Tulum, Mexico
Once an idyllic sleepy village, Tulum has been reworked into a star trip playground. From cenotes to chilling on the seashore — listed below are the finest issues to do in Tulum, Mexico!
Home to an historical Mayan metropolis, Tulum was as soon as known as Zama or “City of Dawn”.
Where 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 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. Today you’ll discover a mixture of historical Mayan ruins, yoga retreats, procuring, eating places, and loads of well-known individuals who flock right here to refresh their thoughts, physique, and soul.
In truth, the Mexican authorities is opening a new worldwide airport in Tulum (in addition to a prepare) someday in 2023.
I’ve spent loads 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.
My Tulum itinerary is totally free! I’ve labored onerous placing it collectively for you. If you discover it helpful, please use my affiliate hyperlinks if you guide resorts, rental vehicles or actions. I’ll receives a commission 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 the highest left of the map to search out separate layers marking the route and factors of curiosity. You can disguise 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 individual Google Maps, or open the map in a brand new window for a bigger model. Enjoy!
Mexico Travel Restrictions 2023
Mexico has eliminated all COVID-19 entry necessities, together with for Americans. It’s the right time to go to Tulum!
You can discover the most recent updates on touring to Mexico right here.
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Tulum Mexico Travel Guide
1: Visit The Tulum Ruins (Archeological Site)
The Tulum Archeological 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 right backdrop for images.
The 5-meter tall partitions that surrounded the town, might have one thing to do with the identify Tulum, which is the Maya phrase for fence.
Some essential buildings 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 will be lengthy so I like to recommend arriving about an hour earlier, if you wish to be first in line. Or you can even be a part of a guided tour.
➜ Read My Guide To Visiting Tulum’s Ruins Here
Tour Of Tulum & Coba
Explore 2 archaeological websites in someday, in addition to a Mayan village and swimming in a cenote.
2: Explore Tulum Pueblo (El Centro)
Tulum is definitely break up up into 3 completely different areas, all generally described as “Tulum”, which might make issues a bit complicated for first time guests.
Tulum Town (aka Tulum Pueblo, or El Centro) is the place locals in Tulum truly do enterprise. Here you’ll discover grocery shops, native eating places, and different Mexican outlets.
Tulum Beach (aka Tulum Hotel Zone) is the place all of the seashores, resorts, and vacationer procuring is. This is definitely a 5-10 minute drive away from Tulum Town. Walking this distance would take about an hour (not beneficial). A motorbike or taxi ought to be used as an alternative.
And lastly there are the Tulum Ruins, which I described above. The ruins are situated North of each the city and the seashore.
A couple of good locations to cease in Tulum Town 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 recent juice and occasional.
3: Relax On Tulum’s Best Beaches
Tulum has so many lush seashores with comfortable sands and dazzling waters, it’s troublesome to decide on which seashore to get some solar at. While Mexican legislation ensures public entry to all seashores, many resorts in Tulum try to cost vacationers a charge to “use their lounge chairs”.
Here are our prime decisions 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 immediately under the Tulum Ruins. Only accessible from the archeological web site, it opens round 10am.
- Ziggy’s Beach 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 children.
- Santa Fe Beach 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 chew or drink.
- Mirador Tulum Beach is the place to go for dawn should you’re searching for 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 could be round throughout your go to.
Hotels and resorts attempt to clear it up from the seashores after they can, however typically it could actually overwhelm an space. The seaweed is innocent, however it could actually begin to rot and scent 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 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 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 fowl life on these journeys.
5: Swim (Or Scuba Dive) In Cenotes
You 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. Some of 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 1000’s of various cenotes, there are various lovely underground caverns and caves to discover. Some of my favourite cenotes close to Tulum embody:
- Gran Cenote – The hottest 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 – Called Two Eyes Cenote, this one has nice snorkeling and cave diving (should you’re a licensed scuba diver).
- Carwash (aka Aktun Ha) – Located proper off the highway 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) – Looks like a cranium from under, and is a well-liked spot for divers. But there’s a ladder and cord swing too.
- Cenote Taak Bi Ha – One of my favourite cenotes in Tulum, this large cave boasts crystal clear blue water. Another cenote common with cave divers.
Cenote & Ruins Adventure
Prefer a guided tour? Explore 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 sorts, and as such, you’ll discover loads of yoga retreats, music remedy periods, and other forms of well being and wellness actions.
If 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 encircling jungle. Once inhabited by virtually 50,000 souls, these ruins date again to the Middle and Late Classic durations (500 to 900 AD) of the Mayan civilization. However, Coba has been inhabited way back to 50 BC.
The most visited websites at Coba embody the Nohoch Mul Pyramid, Sacbe, Coba Group, Coba Stelae, Macanxoc Group and Conjunto de Pinturas. One of the distinctive options of this Mayan web site is the power to truly climb the principle pyramid — one thing you’ll be able to’t do at different ruins.
➜ Read My Guide To Visiting Coba Ruins Here
8: Visit Yal-Ku Lagoon
Just a 30 minute drive from Tulum, the gorgeous 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 be an inlet for the ocean.
Because of the combo of sea water and recent 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 crammed with turtles, rays, and greater fish.
There are shops close by that supply snacks, plus snorkeling and diving gear you could hire.
Tulum is a well-liked procuring vacation spot too. Boutique outlets 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 Local Restaurants
You don’t have to go to the finest eating places in Tulum, Mexico to get a style of native meals. Grab someamazing bites among the native shacks as an alternative. 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 finest burritos in Mexico!
- Raw Love is a vegan cafe with a hippie vibe that’s common for uncooked chocolate and vegan delicacies.
- Mexican Dining Experience 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 one of the best gelato!
- Hartwood is without doubt one of the finest eating places in Tulum, the place you’ll get pleasure from fireplace cooked meals made with native substances.
11: Check Out The Nightlife!
The nightlife in Tulum is going on, and seashore bars are full virtually each night with weekends getting fairly crowded. Here are among the finest bars in Tulum.
- Gitano – Grab drinks at this open air jungle bar whereas snacking on appetizers!
- Papaya Playa Project – Popular for the complete moon and weekend events.
- Todos Santos – Good vibes and spectacular cocktails!
- Batey – Popular 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 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: Visit A Mexican Adventure Park
Throughout the Riviera Maya you’ll discover a collection of out of doors journey theme parks that have been constructed to make the most of the pure panorama within the Yucatan Peninsula.
Some of the preferred ones are Xcaret, Xel Ha, Xplor and Rio Secreto. They’re like organized adventures that may take you zip-lining by way of 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 can have time at these theme parks too. I feel my favourite was Rio Secreto, as a result of it feels just a little extra genuine and fewer touristy.
13: Water Sports Activities
The crystal clear waters of Tulum are excellent 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. But probably the most touristy factor to do is kite boarding or kite browsing, as there will be loads of wind on the coast.
On land, there are additionally jungle excursions, zip lining and rappelling adventures in close by ranches.
14: Find Tulum’s Famous 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 Hotel 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.
And then there are the murals by native artists that may be discovered throughout Tulum Town. It’s an Instagram addict’s dream come true!
Some of my favourite Instagram spots in Tulum embody:
15: Join 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 made 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 members. The temazcal ceremony takes place in full darkness, because the shaman pours water over the recent rocks, chanting and utilizing completely 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
Looking just like the blue gap in Belize, the Laguna Kaam Luum is without doubt one of 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 can even fly a drone right here.
Kaan Luum can 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 you could climb for an incredible view of the entire lagoon.
17: Drive To Chichen Itza
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza can be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s additionally probably the most visted Mayan ruins in Mexico.
The huge metropolis advanced constructed by the Mayans thrived from 525 AD to 1200 AD. Entrance prices about 80 + 417 pesos.
One of the preferred locations to go to whereas staying in Tulum, Yucatan, it’s a two hour drive from Tulum Town in a rental automobile, 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: Rent A Bicycle
Hire a motorbike and peddle by way of Tulum by yourself two ft. A motorbike 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 price about $5-$10 USD per day.
You also can select to guide a motorbike 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.
Classic Tulum Bike Tour
Visit the Tulum’s ruins through bicycle, cruise round city, strive some recent tacos, and hop right into a refreshing cenote.
19: Visit Pablo Escobar’s Beach House
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 changed into an artwork resort known as Casa Malca.
Stop by to see modern items of artwork from Leo Malca’s assortment in addition to classic furnishings. But bear in mind, should you’re not truly 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 so on.
20: Check Out The Muyil Ruins
Located 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.
Apart from the principle ruins such because the 17-meter tall Castillo, you can even climb to an remark deck to see the encircling countryside.
21: Head To Bacalar
Bacalar is a large lovely blue lagoon situated about 3 hours South of Tulum. Also generally known as Laguna de Siete Colores, it’s a beautiful spot go crusing, kayaking, or take a look at a singular cenote. There’s even a shipwreck you’ll be able to go to!
A visit to Bacalar is finest carried out as an in a single day journey, and you may return to Tulum the subsequent night. You can drive your self in a rental automobile, or take an ADO bus.
Best Time To Visit Tulum
January – April
Excellent climate, with a lot of solar and delicate temperatures within the 80’s F. However that is additionally the excessive season, so there are various extra vacationers. Lots of Canadians and Americans come down for the winter.
May – October
These are the most popular and rainiest months of the yr. The warmth and humidity will be an excessive amount of for some individuals. September and October can be hurricane season for the world. Far fewer vacationers although.
November – December
This 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.
Where Is Tulum (Getting There)
Tulum is situated 131 km South of Cancun, a few 2-hour drive away. Most individuals get to Tulum after flying into Cancun International Airport. Search for the most cost effective flights to Cancun on Skyscanner.com.
From the airport, you’ll be able to guide a personal shuttle to Tulum or take the general public ADO bus (less expensive). Buses go away each 30-minutes and value about 300 pesos ($15 USD).
NOTE: Traffic is horrible alongside Tulum’s seashore highway. A crowded mixture of taxis, provide vehicles, and vacationers on bicycles makes it a multitude. Be VERY cautious on the highway right here, and don’t count on to get wherever quick in a automobile through the high-season.
Rental Car
The finest web site to guide your automobile is with Discover Cars. They search each native and worldwide automobile rental corporations that will help you discover the very best worth. This is the best approach to hire a automobile and drive all the way down to Tulum, Mexico.
Renting a automobile presents one of the best flexibility to discover extra distant and fewer touristy spots on the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s my favourite approach 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 costs excessive costs at any time when they suppose they’ll get away with it. Always choose the worth earlier than getting in.
Bike
Cycling is a well-liked approach to get round domestically. For about $10 USD ($200 MEX) you’ll be able to hire a motorbike for all the day. Your resort may 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 be sure you harass you on the airport exit. The hottest one might be Cancun Airport Transportation.
ADO Buses
Buses within the Yucatan Peninsula are run by the ADO bus firm. You can use these buses to get from Tulum Town or Tulum Centro to the Tulum Ruins or Tulum Zona Arqueológica, or actually wherever within the Yucatan Peninsula. You can purchase tickets prematurely if you wish to, however most instances you’ll be superb shopping for a ticket simply earlier than getting into the bus.
Other 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. This is the most cost effective approach to get round Tulum and the Yucatan Peninsula. These are what the locals use to get across the metropolis, however routes will be complicated should you don’t communicate Spanish.
Rent A Car In Mexico
Search each native and worldwide automobile rental corporations that will help you discover a whole lot.
Where To Stay In Tulum
Accommodation in Tulum can vary from backpacker pleasant to luxurious. The finest 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 Travel Tips & Advice
- Tulum has a persistent on-and-off seaweed downside, and it could actually cowl the gorgeous white sand seashores. Resorts attempt to clear it up, however aren’t all the time profitable.
- Tulum will not be like different components of Mexico, it may be tremendous costly. It has additionally turn 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 finest go to in November or December.
- Don’t count on wonderful web entry in Tulum since WiFi is admittedly gradual in most locations.
- There are just a few free public seashores in Tulum. The finest seashores would require you to pay for entrance at a seashore membership.
FAQ: Top Tulum Questions
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