Before Tulum’s radiance was recognised worldwide, the town slipped under the radar as a sleepy fishing village. Today, it’s a much-loved holiday destination. There’s an abundance of activities and adventures to fill the days with here. You’ll be blown away at the number of amazing places to discover here in Tulum, a town filled with Mayan mystery, crystalline waters and authentic charm. These are our favourite things to do in Tulum...
If you’re staying in Tulum, visiting the iconic Mayan Ruins should be on top of your bucket list! The walled city ruins are perched on the edge of a cliff, which provides incredible views of the horizon. The city’s original Mayan name is “Zama” which means “place of the dawning sun”. Imagine the incredible sunrises you could witness at this magnificent archaeological site...
Tulum is brimming with natural beauty, and Cenote Dos Ojos truly encapsulates this. This site is made up of two cenotes connected through a 400-meter-long passageway, hence the translation of the name “Two Eyes”. The water in this natural sinkhole is crystal-clear and so blue it almost glows!
If you’ve caught a fever for cenote exploring, be sure to check out Gran Cenote during your trip to Tulum. This is one of the best cenotes in the area for snorkelling and scuba diving. The sublimely clear water allows you to take in the beauty of this underwater world, and you may even be joined by a turtle or two!
It’s no surprise that Mexican cuisine is considered one of the best in the world, so indulging in some traditional dishes while you’re here is an absolute must! Go a step further and learn some recipes yourself. In Tulum, you can immerse yourself in culture and take a traditional cooking class in the jungle.
The ancient city of Coba is close to Tulum, this is a great choice for those looking to experience history without the crowds of more popular sites like Chichen Itza. The Coba Ruins contain a large network of pathways which lead to the Nohoc Mul Pyramid. The steep climb to the top of this pyramid provides glorious views of the lush jungle.
Sian Ka‘an is embedded with natural beauty and wonder, so much so that this Biosphere Reserve has won the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this protected area, you’ll encounter countless flora, fauna and wildlife. As the day turns to night, hop on a sunset birdwatching tour and witness the beauty of the serene lagoons.
Visit Casa Violeta Tulum or Maya Tulum Retreat & Spa for a truly special cultural experience. A Temazcal ceremony is an ancient ritual first practiced by the pre-Hispanic indigenous people of Mesoamerica. It takes place in a clay-crafted sweat lodge (like a sauna) which is engulfed with herb-infused steam. This cleansing ritual is led by a shaman and is believed to have mental and physical healing properties.
Discover a beautiful and secluded lagoon just south of Tulum town. Hidden amongst clusters of magnificent trees, this lagoon sparkles in a myriad of blue and green hues, creating a truly magical atmosphere. An ancient cenote can also be found in the centre of the lagoon, legend has it that the mud produced within this cenote has healing properties!
This innovative museum is connected to the eco-chic Azulik resort. The museum pioneers sustainability and engages guests with its art and cultural engagement workshops. You’ll come across multi-sensorial exhibitions and immersive art installations, which make for an incredibly unique experience.
If you’re looking for a bit more excitement, check out Papaya Playa Project. They run a vast selection of events focusing on wellness, music, nature, art, food and more! Groove to the eb and flow of ritualistic beats, dance barefoot to the rhythm of live DJs and harness the energy of the full moon in a celestial celebration.