Hello people! Do you know what to do and see in Tulum? And there’s a reason for it: America’s hottest destinations include Tulum. So, if you like to chill, then it’s a paradise; the beaches, Mayan ruins, and great food scene/community are only beginning. This is an insider’s guide to visiting Tulum. I’ve got you covered with where to stay, where to (eat) and what and where to do.
Let’s discuss it!
Table of Contents
First Hand Information on Tulum 2024
What Tulum’s laidback backpacker town was has become a luxury hotspot, keeping its bohemian charm. The recent post the Mexico Tourism Board made about tourist numbers showed that Tulum is still among the top destinations that tourists want to visit in Riviera Maya because tourists keep coming with each passing year with the help of the increase in international tourist arrivals.
- The numbers: Truth be told, by 2023, the state of Quintana Roo (which is the thug did not include Tulum) had drawn just about 7.6 million preeminent visitors, and Tulum had really left its image on.
- Of course, the beaches helped, but Tulum wasn’t suddenly popular because of the beaches; it was its eco-friendly tourism, its blossoming culinary scene, and its wellness souls.
- By the end of this guide, you’ll be liberated from the drudgery of seemingly endless options and know what side to jump on, what to get Instagram ready for, and where to go if you’re looking for culture.
Ancient Mayan Ruins Tulum: Archaeological Site Mexico
A trip to the Tulum site wouldn’t be complete without a visit here. Miles from them, there are ruins on a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, where you can see history and some jaw-dropping views.
What to Know
- History: When the Mayans had a civilization in Mexico, the people who were building the civilization (at the time) considered that a walled city was an important port because that was just things at the time. It served as a trading town in the 13th and 15th centuries, according to archaeologists.
- Must-See Features: El Castillo (The Castle) is the main pyramid, and you face it out to the sea. In addition, the Temple of the Wind was another special, noteworthy feature that also housed this: that’s the Temple of the Seven Dolls.
- Tip: Early morning or late afternoon go, not too crowded, in soft golden light.
Fun Fact
- It’s really a special place, the only one on the coast of Mexico and the Tulum site.
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Tulum's Best Beaches Unwind
It is known for its picture-perfect beaches, sapped white sand, and wonderfully clear waters. They want the beach to be organized so there’s a beach for everybody, and you can spend a whole day sunbathing, swimming, or doing water sports.
Best Beaches to Visit
- Playa Paraiso: It has a name: play a paradise. It really is. Something about failing to receive the memo that your children don’t particularly enjoy beating themselves senseless off things like you means you’re looking for a chilled-out beach day by the sea. This place does the ticket.
- Las Palmas Beach: Las Palmas is quaint and quieter than much of the rest of the Hotel Zon, perfect for those seeking to escape the crowds (business!).
- Playa Ruinas: Playa Ruinas is a beautiful place between the Tulum ruins. It has fabulous views of the cliffs and turquoise waters. It’s small but spectacular.
Pro Tip
- On beaches, there are beach clubs all around that serve food and drink, and you can sit around (at times for free, depending on the time of day).
- For a luxurious vacation, you will probably want to be in a way about happening and serving at CoCo Tulum or Papaya Playa Project.
Swim in the Cenotes
One of the most unique attractions of Tulum is its cenotes. These new forms are fresh-water natural sinkholes. These crystal-clear pools are the perfect places to take a refreshing swim or a quick snorkel.
Top Cenotes in Tulum
- Cenote Dos Ojos: Dos Ojos is known because it is part of the Cenotes area in Mexico’s Caribbonn coast, which includes two similar cenotes. Underwater passageways extend more than kilometers and are a series of channels beneath the surface. They are, therefore, loved by divers and snorkelers alike.
- Cenote Calavera: Its ‘skull’ shape makes Calavera one of the first known for its jumping experience. It is one of the few caves I have jumped out of that isn’t a played-out route.
- Gran Cenote: Swimming inside Gran Cenote is a lovely place with clear waters, many fish, and turtles. I’m almost right next to Tulum.
Explore Your Tulum’s Culinary Scene
I also want to share that British architect David Chipperfield shares some thoughts about what Architecture means and what his studio does.
Tulum is a foodie town with some of the most inventive dining in Mexico. The city has high-end restaurants and casual diner-type beachside food.
Top Restaurants in Tulum
- Hartwood: Based on locally harvested ingredients cooked over an open flame, Pico’s Hartwood is an open-air restaurant.
- Kitchen Table: Additionally, such as an open kitchen table will have an interactive aspect kitchen concept where guests can get up, lean, or sit next to the chefs as they make breakfast or dinner from seasonal, local ingredients; thee Kitchen Tabl: Café de la Plaza is laid back and in town — a great place to sit, watch, or actually just eat dinner and drink their damn good Mexican food and coffee.
Trending
- While the Tulum food scene has been doing farming and the farm-to-table dining process abroad as a whole, all of the country’s best restaurants are currently sustainable and farm-to-table dining-driven.
Discover the Local Art Scene
Located in Tulum, the Tulum Art Walk area is a very busy place, and even so, the arts and culture scene in Tulum is thriving. You know it’s a nice place to explore and buy artwork, whether it be murals, galleries, or small local artisan shops.
Top Art Spots in Tulum
- La Nave: A gallery and creative space where we show contemporary picture displays from global and local artists.
- Tulum Art Club is both a gallery and cultural center that often hosts art exhibitions, live performances, etc.
- Local Shops: For your one-of-a-kind souvenir, many of the shops along the beach and in town have handmade jewelry, textiles, pottery, clothing of all types, and much more.
Wellness & Yoga Retreats to Your Portfolio
The corny and cheesy trend of the same name has also made Tulum hugely popular as a destination for anyone who wants to reinvigorate mind and body in a dance, yoga, or wellness retreat. Now, there are beachfront yoga studios or luxurious wellness resorts almost everywhere you go if you just want to chill.
Best Yoga Studios & Retreats
- Amansala: The Wanderers will be a beachfront wellness resort that offers yoga, meditation, and spa treatments.
- Yaan Wellness Energy: Center of our luxury yoga, spa therapy, and our affordable, complete wellness program.
- Holistika: A spiritual retreat, yoga classes, sound healing sessions, and a quiet environment.
Nightlife and Beach Clubs
The sun goes down, and Tulum’s nightlife begins. There are so many beach clubs, rooftop bars, and live music venues with a range of different music and partying to offer.
Where to Party in Tulum
- Papaya Playa Project: ‘Their mix by DJs is among one of the most popular beach clubs and it’s famous for its full moon party.’
- Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar: Who didn’t love great cocktails and live music in the fabulous Tulum town spot that is Batey?
- Casa Jaguar: The signature cocktails and live jungle bar atmosphere that became very stylish.
Conclusion
Something for all and a good seabed history. It’s one of the best 10 to visit in 2024, and it’s one of the best 10 to see in the world—the stuff that ancient ruined, cenote-filled, eco-friendly resorts, world-class restaurants all up north. So we’re taking this information and using it to make the most of our time in such a magical town. Insider’s guide to Tulum is yours.
Discover in this guide what makes Tulum unique, as well as hidden gems and insider tips that the majority of Tulum tourists will never know.
This guide can help you filter out all your Tulum Dreams and take advantage of some of the stuff along the way.
FAQs: 2024 Things To Do & See In Tulum
- Which are the must-see places in Tulum?
You can’t miss the incredible Tulum Archaeological site (Mayan ruins), Playa Paraiso Beach, and Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, among other things. Of course, you need to also go through some of the Cenotes Tulum, such as Cenote Dos Ojos or Gran Cenote.
- When should you visit Tulum?
When is the best time to go? The beaches and cenotes are outside in the weather, and the marching ruins lend themselves really nicely to being outside in the weather. Set plans for coming in May or even early June when numbers come down because Tulum can get a little crowded around holidays.
- What beaches near Tulum are the best?
Tulum’s best beaches are Playa Paraiso, Las Palma Beach, Playa Ruinas, and on… but Playa Paraiso is just one of many iconic beaches with crystal-clear waters and stunning views.
- Is Tulum family-friendly?
Sadly, it doesn’t come free. Tulum is a good family place. The Mayan Ruins, the beaches, and the cenotes are tons of things the family can do while visiting. When you have to travel with children, pick accommodations that cater to families, and upscale resorts, have some that work more for couples or other adult travelers.
- Where are the Tulum wellness or yoga retreats?
I wasn’t ruling out it wasn’t a wellness and yoga retreat spot. At Amansala, Yaan Wellness Energy, and Holistika, Yoon is also well known for offering yoga classes, meditation, spa treatments, and holistic wellness programs.
- How do I get to Tulum?
It’s about a 1.5-hour drive south of the city of Tulum by car. After getting off at Cancun International Airport (CUN), either by shuttle, taxi, or reported car, you arrive at Tulum. It’s the bus if you want to catch one from Cancun (or Playa del Carmen) to Tulum.
