Tulum is the largest community in the Tulum municipality of Mexico, with sparkling blue waters on pristine white sandy beaches as well as archaeological ruins and cenotes. Nothing can compare to diving into an aquamarine cenote on a hot day in Mexico.
Besides beaches and ruins, Tulum has some excellent galleries and museums where you can learn about the history and culture of the place and people. The biosphere is also a fascinating place to visit. But you will surely want to go swimming with the sea turtles and visit the adventure parks too.
Whether you are in Tulum by yourself for business or vacationing with the family, there is plenty to do and see in the historic and beautiful town. In this article, we will explore the history of Tulum as well as some of the best attractions.
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Where is Tulum, Mexico?
Located on the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula on the southeastern tip of Mexico, Tulum is a small but popular vacation spot for locals as well as tourists. It is divided into Tulum Pueblo, where the businesses are concentrated, and Tulum Playa, where the beaches are found.
Only 81 miles from Cancun, Tulum is much less crowded and unspoiled by civilization and businesses than its more popular neighbor. Tulum is also only about 30 miles from Playa del Carmen, which is another popular Mexican spot with exciting theme parks and beautiful beaches.
Check out this Mexico Yucatan travel guide for everything you need to know about the Yucatan!
What Is Tulum Known For?
The community of Tulum was named for the Mayan archaeological ruins of Tulum, so many people come just to marvel at the remains of Mayan history. The ancient walled city is tucked into the edge of a cliff over the Caribbean Ocean, and it was the main trading and religious center in the 11th through 16th centuries.
- Swimming in the Caribbean
Being right in the Caribbean, Tulum is also known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. The main beach, Playa Paraiso, is the most popular but is not usually crowded because most people go to Cancun or Playa del Carmen. That means you have plenty of white sand and open waters to enjoy. Rent a couple of chairs and a parasol and spend the whole day.
Las Palmas Beach is also popular but is even less crowded, so if you want privacy, this is your beach. However, you will not find restaurants, clubs, or concessions nearby either. That is what keeps this beach so secluded. Bring your own food and a blanket to hang out in solitude on your own “private” public beach.
- Tulum is Also a Great Place to Shop and Dine
It is not all beaches and ruins. The community of Tulum has its share of shops and restaurants to peruse. Many of the shops feature local handmade items like jewelry and unique clothing. The majority of the shops are found along Highway 307, also known as Chetumal-Cancun.
The largest shopping center is the Plaza Andador Tulum, which has over 60 shops to explore in one place. From artwork to zen gardens and books to yard care items, you can find all sorts of things at Andador. They also have several eateries to enjoy a meal or snack while you are shopping. Don’t miss the chorizo tacos and churros.
The Top 7 Things to Do in Tulum
There are some things that you just cannot pass up while you are in Tulum. For instance, where else can you see the Mayan ruins of Tulum or get a selfie with a whale shark? Or you can swim with the dive or snorkel in the cenotes, which are underground freshwater rivers. Here are the top seven things to do in Tulum.
1. Visit the Mayan Ruins
The Tulum Ruins were considered a seaport fortress in the days before the 16th century, with huge walls enclosing the three sides not facing the ocean cliff. Many items were traded there, including:
- Cacao Beans
- Copper
- Cotton
- Food
- Jade
- Tools
- Turquoise
Surrounded by palm trees and cacti, today the ruins are home to families of iguanas as well as tourists.
The main pyramid of the Tulum ruins is the castle, once used as a lighthouse with two tiny windows at the top. The Temple of the Frescoes is also a well-preserved building that still has some of its original paint. Be sure to bring a swimming suit and sunscreen so you can enjoy the secret beach.
2. Swim with the Turtles in the Caribbean
Sea turtles can reach up to nine feet long and weigh 1,500 pounds, and when you see these majestic creatures gliding through the crystal-clear waters, you will want to dive in and join them. If you want to get the best experience, hire a guide or take a tour because they know where to go and how to find the turtles.
Most of the tours will take you to the barrier reef, which is a stunning sight to see on its own. But when you see the giant turtles swimming below you, it will truly be an experience like no other. The tour guide typically provides the snorkeling equipment and detailed information about the area as well.
3. Swim with the Sharks
If you would rather swim with something even bigger, why not swim with whale sharks. These gentle giants can get up to 40 feet long, and they swarm to the Yucatan Peninsula coastline every May for a plankton feast. If you are going to be in Tulum from mid-May to mid-September, you can watch the big sharks dine.
This is another activity where it is best to get a guide or take a tour. The tour guides will give you a short safety class and then take you to the best places to see the huge fish. This is the longest fish in the Caribbean and can be intimidating to look at, but they do not eat anything but plankton.
(Looking for more cool animals to swim with, try swimming with pigs!)
4. Dive into the Cenote Zazil Ha
The name means clear water, and that is exactly what you can dive into at Zazil Ha. The 9.5-foot pool of jade water is so clear you can see all the beautiful details. The edge of the cenote has a deck to make it safe for walking.
Many people visit Zazil Ha to snorkel or do some diving. If you dive, you can swim to an underwater cavern up to 100 feet deep with gorgeous stalactites shaped like drops. That is how the cavern got its name, “The Tears.” You can rent diving and snorkeling equipment nearby, but you have to have a diving certificate.
On top of the cenote, you can enjoy a bite to eat or an adult beverage at the restaurant or bar. Try some of the Mexican cuisine that is so famous in the Yucatan, like lime soup or banana leaf tamales. They even have deep-fried suckling pig. If you like extreme sports, try the zipline that takes you across the cenote where you can jump in.
(For more on cenote diving in Tulum, check out that link!)
5. Take in the Arts at the Mystika Art Museum
Mystika is more than just an art museum. When you are in a paradise-like Tulum, you expect to see some really spectacular sights at an art museum, and Mystika does not disappoint. See immersive art through huge photographs and multisensory venues by Pepe Soho, one of Mexico’s most famous photographers.
See the Tlaxcala firefly sanctuary and the Michoacán monarch butterfly sanctuary, as well as some humpback whales off the Pacific coast. Learn more about the Mayan ruins and the history of the beaches and Mexican culture as well.
6. Visit Xel-Ha Eco-Adventure Park
If you want to experience an all-natural theme park in paradise, check out Xel-Ha Park. This is not a park with rides and games, though; it is filled with private beaches and cenotes filled with beautiful clear blue water. Other cool activities include:
- Climb 131 feet up the lighthouse for an amazing view and then enjoy a waterslide back down to the ocean below
- Climb the hanging ropes of Trepachanga
- Dive from the Cliff of Courage, where you can jump from 16 feet
- Drop from Chuc Kay’s Flight rope into the clear water
- Fly a kite in the most beautiful sky you will ever see
- Go snorkeling to discover the hidden reef and beautiful fish
- Play on the Floating Bridge
- See the Mayan Wall that remains from an ancient Mayan city
- Take a jungle trail through the mangroves
- Take a River Tour on an inner tube with your snorkeling equipment
- Xel-Ha Cave full of vibrantly colored lighting and waves
- Zip over and into the water on the Salpichanga ziplines
7. Visit the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
The name Sian Ka’an means “gate of heaven,” and you will understand if you go there. The preserved 691,200-acre park includes eight natural areas and is the largest protected space in the Mexican Caribbean. It even includes Cancun and the Island of Cozumel.
Whether you take a guided tour or explore on your own, you will be amazed by what you find. During your visit, you are likely to see some of flora and fauna of the area, which is a major reason to bring a camera. The reserve is protected in part because of the many threatened and endangered species that live there. Some of these include:
- Baird’s tapir
- Brown pelican
- Geoffroy’s spider monkey
- Jaguar
- Jaguarundi
- Keel-billed toucan
- Kinkajou
- Margay
- Ocellated turkey
- Ocelot
- Puma
- Several kinds of crocodile
- Spotted paca
- Tayra
- Yucatán black howler monkey
For a tour check out that link!
Do I Need a Car in Tulum, or Can I Use Taxis?
You can rent a car or use taxis in Tulum since they have both. The taxi service in Tulum is popular but expensive. There is also a bus that runs from town to the beach that is much cheaper, but it only runs once per hour. There are no Uber or other rideshare services in Tulum yet. Renting a car may be cheaper if you plan to go to a lot of places.
How Much Does Renting a Bicycle Cost in Tulum?
Renting a bike is a fantastic idea in Tulum because the community is not huge. Many hotels actually have loaner bikes that you can borrow while you are staying there. (Here are some of the best hotels in Tulum!)The most popular is Ola Bike, and it costs about $6 per day with a $30 deposit. They will even deliver and will pick you up if your bike breaks down.
Take your time to explore all the hidden alleys and coves in Tulum. Take a food tour or a pub crawl to experience some of the area’s best tastes and learn the best places to eat and drink. The locals and tour guides are usually the ones who know where to go while you are in this magnificent coastal community.
Start planning your amazing trip by finding cheap flights to Tulum!
Read More Tulum Travel Tips
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- The Top Things to do in Tulum