Perched proper on the shoreline of the Yucatan peninsular, Tulum is a gem of a spot to discover when in Mexico. With an ideal mixture of Mayan ruins, paradise seashores and cosy coastal cities, there’s a shed load of the most effective issues to do in Tulum which might be dotted throughout the city and wider area.
Actually, Tulum the type of place you possibly can simply spend your complete vacation. We beloved our go to to the Yucatan Peninsular and flew into Cancun and explored a lot of the shoreline and inside historic spots.
So, relatively than getting slowed down with all of the planning, I wished to share a few of our very favorite spots you need to go to when in Tulum. All are inside simple attain of Tulum and, better of all, you possibly can simply organise excursions even for those who’re not driving!
Have a look, under, at the most effective issues to do in Tulum. Have an epic time in Mexico!
1.) See the traditional Mayan Metropolis
Steeped in lots of of years of historical past, the traditional Mayan ruins in Tulum is unimaginable to see. Not solely that, it’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Tulum for those who actually wish to discover Mayan civilisation and study extra about their huge cities in Mexico.
Perched excessive on the cliffs, overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the beautiful ruins stand proudly and could be nonetheless walked round to at the present time.
Now, for those who actually wish to study extra in regards to the ruins and the person websites, rent your self a information for a tour. We’re glad we did this as there are fairly restricted indicators as soon as inside.
Simply keep in mind to take some water round with you! We forgot and I used to be so parched because it will get actually sizzling round noon.
Learn extra: Things to know earlier than visiting Tulum
2.) Go to the Cenotes round Tulum
In case you are visiting Tulum, you need to organise a visit to the areas iconic cenotes which might be dotted all throughout the realm. These huge sinkholes are in all probability finest described as an underground cave the place the ceiling has caved in! They’re completely unimaginable to see and top-of-the-line issues to do in Tulum that you simply actually can’t miss.
Now, one of the vital widespread to go to needs to be the Gran Cenote. Only a 10-minute drive from the Mayan ruins, it’s very easy to go to. There’s an entry charge to get inside and it’s price renting a locker for peace of thoughts, too.
The water is completely pristine right here; we might have spent all day paddling round!
One other good spot is the Casa Cenote the place the water is, as soon as once more, crystal clear. It is a completely good spot for snorkelling and it’s fairly lengthy cenote the place you possibly can spend hours exploring.
For some nice snorkelling, head over to Cenotes Sac Actún that’s round a 30-minute drive from the centre of Tulum. Right here, you possibly can head on a swimming tour (with life jacket and wetsuit) by the cenote and see the unimaginable stalactites inside.
One observe, with all cenotes, strive to not take too many valuables with you. Petty theft (from lockers/automobiles/luggage) does typically occur and it’s finest to go away extra money, jewelry at your resort.
Learn extra: Things to do round Cancun
3.) Go to Tulum’s Seashores
Who doesn’t love a great seashore, particularly when in Mexico?
Now, there are just a few native gems that you simply gained’t wanna miss, particularly for those who’ve received a great few hours to relax within the surf and sand.
Paradise Seashore might be one of many extra widespread (however nonetheless pristine) seashores within the space.
This doesn’t make it dangerous, in reality, I’d in all probability say it’s good if you need the comfort of getting some foodie spots, loungers and quick access to Tulum itself. Although, simply bear in mind it could actually draw greater crowds than among the different seashores within the space. If that’s not your concept of a great seashore then strive one other spot.
On the identical stretch, Santa Fe Seashore is nearer to the Mayan ruins the place you’ll find and revel in small bars and eating places. The native distributors love a great haggle to get you to eat and chill at their venue – so be ready to cut price!
When you’ve received time and also you’re a complete seashore bum, head over to Las Palmas Seashore, Akumal Seashore (up the coast, with a number of greater resorts) and Secret Seashore.
You may even spot some turtles alongside the coast! Simply keep in mind to put on loads of UV block or water t-shirt when in search of turtles.
I burnt my again pink-uncooked (even with SPF) when snorkelling the shoreline.
4.) Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is likely one of the hottest spots to see in Mexico and historic websites that’s round a 2-hour drive from Tulum. With nicely over a thousand years of historical past, Chichen Itza is an historical Mayan metropolis with a colossal pyramid (El Castillo) you could’t miss.
Now, you possibly can simply spend a great few hours wandering the protected Chichen Itza website and studying extra about it’s thriving previous. It’s awe-inspiring to see; we beloved it.
Oh, and Simply keep in mind, you possibly can haggle with the tour guides whenever you go to. They have a tendency to inflate their costs for guests however it’s nicely price it. It actually brings the entire website to life as info is restricted ‘on the bottom’.
5.) Lake Bacalar
Over 40km lengthy, Lake Bacalar is huge and top-of-the-line issues to do in Tulum for those who’re heading south of the city. Sure, it should take round 2.5-hours to get right here from Tulum itself however it’s nice for a day journey, particularly for those who’re in search of one thing a bit of completely different.
You see, it’s identified domestically because the ‘lake of seven colors’, it’s a spot that’s nice to relax and take within the blue and inexperienced hues that make the waters so particular right here.
Aside from soaking within the solar and stress-free all day, there’s a heap of different actions to fill your day. From kayaking, boat excursions or paddle boarding, it’s completely beautiful.
Learn extra: Things to do round Cancun
6.) Mexican dishes
Okay, for me, after all of the Mayan websites it’s the Mexican meals that I really like most!
From essentially the most scrumptious; birrias (meat stew), burritos, pozole (corn broth) and lashings of guacamole, you’ll be in for a feast.
After all, you’ll discover a number of distributors throughout the streets of Tulum however there’s additionally a heap of tasty eating places and beachside spots to seize a tasty chunk.
For a tasty and fancy dinner, head to BAL NAK’ for his or her unimaginable cocktails and mole. So good!
Additionally, for among the finest tacos, head straight to Taqueria Honorio. The locations itself doesn’t appear like a gem (warning you prematurely) however belief me, their tacos are so scrumptious and completely contemporary.
7.) Go to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere
Being a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, visiting the Sian Ka’an Biosphere is definitely top-of-the-line issues to do in Tulum for those who love a great journey.
It’s thought of top-of-the-line spots in Mexico for biodiversity on this wetland area. Although, it may be powerful to navigate your self. When you’re pondering of visiting, you’ll want to e book a tour while in Tulum and make it simpler to go to because the roads could be fairly dangerous in components and it’s not the best to navigate.
As soon as right here, it’s a shocking place for a swim and also you may even spot some inexperienced turtles and dolphins, too!
8.) See Kaan Luum
Round a 15-minute drive from Tulum, Kaan Luum is a large spherical lake inland from the Caribbean shoreline that’s too lovely to overlook.
It’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Tulum, particularly if you wish to see a completely distinctive a part of this area. Simply bear in mind, you’re not allowed to put on sunscreen contained in the lake itself. This implies you must seize a great UV moist shirt to put on while snorkelling or kayaking.
Oh and take a packed lunch and a few ice chilly drinks; you’ll thank me after just a few hours paddling!
Need to beat the crowds? Go very first thing within the morning, it’s considerably quieter (although, there’s room for everybody).
9.) Historic Mayan Metropolis of Coba
One other historical Mayan metropolis you possibly can’t miss, Coba has a historical past that goes again over 1,600 years. In truth, the Nohoch Mul Pyramid is likely one of the highest in all of Yucatan!
Roughly a 40-minute drive from Tulum, it’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Tulum whenever you wish to discover extra Mayan heritage of the Yucatan peninsular. Plus, you’ve received the Multum Ha Cenote and the Choo-Ha Caverns a stone’s throw from the traditional metropolis itself.
10.) The Mayan website of Muyil (Chunyaxché)
When you’ve received time, head out of Tulum to the ruins of Muyil (about 20-minutes away from Tulum). It’s so spectacular and a complete should for those who love Mayan historical past because it’s one of many earliest Mayan settlements in the entire space round Yucatan.
You may simply companion this up with a go to to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, particularly on an organized tour. This makes it an ideal day journey and a complete breeze!
Learn extra: Things to do round Cancun
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