28 Ultimate Things to Do in Tulum

Poised on the craggy cliffs overlooking the Caribbean, a trip to the Tulum Ruins is a must. This is the only Mayan settlement located on the beach and one of the few walled cities built by the Maya. The ruins are one of the most popular sites in Tulum, and after a day of exploration, you can dive into the refreshing waters of the Caribbean and take in the ruin views from the sea, so be sure to bring swimwear.

Cobá is another incredible Mayan archaeological site to visit while in Tulum. These jungle-enclosed ruins are about an hour away by car, and the site is much bigger than Tulum’s ruins. It was previously possible to climb the main temple, Nohoch Mul, but this is no longer permitted.

Tulum’s sandy shores are lined with gorgeous beach clubs where you can rent a daybed or cabana for the afternoon and unwind with delicious food and drinks in an idyllic setting. These range from casual thatch roof hideaways to painfully sleek budget-busting hotspots. Some are free to enter, while others may have an entrance fee and/or a minimum consumption spend ranging from $10 to $160. The higher price points typically give you access to pools, spa areas, restaurants, and other facilities. Alternatively, you could book a stay at a hotel that also has a beach club. Some of Tulum’s most popular beach bars and clubs are Papaya Playa Project, Ziggy’s Beach Club, Nômade Tulum, NEST Tulum, Coco Tulum, Mia Tulum, La Zebra, Bagatelle, and Vagalume, which is recognizable for its pool bridge held up by a hand.

Hedonists adore Tulum. If you’re ready to splash the cash, this town doesn’t disappoint in the nightlife arena. Specific places attract large crowds on particular nights in Tulum, so follow the trendy merrymakers along the party trail.

The start of the week is quieter, but Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar can usually be relied on for a good time. If you’re into trendy bars with quirky themes, this is the perfect place to chill out while sipping their infamous fresh sugarcane mojitos and vibing out to everything from electronic music to jazz and mariachi. On Thursdays, Casa Jaguar’s beach bar transforms into a wild jungle dance floor, and on Fridays, you should head to Gitano to dance the night away to a live DJ set. Papaya Playa Project is legendary for its monthly stylish full moon parties, but they are also big on the scene on Saturdays. Get those hips swaying on Sundays at salsa night at La Zebra beachfront hotel. If you keep your eyes and ears open, you might hear whispers of an impromptu rave here or there while you’re in Tulum.

Tulum’s north beaches—Las Palmas, Playa Paraiso, Playa Pescadores, Playa Santa Fe, and the secluded Playa Ruinas—offer a more pared-back experience with wide, open spaces and beach bars that err towards rustic rather than ritzy. These beaches have swathes of open sand to lay down your towel and ample parking spots nearby. Playa Paraiso—named after literal paradise—is the most popular palm tree-filled beach in the area. With the famed Mayan ruins, Playa Ruinas gets rather busy in the afternoons, so it is advisable to arrive early if you would like to thoroughly enjoy this world-renowned sandy spot.

South Tulum beaches are more of a barefoot luxury experience where patrons linger over designer cocktails and perch in cabanas dressed to the nines. All beaches are public in Mexico, although finding public access points is tricky due to the assemblage of luxury boutique hotels and beach clubs in this area. Though a tad hidden, you can still find entry points dotted around.

Tulum is not all jungle and beach. It’s actually divided into two areas considered playa (beach) and pueblo (town) or centro (center). While the beach is the main attraction, the town is a bustling area that feels more like the Tulum of yesteryear. Breakaway from the shore, peruse the town’s local shops and eateries, and save some cash in the process—prices in the town are often far less than those on the beach road. One unmissable restaurant on the main avenue downtown is Burrito Amor. This gem is tucked underneath a canopy of pink bougainvillea, and it serves the most celebrated, palate-pleasing burritos in all of Tulum.

One of the best and most affordable ways to get around Tulum is by bicycle. Many hotels and rental properties offer free usage or charge a nominal fee. You can also find plenty of rental shops around town with prices between 100 and 300 pesos per day (about $5-$15). Not only is it more affordable than hailing a taxi, but it’s also fun to feel the wind in your hair as you pedal around town. You can get your set of wheels from Ola Bike Tulum or iBike Tulum, which also has scooters. To ride around stylishly, hire a colorful Vespa from Tulum Vespa, and you could even match your bike to your outfit.

Tulum as a health and wellness haven is a well-traveled narrative. In this Mexican Caribbean beach town, you can find innovative, experimental, and indigenous healing modalities to nourish your mind, body, and soul. At NEST Tulum, you may release inner blocks during a chakra harmonizing ceremony or relish a pre-Hispanic sound healing. Over at Lucid Aerial Arts at Ahau Resort, swing from the ceiling with sea views during an exhilarating aerial silk, aerial hoop, or aerial yoga class. All levels are welcome, and instructors are positive and encouraging, so beginners need not worry.

From beachside sessions to open-air rooftop studios, you will find yoga classes on offer around every corner in Tulum. To get grounded at yoga practice, look for Om Collective, Azulik Maya Spa, Sanara, or wellness boutique hotel Holistika which has an on-site restaurant serving radiance-bestowing culinary creations. Nômade Tulum also has a healthy roster of regular wellness activities. If you’d prefer the novelty of trying the downward dog position while floating on a board in a crystal-clear lagoon, try a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga session with Jungle Yoga Tulum.

Temazcal is a physical and spiritual healing bath and purification ceremony that takes place in a sweat lodge resembling an igloo-shaped hut. Temazcal or temazcalli in the Náhuatl language translates to ‘house of heat,’ and these ceremonies have been around for thousands of years in Mexican and Mesoamerican cultures. Typically led by a shaman or temazcalero, these sacred ceremonies involve clouds of steam, herbs, chanting, singing, and drumming, and they are said to free us of impurities and toxins. For those seeking temazcal’s emotional, spiritual and physical healing powers, Nômade Tulum offers soul-soothing sessions for groups or individuals.

From jungle-to-table meals and street tacos to molecular gastronomy and everything in between, even the pickiest palates will be pleased with the flavors of Tulum. Foodies should kick off the day with a delicious breakfast at Tamarindo’s, Del Cielo, or Raw Love; or if you want a side of breath-taking ocean views to go with your avocado toast, check out Real Coconut Kitchen. Los Bowls de Guadalupe serves up power-packed smoothies and smoothie bowls if you prefer something a little lighter. For lunch, you can refuel after a morning of exploration at Mateo’s Mexican Grill, which claims to have the best fish tacos on Earth. You also can’t go wrong with the shrimp tacos or hummus at Loco Tulum or a juicy burrito at Mistico Tulum.

From glamping in the jungle to crashing in a shipping container, you’ll find some pretty unique places to stay in Tulum. However, this is your place if you’re looking for a beach-chic boutique hotel with minimalistic vibes and maximum contemporary comfort. Located on the beach road, NEST Tulum is comprised of 12 dreamy rooms and one luxury villa. With the beach as your backyard, you can step out of your door and feel your toes melt into the silky sands. Spend sun-soaked days lounging under a cabana while being served refreshing mezcal margaritas, a cool respite from the heat.

You simply can’t come to Mexico and skip out on street tacos. It’s practically a right of passage. When in Tulum Centro, Taquería Honorio is the best spot for delicious street tacos. It’s a no-frills local eatery where the tacos will only set you back 22 pesos (around $1). The cochinita pibil and poc chuc tacos are must-tries, but you will also find vegetarian options on the menu and fresh fruit juices. There’s inside seating, but you can also get your hand-sized heavenly bites to go. The lines are long, but it’s thoroughly worth the wait. Get there early though, because everything is usually gone by 1 p.m.

Sian Ka’an is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean. Sian Ka’an translates to “origin of the sky” or “where the heavens were born,” Once you visit it, you’ll see why. This magical biosphere is over 1.2 million acres of unspoiled nature with mangroves, marshes, reefs, cenotes, and verdant rainforests. Avoid the crowds and book an early-morning boat tour so that you’re able to take a gentle float along the river.

Sian Ka’an is best paired with a trip to the Muyil Ruins. Also known as Chunyaxche, this Mayan archaeological site is home to several ancient structures and an observation tower from which to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the lovely lagoon.

There are over 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula that range from underground caves to expansive lake-like lagoons, all beckoning to be explored. Cenotes (pronounced “say-no-tays”) are fresh-water-filled sinkholes that developed due to collapsed limestone, and the Maya believed them to be majestic portals to the underworld.

Three of the most well-known ones in the area are Cenote Carwash, Cenote Calavera, and Gran Cenote. As the name suggests, Cenote Carwash (also known as Aktun Ha) was once used for washing cars. Now it’s an uber-popular swimming and diving spot reaching up to 50 feet in depth. Cenote Calavera has a ladder and a swing, and it somewhat resembles a skull from below. Open-air Gran Cenote is a short 10-minute drive from downtown, and its crystal-clear waters are deemed sacred. You might also want to consider visiting Cenote Choo-Ha, one of three cenotes located near the ancient Mayan ruins at Cobá. Cenote Dos Ojos (Two Eyes) is about 30 minutes northeast of Tulum, and it’s also great for diving. Rent a car and explore these prized swimming holes at your leisure or hire a tour guide or taxi to transport you to and fro.

Laguna Kaan Luum is a quiet getaway from the crowds, and it is possibly one of Tulum’s best-kept secrets. If you’re looking for an alternative or an addition to visiting cenotes, add Laguna Kaan Luum to the list. The lagoon is actually a large cenote itself but with far fewer crowds and crystal-clear waters that transform into a beautiful deep blue color as the depth of the water changes. Plunge from the pier into the waist-deep waters, or hang out in the hammocks and swings just taking it all in.

Laguna Yal-Ku is another pilgrimage-worthy lagoon just 30 minutes from Tulum close to Akumal. Yal-Ku is a cenote that flows into a lagoon which is also an inlet for the sea. It’s a perfect snorkeling spot with shallow fresh and salt waters teeming with fluorescent marine life.

WILD Tulum is not just another restaurant in the jungle; it is one of the only woman-owned restaurants in Tulum. At the helm is British-Lebanese music festival producer-turned-restauranteur Karen Young and its dim mood lighting is complemented by lush vegetation and heady scents of copal. WILD Tulum creates a serene and seductive atmosphere perfect for a romantic evening or a night out with friends. Order a la carte or experience the eight-course tasting menu with culinary creations inspired by cuisine from around the world. Be sure to try WILD’s signature experimental cocktails like No Mames! or Hayaté, which has tequila infused with red pepper.

Given its winds, weather, and water temperatures, Tulum is a paradise for kitesurfing. While basking on the beaches of Tulum, you’ll see dozens of colorful kites breezing through the skies with surfers suspended in the air above the water. For the adventurous souls who dare to try, you’ll find plenty of places to rent equipment as well as kitesurfing schools offering lessons. Tulum Kite School, Sian Kite, or Mexican Caribbean Kitesurf at Ahau Tulum can help you explore the seas with ease.

Whether you’re perusing through Centro or strolling down the beach road, one thing you’ll notice about Tulum is that artisanal shops and boutiques are bountiful. You will find everything from Mexican handcrafts to luxury home goods and beach-chic apparel that makes you want to toss everything in your luggage and revamp your entire wardrobe. Hop and shop your way around town and pick up one-of-a-kind pieces that will forever remind you of the marvelous moments you spent in Tulum.

While Tulum isn’t known for being one of the world’s most brew-tastic destinations, craft beer lovers are indeed catered to. Imbibe and do your bit for the planet by sipping Tulum beer, made with desalinated seawater. The sustainable brand also donates a percentage of profits to Fundación Gran Arrecife Maya, which promotes ocean conservation initiatives and the use of plastic-free alternatives. At night you can savor a top-notch pour of Tulum beer on the city’s outskirts at Cervecería Tulum, where an incredible Mayan fire show awaits. Hermana Republica is another tried and tested spot for lovers of Mexican craft beer.

Around 30 minutes north of Tulum, Akumal Beach could easily become your next great love. It has cotton candy-soft sand and charming beachfront restaurants from which to take in ineffably beautiful sunsets. However, it’s more famous for the sea turtles that feed just minutes from the shore. Akumal means ‘place of the turtles’ in Maya, and this beach is a snorkeler’s Shangri-La. Here you can spot Green Sea Turtles and Loggerhead Turtles of various sizes—you’ll be astonished by how large some of them are. The best place to go to meet them is by swimming out from Lol-Ha beachfront restaurant at Hotel Akumal Caribe. You’ll be ever so glad you did.

Also, about half an hour from Tulum, Xel-Há is a fabulous day excursion with fun for all. This all-inclusive water park is the place to go for swimming and snorkeling with more than 90 types of fish, floating down a river on tubes, exploring jungle paths and grottos, diving from ziplines, and screaming at the top of your lungs while sashaying down a 131-foot lighthouse slide. To top it all off, Xel-Há has restaurants serving international and Yucatecan dishes, which you can visit as many times as you wish.

The beach city of Playa del Carmen is Tulum’s more urbanized sister that courts everyone from honeymooners to digital nomads and spring breakers who mostly congregate around the bustling (and extensive) Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida). Visit Playa del Carmen for varied dining opportunities at prices that won’t scare the living daylights out of you—the area around 38 Street and Fifth Avenue is full of atmospheric restaurants with string lights, live music, and even mischievous monkeys running around. Playa del Carmen’s rooftop pool game is seriously strong, so be sure to visit Thompson Playa del Carmen’s stylish sky-caressing restaurant and pool, The Fives, Reef 28, or Be Roof at Be Playa hotel which is the most casual one of the bunch.

Scientific studies have shown that rocking and swinging chairs have immense psychological benefits. Put a swing seat on a blue beach, and you have the perfect recipe for extreme bliss. Tulum is fortuitously decorated with countless swaying seats for you to relax and sip your cocktails in style. You’ll find them at most bars and restaurants, including The Crazy Shrimp and The Coconut Experience at Playa Paraiso. Relish mezcal, lime, and sunshine at La Zebra, which has a swing seat perfectly placed between two palm trees. Two minutes from La Zebra along the beach road, you will stumble upon Matcha Mama and their Insta-famous swings. Don’t blink, or you may miss this small roadside hut. This tropical matcha bar has two other locations in Pueblo and Aldea Zama, and rest assured, there are swings there too. Your camera (and heart) will love the white and black swing seats at Coco Tulum beach club. Post up here before the sun goes down for an unforgettable turquoise water backdrop. The view here in two words? Picture perfect.