Tulum Ruins

The Tulum Ruins are hands-down the most photogenic archaeological site in Mexico, and they happen to be one of the easiest to visit with kids. Perched on 40-foot limestone cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this ancient Maya walled city dates back to the 13th century and was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya. It's about 90 minutes south of Cancún.

Unlike sprawling sites like Chichén Itzá, Tulum is compact. You can walk the entire site in about an hour, which is perfect for families with younger children. The main structures include El Castillo (the iconic cliff-edge temple), the Temple of the Frescoes with its surviving Maya murals, and the Temple of the Descending God.

None of these can be entered or climbed, but the exteriors are well-preserved and the ocean backdrop makes every angle look incredible.

What makes Tulum truly special for families is the beach access. A wooden staircase leads down from the cliff to a small sandy cove where you can swim in the Caribbean with the ruins above you. It's one of those surreal experiences that works for every age — toddlers can splash in the shallows while teens take photos that'll get actual engagement on their social media.

The iguanas are another highlight kids can't stop talking about. Large green and black iguanas bask on the ruins, the pathways, and the grass. They're used to people and will hold still for close-up photos, though you shouldn't touch or feed them.

Practically speaking, the site has restrooms near the entrance, but no changing rooms at the beach below — have kids wear swimsuits under their clothes if you plan to swim. There's minimal shade, so come prepared with hats and sunscreen. Strollers can be pushed on the main paths but won't work on the rocky ruin trails or the beach staircase.

The entrance process involves buying three separate tickets (INAH, CONAP, and Jaguar Park), which totals about $30 USD per adult. The parking lot is a 15-minute walk from the entrance — you can take a shuttle for $60 MXN per person, but the walk is flat and shaded. Plan to arrive at 8 AM opening to beat the crowds, which swell dramatically after 10 AM when tour buses and cruise ship excursions arrive.

Pro move: combine Tulum with a cenote visit in the afternoon. Gran Cenote and Cenote Calavera are both within 10 minutes of the ruins and make for the perfect cool-down after a hot morning at the site.