Tulum Mexico Journey Information (Finest Issues To Do)

Tulum, Mexico

As soon as an idyllic sleepy village, Tulum has been reworked into a celeb trip playground. From cenotes to chilling on the seashore — listed below are the greatest issues to do in Tulum, Mexico!

House to an historical 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 lovely sandy seashores and crystal clear water, Tulum can be a scuba diving paradise with many cenotes and caves to discover. 

Tulum is a spot the place the traditional and the fashionable world mix collectively. In the present day you’ll discover a mixture of historical Mayan ruins, yoga retreats, purchasing, eating places, and loads of well-known individuals who flock right here to refresh their thoughts, physique, and soul.

Actually, the Mexican authorities is opening a new worldwide airport in Tulum (in addition to a prepare) 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.

Hello, I’m Matthew Karsten

I’ve been touring the world for 10+ years as an expert photographer & author. I hope you take pleasure in my Tulum suggestions! In case you discover them helpful, utilizing my affiliate hyperlinks to guide one thing will give me 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 seek out separate layers marking the route and factors of curiosity. You may disguise and present completely different layers, or click on icons on the map to see the names of locations I point out on this journey information. “Star” the map to reserve it to your individual Google Maps, or open the map in a brand new window for a bigger model. Get pleasure from!

Tulum Mexico Journey Information

1: Go to The Tulum Ruins (Archeological Web site)

The Tulum Archeological Web site is a powerful 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 right backdrop for images.

The 5-meter tall partitions that surrounded the town, could have one thing to do with the title Tulum, which is the Maya phrase for fence. 

Some essential 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 traces could be lengthy so I like to recommend arriving about an hour earlier (that is best in the event you’re renting a automobile in Mexico). Or you may also be a part of a guided tour.

➜ Learn My Information To Visiting Tulum’s Ruins Right here

Tour Of Tulum & Coba

Discover 2 archaeological websites in in the future, in addition to a Mayan village and swimming in a cenote.

2: Discover Tulum Pueblo (El Centro)

Tulum is definitely break up up into 3 completely different areas, all generally described as “Tulum”, which may make issues a bit complicated for first time guests.

Tulum City (aka Tulum Pueblo, or El Centro) is the place locals in Tulum 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 purchasing 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 a substitute.

And eventually there are the Tulum Ruins, which I described above. The ruins are situated North of each the city and the seashore.

A couple of good locations to cease in Tulum City to get a really feel for native Mexican life embody La Chiapaneca for avenue tacos, Del Cielo for breakfast or brunch, and Huerto del Eden in the event you love recent juice and occasional.

3: Chill out On Tulum’s Finest Seashores

Tulum has so many lush seashores with smooth sands and dazzling waters, it’s tough to decide on which seashore to get some solar at. Whereas Mexican legislation ensures public entry to all seashores, many accommodations in Tulum try to cost vacationers a price to “use their lounge chairs”.

Listed below are our high selections 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 instantly beneath the Tulum Ruins. Solely accessible from the archeological website, 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 youngsters.
• 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 typically get hit with a sargassum seaweed invasion, making the pristine white sand seashores — rather less pristine. The seaweed comes and goes every year, and in the event you’re unfortunate, it could be round throughout your go to.

Lodges and resorts attempt to clear it up from the seashores after they can, however typically it could possibly overwhelm an space. The seaweed is innocent, however it could possibly begin to rot and odor dangerous if it isn’t eliminated straight away.

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 residence to over 300 species of birds, 120 km of shoreline, various natural world, coral reefs, a lagoon and round 23 Mayan archaeological websites.

A preferred exercise is to guide a Sian Ka’an boat tour or kayaking tour to discover the jungle mangroves and saltwater lagoons. There are additionally snorkeling journeys too. It’s attainable to see dolphins, turtles, manatees, and all types of hen life on these journeys.

5: Swim (Or Scuba Dive) In Cenotes

You may’t go to Tulum, Mexico and never go to a cenote. The Tulum cenotes are pure limestone sinkholes that present entry to Mexico’s underground river system for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Among the cenotes additionally embody underwater archaeological websites and relics. 

With the Riviera Maya being residence to the biggest underground cave system on the planet, connecting 1000’s of various cenotes, there are a lot of lovely underground caverns and caves to discover. A few of my favourite cenotes close to Tulum embody:

• Gran Cenote – The preferred cenote in Tulum with waters which are thought of sacred, it’s the doorway of the Sistema Sac Actun.
• Casa Cenote – Surrounded by mangroves with a tunnel that heads proper out to the ocean.
• Dos Ojos Cenote – Referred to 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 automobiles, however now it’s only for swimming or cave diving.
• Calavera (aka Temple Of Doom) – Seems to be like a cranium from beneath, and is a well-liked spot for divers. However there’s a ladder and twine swing too.
• Cenote Taak Bi Ha – One among my favourite cenotes in Tulum, this large cave boasts crystal clear blue water. One other cenote in style with cave divers.

➜ Learn My Information To Mexico’s Finest Cenotes

Cenote & Ruins Journey

Desire a guided tour? Discover a few of Mexico’s Mayan ruins, and go swimming in a stupendous cenote.

6: Take A Yoga Class

Tulum is a well-liked vacation spot for hippie/bohemian/new-age varieties, and as such, you’ll discover loads of yoga retreats, music remedy periods, and other forms of well being and wellness actions.

In case you’re seeking 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 durations (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 embody the Nohoch Mul Pyramid, Sacbe, Coba Group, Coba Stelae, Macanxoc Group and Conjunto de Pinturas. One of many distinctive options of this Mayan website is the flexibility 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 be an inlet for the ocean.

Due to the combo of sea water and recent water, the lagoon is the right 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 greater fish. 

There are shops close by that supply snacks, plus snorkeling and diving gear which you could lease.  

Tulum is a well-liked purchasing 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 a substitute. Listed below are our favorites. 

• Matcha Mama serves plant primarily based smoothies, kombuchas and acai bowls, they’re very talked-about 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 novel restaurant the place you eat at a communal desk for a 7-course dinner and free-flowing alcohol whereas the hosts clarify the meals to you.
• Origami Tulum – Go right here for the perfect gelato!
• Hartwood is likely one of the greatest eating places in Tulum, the place you’ll take pleasure in fireplace 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 below are a few of the greatest bars in Tulum. 

• Gitano – Seize drinks at this open air jungle bar whereas snacking on appetizers!
• Papaya Playa Undertaking – In style for the total moon and weekend events. 
• Todos Santos – Good vibes and spectacular cocktails!
• Batey – In style for the blue-colored beetle parked outdoors, this bar is known for its native cocktails utilizing fruits just like the prickly pear! 
• Mateos – This place is nice for drinks, or lunch. They typically have stay music at sundown on their rooftop terrace!

And don’t neglect to drink some Mexican Mezcal at any of the native bars. It’s an agave liquor that you simply’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 out of doors journey theme parks that have been constructed to make the most of the pure panorama within the Yucatan Peninsula.

Among the hottest ones are Xcaret, Xel Ha, Xplor and Rio Secreto. They’re like organized adventures that may take you zip-lining by way of the bushes, swimming in caves, driving ATVs, or snorkeling with colourful fish.

An effective way for households to spend a day in Mexico, however adults may have a superb time at these theme parks too. I feel my favourite was Rio Secreto, as a result of it feels a little bit extra genuine and fewer touristy.

13: Water Sports activities Actions

The crystal clear waters of Tulum are 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 could 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 wood sculpture that invitations you into its bosom. The Macondo restaurant in Nomade appears to be like 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 embody:

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 all the way 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 a neighborhood 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 new rocks, chanting and utilizing completely different herbs to summon spirits.

Temazcal was carried out since historical occasions, 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

Wanting just like the blue gap in Belize, the Laguna Kaam Luum is likely 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 you may also fly a drone right here.

Kaan Luum can 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 a fantastic view of the entire lagoon.

17: Drive To Chichen Itza

One of many New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza can be a UNESCO World Heritage 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 crucial in style locations to go to whereas staying in Tulum, Yucatan, it’s a two hour drive from Tulum City in a rental automobile, however there are additionally many organized excursions that may take you there. 

Chichen Itza Tour

Skip the road at Mexico’s most well-known archaeological website, go to a colonial city, and swim in a cenote.

18: Hire A Bicycle

Rent a motorcycle and peddle by way of Tulum by yourself two toes. A motorcycle can be helpful to go to most seashores and eating places which are a 15-30 minute bike journey from Tulum Centro (Downtown). Bike leases price about $5-$10 USD per day.

You may as well select to guide a motorcycle tour of Tulum to expertise native tradition, cease by some ruins, and hop right into a cenote which may be off the crushed path a bit.

Traditional Tulum Bike Tour

Go to the Tulum’s ruins by way of bicycle, cruise round city, attempt some recent tacos, and hop right into a refreshing cenote.

19: Go to Pablo Escobar’s Seaside Home

Pablo Escobar was a Colombian drug lord who based the Medellin Cartel and was shot useless in 1993. His mansion within the Tulum jungle was purchased by artwork collector Lio Malca in 2012 and changed into an artwork resort referred to as Casa Malca.

Cease by to see up to date items of artwork from Leo Malca’s assortment in addition to classic furnishings. However bear in mind, in the event you’re not really a resort visitor and want to go to — you’re required to spend not less than 1000 pesos (about $50 USD) on drinks, meals, and so forth. 

20: Test Out The Muyil Ruins

Situated contained in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, the Muyil Ruins displaying Peten structure date way back to 350 BC. Set alongside an outdated commerce path to Coba, the ruins also called Chunyaxché are very near the Sian Ka’an Lagoon.

Aside from the principle ruins such because the 17-meter tall Castillo, you may also climb to an remark deck to see the encircling countryside. 

21: Head To Bacalar

Bacalar is an enormous lovely blue lagoon situated about 3 hours South of Tulum. Also called Laguna de Siete Colores, it’s an exquisite spot go crusing, kayaking, or try a novel cenote. There’s even a shipwreck you may go to!

A visit to Bacalar is greatest achieved as an in a single day journey, and you may return to Tulum the following night. You may drive your self in a rental automobile, or take an ADO bus.

Finest Time To Go to Tulum

January – April

Wonderful climate, with plenty of solar and gentle temperatures within the 80’s F. Nevertheless that is additionally the excessive season, so there are a lot of extra vacationers. Numerous Canadians and Individuals come down for the winter.

Might – October

These are the most well liked and rainiest months of the 12 months. The warmth and humidity could be an excessive amount of for some folks. September and October can be hurricane season for the realm. Far fewer vacationers although.

November – December

That is my favourite time to go to Tulum, as a result of the climate isn’t tremendous 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. Previously most individuals have been flying to Cancun airport, however now you may fly instantly into a brand new Tulum Worldwide Airport.

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 count on to get wherever quick in a automobile in the course of the excessive season.

Rental Automotive

The most effective website to guide your automobile is with Uncover Automobiles. They search each native and worldwide automobile rental firms that will help you discover the absolute best worth. That is the simplest approach to lease a automobile and drive all the way down to Tulum, Mexico.

Renting a automobile provides the perfect flexibility to discover extra distant and fewer touristy spots on the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s my favourite approach 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 prices excessive costs at any time when they suppose they’ll get away with it. At all times decide on the value earlier than getting in.

Bike 

Biking is a well-liked approach to get round regionally. For about $10 USD ($200 MEX) you may lease a motorcycle for the complete day. Your resort 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, they usually’ll remember to 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 wherever within the Yucatan Peninsula. You should purchase tickets upfront if you wish to, however most occasions you’ll be high quality shopping for a ticket simply earlier than getting into the bus. 

Different native buses embody 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 back and forth. That is the most cost effective approach to get round Tulum and the Yucatan Peninsula. These are what the locals use to get across the metropolis, however routes could be complicated in the event you don’t communicate Spanish.

Hire A Automotive In Mexico

Search each native and worldwide automobile 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 most effective areas to remain are Col Huracanes for the pubs and nightlife, Tulum Playa for the seashores, or Tulum Pueblo for one thing funds pleasant.

Tulum Journey Suggestions & Recommendation

• Tulum has a persistent on-and-off seaweed drawback, and it could possibly cowl the attractive white sand seashores. Resorts attempt to clear it up, however aren’t at all times profitable.
• Tulum isn’t like different elements of Mexico, it may be tremendous costly. It has additionally develop into 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 count on superb web entry in Tulum since WiFi is actually sluggish in most locations.
• There are just a few free public seashores in Tulum. The most effective seashores would require you to pay for entrance at a seashore membership.

FAQ: High Tulum Questions

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