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!
House to an historic Mayan metropolis, Tulum was as soon as referred to as Zama or “Metropolis of Daybreak”.
The place is Tulum? This tropical paradise is situated about 2-hours south of Cancun, alongside Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Boasting stunning sandy seashores and crystal clear water, Tulum can also be a scuba diving paradise with many cenotes and caves to discover.
Tulum is a spot the place the traditional and the trendy world mix collectively. At present you’ll discover a mixture of historic 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 practice) someday in 2023.
I’ve spent plenty of time in Tulum over time whereas residing 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.
My Tulum itinerary is totally free! I’ve labored exhausting placing it collectively for you. In case you discover it helpful, please use my affiliate hyperlinks while you e-book resorts, rental vehicles or actions. I’ll receives a commission a small fee, at no additional price 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 search out separate layers marking the route and factors of curiosity. You’ll be able to cover 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 put it aside to your personal Google Maps, or open the map in a brand new window for a bigger model. Take pleasure in!
Mexico Journey Restrictions 2023
Mexico has eliminated all COVID-19 entry necessities, together with for People. It’s the proper time to go to Tulum!
You’ll find the newest updates on touring to Mexico right here.
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Tulum Mexico Journey Information
1: Go to The Tulum Ruins (Archeological Web site)
The Tulum Archeological Web site 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 photographs.
The 5-meter tall partitions that surrounded town, might have one thing to do with the title 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 might be lengthy so I like to recommend arriving about an hour earlier, if you wish to be first in line. 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 someday, in addition to a Mayan village and swimming in a cenote.
2: Discover Tulum Pueblo (El Centro)
Tulum is definitely cut 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 really do enterprise. Right here you’ll discover grocery shops, native eating places, and different Mexican outlets.
Tulum Seaside (aka Tulum Resort Zone) is the place all of the seashores, resorts, and vacationer buying is. That is really a 5-10 minute drive away from Tulum City. Strolling this distance would take about an hour (not advisable). A motorcycle or taxi ought to be used as an alternative.
And at last there are the Tulum Ruins, which I described above. The ruins are situated North of each the city and the seashore.
A number of good locations to cease in Tulum City to get a really feel for native Mexican life embrace La Chiapaneca for road tacos, Del Cielo for breakfast or brunch, and Huerto del Eden in the event you love contemporary juice and low.
3: Loosen up On Tulum’s Greatest Seashores
Tulum has so many lush seashores with delicate sands and dazzling waters, it’s troublesome to decide on which seashore to get some solar at. Whereas Mexican regulation ensures public entry to all seashores, many resorts in Tulum try and cost vacationers a payment to “use their lounge chairs”.
Listed here 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 immediately beneath 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 contains 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 in the event you’re in search of 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 in the event you’re unfortunate, it could be round throughout your go to.
Resorts and resorts attempt to clear it up from the seashores after they can, however generally it might overwhelm an space. The seaweed is innocent, however it might begin to rot and odor dangerous if it isn’t eliminated immediately.
4: Sian Ka’an Biosphere
Sian Ka’an means “gate to heaven” or “origin of the sky”. The Sian Ka’an Biosphere is situated simply south of Tulum, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Web site since 1987.
Sian Ka’an covers 5280 km² and is dwelling to over 300 species of birds, 120 km of shoreline, numerous natural world, coral reefs, a lagoon and round 23 Mayan archaeological websites.
A preferred exercise is to e-book 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 doable to see dolphins, turtles, manatees, and all types of hen life on these journeys.
5: Swim (Or Scuba Dive) In Cenotes
You’ll be able to’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. A number of the cenotes additionally embrace underwater archaeological websites and relics.
With the Riviera Maya being dwelling to the most important underground cave system on the earth, connecting 1000’s of various cenotes, there are various stunning underground caverns and caves to discover. A few of my favourite cenotes close to Tulum embrace:
- Gran Cenote – The preferred cenote in Tulum with waters which can be 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 (in the event you’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 like a cranium from beneath, and is a well-liked spot for divers. However there’s a ladder and cord swing too.
- Cenote Taak Bi Ha – One among my favourite cenotes in Tulum, this big cave boasts crystal clear blue water. One other cenote in style with cave divers.
Cenote & Ruins Journey
Desire a guided tour? Discover a few of Mexico’s Mayan ruins, and go swimming in a phenomenal cenote.
6: Take A Yoga Class
Tulum is a well-liked vacation spot for hippie/bohemian/new-age sorts, and as such, you’ll discover loads of yoga retreats, music remedy periods, and different kinds of well being and wellness actions.
In case you’re trying to unwind and immerse your self in some yoga periods throughout your go to, try 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 Traditional intervals (500 to 900 AD) of the Mayan civilization. Nevertheless, Coba has been inhabited way back to 50 BC.
Essentially 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 truly climb the principle pyramid — one thing you may’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 attractive 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 also be an inlet for the ocean.
Due to the combination 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 crammed with turtles, rays, and larger fish.
There are shops close by that supply snacks, plus snorkeling and diving gear which you could lease.
Tulum is a well-liked buying vacation spot too. Boutique outlets promote souvenirs, conventional Mayan clothes, and even some eclectic & bohemian Western designs.
Some in style 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 a few of the native shacks as an alternative. Listed here are our favorites.
- Matcha Mama serves plant primarily based smoothies, kombuchas and acai bowls, they’re extremely popular on Instagram.
- Burrito Amor has a few of the greatest burritos in Mexico!
- Uncooked Love is a vegan cafe with a hippie vibe that’s in style for uncooked chocolate and vegan delicacies.
- Mexican Eating Expertise is a singular 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 very best gelato!
- Hartwood is without doubt one of the greatest eating places in Tulum, the place you’ll get pleasure from hearth cooked meals made with native elements.
11: Test Out The Nightlife!
The nightlife in Tulum is occurring, and seashore bars are full nearly each night with weekends getting fairly crowded. Listed here are a few of the greatest bars in Tulum.
- Gitano – Seize drinks at this open air jungle bar whereas snacking on appetizers!
- Papaya Playa Mission – Well-liked for the total moon and weekend events.
- Todos Santos – Good vibes and spectacular cocktails!
- Batey – Well-liked for the blue-colored beetle parked outdoors, 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 sequence of outside journey theme parks that have been constructed to benefit from the pure panorama within the Yucatan Peninsula.
A number of the hottest ones are Xcaret, Xel Ha, Xplor and Rio Secreto. They’re like organized adventures that may take you zip-lining by way of 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 a great time at these theme parks too. I believe my favourite was Rio Secreto, as a result of it feels a bit of extra genuine and fewer touristy.
13: Water Sports activities Actions
The crystal clear waters of Tulum are good for water sports activities. Paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, wind browsing, and boating are in style. 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 might be plenty 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 plenty of cool artwork & sculpture within the Tulum Resort Zone. The Azulik Museum feels such as you’re strolling round in an acid journey.
Ahau Tulum has an enormous picket sculpture that invitations you into its bosom. The Macondo restaurant in Nomade seems to be 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 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 made from stone or wooden. You strip right down to your underwear (or swimsuit), and enter the sweat lodge which is heated with scorching rocks & water, turning it right into a steamy sauna.
The ceremony is led by an area shaman, who conducts the ritual and takes care of members. The temazcal ceremony takes place in full darkness, because the shaman pours water over the recent rocks, chanting and utilizing completely different herbs to summon spirits.
Temazcal was carried out since historic 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 without doubt one of the greatest stored 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 also be good for scuba diving or freediving with the deeper space cordoned off to forestall entry to swimmers. There are water hammocks, swings, and small tower which you could climb for an excellent view of the entire lagoon.
17: Drive To Chichen Itza
One of many New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza can also be a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. It’s additionally probably the most visted Mayan ruins in Mexico.
The huge metropolis advanced constructed by the Mayans thrived from 525 AD to 1200 AD. Entrance prices about 80 + 417 pesos.
One of the in style locations to go to whereas staying in Tulum, Yucatan, it’s a two hour drive from Tulum City in a rental automotive, however there are additionally many organized excursions that may 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 motorbike and peddle by way of Tulum by yourself two toes. A motorcycle can also be helpful to go to most seashores and eating places which can be a 15-30 minute bike trip from Tulum Centro (Downtown). Bike leases price about $5-$10 USD per day.
You can even select to e-book a motorbike tour of Tulum to expertise native tradition, cease by some ruins, and hop right into a cenote that could be off the overwhelmed path a bit.
Traditional Tulum Bike Tour
Go to the Tulum’s ruins through bicycle, cruise round city, attempt 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 lifeless in 1993. His mansion within the Tulum jungle was purchased by artwork collector Lio Malca in 2012 and changed into an artwork lodge referred to as Casa Malca.
Cease by to see modern items of artwork from Leo Malca’s assortment in addition to classic furnishings. However bear in mind, in the event you’re not really 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 previous commerce path to Coba, the ruins often known as Chunyaxché are very near the Sian Ka’an Lagoon.
Other than the principle 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 stunning blue lagoon situated about 3 hours South of Tulum. Also referred to as Laguna de Siete Colores, it’s an exquisite spot go crusing, kayaking, or try a singular cenote. There’s even a shipwreck you may go to!
A visit to Bacalar is greatest carried out as an in a single day journey, and you’ll return to Tulum the following night. You’ll be able to drive your self in a rental automotive, or take an ADO bus.
Greatest Time To Go to Tulum
January – April
Glorious climate, with plenty of solar and gentle temperatures within the 80’s F. Nevertheless that is additionally the excessive season, so there are various extra vacationers. Numerous Canadians and People come down for the winter.
Could – October
These are the most popular and rainiest months of the 12 months. The warmth and humidity might be an excessive amount of for some individuals. September and October can also be hurricane season for the world. Far fewer vacationers although.
November – December
That is my favourite time to go to Tulum, as a result of the climate isn’t tremendous scorching, hurricane season is over, however the excessive season for vacationers hasn’t began but.
The place Is Tulum (Getting There)
Tulum is situated 131 km South of Cancun, a couple of 2-hour drive away. Most individuals get to Tulum after flying into Cancun Worldwide Airport. Seek for the most cost effective flights to Cancun on Skyscanner.com.
From the airport, you may e-book a personal shuttle to Tulum or take the general public ADO bus (less expensive). Buses depart each 30-minutes and value about 300 pesos ($15 USD).
NOTE: Site 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 automotive in the course of the high-season.
Rental Automotive
The very best web site to e-book your automotive is with Uncover Automobiles. They search each native and worldwide automotive rental firms that will help you discover the very best value. That is the best option to lease a automotive and drive right down to Tulum, Mexico.
Renting a automotive presents the very best flexibility to discover extra distant and fewer touristy spots on the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s my favourite option to get round Tulum!
Tulum Taxis
There aren’t 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 costs excessive costs at any time when they suppose they will get away with it. At all times decide on the value earlier than getting in.
Bike
Biking is a well-liked option to get round regionally. For about $10 USD ($200 MEX) you may lease a motorbike for the complete day. Your lodge may need free bikes to lease too. If not, you may lease them from Ola Bike Tulum or IBike Tulum.
Shuttles
There are a bunch of airport shuttle providers providing rides from Cancun airport to Tulum, and so they’ll you should definitely harass you on the airport exit. The preferred 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 buy tickets prematurely if you wish to, however most instances you’ll be positive 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 bunch of individuals from side to side. That is the most cost effective option to get round Tulum and the Yucatan Peninsula. These are what the locals use to get across the metropolis, however routes might be complicated in the event you don’t converse Spanish.
Lease A Automotive In Mexico
Search each native and worldwide automotive rental firms that will help 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 price range pleasant.
BEST ACCOMMODATION IN TULUM
Tulum Journey Suggestions & Recommendation
- Tulum has a persistent on-and-off seaweed drawback, and it might cowl the attractive white sand seashores. Resorts attempt to clear it up, however aren’t at all times profitable.
- Tulum shouldn’t be 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 normally 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 absolutely 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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