Tulum, Mexico
As soon as an idyllic sleepy village, Tulum has been reworked into a celeb trip playground. From cenotes to chilling on the seaside — listed below are the greatest issues to do in Tulum, Mexico!
House to an historical 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 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 this time 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.
Actually, the Mexican authorities is opening a new worldwide airport in Tulum (in addition to a prepare) 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 case you discover them helpful, utilizing my affiliate hyperlinks to ebook 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 may conceal 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 reserve it 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 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 the town, could have one thing to do with the identify Tulum, which is the Maya phrase for fence.
Some vital 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 (that is best in case you’re renting a automobile in Mexico). Or you too can 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 sooner or later, 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 might 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 outlets.
Tulum Seashore (aka Tulum Lodge 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 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 seaside.
A couple 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 in case you love contemporary juice and low.
3: Calm down On Tulum’s Greatest Seashores
Tulum has so many lush seashores with tender 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 motels in Tulum try to cost vacationers a charge to “use their lounge chairs”.
Listed below 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 website, it opens round 10am.
- Ziggy’s Seashore 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 children.
- 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 chew or drink.
- Mirador Tulum Seashore is the place to go for dawn in case you’re searching for a quiet place to sit back.
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 in case you’re unfortunate, it could be round throughout your go to.
Motels and resorts attempt to clear it up from the seashores once they can, however typically it might overwhelm an space. The seaweed is innocent, however it might begin to rot and scent 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 ebook 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 biggest underground cave system on this planet, connecting hundreds 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 – Referred to as Two Eyes Cenote, this one has nice snorkeling and cave diving (in case 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 automobiles, 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 – Considered one of my favourite cenotes in Tulum, this large cave boasts crystal clear blue water. One other cenote fashionable with cave divers.
Cenote & Ruins Journey
Favor a guided tour? Discover a few of Mexico’s Mayan ruins, and go swimming in a ravishing 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 classes, and different kinds of well being and wellness actions.
In case you’re trying to unwind and immerse your self in some yoga classes 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 Traditional 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 flexibility to really climb the primary 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 crammed with turtles, rays, and greater fish.
There are shops close by that provide snacks, plus snorkeling and diving gear that you may lease.
Tulum is a well-liked procuring vacation spot too. Boutique outlets 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 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 below are our favorites.
- Matcha Mama serves plant based mostly smoothies, kombuchas and acai bowls, they’re extremely popular 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 fashionable 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 greatest eating places in Tulum, the place you’ll get pleasure from fireplace cooked meals made with native elements.
11: Examine Out The Nightlife!
The nightlife in Tulum is going on, and seaside bars are full virtually each night with weekends getting fairly crowded. Listed below are a number of the greatest bars in Tulum.
- Gitano – Seize drinks at this open air jungle bar whereas snacking on appetizers!
- Papaya Playa Mission – Widespread for the complete moon and weekend events.
- Todos Santos – Good vibes and spectacular cocktails!
- Batey – Widespread for the blue-colored beetle parked exterior, 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 usually have dwell 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 outside journey theme parks that had been constructed to make the most 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 by means of the timber, 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 very good 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 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 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 wood sculpture that invitations you into its bosom. The Macondo restaurant in Nomade seems 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 made 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 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 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 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 you too can 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 that you may climb for an ideal 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 huge metropolis complicated 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 may 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 motorbike and peddle by means of 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 trip from Tulum Centro (Downtown). Bike leases value about $5-$10 USD per day.
You too can select to ebook a motorbike tour of Tulum to expertise native tradition, cease by some ruins, and hop right into a cenote that could be off the overwhelmed 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 useless 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 up to date items of artwork from Leo Malca’s assortment in addition to classic furnishings. However bear in mind, in case 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 so on.
20: Examine 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 called Chunyaxché are very near the Sian Ka’an Lagoon.
Other than the primary ruins such because the 17-meter tall Castillo, you too can climb to an commentary deck to see the encircling countryside.
21: Head To Bacalar
Bacalar is a large 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 singular cenote. There’s even a shipwreck you possibly can go to!
A visit to Bacalar is greatest achieved as an in a single day journey, and you may 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 delicate temperatures within the 80’s F. Nonetheless that is additionally the excessive season, so there are various extra vacationers. Numerous Canadians and Individuals come down for the winter.
Could – October
These are the most well liked and rainiest months of the yr. The warmth and humidity will be an excessive amount of for some folks. September and October can 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 positioned 131 km South of Cancun, a few 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 possibly can ebook a personal shuttle to Tulum or take the general public ADO bus (less expensive). Buses depart each 30-minutes and value about 300 pesos ($15 USD).
NOTE: Site visitors is horrible alongside Tulum’s seaside street. A crowded mixture of taxis, provide vans, and vacationers on bicycles makes it a large number. Be VERY cautious on the street right here, and don’t anticipate to get wherever quick in a automobile throughout the high-season.
Rental Automobile
The very best website to ebook your automobile is with Uncover Vehicles. They search each native and worldwide automobile rental corporations that will help you discover the very best value. That is the best solution 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 solution 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 fees excessive costs each time they suppose they’ll get away with it. At all times choose the value earlier than getting in.
Bike
Biking is a well-liked solution to get round regionally. For about $10 USD ($200 MEX) you possibly can lease a motorbike for the complete day. Your resort 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 you 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 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 occasions you’ll be fantastic 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 solution to get round Tulum and the Yucatan Peninsula. These are what the locals use to get across the metropolis, however routes will be complicated in case you don’t converse Spanish.
Hire A Automobile In Mexico
Search each native and worldwide automobile rental corporations 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 very 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 downside, and it might cowl the gorgeous white sand seashores. Resorts attempt to clear it up, however aren’t all the time profitable.
- Tulum shouldn’t be like different elements of Mexico, it may be tremendous costly. It has additionally turn into a well-liked 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 anticipate wonderful web entry in Tulum since WiFi is absolutely sluggish in most locations.
- There are only some free public seashores in Tulum. The very best seashores would require you to pay for entrance at a seaside membership.
FAQ: Prime Tulum Questions
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