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!
House to an historic Mayan metropolis, Tulum was as soon as referred to 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 also 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. Right this moment you’ll discover a mixture of historic Mayan ruins, yoga retreats, procuring, eating places, and loads of well-known individuals who flock right here to refresh their thoughts, physique, and soul.
The truth is, the Mexican authorities is opening a new worldwide airport in Tulum (in addition to a prepare) someday in 2023.
I’ve spent a whole lot of time in Tulum over time 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 knowledgeable photographer & author. I hope you take pleasure in my Tulum suggestions! When you 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’ll be able to cover and present completely 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. Take pleasure in!
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 proper backdrop for images.
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 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 traces may be lengthy so I like to recommend arriving about an hour earlier (that is best should you’re renting a automotive in Mexico). Or it’s also possible to 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 at some point, in addition to a Mayan village and swimming in a cenote.
2: Discover Tulum Pueblo (El Centro)
Tulum is definitely cut up up into 3 completely 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 really 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 procuring is. That is really a 5-10 minute drive away from Tulum City. Strolling this distance would take about an hour (not beneficial). A motorcycle or taxi needs to be used as an alternative.
And at last there are the Tulum Ruins, which I described above. The ruins are positioned 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 should you love contemporary juice and occasional.
3: Loosen up On Tulum’s Finest Seashores
Tulum has so many lush seashores with delicate sands and dazzling waters, it’s tough to decide on which seaside to get some solar at. Whereas Mexican regulation ensures public entry to all seashores, many resorts in Tulum try to cost vacationers a price to “use their lounge chairs”.
Listed here are our high 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 under the Tulum Ruins. Solely accessible from the archeological web site, 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 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 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 annually, and should you’re unfortunate, it might be round throughout your go to.
Inns and resorts attempt to clear it up from the seashores once they can, however typically it may well overwhelm an space. The seaweed is innocent, however it may well begin to rot and odor dangerous if it isn’t eliminated straight away.
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 dwelling to over 300 species of birds, 120 km of shoreline, numerous 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 chook life on these journeys.
5: Swim (Or Scuba Dive) In Cenotes
You’ll be able to’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 the planet, connecting 1000’s of various cenotes, there are numerous lovely 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 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) – Appears to be like like a cranium from under, and is a well-liked spot for divers. However there’s a ladder and cord 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 well-liked with cave divers.
Cenote & Ruins Journey
Favor a guided tour? Discover a few of Mexico’s Mayan ruins, and go swimming in a gorgeous 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.
When you’re seeking 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.
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 web site is the power 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 completely 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 combination 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 crammed with turtles, rays, and greater fish.
There are shops close by that supply snacks, plus snorkeling and diving gear that you may lease.
Tulum is a well-liked procuring vacation spot too. Boutique retailers promote souvenirs, conventional Mayan clothes, and even some eclectic & bohemian Western designs.
Some well-liked 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 among the native shacks as an alternative. Listed here are our favorites.
- Matcha Mama serves plant based mostly smoothies, kombuchas and acai bowls, they’re very fashionable on Instagram.
- Burrito Amor has among the greatest burritos in Mexico!
- Uncooked Love is a vegan cafe with a hippie vibe that’s well-liked 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 the perfect gelato!
- Hartwood is likely one of the greatest eating places in Tulum, the place you’ll take pleasure in hearth cooked meals made with native substances.
11: Test Out The Nightlife!
The nightlife in Tulum is occurring, and seaside bars are full nearly each night with weekends getting fairly crowded. Listed here are among the greatest bars in Tulum.
- Gitano – Seize drinks at this open air jungle bar whereas snacking on appetizers!
- Papaya Playa Undertaking – In style for the total moon and weekend events.
- Todos Santos – Good vibes and spectacular cocktails!
- Batey – In style 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 usually have reside 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 just’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 had 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 may take you zip-lining via the timber, swimming in caves, driving ATVs, or snorkeling with colourful fish.
An effective way for households to spend a day in Mexico, however adults may have an excellent 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 excellent for water sports activities. Paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, wind browsing, and boating are well-liked. 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 may be a whole 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 numerous 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 a large wood 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 all the way 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 new rocks, chanting and utilizing completely different herbs to summon spirits.
Temazcal was carried out since historic 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
Wanting just like the blue gap in Belize, the Laguna Kaam Luum is likely one of the greatest 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 it’s also possible to fly a drone right here.
Kaan Luum can also be excellent 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 may 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 Website. It’s additionally probably 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.
Some of the well-liked locations to go to whereas staying in Tulum, Yucatan, it’s a two hour drive from Tulum City in a rental automotive, however there are additionally many organized excursions that may take you there.
Chichen Itza Tour
Skip the road at Mexico’s most well-known archaeological web site, go to a colonial city, and swim in a cenote.
18: Lease A Bicycle
Rent a motorbike and peddle via Tulum by yourself two toes. A motorcycle 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.
You may also select to e-book a motorbike 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.
Traditional Tulum Bike Tour
Go to the Tulum’s ruins by way of bicycle, cruise round city, strive 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 resort referred to 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 really a resort visitor and want to go to — you’re required to spend not less than 1000 pesos (about $50 USD) on drinks, meals, and many others.
20: Test 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 previous commerce path to Coba, the ruins also referred to as Chunyaxché are very near the Sian Ka’an Lagoon.
Aside from the primary ruins such because the 17-meter tall Castillo, it’s also possible to climb to an remark deck to see the encircling countryside.
21: Head To Bacalar
Bacalar is an enormous lovely blue lagoon positioned about 3 hours South of Tulum. Also called Laguna de Siete Colores, it’s a beautiful spot go crusing, kayaking, or try a novel 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 subsequent night. You’ll be able to drive your self in a rental automotive, or take an ADO bus.
Finest Time To Go to Tulum
January – April
Wonderful climate, with numerous solar and gentle temperatures within the 80’s F. Nevertheless that is additionally the excessive season, so there are numerous extra vacationers. A lot of Canadians and People come down for the winter.
Could – October
These are the most popular and rainiest months of the yr. The warmth and humidity may 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 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. Previously most individuals had been flying to Cancun airport, however now you’ll be able to fly straight into a brand new Tulum Worldwide Airport.
NOTE: 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 wherever quick in a automotive through the excessive season.
Rental Automobile
One of the best web site to e-book your automotive is with Uncover Automobiles. They search each native and worldwide automotive rental firms that can assist you discover the very best value. That is the best solution to lease a automotive and drive all the way down to Tulum, Mexico.
Renting a automotive presents the perfect flexibility to discover extra distant and fewer touristy spots on the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s my favourite solution 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 prices excessive costs each time they assume they’ll get away with it. All the time decide on the value earlier than getting in.
Bike
Biking is a well-liked solution to get round regionally. For about $10 USD ($200 MEX) you’ll be able to lease a motorbike for your complete day. Your resort might need free bikes to lease too. If not, you’ll be able to 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 remember to 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 buy tickets upfront if you wish to, however most instances you’ll be effective 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 solution to get round Tulum and the Yucatan Peninsula. These are what the locals use to get across the metropolis, however routes may be complicated should you don’t communicate Spanish.
Lease A Automobile In Mexico
Search each native and worldwide automotive rental firms that can assist 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 Suggestions & Recommendation
- Tulum has a persistent on-and-off seaweed drawback, and it may well cowl the attractive white sand seashores. Resorts attempt to clear it up, however aren’t at all times profitable.
- Tulum isn’t like different components of Mexico, it may be tremendous costly. It has additionally grow to be 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 greatest go to in November or December.
- Don’t count on superb web entry in Tulum since WiFi is absolutely 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 seaside membership.
FAQ: High Tulum Questions
Take pleasure in 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 just a few 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 strategies? Be part of the dialog on Fb or Instagram to share!
