Tulum, Mexico is located south of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, two world famous beach resort areas on the Mayan Riviera. As you travel further south towards Tulum, you begin to see a different Mexico. The hotels here are smaller and more boutique style than in Playa del Carmen. The beach, if you can believe it, has even finer and even whiter sand. It is a great place to visit for a week or for day trips if you are staying in a nearby resort.
The following are 5 Things To Do in Tulum, Mexico:
Explore the Mayan Ruins of Tulum
Tulum is one of the best known ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula, next to Chichen Itza, of course. These Mayan ruins are located just outside of Tulum along one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in this part of Mexico (even the world!). Although this site is located along the coast, it was heavily fortified by the Maya. The Maya chose this site because it has the highest elevation and cliffs protect access from the ocean. In fact, there is only one small cove here that provided access from the water. The remainder of Tulum was protected by a wall surrounding the ancient city with only 4 entrances. The location of Tulum makes these ruins an easy day trip from Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
Explore the Mayan Ruins of Cobá
Another famous Mayan city is Cobá, located 40km west of Tulum. Cobá is especially fun because it has one of the few pyramids that can still be climbed. In total, the grand pyramid has over 120 steep steps that require careful footing and lots of sunscreen. The view, however, is breathtaking, as you see the surrounding jungle and peaks of smaller temples sitting between tree tops. The remainder of this ancient Mayan city is great for walking as all the temples are connected via well-maintained walking and biking paths under shady trees.
Swim and Snorkel in the Grand Cenote
The Grand Cenote is just 3km outside of Tulum and is often combined with a visit to Cobá as it is located on the same road. Cenotes are sinkholes with fresh water from the extensive underground network of streams and rivers in the Yucatan Peninsula. There are over 7000 cenotes here, caused because the entire Yucatan was once under water. As the water level rose, an underground network of streams were created, causing these sinkholes. The Grand Cenote is a great place for a relaxing swim in crystal clear, fresh water in the open air and in caves. The crystal clear water also makes snorkeling a lot of fun here.
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The beach in Tulum is one of the most beautiful in the world. The sand is so fine it feels soft to the touch. It is also virtually white, making the contrast with the emerald color water an absolute treasure to behold. This area has not been over-developed by mega resorts. Instead, you will find small boutique hotels, cheap cabanas on the sand and more upscale romantic bungalows. Watching the sunrise while swinging gently from a hammock on the beach is an experience that cannot be missed here.
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Kayak through the Sian Ka’an Bio Reserve
The Sian Ka’an Bio Reserve is a huge protected area just south of Tulum. The few houses here all operate according to strict environmental regulations that were put in place to protect this fragile environment. This area teems with wildlife, especially birds and crocodiles. Touring this reserve with a Kayak and a knowledgeable guide is an unbelievable way to get closer to nature and see beautiful birds such as flamingos, pelicans, herons, egrets and cormorants nesting in mangrove islands. If you are lucky, you may even see a crocodile out hunting for prey!