Tulum is a dreamy, laid back beach paradise with white sands and jungle adventures. I had five days there to explore and was overwhelmed with amazing things to choose from.
Now most of the time in beach destinations, I know exactly what to do – head to the sand and put on SCUBA gear, find a hammock, or search for a cold coconut. In Tulum there’s a lot more to choose from, including Mayan ruins, cenotes (caves or sinkholes that are filled in with crystal clear water) galore, various lagoons to float in, yoga, and street tacos. That last point is very important.
It’s tough to narrow it down, but these 20 amazing things to do in Tulum are some of the best, including lots of variety and deliciousness:
I had no idea until arriving in Mexico that there are roughly 1 billion cenotes to choose from. Well not really, but there are so many cenotes scattered just about everywhere that you could spend weeks only going cenote hunting. Each has a unique selling point as well – some are best for diving, others are deep in caves, and they vary in color as well. So how do you pick and choose? I asked a few of my friends who are familiar with the area to make recommendations before I went and ended up visiting five different cenotes:
*By the way, I rented a car and self-drove to these cenotes, which I recommend if you’re comfortable with it. If not, this day tour will take you to several.
1. Gran Cenote
180 pesos, very popular
This is a very popular one, but by arriving right when it opened at 8 AM I didn’t have to battle the crowds to enjoy this cenote. Later on in the day when I drove by, the parking lot was buzzing with cars and people. I would highly recommend getting to this one first and visiting the others on this list after. One quirky thing about Gran Cenote is that there are a ton of turtles in the water, which you can swim alongside. Speaking of turtles, this tour takes you to 4 cenotes where you get to snorkel with sea turtles and admire the reef!
While the cenote does feel very commercial with a big deck built on top, which initially turned me off, after spending some more time there, swimming around, and finding another little hidden area, I decided that it was quite beautiful and I do recommend visiting. Just go there early!
2. Choo-ha Cenote
100 pesos, less popular (but no less amazing)
Out of all of the cenotes, I liked this one the best because it felt the least commercial. The baby blue water is a nice temperature and I just loved looking around the inside of the beautiful cave. In contrast to the Gran Cenote with its open ceiling, this one has a very small opening at the top and a narrow staircase down.
This is one of a trio of cenotes out near Coba, so I visited all three because we were there anyway, right?
3. Tamcach-ha Cenote
100 pesos, less popular
I was struck by how deeply blue the water is in this cenote. It also has two platforms that you can jump off of into the water. I only realized mid-fall that the higher of the two really is quite high, so make sure you’ve got your form right before you hit the water!
I give my pencil dive a 7 out of 10 but let me tell you, after nursing a sore neck the next day I wish it had been a 10 out of 10! Keep the good form, people!
4. Multum-ha Cenote
100 pesos, less popular
Out of the three cenotes near Coba, this one was the least amazing but it was also the biggest, so there’s plenty to swim around and to see. The stalactites on the ceiling are also quite impressive.
5. Suytun Cenote (near Valladolid)
120 pesos, very popular
Suytun is quite a drive away from Tulum but out of all of the cenotes I visited, this one was the dreamiest-looking. The platform is partially submerged under the water and walking out to it to be illuminated by a hole in the ceiling feels like you’re walking on nature’s cat walk.
I woke up at 6 AM to get to the cenote right when it opened so that I could get photos without anybody in them. I’m still not clear on whether it opens at 8 or 9 AM. They opened the gate for us at 8:20 and we were the first ones there. I think with even one or two other people in the shot it wouldn’t be nearly as special. Also, if you want to swim in the cenote you are required to wear a life jacket, which takes it off of the swimming list for me! Can’t stand wearing those orange abominations.
There are dozens of other cenotes in the vicinity of Tulum (Cenote Cristal and Escondido are even within biking distance), and if you expand to the entire Yucatán peninsula, surely there are hundreds. However if you only have time to visit the ones I’ve mentioned here you will see a nice variety. Other honorable mentions include Jardin de Eden, Sac Actun, and Casa Cenote.
6. Laguna Kaan Luum
100 pesos (extra 300 to fly a drone), moderately popular
This Laguna looks a bit like the Blue Hole in Belize. It’s a sinkhole in the jungle with some very shallow water followed by some incredibly deep water. The deep area is roped off to swimmers but you can scuba dive into it. While it is a nice contrast to all of the cenotes, I find that it’s more interesting from the air than down on the ground.
It’s a pretty cheap activity at only 100 pesos, however if you want to fly your drone there it will be an extra 300 pesos. It is unique, though, and was kind of worth it. This is another one that I visited right when it opened at 9am to get some shots of it without a bunch of people in them. It worked out. The early bird gets the worm in Tulum!
7. Check out the Tulum Ruins
80 Pesos, Very Popular
Evidence of the Maya civilization is all over this peninsula and down into Guatemala and Belize, though the Tulum location was of significant importance to the empire as a religious and ceremonial center. The location is also stunning, set on a backdrop of the beach with dazzling blue water and white sand. While not as impressive as Tikal in Guatemala or Chichen Itza much further west, both of which are astounding due to their respective sizes, it’s certainly more convenient to check out the Tulum ruins.
If you do go, make it early. I deviated from my usual plan of visiting popular attractions first thing in the morning and regretted it! By midday it is unbearably hot and I was sharing the ruins with hoards of other people. Make this one of the activities to prioritize early in the morning if you want to check out the ruins without tons of other people around.
8. Explore the jungle
The beach in Tulum is absolutely gorgeous with its white sands and gorgeous blue, bath temperature water. But the jungle is quite magical as well. Before moving to a beachfront hotel, I stayed in a little hut in the jungle and it was so nice falling asleep to the sounds of all of the animals, and seeing the stars so dazzling and brilliant in the sky.
Plus, if you stay off of the road that goes towards Coba where many of the jungle hideaways are, you will already be on the stretch of road that leads to most of the cenotes. Spend some time in the jungle, even if it’s just wandering around at the cenotes, exploring at your resort, if they have a jungle path, or sleeping in a jungle hut. You can also take a tour that includes both the Tulum ruins and jungle adventure park – one bird, two stones!
Close to Tulum is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which is full of wildlife and jungle adventure opportunities. It’s great for environmentally conscious travellers who want to really take in the magic of the Maya jungle.
9. Get in the ocean
There are so many things to do in the water in Tulum! You can do standup paddle surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, or hop on a catamaran.
I also really like that this beach is still laid-back and there aren’t tons of high-rise hotels and constant paragliders and speedboats. There is still some peace and tranquility.
If you aren’t staying at any of the beach resorts and are doing Tulum on the cheap, Playa Pocna is one of Tulum’s only public beaches, but just as beautiful as any other. Otherwise, you might end up paying an arm and a leg for a beach chair or an overpriced beach cocktail.
Another tip is to keep an eye on the seasons before planning your trip if you’re hoping to spend some quality time with the beautiful turquoise waters. Between May and October of each year, the beach tends to have loads of sargassum (aka stinky seaweed) that piles up on the beach.
10. Eat some local food
There are two kinds of food on offer in Tulum: food meant for tourists with an English menu and high prices and the little, unassuming local eateries that are more authentic and tastier, tbh. The area is known for its cuisine that is bursting with spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Don’t skip on salbutes, panuchos, and tamales.
I was so excited to eat street tacos when I got to Mexico that the first thing we did, straight from the airport, was to pull over on the side of the road outside of the airport when we saw a taco stand. Street tacos are so cheap, delicious, and fresh. If you’re hesitant about the whole affair, go to a stand that has lots of patrons (try La Chiapaneca in the center of town!). It wouldn’t be super popular if it made people sick.
There’s also a fantastic fruteria in the town of Tulum called Huerto del Eden with fresh juices, hand-ground coffee, plus cooked to order eggs. All of the produce is fresh from local farms, it is locally run, and the guys working there are so nice and accommodating. Plus, it’s authentic and the price matches.
11. Get into the hippie vibe
Tulum is a hippie haven. It must be a combination of the area being sacred to the Maya people, the laid back atmosphere of the beach, the natural beauty, and the jungle vibes. There’s just something about it that calls the type of people who are into the spiritual side of life.
If you’re curious about this kind of thing, the beach area of Tulum is the perfect place to try something new, like a cacao ceremony (this yoga studio hosts them from time to time), holistic health offerings and meditation classes. Just explore and see where your open mind can take you.
12. Take a yoga class
There’s no shortage of yoga classes in Tulum. After all, you’ll probably spot at least one person getting their sun salutation on at the water’s edge. A crowd favorite for yoga classes is Tribal Tulum, which has experienced instructors from all over the world who teach in English and Spanish. If you are ready for a challenge, here’s a SUP yoga class in Ka’an that you can try out!
13. Do a temazcal ceremony
A temazcal is an ancient ceremony that involves entering a sweat lodge with several other people, with the goal of purifying your physical and spiritual body. The facilitators (otherwise known as shaman) create aromatic steam to fill up the hut, which is believed to have health benefits. Ceremonies typically last about 2 hours, but occasionally can go on longer depending on who is facilitating it.
Temazcal ceremonies are deeply rooted in Mexican culture and can be found throughout the country. In Tulum, they take on more of the Maya traditions, including using a conch horn and other sacred instruments. Delek Hotel offers temazcal ceremonies via conscious donation on Wednesdays and Sundays at 5pm.
14. Check out the architecture
There’s a reason why Tulum attracts architects from all over the world. The jungle is an obvious inspiration and much of the architecture mimics ancient Maya techniques while adding a modern, minimalist flair.
One place in particular that you can’t miss is Azulik hotel. Its whimsical vibe and offbeat attractions are enough to make your jaw drop as you walk through. The hotel itself is quite pricey to stay in, but you can enjoy it from the inside if you want to get a drink at the hotel’s bar.
As you walk through the hotel zone, it’s hard to miss the giant wooden sculpture called Ven a la Luz at the entrance of Ahau Tulum. It’s a popular spot for photos because really, is any trip to Tulum complete without an Insta post there?
15. Learn about the Mayan culture
Tulum is at the very heart of the Zona Maya and many people don’t know that the Mayan people still exist AND speak their indigenous language. If you’re a history and culture buff, consider taking a full-day Maya village tour to explore ancient cities and visit local communities who will share their traditions and lifestyle. It will certainly give you a glimpse into the past and a greater understanding of the local people.
All around Tulum you can also find Temazcal ceremonies, which are a rich cultural experience involving a trained shaman who guides participants in a cleansing ceremony.
16. Go for a stroll through the Centro
While most of the action in Tulum happens in the Hotel Zone, the Centro is also full of fun things to do and plenty of shopping and restaurants. Plus, things tend to be much cheaper on this end of town and this is where the locals hang out.
Looking for the best cup of coffee in town? Cara Feliz is an adorable bookstore café that has plenty of coffee and tea options if you need a caffeine fix. The café hosts painting nights, live music, and other cultural events regularly. Plus, they have a few rescue cats lingering around which are up for adoption from the local shelter.
17. Rent a bike
As soon as you get to Tulum, you’ll see people on bikes everywhere. Renting a bike is affordable and a great way to get from place to place if you’re staying off the beaten path. Whether you want to get out and hit the beach bright and early or head to a cenote a couple kilometers away, biking really is a fun way to enjoy this tropical paradise. If you prefer doing it in a small group, this bike tour takes you through quiet roads, hidden paths and through the pueblo to a variety of natural, cultural, historic and culinary attractions that Tulum has to offer.
Not into biking? There are also plenty of places to rent motorbikes or a car around town.
18. Get off the beaten path
Tulum has absolutely exploded in the last few years, and for good reason; it’s one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world! However, there is so much more to the area than just the beaches and cenotes.
About 15 minutes south of Tulum is Muyil, where you can explore the Muyil Archaeological Site and even spend the day floating down an ancient Mayan canal.
Cobá is another awesome place to visit while you’re in Tulum, as the ruins are some of the best in the peninsula. Climbing to the top of the pyramid, you can get an amazing view of the brilliant green jungle all around, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a toucan or maya clock bird!
19. Take a mural tour
Being such a hub for artists of all kinds, Tulum is full of beautiful, colorful murals. While plenty are easily spotted from the main street in the Centro, consider taking a tour to learn more about the art itself as well as the incredible artists who create the murals.
20. Venture out to Cobá
If you’ve read our guide on the best Mayan ruins in Mexico, you already have Cobá on your bucket list. The Cobá ruins are breathtaking, with the largest pyramid peaking over the jungle canopies. Climbing the pyramid used to be allowed, but has since been prohibited. However, visiting this blast from the past is definitely worth it.
You can get to Cobá easily if you’ve rented a car in Tulum, or you can take a Mayab bus from the Tulum bus terminal to Cobá and then take a taxi to the ruins. Admission is 80 pesos and Sundays are free for Mexican residents, so it tends to get crowded then. Try getting there early in the morning on a weekday and you’ll have fewer crowds.
Where to Stay in Tulum
Luxury Hotel
I split my time in Tulum between a luxury hotel on the beach and a little hut in the jungle. It was perfect, and allowed me to get the best of both worlds:
Hotel: The TRS Yucatan in Akumal has the dreamiest pool, a gorgeous white-sand beach, and the world’s best breakfast. I did a little tour of the breakfast spread and room in the video above. The service was excellent, the food was delicious, and it’s all inclusive without being cheesy!
Eco Lodge
Jungle Hut: The Lumapi Jungle Eco Lodge is in the perfect spot if you want to visit the cenotes, plus you get a chance to fall asleep to the jungle noises and get a secluded experience – with an outdoor shower! The huts are made from materials that already exist in the jungle and they run on solar power. The owners are so lovely as well, and the vibe is just amazing. I stayed for two days and thought it was perfect.
Airbnb
If you’re an Airbnb enthusiast like me, check out our list of the best Airbnbs in Tulum! Airbnbs can be a great budget option if you play your cards right. Sometimes a room can end up being more affordable than a backpacker hostel! I recommend looking for an Airbnb close to the Centro, as opposed to the hotel zone. You’ll be further from the beach, but you can easily rent a bike to get there. Plus, the Centro is much more laid back than the bustling beachfront.
Hostels
There are plenty of hostels to choose from in Tulum, ranging drastically in price. You can get a private room at Hostel Oryx for around $60/night or a bunk there for as low as $13/night. Another great option is Casa Abanico Tulum where you can get a private room for around $40/night. Both of these are excellent budget options and tend to book quickly, so make sure to reserve your room ahead of time.
Best Restaurants in Tulum
Cheap Eats
Tulum is one of the more expensive places to visit in Mexico, so if you want to balance out a few gourmet meals with something cheaper, these are a few spots that I recommend:
- Antojitos la Chiapaneca: If you’re looking for the best tacos in town, you’ll find them here. This corner restaurant is in the heart of downtown Tulum and is famous for its tacos al pastor. Each taco costs about 10 pesos (.50 USD), so you can be sure you’ll leave with a full belly.
- El Camello Jr: If you want a delicious, no frills seafood lunch, this is the best place to go. El Camello Jr is a favorite spot amongst locals who head there in packs for the cheapest seafood in town.
- Tropi-Q: If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you won’t have to worry about finding a decently-priced meal at Tropi-Q. They have a huge menu with everything from veggie burgers to pasta, all for less than $10 USD.
Classic Mexican Food
- Cetli: I might be biased because the chef and owner of this restaurant is a woman, but once you try the food here you’ll understand what all the hype is about. Serving up dishes like chiles en nogada and traditional mole, you’ll get a taste of authentic Mexican food like you’ve never had before.
Interesting Spots
- Verdant: This environmentally-conscious and zero-waste restaurant is the only one of its kind in the Riviera Maya, let alone Tulum. Here you’ll splurge a little more on your meal, but considering its novelty and high quality ingredients, it’s worth it if you can swing it.
- Safari Comedor Zama: From the outside you’ll see an old school airstream RV that makes Safari Comedor Zama easy to spot from the street. This unique spot is famous for its breakfast selection which includes Mexican staples like huevos divorciados along with French pastries. If that isn’t the most Tulum menu, I don’t know what is.
How to get around Tulum
It’s possible to take colectivos, taxis, or tours, but nothing will give you the flexibility of renting a car and driving yourself. We were able to cover so much ground and to get everywhere first thing in the morning because we drove ourselves.
Driving in Mexico wasn’t scary or all that different from driving in LA, where I grew up. Just go slow, drive defensively, and watch for speed bumps in the towns. Car rentals are dirt cheap (just make sure that insurance is included in your booking or they’ll try to charge you extra for it when you pick up the car!), and if you get a model that’s good on gas, it’s a cheaper alternative to tours or taxis.
The Best Time to Go to Tulum
High season in Tulum starts in November and continues until the end of January. This is when the streets are packed, it can be tough to get a table at a restaurant, and the beaches get clogged with tourists. I don’t recommend going during this time because all the best things about Tulum–the cenotes, beaches, and jungle–are just way too crowded.
Another time to avoid is between late August and early November, which is hurricane season. Sure, accommodations will be cheaper and there are less people milling about, but the risk of having monsoon rains and heavy winds might not be worth it.
The best time to go is in February, March or April, being careful not to plan your trip during spring break. There’s still plenty of sun during these months, but temperatures are mild compared to the summertime. It’s right after high season, too, so prices will be more reasonable.
If you don’t mind the heat and chance of rain, the summer months are also an okay time to visit Tulum, especially in May or June. July is very humid and tends to be quite rainy, similar to August.
***
Tulum is a laid back paradise in the Riviera Maya. I tend to love places like this because, well, I fit right in. This is much more my speed than the mega resorts of Cancun.
Though I was heartbroken to have had to leave what felt like way too soon, I was pleased to find that there were so many things to do in Tulum. I had no idea before I went how many amazing options would be pulling me in so many directions. It’s a lovely thing to visit a place and immediately start making a list of things to do when you return, but next time with much more time on your hands.
If you’re visiting Mexico, make sure Tulum is on your list.
Marta Kulesza says
Looks like a dream location. Those caves look so colourful, would love to swim there as you suggest.
GG says
Hi Kristin! I have heard on one site that you can rent a bike for free and go around the area. Can you do that? Is it free? I hang with environmentally conscious folks and they would love to know if that is possible. Also, how much to stay in jungle huts?? That sounds really cool and economical.
Kristin, such awesome advice about taco stands with lines if worried, always got great “street smart” advice. That applies to any outdoor stand I have dealt with too! These beautiful pics showing very well the contrasts between cenotes, the conversational/personal tone, and the thoroughness of the post made it perfect to share with others I know who are interested in Mexico. Plus your suggestions of where to eat and explore match many of the tastes of those I hang out with (will be sharing this link with others). Thanks for this.
Travel With Trang says
You can rent a bicycle from bike rental places for about $5USD/day! It takes about 10-15minutes to bike from the town to the beach/ruins 🙂
GG says
Thanks Travel With Trang! Very helpful! I will let my friends know about this. Sounds like fun, might try this myself if I get down there one day! I called around and was also told some resorts do 30 minute bike tours as well which sounds nice (but this is even better and not everyone is into fancy resorts).
Lindsay says
Hi, I found you on MediaVine’s blog today. What time of year do you think would be best to visit to avoid crowds?
Kristin says
Welcome! I went right before Christmas which I assume is a busy time, but was able to avoid the crowds by going to things in the early AM, so even then, it was OK!
Ijana Loss says
Wow I knew nothing about Tulum before reading this, come to think of it. But holy crap it sounds great! I am not opposed to renting cars, but do you know if Mexico inflates the rates for under-25s like the US does? Cause I’m not rich XD
Kristin says
I honestly don’t know BUT the rental was super cheap overall.
Eddie says
You get gteat rates when you land and shop around in the airport (don’t book priorly).
Matt says
This place looks very beautiful and I would like to have a dive into these nature made pools. Thanks for sharing this post, this is really very nice and amazing.
Dominique | dominiquetravels.com says
Tulum really does look like it’s worth a visit! Especially the cenotes look very appealing, I’ve never been to a place like that!
terra @ terragoes.com says
I was in Playa del Carmen back in November and we had a cenote at our Airbnb – it was amazing! I love that whole part of Mexico, it’s just so beautiful, the food is so good and there’s so much to see and do, or, the beaches are perfect for doing absolutely nothing.
Ruth Bretholz says
Which airbnb?
Jaci says
Love all of your articles, but this is the first time I actually get to use area specific advice! How much do you recommend planning in advance re: car rental/which company? Can I just book when I get off the plane in Cancun? Going end of February. Any issues with parking? I have little experience with rentals and am traveling solo.
Kristin says
I booked it ahead of time with Enterprise. Just make sure you print out your credit card’s collision damage insurance if you have a travel card that provides it, and the proof of liability insurance or they’ll try to charge you extra. I think booking ahead is probably wise. Parking was no problem!
Rebecca says
I first went to Tulum ten years ago (oh my god, where did the time go??!!) and loved it then. Back then I didn’t really have any idea what I was doing or where to go or eat; it would be incredible to go back and experience it again. Love the catwalk cenote!
Kristin says
I’m sure it has changed! But yeah it’s fun going back with more experience!
amanda says
Thanks for all the great tips in this article! And your pictures are beautiful! What about these jungle huts… where did you book this? It sounds amazing!
Kristin says
Airbnb! https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/16390650
Rebecca says
It’s been more than 10 years since I visited Tulum, and while things appear to have changed since then (ahem, prices!) I’m so excited to go back! I visited a few cenotes on that trip but these are all new ones to me so hope to get to at least two or three of your suggestions. And the price of car rental is insane!! I can’t believe how cheap it is.
Kristin says
Lol at least the car rental is cheap! Agreed, the rest was not super budget friendly.
Isabel says
Hi! I don’t swim. Any shallow cenotes?
Kristin says
Parts of many of them are shallow
Jack says
Hey Kristin,
I’m about to head down there in a couple of days and I’m debating whether or not to take my drone due to some of the stories I’ve heard. Did you have any trouble with customs charging you money to take it, and/or local police/guards charging extra to use it in certain areas. Mine weighs under 1kg.
Thanks
Kristin says
I didn’t experience anything like that until I went to the Laguna mentioned in the post where they charged me 300 pesos extra to fly it.
patricia says
wow found this piece of advise to be great… going to tulum next week for our honeymoon and staying in Azulik.. but i cant wait to go to town for the food. I read about going to the ruins in the evening before they close that way all the tourist are out and you get to catch some beautiful sunsets….
Kristin says
That sounds awesome!
Nelly Nunez says
OMG it looks amazing we will be there in 2 weeks! I cant wait! Can I ask where you rented your car from? I’ve been researching and while the rental itself is insanely cheap the insurance isn’t and apparently required. It comes to about $300 to $400 USD with all insurances for a week. Is that about what you paid?
Kristin says
So what you’ll want to do is book with a credit card that has collision insurance and print it out to bring with you. I also booked a car with enterprise via Expedia that said ‘insurance included’, which I printed out as well, so I was able to get away with not paying any extras except for the extra driver. They always get you on something I guess.
Ryne says
Hey Kristin! I’m going to Tulum on Sunday and plan on renting a car. Do you have any suggestions on where to rent from? And do you recommend renting online beforehand or just waiting until I get there?
Kristin says
I rented with Enterprise and I’d book ahead of time and show them that you already have insurance, and use a credit card that also has rental insurance and print that out to bring along too. They’re notorious for trying to charge for that.
Sarah says
Hello! Just looking to plan our trip to Yucatan/Quintana Roo area for 4 weeks. I’m sooo keen on Tulum as it seems like such my vibe. What would you recommend to be a good amount of time to spend here? Thanks!
Kristin says
Wow 4 weeks! Nice! give it a week or a little more then. There’s so much to do there and I much preferred it to the other areas like Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Sarah says
Thanks so much for all this great info! I am heading to Tulum at the end of the week and this post was so helpful and all your photos are so dreamy!
Kristin says
Yay have fun!
Rose says
Hey gal, where did you rent the car? Cheapest one I see online is Orbitz but I read so. Many bad reviews I’m scared to give my credit card details…
Kristin says
I rented at Enterprise and they’re all bad about trying to get you to pay more, but come with proof of coverage printed out and it’ll be hard for them to prove you need more.
Daysi Muralles says
What GPS do you like to use when you are driving outside of the US? I’m concerned about extra phone charges if I use google maps or waze.
Kristin says
I almost always get local SIM cards but you can also download offline maps while you’re still at home. Maps.me is okay.
Scott says
Kristin,
This was so helpful – thank you!
Did you pay only in pesos for the centoes, food, etc. or were you able to use a credit card?
Do any of the excursions you listed need to be booked in advance?
What did you do with your valuables when swimming at the cenotes to keep them safe and dry?
Kristin says
I did just pay in pesos. Most places do not take card outside of the resorts. I self drove to all of the excursions so I just showed up! I didn’t take valuables to the cenotes but you could use a dry bag. Hope that helps!
Priyank says
Kristin,
Thanks for the great article. I am going on my first solo trip next week and will be spending couple days in Tulum.
1) any place i can just show up for a bike ride? (jungle /coba/cenote/caves)
2) If i just show up to the cenote places do i join a group their or have to go solo?
3) Also plan on exploring Avenida Kukulkan, Sian Ka’an Biosphere
4) how do i join a group(s) rather going solo?
5) any tip?
Thanks,
Kristin says
Hi Priyank,
1) I’m not really sure about riding bikes. I don’t think so but maybe there are bike tours?
2) You’d go solo in that case
3) Cool!
4) I’d look online for groups you’d like to join or ask at your hotel if there’s a day tour you can join if you’d rather not go alone.
Priyank says
There are bike (bicycle) shops and i tried booking in Tulum, but it requires 2 people minimum. Don’t think i want to ride bike myself in Jungle or unknown places.
any websites do you recommend for me to find groups prior to my arrival?
Hani says
Where or how do you recommend renting a car? Should I get one from Cancun airport or the hotel?
Kristin says
I rented from the cancun airport.
ryan james bortolon says
Hi Kristin, nice article. We will be visiting Tulum for the day (staying in Puerto Morelos) Getting a tour van for 9 people (4 adults and 5 kids – ages 9-12) .
1) Is there a tour company you recommend – the cheapest we found for the day was $345 USD.
2) Is there any places near Tulum where we could bring the kids to see jungle wild life? Like a preserve or something?
Thanks,
Ryan
Kristin says
I might just self drive if it were me. Tulum is more about the cenotes than wildlife as far as I found.
Lauren says
I’m planning a trip to Tulum in a few weeks and some of the photos you shared are amazing! I’m wondering what you used for some of them- are there normally good vantage points that you can get photos from, or did you need to use a drone type of thing? Especially for the last picture, so beautiful!
Kristin says
I have a drone! Thanks for the kind words 🙂
Fee says
Hey! I’m planning on going to tulum for only a short time, and wanted to take a day to visit cenotes. How many did you get to see in one day if you started at 8am? And how long did it take you to visit them overall? Also, were you able to bring snacks, water, etc.?
Kristin says
You could self drive to 5-6 of them if you wish! If you do it all day then even more. There’s an area with 3 all in the same spot as well which you can see in the video and noted in the post. Yes, I brought water and usually did roadside tacos when on adventures 🙂
Diane Shropshire says
Hi, your article makes me want to visit tomorrow! Are there any issues drinking the water or eating the food?
Kristin says
Definitely don’t drink the tap water, but I had no issues with the food!
Sharon Pollick says
Hello Kristin, your article is so helpful! We’re going to Tulum in two weeks. We’re going to help watch our granddaughter and pregnant daughter. I have two questions though.
1) We’re going to float the canals and I can’t quit thinking about alligators! Is there any concern of them in the canals?
2) Do you know if a 23 month child is allowed to float the canals? She’d have a proper flotation device.
I’d appreciate any information to calm my fears!
Thank you,
Sharon P
Kristin says
Hmm, not sure I heard about any canals? Might want to ask the locals about that one.
Danielle says
Hi Kristin!
My fiance and I couldn’t decide where to take our honeymoon in January and literally decided on Tulum based on this post. So thanks for making the decision for us!
Quick question – the jungle huts – is it more of a hostel-like environment or are the jungle huts pretty private? We’re thinking of doing a few nights there and a couple nights at the resort.
Thanks so much!!
Kristin says
The jungle huts are totally private, with your own toilet. They just aren’t fancy. It’s jungly so there are bugs (that bothered my friend, lol) and it’s very humid, but I loved it!
Yumna says
Hi! Quick question: I’ve never been to Mexico! Do you suggest that my first 3-4 day trip should be reserved for just Tulum? is it worth seeing other places first e.g. Cancun and the rest e.g. Mexico City?
Also is Cancun Airport the closest one?
Thanks!
Kristin says
If it’s only 3-4 days then I’d definitely just stay in the Tulum area. Yes Cancun is the closest airport. Have fun!
Julia Pasquali says
Hey! Where’s that wonderful beach you recommended?
Julia
Shirley Halejak says
Kristin,
I’ve read your tour on the Road to Hana, and the Tulum vacation. I’m looking forward to reading of more of your Amazing Travels, hoping to explore for myself, and encourage my daughters vacation also.
Wonderful photo journalism.
Thank you
Happy Travels
Shirley in Minnesota
Kristin says
Thanks so much Shirley!
Liz says
Did you have to deal with any hassles related to having a rental car? Like getting pulled over by the cops and being forced to bribe them so they don’t issue you a ticket for some “violation”, or scams at gas stations or parking? I am planning a trip to Mexico and would prefer to rent a car like you did, but I am intimidated by all the (imaginary or real) horror stories floating around the internet.
Kristin says
I’ve never had that happen, thankfully, and have rented a car each time I’ve gone.