Top Five Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico
Laidback luxury awaits in the Yucatan peninsula! Here are my top five things to do in Tulum, Mexico!
Tulum will always have a special place in my heart. I first visited Tulum as a bride-to-be on my budget bachelorette party in 2019. Five years later, I’m back for a little Riviera Maya reboot with Go Tulum Travel, the travel experts on all things Tulum. Go Tulum Travel is the premiere private transportation service in the area. Think of them as a luxury concierge service if you want the white-glove experience in Tulum.
Tulum, located 2 hours south of Cancun in the Yucatan Peninsula (see how to get there), is an eco-chic tourism hotspot where bohemian beach resorts and serene jungle villas offer tropical luxury and tranquility. The popular seaside getaway draws a crowd of mostly influencers, free spirits, honeymooners, and digital nomads. For wellness lovers, you’ll find holistic experiences and health-centric eateries in spades to rejuvenate both mind and body. And let’s not forget that Tulum is also a celebrated nightlife destination where you can party in paradise with world-class DJs spinning sets right on the beach. Now onwards to my top five things to do in Tulum, Mexico!
How to Get to Tulum
✈️ Fly into Tulum International Airport (TQO)
Tulum’s long-awaited Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport opened early 2024 and has made visits to the city that much easier! It’s 20 miles outside of Tulum town so you still have to organize private transportation to and from Tulum, but your travel time is less than 45 minutes. You can book transportation services through Go Tulum Travel or through the airport’s official website.
✈️ Fly into Cancun Airport (CUN)
You still have the option to fly into Cancun Airport, with routes being fairly cheaper and more frequent. The downside? Cancun is 1.5-2 hours away from Tulum depending on traffic. Also, the airport is somewhat of a madhouse with a number of transportation services frantically vying for attention. Make sure you have your transfer booked in advance, especially if you are traveling during high season. You can also rent a car and drive to Tulum, although be advised that getting pulled over is a common occurrence.
1. Go Swimming in the Cenotes
Dive into the magic of Tulum’s cenotes! From mystical limestone caves to crystal-clear waters, cenotes deliver a splash of adventure to your Tulum vacation. Cenotes are freshwater sinkholes found all around the Yucatan Peninsula and are the ultimate natural swimming pool. The ancient Mayans believed cenotes were portals to the Mayan underworld and would throw human sacrifices down these pits.
Today, these fragile ecosystems are a must on every Tulum itinerary but please visit them responsibly. I highly recommend booking a tour operated by locals so the money is actually invested into the upkeep of these cenotes. Here are a few of the most popular cenotes to visit in Tulum, Mexico. Most cenotes can be visited by car or by bike, but I would organize transports in advance to maximize the number of cenotes you visit. Some cenotes are really far so plan ahead!
✚ Gran Cenote: 500 MXN (life jacket included)
✚ Cenote Calavera: 250 MXN
✚ Cenote Taak Bi Ha: 350 MXN cash only (life jacket included)
✚ Cenote Yax-Kin: 100 MXN
Cost: Some cenotes charge fees (see list above) used for maintenance and sanitation. Payments are cash only.
What you need to know: Sunscreen or mosquito repellent will harm the biodiversity in the cenotes. There is no lifeguard on duty, so swim at your own risk
The tour with Go Tulum Travel has a media package included so you can have all these underwater memories to take home with you
Some cenotes and jump holes have ropes like Cenote Calavera
2. Rent a Private Yacht
What’s Tulum without a day on the water? If you have the means, chartering a yacht in Tulum is the ultimate luxury experience! Tulum doesn’t have its own marina so you have to drive 45 minutes north to the Puerto Aventuras Marina to catch a boat. No matter the type of yacht, you’ll have a dedicated crew on board to cater to every whim and fancy. The minimum for chartered yachts is 4 hours and a full day is 8-9 hours, leaving typically at 9 am (half/full day) OR at 2 pm (half day only).
Hit the open waters and cruise along the Riviera Maya’s lush coastline before docking at La Bocana cove (near the shore) for some water activities, swimming, and of course, lunch. Gourmet meals are prepared by an onboard chef and there is an open bar to make things more interesting. Our catamaran came with its own submerged hammock which was perfect for lounging. Whether you’re chasing the perfect sunset, simply enjoying the amenities of high-end travel, or wanting to dive into the vibrant underwater world of Inah Reef, a chartered yacht experience is a worthy investment for an unforgettable day in Tulum! Click here to make a reservation.
How to Get There: Organize transportation to Puero Aventuras here.
Don’t Miss Out On… Make a pitstop at El Arbolito, an authentic Mexican fonda serving freshly made stews with handpressed tortillas. The woman manning the comal is something to admire as you feast on your tacos.
Dock at La Bocana Cove to lounge, lunch, and swim!
This private catamaran, the Calypso, has a hammock hanging between its two hulls.
3. Dine out in Tulum Town (Tulum Pueblo)
Tulum is a sleeper hit when it comes to its food scene. You can opt for the gimmicky health food stops (Raw Love) and fine dining entries (Harwood, Arca), but don’t stop there. Octopus charred to perfection, bubbling pizzas, and no-frills taco stands were some of the standouts on my personally curated food tour by the team at Go Tulum Travel. Dining out in Tulum can get expensive fast, especially if you’re only following the guidance of social media.
Hit Tulum Town for more affordably priced meals that highlight local flavors. If you’re vegetarian/vegan, check out the spots nearer to the beaches that cater predominantly to plant-based eaters. If you’re a carnivore, don’t miss out on menus offering fresh seafood and Mexican staples like aguachile and ceviche. But it’s not just ceviche, acai bowls, and Italian food having all the fun. From ramen shops to hand-pulled noodle streetside stalls, the global representation is impressive, Here are my musts-eat spots while in Tulum and all these places can be found on my Tulum map:
✚ Wang Tulum: Takeout window serving up traditional Chinese dishes with hand-pulled noodles and homemade chili oil.
✚ Pepe’s Best Tacos: Bonafide street food, Pepe slings tacos at his little cart come nightfall with jugs full of salsas made by his madrona.
✚ Taco Honorario: A carnivore’s dream for the best tacos in Tulum with Cochinita Pibil, a regional pork delicacy, being your must order.
✚ Raw Love: Acai bowls with every topping under the sun draw in all the health nuts.
✚ La Holistika: Vegan and vegetarian restaurant boasting nourishing meals from breakfast to dinner.
✚ Don Tomas: Local haunt with extensive breakfast options and the BEST green juice in town, made with nopales (cactus pads).
✚ Il Bacaro: Wood-fired pizzas are the star of this beloved Italian restaurant.
El Arbolito technically in Puerto Aventuras Marina has the best tacos in the Yucatan, with a large selection of guisados and regional fillings.
Wang Tulum has the best Chinese food I’ve ever eaten in my life. Tall words but I’ll hold onto this truth. Perfectly spicy and the texture of the hand-pulled noodles is so toothsome.
4. Explore the Ruins of Tulum
4. Explore the Ruins of TulumVisiting the Tulum Ruins is a must-do for history buffs and travelers wanting to appreciate Mexico’s rich Mayan heritage. Perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, the well-preserved Tulum Ruins were once a bustling port city and a vital trading hub in the 13th century. Their strategic location allowed the Maya to control maritime commerce while serving as a cultural and ceremonial site. To make the most of your visit, go early in the morning (around 8 AM) to avoid the oppressive Caribbean heat and tour bus crowds. Sunset visits are less packed and make for great photos, but it gets dark fast—bring a flashlight, sturdy shoes, water, cash, and sunscreen.
Costs: 90 MXN (about $5 USD) for entry, with optional guided tours available at an additional fee.
Skip the Scams: Avoid buying tickets from guides in red shirts outside the booth. Instead, purchase directly at the official ticket counter. Guides are generally not necessary unless you’re booking a special sunrise tour.
▶️ Instagram Reel: Watch a 1-min mini guide to Tulum
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5. Chill or Party at one of Tulum’s many Beach Clubs
Beach clubs aren’t only for the nighttime ravers. The beach club scene in Tulum can be experienced both day and night for the paying guest. The cozy beachfront setup is more or less standard across the board with macramé hammocks and palm-thatched cabanas peppering the shoreline.
For the day loungers, rent a cabana or oversized daybed and enjoy the breeze and the cozy beachfront setup complete with tableside service. Some clubs will even host ceremonial rituals or fire dancers in the transition from day to night. Always expect live music, with resident DJs spinning deep house to set the mood. Stay for the sunset sessions where the music atmosphere is particularly “vibey.”
✚ Papaya Playa Project: Known for its legendary full-moon parties, caters to a younger crowd.
✚ RosaNegra Beach Club: A Latin-inspired beachside day club on the chiller side.
✚ Kanan Tulum: A fan favorite beach club that feels like a jungle treehouse with attentive customer service.
✚ Nomade Tulum: Perfect for holistic, wellness-focused experiences.
Most beach clubs will have food and drinks service brought directly to your chair.
There are a few beach clubs that require a minimum spend to rent their cabanas
The hedonistic full moon parties at Papaya Playa Project draw massive crowds.
Shortlisted in Tulum
▪️ Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: This 1.3 million-acre biosphere reserve is home to wildlife including manatees, alligators, dolphins, and birds (to name a few). Float around in the natural lazy river where you can scoot along with little fishies. Book a tour with Go Tulum Travel.
▪️ Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park: The highly pictured “Ven a La Luz” (Come to the Light) sculpture by South African artist Daniel Popper was moved to the Ahau Sculpture Park to manage the growing crowds at its old location.
▪️ Azulik Treehouse: Outlandish tribal-influenced luxury treehouse with nest seating at their on-site Kin Toh restaurant that is an instagram darling (phones only).
The old location of the “Ven a la Luz” art installation by Daniel Popper has been move to the Ahau. Tulum Sculpture Park.
▪️ Xel-Há Park: A natural water park with unlimited snorkeling, a zipline, cenotes, and grottos to explore. You can zip down waterslides that wrap around its lighthouse, go cliffjumping, or get carried away with the currents of its rivers.
▪️ Laguna Kaan Luum Park: This lagoon is outside of Aldea Zama, and perfect for a day trip. Hang out in the above the water hammocks in calm, warm waters. For the sunburn prone: there is barely any shade and sunscreen isn’t allowed.
▪️ “Follow Your Dream” Sign: Snap a photo with the iconic green “Follow That Dream” sign on Tulum Beach Road in front of the Lolita Lolita Botique, or the similar “Live Your Own Experiences” sign in La Veleta, close to Káapeh Smoothie Bowls, a favorite breakfast spot.
▪️ Akumal Beach: Swim with giant turtles at Akumal Beach. Arrive early to enjoy clear waters and access the amenities for a small fee. You cannot go out in the water independently. Plan your return transportation carefully as taxis back to Tulum are limited.
Our awesome guide showed us three sea turtles and one breached while we were nearby.
Where To Stay in Tulum
Tulum offers four distinct neighborhoods for travelers, each with its pros and cons. I stayed in Aldea Zama during my bachelorette trip and most recently discovered La Veleta. While all neighborhoods have their perks, La Veleta feels very lively without compromising its jungle serenity so that’s my personal pick. Go Tulum Travel also accommodation suggestions here.
▪️ La Veleta: A rising favorite, combining a tranquil jungle vibe with chic boutique hotels, wellness retreats, and proximity to hidden cenotes. It’s a haven for those seeking serenity while staying connected to Tulum’s creative energy.
▪️ Tulum Town (Tulum Pueblo/El Centro): Budget-friendly and brimming with authentic local flavors, vibrant markets, and bustling nightlife, although farther away from the beaches. But you have easier access to the highways that take you to places like Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen, and Chemuyul.
▪️ Zona Hotelera: Also known as “the beach strip,” this is the area people think of when visiting Tulum featuring bohemian beachfront hotels, eco-luxe resorts, and unparalleled views of the Caribbean, although it comes with a higher price tag. Also the one-lane road is easily congested and prone to flooding, and also is extremely dark come nightfall.
▪️ Aldea Zama: The more residential section of Tulum with modern condos. It feels more industrial but you easier access to both town and beach—perfect for those desiring convenience.
HOTEL TIKI TIKI | MY ACCOMMODATIONS PICK ⭐
Hotel Tiki Tiki Tulum is an artfully designed boutique hotel located in Tulum’s hip La Veleta neighborhood. There are 15 spacious rooms, with ample natural lighting and their very own private terrace overlooking the surrounding jungle . The natural minimalism of the interior design only enhances the gorgeous art deco tilework and lush greenery found all throughout this mid-century modernist property.
The centerpiece of the hotels is its pinstriped pool, surrounded by lounge chairs and an airy poolside bar serving up great drinks. You can eat on-site but La Veleta’s best restaurants are all within walking distance. The hotel staff will happily organize services like massage treatments, snorkeling, and horseback riding. And you can even take advantage of a free yoga class at the neighboring Holistika resort.
BOUTIQUE | Rooms begin at $150 per night.
Hotel Tiki Tiki is a mid-century modern style hotel in the La Valeta neighborhood
A tropical bar is within walking distance of the beautiful pool and inviting lounge chairs
OTHER PROPERTIES BY BUDGET
LUXURY ($$$)
✚ La Valise Tulum
✚ Nômade Hotel
MID-RANGE ($$)
✚ Holistika Tulum
✚ Náay Tulum
✚ Conrad Tulum – all-inclusive 20 minutes away from resort
✚ Hotel Teetotum
BUDGET ($)
✚ Che Tulum Hostel & Bar
✚ Lum Tulum Hostal
✚ Mayan Monkey Hotel
✚ Casa Don Diego
Map of all Tulum, Mexico Locations
Have you ever been to Tulum? What would make it on your top five list? Let me know in the comments!
Melanie
Tulum looks lovely! I’d really like to try swimming in the cenotes, they look so beautiful. The ruins would also be interesting. I’m curious to see how the new airport affects tourism in Tulum.
Tania
Gosh Tulum looks so great! Thanks for breaking down a wide variety of activities to do there. So helpful!
Gabby
I would love to visit the ruins of tulum. Historical places are always top of my list.
SamH Travels
I am really interested to read this post i will be visiting later in the year. I will definitely be visiting Azulik Treehouse!
Cosette
Would definitely want to visit the Tulum Ruins, the Azulik Treehouse and Ven a la Luz. The restaurants all sound so tasteful, would have to try them all.