Tulum sits within a dense cluster of Maya archaeological sites, including the clifftop ruins in town and the larger cities of Coba and Muyil a short drive inland. Recent federal investment added a major regional museum inside Parque del Jaguar and restored several nearby sites, while independent galleries and art spaces add a contemporary layer.
Each listing includes the location, a link and a map. Places change, so we review this list regularly; last reviewed October 2026.
Tulum Archaeological Zone
Parque del Jaguar · Archaeological site
Carretera Federal 307, south side entrance, Parque del Jaguar, Tulum, Q.R.
View on map
Why we recommend it: The walled Maya port city overlooking the Caribbean is Tulum’s best-known landmark and is managed by INAH within Parque del Jaguar. Mexican nationals enter free on Sundays, and electric carts now run from the entrance to the site.
Museo Regional de la Costa Oriental (MURECO)
Parque del Jaguar · Museum
Yalku entre Tahmul y Tulum, Parque del Jaguar, Tulum, Q.R. 77764
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: Opened by INAH in 2024, this museum displays more than 300 archaeological and ethnographic pieces tracing the eastern coast from its earliest inhabitants to contemporary Maya communities. Entry is included with park access, and it hosts talks, school programs and temporary exhibitions.
Coba Archaeological Zone
Coba, 45 min inland · Archaeological site
Coba, Municipio de Tulum, Q.R.
View on map
Why we recommend it: Coba was a major Maya city set among lakes and jungle, linked by ancient raised roads now explored on foot or by bicycle. The staircase on its 42 meter Nohoch Mul pyramid reopened in December 2025 after a six-year closure.
Muyil Archaeological Zone
Chunyaxche, Sian Ka’an · Archaeological site
Carretera Federal 307 km 200, Ejido Chunyaxche, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Q.R.
View on map
Why we recommend it: Muyil was an inland Maya port connected to the sea by navigable channels through what is now Sian Ka’an. It reopened in February 2026 after restoration with new visitor facilities, trails and cooperative boat services.
Xel-Ha Archaeological Zone
North of Tulum · Archaeological site
Carretera Federal 307, Xel-Ha, Municipio de Tulum, Q.R.
View on map
Why we recommend it: This coastal Maya settlement, separate from the nearby Xel-Ha water park, reopened in July 2026 after INAH conservation work. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free Sunday entry for Mexican nationals and foreign residents.
SFER IK Museion
Beach zone, Aldea Zama · Art center
Carretera Tulum-Punta Allen km 5, Zona Hotelera, Tulum, Q.R. 77780
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: SFER IK is an interdisciplinary art center founded in 2018, known for organic architecture that incorporates the surrounding jungle. It also runs a garden space in Aldea Zama and a branch in the Maya community of Francisco Uh May.
Ven a la Luz sculpture
Beach zone · Public art installation
Entrance of Ahau Tulum, Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila, Zona Hotelera, Tulum, Q.R.
View on map
Why we recommend it: This 10 meter wooden sculpture by South African artist Daniel Popper was created in 2018 for the Art With Me festival and has become a Tulum landmark. It stands at a hotel entrance on the beach road and can be viewed free of charge.
Artery by Bacab
Tulum · Contemporary art gallery
Tulum, Q.R.
View on map
Why we recommend it: Artery by Bacab hosted Encierros, a 2026 exhibition by Mexican artist Luis Antonio Trujillo that set a sales record for contemporary art in Tulum. The space presents curated solo shows by Mexican artists.
Festival Trova Caribe
Tulum Pueblo · Music and poetry festival
Explanada del Palacio Municipal, Tulum Centro, Q.R.
View on map
Why we recommend it: This free festival, organized by the Quintana Roo Institute of Culture and the Arts, presents acoustic Caribbean trova and poetry in the town square. The 2026 edition took place May 8 and 9 and drew residents into the town center.
Living in Tulum
Thinking about buying in Tulum? Playa Realtors is a licensed boutique brokerage that has represented buyers in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and across Quintana Roo since 2008, and we never represent developers.
- Tulum neighborhood guide
- Parks and nature in Tulum
- Things to do in Tulum
- Restaurants we recommend in Tulum
- Shopping in Tulum
- Nightlife and entertainment in Tulum
- Tulum Centro and Pueblo guide
- La Veleta guide
- Aldea Zama guide
- Region 15 and Holistika guide
- Tulum properties for sale
- Talk to a buyer’s agent
