Is Tulum Still Worth the Hype? These 37 Fun and Mystical Experiences Prove that it is
If you have heard how overpriced and overcrowded Tulum has become, and you are now wondering if it is still worth the hype, you will find your answer here. Or better say, my answer, as a local.
With influencers flooding the beach clubs and prices creeping up every season, it’s easy to wonder if the magic is still there.
But here’s the truth: behind the buzz, Tulum still has that spark. Its mystical hidden cenotes, delicious local eats, ancient ruins, and sunrise moments that feel like magic are still there, just a little bit more crowded. However, if you know where to go and at the right time, you will appreciate it even more. With this guide, I aim to help you achieve that.
These 37 things to do in Tulum and Places to visit will show you why Tulum can still be worth every bit of the hype, if you do it right.
In this post, you’ll find plenty of valuable insights on what to do in Tulum and the surrounding area, including the best ways to explore it and more practical tips.
World-renowned for its ancient Mayan ruins, pristine beaches with crystal clear water, beautiful cenotes, and a hip vibe, Tulum is a must-see, and you can learn all you need to know about this trendy town in Mexico here.
I suggest you read until the very end, as I will be providing lots of helpful information to help you make your trip to México even better!
Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of those links, I may earn a commission at zero cost for you. Please see my disclaimer policy my privacy policy.
37 Best Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico
1. Visit one of the amazing Cenotes in Tulum
Among all the things to do in Tulum, visiting a cenote is a must. There are so many beautiful cenotes in Tulum and the surrounding lush jungle that you absolutely must visit one or two during your stay here in Tulum.
Whether you want to dive, snorkel, or swim, some of the best cenotes include Tulum Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos Cenote, and Cenote Azul.
If you are unfamiliar with what exactly a cenote is, you can check out my post on the Cenotes of Yucatan.
Spending a full day, or even just a few hours, at a remarkable Tulum cenote is also the best way to beat the heat!
2. Visit the Tulum Ruins
Possibly the biggest of all attractions in Tulum, and certainly among my favorite things to do in Tulum, is to go and see perhaps the most picturesque Mayan ruins of Mexico.
Even if you are not much into history or archeology, the stunning Tulum Ruins are an absolute must-see.
Perched high on the rocky cliffs of the Tulum National Park, this extremely Instagrammable site is worth a visit. Make sure you go early in the morning to avoid the sizable tourist crowds and the stifling heat.
Visiting these ruins is easy to do on your own, but if you’d prefer it, there is no shortage of Tulum Mayan Ruins tour companies to choose from. Just have a look around Tulum town, and you will find a tour shop.
3. Taking a Day Trip to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its remarkable biodiversity, which features a diverse array of flora and fauna.
If you’re a nature lover, visiting this incredible natural setting is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Tulum.
You can choose between taking a Jeep tour or a boat tour of the biosphere.
I would go for the latter, which will bring you on a boat ride in the lagoon through mangrove bushes, where you can spot numerous bird species and even crocodiles.
Once you reach the nearby small village, you will have some time to walk around before hopping on another boat and navigating offshore to spot wild dolphins. For me, this is the best way to see dolphins in their natural environment, rather than in captivity.
I may be slightly biased, but for me, a day trip to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a must-do in Tulum.
4. Visiting Coba
The Coba Ruins is another interesting Mayan archaeological site located about a 45-minute drive from Tulum.
The site is huge, but you can rent bicycles or hire one of the travel guides at the entrance to make your trip cooler and easier.
If you have kids or don’t want to exert yourself too much under those sunny skies, you can also hire a bici-taxi for just a few USD per person (Max 2 People Per Bici-Taxi).
Coba has one of the tallest pyramids in the Yucatan peninsula, and they even allow you to climb it, should you choose to. Just make sure you don’t get vertigo on the way up. You won’t want to miss the amazing view from the top!
Coba also contains a small village built around a lagoon (with the occasional crocodile) where you can relax and spend a couple of nights in one of the lovely hotels, including the trendy COQUI COQUI. You can also visit the numerous cenotes hiding in the jungle around Coba.
Since it’s a little off the beaten path, and you can spend a day or two in the local village, I believe the best way to visit Coba is by renting a car and driving yourself. This way, you are free to move around on your own schedule.
5. Going On A Day Trip to Chichen Itza
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chichen Itza, is also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
How can you not go?
For most people who visit the area, checking out Chichen Itza certainly qualifies as one of the best things to do in Tulum.
However, I must warn you that it’s often extremely crowded and full of vendors, which can detract from the charm of this magnificent site.
Although many Chichen Itza tours are available, usually offering to take you there with a certified guide, I recommend renting a car and going on your own. There is plenty of parking at Chichen Itza and no shortage of certified guides you can hire at the entrance, should you choose to.
You can either leave early from Tulum or sleep in Chichen Itza’s neighboring pueblo, the colonial town of Valladolid. Enjoy this classic colonial-era town at night, and then make sure to be at the gate when it opens at 8 am. This way, you will avoid most of the larger tourist crowds.
6. Enjoy the Tulum Beaches
In Tulum, there is actually just one beach that stretches from the Tulum Ruins all the way to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere.
This incredible white sand beach is one of the best on the Riviera Maya and makes Tulum one of the top beach destinations in Mexico.
Multiple sections of the Tulum coast will simply take your breath away and allow you to enjoy sunny days under picture-perfect Caribbean skies.
Playa Paraiso is undoubtedly the best beach in Tulum, with the whitest, softest sand and the most palm trees.
Playa Ruinas is another excellent beach in Tulum, while Las Palmas Public Beach is a secluded, less commercialized beach where you can enjoy some water activities in the turquoise waves.
If you want to enjoy the comfort of a beach club, Cinco Tulum is my favorite, but Papaya Playa Project is also quite a popular spot.
Despite there being so many things to do in Tulum, just kicking back on one of the best beaches in Mexico is always at the top of my must-do list.
After all, the beaches are likely the most significant tourist attractions in Tulum, Mexico.
7. Visit Isla Mujeres
It may be a little far away, but a day trip to Isla Mujeres can definitely be included on your Tulum bucket list if you love the sea and want to see a little corner of Paradise.
The water on that side of the sea is so blue that the ferry ride alone will make the tour worth it. You may even catch a glimpse of the whale sharks, dolphins, or rays that are known to frequent these turquoise waters.
Once you’re on Isla Mujeres, you will find countless other things to fall in love with. Many travelers stay on the island for a few days and sleep in one of the many cute Isla Mujeres hotels.
Of course, how long you stay on Isla Mujeres depends on how much time you have. If you are short on time, a boat tour to Isla Mujeres will be a great way to see the island.
Read also how to get to Isla Mujeres from Cancun
8. Take a day trip to Cozumel
Cozumel is a beautiful island just across the channel from Playa del Carmen, the popular tourist city located about an hour’s drive north of Tulum.
Once you’ve reached “Playa,” as the locals call it, it’s just a 30-minute ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.
The island is one of the big cruise ship stops, so you may want to go on a day when no cruises are docking to ensure it’s less crowded.
There are so many things to do in Cozumel that you may want to stay for a few days, as I did.
If you do stay and want to explore, I recommend renting a bike or a scooter and riding around the island’s coastal road to have panoramic views of the sea and the Mexican mainland in the distance.
You can also catch a sunset over the sea on Cozumel’s west-facing beaches, something you can’t do back on the mainland.
Stop off on the Caribbean (west) side for world-class snorkeling as the sun goes down or on the ocean (east) side for amazing views of the rough waves crashing on the rocky shore.
9. Visit Kaan Luum Lagoon
One of Tulum’s hidden secrets, Kaan Luum Lagoon, or Laguna Kaan Luum (as locals know it), offers a gigantic cenote where the water is relatively warm and perfect for an organic mud bath.
The unique color of Laguna Kaan Luum’s water changes drastically as you move from the shoreline to the center due to massive depth changes.
If you’re looking for unique natural beauty and fun in the sun, visiting Laguna Kaan Luum should be among the best things to do in Tulum.
10. Learning how to cook Mexican Food
Your visit to Mexico would be incomplete without indulging in the amazing local cuisine, including some of the best Mexican dishes.
In Tulum, you can find incredible Mexican restaurants that are both local and authentic.
But you could also learn how to cook Mexican food yourself and bring your newfound ability to make traditional Mexican dishes back home with you.
Many of the friends and family members I have hosted in Mexico told me that taking a cooking class turned out to be one of their favorite things to do in downtown Tulum.
And they proved it to me by cooking up some delicious tacos, ceviches, and other delicious Mexican staples!
Below are some top Mexican cooking class options. Click on the links to learn more.
- Taco Workshop & Degustation in Tulum with Local Chef & Taco Expert
- Traditional Mexican Cooking with Seasonal Ingredients in the Jungle of Tulum
- Mexican & Yucatan Cooking Class and Margarita tasting
- Depths of the Yucatan: Valladolid Market Tour & Street Food + Cenote + Cooking Class (Transportation Included)
11. Relax in a Tulum Beach Club
One of the best free things to do in Tulum is to visit the beach. However, if you wish to upgrade your experience and pamper yourself, you should consider spending a day in one of the fancy beach clubs of the Boho Chic Tulum.
Luxury hotels are usually open to the public when not at full occupancy and offer beach club amenities you can use for the day.
Every beach club in Tulum has different rates. Generally, you can pay an entry fee, which can be used as a credit towards drinks and food. You should check out the rules before entering, though, as they vary between properties.
Tulum beach club rates typically start around 1,000 MXN (approximately $ 50 USD).
One of the most popular beach clubs nowadays is Papaya Playa Project. If you attend, be prepared for a mix of electronic music, a party atmosphere, and a crowd of spring breakers (assuming it’s the spring break season).
You should definitely check it out if you’re up for a party. Rates are reasonable but go up on weekends. It’s best to make a reservation.
12. Admiring the Exotic Colors of Bacalar Lagoon
Located near the Belize border, Bacalar has a popular and stunning lagoon known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors. It’s earned this distinctive nickname because of its water’s different shades of blue, all of which are mesmerizing.
Unfortunately, it has been through some contamination issues in past years, but that’s not impacting its magic as of now.
The pretty little town of Bacalar, on the lagoon’s shores, is also worth a visit.
However, please consider that it takes around 3 hours to drive from Tulum to Bacalar. Therefore, I would consider staying at least 2 nights in Bacalar if you want to explore and enjoy it fully.
Though if you have the time and are looking for more things to do in Tulum and the surrounding area, Bacalar is a must-see.
13. Visit Cancun
Cancún is one of the top vacation destinations in Mexico, and its beaches are incredibly beautiful.
Like the beautiful beach in Tulum, Cancun Beach is one endless stretch of sand, just with a few more gigantic, luxurious, all-inclusive hotels lined up along the same bright turquoise ocean.
The colors of the water here are sometimes just breathtaking.
A day spent on one of the Cancun beaches will be remarkable. Check out my guide on how to get to Cancun from Tulum and vice versa.
Although there are many ways to travel from Tulum to Cancun, renting a car is the best option, as it allows you to drive at your leisure and make various stops along the way.
If you have a car in Cancun, make sure you visit Isla Blanca, a pristine, deserted beach north of Cancun serving as a paradise for kite surfers and beach lovers.
14. Biking around Tulum
When visiting Tulum, renting a bike in town is the best and cheapest way to explore the area. Plus, it’s so much fun!
You can find bike rentals everywhere in Tulum, sometimes even in your hotel or home rentals.
You can bike from downtown Tulum to the beach in about twenty minutes. Or if you’re looking for new things to do in Tulum, just simply roam around the town center. Every time I do this, I discover something new!
However, make sure you protect yourself from the sun. I recommend wearing a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses and always taking a water bottle with you. The heat, especially in June, July, and August, can be unbearable!
15. Scuba Diving in the Ocean or Cenotes
Scuba divers from around the globe flock to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula for the world-class diving sites, making scuba diving easily one of the best things to do in Tulum.
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, also known as the Great Mayan Reef, spans over 1,000 km across Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, and can be accessed from Tulum’s beaches.
However, there is more than just ocean diving here. Tulum diving centers are well-known for taking you cenote diving, a truly magical experience for everyone who does it.
Although great all year round, the diving in Tulum is best from May to September thanks to the warmer temps and better visibility. This coincides with the low season here, meaning fewer tourist crowds and potentially better hotel rates.
The most popular cenotes for diving are Cenote Calavera, Carwash Cenote, Taak-bi-ha, and The Pit, the deepest and most spectacular of all the cenote dives.
It’s safe to say scuba diving is among the premier Tulum, Mexico activities.
You can check out my guide on the best places to dive in Mexico and the best diving tours in Cancun and the surrounding region.
16. Shopping in Tulum
Tulum Beach boasts numerous shops and boutiques offering a diverse range of items, including stylish clothing, chic kaftans, artisanal crafts, handwoven hats, handmade jewelry, and locally crafted homeware.
My favorites are Wanderlust Tulum for amazing women’s clothing and jewelry, In the Middle for men’s clothing, and La Tiendita for your home goods.
In these shops, you will find a wide range of unique items, including pillows, textiles, towels, accessories, jewelry, and high-quality, up-to-date beachwear that reflects the latest fashion trends.
After a few days of too much exposure to the sunny skies, shopping is one of my favorite things to do around Tulum.
17. Enjoying the nightlife of Tulum
Tulum’s nightlife is not as crowded and loud as Cancun’s. You’ll find a more relaxed and laid-back vibe here. There are no gigantic clubs, but you can have a great time at one of the many beach clubs and bars that line Tulum’s shores.
End your day with a cocktail or order some tequila shots, or better yet, mezcal, for the real Mexican experience.
Some must-visit places in Tulum include Papaya Playa Project, Gitano, La Zebra Beach Restaurant, and Batey Mojito, among others.
Many revelers find dancing in these hip beach clubs and bars among their favorite things to do in Tulum at night. And why not? The nightlife scene here continues to grow every year.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Tulum at night, the plentiful nightlife scene has you covered.
18. Practice Yoga and Meditation
Opposite the wild nightlife, you can also find amazing wellness centers and retreats where you can participate in full-immersion yoga and wellness practices or just pay for a single class.
Sanara Tulum is an eco-chic luxury hotel that offers yoga retreats in beautiful settings right on the beach. Another place I love is Holistika. It’s not on the beach but has an amazing mystical vibe, as it is situated in the lush jungle.
19. Enjoy some of the nicest coffee shops in Tulum
Tulum is not all about beaches and ancient Mayan ruins. It is also a destination for creators and artists. And that manifests in Tulum’s many beautiful artistic restaurants and cafes covered in eye-catching murals.
In fact, one of my favorite things to do in Tulum is hang out at these cafes. I love to work or read a book, usually listening to the rhythms of good music while surrounded by like-minded people.
One of my favorites is the Tulum Art Club in downtown Tulum. Here, you can drink coffee or other delicious drinks while sitting and working or chatting with a friend, surrounded by artwork created by local artists.
My other favorite place is Botanica Garden, which is located in a beautiful green space. You can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this lush courtyard.
On Sundays, they often have an art class that you can join for a couple of hundred pesos or just a few USD per person.
20. Learning Spanish
If you have some extra time in Tulum, why not use it to learn the Spanish language?
English is not spoken everywhere in Mexico, especially in the less touristy areas of the country.
So, if you are planning to travel to other parts of Mexico after the Yucatan Peninsula, learning the local language will prove to be of great help.
Many long-term travelers choose to visit this area not only to experience the amazing Tulum attractions but also to take Spanish classes and interact with locals.
If you plan to stay in Mexico long-term, I suggest you add learning Spanish as one of your primary things to do in Tulum. That way, when you venture to other parts of the country, getting around will be a breeze.
21. Enjoying Water Sports
With the lovely, tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea and plenty of beachfront, it’s easy to get into water sports in Tulum.
With activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, surfing, and kitesurfing, you will find a wide variety of activities in the water to keep you busy and fit.
Water sports have always been among the most popular things to do in Tulum, as the locals will tell you.
22. Visiting Punta Laguna
Punta Laguna’s natural reserve in Tulum is home to spider monkeys, jaguars, butterflies, and many other interesting animals.
If you like, you can take a boat tour around the lagoon. You will be in a small boat that takes you to a sport where you can rappel down to a cenote or simply sit and enjoy scanning the trees for monkeys.
There is no direct transportation to Punta Laguna. You may want to hire a taxi or rent a car in Tulum (The best option). Punta Laguna Reserve is a 1-hour drive from Tulum on the way to Valladolid.
Alternatively, you can book an organized tour on Viator, which combines a visit to the lagoon with a trip to the Coba archaeological site.
Several friends have mentioned this tour was easily ranked among their top things to do in Tulum.
23. Enjoy a Drink at the Tulum Tower
How do you feel about enjoying a drink 35 meters up in the sky?
Located near the ruins, Tulum Tower has a beautiful sky bar that opened just a few years ago. You will gain an all-new perspective of Tulum’s iconic pyramids, ruins, and ocean views from here.
If you don’t enjoy heights, you may want to sit this one out. However, you are safely harnessed to your seat, and the tower ascends slowly upwards. Once you reach the maximum height, the tower starts spinning to give you a 360° view.
This 10–15-minute experience is definitely one of the must-do things in Tulum, Mexico. I have actually never been to the top and don’t plan to because I’m deathly afraid of heights.
However, several people have told me that this experience is one of the best things to do in Tulum.
24. Splurge in one of the trendy hotels in Tulum on the Beach
If you are not on a strict budget and love to travel in style, you will fall in love with the Tulum Beach hotels’ unique laidback chic style, high-end amenities, and spectacular location, fronted by beautiful blue ocean and backed by the vibrant jungle.
There are many stylish places here. My favorites are Nomade, Casa Malca, and Delek.
25. Try A Delicious Crafted Mojito
You may be feeling a bit rundown after a long day traipsing around Tulum, taking in the sun on the beaches, or exploring cenotes in the nearby jungle.
It’s the perfect opportunity for a refreshing artisanal mojito while kicking back and enjoying yourself.
I’d recommend checking out Batey Mojito and Guarapo Bar, a Tulum must-see, where the mojitos are made using raw sugar cane. You can even watch them process the sugar cane with a hand crank, as they’ve done for years!
The place has chill vibes during the day, but the live music starts after dark. That’s when you’ll find many travelers dancing to the Caribbean, Mexican, and Cuban music filling the air.
What to Do in Tulum, Mexico at Night
26. Attend the Full Moon Party
Every month, on the Saturday closest to the full moon, you will find the beach alive with DJs, dancers, and fun well into the night.
This is Tulum’s famous full moon party, where travelers, socialites, and EDM lovers congregate to celebrate the full moon.
I’d recommend checking out the party at Papaya Playa Project for a fun night, backed in the moon’s glow.
In my younger days, I would have told you the Full Moon Party is at the top of my Tulum what-to-see list, but truth be told, I’m too old for that now! However, you can still enjoy this awesome party!
27. Listen to Live Music
You will find plenty of bars and lounges where you can listen to local musicians playing a mix of Mexican, Caribbean, and modern pop music.
Just popping into a new bar where I can hear good tunes has always been one of my favorite things to do in Tulum at night.
While there are many great music venues in Tulum, Batey Mojito and Guarapo Bar is my go-to and is located right in Centro Tulum.
28. See the Bioluminescence
Have you ever seen the ocean light up marvelous colors at night?
You can do just that when you venture to see the bioluminescence, tiny sea creatures that emit dazzling shades of green and blue after the sun goes down.
While there are some more famous places to see the bioluminescence nearby, such as Isla Holbox, you can also catch a glimpse of these mystical microorganisms in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, just south of Tulum.
If you can make time for it, the bioluminescence is one of the best things to see in Tulum.
29. Go Night Diving
If you’re up for scuba diving, nighttime can be the best time to go.
Not only are many animals more active, but you also get the feeling of being immersed in an alien world with just a flashlight to show you the way.
Many dive shops in Tulum offer guided night dives in the sea and nearby cenotes, making for a truly memorable experience for you.
For passionate divers, a night dive is at the top of the Tulum things to do list.
Best Things to Do in Tulum for Couples
30. Have a Candlelit Dinner on the Beach
Many of Tulum’s restaurants offer beachside or even toes-in-the-sand dining, where you can breathe in the fresh sea breeze under a starry sky, making for a romantic evening.
I’d recommend the candlelit dining at La Zebra or Casa Maria for delicious local cuisine in a beautiful setting. Reservations may be necessary, especially in high season.
31. Take a Private Catamaran Tour
Among the most popular things to do in Tulum is taking a private yacht tour, which is a great way to spend time together while relaxing and enjoying one of the most beautiful ocean settings in the world.
Take a look around Tulum town, and you will be sure to find a travel agency offering private boat tours, where you can opt for the catamaran.
32. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
Tulum is famous for its many health and wellness reports, where you can unwind, destress, and reconnect with the simpler things in life.
Ask for the couple’s package at any of Tulum’s spas, and you will be treated to massages, holistic treatments, and more as you and your significant other enjoy a beautiful day together.
33. Watch a Sunrise at Punta Allen
Punta Allen, a small fishing village south of Tulum, offers a remote setting to catch the spectacular Caribbean sunrise over the sea.
Enjoy this tranquil setting for a picturesque start to your day (or end to your night), something most visitors will never get the chance to do.
I’d recommend renting a car to reach Punta Allen, or if you wish, hire a private driver to take you there, as it’s a bit off the beaten path.
This is among my favorite things to do in Tulum in February. It’s a great way to escape the tourist crowds in town!
Best Things to Do in Tulum with Family
34. Visit a Jungle Adventure Park
There are numerous Jungle Adventure Parks scattered beneath the canopies surrounding Tulum.
These places offer ziplining, canopy walks, and child-friendly jungle tours where kids can learn about local flora and fauna.
I recommend checking out Aktun Chen or Selva Maya Eco Adventure Park.
35. Practice Turtle Conservation
The turtle nesting season occurs in and around Tulum from May to October. During these months, you can sign up to participate in some of the numerous turtle conservation efforts arranged by local organizations.
There are guided tours where you can learn about turtle nesting habitats and sometimes even help to release baby turtles into the sea.
This is one of the best things to do in Tulum if your kids love wildlife! Seeing these majestic animals in the wild should be at the top of any family’s Tulum what-to-do list.
36. Take a Mayan Pottery Class
Among many Tulum Activities, you can also learn about Mayan traditions and how to make beautiful pottery the same way the Mayan people have for centuries.
Many tour offices in Tulum Pueblo can get you signed up for a Mayan pottery class, where you and your family can get your hands just a little dirty while crafting some keepsakes from clay that you’ll remember forever.
37. Take a Tulum Taco Tour
Does your family love tacos?
If so, taking a Tulum Taco Tour is a great way to sample local offerings, learn about traditional taco-making methods, and leave with a full belly.
There are several tours available in Tulum, where you and your family can try all of the best local taco vendors and judge for yourself which is the most delicious!
What is Tulum Like?
Once a tiny laid-back beach town, Tulum, México, is now wildly popular with travelers thanks to its eclectic combination of Mexican heritage, modern culture, and spiritual “hippie” vibes.
It has trendy (and costly) hotels and fancy international restaurants, but also plenty of local cuisine, a yoga community, and a boho-chic culture, together with the nearby Mayan Ruins and a breathtaking, endless white sand beach, which attracts thousands of visitors who want to enjoy this hip Mexican Town.
However, I need to point out that Tulum’s reputation and popularity as the top destination for style-conscious travelers have been declining recently due to the extreme exploitation of natural resources and the rapidly growing urban development.
Not to mention the increase in crime and shootings that seem to have become more common these days, although these issues don’t generally involve tourists, and Tulum is still a safe place to travel, it’s not really an encouraging situation.
So much so that many expatriates, among the pioneers of the trendy Tulum, are slowly moving away and choosing quieter and more laid-back places, which was the reason they chose Tulum as their home in the first place.
If you are wondering which new trendy towns those people are moving to, you have places like Puerto Aventura on the Riviera Maya, Todos Santos in Baja California, Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, and San Pancho on the Riviera Nayarit.
That said, Tulum remains an amazing place to spend a few days vacationing and enjoying some of the best beaches in Mexico, taking refreshing dips in cenotes, visiting the Mayan Ruins, and many of the other great things to do in Tulum.
Before moving forward, I thought I should share this practical information that may be useful to you before traveling to Tulum.
Where is Tulum?
Want to find out where Tulum is in Mexico? Tulum town is situated in Quintana Roo, Mexico, on the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula.
We can say that Tulum is split into two main areas: Tulum Playa (the beachside) and Tulum Pueblo (downtown Tulum), where people reside and most restaurants, shops, supermarkets, and commercial activities are located.
If you’re looking for places to stay or things to do in Tulum Pueblo, you will have plenty of options.
In fact, in downtown Tulum, you can find amazing apartments, simple and more affordable accommodations, restaurants of all sorts of prices and cuisines, and everything else you may need.
The beachside is primarily just one road, with beach hotels and apartments on the seaside and restaurants, apartments, and trendy shops on the Jungle side.
How to Get to Tulum, Mexico
The nearest airport to Tulum is Cancun International Airport (CUN), which is around 1.5 hours away. Here are a few ways to get from Cancun to Tulum (Check out this comprehensive guide I wrote).
- Take the ADO bus – a coach bus line that runs all over Southern Mexico and offers a route from Cancun to Playa del Carmen to Tulum – runs every hour
- Take a Colectivo minivan – small buses that run all day long. You need to change buses in Playa del Carmen (Halfway)
- Hire a taxi – costs around 1500 MXN. Set the price with your driver beforehand
- Book a transportation service from Cancun Airport – a luxurious door-to-door private car or shuttle van
Why is Tulum so famous?
Tulum was originally popular with travelers because it was a laid-back hippie town with just a few beach hotels and an endless wild beach. That was about 20 years ago.
Despite considerable development in the area, the white-sand beaches of Tulum, Mexico, still offer the ultimate Caribbean experience, attracting tourists from around the globe.
Plus, the Tulum Beach Clubs provide a uniquely glamorous beach experience that you have to try, especially if you are not staying in one of the Tulum Beach Hotels.
Tulum Beach spans approximately 22 km of white sand, much of which is lined with stylish, laid-back luxury hotels crafted from wood and polished cement, and adorned with incredible local art.
Some hotels offer a day pass that allows non-guests to enjoy the beach facilities, provided they spend a minimum amount at the restaurants. Considering that those restaurants usually offer world-class cuisine, it is a great deal.
Many of Tulum’s beach clubs require a minimum spend of 50 USD per person. To learn more, check out my comprehensive article on the beach clubs (linked above).
Weather in Tulum Mexico
Tulum has a tropical climate that remains hot throughout the year. May to October are the hottest months, and the rainy season is when you can expect the occasional shower. However, most rain showers are brief and generally occur in the afternoon.
The months from November through April are the dry season. So, the best time to visit Tulum would be during this period when the weather in Tulum, Mexico, is ideal for great Tulum excursions.
Avoid visiting from mid-December to March to avoid the larger crowds.
To fully enjoy Tulum, I recommend planning a trip of at least 3 days. But a week would be even better. This will allow you to alternate relaxing time with day trips from Tulum.
Things to do in Tulum: final thoughts
As you can see, you won’t get bored here, as the number of Tulum Mexico attractions is almost limitless. It’s actually easier to be overwhelmed by the number of things you can do.
Maybe this Tulum Itinerary will help you plan your days in Tulum, but I would keep some doors open in case something interesting comes up while you are in town.
However, I would suggest booking some tours in advance so you can relax and not stress about scheduling every day. Then, you can plan the rest of your days around what you’ve scheduled.
