Tulum, Mexico
As soon as an idyllic sleepy village, Tulum has been remodeled into a star trip playground. From cenotes to chilling on the seaside — listed here are the greatest issues to do in Tulum, Mexico!
Residence to an historic 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 lovely sandy seashores and crystal clear water, Tulum can also 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 present you’ll discover a mixture of historic Mayan ruins, yoga retreats, purchasing, 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 a number of time in Tulum through the years whereas dwelling on and off in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and wished 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 get pleasure from my Tulum suggestions! For those who discover them helpful, utilizing my affiliate hyperlinks to e-book one thing will give me a small fee, at no further 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 may 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 Web site)
The Tulum Archeological Web site is a powerful 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 images.
The 5-meter tall partitions that surrounded the 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 could 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 can too 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 Seashore (aka Tulum Resort Zone) is the place all of the seashores, resorts, and vacationer purchasing 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 motorbike or taxi ought to be used as a substitute.
And eventually there are the Tulum Ruins, which I described above. The ruins are situated North of each the city and the seaside.
A number of good locations to cease in Tulum City to get a really feel for native Mexican life embody La Chiapaneca for avenue tacos, Del Cielo for breakfast or brunch, and Huerto del Eden should you love recent juice and low.
3: Chill out On Tulum’s Greatest Seashores
Tulum has so many lush seashores with gentle sands and dazzling waters, it’s troublesome to decide on which seaside to get some solar at. Whereas Mexican regulation ensures public entry to all seashores, many motels in Tulum try to cost vacationers a payment 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, 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 Seashore is a seaside membership that prices $35 USD to enter, however contains use of a lounge chair. This household pleasant seaside is ideal for vacationers with youngsters.
- Santa Fe Seashore is a calming public seaside north of Playa Paraisao, and simply South of the ruins. It’s dotted with tiny seaside bars to seize a chew or drink.
- Mirador Tulum Seashore is the place to go for dawn should you’re on the lookout for a quiet place to sit back.
One factor most individuals don’t know is that Tulum can generally 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 after they can, however generally it might overwhelm an space. The seaweed is innocent, however it might begin to rot and odor dangerous if it isn’t eliminated immediately.
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 attainable to see dolphins, turtles, manatees, and all types of fowl 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. Among the cenotes additionally embody underwater archaeological websites and relics.
With the Riviera Maya being dwelling to the most important underground cave system on this planet, connecting hundreds of various cenotes, there are a lot of 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 can 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 highway to Coba, Carwash was as soon as used for laundry automobiles, however now it’s only for swimming or cave diving.
- Calavera (aka Temple Of Doom) – Seems to be like a cranium from beneath, and is a well-liked spot for divers. However there’s a ladder and twine swing too.
- Cenote Taak Bi Ha – One in every of my favourite cenotes in Tulum, this big cave boasts crystal clear blue water. One other cenote common with cave divers.
Cenote & Ruins Journey
Want a guided tour? Discover a few of Mexico’s Mayan ruins, and go swimming in a stupendous cenote.
6: Take A Yoga Class
Tulum is a well-liked vacation spot for hippie/bohemian/new-age sorts, 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 nearly 50,000 souls, these ruins date again to the Center and Late Traditional intervals (500 to 900 AD) of the Mayan civilization. Nevertheless, 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 flexibility to really climb the primary pyramid — one thing you’ll be able to’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 also be an inlet for the ocean.
Due to the combo of sea water and recent 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 full of turtles, rays, and larger fish.
There are shops close by that provide snacks, plus snorkeling and diving gear that you could hire.
Tulum is a well-liked purchasing vacation spot too. Boutique retailers promote souvenirs, conventional Mayan clothes, and even some eclectic & bohemian Western designs.
Some common 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 greatest eating places in Tulum, Mexico to get a style of native meals. Seize someamazing bites a number of the native shacks as a substitute. Listed here are our favorites.
- Matcha Mama serves plant primarily based smoothies, kombuchas and acai bowls, they’re very talked-about on Instagram.
- Burrito Amor has a number of the greatest burritos in Mexico!
- Uncooked Love is a vegan cafe with a hippie vibe that’s common 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 perfect gelato!
- Hartwood is likely one of the greatest 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 going on, and seaside bars are full nearly each night with weekends getting fairly crowded. Listed here are a number of the greatest bars in Tulum.
- Gitano – Seize drinks at this open air jungle bar whereas snacking on appetizers!
- Papaya Playa Venture – Fashionable for the total moon and weekend events.
- Todos Santos – Good vibes and spectacular cocktails!
- Batey – Fashionable 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 means of the bushes, swimming in caves, driving ATVs, or snorkeling with colourful fish.
An effective way for households to spend a day in Mexico, however adults could have a very good time at these theme parks too. I feel my favourite was Rio Secreto, as a result of it feels slightly 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 common. 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 could be a number 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 Resort Zone. The Azulik Museum feels such as you’re strolling round in an acid journey.
Ahau Tulum has an enormous 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 a 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 all the way 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 an area shaman, who conducts the ritual and takes care of individuals. 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 historic 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
Trying just like the blue gap in Belize, the Laguna Kaam Luum is likely one of the greatest 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 can too fly a drone right here.
Kaan Luum can also 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 that you could climb for an incredible view of the entire lagoon.
17: Drive To Chichen Itza
One of many New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza can also be a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. It’s additionally essentially the most visted Mayan ruins in Mexico.
The large metropolis complicated constructed by the Mayans thrived from 525 AD to 1200 AD. Entrance prices about 80 + 417 pesos.
One of the crucial common 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: Hire A Bicycle
Rent a motorcycle and peddle by means of Tulum by yourself two toes. A motorbike can also be helpful to go to most seashores and eating places which can be a 15-30 minute bike trip from Tulum Centro (Downtown). Bike leases value about $5-$10 USD per day.
It’s also possible to select to e-book a motorcycle tour of Tulum to expertise native tradition, cease by some ruins, and hop right into a cenote which may be off the crushed path a bit.
Traditional Tulum Bike Tour
Go to the Tulum’s ruins through bicycle, cruise round city, attempt some recent 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 was 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, should you’re not truly a lodge visitor and want 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
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 also referred to as Chunyaxché are very near the Sian Ka’an Lagoon.
Other than the primary ruins such because the 17-meter tall Castillo, you can too climb to an remark deck to see the encircling countryside.
21: Head To Bacalar
Bacalar is an enormous lovely blue lagoon situated about 3 hours South of Tulum. Also called Laguna de Siete Colores, it’s a beautiful spot go crusing, kayaking, or try a singular cenote. There’s even a shipwreck you’ll be able to go to!
A visit to Bacalar is greatest executed 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
Wonderful climate, with a number of solar and gentle temperatures within the 80’s F. Nevertheless that is additionally the excessive season, so there are a lot of extra vacationers. A lot of Canadians and People come down for the winter.
Could – October
These are the most well liked and rainiest months of the yr. The warmth and humidity could be an excessive amount of for some folks. September and October can also be hurricane season for the world. 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 couple of 2-hour drive away. Most individuals get to Tulum after flying into Cancun Worldwide Airport. Seek for the most affordable flights to Cancun on Skyscanner.com.
From the airport, you’ll be able to e-book a personal shuttle to Tulum or take the general public ADO bus (less expensive). Buses depart each 30-minutes and price about 300 pesos ($15 USD).
NOTE: Site visitors is horrible alongside Tulum’s seaside highway. A crowded mixture of taxis, provide vehicles, and vacationers on bicycles makes it a large number. Be VERY cautious on the highway right here, and don’t count on to get anyplace quick in a automobile in the course of the high-season.
Rental Automobile
One of the best website to e-book your automobile is with Uncover Vehicles. They search each native and worldwide automobile rental firms that will help you discover the absolute best value. That is the simplest strategy to hire a automobile and drive all the way down to Tulum, Mexico.
Renting a automobile presents the perfect 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 expenses excessive costs at any time when they assume they will get away with it. All the time choose the value earlier than getting in.
Bike
Biking is a well-liked strategy to get round domestically. For about $10 USD ($200 MEX) you’ll be able to hire a motorcycle for all the day. Your lodge might need free bikes to hire too. If not, you’ll be able to hire 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 you should definitely 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 anyplace within the Yucatan Peninsula. You should purchase tickets prematurely if you wish to, however most occasions you’ll be fantastic 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 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 could be complicated should you don’t communicate Spanish.
Hire 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. 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 funds pleasant.
BEST ACCOMMODATION IN TULUM
Tulum Journey Ideas & Recommendation
- Tulum has a persistent on-and-off seaweed drawback, and it might cowl the attractive white sand seashores. Resorts attempt to clear it up, however aren’t all the time profitable.
- Tulum 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 normally very crowded and June to October is wet. To keep away from the crowds, it’s greatest go to in November or December.
- Don’t count on superb web entry in Tulum since WiFi is basically gradual in most locations.
- There are just a few free public seashores in Tulum. One of the best seashores would require you to pay for entrance at a seaside membership.
FAQ: Prime Tulum Questions
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I hope you loved my information on what to do in Tulum, Mexico! Hopefully you discovered it helpful. Listed here are a couple of extra wanderlust-inducing articles that I like to recommend you learn subsequent:
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