In a nutshell
- Tulum is located in Quintana Roo on Mexico’s Caribbean coast and is now one of the most popular travel destinations in Mexico.
- With stunning beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and countless cenotes, Tulum ranks among the top attractions in Mexico and is a must-see for many travelers.
- In this guide, we’ll show you the best things to do in Tulum — from hidden beaches and cenotes to cultural highlights — and share practical tips for your trip.
- That’s a quick overview of what to do in Tulum. Now let’s dive into our favorite places to visit in Tulum and insider tips for your vacation.
The Best Things to Do in Tulum
Tulum is mainly a tourist town and not especially charming in itself. There aren’t really any sights right in town.
But what you can discover around Tulum is amazing: from paradise beaches to impressive Mayan ruins and beautiful cenotes, it’s all here.
To experience the top attractions in Tulum and its surroundings, we recommend staying at least four days.
Mayan Ruins of Tulum
The Mayan ruins are without a doubt the most famous landmark in Tulum. They’re among the most visited Mayan sites in Mexico.
When it comes to size and history, the ruins can’t quite compete with Chichén Itzá or Uxmal near Mérida. But the location right on the Caribbean Sea is simply spectacular and makes it one of the most photogenic places to visit in Tulum.
We recommend exploring the site with a guide to get the most out of your visit. There are signs at the ruins, but they don’t explain much.
The entrance fee is 100 MXN (cash only at the gate). In addition, access to the Jaguar Park costs about 415 MXN, and parking is extra. The ticket system is unfortunately quite confusing.
Book a guided tour of the Tulum ruins
How to get from Tulum to the ruins
The ruins are about 4 kilometers from downtown Tulum. You can walk, bike, drive, or take a scooter. Colectivos (shared minivans) also stop there — just flag down one heading to Playa del Carmen.
From Zona Hotelera, it’s 2–4 kilometers to the ruins. The easiest way is by bike, taxi, car, or scooter, but walking is also possible.
The Best Cenotes near Tulum
Tulum is the perfect base for exploring nearby cenotes. Here are some of the best places to visit in Tulum for swimming and snorkeling:
- Cenote Corazón: 8 km from the center. Ideal for swimming. Entrance fee: 200 MXN.
- Gran Cenote: 5 km from the center. One of the most popular cenotes. Entrance fee: 500 MXN.
- Cenote Dos Ojos: 20 km from the center. For us, the coolest cenote to visit. Entrance fee: 400 MXN.
Book a guided tour from Tulum to the Gran Cenote and two other cenotes
The Most Beautiful Beaches in Tulum
The beaches of Tulum are among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. The water really is as turquoise as it looks in the photos.
Most beaches are private and can only be accessed through hotels or beach clubs. If you’re staying in Zona Hotelera, your hotel will usually have its own stretch of beach.
But there are also a few lovely public beaches. The best of them is Playa Paraíso, with bright blue water, soft sand, and plenty of palm trees for shade.
Other good public options are Playa Santa Fe and Playa Mirador.
More Cool Day Trips from Tulum
There’s so much more to discover around Tulum. Whether you’re into beaches, nature, or culture – these day trip ideas offer something for everyone.
#1 Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Just a few kilometers south of Tulum, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is one of the top attractions in Tulum and a real highlight for nature lovers. Here you’ll find exotic animals, mangroves, and dreamy lagoons – plus stretches of deserted beach.
The best way to explore Sian Ka’an is on a guided tour, where you’ll get to experience boat trips, wildlife spotting, and more. If you’d rather go on your own, you can also reach spots like Laguna Muyil or Laguna Nopalitos by bike or scooter.
Book a guided tour of Sian Ka’an with boat trip and lunch
#2 Mayan Ruins of Cobá
Another must-see is the Mayan city of Cobá, located between Tulum and Valladolid. For us, this is one of the best things to do in Tulum if you’re interested in ancient history, and it’s actually more exciting than the Tulum ruins.
The site is huge, so we recommend renting a bike at the entrance (about 65 MXN). Entrance fees are split: 100 MXN at the first gate and another 90 MXN at the pyramids.
Extra tip: Close to Cobá you’ll find a few small cenotes that are still under the radar. They only cost about 100 MXN and are perfect if you want a refreshing swim away from the crowds.
You can reach Cobá from Tulum by colectivo or book a guided tour if you prefer everything organized.
Book a guided tour to Cobá from Tulum
#3 Akumal
About 28 kilometers north of Tulum lies the small town of Akumal, famous for its picture-perfect beach and calm turquoise water. It’s a real must-see on any Yucatán road trip.
Here you can spend the day relaxing on the sand, strolling along the shore, or join a guided tour to swim with turtles – one of the top things to do in Tulum for families. The bay is usually very calm, making it ideal for kids.
From Tulum, colectivos leave the main road opposite the ADO terminal and take around 30 minutes (40 MXN). Get off at the bridge in Akumal and walk another 10 minutes to the beach entrance.
The entrance fee is 120 MXN and includes showers, toilets, and lockers. There are also restaurants directly on the beach.
Book a guided tour to Akumal with turtle swimming plus Tulum ruins
Restaurants and Bars in Tulum
There aren’t many classic attractions in Tulum town, but you’ll find a great variety of restaurants and bars to enjoy after a day at the beach or exploring the ruins.
Our restaurant tips for downtown Tulum:
- Loncheria La Esquina (€): Simple, affordable spot for lunch with authentic Mexican dishes.
- Taqueria La Chiapaneca (€€): A local favorite for tacos — cheap, delicious, and very authentic.
- Burrito Amor (€€): A hip place right on the main street, perfect for healthy burritos and smoothies.
- Otti Cacao and Smoothies (€€): Our go-to breakfast spot with great coffee and fresh bowls.
- El Agavero | Cocina Ancestral & Mezcaleria (€€€): Elegant dining with creative Mexican cuisine and mezcal cocktails.
Our restaurant tips for Zona Hotelera:
- El Paraiso Tulum Restaurant (€€): Relaxed beach club atmosphere with tasty food and cold drinks.
- La Zebra (€€): A cool beachfront bar and restaurant — one of the top places to visit in Tulum for sunset cocktails.
- La Taqueria – Pinches Tacos Shop (€€): Fun spot for some of the best tacos in Tulum.
- Mezzanine (€€€): Excellent Thai food with a beautiful ocean view.
Where to Stay in Tulum
From stylish luxury hotels to charming boutique hotels and budget-friendly hostels, Tulum has accommodation for every traveler.
Safety in Tulum
Overall, crime levels in Tulum are low. In Zona Hotelera you’ll see plenty of security, but as always, keep an eye on your valuables, especially at the beach, and only bring what you need.
The center of town also feels safe. During the day you can explore on foot without worry. At night, however, the streets get quiet, so it’s best to take a taxi back to your hotel.
Best Time to Visit Tulum
The best time to visit Tulum is from November to April, when the weather is dry, warm, and less humid — perfect for enjoying all the top attractions in Tulum.
Tulum is warm year-round, but June to November is hurricane season in the Yucatán. Expect heavy rain showers and occasional storms, although it rarely rains all day. Direct hurricane hits are uncommon.
The upside of hurricane season: fewer crowds, cheaper prices, and often easier access to some of the best things to do in Tulum. You’ll also find better deals compared to the peak months.