Tulum, Mexico
As soon as an idyllic sleepy village, Tulum has been reworked into a star trip playground. From cenotes to chilling on the seashore — listed here are the greatest issues to do in Tulum, Mexico!
Residence to an historical Mayan metropolis, Tulum was as soon as known 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. In the present day you’ll discover a mixture of historical Mayan ruins, yoga retreats, buying, eating places, and loads of well-known individuals who flock right here to refresh their thoughts, physique, and soul.
In actual fact, the Mexican authorities is opening a new worldwide airport in Tulum (in addition to a prepare) 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 take pleasure in my Tulum ideas! In the event you discover them helpful, utilizing my affiliate hyperlinks to ebook 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 seek out separate layers marking the route and factors of curiosity. You possibly can conceal 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 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 proper 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 necessary 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 strains may be lengthy so I like to recommend arriving about an hour earlier (that is best if you happen to’re renting a automobile in Mexico). Or it’s also possible to be 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 break 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 truly do enterprise. Right here you’ll discover grocery shops, native eating places, and different Mexican retailers.
Tulum Seaside (aka Tulum Lodge Zone) is the place all of the seashores, resorts, and vacationer buying 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 motorcycle or taxi needs to be used as an alternative.
And eventually there are the Tulum Ruins, which I described above. The ruins are positioned North of each the city and the seashore.
Just a few good locations to cease in Tulum City to get a really feel for native Mexican life embrace La Chiapaneca for avenue tacos, Del Cielo for breakfast or brunch, and Huerto del Eden if you happen to love contemporary juice and occasional.
3: Loosen up On Tulum’s Greatest Seashores
Tulum has so many lush seashores with mushy sands and dazzling waters, it’s tough to decide on which seashore to get some solar at. Whereas Mexican legislation ensures public entry to all seashores, many inns in Tulum try to cost vacationers a price 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, seashore bars and coconut palms.
- Playa Ruinas is the remoted seashore straight under the Tulum Ruins. Solely accessible from the archeological web site, it opens round 10am.
- Ziggy’s Seaside is a seashore membership that prices $35 USD to enter, however consists of use of a lounge chair. This household pleasant seashore is ideal for vacationers with children.
- Santa Fe Seaside is a calming 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 Seaside is the place to go for dawn if you happen to’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 annually, and if you happen to’re unfortunate, it might be round throughout your go to.
Motels and resorts attempt to clear it up from the seashores once they can, however generally it might probably overwhelm an space. The seaweed is innocent, however it might probably begin to rot and odor dangerous if it isn’t eliminated instantly.
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 house to over 300 species of birds, 120 km of shoreline, numerous wildlife, coral reefs, a lagoon and round 23 Mayan archaeological websites.
A preferred 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 every kind of fowl life on these journeys.
5: Swim (Or Scuba Dive) In Cenotes
You possibly 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. Among the cenotes additionally embrace underwater archaeological websites and relics.
With the Riviera Maya being house to the most important underground cave system on the earth, 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 embrace:
- Gran Cenote – The most well-liked cenote in Tulum with waters which are thought of 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 (if you happen to’re a licensed scuba diver).
- Carwash (aka Aktun Ha) – Situated proper off the street 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) – Seems to be 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 – One in all my favourite cenotes in Tulum, this big cave boasts crystal clear blue water. One other cenote standard with cave divers.
Cenote & Ruins Journey
Favor 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 varieties, and as such, you’ll discover loads of yoga retreats, music remedy classes, and other forms of well being and wellness actions.
In the event you’re seeking to unwind and immerse your self in some yoga classes 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. As soon as inhabited by nearly 50,000 souls, these ruins date again to the Center and Late Basic 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 embrace 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 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 completely 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 proper snorkeling spot. The shallow waters close to the cenote teem with small fish, whereas the deeper waters close to the ocean are stuffed with turtles, rays, and larger fish.
There are shops close by that supply snacks, plus snorkeling and diving gear you could hire.
Tulum is a well-liked buying vacation spot too. Boutique retailers promote souvenirs, conventional Mayan clothes, and even some eclectic & bohemian Western designs.
Some standard 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 below are our favorites.
- Matcha Mama serves plant primarily based smoothies, kombuchas and acai bowls, they’re highly regarded on Instagram.
- Burrito Amor has among the greatest burritos in Mexico!
- Uncooked Love is a vegan cafe with a hippie vibe that’s standard 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 most effective gelato!
- Hartwood is among 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 going on, and seashore bars are full nearly each night with weekends getting fairly crowded. Listed below are among the greatest bars in Tulum.
- Gitano – Seize drinks at this open air jungle bar whereas snacking on appetizers!
- Papaya Playa Mission – Standard for the total moon and weekend events.
- Todos Santos – Good vibes and spectacular cocktails!
- Batey – Standard for the blue-colored beetle parked exterior, 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 reside music at sundown on their rooftop terrace!
And don’t overlook 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 collection of outside journey theme parks that have been constructed to benefit from 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 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 an excellent time at these theme parks too. I feel my favourite was Rio Secreto, as a result of it feels a little bit 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 standard. 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 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 Lodge 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.
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 embrace:
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 product of 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 a neighborhood 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 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
Trying just like the blue gap in Belize, the Laguna Kaam Luum is among 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 it’s also possible to 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 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 large metropolis advanced constructed by the Mayans thrived from 525 AD to 1200 AD. Entrance prices about 80 + 417 pesos.
One of the standard 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 web site, go to a colonial city, and swim in a cenote.
18: Lease A Bicycle
Rent a motorcycle and peddle by Tulum by yourself two ft. A motorcycle can be helpful to go to most seashores and eating places which are a 15-30 minute bike experience from Tulum Centro (Downtown). Bike leases value about $5-$10 USD per day.
You can even select to ebook a motorcycle 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.
Basic Tulum Bike Tour
Go to the Tulum’s ruins through bicycle, cruise round city, strive some contemporary tacos, and hop right into a refreshing cenote.
19: Go to Pablo Escobar’s Seaside 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 lodge known 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, if you happen to’re not truly a lodge visitor and want to go to — you’re required to spend a minimum of 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 outdated commerce path to Coba, the ruins often known as Chunyaxché are very near the Sian Ka’an Lagoon.
Other than the primary ruins such because the 17-meter tall Castillo, it’s also possible to climb to an statement deck to see the encircling countryside.
21: Head To Bacalar
Bacalar is an enormous lovely blue lagoon positioned about 3 hours South of Tulum. Often known as Laguna de Siete Colores, it’s a beautiful spot go crusing, kayaking, or take a look at a novel 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 possibly can drive your self in a rental automobile, or take an ADO bus.
Greatest Time To Go to Tulum
January – April
Glorious climate, with a number of solar and delicate temperatures within the 80’s F. Nevertheless that is additionally the excessive season, so there are numerous extra vacationers. A lot of Canadians and Individuals come down for the winter.
Might – October
These are the most well liked and rainiest months of the 12 months. The warmth and humidity may be an excessive amount of for some individuals. September and October can be hurricane season for the realm. 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 couple of 2-hour drive away. Up to now most individuals have been flying to Cancun airport, however now you possibly can fly straight into a brand new Tulum Worldwide Airport.
NOTE: Visitors is horrible alongside Tulum’s seashore street. A crowded mixture of taxis, provide vehicles, and vacationers on bicycles makes it a large number. Be VERY cautious on the street right here, and don’t anticipate to get anyplace quick in a automobile through the excessive season.
Rental Automotive
The very best web site to ebook your automobile is with Uncover Vehicles. They search each native and worldwide automobile rental firms that can assist you discover the very best worth. That is the best strategy to hire a automobile and drive all the way down to Tulum, Mexico.
Renting a automobile affords the most effective 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 suppose they will get away with it. All the time decide on the value earlier than getting in.
Bike
Biking is a well-liked strategy to get round regionally. For about $10 USD ($200 MEX) you possibly can hire a motorcycle for the whole day. Your lodge might need free bikes to hire too. If not, you possibly can hire them from Ola Bike Tulum or IBike Tulum.
Shuttles
There are a bunch of airport shuttle providers providing rides from Cancun airport to Tulum, they usually’ll you’ll want 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 should use 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 upfront if you wish to, however most instances you’ll be advantageous shopping for a ticket simply earlier than coming into the bus.
Different native buses embrace 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 back and forth. 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 may be complicated if you happen to don’t converse Spanish.
Lease A Automotive In Mexico
Search each native and worldwide automobile 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. 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 Ideas & Recommendation
- Tulum has a persistent on-and-off seaweed drawback, and it might probably cowl the gorgeous white sand seashores. Resorts attempt to clear it up, however aren’t all the time profitable.
- Tulum just 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 anticipate superb web entry in Tulum since WiFi is actually sluggish in most locations.
- There are just a few free public seashores in Tulum. The very best seashores would require you to pay for entrance at a seashore membership.
FAQ: High Tulum Questions
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