Tulum is nestled on the sun-kissed Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and is a novel fusion of cultural heritage and spectacular pure surroundings. Our knowledgeable information is full of issues to do in Tulum that can add the right zest to your journey diary. We first visited Tulum whereas scuba diving our method by way of Central America in 2003.
Twenty years later, issues have modified lots, however one factor is for certain, the sweetness has endured. Image your self wandering by way of the long-lasting 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 counterpoint your journey with unforgettable recollections.
Prime Issues to Do in Tulum
Tulum’s Yucatan Peninsula is a haven of thick jungle, Historical Mayan ruins, and white sand seashores. It’s basically all the things 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 jap 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 right 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 amazing start line for all types of experiences, whether or not you’re right here to dive, discover, or simply absorb the laid-back vibe. Renting a automobile is one of the simplest ways to get round Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. You possibly can examine automobile rental costs right here.
1. Tulum Mayan Ruins
The Tulum Ruins are positioned simply 20 minutes from the Tulum metropolis middle, and needs to be the primary cease in your listing. They’ve a dramatic setting, overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea and the white sand seaside under.
In comparison with different ruins websites within the Yucatan, the Tulum Mayan Ruins are small. Nonetheless, it’s some of the stunning ruins in Mexico due to 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 Fortress), and Templo de Los Frescos (Temple of the Frescoes). There’s a designated pathway to stroll alongside, so for those who observe the trail, you gained’t miss a factor. This guided tour takes you thru the archeological website and a go to to Cenote Chen Há and Mariposa cenotes.
You can tour the whole website in about one hour, however if 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. The most effective issues concerning the Tulum Ruins is that you could head right down to the seaside after visiting the ruins and soar into the ocean. To see extra close by Mayan ruins, learn our publish: Greatest Mayan Ruins in Tulum
Handle: Carretera Federal, Cancun – Chetumal Km 230, 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. There’s a parking zone the place you may park your rental automobile and stroll. Or there’s a prepare for 10 pesos that you could take as properly.
2. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is an enormous 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 Website, 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 certainly one of Tulum’s greatest issues to do to get ‘off the overwhelmed observe.’ And it provides a extra intense jungle expertise than quick hikes to cenotes and Tulum ruins. One of the simplest ways to expertise the reserve is by guided tour. The park is so large 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 looking for an genuine Mexican expertise. Not like the seaside zone, Tulum Pueblo provides a glimpse into on a regular basis life with its distinctive mix of native tradition and trendy conveniences.
Right here, you may wander alongside the principle road, Avenida Tulum, lined with numerous outlets, eating places, and bars that showcase the area’s culinary variety. Key sights embody the native market, the place you will discover 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 sights just like the Tulum ruins and cenotes, mixed with its extra inexpensive lodging choices, makes it a super base for vacationers desirous to discover the world’s pure and historic websites whereas experiencing the native life-style.
4. Bike to Tulum Seashore
In case you are not staying within the Lodge Zone on Tulum Seashore, it’s straightforward to get to the seaside from Tulum City. You possibly can go for a fast taxi trip, hire a bicycle for a scenic route, and even take a stroll for those who’re up for some train.
When you arrive, you’re greeted with powdery white sand and turquoise, postcard-perfect waters. Right here, you may take pleasure in numerous actions – calm down on the seaside with guide, take a refreshing dip within the Caribbean Sea, or strive stand-up paddleboarding for some journey.
Don’t miss out on the seaside golf equipment and seaside bars the place you may take pleasure in a cocktail with a view. The close by Tulum Ruins are perched on a cliff overlooking the seaside.
5. Playa Paraiso
Playa Paraiso interprets precisely to Paradise Seashore, and if that doesn’t promote you, we don’t know what is going to. The seaside, we are able to attest, does appear like paradise. Image these slanted palm bushes simply made for climbing, white sand, and lulling waves – it is likely one of the greatest seashores in Mexico. You possibly can seize meals and snap footage by its enormous multi-colored signal; Paradise Seashore is the principle seaside in Tulum, and it’s straightforward to see why it made our listing of Greatest Seashores in Mexico.
Playa Paraiso is a 20-minute drive or an hour’s stroll from the city middle. In case you 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 seaside, Playita Tortuga.
6. Different Tulum Seashores
Tulum Seashores are literally a number of small seashores linked 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 principle seaside space.
Playa Ruinas is known for its spectacular backdrop of the Tulum Ruins. The mixture of the traditional Mayan construction on the cliff above and the beautiful seaside under is really breathtaking.
Las Palmas Public Seashore: This seaside is a good selection for these seeking to escape the extra well-liked vacationer spots. It provides a extra tranquil setting whereas nonetheless that includes Tulum’s signature stunning waters and sand.
Ziggy Seashore: Fashionable for its seaside membership, Ziggy Seashore provides a full of life ambiance with wonderful meals, drinks, and music. It’s an amazing spot for these seeking to mix seaside leisure with leisure.
Secret Seashore (Playa Escondida): Because the identify suggests, this seaside is a bit off the overwhelmed path, providing a extra secluded and peaceable surroundings. It’s excellent for these seeking to escape the crowds and revel in some quiet time.
Akumal Seashore: Whereas not in Tulum itself, Akumal Seashore is a brief drive away and properly definitely worth the go to, particularly for snorkeling to swim with sea turtles of their pure habitat.
7. Hop Between Seashore Golf equipment
In terms of seaside golf equipment, head out of Tulum Pueblo as an alternative of Tulum Seashore. This neighborhood is full of seaside bars and golf equipment, and you may simply spend a day (or evening) hopping between them earlier than lastly reserving a taxi again to your lodge.
That is the die-hard social gathering strip, and you may count on extravagant cocktails and music in any respect hours. In case you are a partier, seaside membership hopping is well some of the 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 simply’ve very possible seen earlier than. The cenote is sat in an enormous sinkhole with a wood ladder teetering down the sting into the water. Picture by Mal Hellyer, you may learn her total article concerning the Greatest Cenotes in Mexico right here.
The cenote gap with its ladder is likely one of the most photographed locations in Tulum, and if you see it, you’ll perceive why. Inside the principle pool, there may be additionally a swing, which is also a cool picture spot.
The cenote is surrounded by greenery and colourful solar loungers the place you may dry off and catch some solar. There may be additionally a snack store, and as at most cenotes – showers, bathrooms and altering rooms. Cenote Calavera is located simply outdoors Tulum downtown, off the principle street to Coba Mayan ruins, and you may 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 lined by the rock above. It has a pure cavern really feel, which is atmospheric and makes for a novel swimming spot. Cenote Calavera can be only a 10-minute drive from Tulum Pueblo middle for those who 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 a number of Cenotes close to Tulum. Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote Automotive Wash, and Cenote Zacil-Ha are just some. We spotlight a few of our favorites additional down.
- Opening instances: 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 good 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 commentary deck. In case you go to Tulum and love scenic views, you understand 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 correct in the course of Tulum Middle – so a simple 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 neighborhood. And the park will get even higher when it hosts certainly one of its common road markets the place you should buy handicrafts and splurge on souvenirs. Take a look at the schedule if you go to Tulum.
11. Playa Ruinas
Tulum has a number of beautiful seashores, however Playa Ruinas takes the biscuit in the case of dramatic attraction. This seaside is a tiny strip of shiny white sand with the stays of an historical Mayan metropolis overlooking it from a grassy cliff high. Guests have each the seaside and ruins to understand, and the seaside is simply 20 minutes from Tulum by automobile or an hour on foot by way of the Parque Nacional Tulum.
12. Tulum Gran Cenote
Talking of serious cenotes, Tulum Gran Cenote is likely 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 be some of the 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 an enormous sinkhole-type construction. To go to the cenote, you may swim and snorkel or keep on the principle boardwalk, offering an exquisite, scenic view.
Gran Cenote has unbelievable wildlife. In case you choose to swim, you may see turtles, fish, and even bats or birds for those who take a peak into the cavern. We don’t throw the phrase magical round usually, however the cenote ticks that field. Climbing down into the cenote provides to that mystical attract, creating some of the 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 referred to as Laguna de Kaan Luum. Laguna de Kaan Luum is gorgeous, stretching so far as the attention can see in an unlimited expanse of shallow, pastel-blue water.
The lake is shallow and ideal for swimming – individuals use the close by swimming pier when not admiring the water from a swinging hammock. There are additionally tons of conventional seaside huts with food 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 method. It’s a sensible spot to spend a handful of hours, particularly within the late afternoon if you need a refreshing dip.
14. Punta Laguna Nature Reserve
Punta Laguna Nature Reserve is one other spectacular lake close to Tulum. Nonetheless, you may count on two particular animals – howler and spider monkeys- as an alternative of gorgeous watercolor patterns at this attraction. Visiting Punta Laguna nature reserve is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Tulum for any animal lover.
The spider monkeys on the reserve are utterly free to see, and it’s an moral option to stand up near them. It’s also possible to 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 amazing day journey. We suggest it for households as a zoo various.
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 may snap footage subsequent to colossal statues produced from rustic supplies. Whereas this attraction sits contained in the Ahau Lodge, you may pay a tiny charge to enter and see one of the best statues. In case you are planning a seaside day, it’s a must-detour attraction.
Escultura Ven a la Luz is 20 minutes away from Tulum city by automobile or half-hour by bike. Located within the Tulum Seashore district, getting away from the city middle for a little bit of coastal buzz is sensible.
16. Zona Arqueologica de Muyil
The Muyil ruins are located simply on the outskirts of the huge Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. In order for you outdated Mayan structure, visiting these ruins is a number of the greatest issues to do in Tulum.
The steep-walled pyramids are a a lot lesser photographed website, a super answer 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 website 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 Middle.
17. Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul is likely one of the most unbelievable Mexican cenotes and issues to do in Tulum. This cenote is half-hour from Tulum by automobile, however properly price the additional miles. The water is (as you would possibly guess) a shiny, shiny blue. Regardless of its tinted shade’s power, you may also see all the way in which to the underside.
It’s so clear. It’s so clear, in actual fact, that you simply’ll be capable to rely 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 likely 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. In case you 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 certainly one of Tulum’s most magical cenotes. Regardless of its proximity to the city middle, Cenote Escondido feels distant and remoted – solely accessible by a fairly rugged-looking mountaineering path that takes quarter-hour to deal with.
In fact, all of those components 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 positively has all the things you want for a refreshing afternoon.
Cenote Escondido is likely 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 in your Tulum itinerary. You possibly can even cycle there in lower than quarter-hour for those who favor to bike.
20. Casa Cenote
Casa Cenote is likely one of the all-time favourite cenotes close to Tulum. Whereas it’s additional away from the city middle – 20 minutes by automobile – it is likely one of the largest cenotes within the space and is known for diving and snorkeling. You possibly can 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 show you how to interact higher with wildlife and perceive extra concerning the cenote. Go for a swim, snorkel, or scuba dive and revel in certainly one of Tulum’s largest, most enjoyable cenotes.
Casa Cenote has the ‘large extensive world issue’ and is an amplified model of different smaller cenotes. There may be even an area crocodile referred to as “Panchito” that you could 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. Other than Panchito, there are tons of fish and wildlife within the surrounding jungle, too, usually together with little raccoons venturing right down to search for a snack.
21. Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is thought for its wonderful seashores and resort metropolis buzz. Just some individuals are minimize out for days and days in a comparatively sleepy city, so for those who want a metropolis repair, Playa del Carmen is the place to take a day journey to.
Think about this the most effective 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 possibly can take pleasure in important museums and sights just like the 3D Museum of Wonders and Playacar Mayan Ruins.
Playa del Carmen is simply a 50-minute drive north of Tulum. You possibly can guide a taxi or simply arrange a rental automobile or shuttle. By 2024, a prepare will join the 2 main Yucatan locations, so watch this house. Be certain that to take a look at all of the Greatest 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 rework your individual cacao beans right into a scrumptious chocolate dish. The expertise is led by a educated information. Probably the most invaluable a part of that is the cultural trade and perception into the significance of cacao and chocolate in Mayan historical past that you simply’ll depart with.
Chococacao Maya is a 40-minute drive from Tulum. Nonetheless, it’s positioned proper subsequent to the Nohoch Mul Pyramid and a number of cenotes – so it’s straightforward to mix.
23. Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is a giant deal – contemplate it a celeb standing attraction. This UNESCO World Heritage Website is likely one of the greatest day journeys from Tulum. The advanced was as soon as an historical Mayan metropolis stuffed 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 totally admire.
This attraction is a 2-hour drive inland from Tulum. Be ready to rent a automobile or guide an expertise, together with public transportation. It’s additional, if not the furthest, of all of the day journeys. Nonetheless, it’s positively essentially the most well-known and, as one of many 7 New Wonders of the World, price carving out time to go to.
24. Highway Journey By means of Parque Nacional Tulum
Parque Nacional Tulum is one of the best place for the underconfident driver to deal with a single-day street journey. You’ll be stopping and beginning always with a full listing of to-dos, lots of which already function on this information.
It neatly combines so many sights right into a single day, making it the most effective issues to do in Tulum. There’s Playa Ruinas, the turtles at Playita Tortugas, and the notorious Tulum ruins. The full driving time can be lower than an hour, however you’ll have a lot to see that you could dedicate a complete day to the expertise.
25. Coba Ruins
Coba is an historical Mayan metropolis, and its full identify is Zona Archeologica de Coba. The preservation is dwelling 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 likely one of the most lively issues to do on a day journey from Tulum, and tremendous adventurous and atmospheric. In order for you an lively expertise of a Mayan pyramid, the Coba ruins are your best option. These Mayan ruins are additionally a lot quieter than Chichen Itza – preserve that in thoughts when crowd dodging. 4×1: Coba, Cenote, Tulum and Playa del Carmen Tour from Cancun (Greatest 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 possibly can at all times hire a automobile and make a full day of it, combining cenote hopping with the Coba ruins. In any other case, guide a guided tour with roundtrip transport included from Tulum.
26. Say Hello to Turtles
From Might to October you may witness sea turtles making their option to the seaside at evening 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, could 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, one of the best locations to see sea turtles is Akumal Seashore. Situated a brief drive north of Tulum, Akumal is famously often called the “Place of the Turtles.” It is likely one of the greatest spots for snorkeling with sea turtles, as they frequent the shallow waters right here.
Xcacel Seashore is one other sea turtle sanctuary and some of the essential nesting websites for turtles within the space. It’s a protected space, so adhering to any restrictions and pointers whereas visiting is important.
27. Attempt Kite Boarding
Kiteboarding is well-liked in Tulum, due to its supreme wind situations and exquisite seashores. Right here’s extra details about kiteboarding in Tulum:
Tulum Seashore is a perfect spot with its lengthy stretch of seaside, its regular winds, and wide-open areas. It’s excellent for kiteboarding. The world provides an amazing steadiness of waves and flat water, appropriate for each learners 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, positioned on the El Pez Lodge, Morph provides classes with licensed instructors and the newest gear.
Excessive Management Kiteboarding College provides complete lesson plans, together with each personal and group classes.
One of the best 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 super time for the game. Mornings are typically calmer, which is ideal for learners taking classes.
28. Go Scuba Diving
You possibly can’t go to Tulum with out actually experiencing its underwater world, and a scuba dive expertise is far more immersive than snorkeling. Information flash – scuba diving is unbelievable in Tulum.
Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is offshore of Tulum; the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is the second largest coral reef on the earth. 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 possibly can guide diving excursions from Tulum city to see the coral reefs. Many of those journeys embody 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.
It’s also possible to guide cavern diving within the Cenotes. That is really helpful 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 position within the improvement of the Mayan civilization and are actually well-liked vacationer sights.
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 aside from small openings.
Largest Underground Cave System
The water in cenotes is usually 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 principle Downtown Tulum space with common reside music, buying alternatives, and generally road events. However regardless of its stylish oomph, it is usually the place to move if you fancy a soothing 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 carried out your justifiable share of day journeys and edge-of-your-seat-style actions in Tulum. You possibly can take a strolling tour of Tulum Centro or go to by your self. It’s actually enjoyable to get misplaced in, and for those who obtain Google Maps offline in case you want additional assist with instructions, you may’t go improper with 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 could be complicated. One of the best space for you’ll rely upon what you’re in search of in your go to. Are you in search of shut proximity to the seaside, nightlife, cultural experiences, or tranquil retreats? Listed below are a number of the greatest areas to think about:
Tulum Seashore (Zona Hotelera)
Tulum Lodge Zone is essentially the most well-known space in Tulum, recognized for its stunning seashores and boutique motels. Right here you’ll have direct seaside entry, all kinds of seaside golf equipment and high-end lodging. Nonetheless, 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 inexpensive 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 seaside, requiring transportation to succeed in the seaside. Chances are you’ll need to hire. acar in case you are 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 likely 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 seaside bums. Let’s face it. The attract of cave diving into certainly one of Tulum’s superior cenotes, visiting Tulum’s ruins, or exploring the Tulum jungle is difficult to withstand.
I’m positive you will have many questions, from Is Tulum protected to go to to when is one of the best time to go to Tulum? So, earlier than you go, although, learn on to see if we are able to reply a few of your most urgent inquiries to take pleasure in your Tulum go to.
The best way to Get to Tulum
Tulum is most simply reached by way of a direct flight to Cancun Worldwide Airport. Cancun Airport has a usually 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 possibly can land at Cancun Airport after which guide a taxi or shuttle or we advise renting a automobile. You possibly can examine costs right here.
Another choice is to street journey to Tulum in case you are already inside driving distance. If this appears like the thought for you, simply control common Mexico safety updates to keep away from any areas of explicit unrest.
Preserve your eyes peeled for an upcoming prepare line being constructed to attach Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, too. A brand new Mayan prepare opened in December 2023 to attach all the key Yucatan Peninsula hubs. This may make touring from Cancun Worldwide Airport massively extra easy. It’s going to additionally imply that you could get to Tulum from quite a few factors on the peninsula with no need a automobile or an costly shuttle.
Getting Round Tulum
Tulum is tremendous straightforward to get round. The city middle is so compact that it’s simply totally skilled on foot. On the similar time, the outskirts could be reached by hiring bikes – conserving issues as eco-friendly as potential.
The city middle is the place you’ll discover all of the Tulum buying and central amenities, whereas the seaside space is the place you’ll discover all of your golf equipment and seaside day alternatives. The 2 fundamental areas of Tulum are break up by Avenida Coba, which you’ll deal with by bike or taxi.
Getting round Tulum is manageable with no automobile, however we’d counsel hiring a automobile if you wish to do day journeys. With a rental automobile, you’ll have full freedom and may head to a number of the most enjoyable sights within the surrounding space. In any other case, you should use Tulum taxis and arrange excursions for day journeys. Most excursions embody roundtrip transportation, eliminating the entire ‘how do I get there’ conundrum.
Greatest 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, which means it comes simply earlier than the December to April frenzy of partiers, larger 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 one of the best climate, with heat sunny days and minimal rain. Nonetheless, these are the busiest months, as many guests come to flee colder climates. Anticipate larger costs and crowded seashores.
June to October is the wet season. Hurricane season is September and October so you will notice extra tropical storms. Nonetheless, the the area is way much less crowded and costs are a lot decrease.
Is Tulum Secure?
Many individuals query, ‘Is Tulum protected?’ Tulum is mostly protected for vacationers however, like every vacation spot, it’s important to remain knowledgeable concerning the present security state of affairs and train warning throughout your go to.
Though Tulum is taken into account protected for vacationers, there’s a warning of crime on authorities web sites. Sustain-to-date with the newest journey advisories and public well being data, and be significantly aware of crime.
Gangs and Drug Cartels have been an issue in Tulum, however they’re normally not geared toward vacationers. Nonetheless, some vacationers have been caught within the crossfire. There may be an added police power in Tulum to take care of order. Bear in mind, tourism is a big a part of Mexico’s economic system, and the federal government needs vacationers to really feel protected and safe, so they’re doing as a lot as they’ll to fight the cartel.
Additionally it is greatest to keep away from Hurricane season (September and October)/ You possibly can examine security in Tulum in our article Is Tulum Secure
What’s Tulum greatest recognized for?
Tulum is thought for Mayan ruins and pure wonders. You’ll spend mornings on Tulum Seashore 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 to go to Chichen Itza and a handful of fundamental sights, however not benefit from the countless day journeys and actually get a style of Mexican tradition in Tulum. 5 to 7 days in Tulum is a lot better if you wish to get ‘sufficient’ of the city and all it provides.
Is Tulum higher than Cancun?
We’d say positively. 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 seaside city various, it’s a should. Learn extra: Wonderful Issues to do in Cancun
What must you do in Tulum in two days?
In two days in Tulum, it is best to go to one of many cenotes or Chichen Itza. You need to then take pleasure in a seaside membership and Tulum’s seaside city tradition.
Tulum is inconceivable to not love. The city is gorgeous – from the Tulum ruins to Tulum Seashore. And it’s the supreme vacationer vacation spot for anybody wanting to actually expertise Mexico off the Cancun strip.
In terms of Tulum lodging, there’s a large number of luxurious motels and resorts. Simply try our information on the greatest Tulum all-inclusive resorts – the seaside city even has a number of the greatest adults-only all-inclusive in Mexico. So apart from looking for one of the best issues to do in Tulum, dedicate ample time to sifting by way of its throngs of five-star seaside 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 likely one of the most enjoyable methods to expertise the Riviera Maya and Yucatan Peninsula – so in case you are adventurous, set this concept apart as a should.