Tulum, Mexico
As soon as an idyllic sleepy village, Tulum has been reworked into a star trip playground. From cenotes to chilling on the seashore — listed here are the finest issues to do in Tulum, Mexico!
Dwelling to an historical Mayan metropolis, Tulum was as soon as known as Zama or “Metropolis of Daybreak”.
The place is Tulum? This tropical paradise is positioned about 2-hours south of Cancun, alongside Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Boasting lovely sandy seashores and crystal clear water, Tulum can be a scuba diving paradise with many cenotes and caves to discover.
Tulum is a spot the place the traditional and the trendy world mix collectively. At this time you’ll discover a mixture of historical Mayan ruins, yoga retreats, buying, eating places, and loads of well-known individuals who flock right here to refresh their thoughts, physique, and soul.
Actually, the Mexican authorities is opening a new worldwide airport in Tulum (in addition to a practice) someday in 2023.
I’ve spent lots of time in Tulum through the years whereas dwelling on and off in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and needed to place collectively a information on what to do in Tulum for first-time guests.
Hello, I’m Matthew Karsten
I’ve been touring the world for 10+ years as an expert photographer & author. I hope you take pleasure in my Tulum suggestions! For those who discover them helpful, utilizing my affiliate hyperlinks to guide one thing will give me a small fee, at no additional value to you. Thanks!
Tulum Highlights Map
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you’ll discover a map of highlights in Tulum, Mexico. Click on on the highest left of the map to search out separate layers marking the route and factors of curiosity. You possibly can cover and present totally different layers, or click on icons on the map to see the names of locations I point out on this journey information. “Star” the map to put it aside to your personal Google Maps, or open the map in a brand new window for a bigger model. Get pleasure from!
Tulum Mexico Journey Information
1: Go to The Tulum Ruins (Archeological Website)
The Tulum Archeological Website is a formidable Thirteenth-century cliff-top Mayan metropolis which is the spotlight of any journey to Tulum. Set 12-meters excessive overlooking the shimmering Caribbean sea, the ruins are the right backdrop for images.
The 5-meter tall partitions that surrounded town, could have one thing to do with the title Tulum, which is the Maya phrase for fence.
Some necessary constructions on the Tulum ruins are the Templo Dios del Viento or Temple of the God of the Wind, Pyramid El Castillo, Temple of the Descending God, and the Temple of the Frescoes.
Gates open at 8 AM, however the strains might be lengthy so I like to recommend arriving about an hour earlier (that is best should you’re renting a automobile in Mexico). Or you may as well be part of a guided tour.
➜ Learn My Information To Visiting Tulum’s Ruins Right here
Tour Of Tulum & Coba
Discover 2 archaeological websites in someday, in addition to a Mayan village and swimming in a cenote.
2: Discover Tulum Pueblo (El Centro)
Tulum is definitely break up up into 3 totally different areas, all generally described as “Tulum”, which may make issues a bit complicated for first time guests.
Tulum City (aka Tulum Pueblo, or El Centro) is the place locals in Tulum truly do enterprise. Right here you’ll discover grocery shops, native eating places, and different Mexican retailers.
Tulum Seashore (aka Tulum Lodge Zone) is the place all of the seashores, resorts, and vacationer buying is. That is truly a 5-10 minute drive away from Tulum City. Strolling this distance would take about an hour (not really useful). A motorcycle or taxi ought to be used as a substitute.
And eventually there are the Tulum Ruins, which I described above. The ruins are positioned North of each the city and the seashore.
Just a few good locations to cease in Tulum City to get a really feel for native Mexican life embody La Chiapaneca for road tacos, Del Cielo for breakfast or brunch, and Huerto del Eden should you love contemporary juice and occasional.
3: Calm down On Tulum’s Greatest Seashores
Tulum has so many lush seashores with smooth sands and dazzling waters, it’s tough to decide on which seashore to get some solar at. Whereas Mexican regulation ensures public entry to all seashores, many accommodations in Tulum try and cost vacationers a price to “use their lounge chairs”.
Listed here are our high selections amongst Tulum’s white sandy seashores.
- Playa Paraisao boasts powder white sands, clear shallow waters, seashore bars and coconut palms.
- Playa Ruinas is the remoted seashore instantly under the Tulum Ruins. Solely accessible from the archeological website, it opens round 10am.
- Ziggy’s Seashore is a seashore membership that prices $35 USD to enter, however contains use of a lounge chair. This household pleasant seashore is ideal for vacationers with youngsters.
- Santa Fe Seashore is a soothing public seashore north of Playa Paraisao, and simply South of the ruins. It’s dotted with tiny seashore bars to seize a chunk or drink.
- Mirador Tulum Seashore is the place to go for dawn should you’re in search of a quiet place to relax.
One factor most individuals don’t know is that Tulum can typically get hit with a sargassum seaweed invasion, making the pristine white sand seashores — rather less pristine. The seaweed comes and goes every year, and should you’re unfortunate, it could be round throughout your go to.
Lodges and resorts attempt to clear it up from the seashores once they can, however typically it will probably overwhelm an space. The seaweed is innocent, however it will probably begin to rot and scent dangerous if it isn’t eliminated instantly.
4: Sian Ka’an Biosphere
Sian Ka’an means “gate to heaven” or “origin of the sky”. The Sian Ka’an Biosphere is positioned simply south of Tulum, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Website since 1987.
Sian Ka’an covers 5280 km² and is residence to over 300 species of birds, 120 km of shoreline, numerous natural world, coral reefs, a lagoon and round 23 Mayan archaeological websites.
A well-liked exercise is to guide a Sian Ka’an boat tour or kayaking tour to discover the jungle mangroves and saltwater lagoons. There are additionally snorkeling journeys too. It’s attainable to see dolphins, turtles, manatees, and all types of chook life on these journeys.
5: Swim (Or Scuba Dive) In Cenotes
You possibly can’t go to Tulum, Mexico and never go to a cenote. The Tulum cenotes are pure limestone sinkholes that present entry to Mexico’s underground river system for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Among the cenotes additionally embody underwater archaeological websites and relics.
With the Riviera Maya being residence to the biggest underground cave system on this planet, connecting 1000’s of various cenotes, there are various lovely underground caverns and caves to discover. A few of my favourite cenotes close to Tulum embody:
- Gran Cenote – The preferred cenote in Tulum with waters which might be thought-about sacred, it’s the doorway of the Sistema Sac Actun.
- Casa Cenote – Surrounded by mangroves with a tunnel that heads proper out to the ocean.
- Dos Ojos Cenote – Known as Two Eyes Cenote, this one has nice snorkeling and cave diving (should you’re a licensed scuba diver).
- Carwash (aka Aktun Ha) – Situated proper off the street to Coba, Carwash was as soon as used for laundry vehicles, however now it’s only for swimming or cave diving.
- Calavera (aka Temple Of Doom) – Seems like a cranium from under, and is a well-liked spot for divers. However there’s a ladder and twine swing too.
- Cenote Taak Bi Ha – One among my favourite cenotes in Tulum, this large cave boasts crystal clear blue water. One other cenote fashionable with cave divers.
Cenote & Ruins Journey
Choose a guided tour? Discover a few of Mexico’s Mayan ruins, and go swimming in a wonderful cenote.
6: Take A Yoga Class
Tulum is a well-liked vacation spot for hippie/bohemian/new-age varieties, and as such, you’ll discover loads of yoga retreats, music remedy periods, and different kinds of well being and wellness actions.
For those who’re trying to unwind and immerse your self in some yoga periods throughout your go to, try Naga Tulum or the beachfront yoga studio at Sanara.
7: Climb The Mayan Ruins Of Coba
About 45 minutes away from Tulum you’ll discover Coba. Tall pyramids look out over the encircling jungle. As soon as inhabited by virtually 50,000 souls, these ruins date again to the Center and Late Basic intervals (500 to 900 AD) of the Mayan civilization. Nonetheless, Coba has been inhabited way back to 50 BC.
Essentially the most visited websites at Coba embody the Nohoch Mul Pyramid, Sacbe, Coba Group, Coba Stelae, Macanxoc Group and Conjunto de Pinturas. One of many distinctive options of this Mayan website is the flexibility to truly climb the principle pyramid — one thing you possibly can’t do at different ruins.
➜ Learn My Information To Visiting Coba Ruins Right here
8: Go to Yal-Ku Lagoon
Only a 30 minute drive from Tulum, the gorgeous Yal Ku Lagoon is a well-liked spot for snorkeling and sunbathing. What’s totally different about Yal Ku? It’s a cenote that flows right into a lagoon that can be an inlet for the ocean.
Due to the combo of sea water and contemporary water, the lagoon is the right snorkeling spot. The shallow waters close to the cenote teem with small fish, whereas the deeper waters close to the ocean are full of turtles, rays, and larger fish.
There are shops close by that supply snacks, plus snorkeling and diving gear you could lease.
Tulum is a well-liked buying vacation spot too. Boutique retailers promote souvenirs, conventional Mayan clothes, and even some eclectic & bohemian Western designs.
Some fashionable shops to go to in Tulum are Wanderlust, Pura Vida Tulum, Arte Sano, and La Troupe. You’ll additionally discover nice buys on the street-lined stalls. Be ready to pay Western costs although!
10: Eat At Native Eating places
You don’t have to go to the finest eating places in Tulum, Mexico to get a style of native meals. Seize someamazing bites among the native shacks as a substitute. Listed here are our favorites.
- Matcha Mama serves plant based mostly smoothies, kombuchas and acai bowls, they’re very talked-about on Instagram.
- Burrito Amor has among the finest burritos in Mexico!
- Uncooked Love is a vegan cafe with a hippie vibe that’s fashionable for uncooked chocolate and vegan delicacies.
- Mexican Eating Expertise is a novel restaurant the place you eat at a communal desk for a 7-course dinner and free-flowing alcohol whereas the hosts clarify the meals to you.
- Origami Tulum – Go right here for one of the best gelato!
- Hartwood is among the finest eating places in Tulum, the place you’ll take pleasure in fireplace cooked meals made with native elements.
11: Verify Out The Nightlife!
The nightlife in Tulum is occurring, and seashore bars are full virtually each night with weekends getting fairly crowded. Listed here are among the finest bars in Tulum.
- Gitano – Seize drinks at this open air jungle bar whereas snacking on appetizers!
- Papaya Playa Mission – Common for the complete moon and weekend events.
- Todos Santos – Good vibes and spectacular cocktails!
- Batey – Common for the blue-colored beetle parked outdoors, this bar is legendary for its native cocktails utilizing fruits just like the prickly pear!
- Mateos – This place is nice for drinks, or lunch. They typically have stay music at sundown on their rooftop terrace!
And don’t neglect to drink some Mexican Mezcal at any of the native bars. It’s an agave liquor that you simply’ll discover in lots of Mexican cocktails.
12: Go to A Mexican Journey Park
All through the Riviera Maya you’ll discover a sequence of out of doors journey theme parks that have been constructed to reap the benefits of the pure panorama within the Yucatan Peninsula.
Among the hottest ones are Xcaret, Xel Ha, Xplor and Rio Secreto. They’re like organized adventures that can take you zip-lining by the bushes, swimming in caves, driving ATVs, or snorkeling with colourful fish.
A good way for households to spend a day in Mexico, however adults could have a superb time at these theme parks too. I feel my favourite was Rio Secreto, as a result of it feels a bit extra genuine and fewer touristy.
13: Water Sports activities Actions
The crystal clear waters of Tulum are excellent for water sports activities. Paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, wind browsing, and boating are fashionable. So are river tubing, and snorkeling and diving within the cenotes. However probably the most touristy factor to do is kite boarding or kite browsing, as there might be lots of wind on the coast.
On land, there are additionally jungle excursions, zip lining and rappelling adventures in close by ranches.
14: Discover Tulum’s Well-known Instagram Spots
Tulum has attracted the curiosity of many well-known artists & designers, so there’s a lot of cool artwork & sculpture within the Tulum Lodge Zone. The Azulik Museum feels such as you’re strolling round in an acid journey.
Ahau Tulum has a large wood sculpture that invitations you into its bosom. The Macondo restaurant in Nomade appears to be like like a Moroccan Dream.
After which there are the murals by native artists that may be discovered throughout Tulum City. It’s an Instagram addict’s dream come true!
A few of my favourite Instagram spots in Tulum embody:
15: Be part of A Temazcal Ceremony
One very distinctive factor to do in Tulum whereas getting a style of Mayan tradition is participate in a Temazcal ceremony. This conventional Mayan ceremony of purification takes place in a tiny hut product of stone or wooden. You strip right down to your underwear (or swimsuit), and enter the sweat lodge which is heated with scorching rocks & water, turning it right into a steamy sauna.
The ceremony is led by an area shaman, who conducts the ritual and takes care of contributors. The temazcal ceremony takes place in full darkness, because the shaman pours water over the recent rocks, chanting and utilizing totally different herbs to summon spirits.
Temazcal was carried out since historical instances, and seen as a purification ceremony that cleans the physique, thoughts, and soul. As your physique is sweating within the tiny hut, you enter a deep state of meditation, enhanced by the shamanic chanting.
16: Laguna De Kaan Luum
Trying just like the blue gap in Belize, the Laguna Kaam Luum is among the finest saved Tulum secrets and techniques. The waters of the lagoon supposedly have magical properties and also you’re allowed to take a swim for 300 MXN ($15 USD). For an additional 150 pesos you may as well fly a drone right here.
Kaan Luum can be excellent for scuba diving or freediving with the deeper space cordoned off to stop entry to swimmers. There are water hammocks, swings, and small tower you could climb for an amazing view of the entire lagoon.
17: Drive To Chichen Itza
One of many New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza can be a UNESCO World Heritage Website. It’s additionally probably the most visted Mayan ruins in Mexico.
The large metropolis advanced constructed by the Mayans thrived from 525 AD to 1200 AD. Entrance prices about 80 + 417 pesos.
Probably the most fashionable locations to go to whereas staying in Tulum, Yucatan, it’s a two hour drive from Tulum City in a rental automobile, however there are additionally many organized excursions that can take you there.
Chichen Itza Tour
Skip the road at Mexico’s most well-known archaeological website, go to a colonial city, and swim in a cenote.
18: Lease A Bicycle
Rent a motorcycle and peddle by Tulum by yourself two toes. A motorcycle can be helpful to go to most seashores and eating places which might be a 15-30 minute bike journey from Tulum Centro (Downtown). Bike leases value about $5-$10 USD per day.
You too can select to guide a motorcycle tour of Tulum to expertise native tradition, cease by some ruins, and hop right into a cenote which may be off the overwhelmed path a bit.
Basic Tulum Bike Tour
Go to the Tulum’s ruins through bicycle, cruise round city, attempt some contemporary tacos, and hop right into a refreshing cenote.
19: Go to Pablo Escobar’s Seashore Home
Pablo Escobar was a Colombian drug lord who based the Medellin Cartel and was shot lifeless in 1993. His mansion within the Tulum jungle was purchased by artwork collector Lio Malca in 2012 and become an artwork lodge known as Casa Malca.
Cease by to see modern items of artwork from Leo Malca’s assortment in addition to classic furnishings. However bear in mind, should you’re not truly a lodge visitor and wish to go to — you’re required to spend at the very least 1000 pesos (about $50 USD) on drinks, meals, and many others.
20: Verify Out The Muyil Ruins
Situated contained in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, the Muyil Ruins displaying Peten structure date way back to 350 BC. Set alongside an outdated commerce path to Coba, the ruins often known as Chunyaxché are very near the Sian Ka’an Lagoon.
Aside from the principle ruins such because the 17-meter tall Castillo, you may as well climb to an commentary deck to see the encircling countryside.
21: Head To Bacalar
Bacalar is an enormous lovely blue lagoon positioned about 3 hours South of Tulum. Often known as Laguna de Siete Colores, it’s an exquisite spot go crusing, kayaking, or try a novel cenote. There’s even a shipwreck you possibly can go to!
A visit to Bacalar is finest executed as an in a single day journey, and you may return to Tulum the subsequent night. You possibly can drive your self in a rental automobile, or take an ADO bus.
Greatest Time To Go to Tulum
January – April
Glorious climate, with a lot of solar and delicate temperatures within the 80’s F. Nonetheless that is additionally the excessive season, so there are various extra vacationers. A lot of Canadians and Individuals come down for the winter.
Could – October
These are the most well liked and rainiest months of the 12 months. The warmth and humidity might be an excessive amount of for some folks. September and October can be hurricane season for the realm. Far fewer vacationers although.
November – December
That is my favourite time to go to Tulum, as a result of the climate isn’t tremendous scorching, hurricane season is over, however the excessive season for vacationers hasn’t began but.
The place Is Tulum (Getting There)
Tulum is positioned 131 km south of Cancun, a couple of 2-hour drive away. Prior to now most individuals have been flying to Cancun airport, however now you possibly can fly instantly into a brand new Tulum Worldwide Airport.
NOTE: Site visitors is horrible alongside Tulum’s seashore street. A crowded mixture of taxis, provide vehicles, and vacationers on bicycles makes it a large number. Be VERY cautious on the street right here, and don’t count on to get wherever quick in a automobile through the excessive season.
Rental Automotive
One of the best website to guide your automobile is with Uncover Vehicles. They search each native and worldwide automobile rental firms that will help you discover the very best value. That is the simplest strategy to lease a automobile and drive right down to Tulum, Mexico.
Renting a automobile affords one of the best flexibility to discover extra distant and fewer touristy spots on the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s my favourite strategy to get round Tulum!
Tulum Taxis
There are not any Ubers in Mexico, however there are taxis. Taking a taxi is what most vacationers do, however beware that the Yucatan has a “taxi mafia” that fees excessive costs every time they assume they will get away with it. At all times decide on the worth earlier than getting in.
Bike
Biking is a well-liked strategy to get round regionally. For about $10 USD ($200 MEX) you possibly can lease a motorcycle for the complete day. Your lodge might need free bikes to lease too. If not, you possibly can lease them from Ola Bike Tulum or IBike Tulum.
Shuttles
There are a bunch of airport shuttle companies providing rides from Cancun airport to Tulum, they usually’ll make sure to harass you on the airport exit. The preferred one might be Cancun Airport Transportation.
ADO Buses
Buses within the Yucatan Peninsula are run by the ADO bus firm. You should utilize these buses to get from Tulum City or Tulum Centro to the Tulum Ruins or Tulum Zona Arqueológica, or actually wherever within the Yucatan Peninsula. You should purchase tickets prematurely if you wish to, however most instances you’ll be superb shopping for a ticket simply earlier than coming into the bus.
Different native buses embody the Mayab that goes to the Coba ruins the place ADO doesn’t attain.
Colectivos
Colectivos are native minivans that transport a gaggle of individuals backward and forward. That is the most cost effective strategy to get round Tulum and the Yucatan Peninsula. These are what the locals use to get across the metropolis, however routes might be complicated should you don’t communicate Spanish.
Lease A Automotive In Mexico
Search each native and worldwide automobile rental firms that will help you discover a whole lot.
The place To Keep In Tulum
Lodging in Tulum can vary from backpacker pleasant to luxurious. One of the best areas to remain are Col Huracanes for the pubs and nightlife, Tulum Playa for the seashores, or Tulum Pueblo for one thing finances pleasant.
BEST ACCOMMODATION IN TULUM
Tulum Journey Ideas & Recommendation
- Tulum has a persistent on-and-off seaweed downside, and it will probably cowl the gorgeous white sand seashores. Resorts attempt to clear it up, however aren’t at all times profitable.
- Tulum just isn’t like different elements of Mexico, it may be tremendous costly. It has additionally develop into a preferred trip spot for celebrities.
- January to March is often very crowded and June to October is wet. To keep away from the crowds, it’s finest go to in November or December.
- Don’t count on wonderful web entry in Tulum since WiFi is admittedly sluggish in most locations.
- There are only some free public seashores in Tulum. One of the best seashores would require you to pay for entrance at a seashore membership.
FAQ: High Tulum Questions
Get pleasure from This Article? Pin It!
READ MORE MEXICO TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you loved my information on what to do in Tulum, Mexico! Hopefully you discovered it helpful. Listed here are a number of extra wanderlust-inducing articles that I like to recommend you learn subsequent:
Have any questions on issues to do in Tulum, Mexico? What about different recommendations? Be part of the dialog on Fb or Instagram to share!
