20 Best Things to do in Tulum Mexico + Travel Tips!

Looking for fun things to do in Tulum Mexico? You’re in the right place!

What was once a quiet village, Tulum has become one of the most loved cities in Mexico. The beautiful city is a mix of ancient Mayan ruins, beaches, and more modern shopping spots.

There is so much to explore while in Tulum, that you will have something to do every day.

This post covers the 20 best things to do in Tulum, Mexico and some travel tips. 

Where is Tulum in Mexico?

The town of Tulum is in Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is near the Yucatan Peninsula coastline. Its proximity to the coast makes it an ideal spot for beach lovers. 

Top 20 Things to Do in Tulum Mexico

1. Explore the Tulum Ruins 

There are plenty of Mayan ruins to visit all throughout the town of Tulum. But the Tulum Ruins are some of the most spectacular things to see in Tulum.

The towering ruins overlook the sparkling sea waters, and are fantastic for a great photo opportunity.

Some ruins to check out while here are the: Pyramid El Castillo, Templo Dios del Viento, and the Temple of the Frescoes to name a few.

Want to visit by tour? Check out this Full-Day Archeological Tour with Lunch, visiting Tulum and Coba.

2. Live Like a Local at Tulum Pueblo (El Centro)

To have some local adventures, take a visit to Tulum Pueblo (a.k.a. El Centro). This is where you can experience the local Tulum life.

Explore the local restaurants, and eat some of the city’s most incredible food while people watching. It is a more low-key experience in Tulum, but is very enjoyable.

3. Rid Yourself of Stress at Tulum’s Best Beaches

Take a relaxing break on any of the best beaches in Tulum. There are numerous beaches with soft sands, and clear waters that are ideal for swimming.

All the beaches are accessible to the public, so you can enjoy them for free! Any beach in Tulum will be amazing, but some favorites are Playa Paraiso and Playa Ruinas. 

4. Meet Wildlife at Sian Ka’an Biosphere

If you want a unique day trip in Tulum, there is no better place than the Sian Ka’an Biosphere.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to hundreds of bird species, flora, fauna, a lagoon, and multiple Mayan sites.

There are countless adventures to be had in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. Take a kayak tour around the mangroves, or go snorkeling and get up and close with the local animals. 

Check out this guided eco-tour that takes care of all the details, an exciting half-day tour through the stunning Sian Kaan Nature Reserve.

5. Snorkel Around the Cenotes

Though the beaches in Tulum are incredible, the Cenotes are just as gorgeous.

These limestone sinkholes are the perfect spot for some snorkeling and scuba diving.

Take a tour and explore all the different Cenotes, or go on your own adventure. Gran Cenote, Cenote Carwash, and Cenote Zacil-Ha are some of the best cenotes in Tulum.

Want to visit by tour? Check out this Snorkeling & Underground Cenotes Half-Day Tour from Tulum.

6. Reach the top of The Mayan Ruins of Coba

The Mayan ruins of Coba are tall pyramids that have a stunning view of the jungle.

It may be a bit of a workout to climb the ruins of Coba, but this is a unique experience.

Most Mayan ruin sites do not allow you to even touch the ruins. Be adventurous and rise to the top of the pyramids and get the best views in Tulum.

7. Visit Yal-Ku Lagoon

One of the most fun things to do in Tulum is to go snorkeling. There is no better spot to do that than Yal-Ku Lagoon.

The lagoon is a mix of fresh water and seawater, so there is a diverse mix of marine life.

Go scuba diving in Yal-Ku Lagoon and see what unique fish you can spot. 

Check out this post to find more beautiful places for snorkeling in Tulum.

8. Shop Around Tulum

Tulum has some of the best shopping spots in Mexico. There are a variety of stores that sell different types of goods that you may be looking for.

From souvenirs to traditional Mayan clothing there is plenty to look for when shopping in Tulum.

Don’t just visit the trendy stores, look for the traditional stalls that line the streets for local goods as well. 

9. Enjoy the local Tulum Delicacies

Mexican cuisine is known to be delicious, and Tulum is no exception. Because it is a lovely coastal town, the seafood is absolutely exceptional.

Check out some of the local food stalls to get the full dining experience in Tulum, or taste your way through Tulum on a 3-hour food tour.

10. Have Fun at a Mexican Adventure Park

Tulum, Mexico is known for its relaxing beaches, but what about something more exciting? One of the most fun things to do in Tulum is visiting an Adventure Park.

Try zip-lining, swimming in caves, snorkeling, or driving an ATV! Some well-known parks are: Xel Ha, Xplor, and Xcaret.

11. Find Tulum’s Hidden Art Spots

Thanks to Tulum’s mix of environments, many artists visit Tulum and leave inspiring art and sculpture pieces.

Visit the Azuli Museum and see some of the country’s most unique artwork. Take a trip around Tulum and take pictures with the incredible local murals.

12. Cleanse at a Temazcal Ceremony

Tulum may be a modern town, but there are still many traces of Mayan culture in the town.

To experience Tulum fully, exploring this side of Tulum’s culture is important.

Take a day trip in Tulum to partake in a Temazcal Ceremony. The traditional ceremony is to purify your body, soul, and mind.

If you have been feeling a bit bogged down, this cleansing could be just what you need. 

13. Swim in Laguna De Kaan Luum

Laguna De Kaan Luum is one of the best hidden attractions in Tulum. The deep blue waters of the lagoon are a sight to see.

The lagoon is said to have magical powers, so a swim here will be quite the experience.

It costs 100 pesos to swim in Laguna De Kaan Luum, but it is well worth the price. 

14. Check Out the Muyil Ruins

Hidden in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere lie the Muyil Ruins. The architecture of these ruins is believed to be from 350 BC, so it is filled with historical significance.

Though the main ruins are incredible in themselves, the main attraction is the observation deck.

From the deck you can see stunning views of the countryside of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere.

15. Practice Yoga 

The culture of Tulum is all about relaxation and cleansing the spirit. Taking a yoga class is one of the most calming things to do in Tulum.

You can go for a luxurious experience, or stretch in a smaller studio. For the full experience, try to find a studio by the waters.

The yoga poses feel so much more calming with the sounds of the ocean soothing your ears.

Regardless of where you practice yoga, you will leave class feeling refreshed. 

16. Travel Through the Jungle

Tulum has some of the best beaches in the country, but don’t forget to wander through the incredible jungles.

When you are traveling to the cenotes of Tulum, you will likely drive through the lush forestry of Tulum. Take a moment to take in the nature that surrounds you on your journey. 

17. Appreciate the architecture

Similar to artists, many architects are drawn to Tulum. Each architect has left their own touch on the town. Leaving an interesting mix of Mayan vibes with modern touches.

While you explore Tulum, don’t forget to appreciate the stunning architecture of the buildings.

18. Learn about the Mayan culture

If you love history, then a visit to Tulum is a must. Many of the indigenous people still speak the traditional Mayan language.

Explore the heart of the Zona Maya, and take a Maya language class. You may not become fluent, but you can learn about the Maya glyphs and numbering system. 

19. Learn Local Art with a Local

Though the museums of Tulum are incredible, the street art is just as impressive.

Book a street art walking tour, and see all of the colorful art around the city. Learn all about the art and artists while walking around the center of Tulum.

There is no better way to learn about the local art scene than from a local! 

20. Get Your Heart Racing with Kitesurfing

Looking for an adrenaline-pumping activities in Tulum? Then go kitesurfing!

Most beaches in Tulum are on the windy side, making them perfect for water sports.

Don’t worry if you’re a beginner in kitesurfing. There are plenty of kitesurfing shops around the beach that will teach you how to safely ride the waves. 

Useful Tips For Visiting Tulum

• November and December are the best season to visit Tulum if you want to skip the crowds. The temperature is still nice and hot during this time as well. 
  
• A fantastic way to get around Tulum is via bicycle. Most bike rentals cost about $10 USD a day, but many hotels have free bike rentals. 
  
• For those who can’t ride a bike, try taking a colectivo. They are local minivans that will transport you around Tulum. Colectivos are super cheap, but can be difficult to use for non-Spanish speakers.
  
• Tulum is a safe city, but it is still to keep your belongings close to you when going around town. 

Final words on the top things to do in Tulum

There are so many activities to do in Tulum that it may feel overwhelming. There is a reason it is such a well-loved city for tourists and non-tourists alike.

Whether you want a luxury trip or a more lowkey experience, there is something for every budget in Tulum. 

Hopefully, this list has helped you narrow down what to do in Tulum. But, sometimes the best adventures are the ones that aren’t planned. Start your trip off with this list, but be open to new experiences. 

Safe travels!

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