Nature-Tripping: 15 Best Things To Do In Tulum, Mexico - Updated 2024

things to do in tulum mexico
Mario
Mario 
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 4 min read

Despite the ongoing developments in Tulum, Mexico, the town still falls in the untouched category as its attractions remain in the pristine state. From a splendid coastline to the Mayan ruins, Tulum has a charm unique from the neighbors. Tulum, Mexico is not reached by reliable mobile network signals and Wi-Fi connection is very limited. Consider it a blessing in disguise though as it allows you to disconnect from the toxicities of the internet. Sit back and relax as we give you the 15 best things to do in Tulum, Mexico.

1. Sign up for a five-hour tour of Tulum and Dos Ojos Cenote (from USD 36.0)

things to do in tulum mexico | sign up for a five-hour tour of tulum and dos ojos cenote

Delve into the history of the ancient Mayan civilization on this five-hour tour of Tulum and Dos Ojos Cenote. Wander around the archeological ruins at Tulum, one of the last cities built by the Mayans. You will see landmarks such as Temple of the Frescoes, the pyramid temple of El Castillo, and the Temple of the God of Winds. Afterward, travel to the beach in Tulum for some splendid views of the sun and lounging on the sand. Before you wind up your day, enjoy a refreshing swim in a large natural sinkhole known as a cenote. This tour includes transportation and a multilingual guide.

Visited this place?

Cancún: Tulum Archaeological Site and Cenote Guided Tour

Duration: 5.0 hour

375 reviews

2. Go on a gondola ride and witness a different side of Tulum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Get a unique perspective on Tulum from a height of 35 m (115 ft). Soar high up above your surroundings in a revolving gondola that can accommodate up to 16 people at a time. Keep rotating slowly as you climb higher and higher. From the top, capture stunning images of the surroundings. Guided tours are available in Spanish and English where a knowledgeable guide will accompany you. Listen to Mayan history and the significance of Tulum as you enjoy your ride.

Tulum Tower

Address: Avenida Yalku MZ10 Lote 3 Fracción 2 oficina 101-a Avenida Tulum Zona Arqueologica, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Website: Tulum Tower

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

Price: 500 USD

Visited this place?

3. Set off on an adventure with an ATV tour (from USD 120.0)

Set off on an adventure down the path less trodden with this all-terrain vehicle (ATV) tour. Zoom through the jungle to see lesser-known parts of Tulum. Drive along sandy white beaches bordering the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea. Learn about the various species of flora and fauna that you pass by. You will then get an opportunity to cool off in the refreshing water of a cenote or a natural sinkhole. Stop by a monkey sanctuary to learn about the rescue efforts and get a closer look at the inhabitants.

Visited this place?

Akumal Off-the-Beaten Path ATV Adventure

Duration: 4 hours

79 reviews

4. Indulge in exotic delicacies at Hartwood

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


A popular restaurant in Tulum, Hartwood is the perfect place to relax and alleviate hunger pangs after a busy day of exploration. It has a daily changing menu made with fresh ingredients sourced directly from farms and the sea. Exotic delicacies such as octopus and jicama salad along with regular favorites like ceviches or barbecue ribs can be found here. Hartwood practices sustainability to the greatest extent possible. The restaurant makes use of solar power and believes in turning kitchen waste into organic compost. Reservations are recommended, but the place accepts walk-ins too.

Hartwood

Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila 7-6Km, Tulum Beach, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Website: Hartwood

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 6pm - 10pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Visited this place?

5. Sample a variety of mojitos at Batey Mojito and Guarapo Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Mojitos are a must when you’re in Mexico. There’s no better place to sip on one or more of these and relax than Batey Mojito and Guarapo Bar in Tulum. Although it’s a new bar in the city, it has garnered instant popularity. They offer a choice of mojitos such as mint, rum, sugarcane, and lime, to name a few. You can see how the sugarcane juice is extracted and pressed to order. The place also offers delicious Italian snacks for you to munch on as you sip a mojito.

Batey Mojito and Guarapo Bar

Address: Calle Centauro Sur, Tulum Centro, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Website: Batey Mojito and Guarapo Bar

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 2am; Sun: 5pm - 1am

Visited this place?

6. Admire the Mayan ruins on the stunning coast of Tulum (from 1,610 MXN (89 USD))

Beach at Tulum Ruins - panoramio (2)
Source: Photo by user ogwen used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Explore the Mayan ruins along the stunning coast of Tulum in this four-hour part of the tour. The limestone site served as a seaport for the Mayans. Tulum Ruins remain a mystery, however. Archaeologists cannot confirm whether Mayans or priests and noblemen used to live inside the walled city to be protected from invaders. Inside the ruined city is the Temple of the Wind God, The Castle, Temple of Paintings, and the House of Cenote. Right beside the ruins is a stunning pristine white sand beach that tourists can enjoy.

Tulum Ruins Half-Day Morning Tour

Opening Hours: Daily, 6 am – 6 pm

Price: from 1,610 MXN (89 USD)

Duration: 4 hours

Contact: +1 7026485873

Website:

Visited this place?

7. Go on a snorkel adventure with friends (from USD 230.0)

Ricardo Frantz - Iniciação
Source: Photo by user Tetraktys used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Giant sea turtles, clownfish, tang fish, live corals—you will meet all of them and more in Tulum’s healthy reef underneath a turquoise blue water. Of course, the sight is not limited to the aforementioned creatures as you will witness a vast school of colorful fish in the underwater world. This seven-hour guided snorkeling tour cover three sites: Casa Cenote, Tulum Bay, and Cenotes Saac Actum.

Visited this place?

Tulum Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Casa Cenote and Bay Reef

Duration: 4 hours

91 reviews

8. Engage in fun activities with LabnaHa Ecopark Adventures


LabnaHa Ecopark Adventures is one of the main attractions in Playa del Carmen which is an hour’s drive away from Tulum. It may be well-known, the daily visitor count is being controlled to avoid overcrowding and its negative effect on the environment. Dubbed as the “Magic Mayan World”, the park caters for various activities such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, zip-lining, and much more.

LabnaHa Ecopark Adventures

Opening Hours: Daily, 10 am – 6 pm

Price: from 814 MXN (45 USD)

Duration: 5 hours

Contact: +52 9848066040

Website: LabnaHa Ecopark Adventures

Visited this place?

9. Go for a swim at Playa Paraiso

Playa Paraíso, Tulum, México - panoramio
Source: Photo by user diego_cue used under CC BY-SA 3.0

From honeymooners to families with kids, Playa Paraiso is a perfect vacation spot. It boasts a long stretch of magnificent clear water, white sand beaches. The area gets crowded during the peak season though. Nearby resorts also offer different water sports for those who are adrenaline seekers.

Playa Paraiso

Address: Carretera Boca Paila, Tulum, Mexico

Opening Hours: Daily, 10 am – 6 pm

Price: from 814 MXN (45 USD)

Duration: 3 hours

Contact: +52 9841137089

Website: Playa Paraiso

Visited this place?

10. Experience the music scene at Corona Sunsets Mexico Music Festival

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


If music and sunsets both have a special place in your heart, then the Corona Sunsets Mexico Music Festival should be in your Tulum itinerary. Happening every June of the year, the internationally acclaimed Corona Sunsets Festival sets forth in Tulum, Mexico to bring the wildest music scene at Cenote Dos Osos, this while beholding a majestic sunset.

Corona Sunsets Mexico Music Festival

Address: Cenote Dos Osos, Tulum, Mexico

Website: Corona Sunsets

Visited this place?

11. Explore stunning caverns at Gran Cenote

GranCenote-27527-2
Source: Photo by user Ken Thomas used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

One of the most popular dive spots in the Riviera Maya, Gran Cenote offers cavern divers a stunning view of the underwater universe. If scuba diving isn’t your thing, you can just stick your face above water and snorkel around to see the massive underwater stalagmites, stalactites, and columns. You can also bring your family there for a simple picnic. Gran Cenote sits along the highway of Coba, a 40-minute drive from Tulum.

Gran Cenote

Opening Hours: Daily, 10 am – 6 pm

Price: from 814 MXN (45 USD)

Duration: 3 hours

Website: Gran Cenote

Visited this place?

12. Join in one of the activities offered at Hidden Worlds Cenotes Family Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Hidden Worlds Cenotes Family Park in the Yucatan Peninsula is a one-stop tourist site that has been featured in top notch production movies and documentaries. Hidden Treasures offers guided tours in two cenotes in the area: an open air type and a cave type. Activities that tourists can enjoy are but not limited to snorkeling, diving, and zip lining. You can also book a jungle tour to explore the core of the park’s forest.

Hidden Worlds Cenotes Family Park

Opening Hours: Daily, 7 am – 6 pm

Price: from 1,085 MXN (60 USD)

Duration: 3 hours

Website: Hidden Treasures

Visited this place?

13. Watch the death-defying stunts of Voladores

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Right outside the Tulum ruins at the entryway, a group of costumed men oftentimes perform death-defying stunts. Flying and dancing on top of a thin pole, Voladores, as they are loosely called, will put your breath on hold for a moment. Their performances are said to be tied to Totonac Indians of central Mexico. Although they are free to watch, you might want to squeeze a buck or two to show them some love.

Visited this place?

14. Visit the city's archaeological wonders with Tulum Bike Tours

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Being a town that is totally free of traffic jams, there is no other way to best enjoy Tulum than biking. Tulum Bike Tours has got you covered with their guided tours of the Yucatan Peninsula’s rich and diverse natural, cultural, and archaeological wonders. If you do not want to learn by biking, well, they have a private tour option just for you.

Tulum Bike Tours

Address: Calle Polar Pte., Tulum, Mexico

Opening Hours: Daily, 8 am – 6 pm

Duration: 5 hours

Price: from 1,356 MXN (75 USD)

Website: Tulum Bike Tours

Visited this place?

15. Snorkel in preserved coral reefs at Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

SianKa'anBR-27527-1
Source: Photo by user Ken Thomas used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve has over 1.2 million acres (485,623 hectares) of reefs, estuaries, wetlands, and cenotes. There are available tours inside—from diving to kayaking, snorkeling, and wildlife sighting, you will never run out of things to do. Located south of Tulum, you can access the reserve site by bus or taxi.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Address: Coastal Rd., Tulum-Boca Paila-Punta Allen km, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Opening Hours: Daily, 7 am – 6 pm

Duration: 8 hours

Contact: +52 9841414245

Website: Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Visited this place?

Savor every bit of Tulum

Tulum, Mexico is about getting away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. When you get there, make sure to just slow down and take the time to savor every bit of the historic small town. Remember not to cram jumping from one spot to another because every part of Tulum has so much to offer and they deserve to be cherished.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Tulum
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.