Tulum is a dreamy, laid again seashore paradise with white sands and jungle adventures. I had 5 days there to discover and was overwhelmed with superb issues to select from.
Now more often than not in seashore locations, I do know precisely what to do – head to the sand and placed on SCUBA gear, discover a hammock, or seek for a chilly coconut. In Tulum there’s much more to select from, together with Mayan ruins, cenotes (caves or sinkholes which can be crammed in with crystal clear water) galore, numerous lagoons to float in, yoga, and road tacos. That final level is essential.
It’s powerful to slender it down, however these 13 superb issues to do in Tulum are a number of the greatest, together with numerous selection and deliciousness:
1. Take a dip in the cenotes
I had no concept till arriving in Mexico that there are roughly 1 billion cenotes to select from. Properly not likely, however there are such a lot of cenotes scattered nearly all over the place that you possibly can spend weeks solely going cenote searching. Every has a singular promoting level as effectively – some are greatest for diving, others are deep in caves, they usually differ in shade as effectively. So how do you decide and select? I requested a couple of of my pals who’re acquainted with the realm to make suggestions earlier than I went and ended up visiting 5 totally different cenotes:
*By the best way, I rented a automotive and self-drove to these cenotes, which I like to recommend should you’re snug with it. If not, at the present time tour will take you to a number of.
Gran Cenote
180 pesos, extremely popular
This can be a extremely popular one, however by arriving proper when it opened at Eight AM I didn’t have to battle the crowds to get pleasure from this cenote. In a while in the day after I drove by, the parking zone was buzzing with vehicles and other people. I might extremely suggest getting to this one first and visiting the others on this listing after. One quirky factor about Gran Cenote is that there are a ton of turtles in the water, which you’ll be able to swim alongside!
Whereas the cenote does really feel very business with an enormous deck constructed on high, which initially turned me off, after spending some extra time there, swimming round, and discovering one other little hidden space, I made a decision that it was fairly lovely and I do suggest visiting. Simply go there early!
Choo-ha
100 pesos, much less widespread (however no much less superb)
Out of the entire cenotes, I appreciated this one one of the best as a result of it felt the least business. The infant blue water is a pleasant temperature and I simply liked trying across the within the gorgeous cave. In distinction to the Gran Cenote with its open ceiling, this one has a really small opening on the high and a slender staircase down.
That is one in all a trio of cenotes out close to Coba, so I visited all three as a result of we had been there anyway, proper?
Tamcach-ha
100 pesos, much less widespread
I used to be struck by how deeply blue the water is in this cenote. It additionally has two platforms which you can leap off of into the water. I solely realized mid-fall that the upper of the 2 actually is sort of excessive, so ensure you’ve obtained your type proper earlier than you hit the water!
I give my pencil dive a 7 out of 10 however let me inform you, after nursing a sore neck the following day I want it had been a 10 out of 10! Preserve the great type, folks!
Multum-ha
100 pesos, much less widespread
Out of the three cenotes close to Coba, this one was the least superb nevertheless it was additionally the largest, so there’s a lot to swim round and to see. The stalactites on the ceiling are additionally fairly spectacular.
Bonus: Suytun close to Valladolid
120 pesos, extremely popular
Suytun is sort of a drive away from Tulum however out of the entire cenotes I visited, this one was the dreamiest-looking. The platform is partially submerged below the water and strolling out to it to be illuminated by a gap in the ceiling feels such as you’re strolling on nature’s cat stroll.
I awakened at 6 AM to get to the cenote proper when it opened in order that I might get photographs with out anyone in them. I’m nonetheless not clear on whether or not it opens at Eight or 9 AM. They opened the gate for us at 8:20 and we had been the primary ones there. I believe with even one or two different folks in the shot it wouldn’t be almost as particular. Additionally, if you’d like to swim in the cenote you’re required to put on a life jacket, which takes it off of the swimming listing for me! Can’t stand carrying these orange abominations.
There are dozens of different cenotes in the neighborhood of Tulum (Cenote Cristal and Escondido are even inside biking distance), and should you increase to your complete Yucatán peninsula, absolutely there are a whole lot. Nonetheless should you solely have time to go to those I’ve talked about right here you will note a pleasant selection. Different honorable mentions embody Jadin de Eden, Sac Atun, and Casa Cenote.
2. Hang around at Laguna Kaan Luum
100 pesos (further 300 to fly a drone), reasonably widespread
This Laguna seems a bit just like the Blue Gap in Belize. It’s a sinkhole in the jungle with some very shallow water adopted by some extremely deep water. The deep space is roped off to swimmers however you possibly can scuba dive into it. Whereas it’s a good distinction to the entire cenotes, I discover that it’s extra attention-grabbing from the air than down on the bottom.
It’s a fairly low cost exercise at solely 100 pesos, nonetheless if you’d like to fly your drone there it is going to be an additional 300 pesos. It is distinctive, although, and was type of price it. That is one other one which I visited proper when it opened at 9am to get some pictures of it with out a bunch of individuals in them. It labored out. The early hen will get the worm in Tulum!
3. Try the Tulum Ruins
80 Pesos, Very Fashionable
Proof of the Maya civilization is throughout this peninsula and down into Guatemala and Belize, although the Tulum location was of great significance to the empire as a non secular and ceremonial heart. The situation can also be gorgeous, set on a backdrop of the seashore with dazzling blue water and white sand. Whereas not as spectacular as Tikal in Guatemala or Chichen Itza a lot additional west, each of that are astounding due to their respective sizes, it’s definitely extra handy to take a look at the Tulum ruins.
For those who do go, make it early. I deviated from my standard plan of visiting widespread sights very first thing in the morning and regretted it! By noon it’s unbearably scorching and I used to be sharing the ruins with hoards of different folks. Make this one of many actions to prioritize early in the morning if you’d like to take a look at the ruins with out tons of different folks round.
4. Discover the jungle
The seashore in Tulum is totally beautiful with its white sands and beautiful blue, bathtub temperature water. However the jungle is sort of magical as effectively. Earlier than shifting to a beachfront resort, I stayed in just a little hut in the jungle and it was so good falling asleep to the sounds of the entire animals, and seeing the celebs so dazzling and good in the sky.
Plus, should you keep off of the street that goes in the direction of Coba the place most of the jungle hideaways are, you’ll already be on the stretch of street that leads to a lot of the cenotes. Spend a while in the jungle, even when it’s simply wandering round on the cenotes, exploring at your resort, if they’ve a jungle path, or sleeping in a jungle hut.
Shut to Tulum is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which is filled with wildlife and jungle journey alternatives. It’s nice for environmentally acutely aware travellers who need to actually take in the magic of the Maya jungle.
5. Get in the ocean
There are such a lot of issues to do in the water in Tulum! You’ll be able to do standup paddle browsing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, or hop on a catamaran.
I additionally actually like that this seashore continues to be laid-back and there aren’t tons of high-rise accommodations and fixed paragliders and speedboats. There’s nonetheless some peace and tranquility.
For those who aren’t staying at any of the seashore resorts and are doing Tulum on a budget, Playa Pocna is one in all Tulum’s solely public seashores, however simply as lovely as every other. In any other case, you would possibly find yourself paying an arm and a leg for a seashore chair or an overpriced seashore cocktail.
One other tip is to keep watch over the seasons earlier than planning your journey should you’re hoping to spend some high quality time with the gorgeous turquoise waters. Between Could and October of every 12 months, the seashore tends to have a great deal of sargassum (aka smelly seaweed) that piles up on the seashore.
6. Eat some native meals
There are two sorts of meals on provide in Tulum: meals meant for vacationers with an English menu and excessive costs and the little, unassuming native eateries which can be extra genuine and tastier, tbh. The world is thought for its delicacies that’s bursting with spicy, candy, and savory flavors. Don’t skip on salbutes, panuchos, and tamales.
I used to be so excited to eat road tacos after I obtained to Mexico that the very first thing we did, straight from the airport, was to pull over on the facet of the street outdoors of the airport after we noticed a taco stand. Road tacos are so low cost, scrumptious, and recent. For those who’re hesitant about the entire affair, go to a stand that has numerous patrons (strive La Chiapaneca in the middle of city!). It wouldn’t be tremendous widespread if it made folks sick.
There’s additionally a implausible fruteria in the city of Tulum referred to as Huerto del Eden with recent juices, hand-ground espresso, plus cooked to order eggs. The entire produce is recent from native farms, it’s regionally run, and the fellows working there are so good and accommodating. Plus, it’s genuine and the value matches.
7. Get into the hippie vibe
Tulum is a hippie haven. It have to be a mixture of the realm being sacred to the Maya folks, the laid again ambiance of the seashore, the pure magnificence, and the jungle vibes. There’s simply one thing about it that calls the kind of people who find themselves into the non secular facet of life.
For those who’re interested in this sort of factor, the seashore space of Tulum is the right place to strive one thing new, like a cacao ceremony (this yoga studio hosts them from time to time), beachfront yoga courses, holistic well being choices and meditation courses. Simply discover and see the place your open thoughts can take you.
8. Try the structure
There’s a cause why Tulum attracts architects from all around the world. The jungle is an apparent inspiration and far of the structure mimics historical Maya strategies whereas including a contemporary, minimalist aptitude.
One place in specific which you can’t miss is Azulik resort. Its whimsical vibe and offbeat sights are sufficient to make your jaw drop as you stroll by means of. The resort itself is sort of dear to keep in, however you possibly can get pleasure from it from the within if you’d like to get a drink on the resort’s bar.
As you stroll by means of the resort zone, it’s exhausting to miss the large picket sculpture referred to as Ven la Luz on the entrance of Ahau Tulum. It’s a preferred spot for photographs as a result of actually, is any journey to Tulum full with out an Insta put up there?
9. Study concerning the Mayan tradition
Tulum is on the very coronary heart of the Zona Maya and many individuals don’t know that the Mayan folks nonetheless exist AND converse their indigenous language. For those who’re a historical past and tradition buff, contemplate taking a fast Maya language class to study extra concerning the distinctive numbering system and Maya glyphs. It would definitely offer you a glimpse into the previous and a larger understanding of the native folks.
Throughout Tulum it’s also possible to discover Temazcal ceremonies, that are a wealthy cultural expertise involving a skilled shaman who guides members in a cleaning ceremony.
10. Go for a stroll by means of the Centro
Whereas a lot of the motion in Tulum occurs in the Resort Zone, the Centro can also be filled with enjoyable issues to do and loads of procuring and eating places. Plus, issues have a tendency to be less expensive on this finish of city and that is the place the locals hang around.
On the lookout for one of the best cup of espresso in city? Cara Feliz is an lovely bookstore café that has loads of espresso and tea choices should you want a caffeine repair. The café hosts portray nights, reside music, and different cultural occasions repeatedly. Plus, they’ve a couple of rescue cats lingering round that are up for adoption from the native shelter.
11. Lease a motorbike
As quickly as you get to Tulum, you’ll see folks on bikes all over the place. Renting a motorbike is reasonably priced and a good way to get from place to place should you’re staying off the overwhelmed path. Whether or not you need to get out and hit the seashore brilliant and early or head to a cenote a pair kilometers away, biking actually is a enjoyable approach to get pleasure from this tropical paradise.
Not into biking? There are additionally loads of locations to hire motorbikes or a automotive round city.
12. Get off the overwhelmed path
Tulum has completely exploded in the previous couple of years, and for good cause; it’s some of the lovely seashore locations in the world! Nonetheless, there may be a lot extra to the realm than simply the seashores and cenotes.
About 15 minutes south of Tulum is Muyil, the place you possibly can discover the Muyil Archaeological Web site and even spend the day floating down an historical Mayan canal.
Cobá is one other superior place to go to when you’re in Tulum, because the ruins are a number of the greatest in the peninsula. Climbing to the highest of the pyramid, you may get a tremendous view of the good inexperienced jungle throughout, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of a toucan or maya clock hen!
13. Take a mural tour
Being such a hub for artists of all types, Tulum is filled with lovely, colourful murals. Whereas a lot are simply noticed from the primary road in the Centro, contemplate taking a tour to study extra concerning the artwork itself in addition to the unbelievable artists who create the murals.
The place to keep
I cut up my time in Tulum between a luxurious resort on the seashore and just a little hut in the jungle. It was good, and allowed me to get one of the best of each worlds:
Resort: The TRS Yucatan in Akumal has the dreamiest pool, a stunning white-sand seashore, and the world’s greatest breakfast. I did just a little tour of the breakfast unfold and room in the video above. The service was glorious, the meals was scrumptious, and it’s all inclusive with out being tacky!
Jungle Hut: The Lumapi Jungle Eco Lodge is in the right spot if you’d like to go to the cenotes, plus you get an opportunity to go to sleep to the jungle noises and get a secluded expertise – with an out of doors bathe! The huts are produced from supplies that exist already in the jungle they usually run on solar energy. The house owners are so pretty as effectively, and the vibe is simply superb. I stayed for 2 days and thought it was good. (should you’re new to Airbnb you can get a reduction right here).
For those who’re an Airbnb fanatic like me, take a look at our listing of one of the best Airbnbs in Tulum!
How to get round
It’s potential to take collectivos, taxis, or excursions, however nothing gives you the flexibleness of renting a automotive and driving your self. We had been in a position to cowl a lot floor and to get all over the place very first thing in the morning as a result of we drove ourselves.
Driving in Mexico wasn’t scary or all that totally different from driving in LA, the place I grew up. Simply go sluggish, drive defensively, and look ahead to pace bumps in the cities. Automobile leases are filth low cost (simply make it possible for insurance coverage is included in your reserving or they’ll strive to cost you further for it once you decide up the automotive!), and should you get a mannequin that’s good on gasoline, it’s a less expensive different to excursions or taxis.
Tulum is a laid again paradise in the Riviera Maya. I have a tendency to love locations like this as a result of, effectively, I match proper in. That is far more my pace than the mega resorts of Cancun.
Although I used to be heartbroken to have had to go away what felt like approach too quickly, I used to be happy to discover that there have been so many issues to do in Tulum. I had no concept earlier than I went what number of superb choices could be pulling me in so many instructions. It’s a stunning factor to go to a spot and instantly begin making a listing of issues to do once you return, however subsequent time with far more time in your arms.
For those who’re visiting Mexico, be certain Tulum is in your listing.
**COVID-19 Replace: Like a lot of the touristic state of Quintana Roo, a lot of the sights stay open and working amidst the pandemic. Lessons and experiences are nonetheless going down, however with group limits. Ensure that to e book any actions in advance to safe your spot and naturally, be aware of the native inhabitants and take security precautions!