Over the years, Tulum has grown from a sleepy beach town to a vibrant vacation destination. The Mexican Caribbean location attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world yearly.
Its popularity is due to its white sandy beaches, jungle adventures, preserved ruins, and countless other activities. For many, a trip to Tulum is the perfect getaway that leaves you refreshed and appreciative of nature.
Best places to visit in Tulum
Tulum town has a lot to offer to both first time and repeated visitors. The sights at the Caribbean location vary and attract diverse travelers looking to learn more about the area, while still having fun.
It has several attractions that are quite popular and are open to tourists throughout the year. If you are looking for things to do in Tulum, here is a list of the top activities.
Mayan Port City Ruins/Tulum National Park
The Mayan Ruins and National Park in Tulum are side-by-side, making it the perfect place to start your trip. The park is considered an eco-archaeological site with stunning landscapes on the coastline.
For many tourists, the ruins are at the top of their itinerary and with good reason. Its unique look has survived for decades and it’s one of the most intact in the region with a defensive wall that goes up to five meters high.
Ruins in Tulum Mayan ruins view from beach, Tulum
Although the ruins in the National Park may be considered lackluster, it receives thousands of visitors yearly. Its dramatic scenery, attributed to its location atop a cliff, provides fantastic views of the landscape to visitors.
To have a good time, wear sneakers and a hat to keep away the sun. The exploration can take an entire day and temperatures can get very high.
Some of the things that you can do at the famous tourist site include swimming and kite-boarding. Where? At the beautiful beach located at the bottom of the ruins. You can setup a small picnic on the beach with your snacks and water. It’s a great way to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings!
Gran Cenote
Tulum has great spots for nature lovers with the Gran Cenote topping the list.
The cenote serves as the entrance to the White Cave System, which is currently the largest one in existence. Its waters are a great mix of clear and turquoise colors and is home to paddling turtles, fish, and bats flying overhead.
According to the Mayans, the waters in the sinkhole are sacred. Its geological features comprising of stalactites and stalagmites make the underground cave a cool place for you to hang out.
Gran Cenote entrance Entrance to Gran Cenote, Tulum Gran Cenote scuba diving, Tulum Clear waters of Gran Cenote, Tulum
Besides enjoying the calm atmosphere at the Gran Cenote, you can also dive in! It’s the perfect place to swim or snorkel. You get a chance to get an up-close look at the underwater springs on the limestone bedrock. You’ll be amazed to see the underwater colors that enrich this land!
Whether you are an experienced or inexperienced swimmer, it’s possible to go underwater and see the magical rock formations. Also, guided tours are available at a fee for interested divers and swimmers.
To get the best experience, you should plan to arrive early before it gets crowded so that you can get the best out of your trip!
Cenote Cristal
Although visiting the Gran Cenote is one of the popular things to do in Tulum, there are plenty of other cenotes you can check out.
Cenote Cristal, which is also known as Cenote Naharon, is a great place where you can relax. Its crystal waters stand out among the jungles’ dark colors, making it a “must-visit” cenote when in Tulum.
The natural pool encircled by palm trees and other vegetation types is home to little turtles and several fish that are easy to spot. Its paths are well-kept and you even have a platform for jumping into the pool to swim and have fun!
Turquoise waters, Cenote Cristal Cenote Cristal, Tulum
Perfect for cave diving, snorkeling, and swimming, cenote Cristal attracts visitors looking for less crowded areas. So if you’re looking for a bit of privacy, this is the place to be! The activities allowed at the location are great for families with the water being only five meters deep and the environment calm.
The presence of a palapa in the area makes it an excellent spot for picnics or a meet and greet opportunity with locals and other tourists. Additionally, cenote Cristal is connected to Cenote Escondidovia, an underground passageway, and can become part of your trip as well.
Laguna de Kaan Luum
Laguna de Kaan Luum is an underground spring with magical colors that are captivating to the eye. The edges of the lagoon that surround the cenote are green while the center is deep blue.
It is estimated that the center is about eighty meters deep, and that’s why you won’t be allowed to go swimming in the area. Lots of overgrown grass is found at the sides of the lagoon, making it impossible to swim or dive from those spots.
You can still get a closer look by walking on the pier to a shallow end, where swimming is allowed. There, reasonably clear water reaches the knees or shoulders, making it an ideal place to swim.
Laguna de Kaan Luum aerial view The entrance to the Laguna Laguna de Kaan Luum pier, Tulum Sand roads
Sunbathing on the pier is also a popular activity for those visiting the area. If you want to explore the deep waters, you can arrange to scuba dive with a qualified guide.
On the pier there’s enough space to enjoy a picnic as you take in the beautiful colors of the lagoon. Kaan Luum Lagoon also has soft clay that is perfect for a mud bath or for applying on the skin and face. It is said that the brown clay has several benefits on a person’s health and beauty regimen.
Ultimately, there are many amazing things to do in Tulum when traveling alone or with your family. Whether you have a few days or extended time in the area, you can make the best out of it.
Make sure you have enough information on different sights so that you can visit as many as possible at the destination. The stunning vacation spot also has several accommodation options to choose from regardless of your budget, ensuring your holiday is unforgettable.
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