11 Greatest Issues to Do in Tulum, Mexico…

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In case you’re dreaming of solar, sea, and pure white sands in Mexico, you then’ll wish to head to the serene shores of Tulum, certainly one of Mexico’s hottest seaside cities on the Yucatán Peninsula.

It options historical Mayan ruins, nice meals, and countless seaside golf equipment set alongside the spectacular Caribbean Sea – however there are a lot extra issues to do in Tulum, Mexico than simply lazing on the seaside.

Though Tulum’s recognition continues to extend, it stays quieter than close by Cancun and Playa del Carmen, providing a extra laid again vibe for travellers.

However in the event you’re unsure what to do in Tulum, listed here are a few of our high picks…

Issues to Do in Tulum, Mexico

1. Spend a lazy day at certainly one of Tulum’s seaside golf equipment

There are greater than 50 seaside golf equipment alongside Tulum’s predominant stretch of seaside. Many are resorts as effectively, providing it the nickname “Tulum’s Resort Zone”, which was impressed by Cancun’s beachside “Resort Zone.”

A lot of the golf equipment supply entry to day guests both without cost or for a minimal spend at a bar or restaurant on website.

Spending the day at a seaside membership is likely one of the finest issues to do in Tulum in case you are staying in central Tulum and never on the beachfront itself.

There are a few public sections of seaside, however if you wish to loosen up on a solar mattress below an umbrella with a alternative of meals and cocktails a Tulum seaside membership is the best way to go!

When selecting a seaside membership, stroll alongside the seaside from the ocean aspect, which lets you try the totally different set ups of every membership – one thing you may’t do from the highway.

Personally, I cherished Viento De Mar. This was a smaller seaside membership with a minimal spend that appeared to assist hold numbers down.

Viento De Mar had among the many finest solar mattress arrange of any seaside membership and has the benefit of not being listed within the vacationer map handed out by most resorts in downtown Tulum, that means folks received’t come looking out it out.

2. Discover the Mayan ruins of Tulum

The Tulum ruins of the previous Mayan metropolis at Tulum must be essentially the most superbly located I noticed in all of Mexico. Proper on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, many individuals come to the Tulum ruins for the picture alternatives alone.

Probably the most spectacular construction nonetheless right here at this time is the Castillo, which sits atop a limestone cliff above a small sandy seaside. There are palms under and turquoise water laps on the shore. It’s simple to see why this is likely one of the most iconic photographs of Mexico.

Historic Tulum was at its strongest between the 13^th and 15^th centuries. Town served as a port and was the one Mayan metropolis constructed on the coast, in addition to certainly one of just a few walled cities ever constructed by the Mayans. This makes the well-preserved ruins distinctive to discover.

It’s finest to reach early to go to the Mayan ruins at Tulum. The location opens at 8am and in case you are there for opening time you may make your method by the outdated metropolis wall and into the positioning earlier than the tour teams arrive that means you’ll get some nice picture alternatives in addition to a while to understand the positioning earlier than it will get busy.

three. Swim within the Gran Cenote

Simply three kilometres from Tulum on the best way to Coba and Chichen Itza is the Gran Cenote, a well-liked swimming and snorkelling spot.

Cenotes are like pure sinkholes, created when limestone collapses to disclose the underground river methods under. Cenote means sacred effectively and the Mayans constructed cities near cenotes as they have been a dependable water supply in an in any other case dry panorama.

There are numerous cenotes on the Yucatan Peninsula however the Gran Cenote must be among the best for swimming.

The water is so pure and contemporary that it’s as clear as glass. Loads of fish and turtles are at house within the cenote and so they don’t appear to be too shy so that you’ll probably run into a couple of while you’re swimming.

As you make your method by the cave system you will notice stalactites, stalagmites and similar to in any cave, a lot of bats. In addition to swimming and snorkelling within the Gran Cenote, you may also organize scuba diving.

Just like the Mayan ruins at Tulum, attempt to get right here for opening time (8am) so that you might be the primary within the cenote. The cenote shouldn’t be notably massive so you’ll have a a lot nicer expertise in case you are certainly one of simply a few folks silently swimming round. The ambiance might be misplaced when noisy teams arrive.

four. Trip a motorcycle by the jungle at Coba

The Coba ruins, about 40 minutes from Tulum city, are set amongst dense jungle and are totally different once more from the ruins at Tulum and different standard Mayan websites similar to Chichen Itza or Uxmal.

Giant sections of this former metropolis are nonetheless to be found and restored, that means Coba has a way more wild and untouched really feel to different destroy websites.

The location is large and was as soon as house to round 50,000 folks. A lot of the Coba’s development occurred within the sixth and seventh centuries and you may see the stays of roads, properties and temples nonetheless at this time.

There are bikes for lease contained in the advanced and I actually advocate you seize one for exploring Coba. It means you may cowl extra floor and it’s additionally a lot of enjoyable. The location is so massive that at occasions yow will discover your self in just a little pocket with nobody else round.

You’ll additionally trip previous loads of mounds that upon nearer inspection show to be pyramids and different constructions not but cleared of the vegetation that has taken maintain over time.

You’ll be able to contact and climb the constructions right here and though it feels just a little disrespectful to start with, it’s truly an effective way to rise up excessive and look out over the positioning.

When you see all of the folks climbing the large pyramid, often called Nohuch Mul, behind the positioning, you’ll wish to give it a go to.

It’s a steep ascent, however the problem is extra within the thoughts than the physique at occasions, notably on the best way down. At about 42 metres, remember to solely look a step or two forward in the event you’re not an enormous fan of heights.

5. Go to one of many yoga retreats

If you’d like some leisure in your trip, you then’ll discover no scarcity of yoga retreats and yoga studios in Tulum.

Whether or not you desire a jungle setting or a yoga observe on the white sand seashores, you can see a yoga studio that has your vibe.

Among the hottest yoga studios in Tulum are Tribal Tulum, Jungle Yoga Tulum, and Breathwork Tulum.

6. Go diving in a cenote

If one cenote isn’t sufficient, then don’t fear, as a result of Tulum has over 100 within the space, starting from peaceable and distant to standard vacationer traps.

Among the most iconic cenotes are the Dos Ojos, which is standard however nonetheless stunning. It’s identified for its darkish cave opening and turquoise waters.

Cenote Calavera can be an iconic one to go to, identified for its distinctive formation. The phrase “Calavera” means “cranium” in Spanish, and it’s so named as a result of it has three openings resembling two eyes and a mouth, like a skull.

For those with kids, Cenote Zacil-Ha is a popular one as it has a zip line into the lagoon.

7. Take a day trip to Valladolid

If you want to escape the crowds in Quintana Roo, then a lovely destination with fewer tourists is Valladolid, just 1.5 hour’s drive from Tulum.

Valladolid is known as the place where Christopher Columbus died, and where Europe’s first moral debate on the treatment of indigenous people was held.

It’s full of medieval architecture, cobbled roads, and impressive monuments such as the Valladolid Cathedral and Plaza Mayor.

8. Snap a selfie with the Ven a La Luz Sculpture

The Ven a La Luz Sculpture is a 10-meter high sculpture by Daniel Popper, located in the Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park in Playa Paraiso of Tulum.

The sculpture is made of wood, rope, and steel and represents the harmony between human and nature.

It’s also a popular selfie spot.

9. Take a day trip to Cozumel

There are many reasons to come to the Riviera Maya, but most is for the crystal-clear water and white sand beaches.

If Tulum’s beaches aren’t enough for you, take a ferry over from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel for a day trip.

Cozumel is known for being largely undeveloped, making it a great place to do some snorkeling on the coral reef.

There are many dive sites around Cozumel, such as the Mesoamerican Reef and the Museo Subacuático de Arte’s submerged sculptures, as well as Chankanaab, which is known for its underwater caverns and sea turtles.

We visited Cozumel for a day on our Carnival Western Caribbean cruise.

10. Explore the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its sublime natural beauty and unspoiled landscape.

Here you can find some of the Yucatan’s most allusive wildlife, such as manatees, dolphins, and even jaguars, as well as see thousands of types of native plants and flora.

What makes the reserve special is it’s the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean.

The best way to explore the reserve is by boat tour, which takes you into the mangroves where you might have a chance of spotting an allusive manatee.

11. Join a Temazcal Ceremony

A Temazcal Ceremony is a traditional Mexican sweat lodge ceremony which is designed to heal your spirit.

These sweat lodge ceremonies have been performed for over 1,000 years and are said to make you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally healthier. 

Some even say the experience leaves you feeling spiritually charged.

Best Time to Visit Tulum

The best time to visit Tulum is from November until early Spring, when the weather is warm but the humidity is not too great.

The crowds are also a little thinner in January and February, but are busy in December and April during school holidays.

The hurricane season extends from June until October, and has heavy rains and strong winds, which also means many restaurants and hotels close for several weeks – so avoid these months if possible.

How to Get to Tulum

Tulum is split between a central area with shops, restaurants, resorts, and boutique hotels that run along the main road to Playa del Carmen and Cancun in the north, and the beachfront, located approximately five kilometres from town.

To get to Tulum, you will want to fly into Cancun Airport, and get an airport transfer down, which takes about an hour.

When you arrive in Tulum, you can choose which area you want to stay in – the town or the beach. There is a small road running the length of the beach, which has hotels and restaurants on both sides, and is where you will likely spend most of your time while in Tulum.

Whether you stay by the beach or in the centre of town, it is easy to get between the two areas. Most people rent a bike and cycle, and some accommodations come with bike rentals you can use to get around.

If you’re on a budget, it’s cheaper to stay in central Tulum and make your way to the beachfront either by car, taxi or cycling.

While you could easily spend all your time in Tulum eating, drinking, and swimming from the beach clubs, the town is close to a number of popular attractions in the surrounding area.

Check the map below for accommodation options in Tulum

Final Thoughts

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What are you most excited to do in Tulum? Let us know in the comments section below.