How long should we spend at the Tulum Ruins?

neen · December 9, 2008

I'm trying to book shuttle service for a trip to the Tulum Ruins, but don't know how long we'll want/need at the ruins. Was thinking 3 hours door-to-door from DT...does that sound right? I don't know how big the area is so its hard to judge how long we'll need to explore the area...

Anyone who has been there before, would appreciate your thoughts/advice! TIA

Geminie · December 9, 2008

hey i've been there.. and it would be better if you rent a car and go on your own.. not sure how many people are going.. but we rented a car from playa del carmen, and it was $35 US for the day... you can spend an hour or more looking at the ruins/reading everything and the rest of the day on the beach.. or you could drive up a bit more and explore some of the other beaches or cenotes in the area! lots of fun... I would recommend going to Cenote Azul on the right on your way to Tulum! It's beautiful there

neen · December 9, 2008

well, we have 60 guests coming to our wedding and want to give them all the option of going, so renting a shuttle is our only option. we're staying at Dreams Tulum and we have some young and old folk in our group, so we won't be spending time at Tulum Beach as its difficult to get to - we'll just head back to our resort for that. So just wondering how much time is needed to explore the ruins and check things out and from what was said, pehaps 2 hours is plenty of time...?

Geminie · December 9, 2008

yes 2 hours seems okay.. but you may want 3 because the beach is beautiful and if it's a hot day (we were drenched by the time we got to the beach) you'll want to cool off in the water...(so bring swimming gear for sure.. or wear it underneath) also when you get out of the ruins there's a little shopping plaza.. and you can eat and drink there as well, my husband and I had fresh coconuts (the water kind, they have no meat inside) and they had been chilled in the fridge and it was certainly something worth trying...

The beach isin't too hard to get to (you just walk down some steps) they are a bit steep.. but if you go slow and hold on to the railings it should be no problem at all.. there were plenty of older ppl at the beach when we went..

SunBride · December 9, 2008

I would say 2 hours, approx 1 for the ruins and 1 for the beach. Also, if you get there right as it opens, you only have 2 hours before the place gets crazy busy with tourists. So 2 hours works out perfect for both those reasons. If you are counting the travel time (5 minutes drive each way, plus 10 minute walk from the road gate to the entrance gate, or you can wait for the little ruins shuttle rather than walk) then maybe book for 2.5 hours