is the perfect place to enjoy astounding Mayan temples such as the 17 meters (57 ft) building known as El Castillo in the incredibly diverse semi-deciduous forest of Sian Ka'an. From the archaeological site you will take an interpretive trail towards the tallest observation point of Sian Ka'an to admire the exuberant vegetation of the jungle and the fresh water wetlands. Once you reach the Muyil lagoon, you will take a boat across two lagoons connected by an artificial canal that has been in use for many centuries. Xlapak is the name of the building at the beginning of the lazy river and the start of an incredible floating experience in crystal clear pluvial water on its way to the Caribbean ocean. You will float for over 30 minutes surrounded by mangroves, orchids, bromeliads. A delicious vegetarian picnic with seasonal fruits is included in the tour.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (revise confirmation email for pick up time), Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Extra Transportation Fees (North of Tulum), 10USD per person extra for pick-ups between Bahía Puerto Principe and Puerto Aventuras. +$20USD per person extra for pick-ups between Puerto Aventuras and Playa del Carmen Colosio Street. +$30USD per person extra for pick-ups between Colosio Street (North of Playa) del Carmen to Iberostar Grand Paraiso.

Reviewed By anais_lfbvr

Good experience. Ursula, the tour guide was amazing and informative. We enjoyed a lot this tour!! Be ready to see turtles, dolphins, crocodiles !! Incredible experience.

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