Tulum is a paradise on earth for exceptional beaches, tropical jungles, and ancient ruins, among many other remarkable sights and activities.
You can spend your days on the beach and your nights hopping between the vibrant bars. Or experience the area’s natural beauty by exploring some of the natural cave systems and lagoons in the region. Trust us, you won’t be short of things to do here!
Visit Tulum Ruins
One of our must-see sights in Tulum is the Archaeological Zone, which is home to remarkable Mayan Ruins.
The site was a Mayan seaport that predominantly traded jade and obsidian, and was at its most active between the 13th and 15th centuries. This has to be one of the most scenic ruin sites as it is perched atop a rocky cliff with the turquoise ocean set as its backdrop.
Explore Cenote Caracol
For a fascinating, mysterious experience in Tulum, you have to check out Cenote Caracol. It is an incredible cave system with pristine natural pools of water in which you can soak, swim, or even dive.
The low cave ceilings paired with the calm, glowing water feel like something out of a movie. Simply floating in the water while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this magnificent site is one of our favorite activities in Tulum.
Lounge On The Beaches
The most popular part of Tulum is its remarkable beaches, with white powdery shores and crystal blue water.
We suggest staying at one of the many resorts along the coast, as this gives you easy access to the nearby beaches. Our favorite beach spots in Tulum include Playa Paraíso, Playa Pescadores, and Playa Ruínas.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere
To escape to the beauty of nature, look no further than the UNESCO heritage site of Sian Ka’an Biosphere.
The name roughly translates to ‘gates of heaven’, which is incredibly fitting for this wondrous natural reserve. It consists of tropical forestry, marshes, marine life, and mangroves.
You can go birdwatching, sail through the waters, tour the forests, and more. Be sure to keep a lookout for dolphins in the area, too!
Dive Into Dos Ojos
If you are an avid diver, then you cannot get a much better spot than Dos Ojos Cenote. This is a cave system full of turquoise-blue water. The stunning area provides a perfect spot for diving and swimming in an unusual, natural setting.
If you need diving gear, we suggest visiting the caves with a tour guide that provides all the necessary equipment you will need.
Enjoy The Nightlife
Tulum is well known for its vibrant bars, clubs, and restaurants, making the nightlife one of the highlights of the region.
You can enjoy a cocktail along the beach or go bar-hopping in the town at night. Either way, you will be guaranteed a fun time! This makes Tulum an excellent choice for friend groups and/or young travelers.
Our favorite nighttime spots include Batey Mojito and Guarapo Bar, Kin Toh, and Casa Jaguar.
Snorkel With Sea Turtles
For a truly memorable experience, you can get up close with the wonderful sea turtles in the Akumal area.
There are opportunities to snorkel here alongside sea turtles, which can be arranged with a short tour that includes snorkeling gear. We recommend doing this between May and November, as this is the period in which you are most likely to spot the sea creatures.
You may also spot other sea life like nurse sharks and barracudas.
Enjoy Tropical Tulum
Tulum is the ideal vacation spot for any traveler, with tons of activities, natural sights, beaches, and an exciting nightlife scene. Whether you are traveling with family, alone, or with friends, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
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