Seeking a laid-back, eco-conscious, breathtakingly beautiful beach getaway? Consider Tulum! Set along Mexico’s eastern coast, Tulum not only offers plenty of gorgeous beach-lounging days, but is also convenient to historic ruins, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and upscale shopping and dining. Once a more hippie-ish enclave, Tulum has turned into one of the most stylish beach destinations in the country, with chic, but authentic hotels, and up-and-coming chefs whisking up global cuisine. It’s the Mexico you’ve dreamed of … and more. Here’s your ultimate guide to a Tulum vacation.\
When Is the Best Time to Go to Tulum?
Generally the weather is nice year-round in Tulum, with highs in the 70s and 80s. The wettest months are June, September and October. The absolute prime time to visit is October to December, after hurricane season and when the temperatures are that just-right kind of warm, and not overbearingly hot. Most folks travel to Tulum January through March, another great time to visit, but you’ll have to contend with the crowds.
How Do I Get Around in Tulum?
Carry pesos and catch a taxi, which are fairly easy to come by (they do accept US dollars, too, but you’ll get a better deal paying in pesos). The main road goes all the way to the beach, so you can also walk or jump in a cheap colectivo (shuttle). Many hotels offer their guests bikes for getting around the area.
What Should I Do in Tulum?
Tulum Ruins
Spend a day learning about Tulum’s ancient past at the Tulum Archaeological Site, one of the most visited Mayan sites on the Riviera Maya. These are Mexico’s only ruins built by the sea, so not only is the view incredible, but after you explore the temples and castles, you can put on your bathing suit and take a dip. To get the most out of your experience, consider a day tour that includes exploring the ancient Maya ruins, snorkeling over coral reefs and discovering incredible caves, underground rivers and sacred cenotes. To be the crowds, visit Tulum (or start your tour) early in the day.
Can’t get enough history? Visit Coba, about 30 miles northwest of Tulum. There’s an entirely different feel here, as the ruins are set in the midst of the lush jungle. It may not have the coastal setting of Tulum, but Coba offers a more authentic feel, as its ruins have never been refurbished or restored. Within the huge site (30 square miles), you can viist a variety of temples. Be sure to climb the main pyramid, Nohoch Mul, the highest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula. From the top of the 120 steep, narrow steps, you’ll gain an unparalleled view of the jungle.
There’s another archaeological site – on the northern edge of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – for those who prefer a quieter, more relaxing experience as opposed to the heavy tourist crowds at Tulum. The Muyil site includes a variety of ancient structures believe to have been built as early as 300 BC – don’t miss El Castillo, the 55-foot pyramid, one of the tallest buildings in the Yucatan. Climb to the observation deck at the site for a great view of the lagoon – then go take a boat tour on the lagoon to see smaller pyramids and ceremonial sites.
Spend the Day at Playa Paraiso
To the south of the Tulum ruins (about a mile), the spectacular Playa Paraiso offers snorkeling, scuba diving, hammocks and lounge chairs for relaxing and a few beach bars. Pack your own towels, chairs and snacks or pay the Playa Paraiso Beach Club admission price, which includes beach chairs.
Swim in a Cenote
El Gran Cenote was considered sacred by the Mayans (as were many of the cenotes along the Riviera Maya). Today’s visitors can discover the mysticism of these crystal-clear pools in underground caverns, swimming, snorkeling and diving amidst marine life, stalagmites and stalactites and cave bat and bird life. El Gran Cenote is just 3 miles outside central Tulum, but do arrive early for the best ambience (consider bringing your own snorkeling gear). It’s on the way to Coba, so it makes a refreshing stop after visiting the ruins.
Quieter, less-crowded cenotes in the area include Dos Ojos Cenote and Cenote Cristal. Cenote Dos Ojos is particularly beloved for its unbelievably clear waters. Two cenotes are connected by a passageway, giving the cenote its name: Dos Ojos means “two eyes” in Spanish. It’s easy to get in and out of the water here, thanks to well-placed wooden decks and staircases.
Spend a Day in the Jungle
Leave the beach behind for a few hours and discover the abundant nature of the Yucatan at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. South of Tulum, the eco-park and natural reserve offers 1.3 million acres of estuaries, reefs, cenotes and wetlands. Walk around and enjoy it on your own or join a guided tour. Go fly fishing or birdwatching, go diving or snorkeling or join a group in search of local wildlife.
Walk Along the Jungle Canopy
At Aktun-Chen Park, you’ll learn all about the local ecosystem – and its forests, caves and wildlife – while engaging in a variety of tours and activities within the landscape. Descend into a 5-million-year-old cave, bedecked in stalactites and stalagmites and placid cenotes. You can even take a tour of the cave’s river and swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters. Craving a thrill? Try one of the park’s 10 zip lines.
Go Shopping
Those with a penchant for shopping will adore the opportunities in Tulum, where expat boutique owners are stocking their boutiques with Mexican- or Latin American-designed goods. Pick up designer leather sandals by Tulum native Katie James, beach cover-ups at Caravana Montaecristo or traditional handicrafts at Mixik.
Spend a Carefree Day (and Night) at Ziggy’s
Finally, having packed in all the archaeological and jungle sites you can, reward yourself with a day on the white-sand beach at Ziggy’s beach club. This laid-back outpost is open daily and rents out lounge chairs, cabanas and daybeds for the perfect day by the turquoise sea. Order up guac and chips, tacos or burgers, and stick around for live music, tequila tastings and Mexican wine tastings.