Tulum is nestled on the sun-kissed Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and is a singular fusion of cultural heritage and spectacular pure surroundings. Our knowledgeable information is filled with issues to do in Tulum that may add the proper zest to your journey diary. We first visited Tulum whereas scuba diving our manner by way of Central America in 2003.
Twenty years later, issues have modified rather a lot, however one factor is definite, the wonder has endured. Image your self wandering by way of the enduring Mayan ruins set in opposition to the backdrop of the azure Caribbean Sea or diving into the hidden cenotes veiled by emerald jungles. Able to dive in? Let’s uncover the highest experiences in Tulum that promise to complement your journey with unforgettable recollections.
High Issues to Do in Tulum
Tulum’s Yucatan Peninsula is a haven of thick jungle, Historic Mayan ruins, and white sand seashores. It’s basically all the pieces you need in an exquisite vacation to Mexico. There are such a lot of issues to do in Tulum, together with that loveably tacky photoshoot spot close to the Tulum signal.
Tulum is tucked away on the japanese coast, south of Mexico’s Riviera Maya. It’s only a quick drive south of the vacationer hubs of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, making it the proper place to make a base when exploring Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Its handy location means you may combine up days of journey with moments of pure chill, all inside a stone’s throw from one another.
It’s an incredible start line for all kinds of experiences, whether or not you’re right here to dive, discover, or simply absorb the laid-back vibe. Renting a automotive is one of the best ways to get round Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. You’ll be able to examine automotive rental costs right here.
1. Tulum Mayan Ruins
The Tulum Ruins are situated simply 20 minutes from the Tulum metropolis middle, and must be the primary cease in your checklist. They’ve a dramatic setting, overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea and the white sand seashore beneath.
In comparison with different ruins websites within the Yucatan, the Tulum Mayan Ruins are small. Nevertheless, it’s one of the vital stunning ruins in Mexico because of its privileged location on the cliffside.
Inside, you’ll see the Templo del Viento (Wind Temple), Templo del Dios Descendente (Temple of the Descending God), El Castillo (The Fort), and Templo de Los Frescos (Temple of the Frescoes). There’s a designated pathway to stroll alongside, so in the event you comply with the trail, you received’t miss a factor. This guided tour takes you thru the archeological web site and a go to to Cenote Chen Há and Mariposa cenotes.
You can tour the whole web site in about one hour, however once you go to the ruins, attempt to go early within the day as a result of there’s no shade, and it will get very, extremely popular. Top-of-the-line issues in regards to the Tulum Ruins is you can head right down to the seashore after visiting the ruins and soar into the ocean. To see extra close by Mayan ruins, learn our put up: Finest Mayan Ruins in Tulum
Deal with: Carretera Federal, Cancun – Chetumal Km 230, 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. There’s a car parking zone the place you may park your rental automotive and stroll. Or there’s a practice for 10 pesos you can take as properly.
2. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a large pure park of 5,280 km2. It’s simply south of Tulum, additional down into the state of Quintana Roo. Regardless of being a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, it attracts fewer vacationers. It’s someplace to go to for an actual jungle expertise, out within the distant areas of Tulum’s shoreline.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is one among Tulum’s greatest issues to do to get ‘off the crushed observe.’ And it provides a extra intense jungle expertise than quick hikes to cenotes and Tulum ruins. The easiest way to expertise the reserve is by guided tour. The park is so huge that you really want some path from a educated information.
3. Spend time Tulum City aka Tulum Pueblo
Tulum Pueblo is the bustling city of Tulum and a must-visit for vacationers in search of an genuine Mexican expertise. In contrast to the seashore zone, Tulum Pueblo provides a glimpse into on a regular basis life with its distinctive mix of native tradition and fashionable conveniences.
Right here, you may wander alongside the primary road, Avenida Tulum, lined with varied outlets, eating places, and bars that showcase the area’s culinary variety. Key points of interest embrace the native market, the place you could find handcrafted souvenirs and conventional textiles, and the Tulum Artwork Membership, a cultural hub for artwork and music.
For eating, the Pueblo provides an array of choices, from road meals stalls serving tacos and tamales to cozy cafes and upscale eateries. The city comes alive within the evenings with vibrant nightlife spots providing reside music and dance. Tulum Pueblo’s proximity to main points of interest just like the Tulum ruins and cenotes, mixed with its extra reasonably priced lodging choices, makes it a great base for vacationers eager to discover the realm’s pure and historic websites whereas experiencing the native life-style.
4. Bike to Tulum Seaside
In case you are not staying within the Lodge Zone on Tulum Seaside, it’s straightforward to get to the seashore from Tulum City. You’ll be able to go for a fast taxi trip, lease a bicycle for a scenic route, and even take a stroll in the event you’re up for some train.
When you arrive, you’re greeted with powdery white sand and turquoise, postcard-perfect waters. Right here, you may bask in varied actions – loosen up on the seashore with a very good e book, take a refreshing dip within the Caribbean Sea, or strive stand-up paddleboarding for some journey.
Don’t miss out on the seashore golf equipment and seashore bars the place you may get pleasure from a cocktail with a view. The close by Tulum Ruins are perched on a cliff overlooking the seashore.
5. Playa Paraiso
Playa Paraiso interprets precisely to Paradise Seaside, and if that doesn’t promote you, we don’t know what is going to. The seashore, we will attest, does appear to be paradise. Image these slanted palm bushes simply made for climbing, white sand, and lulling waves – it is without doubt one of the greatest seashores in Mexico. You’ll be able to seize meals and snap footage by its enormous multi-colored signal; Paradise Seaside is the primary seashore in Tulum, and it’s straightforward to see why it made our checklist of Finest Seashores in Mexico.
Playa Paraiso is a 20-minute drive or an hour’s stroll from the city middle. If you happen to select to stroll, you’ll cross by way of the Parque Nacional Tulum on foot. You could possibly simply mix this with a go to to the Playa Ruinas, El Castillo, Casa de Cenote, and the beloved turtle seashore, Playita Tortuga.
6. Different Tulum Seashores
Tulum Seashores are literally a number of small seashores related alongside 10 km of the attractive Caribbean Coast from Sian Ka’an Nationwide Biosphere Reserve within the South to the Tulum Mayan Ruins within the North with the Tulum Lodge Zone being the primary seashore space.
Playa Ruinas is legendary for its spectacular backdrop of the Tulum Ruins. The mixture of the traditional Mayan construction on the cliff above and the beautiful seashore beneath is actually breathtaking.
Las Palmas Public Seaside: This seashore is a superb selection for these seeking to escape the extra fashionable vacationer spots. It provides a extra tranquil setting whereas nonetheless that includes Tulum’s signature stunning waters and sand.
Ziggy Seaside: In style for its seashore membership, Ziggy Seaside provides a full of life ambiance with wonderful meals, drinks, and music. It’s an incredible spot for these seeking to mix seashore leisure with leisure.
Secret Seaside (Playa Escondida): Because the title suggests, this seashore is a bit off the crushed path, providing a extra secluded and peaceable setting. It’s good for these seeking to escape the crowds and luxuriate in some quiet time.
Akumal Seaside: Whereas not in Tulum itself, Akumal Seaside is a brief drive away and properly well worth the go to, particularly for snorkeling to swim with sea turtles of their pure habitat.
7. Hop Between Seaside Golf equipment
In the case of seashore golf equipment, head out of Tulum Pueblo as an alternative of Tulum Seaside. This neighborhood is filled with seashore bars and golf equipment, and you’ll simply spend a day (or night time) hopping between them earlier than lastly reserving a taxi again to your lodge.
That is the die-hard social gathering strip, and you’ll anticipate extravagant cocktails and music in any respect hours. In case you are a partier, seashore membership hopping is definitely one of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Tulum. A taxi trip will take as little as 10 minutes.
8. Cenote Calavera
Cenote Calavera is a well-known cenote that you just’ve very seemingly seen earlier than. The cenote is sat in a large sinkhole with a wood ladder teetering down the sting into the water. Picture by Mal Hellyer, you may learn her total article in regards to the Finest Cenotes in Mexico right here.
The cenote gap with its ladder is without doubt one of the most photographed locations in Tulum, and once you see it, you’ll perceive why. Inside the primary pool, there may be additionally a swing, which is also a cool photograph spot.
The cenote is surrounded by greenery and colourful solar loungers the place you may dry off and catch some solar. There’s additionally a snack store, and as at most cenotes – showers, bogs and altering rooms. Cenote Calavera is located simply outdoors Tulum downtown, off the primary street to Coba Mayan ruins, and you’ll simply cycle to its entrance or seize a taxi.
Of Tulum city’s close by cenotes, Cenote Calavera is the one that’s the most coated by the rock above. It has a pure cavern really feel, which is atmospheric and makes for a singular swimming spot. Cenote Calavera can also be only a 10-minute drive from Tulum Pueblo middle in the event you want any extra persuading. Tulum Ruins Go to and Swim in Two Completely different Cenotes Guided Tour (Our favourite).
You’ll quickly discover out that there are quite a lot of Cenotes close to Tulum. Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote Automobile Wash, and Cenote Zacil-Ha are just some. We spotlight a few of our favorites additional down.
Opening occasions: 8:30 am to five pm Entrance ticket: 250 pesos ($14)
9. Climb Tulum Tower
Tulum Tower is like one thing out of Warfare of the Worlds. The nice spider-looking construction is extra alien-looking than one thing a human has designed.
For an entry ticket of round $40, you may scale the constructing to the highest for an exquisite view over Tulum from its remark deck. If you happen to go to Tulum and love scenic views, you recognize the place to go to. Higher but, Tulum Tower is only a 10-minute drive or 40-minute stroll from Tulum city middle.
10. Road Markets at Parque Dos Aguas
Parque dos Aguas is true in the course of Tulum Heart – so a straightforward match into even essentially the most packed of your itineraries. The little park is a continuing hive of exercise, with public sports activities areas and road meals distributors promoting tasty, conventional Mexican meals and ice cream.
Parque dos Aguas is a superb place to attach with the group. And the park will get even higher when it hosts one among its common road markets the place you should buy handicrafts and splurge on souvenirs. Take a look at the schedule once you go to Tulum.
11. Playa Ruinas
Tulum has quite a lot of beautiful seashores, however Playa Ruinas takes the biscuit in the case of dramatic attraction. This seashore is a tiny strip of brilliant white sand with the stays of an historic Mayan metropolis overlooking it from a grassy cliff prime. Guests have each the seashore and ruins to understand, and the seashore is simply 20 minutes from Tulum by automotive or an hour on foot by way of the Parque Nacional Tulum.
12. Tulum Gran Cenote
Talking of serious cenotes, Tulum Gran Cenote is without doubt one of the most stunning issues to do in Tulum. And, solely a 10-minute drive or 15-minute cycle from the city middle, this cenote can also be one of the vital handy Cenote to go to. This cenote is a glass-blue pool with limestone rock and a spectacular cavern. You entry the cenote by way of a flight of steep steps, stepping down into the pool partially underground in a large sinkhole-type construction. To go to the cenote, you may swim and snorkel or keep on the primary boardwalk, offering an exquisite, scenic view.
Gran Cenote has unimaginable wildlife. If you happen to decide to swim, you may see turtles, fish, and even bats or birds in the event you take a peak into the cavern. We don’t throw the phrase magical round typically, however the cenote ticks that field. Climbing down into the cenote provides to that mystical attract, creating one of the vital distinctive swimming spots you’ll ever expertise.
13. Laguna de Kaan Luum
Okay, let’s take a quick pause from all these stunning cenotes. Subsequent up is a pastel-turquoise lake known as Laguna de Kaan Luum. Laguna de Kaan Luum is gorgeous, stretching so far as the attention can see in an enormous expanse of shallow, pastel-blue water.
The lake is shallow and excellent for swimming – folks use the close by swimming pier when not admiring the water from a swinging hammock. There are additionally tons of conventional seashore huts with foods and drinks obtainable. Laguna de Kaan Luum’s profitable high quality is greatest appreciated aerially, although; within the lake’s middle, there’s a huge darkish blue patch of deeper water. Laguna de Kaan Luum has an exquisite pure coloring, and the completely different depths create a attribute sample of various shade blues.
The lake is only a 15-minute drive from Tulum or a (fairly difficult) 40-minute bike trip. You’ll cross just a few cenotes in your manner. It’s a good spot to spend a handful of hours, particularly within the late afternoon once you desire a refreshing dip.
14. Punta Laguna Nature Reserve
Punta Laguna Nature Reserve is one other spectacular lake close to Tulum. Nevertheless, you may anticipate two particular animals – howler and spider monkeys- as an alternative of gorgeous watercolor patterns at this attraction. Visiting Punta Laguna nature reserve is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Tulum for any animal lover.
The spider monkeys on the reserve are fully free to see, and it’s an moral option to stand up near them. You too can take ziplines across the reserve as an additional enjoyable contact.
A 50-minute drive from Tulum city, this nature reserve is the place for moral wildlife watching and an incredible day journey. We suggest it for households as a zoo different.
15. Escultura Ven a la Luz
Escultura Ven a la Luz is an influencer’s paradise. The entire venue is designed for one large photoshoot, and you’ll snap footage subsequent to colossal statues comprised of rustic supplies. Whereas this attraction sits contained in the Ahau Lodge, you may pay a tiny charge to enter and see the most effective statues. In case you are planning a seashore day, it’s a must-detour attraction.
Escultura Ven a la Luz is 20 minutes away from Tulum city by automotive or half-hour by bike. Located within the Tulum Seaside district, getting away from the city middle for a little bit of coastal buzz is good.
16. Zona Arqueologica de Muyil
The Muyil ruins are located simply on the outskirts of the huge Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. If you’d like previous Mayan structure, visiting these ruins is a few of the greatest issues to do in Tulum.
The steep-walled pyramids are a a lot lesser photographed web site, a great resolution to avoiding the crowds that inevitably accrue outdoors websites like Chichen Itza. The Muyil ruins are quieter and far much less trampled. And the precise web site dates again so far as 300 BCE to 1500 CE.
The Muyil ruins are a 20-minute drive south of Tulum. Mix it with a go to to the biosphere reserve and Santuario de Cenotes – an exquisite cenote with barely any crowds in comparison with the cenotes scattered round Tulum Heart.
17. Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul is without doubt one of the most unimaginable Mexican cenotes and issues to do in Tulum. This cenote is half-hour from Tulum by automotive, however properly value the additional miles. The water is (as you would possibly guess) a brilliant, brilliant blue. Regardless of its tinted shade’s power, it’s also possible to see all the best way to the underside.
It’s so clear. It’s so clear, in reality, that you just’ll be capable of depend all of the tiny fish that inevitably offer you a pedicure expertise. Surrounded by tropical jungle, Cenote Azul is a top-day journey from Tulum. It has that jungle aesthetic that many individuals pursue on a Tulum vacation.
18. Tankah
Tankah is without doubt one of the prettiest issues to do in Tulum. Completely breathtaking, the character park is an exquisite assortment of crystal-clear lagoons. You enterprise across the completely different lagoons utilizing an thrilling mixture of trails – and even zip traces – with Mayan ruins and jungle dotted across the park to greet you as you stroll.
It’s a stunning place to spend just a few hours, particularly within the morning when the climate is cooler and fewer humid. Tankah completely blends collectively pleasure and pure magnificence.
Tankah is only a 20-minute drive from the city middle. If you happen to really feel energetic, you may simply catch a taxi or bike there in about half-hour.
19. Cenote Escondido
Seemingly arising out of simply jungle and mangrove swamps, Cenote Escondido is one among Tulum’s most magical cenotes. Regardless of its proximity to the city middle, Cenote Escondido feels distant and remoted – solely accessible by a reasonably rugged-looking mountain climbing path that takes quarter-hour to deal with.
After all, all of those elements add to the adventurous factor of visiting this cenote tenfold. You pay a charge on the trailhead and get limitless every day entry to the swimming gap. And on the cenote, there’s a rope swing to leap into the water, plus altering rooms for the extra shy vacationers. Whereas minimalistic, it undoubtedly has all the pieces you want for a refreshing afternoon.
Cenote Escondido is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Tulum; stunning, fairly quiet, remoted, and only a 10-minute drive from Tulum city; it’s a should on your Tulum itinerary. You’ll be able to even cycle there in lower than quarter-hour in the event you favor to bike.
20. Casa Cenote
Casa Cenote is without doubt one of the all-time favourite cenotes close to Tulum. Whereas it’s additional away from the city middle – 20 minutes by automotive – it is without doubt one of the largest cenotes within the space and is legendary for diving and snorkeling. You’ll be able to go to independently or on a guided tour.
We’d counsel taking a scuba diving or snorkeling tour to get essentially the most out of the expertise; getting additional path will assist you have interaction higher with wildlife and perceive extra in regards to the cenote. Go for a swim, snorkel, or scuba dive and luxuriate in one among Tulum’s largest, most fun cenotes.
Casa Cenote has the ‘large vast world issue’ and is an amplified model of different smaller cenotes. There’s even an area crocodile known as “Panchito” you can see from a distance, and most excursions take you to go to him earlier than you end. He’s mentioned to be very pleasant, however we wouldn’t get too shut. Apart from Panchito, there are tons of fish and wildlife within the surrounding jungle, too, typically together with little raccoons venturing right down to search for a snack.
21. Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is understood for its superb seashores and resort metropolis buzz. Just some individuals are lower out for days and days in a comparatively sleepy city, so in the event you want a metropolis repair, Playa del Carmen is the place to take a day journey to.
Contemplate this among the finest issues to do in Tulum to get away from precise Tulum. We’d counsel strolling Quinta Avenida – a promenade meets thoroughfare alongside the beachfront with eating places and bars. You’ll be able to get pleasure from important museums and points of interest just like the 3D Museum of Wonders and Playacar Mayan Ruins.
Playa del Carmen is just a 50-minute drive north of Tulum. You’ll be able to e book a taxi or simply set up a rental automotive or shuttle. By 2024, a practice will join the 2 main Yucatan locations, so watch this house. Make sure that to take a look at all of the Finest Issues to do in Palya Del Carmen earlier than you go.
22. Chococacao Maya
Chocolate lovers, depart Tulum Pueblo and head by way of the encircling jungle to go to Chococacao Maya. This attraction takes you on an immersive expertise the place you remodel your personal cacao beans right into a scrumptious chocolate dish. The expertise is led by a educated information. Essentially the most precious a part of that is the cultural trade and perception into the significance of cacao and chocolate in Mayan historical past that you just’ll depart with.
Chococacao Maya is a 40-minute drive from Tulum. Nevertheless, it’s situated proper subsequent to the Nohoch Mul Pyramid and a number of cenotes – so it’s straightforward to mix.
23. Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is an enormous deal – contemplate it a star standing attraction. This UNESCO World Heritage Web site is without doubt one of the greatest day journeys from Tulum. The advanced was as soon as an historic Mayan metropolis filled with Mayan ruins, together with the gorgeous step Temple of Kukulkan. Many individuals mistakenly suppose that Chichen Itza is only a single temple. Nonetheless, the advanced can take half a day to discover and absolutely respect.
This attraction is a 2-hour drive inland from Tulum. Be ready to rent a automotive or e book an expertise, together with public transportation. It’s additional, if not the furthest, of all of the day journeys. Nevertheless, it’s undoubtedly essentially the most well-known and, as one of many 7 New Wonders of the World, value carving out time to go to.
24. Street Journey Via Parque Nacional Tulum
Parque Nacional Tulum is the most effective place for the underconfident driver to deal with a single-day street journey. You’ll be stopping and beginning continuously with a full checklist of to-dos, lots of which already function on this information.
It neatly combines so many points of interest right into a single day, making it among the finest issues to do in Tulum. There’s Playa Ruinas, the turtles at Playita Tortugas, and the notorious Tulum ruins. The whole driving time will probably be lower than an hour, however you’ll have a lot to see you can dedicate a complete day to the expertise.
25. Coba Ruins
Coba is an historic Mayan metropolis, and its full title is Zona Archeologica de Coba. The preservation is house to the best pyramid within the Tulum space, Nohoch Mul, which sits dramatically in a jungle clearing.
To succeed in Nohoch Mul, you’ll first have to hike for practically 40 minutes by way of the jungle. It is without doubt one of the most energetic issues to do on a day journey from Tulum, and tremendous adventurous and atmospheric. If you’d like an energetic expertise of a Mayan pyramid, the Coba ruins are your best option. These Mayan ruins are additionally a lot quieter than Chichen Itza – hold that in thoughts when crowd dodging. 4×1: Coba, Cenote, Tulum and Playa del Carmen Tour from Cancun (Finest Deal)
Coba is a 45-minute drive inland from Tulum. It’s a scenic drive by way of heaps of jungle and previous many main cenotes. You’ll be able to all the time lease a automotive and make a full day of it, combining cenote hopping with the Coba ruins. In any other case, e book a guided tour with roundtrip transport included from Tulum.
26. Say Hello to Turtles
From Could to October you may witness sea turtles making their option to the seashore at night time to put their eggs earlier than returning to the ocean. This pure phenomenon provides a uncommon alternative to look at them up shut of their pure habitat. When planning to see turtles in these areas, respecting their pure habitat is essential. Disturbing the turtles, particularly the nesting females and hatchlings, may be dangerous to them. So make certain to go to with a educated information from a good tour group that follows moral wildlife viewing practices.
In Tulum, the most effective locations to see sea turtles is Akumal Seaside. Situated a brief drive north of Tulum, Akumal is famously often known as the “Place of the Turtles.” It is without doubt one of the greatest spots for snorkeling with sea turtles, as they frequent the shallow waters right here.
Xcacel Seaside is one other sea turtle sanctuary and one of the vital essential nesting websites for turtles within the space. It’s a protected space, so adhering to any restrictions and tips whereas visiting is crucial.
27. Attempt Kite Boarding
Kiteboarding is fashionable in Tulum, because of its perfect wind situations and exquisite seashores. Right here’s extra details about kiteboarding in Tulum:
Tulum Seaside is a perfect spot with its lengthy stretch of seashore, its regular winds, and wide-open areas. It’s good for kiteboarding. The realm provides an incredible steadiness of waves and flat water, appropriate for each inexperienced persons and skilled kiteboarders. Playa Paraiso additionally provides wonderful situations for kiteboarding, particularly for many who are simply studying.
A number of tour firms and colleges in Tulum provide kiteboarding classes.
Mexican Caribbean Kitesurf & Paddlesurf: Situated at Ahau Tulum Lodge, provides kite gear and kitesurfing classes and Morph Kiteboarding, situated on the El Pez Lodge, Morph provides classes with licensed instructors and the newest tools.
Excessive Management Kiteboarding Faculty provides complete lesson plans, together with each personal and group classes.
The perfect time for kiteboarding in Tulum is from November to June, when the winds are most favorable. The wind usually picks up within the afternoon, making it a great time for the game. Mornings are usually calmer, which is ideal for inexperienced persons taking classes.
28. Go Scuba Diving
You’ll be able to’t go to Tulum with out really experiencing its underwater world, and a scuba dive expertise is way more immersive than snorkeling. Information flash – scuba diving is unimaginable in Tulum.
Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is offshore of Tulum; the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is the second largest coral reef on this planet. It’s second solely to the Barrier Reef in Australia. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is a breeding floor for a flurry of brightly coloured tropical fish and bigger animals like sharks, turtles, manta rays, and dolphins.
You’ll be able to e book diving excursions from Tulum city to see the coral reefs. Many of those journeys embrace transportation to a dive middle; in any other case, you may simply seize a taxi. It’s straightforward to squeeze into a brief interval if you have already got your PADI qualification, and if not, allocate just a few days of your itinerary to getting the qualification first.
You too can e book cavern diving within the Cenotes. That is advisable for knowledgeable divers.
About Cenotes in Quintana Roo
Cenotes are pure sinkholes or pits ensuing from limestone bedrock collapsing, exposing the groundwater beneath. These distinctive geological formations are predominantly discovered within the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. They performed a vital function within the improvement of the Mayan civilization and are actually fashionable vacationer points of interest.
There are various kinds of cenotes – open, semi-open, and cave cenotes. Open cenotes resemble pure swimming pools or ponds, semi-open cenotes have partial cave cowl, and cave cenotes are nearly totally enclosed apart from small openings.
Largest Underground Cave System
The water in cenotes is commonly crystal clear, coming from pure filtration by way of the bottom. This makes them wonderful for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
For the traditional Maya, cenotes weren’t solely water sources but in addition sacred locations. They believed cenotes have been gateways to the underworld (Xibalba) and websites for rituals and choices.
Downtown Tulum, aka Tulum Centro
Tulum Centro is the primary Downtown Tulum space with common reside music, procuring alternatives, and typically road events. However regardless of its stylish oomph, additionally it is the place to move once you fancy a calming day. Maybe a day of informal cocktails and kicking again with some conventional meals.
Tulum Centro is the perfect place to retreat when you’ve accomplished your fair proportion of day journeys and edge-of-your-seat-style actions in Tulum. You’ll be able to take a strolling tour of Tulum Centro or go to by your self. It’s actually enjoyable to get misplaced in, and in the event you obtain Google Maps offline in case you want additional assist with instructions, you may’t go incorrect with a very good wander. We vote for together with just a few hours in Tulum Centro for a lazy morning when visiting Tulum.
The place to Keep in Tulum
Selecting the place to remain in Tulum may be complicated. The perfect space for you’ll rely on what you’re in search of in your go to. Are you in search of shut proximity to the seashore, nightlife, cultural experiences, or tranquil retreats? Listed here are a few of the greatest areas to think about:
Tulum Seaside (Zona Hotelera)
Tulum Lodge Zone is essentially the most well-known space in Tulum, recognized for its stunning seashores and boutique inns. Right here you’ll have direct seashore entry, all kinds of seashore golf equipment and high-end lodging. Nevertheless, it’s costlier than different areas and may crowded throughout peak season.
Tulum City (Tulum Pueblo)
Tulum City (Tulum Pueblo) within the city middle provides a extra genuine and native expertise. You’ll discover Extra reasonably priced lodging, quite a lot of native eateries, markets, and quick access to transportation. It’s additionally near many cenotes and the Tulum ruins.
However it’s farther from the seashore, requiring transportation to achieve the seaside. You might wish to lease. acar if you’re staying right here.
Kore Tulum Retreat is a surprising adults-only resort amid Tulum’s Lodge Zone. Once we say central, we imply it; you might be simply steps away from Tulum’s archaeological websites. And Kore Tulum Retreat is without doubt one of the greatest all-inclusive resorts if you would like an adults-only resort expertise in Tulum.
Issues To Do in Tulum: FAQs
There are such a lot of Tulum adventures for nature lovers, historical past buffs, and seashore bums. Let’s face it. The attract of cave diving into one among Tulum’s superior cenotes, visiting Tulum’s ruins, or exploring the Tulum jungle is difficult to withstand.
I’m positive you have got many questions, from Is Tulum secure to go to to when is the most effective time to go to Tulum? So, earlier than you go, although, learn on to see if we will reply a few of your most urgent inquiries to get pleasure from your Tulum go to.
How you can Get to Tulum
Tulum is most simply reached by way of a direct flight to Cancun Worldwide Airport. Cancun Airport has a recurrently scheduled flight fleet, connecting Mexico with main international locations just like the US and Canada and lots of cities throughout Europe and South America. Home airways fly to Quintana Roo from Mexico Metropolis every day.
It’s an absolute hub for arriving in Mexico by airplane and solely a 2-hour shuttle away from Tulum. You’ll be able to land at Cancun Airport after which e book a taxi or shuttle or we recommend renting a automotive. You’ll be able to examine costs right here.
An alternative choice is to street journey to Tulum if you’re already inside driving distance. If this appears like the thought for you, simply regulate common Mexico safety updates to keep away from any areas of explicit unrest.
Maintain your eyes peeled for an upcoming practice line being constructed to attach Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, too. A brand new Mayan practice opened in December 2023 to attach all the most important Yucatan Peninsula hubs. This can make touring from Cancun Worldwide Airport massively extra easy. It’ll additionally imply you can get to Tulum from quite a few factors on the peninsula with no need a automotive or an costly shuttle.
Getting Round Tulum
Tulum is tremendous straightforward to get round. The city middle is so compact that it’s simply absolutely skilled on foot. On the similar time, the outskirts may be reached by hiring bikes – retaining issues as eco-friendly as doable.
The city middle is the place you’ll discover all of the Tulum procuring and central services, whereas the seashore space is the place you’ll discover all of your golf equipment and seashore day alternatives. The 2 principal areas of Tulum are break up by Avenida Coba, which you’ll deal with by bike or taxi.
Getting round Tulum is manageable and not using a automotive, however we’d counsel hiring a automotive if you wish to do day journeys. With a rental automotive, you’ll have full freedom and may head to a few of the most fun points of interest within the surrounding space. In any other case, you should use Tulum taxis and set up excursions for day journeys. Most excursions embrace roundtrip transportation, eliminating the entire ‘how do I get there’ conundrum.
Finest Time to Go to Tulum
The consensus is that Tulum is greatest visited in November. Or at a push, very early December. This season is within the shoulder season, that means it comes simply earlier than the December to April frenzy of partiers, greater costs and flashing cameras. You get the nice and cozy climate and exquisite sights with out all of the mania. Costs are barely cheaper as properly.
Visiting Tulum in the course of the excessive season (December to April) will see the most effective climate, with heat sunny days and minimal rain. Nevertheless, these are the busiest months, as many guests come to flee colder climates. Anticipate greater costs and crowded seashores.
June to October is the wet season. Hurricane season is September and October so you will notice extra tropical storms. Nevertheless, the the area is way much less crowded and costs are a lot decrease.
Is Tulum Protected?
Many individuals query, ‘Is Tulum secure?’ Tulum is usually secure for vacationers however, like every vacation spot, it’s important to remain knowledgeable in regards to the present security scenario and train warning throughout your go to.
Though Tulum is taken into account secure for vacationers, there’s a warning of crime on authorities web sites. Sustain-to-date with the newest journey advisories and public well being info, and be notably aware of crime.
Gangs and Drug Cartels have been an issue in Tulum, however they’re normally not aimed toward vacationers. Nevertheless, some vacationers have been caught within the crossfire. There’s an added police power in Tulum to keep up order. Keep in mind, tourism is a big a part of Mexico’s economic system, and the federal government desires vacationers to really feel secure and safe, so they’re doing as a lot as they’ll to fight the cartel.
It’s also greatest to keep away from Hurricane season (September and October)/ You’ll be able to examine security in Tulum in our article Is Tulum Protected
What’s Tulum greatest recognized for?
Tulum is understood for Mayan ruins and pure wonders. You’ll spend mornings on Tulum Seaside or Tulum Pueblo after which take day journeys to journey within the Mayan jungle and cenotes.
Is 3 days sufficient in Tulum?
3 days are simply sufficient in Tulum. You’ll be capable of go to Chichen Itza and a handful of principal points of interest, however not benefit from the infinite day journeys and actually get a style of Mexican tradition in Tulum. 5 to 7 days in Tulum is significantly better if you wish to get ‘sufficient’ of the city and all it provides.
Is Tulum higher than Cancun?
We’d say undoubtedly. Tulum is miles extra genuine than Cancun and isn’t ruined by a shiny strip with 1000’s of vacationers arriving every day. For a seashore city different, it’s a should. Learn extra: Superb Issues to do in Cancun
What do you have to do in Tulum in two days?
In two days in Tulum, you need to go to one of many cenotes or Chichen Itza. It is best to then get pleasure from a seashore membership and Tulum’s seashore city tradition.
Tulum is not possible to not love. The city is gorgeous – from the Tulum ruins to Tulum Seaside. And it’s the perfect vacationer vacation spot for anybody wanting to actually expertise Mexico off the Cancun strip.
In the case of Tulum lodging, there’s a huge collection of luxurious inns and resorts. Simply take a look at our information on the greatest Tulum all-inclusive resorts – the seashore city even has a few of the greatest adults-only all-inclusive in Mexico. So moreover looking for the most effective issues to do in Tulum, dedicate ample time to sifting by way of its throngs of five-star seashore view resorts with white sand seashores and Hollywood-worthy swimming swimming pools. Tulum is such an expertise.
And when you’ve visited Tulum, be at liberty to move throughout the remainder of the Riviera Maya and Yucatan Peninsula. A Yucatan Peninsula street journey is one option to see the remainder of the area. You will get out for a number of days, weeks, and even months. With a street journey, you may hop alongside the greatest seashores in Mexico and style the area. It is without doubt one of the most fun methods to expertise the Riviera Maya and Yucatan Peninsula – so if you’re adventurous, set this concept apart as a should.