Tulum National Park: planning guide
A walled Maya coastal site on cliffs above the Caribbean in Quintana Roo. Ruins, beaches, and busy day-trip crowds.
Tulum National Park is in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The nearest town is Tulum — roughly 3.6 km (2.2 mi) out, about 6 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: December through April, the drier and less humid stretch. Shoulder season: May and November.
June to November is the wet and hurricane season — heavy rain, high humidity, and occasional storm closures.
Heat and humidity are constant. Plan activity for early morning and carry more water than feels necessary.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Tulum | 3.6 km (2.2 mi) | 6 min |
| Coba | 44 km (27.3 mi) | 59 min |
| Playa del Carmen | 58.6 km (36.4 mi) | 1 hr 15 min |
| Cozumel | 59.8 km (37.2 mi) | 1 hr 16 min |
| Nuevo Xcán | 75 km (46.6 mi) | 1 hr 32 min |
| Señor | 84.5 km (52.5 mi) | 1 hr 42 min |
| Tepich | 86.4 km (53.7 mi) | 1 hr 43 min |
| Leona Vicario | 89.3 km (55.5 mi) | 1 hr 46 min |
Where Tulum National Park sits
Official Tulum National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Tulum National Park
Tulum National Park sits close enough to Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, Arrecife de Puerto Morelos National Park, Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres National Park, and Isla Contoy National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park | 43.1 km (26.8 mi) | 58 min |
| Arrecife de Puerto Morelos National Park | 91 km (56.6 mi) | 1 hr 47 min |
| Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres National Park | 128 km (79.3 mi) | 2 hr 20 min |
| Isla Contoy National Park | 158 km (98.1 mi) | 2 hr 46 min |
Parks close by
- Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park
Coral reef and marine reserve off Cozumel island. Clear Caribbean water and busy dive sites along the Mesoamerican Reef.
- Arrecife de Puerto Morelos National Park
A narrow reef barrier just south of Cancún in Quintana Roo. Snorkel and dive country close to shore, with mangrove and seagrass nearby.
- Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres National Park
Shallow reef and seagrass beds along the west coast of Isla Mujeres and nearby Cancún waters. Mostly marine — snorkeling and boat access.
- Isla Contoy National Park
A small barrier island north of Isla Mujeres. Protected seabird and turtle nesting site — day visits by permit and boat only.
Common questions
Where is Tulum National Park?
Tulum National Park sits in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Tulum, about 3.6 km (2.2 mi) away — roughly 6 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Tulum National Park?
Generally December through April, the drier and less humid stretch, with May and November quieter on either side.