Tulum is a town on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, about 130 km south of Cancun. We have been visiting Tulum for 15 years and have seen big changes…some good and some not so good. It has gone from a sleepy fishing village to a hippie hideaway and now it’s high on the tourist radar. This is no surprise since there are so many things to do in Tulum, and it’s a stunningly beautiful spot.
If you fell in love with the sleepy village of years ago you may be disappointed when you return today. But if your idea of a perfect beach vacation includes a cool nightlife, upscale eateries, trendy bars, beautiful people and luxurious boutique hotels then the Tulum of today may be your dream come true. Just be prepared to spend becasue Tulum is no longer a budget destination.
There are three distinct parts to Tulum: the town, the ruins, and the beach strip/Hotel Zone. Downtown Tulum is inland, with a main road full of shops and restaurants and this is where you’ll want to be if the trendy and busy beach strip doesn’t appeal to you.
The Tulum ruins are the remains of a pre-Columbian Mayan walled city overlooking the impossibly crystal-clear Caribbean. The beach strip is where most tourists spend their time, taking selfies while enjoying the soft, white sand beaches and a wide variety of beach clubs, restaurants, bars and accommodations.
Top Things to Do in Tulum
With a mix of offerings in and near Tulum, there is something to please everyone. Whether you’re looking for relaxing beach time, a lively party scene, a wellness retreat, cultural sights or immersion in nature, you’ll find it all in Tulum.
If you’re planning your first visit to Tulum, Mexico there are some definite must-sees. Even if you’ve been multiple times, like us, there are sure to be some things you haven’t yet done or want to do again. After multiple visits ourselves, we’ve compiled this list of our favorite things to do in Tulum.
Enjoy the Beaches
Tulum is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. The most famous beach in Tulum is Playa Paraiso (Paradise Beach). Worthy of its name, Paradise Beach has warm, clear water, soft white sand, and, of course, a fringe of palm trees. It’s the best place to swim, relax and sunbathe. Walking the long stretch of sand, you’ll find beach clubs, restaurants and bars, so there’s never any need to leave the beach.
There are also plenty of accommodation options on Playa Paraiso. Choose from boutique hotels, full-service resorts, glamping sites, or even private Tulum villas on the beach.
For a quieter Tulum beach experience, head to Las Palmas. Here you’ll find fewer crowds and beautiful scenery with crystal-clear blue water, flat sand and calm waves. However, plan to bring your own food and drink, as there are few amenities here.
As another option, if you’re looking to combine a beach trip with Tulum ruins, you can stop by Playa Ruinas Beach. With a mix of nature and ancient culture, you will have an amazing and unique experience.
Explore Tulum Puebla
If you’re looking for an escape from the touristy beach strip of Tulum, then head into town (El Centro). Tourism is still obvious in town, but it has a more local vibe as this is where business is done. The main street of el Centro has shops, restaurants and bars that are less flashy and often less expensive than the Tulum Hotel Zone/beach strip.
Take some time to explore the streets of downtown and seek out some local spots for an authentic meal down some of the smaller side streets. A good rule of thumb is to try places where locals are eating and drinking and you’ll get a better taste of real Mexico.
Visit the Tulum Ruins
If you are interested in learning more about the history of Tulum, you must visit the Tulum Ruins. “Zama” or “the place of sunrise” was an important Mayan city located on the cliff edge. You can walk around the ruins of temples and monuments yourself, but to get the full story, it’s best to hire a guide.
There are many amazing archeological sites around Yucatan, but the Tulum ruins are unique. This marvelous archaeological site is where history and nature come together, with spectacular Caribbean views and a backdrop of palm trees and cactus flowers. The view at sunrise is especially unforgettable. A visit to the Tulum ruins is a top spot on any list of things to do in Tulum.
Learn more with these 80+ Facts About Mexico: The country that has it all!
Swim in the Cenotes
The Yucatan has hundreds of natural wonders called cenotes, and visiting them is one of our personal favorite things to do in Tulum. A cenote is a deep sinkhole that has created an underground cave or an above-ground natural pool filled with water from a massive underground river system.
Many of these magical cenotes in the Mayan Riviera are open to the public to explore. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in a cenote, and some are good for snorkeling or even diving. There is a wide variety of these sinkholes, including cave, semi-caves and above-ground. The above-ground cenotes tend to have warmer, shallower water, which is more suitable for young children. However, the underground cave cenotes provide a really unique, though somewhat chilly, experience.
There is usually an entrance fee, and many have amenities such as change rooms, toilets and life jackets. Some of the more commercial cenote sites will also have small shops or cafes. The top cenotes near Tulum are Dos Ojos, Gran Cenote, Car Wash and Cenote Akumal.
Try Delicious Mexican Food
It’s easy to find fresh and flavorful food in Tulum of all varieties, but trying some of the local Mexican dishes is a must. What makes the food in Tulum unique is that it’s a wide mix of cultural influences, including Yucatecan, Mayan and Spanish. Many dishes will be familiar, like tacos, tostadas and enchiladas. However, be sure to try something new to you like chilaquiles, tamales and elote.
Of course, being by the ocean means that fresh seafood is bountiful. Delicious Yucatan-style ceviche, grilled fish, octopus and shrimp are just a few incredible dishes that can’t be missed. The best part is that you can indulge in a delicious meal with your toes in the sand and an amazing ocean view.
Rent a Bike
Tulum is a great place to explore by bike, and there are lots of wide sidewalks and bike lanes to make it easy. If you are staying in downtown Tulum, a bike is the perfect way to get to the beaches and ruins. Most of the hotels will offer bike rentals, and there are also bike rental businesses around town. Expect to pay about 100 pesos for the day.
Go to A Water/Adventure Park
There are lots of adventure parks near Tulum and we have visited three of them. Our top two favorites and Xcaret and Xel-Ha.
Xcaret was the first of several theme parks in the Yucatan under the Experiencias Xcaret umbrella. It’s a large park with so much to do you’ll need to spend more than one day to experience everything. There are beaches, watersports, a wildlife and bird sanctuary, Mayan historic and cultural activities, jungle trails, restaurants and bars plus an amazing evening show that’s worht the price of admission alone.
Xel-Ha has an aquatic focus with gorgeous beaches, snorkeling and swimming lagoons, tubing, underwater caves, zip lines and plenty of restaurants and bars and places to relax. If you’re not sure which park is best for you we have done a comparison of Xcaret vs Xel-Ha.
Check Out the Nightlife
If you like to party, Tulum has plenty of options both in town and on the beach strip. From beach clubs to nightclubs, from trendy rooftop bars to casual local tequila bars, there’s something for all tastes. Many of the restaurants also turn into a party after dark. A general rule of thumb is that the bars in town are more casual and less expensive, and the beach zone is home to more upscale clubs and rooftop bars.
Tip: Many of the bars and clubs in Tulum have one night a week where they host special parties, so it’s a good idea to check ahead to see what’s happening where.
Batey Mojito & Guarapo is one of the most popular places in Tulum Pueblo and shifts from a chill hangout by day to a live music venue at night. La Zebra Hotel is home to a fun beach club, and on Sunday nights, it’s known for salsa dancing. Casa Jaguar is a lively Caribbean restaurant, but party people know to come here for their Thursday night jungle parties. Gitano is hopping on Friday nights after 11 p.m. with a D.J. Saturday nights, everyone heads to Papaya Playa Project and the monthly Full Moon Party is always a wild time.
If you like to party, check out the top party towns in Mexico.
Escape the Crowds at Kaan Luum Lagoon
Just 9 km from Tulum is a magical spot still flying under the tourist radar. This circular lagoon is a beautiful mix of blues and turquoise water with a deep cenote in the middle. Kaan Luum Lagoon is a perfect place to relax and swim in the shallow, warm water surrounding the colder, deep water of the cenote at the center. It’s also a great spot for paddle boarding and you can join a tour that includes the board rental.
There are not many amenities aside from a snack shack, a pier and a few tables, so be sure to bring your own food and drink, as well as towles and umbrellas for shade if you need it. Kaan Luum Lagoon can be reached easily from Tulum by car, bicycle or tour. Check out the tour here.
Go Shopping
Shopping is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when planning a beach vacation. However, Tulum has become a trendy hotspot and you may want to look the part. The beach strip road is full of funky clothing boutiques selling the Tulum uniform of white and off-white fringed and sexy outfits and flashy accessories. But don’t be expecting a deal, like everything else in Tulum the prices have increased considerably.
Try a Wellness Retreat or Yoga Class
As I mentioned earlier, Tulum was once a hippie haven with a focus on yoga, meditation, wellness and healthy eating. Despite now being a trendy place for the beautiful people to be seen there are still plenty of wellness focused activities and an abundance of vegetarian and health concious menus. It just comes with a higher price tag.
Experience a Temazcal Ceremony
Continuing with the wellness vibe, Tulum is a great place to experience a Temazcal ceremony. This ancient tradition is similar to a sauna or sweat lodge and the intention is to cleanse your mind and body. A shaman will lead you through the process and every ceremony is unique. The generally last about 2 hours and often involve chanting, singing meditation and the burning of herbs and tobacco on the hot volcanic rocks.
Get Ready to Visit Tulum
Tulum is a perfect destination for a momentous holiday, whether you want to go alone, with friends, or as a couple. With so many things to do in Tulum, there is everything you want in a vacation. Think stunning nature views, gorgeous beaches, historical sites, magical cenotes, lively nightlife, and delicious food. What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip now and get ready for one of the best beach vacations you will ever have.
Born in England, Sarah developed her wanderlust at a young age as she traveled around Europe with her parents. As a young adult she spent every penny she could on experiences as opposed to possessions. Eventually she found a way to earn a living doing what she loved: traveling, writing and capturing images of the wondrous world we live in. When not on the go Sarah enjoys time in her “sometimes home” of Vancouver.