Sometimes, when a place becomes really popular, it doesn’t always live up to its reputation. However, Tulum is still as incredible as you imagine it to be, even though it’s no longer a peaceful coastal village. In Tulum, the days begin early because it’s facing east.
The sun rises above the beautiful white sand beaches and it’s rays shine through the crystal-clear water. The weather is perfect, so you can start exploring what to do in Tulum at dawn and make the most of every hour. You can choose to have a calm and peaceful experience by sunbathing on the stunning golden sand.
Meanwhile, there are others behind you who will be biking to ancient ruins or taking advantage of Tulum’s location to visit many breathtaking natural landmarks.
18. Coba Ruins
Coba is an ancient settlement with origins dating back to 50 BC, but it flourished during the Mayan era between the 6th and 10th centuries when it was home to around 50,000 people. This period, known as the Middle and Late Classic period, saw the construction of many impressive structures.
Today, tourists can explore the Coba Ruins, which include the Nohoch Mul Pyramid, Coba Stelae, and Conjunto de Pinturas. The site is vast, so renting a bike for the day is recommended to navigate it comfortably.
These buildings offer valuable insights into the city of Coba, revealing details about societal roles, clothing, and religion. The towering pyramid, standing over 130 feet tall, is the main attraction of the site.
17. Tulum Archaeological Site
Besides the beautiful beaches, one of the top reasons to visit Tulum is its fascinating history. The town has done a remarkable job preserving many ancient ruins, essentially turning Tulum into a living museum. One of the main highlights is the Tulum Archaeological Site, which is located just outside of downtown on a large piece of land.
Here, visitors can explore numerous temples and monuments that provide a remarkable glimpse into the Mayan culture during the Classic period. These structures have been standing since as early as the 6th century. To avoid crowds, it’s best to arrive at the site when it opens at 8am.
This will allow you to freely wander and appreciate the surroundings before it gets too busy. While exploring, don’t forget to keep an eye out for iguanas basking in the early morning sun.
16. Punta Laguna Nature Reserve
Just north of Tulum, about forty miles away, you’ll find Punta Laguna Nature Reserve, where you can have an amazing opportunity to see spider monkeys up close. This reserve is also home to many other exciting animals, but it’s the sight of these monkeys swinging through the treetops that will really grab your attention.
As you explore the park, you’ll hear the sound of leaves rustling, and you’ll see the monkeys moving around in plain view, proving that there’s so much life in this place. Besides the monkeys, the reserve is also inhabited by colorful giant lizards and a variety of birds. You’ll even find a fenced sanctuary for a protected population of pumas. If you’re looking for more adventurous activities, you can go abseiling into a cenote or try ziplining over the lake.
15. Cenotes Dos Ojos
Cenotes Dos Ojos in Tulum is a convenient and easily accessible natural landmark. It is located only 20 minutes away from the town, and you can reach there by taxi or small vans called collectivos. There are not just one, but a total of seven underwater caverns to explore at Cenotes Dos Ojos.
Once you pay the entrance fee, you are free to wander around and snorkel. Two of the cenotes are even connected to each other through a passageway. Snorkelers can enjoy the clear water of Dos Ojos, with beautiful stalactites hanging from above and stalagmites shining through the water below.
Additionally, scuba diving is also available at Dos Ojos. If you are a beginner, you can take a tour that will provide you with certification.
14. Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote is a popular dive site near Tulum with two partially submerged caves. It is easily accessible and liked by families who are traveling. The cenote is beautiful and not complicated to navigate, making exploration easy. Snorkeling gear and life jackets are available for visitors at the entrance.
Once you’re ready, you can float on the calm surface of the water and admire the clear view below. Apart from fellow travelers, you may also encounter bats in the caves and turtles swimming underwater.
13. Kaan Luum Lagoon
If you’re looking for something different from the white sand beaches in Tulum, you might want to check out the Kaan Luum Lagoon. You have to pay a small fee to enter the lagoon, but it’s definitely worth it. The lagoon has a magical aura and it’s a great place to spend a refreshing afternoon.
There are swings and hammocks along the water’s edge where you can relax and enjoy the view. If you want an even better view, you can climb up a tower on the shore. However, the main attraction is the calm, electric blue water of the lagoon.
There’s a large area for swimming and wading in the warm water, but if you’re into scuba diving, there’s also a deep drop off that you can explore.
12. Cenotes Sac Actun
Cenotes Sac Actun is an underwater world of caves and tunnels that are considered to be the largest of their kind on earth. This amazing labyrinth spans 215 miles in total. It was only discovered in 1987, towards the end of the 20th century, but since then it has gained a famous reputation among surveyors.
Despite its vast size, visitors are only able to explore a relatively small part of Sac Actun during a standard 90-minute guided tour. This tour provides snorkel gear to explore the caves, as well as a chance to see the hanging stalactites.
Additionally, visitors will also learn about the site’s history and the Mayan archaeology that has been found here.
11. Muyil Archaeological Site
If you are interested in visiting one of the many Mayan sites near the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, the Muyil Pyramid is a great choice. It is an ancient archaeological site that dates back to 350 BC and is located on an important trade route that went all the way to Coba.
The pyramid itself is located very close to the beautiful Sian Ka’an Lagoon and is truly a sight to see. To get to the pyramid, you will first walk on a raised boardwalk that takes you through dense jungle and across marshy areas. The main part of the site is called El Castillo and it is a tall structure, standing at over 55 feet.
You can learn a lot about the site, which was inhabited until the 16th century, by reading the informative signs that are placed there. Additionally, there is a tower that you can climb to get amazing views.
10. Aktun-Chen Park
Aktun-Chen Park is a remarkable eco-park located in the Yucatan region. It offers a unique outdoor adventure that combines forests and caves. Unlike other parks, Aktun-Chen remains completely natural, without any artificial sections or thrilling rides.
One of the highlights of the park is the cave tour, where visitors can explore the underground for more than half a mile. The cave features beautiful lightscapes reflected on the jade-green water, offering a mesmerizing experience. After the cave tour, you can put on snorkeling gear and discover the extensive underground water system.
It’s a great opportunity to see how far this system extends. In addition, the park provides various paths for visitors to walk around and enjoy the surroundings. There’s also a small zoo where you can encounter adorable spider monkeys. To top off your visit, don’t miss the chance to ride a zipline through the canopy, adding an exciting element to your Aktun-Chen experience.
9. Go Biking
Both Tulum and Amsterdam share a common love for bicycles. In Tulum, bikes are a common sight along the coast and in the downtown area. They provide a fun and enjoyable means of transportation and allow for exploration off the main routes. If you’re staying in downtown Tulum, having a bike is essential.
There are well-established bike lanes that connect the town center to the beautiful beaches, as well as smaller trails leading into the nearby hills. Avenida Coba is a road that offers a bike lane leading to the Coba Ruins. In Downtown Tulum, Ola Bike and Paolo are popular bike rental shops, with Ola Bike even offering delivery to your hotel.
8. Go Kitesurfing
Tulum is a great place for water sports because of its beautiful blue water. You can do activities like kayaking and stand up paddle boarding there. However, kitesurfing is the most popular because of the consistent winds in the area. The waves near the sandy beach are just right for this exciting sport.
There are places on the local beaches where you can rent the equipment and get ready for an adventure. The warm water and mild waves in Tulum make it an ideal place for beginners to learn kitesurfing. These rental places often offer lessons to help beginners get started quickly.
7. Swim with Turtles in Akumal
Just 30 minutes north of Tulum, you’ll find the beautiful coastal town of Akumal. This town is famous for its stunning white sand beaches and its large population of sea turtles. If you make the short trip from Tulum, you’ll have the opportunity to swim with these majestic creatures in the incredible Caribbean Sea, rather than in the cenotes.
There are various tours available from both Tulum and Akumal, but you can also bring your own snorkel gear and explore on your own. The Akumal turtles mainly reside within the protected bay, which is shielded by an offshore reef, making it a safe and enjoyable place to swim with the turtles as they peacefully swim through the vibrant waters.
6. Bar hop in Downtown Tulum
For a true taste of Tulum’s vibrant nightlife, I suggest exploring the downtown district on a bar crawl. While you could stick to the beach bars, there is something magical about the abundance of bars in Downtown Tulum. These charming establishments come alive with an exciting and energetic atmosphere after dark.
Since more locals tend to frequent these bars, it feels like an authentic experience, and the prices are more budget-friendly.
Some bars worth adding to your crawl are Pasito Tun Tun for delicious Mezcal cocktails, Ki-Bok for their rooftop terrace, Kiki for the ultimate Tulum nightclub experience, but the heart of the downtown party scene lies at Batey Mojito and Guarapo Bar. Don’t miss out on their fresh mojitos and live music.
5. Xel-Ha Water Park
Once you drive up the coast for a short while, you will reach the amazing Xel-Ha Water Park. This park, known for its blend of nature and amusement, is a popular choice for families. It is centered around a large rock-filled inlet and offers both water activities and historical attractions.
Xel-Ha is considered an ancient site that holds great significance to the Mayan civilization, as they believed it was the birthplace of water. Later on, the inlet was also used as a settlement by the Spanish. Visitors have the opportunity to snorkel in the lagoon and encounter vibrant fish, stingrays, and barracudas.
Additionally, you can embark on a hike, explore the jungle and caves, or take in the entire view from above on a zipline.
4. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is an exciting place that can make travelers really happy. It is called the gate to heaven because it showcases the amazing beauty that can be found there. This reserve became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and it covers a large area of the Yucatan Peninsula.
It has different types of environments, like saltwater lagoons and dense mangroves, and these provide habitats for over 300 kinds of birds, gorgeous plants and animals, and even colorful reefs. Additionally, there are almost 20 historical sites from the Mayan civilization.
To see the best parts of this huge park in just one day, it’s recommended to take a guided tour. Visitors should also spend time exploring the beautiful water where they can find tropical fish, dolphins, turtles, and manatees.
3. Shop till you drop
Tulum is not just about enjoying the beach and exploring ancient ruins. It also offers a great shopping experience. If you feel like taking a break from your adventures, you can go shopping until you’re satisfied. There are two main shopping areas in Tulum: Tulum Town and Tulum Beach. Tulum Town is the cultural center of the town.
It’s a vibrant place where local businesses thrive and everyday life goes on. You can find delicious traditional food and numerous stalls, but be prepared to negotiate the prices. On the other hand, Tulum Beach has a more Western-style shopping scene with a mix of traditional and modern clothing stores. Some popular stores in this area are La Troupe, Arte Sano, and Wanderlust.
2. Ven a la Luz
Photographers are often drawn to the Ven a la Luz sculpture in Tulum. This impressive artwork, designed by Daniel Popper, is located in Ahau Tulum’s public art park. Standing at 33 feet tall, the sculpture is made of wood, rope, steep, and greenery.
It portrays a woman with her chest open, revealing a lush entrance meant to symbolize the connection between humans and nature. Additionally, it aims to raise awareness for the fragile ecosystems in Tulum. This remarkable piece of art is one of the most popular photo spots in Tulum.
1. Playa Paraiso
The Yucatan Peninsula boasts numerous beautiful white sand beaches, and travelers heading to Tulum have several options nearby. Among them, Playa Paraiso stands out as the finest. With its swaying palm trees and crystal-clear Caribbean Sea, the sand resembles snow akin to Whistler.
This renowned beach has significantly contributed to Tulum’s popularity and is often hailed as one of the best in the country. The moment you step onto its shores and feel the soft sand beneath your feet, you’ll understand why. Positioned on the public beach, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views and swim in the tranquil waters.
Access to the beach is free, but for those willing to spend, there are two beach clubs offering loungers, as well as food and drinks.
