Exploring Tulum: A Guide to the Best Tourist Attractions and Activities

Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the picturesque Mayan jungle, Tulum is an idyllic destination for tourists looking for an exciting adventure. With its white sand beaches, world-class resorts, and stunning Mayan ruins, Tulum has something for everyone.

From snorkeling and diving in the crystal-clear waters to exploring the ancient ruins of Tulum, there’s no shortage of activities to keep visitors entertained. Whether it’s your first time in Tulum or you are a seasoned traveler, this guide will show you some of the best tourist attractions and activities to explore in Tulum.

From the famous Tulum Ruins to the cenotes and the nearby Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, you won’t miss out on any of these incredible experiences!

Exploring the Tulum Ruins

The famous Tulum Ruins are located on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea and are one of Tulum’s most visited tourist attractions. The Mayan ruins were built around the 13th century and served as a ceremonial center for the Mayan people.

The Tulum Ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and feature a variety of stunning architectural styles, including the city wall, palace, ball court, and temple. There are many ways to explore the Tulum Ruins, including climbing the Temple of the Frescoes, taking an audio tour or guided tour, and visiting the nearby Tulum bioluminescent bay at night. If you’re looking for fun activities for kids, try exploring the Tulum Ruins with a group of preschoolers or toddlers.

They’ll love discovering the ancient Mayan culture and seeing the vibrant colors of the frescoes.

What are the best tours in Tulum?

The best tours in Tulum, according to travelers, are:

• Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour
• Chichen Itza English Tour, Buffet Lunch, Cenote,Tequila tasting & Valladolid
• Best ATV Tour, Ziplines, and Cenote Swim with Lunch and Transport Included
• Tulum and Cenotes Tour
• Chichen Itza Early Access, Buffet Lunch & Cenote English Tour

Day trips from Tulum

Chichén Itzá Day trips

Xel‑Há Park Day trips

Xcaret Park Day trips

Coba Day trips

Reserva de la Biósfera Sian Ka’an Day trips

Akumal Day trips

Snorkeling and Diving in the Caribbean Sea

The Caribbean Sea is teeming with colorful marine life and is the perfect place for snorkeling and diving. If you’re a beginner, try snorkeling at Playa Norte, a sandy beach in the north of Tulum, where you can expect to see a variety of tropical fish.

For more advanced divers, explore the cenotes, freshwater sinkholes often found underground, where you can see a variety of rare freshwater fish and other aquatic creatures. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, try scuba diving in the Caribbean Sea and explore the rich diversity of marine life at a depth of 40 feet or more.

You can also discover the nearby Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, home to various marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and dolphins. For the whole scuba diving experience, book a dive trip from nearby dive shops or organize a dive trip with your hotel or hostel.

You can also try snorkeling or scuba diving at night, when the Caribbean Sea comes alive with bioluminescence, creating a beautiful, sparkly effect.

Exploring the Tulum Cenotes

Cenotes are freshwater sinkholes found across Tulum and are an incredible experience for travelers. These unspoiled natural wonders are formed when water from rain, groundwater, or a nearby river flows into the ground, creating a water-filled cavity.

The cenotes around Tulum are spectacular, especially the twin cenotes known as Dos Ojos, located just outside of Tulum. If you’re looking for a cenote experience utterly different from the others, try exploring the Gran Cenote, one of the world’s most giant cenotes and is often compared to a swimmable underground river.

For visitors looking for a relaxing cenote experience, try exploring the cenotes near Tulum’s beaches, where you can snorkel or float in crystal-clear water. You can also explore underground caverns, where water flows through and creates dazzling natural rock formations. Make sure to bring a towel, sunscreen, and some water to the cenotes, where you can cool down and relax.

Visiting the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, located just a few kilometers north of Tulum, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Tulum’s most unique tourist attractions. The Biosphere Reserve is a vast, mangrove-covered wetland covering over 9,200 square miles, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

You can explore this stunning wetland in various ways, including canoeing, kayaking, and birdwatching, or visit the nearby eco-reserves to experience something completely different. You can also visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve at night, when many animals, including crocodiles, manatees, and iguanas, come out to feed.

Taking a Jungle Tour

There are many fantastic jungle tours in Tulum, including ATV tours, cave tours, boat trips, and horseback riding tours. If you’re looking for something a little less extreme, visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve on a guided tour to learn about the wildlife and lush tropical plants that inhabit the area.

Another option is to visit the nearby Mayan villages, where you can learn about the culture and history of the Mayan people. You can also see the nearby Coba Ruins, where you can experience more traditional Mayan ruins and learn about the area’s history. If you’re looking for a more extreme jungle tour, explore the Tulum jungle with a group of adventure-seekers on an ATV tour or go on a jungle tour with a guide and learn about the rich wildlife, including howler monkeys and jaguars, which inhabit the area.

You can also visit the nearby cenotes and explore the underground caverns and natural rock formations.

Exploring the Mayan Villages

Mayan villages are located throughout Tulum and offer a unique glimpse into the traditional Mayan culture. You can visit the Bahias de Huatulco Mayan Village, one of the area’s most authentic and conventional Mayan villages, to learn more about the Mayan people and try out a few local Mayan traditions. Another option is the Coba Mayan Village, a more modern, themed-based village that includes a mini jungle park, a Mayan museum, and a folkloric show.

You can also visit the Tulum Mayan Village near the Tulum Ruins, which offers many different Mayan experiences, including building a traditional Mayan sand calendar, stepping inside a Mayan house, and exploring a mock Mayan temple. The Tulum Mayan Village is ideal for families with kids, as it’s a great place to teach them about the Mayan culture and discover their history.

Shopping and Eating in Tulum

If you’re looking for souvenirs to bring home from your trip to Tulum, the city is full of local shops and outdoor markets where you can find stunning handmade art and jewelry. You can visit the Plaza Tantun or Plaza Caravos to find beautiful handicrafts and Mayan souvenirs.

You can also find interesting shops and outdoor markets near the Tulum ruins, including the Plaza Tulum and the Tukan Jungle Market. For delicious food, you can visit the nearby Caribbean Seafood Bar and Grill, which serves seafood and Asian-Mexican fusion dishes and is conveniently located near the beach. You can also stop by the Tulum Spice Cafe and Restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious Indian and Mexican food, and the Tulum Taco Stop, where you can sample Mexican cuisine at its finest.

There are many other restaurants in Tulum, including Thai, Italian, and Mexican restaurants, and you can find them near the Tulum Ruins and the beach.

Experiencing the Tulum Nightlife

After an exciting day exploring Tulum, you can head to the nearby bars and clubs to experience the vibrant nightlife. You can visit the La Vieja Cantina, a lively bar, and restaurant that attracts locals and tourists, or the El Reef, a beach-themed nightclub where you can party with locals and other travelers.

You can also try visiting the Tulum Club, where you can dance to loud music and enjoy delicious cocktails, or the Tulum Bar and Grill, where you can enjoy a wide selection of drinks and food. Tulum is a great place to party and meet new people, and it’s easy to find other travelers to go out with. Ask your hostel or hotel staff where the best places to go are.