Tulum, Mexico
As soon as an idyllic sleepy village, Tulum has been remodeled into a celeb trip playground. From cenotes to chilling on the seaside — listed here are the finest issues to do in Tulum, Mexico!
Residence 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 situated about 2-hours south of Cancun, alongside Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Boasting stunning 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 fashionable world mix collectively. At the moment 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.
In reality, the Mexican authorities is opening a new worldwide airport in Tulum (in addition to a practice) someday in 2023.
I’ve spent quite a lot of time in Tulum through the years whereas residing 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 knowledgeable photographer & author. I hope you get pleasure from my Tulum ideas! In the event you discover them helpful, utilizing my affiliate hyperlinks to e book one thing will give me a small fee, at no additional price 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 may disguise 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 individual Google Maps, or open the map in a brand new window for a bigger model. Take pleasure in!
Tulum Mexico Journey Information
1: Go to The Tulum Ruins (Archeological Web site)
The Tulum Archeological Web site 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 proper backdrop for pictures.
The 5-meter tall partitions that surrounded town, could have one thing to do with the identify Tulum, which is the Maya phrase for fence.
Some essential 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 will be lengthy so I like to recommend arriving about an hour earlier (that is best when you’re renting a automobile in Mexico). Or you may as well be a 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 Seaside (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 beneficial). A motorcycle or taxi must be used as an alternative.
And at last there are the Tulum Ruins, which I described above. The ruins are situated North of each the city and the seaside.
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 when you love contemporary juice and low.
3: Loosen up On Tulum’s Greatest Seashores
Tulum has so many lush seashores with gentle sands and dazzling waters, it’s tough to decide on which seaside to get some solar at. Whereas Mexican legislation ensures public entry to all seashores, many resorts in Tulum try to cost vacationers a charge to “use their lounge chairs”.
Listed below are our prime decisions amongst Tulum’s white sandy seashores.
- Playa Paraisao boasts powder white sands, clear shallow waters, seaside bars and coconut palms.
- Playa Ruinas is the remoted seaside straight beneath the Tulum Ruins. Solely accessible from the archeological website, it opens round 10am.
- Ziggy’s Seaside is a seaside membership that prices $35 USD to enter, however consists of use of a lounge chair. This household pleasant seaside is ideal for vacationers with youngsters.
- Santa Fe Seaside is a soothing public seaside north of Playa Paraisao, and simply South of the ruins. It’s dotted with tiny seaside bars to seize a chunk or drink.
- Mirador Tulum Seaside is the place to go for dawn when 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 when you’re unfortunate, it could be round throughout your go to.
Resorts and resorts attempt to clear it up from the seashores after they can, however typically it will possibly overwhelm an space. The seaweed is innocent, however it will possibly begin to rot and scent unhealthy 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 situated simply south of Tulum, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Web site since 1987.
Sian Ka’an covers 5280 km² and is dwelling to over 300 species of birds, 120 km of shoreline, various wildlife, coral reefs, a lagoon and round 23 Mayan archaeological websites.
A well-liked exercise is to e book 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 doable to see dolphins, turtles, manatees, and all types of hen life on these journeys.
5: Swim (Or Scuba Dive) In Cenotes
You may’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. A number of the cenotes additionally embody underwater archaeological websites and relics.
With the Riviera Maya being dwelling to the most important underground cave system on the planet, connecting 1000’s of various cenotes, there are lots of stunning underground caverns and caves to discover. A few of my favourite cenotes close to Tulum embody:
- Gran Cenote – The most well-liked cenote in Tulum with waters which are thought of 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 (when you’re a licensed scuba diver).
- Carwash (aka Aktun Ha) – Positioned 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) – Appears like a cranium from beneath, and is a well-liked spot for divers. However there’s a ladder and cord swing too.
- Cenote Taak Bi Ha – One in all my favourite cenotes in Tulum, this big cave boasts crystal clear blue water. One other cenote in style with cave divers.
Cenote & Ruins Journey
Want a guided tour? Discover a few of Mexico’s Mayan ruins, and go swimming in a phenomenal 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 other forms of well being and wellness actions.
In the event you’re seeking to unwind and immerse your self in some yoga periods throughout your go to, take a look at 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 encompassing 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.
Probably 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 power to really climb the principle pyramid — one thing you may’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 attractive 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 proper snorkeling spot. The shallow waters close to the cenote teem with small fish, whereas the deeper waters close to the ocean are stuffed with turtles, rays, and greater fish.
There are shops close by that supply snacks, plus snorkeling and diving gear which 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 in style 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 a number of the native shacks as an alternative. Listed below are our favorites.
- Matcha Mama serves plant based mostly smoothies, kombuchas and acai bowls, they’re very fashionable on Instagram.
- Burrito Amor has a number of the finest burritos in Mexico!
- Uncooked Love is a vegan cafe with a hippie vibe that’s in style for uncooked chocolate and vegan delicacies.
- Mexican Eating Expertise is a singular 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 the most effective gelato!
- Hartwood is likely one of the finest eating places in Tulum, the place you’ll get pleasure from fireplace cooked meals made with native substances.
11: Verify Out The Nightlife!
The nightlife in Tulum is occurring, and seaside bars are full virtually each night with weekends getting fairly crowded. Listed below are a number of the finest bars in Tulum.
- Gitano – Seize drinks at this open air jungle bar whereas snacking on appetizers!
- Papaya Playa Challenge – Widespread for the total moon and weekend events.
- Todos Santos – Good vibes and spectacular cocktails!
- Batey – Widespread for the blue-colored beetle parked outdoors, this bar is known for its native cocktails utilizing fruits just like the prickly pear!
- Mateos – This place is nice for drinks, or lunch. They typically have dwell music at sundown on their rooftop terrace!
And don’t overlook 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 outside journey theme parks that have been constructed to reap the benefits of the pure panorama within the Yucatan Peninsula.
A number of the hottest ones are Xcaret, Xel Ha, Xplor and Rio Secreto. They’re like organized adventures that can take you zip-lining by way of 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 can have a superb time at these theme parks too. I believe my favourite was Rio Secreto, as a result of it feels a bit of extra genuine and fewer touristy.
13: Water Sports activities Actions
The crystal clear waters of Tulum are good for water sports activities. Paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, wind browsing, and boating are in style. So are river tubing, and snorkeling and diving within the cenotes. However essentially the most touristy factor to do is kite boarding or kite browsing, as there will be quite a lot 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 number 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 picket sculpture that invitations you into its bosom. The Macondo restaurant in Nomade appears 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 manufactured from stone or wooden. You strip right down to your underwear (or swimsuit), and enter the sweat lodge which is heated with sizzling rocks & water, turning it right into a steamy sauna.
The ceremony is led by a neighborhood 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 occasions, 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
Wanting just like the blue gap in Belize, the Laguna Kaam Luum is likely one of the finest stored 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 good for scuba diving or freediving with the deeper space cordoned off to forestall entry to swimmers. There are water hammocks, swings, and small tower which you could climb for an important 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 Web site. It’s additionally essentially the most visted Mayan ruins in Mexico.
The huge metropolis complicated constructed by the Mayans thrived from 525 AD to 1200 AD. Entrance prices about 80 + 417 pesos.
One of the vital in style 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 way of Tulum by yourself two ft. A motorcycle can be helpful to go to most seashores and eating places which are a 15-30 minute bike trip from Tulum Centro (Downtown). Bike leases price about $5-$10 USD per day.
You can too select to e book a motorcycle tour of Tulum to expertise native tradition, cease by some ruins, and hop right into a cenote that could be off the crushed 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 Seaside Home
Pablo Escobar was a Colombian drug lord who based the Medellin Cartel and was shot useless in 1993. His mansion within the Tulum jungle was purchased by artwork collector Lio Malca in 2012 and became 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 keep in mind, when you’re not truly a lodge visitor and wish to go to — you’re required to spend at the least 1000 pesos (about $50 USD) on drinks, meals, and many others.
20: Verify Out The Muyil Ruins
Positioned contained in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, the Muyil Ruins displaying Peten structure date way back to 350 BC. Set alongside an previous commerce path to Coba, the ruins also referred to as Chunyaxché are very near the Sian Ka’an Lagoon.
Other than the principle ruins such because the 17-meter tall Castillo, you may as well climb to an remark deck to see the encompassing countryside.
21: Head To Bacalar
Bacalar is an enormous stunning blue lagoon situated about 3 hours South of Tulum. Also referred to as Laguna de Siete Colores, it’s an exquisite spot go crusing, kayaking, or take a look at a singular cenote. There’s even a shipwreck you may go to!
A visit to Bacalar is finest carried out as an in a single day journey, and you’ll return to Tulum the following night. You may drive your self in a rental automobile, or take an ADO bus.
Greatest Time To Go to Tulum
January – April
Glorious climate, with a number of solar and gentle temperatures within the 80’s F. Nonetheless that is additionally the excessive season, so there are lots of extra vacationers. Numerous Canadians and People come down for the winter.
Could – October
These are the most well liked and rainiest months of the 12 months. The warmth and humidity will 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 sizzling, hurricane season is over, however the excessive season for vacationers hasn’t began but.
The place Is Tulum (Getting There)
Tulum is situated 131 km south of Cancun, a few 2-hour drive away. Previously most individuals have been flying to Cancun airport, however now you may fly straight into a brand new Tulum Worldwide Airport.
NOTE: Visitors is horrible alongside Tulum’s seaside street. A crowded mixture of taxis, provide vans, and vacationers on bicycles makes it a multitude. Be VERY cautious on the street right here, and don’t anticipate to get wherever quick in a automobile in the course of the excessive season.
Rental Automobile
The most effective website to e book your automobile is with Uncover Automobiles. They search each native and worldwide automobile rental firms that will help you discover the absolute best value. That is the best strategy to lease a automobile and drive right down to Tulum, Mexico.
Renting a automobile provides the most effective 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 aren’t 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 expenses excessive costs every time they assume they will get away with it. At all times decide on the value earlier than getting in.
Bike
Biking is a well-liked strategy to get round domestically. For about $10 USD ($200 MEX) you may lease a motorcycle for the whole day. Your lodge might need free bikes to lease too. If not, you may 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 be sure you harass you on the airport exit. The most well-liked one might be Cancun Airport Transportation.
ADO Buses
Buses within the Yucatan Peninsula are run by the ADO bus firm. You need to use 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 upfront if you wish to, however most occasions you’ll be tremendous shopping for a ticket simply earlier than getting 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 bunch of individuals from side to side. That is the most affordable strategy to get round Tulum and the Yucatan Peninsula. These are what the locals use to get across the metropolis, however routes will be complicated when you don’t converse Spanish.
Lease A Automobile 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. The most effective areas to remain are Col Huracanes for the pubs and nightlife, Tulum Playa for the seashores, or Tulum Pueblo for one thing price range pleasant.
BEST ACCOMMODATION IN TULUM
Tulum Journey Ideas & Recommendation
- Tulum has a persistent on-and-off seaweed downside, and it will possibly cowl the attractive white sand seashores. Resorts attempt to clear it up, however aren’t all the time profitable.
- Tulum just isn’t like different components of Mexico, it may be tremendous costly. It has additionally turn into a well-liked trip spot for celebrities.
- January to March is normally 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 anticipate wonderful web entry in Tulum since WiFi is basically sluggish in most locations.
- There are just a few free public seashores in Tulum. The most effective seashores would require you to pay for entrance at a seaside membership.
FAQ: High Tulum Questions
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READ MORE MEXICO TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you loved my information on what to do in Tulum, Mexico! Hopefully you discovered it helpful. Listed below are a couple of extra wanderlust-inducing articles that I like to recommend you learn subsequent:
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