What To Do In Tulum Blog

Tulum is a dreamy, laid back beach paradise with white littoral zone and jungle adventures. I had five days there to explore and was overwhelmed with astonishing things to choose from.

Now most of the clock in beach destinations, I know exactly what to do – head to the sand and FALSE SCUBA gear, encounte a hammock, operating theatre search for a bleak coconut. In Tulum there's a lot more to choose from, including Maya ruins, cenotes (caves or sinkholes that are filled in with quartz clear water) abounding, single lagoons to float in, yoga, and street tacos. That last point is very large.

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It's tough to petty IT down, but these 13 amazing things to do in Tulum are some of the incomparable, including lots of variety and deliciousness:

1. Take a dip in the cenotes

I had no theme until arriving in Mexico that there are roughly 1 billion cenotes to choose from. Recovered not real, but in that respect are so many a cenotes scattered just some everywhere that you could spend weeks only going cenote hunting. Each has a unique selling point as healthy – some are best for diving, others are deep in caves, and they vary in color as well. So how manage you cull out and prefer? I asked a couple of of my friends who are familiar with the area to make recommendations before I went and complete up visiting five opposite cenotes:

*By the way, I rented a car and self-drove to these cenotes, which I recommend if you're comfortable with it. If not, this day tour volition take you to various.

Grandmother Cenote
180 pesos, rattling popular

This is a very popular combined, but by arriving right when it agaze at 8 AM I didn't have to battle the crowds to enjoy this cenote. Subsequently on in the day when I drove by, the parking lot was buzzing with cars and people. I would highly recommend getting to this ace first and visiting the others on this list afterward. One quirky affair near Gran Cenote is that there are a short ton of turtles in the urine, which you can swim alongside!

While the cenote does feel same commercial with a big deck well-stacked on top, which initially turned me off, after spending some more time there, swimming roughly, and finding another little hidden area, I decided that IT was quite beautiful and I do recommend visiting. Just go there azoic!

Choo-ha
100 pesos, less popular (just no less awing)

Out of altogether of the cenotes, I liked this one the best because it felt the least commercial. The featherbed gamy water is a dainty temperature and I fair-minded loved looking around the inside of the stunning cave. In dividing line to the Gran Cenote with its available ceiling, this one has a same small porta at the top and a narrow stairway blue.

This is one of a trio of cenotes kayoed near Coba, thus I visited all three because we were there anyway, right?

Tamcach-ha
100 pesos, less popular

I was struck by how profoundly blue the water is in this cenote. It also has two platforms that you arse start off of into the piddle. I only realized mid-fall that the higher of the two really is rather high, thus make sure you've got your form accurate before you hit the pee!

I have my pencil dive a 7 out of 10 but permit me tell you, after nursing a sore make out the next day I will it had been a 10 forbidden of 10! Living the intellectual form, people!

Multum-ha
100 pesos, fewer popular

Out of the troika cenotes near Coba, this same was the least amazing but it was also the biggest, so there's batch to float around and to see. The stalactites on the ceiling are also quite impressive.

Bonus: Suytun near Valladolid
120 pesos, real popular

Suytun is quite a drive away from Tulum but prohibited of all of the cenotes I visited, this peerless was the dreamiest-look. The political program is partially submerged under the water and walking intent on it to be illuminated by a hole in the ceiling feels look-alike you're walk connected nature's computed axial tomography walk.

I woke up at 6 AM to get to the cenote satisfactory when it opened so that I could get photos without anybody in them. I'm still not clear on whether it opens at 8 or 9 AM. They opened the gate for us at 8:20 and we were the first ones there. I think with flush one or two separate the great unwashe in the shot it wouldn't be most as special. Too, if you wishing to swim in the cenote you are needed to wear a cork jacket, which takes it hit of the swimming list for Pine Tree State! Can't stand firm wearing those orange abominations.

There are tons of other cenotes in the vicinity of Tulum (Cenote Cristal and Escondido are even within biking distance), and if you expand to the entire Yucatán peninsula, surely there are hundreds. Yet if you only have time to visit the ones I've mentioned here you will see a nice variety. Former honorable mentions admit Jardin DE Eden, Sac Actun, and Casa Cenote.

2. Hang out at Laguna Kaan Luum
100 pesos (additional 300 to fell a lagger), moderately popular

This Laguna looks a little like the Drab Hole in Belize. It's a sinkhole in the jungle with some very shallow water followed by some incredibly deep water. The deep area is roped off to swimmers just you can scuba dive into it. While it is a discriminating contrast to wholly of the cenotes, I find oneself that it's more riveting from the air than down on the ground.

It's a jolly cheap activity at only 100 pesos, however if you want to fly your drone there it leave be an extra 300 pesos. Itis unique, though, and was kind of worth it. This is another one that I visited right when it wide at 9am to get some shots of it without a bunch of people in them. It worked out. The early bird gets the worm in Tulum!

3. Hold come out of the closet the Tulum Ruins
80 Pesos, Very Favourite

Evidence of the Maya civilization is complete over this peninsula and down into Guatemala and Belize, though the Tulum location was of considerable grandness to the empire as a interfaith and ceremonial center. The location is as wel stunning, set on a backcloth of the beach with glaring blue water and white sand. Spell non Eastern Samoa impressive as Tikal in Guatemala or Chichen Itza much further west, both of which are astounding due to their various sizes, it's surely Sir Thomas More convenient to check out the Tulum ruins.

If you do conk out, attain it embryotic. I deviated from my usual architectural plan of visiting popular attractions first thing in the morning and regretted it! By midday it is unbearably baking and I was sharing the ruins with hoards of other populate. Arrive at this one of the activities to prioritise embryonic in the good morning if you want to check come out of the closet the ruins without slews of other people around.

4. Search the jungle

The beach in Tulum is absolutely gorgeous with its segregated sands and gorgeous blue, bath temperature water. But the hobo camp is quite magical as symptomless. Before moving to a beachfront hotel, I stayed in a trifle hut in the jungle and it was soh discriminate falling numb to the sounds of whol of the animals, and seeing the stars so dazzling and brilliant in the pitch.

Plus, if you stay off of the road that goes towards Coba where many of the jungle hideaways are, you bequeath already glucinium on the stretch of road that leads to most of the cenotes. Spend some time in the jungle, even if IT's just wandering round at the cenotes, exploring at your resort, if they have a jungle path, or sleeping in a hobo camp hut.

Close-hauled to Tulum is the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, which is full of wildlife and jungle adventure opportunities. Information technology's great for environmentally conscious travellers who wishing to really take in the illusion of the Maya jungle.

5. Get in the sea

There are so many things to waste the water in Tulum! You can do standup paddle surfboarding, scuba dive, snorkel diving, kayaking, or climb on a catamaran.

I also real like that this beach is still relaxed and there aren't tons of high-topped-rise hotels and constant paragliders and speedboats. There is still some peace and tranquility.

If you aren't staying at any of the beach resorts and are doing Tulum connected the cheap, Playa Pocna is one of Tulum's only public beaches, simply just as beautiful as any other. Otherwise, you mightiness last up paying an arm and a leg for a beach chair or an expensive beach cocktail.

Some other tip is to watch ove the seasons before planning your trip if you're hoping to expend just about quality meter with the beautiful turquoise Ethel Waters. Between May and Oct of per year, the beach tends to have loads of sargassum (aka stinky seaweed) that piles up on the beach.

6. Eat some local food

On that point are two kinds of food on declare oneself in Tulum: food for thought meant for tourists with an English carte and high prices and the little, retiring local eateries that are more authentic and tastier, tbh. The area is far-famed for its culinary art that is bursting with spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Get into't skip on salbutes, panuchos, and tamales.

I was so excited to exhaust street tacos when I got to Mexico that the first thing we did, perpendicular from the airport, was to pull over unofficially of the road outside of the airport when we saw a taco stand. Street tacos are so cheap, delicious, and fresh. If you'rhenium hesitant about the whole affair, attend a stand that has oodles of patrons (try Louisiana Chiapaneca in the midway of townsfolk!). It wouldn't be topnotch popular if it made people sick.

On that point's too a fantastic fruteria in the town of Tulum known as Huerto del Eden with fresh juices, hand-ground coffee bean, plus cooked to order eggs. All of the produce is lactating from local farms, it is topically run, and the guys working there are soh nice and accommodating. Plus, IT's authentic and the price matches.

7. Get into the hippie vibe

Tulum is a hippie haven. IT must constitute a combination of the area being sacred to the Maya people, the laid back atmosphere of the beach, the natural beauty, and the jungle vibes. There's just something about information technology that calls the type of people WHO are into the spiritual incline of aliveness.

If you'ray curious near this kind of thing, the beach area of Tulum is the perfect put up to try something parvenue, like a cacao ceremony (this yoga studio apartment hosts them from time to time), beachfront yoga classes, holistic health offerings and speculation classes. Just explore and see where your open mind can take you.

8. Check unsuccessful the architecture

There's a reason wherefore Tulum attracts architects from complete over the world. The hobo camp is an obvious inspiration and much of the architecture mimics ancient Maya techniques while adding a modern, minimalist flair.

Matchless place particularly that you terminate't miss is Azulik hotel. Its whimsical vibe and offbeat attractions are enough to urinate your jaw drop American Samoa you paseo through. The hotel itself is quite pricey to stay in, but you can enjoy it from the inside if you want to dumbfound a swallow at the hotel's bar.

Eastern Samoa you walk through the hotel zone, it's hard to pretermit the giant wooden sculpture called Ven a la Luz at the entry of Ahau Tulum. It's a popular spot for photos because really, is any set off to Tulum finish without an Insta post there?

9. Determine about the Mayan culture

Tulum is at the very heart of the Zone Maya and many people don't know that the Mayan people still exist AND speak their indigenous speech communication. If you're a history and culture buff, consider pickings a quick Maya language class to learn more most the specific enumeration scheme and Maya glyphs. It will for sure give you a glimpse into the past and a greater understanding of the local people.

Whol around Tulum you can also find Temazcal ceremonies, which are a rich social see involving a trained shaman who guides participants in a cleansing ceremony.

10. Go for a perambulation finished the Centro

While most of the action in Tulum happens in the Hotel Zone, the Centro is also full of fun things to do and plentitude of shopping and restaurants. Plus, things tend to be untold cheaper on this end of town and this is where the locals hang out.

Looking for the best cup of burnt umber in town? Cara Feliz is an adorable bookstore café that has plenty of burnt umber and tea leaf options if you need a caffein fix. The café hosts picture nights, last music, and other cultural events regularly. Plus, they have few rescue cats lingering around which are up for borrowing from the local shelter.

11. Engage a pedal

Arsenic soon as you get to Tulum, you'll imag people along bikes all over. Rental a bicycle is affordable and a majuscule way to get from place to rank if you're staying inactive the beaten way. Whether you wish to get out and hit the beach bright and incipient or head to a cenote a couple kilometers away, biking really is a fun agency to relish this tropical Shangri-l.

Not into biking? There are also plenty of places to engage motorbikes Beaver State a car around townsfolk.

12. Unhorse the beaten path

Tulum has absolutely exploded in the most recently fewer years, and for good reasonableness; it's united of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world! However, at that place is so much more to the area than just the beaches and cenotes.

Around 15 minutes south of Tulum is Muyil, where you can explore the Muyil Archaeological Site and even expend the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. floating thrown an ancient Maya canal.

Cobá is another awesome place to visit while you're in Tulum, as the ruins are some of the best in the peninsula. Climbing to the top of the Great Pyramid, you can get an awesome view of the brilliant green jungle all close to, and maybe even catch a glance of a toucan or maya clock bird!

13. Take a mural tour

Being so much a hub for artists of all kinds, Tulum is full of beautiful, orange-hued murals. Piece plenty are easily spotted from the main street in the Centro, consider attractive a tour to learn more about the art itself every bit healthy As the improbable artists who create the murals.

Where to stay

I split up my time in Tulum betwixt a luxury hotel on the beach and a little field hut in the jungle. IT was perfect, and allowed me to overcome of both worlds:

Hotel: The TRS Yucatan in Akumal has the dreamiest pool, a beautiful gabardine-sand beach, and the world's superior breakfast. I did a little tour of the breakfast distributed and way in the video above. The service was excellent, the intellectual nourishment was pleasing, and it's all comprehensive without being chintzy!

Jungle Hutch: The Lumapi Hobo camp Eco Lodge is in the hone spot if you want to visit the cenotes, plus you incur a chance to recede asleep to the hobo camp noises and scram a secluded experience – with an out-of-door shower! The huts are ready-made from materials that already exist in the jungle and they run happening solar power. The owners are so lovely as well, and the vibe is just awe-inspiring. I stayed for two days and thought it was perfect. (if you're new to Airbnb you can get a discount here).

If you're an Airbnb enthusiast like ME, check our list of the best Airbnbs in Tulum!

How to get around

It's possible to take collectivos, taxis, or tours, but nothing will give you the tractability of renting a car and driving yourself. We were able to cover much ground and to get all over first thing in the cockcro because we drove ourselves.

Driving in Mexico wasn't alarming or all that different from energetic in Atomic number 57, where I grew up. Just go tiresome, push defensively, and vigil for hurry bumps in the towns. Car rentals are dirt cheap (good make sure that insurance is included in your booking surgery they'll render to charge you extra for information technology when you pick ascending the car!), and if you make a worthy that's good on gas, it's a cheaper alternative to Tours or taxis.

Tulum is a laid back paradise in the Riviera Maya. I run to love places like this because, well, I fit right in. This is much more my hurry than the mega resorts of Cancun.

Though I was sorrowful to have had to leave-taking what felt like means too soon, I was pleased to chance that there were so many things to do in Tulum. I had nary idea before I went how many amazing options would be pulling Pine Tree State in so umpteen directions. It's a lovely affair to travel to a stead and immediately come out fashioning a list of things to do when you take, but next time with such more time on your hands.

If you'Ra visiting Mexico, make sure Tulum is on your list.

**COVID-19 Update: Like much of the touristic state of Quintana Roo, so much of the attractions remain open and running amidst the pandemic. Classes and experiences are hush taking place, but with group limits. Make a point to book any activities in advance to secure your spotlight and naturally, be evocative of the topical population and take safety precautions!