Introduction
If you visited Tulum a few years ago, you will notice a change: the archaeological site and the beaches around it are now part of Jaguar Park (Parque del Jaguar), a protected natural area inaugurated in 2024.
The park aims to protect Tulum’s jungle, coast and Maya heritage, and to organize how visitors experience them. For travelers, that means new access rules, routes and services.
In this guide we explain what Jaguar Park in Tulum is, what you can do there and how to plan your visit.
What is Jaguar Park?
It is a national park that protects the strip of jungle and coastline around the Tulum archaeological site. Its name honors the jaguar, the iconic cat of the Maya jungle and a protected species in Mexico.
Archaeological site
The ancient Maya city of Tulum, with El Castillo on the cliff above the sea.
Beaches
The park includes beaches such as Santa Fe, Pescadores, Maya, Mangle and Conchitas.
Protected jungle
Coastal vegetation and local wildlife habitat, with routes to explore it.
On foot, by bike or shuttle
You can explore it walking, by bike or on the park’s internal electric shuttle.
How does entry work?
The access scheme has changed several times since the park opened. Broadly, it works like this:
- Park: entry is free for Mexican visitors; international visitors pay a fee.
- Archaeological site: paid separately at the INAH ticket office. On Sundays, entry is free for Mexican visitors.
- Beaches: direct access to the beaches is free.
- Internal shuttle: optional and paid; walking or biking is free.
Fees and opening hours change often. Check the official park and INAH information before your visit.
How to plan your visit
- Start early: the archaeological site is best first thing, with less heat and fewer people.
- Then, the beach: end your visit with a swim at one of the park’s beaches.
- Bike or shuttle: distances inside the park are long to cover on foot.
- Ruins in the morning, cenote in the afternoon: pair the visit with a nearby cenote.
For ideas on how to fill the rest of your day, see what to do in Tulum for a day.
What to bring
- Plenty of water: there are long stretches in the sun.
- Hat, sunglasses and biodegradable sunscreen.
- Comfortable walking shoes and a swimsuit for the beach.
- Cash and card for entry fees and the shuttle.
- ID, especially if you qualify for the national visitor rate.
- Repellent for the jungle trails.
Rules to protect the park
As a protected natural area, the park has rules to preserve the jungle, wildlife and archaeological heritage. Stay on marked trails, do not feed the animals, take your trash with you and follow staff instructions. Climbing the structures at the archaeological site is not allowed.
The park’s beaches
The beaches inside Jaguar Park are some of the most photogenic in Tulum, with white sand and turquoise water in front of the archaeological site. Some have more services and others are quieter. To compare options across the area, see our guide to Tulum beaches.
Your base to visit the park: Calea Tulum
Calea Tulum is in Aldea Zama, a few minutes from Jaguar Park by bike or car. After a morning of ruins and beach, come back to rest at the rooftop pool or join a yoga class, included when you book directly.
To plan the rest of your days, check our Tulum itinerary for 3, 5 and 7 days and our guide to cenotes near Tulum.
Frequently asked questions
What is Jaguar Park in Tulum?
It is a protected natural area around the Tulum archaeological site that includes jungle, beaches and trails.
Do I have to pay to enter Jaguar Park?
Entry is free for Mexican visitors and international visitors pay a fee. The archaeological site is paid separately. Check current fees before you go.
Are the park’s beaches free?
Yes, direct access to the beaches is free.
How much time do I need?
Half a day is enough for the archaeological site and one beach. If you want to see more, plan a full day.
Can I get there by bike?
Yes. From Aldea Zama or downtown you can ride there, and you can also bike inside the park.