15 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN TULUM

Send

A stop in Tulum is usually included in all trips to the Riviera Maya, because here is one of the most peculiar archaeological parks in the entire Yucatan Peninsula. In addition, those who are a little fed up with the big hotels in Cancun and the crazy tourism of Playa del Carmen tend to steer their steps south, towards Tulum, trying to find some more tranquility. However, after spending three days here, we found it a rather chaotic place, without much interest (beyond its ruins), and with an atmosphere that did not convince us. Even so, we recommend spending some time and giving it a chance, there are not always crushing at first sight. In this post we tell you 15 things to see and do in Tulum.

Find cheap accommodationin Tulumhere. We stayed at the Solera Tulum

1. The most important, and probably the main reason to visit this place, are the Mayan ruins of Tulum, whose "Castillo del Mar" is one of the most typical postcards of the Riviera Maya. Reserve at least a couple of hours to complete the visit, since the archeological zone is wider than it seems. One tip: early in the morning (early at 8 am) there will still be tourists from the MANY tours like this, which arrive mainly from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. In this post we tell you more about the Ruins of Tulum.

2. If sargassum allows it, you can enjoy as a dwarf Caribbean beaches. And what better way to take a dip in the beach closest to the archeological zone? We talk about Paradise Beach, where you can swim watching the very Mayan ruins.

3. The beach that is right next to it is Pescadores Beach, and it may also be worth spending some time in it, especially if unlike us, you are lucky to see her without a sargassum.

4. The Tulum sunsets They are quite famous, and the light in Mexico is something indescribable! So you know, when the sun goes down, you stay to watch the free show, of course, always better with a chela in hand.

5. There are many options to try Mexican specialties. If your budget is somewhat tighter, we recommend eating some tacos, a gringa or a cake, in Antojitos La Chiapaneca, one of the richest and cheapest places in Tulum. The best? The gringa arrachera! And it only costs 30 pesos.

6. Tulum is an area that is growing very fast, and you can find many small boutique hotels with offers very interesting. We found a super rate at Solera Tulum and it was, by far, the best accommodation we had in Mexico.

7. A very interesting option to spend a atypical night is approaching Zine Food & Films, arestaurant-cinema Where to eat some delicious dish while watching a movie What is cool? The menu includes several proposals (from 350 to 490 pesos) and all the dishes come with drinks and popcorn.

And if you are looking for places to eat in Tulum, here are 8 recommendations for good and cheap restaurants.

8. She is a tourist, but if there is a hint of geek soul in you (sure yes hehe) you will love to get a selfie in front of the famous “Tulúm” sign. You will find it on the main street of the town.

9. Take a mojito in Batey, a handsome suuuper local, who claims to do the best mojitos in the entire Riviera. True or false? You only have one way of knowing ... The price is 100-120 pesos.

10. The surroundings of Tulum are full of cenotes, my friend. Are you going to miss them? We were advised to visit at least the Great Cenote and the Carwash, although we ended up not going to any (many people and expensive tickets). Instead we went to Cenote Zacil Ha, which costs 40 pesos and, although it is quite small, we found it very cool. Try not to go on Sunday because it is a place frequented by locals that day.

11. One of Tulum's strengths is its position, from where they can be performed numerous excursions. One of the most popular is that of Coba Ruins, with one of the tallest Mayan pyramids in Mexico. We went for free, but if you don't have a car you can sign up for this tour (it also includes a stop at a cenote). In this post we will talk about our visit to Coba (coming soon).

12. If you prefer the charms of nature to Mayan architecture, then don't think about it and take a day to explore the Sian Ka'an Reserve. It is the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean and one of the most beautiful corners of the entire area. Here you will find amazing beaches, corals, cenotes and activity options so you don't get bored. We did not go but we left it signed for our next visit!

13. Do you plan to use Tulum as a base for the trip to the Riviera Maya? Then there is one excursion (THE excursion) that you can't miss: Chichen Itza. It is the most famous Mayan archeological site in the world (not surprisingly it has the honor of being one of the new wonders of the world). We visit it from Valladolid (here you have more info on how to visit Chichen Itza for free), but you can also sign up for a tour that makes the visit from Tulum, which includes transfers from / to the hotel, entrance, guide and also the visit + bath in a cenote.

14. About 30 km from Tulum, following the coast to the south, we find Akumal, a good place for a day of beach and snorkeling: in its waters you can even see turtles, but only see, not touch. Worst of all, a pretty heavy tourist circus has been set up around this site: they charge 100 pesos just to enter the beach! Although there is a trick to avoid it: theLol Ha restaurant It offers free parking and access to the beach just for a drink in its bar. It is not cheap, but there is no minimum expense (you can have a soda for 40 pesos and you will have saved much of the entrance). Oh, and remember to bring your own snorkeling mask because rental prices are prohibitive!

15. If your visit coincides with the carnival, you are in luck: in Tulum it is celebrated in style! Other interesting parties are the Alborada Maya (March), a religious celebration that thanks God for the good harvests, and the Marine Toruga Festival (October), which takes place on the nearby beach of Xcacel and consists of celebrating the end of the turtle nesting season.