Things to do

A bit of History

Tulum was the last great city constructed and inhabited by the Mayan people between the 13th and 15th centuries. It was a site of worship to the Great Descending God whose image adorns the temples within the site.

Tulum was also of great importance for sea trade, most specifically for the trading of obsidian. Tribes from all over Mexico and other Central American countries would travel to this Caribbean port for commerce.



It’s said that the great wall around the city was erected to protect it from envious traders and pirates who wanted to steal the prime location for themselves.

Tulum Today

Tulum has become a very popular tourist spot in recent years for visitors of all types. The ancient Mayan ruins, perched on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, are well preserved and make for an impressive day tour.

The beaches are stunning, with soft sand and clear blue water, perfect for relaxation. The town has a relaxed and bohemian feel, with unique shops and tasty local food.

Tulum has more recently become a hot spot for luxury travelers as well and offers numerous gorgeous resorts and impressive nightlife options. Whether you’re exploring history, enjoying the beaches, or soaking up the town’s laid back vibes, Tulum offers a memorable experience for everyone.

How to Get to Tulum & Around

Arrival by Air

Most people fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN) when traveling to Tulum. This is the largest airport on the Yucatan Peninsula offering direct flights from the United States. It takes around 1.5 hours by car and 2.5 hours by bus to get from the Cancun International Airport to Tulum.

The new Tulum Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO) is now open and it is also a great alternative. It is located 50 minutes from our hotel.

Airport Shuttles to Tulum

Private or Group Shuttles can be pre-arranged to pick you up at the airport and take you to your Tulum accommodation. Group shuttles may stop at numerous hotels before yours, so this method could take a bit longer than a private shuttle (while being a bit cheaper).

Shared shuttles to Tulum’s hotel zone are around $45 per person, while private minivan shuttles can be booked for between $180 to $260 per van. You also have the option to book a luxury SUV/van shuttle for between $260 to $435. We recommend getting a private shuttle if you are in a group of 2 or more people.

Explore The Tulum Mayan Ruins

The Tulum Ruins archaeological site is most likely what brought you to the region in the first place, so go see it! The energy of this magical, ancient place is what has been calling tourists here for centuries. The ruins are perched over the sea in a breathtaking locale near Tulum Centro.



Guides are available at the entrance if you are keen to really understand the historical significance of the place, but strolling solo is always a pleasure too.

Talk about healing properties. The cenote choices in the Tulum area are vast and diverse, as there are literally dozens of incredible locations nearby. You can swim, scuba dive, snorkel, or just walk through one of these breathtaking and powerful forces of nature.

Experience The Adventure Parks

Just north of Tulum are a cluster of world famous adventure parks unlike anything you’ve probably experienced before. The most famous is Xcaret, with its meandering canals you can swim through, incredible beach coves, cultural shows, jungle hikes, and so much more. They are a little pricey, but the adventure parks are widely considered a must-do in the area.

Other very popular parks include Xplor with its caves, ziplines, rafting and ATVs, Xel-Ha with its waterslides, snorkeling, mangrove tubing and other water activities, Xplor Fuego a nighttime torchlight adventure, Xenotes cenote experience, Xoximilco floating fiesta and the oddly popular Xenses optical illusion park. We HIGHLY recommend purchasing tickets for these parks in advance as the parks have limited capacity and long ticket lines.

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of ancient tropical canals, rainforest, 120 km of coastline, an abundance of wildlife, and coral reefs to delight your every adventure whim.



Float the winding river canals, take a boat to see manatees and sea turtles, or simply relax under a forest canopy. It is an unforgettable experience not to be missed!

Tulum town center (aka Tulum Pueblo) has a magic all of its own. We always recommend to new travelers that the most important thing you can do when visiting a new place is to see where the locals live. The art, food and culture will delight you.

From Acai to Zanahorias (carrots) and all the delicious options in between, traditional Yucatan fare abounds here. Exploring the town on foot is nice but bicycles are also a popular way to get around. Bikes are for rent everywhere in town. Enjoy the journey!

Discover something new or dabble in the peculiar. It’s what makes Tulum stand apart from the rest of the Yucatan. Take a cooking class, visit the art zone, explore the immense yoga and meditation class options, try scuba diving, take a dance class, start a conversation with a stranger…your options are endless here.

The jungles around Tulum make for some incredible adventures! Numerous tours in the area will take you on jungle ATV rides, ziplining, cenote swimming, and more.

One of the hidden gems of Tulum is the Laguna de Kaan Luum, which sits around 5.5 miles (9 km) south of downtown Tulum. This magical lagoon is home to a vast cenote in its center, which imbues the lagoon’s water with a beautiful array of colors. You can visit the lagoon, rent a paddleboard, and paddle over the calm waters. No matter your level of experience with standup paddleboarding, Kaan Luum Lagoon is the perfect place to get out on the water.

You can also visit the Kaan Luum Lagoon and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on overwater hammocks. The lagoon has an entrance fee of around $17 USD (300 pesos). Although Kaan Luum Lagoon is rarely crowded, it’s a good idea to arrive early and visit in the morning on weekdays to have this tropical paradise to yourself. Keep in mind that sunscreen is not permitted in the lagoon, and no outside food or drink is allowed.

As a destination, Tulum is not just about beautiful beaches and yoga retreats. There is also an abundance of great shopping opportunities. These shops sell unique handmade Mayan crafts, artisan goods, and souvenirs. Tulum is filled with small boutiques and shops selling high-quality clothing and accessories from local artisans.



Tulum stands out for its traditional Mexican handicrafts, particularly textiles and jewelry. You can find beautiful huipiles (traditional dresses), handmade hammocks, embroidery, gourd lamps, art, handbags, and jewelry. Don’t forget about the locally made tequila and cocoa.

Exploring the streets of Tulum by renting a bike is one of the best ways to experience all this city has to offer. Bike rentals in Tulum are affordable at between $10 to $12 USD per day. One of the best ways to explore Tulum Pueblo is by bike, and it’s a great way to experience the area thoroughly.

You can easily wind through side streets while on a bike and quickly get from one side of the pueblo to the other. Follow the bike path on Main Ave to grab a bite at fantastic restaurants, shop at local boutiques, or cool down with some ice cream.



It only takes around 15 minutes to get to some of Tulum’s best beaches on a bike. Take Coba Avenue to get to Playa Paraiso; there are several bike racks at the beach for easy storage.

You will find Punta Laguna Nature Reserve about 40 miles north of Tulum, and this is one of the most unique sightseeing attractions in the Yucatan because of the huge variety of monkeys to see. While the monkeys are a top draw for the reserve, it is also home to pumas, jaguars, and many species of birds.



The nearby Mayan village also gives you a glimpse into the indigenous Mexican lifestyle. It’s a good idea to hire a guide to tour the reserve, as guides provide a more authentic and informed experience for travelers new to Tulum. Guides also know where to spot the animals who call the nature reserve home. However, you can still have a great experience just wandering around the reserve on your own.

Something about Tulum’s island vibe draws people to the meditative practice while they are visiting. You will find plenty of yoga retreats, sound healing treatments, and other health and wellness activities in Tulum. If you want to unwind, relax, and immerse yourself in some yoga sessions, Tulum is the place for you.



Whether you’re looking for rejuvenating yoga studios, water yoga, sound healing, or tranquil meditation retreats, you will discover everything you need to restore your balance and health in Tulum.