ashenTulum, the Caribbean town included in every travellers list of dream destinations. Tulum is located on a 12 metre cliff and is considered the largest community in the municipality of Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico. This incredible town in the Yucatán Peninsula offers a complete holiday package consisting of sky blue Caribbean waters, Mayan ruins, adventurous wildlife and more. Honestly, it is a location suited not only for the adventure traveller but for anyone looking for an unforgettable getaway. Tulum has an activity for each and every type of tourist. Be it enjoying an energetic swim in the beach during the day and experiencing the vibrant nightlife or challenging yourself physically among the wildlife and the Mayan ruins.
So what exactly does Tulum offer? Let’s get to know a little of its history and trivia first before plunging headlong into the sightseeing and the activities available. Then we will convince you why you should not miss a trip to this magical Riviera Maya destination.
Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico Facts
- Tulum was previously called Zama, which means the City of Dawn or Sunrise. After the Mayan archaeological site was discovered, it was renamed as Tulum(meaning wall).
- The Mayans occupied this area around 1200 AD until the Spanish arrived.
- Juan José Gálvez rediscovered Tulum in 1840.
- Tulum had an estimated population of 1,000 to 1,600 inhabitants. The Spaniards diminished this population when they introduced the Old World diseases.
- It remained inhabited after that, for about 70 years.
- Because of it’s crucial location, being in the middle of the waterway trade route and land routes from the Yucatan and Tabasco, Tulum is a historically important centre for trading.
- The most visited spot in the state of Quintana Roo and the 3rd most popular destination in Mexico.
- From 1847 to 1901, Tulum provided refuge to rebels during the War of the Castes.
- After the early 90s, Tulum underwent a rapid transformation from a minor residential area to a major tourist hub in Mexico. Now it draws more than 2 million visits per year.
- Tulum, Quintana Roo weather is mostly warm since it has a tropical savanna climate. November to April is the dry season while the rainy season lasts from May to October. Nonetheless Tulum is an all-year-round travel destination.
Tulum Quinta Roo, Mexico – Things To Do
We mentioned how quickly Tulum changed from a minor residential town to a bustling tourist hub. As we mentioned in the beginning of the post, what brought this effect about was mainly the geography. The gorgeous natural beauty found all along the coastline symbolises another world. More and more accommodations, shops, restaurants sprung up which ultimately created an undeniable package for any tourist. Below are some of the activities that you can engage in while at Tulum. These will surely leave an imprint on you that will make you plan your next return even before you leave Tulum!
Playa Paraíso
You can’t think of a better location to start off the list other than PLAYA EL PARAÍSO in Tulum Quintana Roo. There is a reason that Playa El Paraíso is ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. The sky blue waters and the marble white sand makes it hard for you to leave this place. A little crowded because of the popularity but definitely worth the drive. You can either choose to snorkel, go for a scuba dive or just enjoy a relaxing swim with your family. Either way, Playa Paraíso will keep you occupied and you won’t notice the time flying away. The restaurants and the resorts aren’t that expensive and are all-inclusive.
You can enjoy a delicious meal after your time in the water surrounded by some traditional Mexican music. You can find both traditional and international cuisine at the El Paraíso Beach Club and Restaurant. Umbrellas, tables and chairs needed for a beach setup are available for rent at a cheap price. As always, arriving early would be convenient. After you are done relaxing at the beach, make sure to visit the National Park of Tulum and the archaeological site.
Explore the ancient Mayan ruins
After all, you are here and the trip by no means would be complete if you don’t visit the Mayan ruins. There are several other sites such as Chichén Itzá, Cobá and El Rey about a days trip from Tulum. As mentioned before, the Tulum ruins are found on top of a cliff overlooking the splendid Caribbean waters. The entrance fee is 65 pesos per person. The ruins today were Tulum’s centre for ceremonial and political activities back when the Mayans were flourishing.
El Castillo or the City Square is the tallest building among these ruins while Temple of the Descending God contains the famous sculpture of the descending god. The secondary structures at the Tulum ruins are worth your time too. Especially the Temple of the Frescos and Templo del Dios del Viento. What every visitor loves about this site is the magnificent view of the Caribbean and not to mention that it is a paradise for history lovers.
Spend Time In The Cenotes
A Sea bath can be found in many destinations although the state of the beach varies. However a Cenote is something special not found commonly. These are underwater sinkholes that the Mayans believed are holy and known for their brilliantly crystal clear blue water. Similar to underground caves with stalactites and stalagmites probably with Turtles. You can choose to snorkel or swim peacefully if you arrive early in the morning. Of course these areas get crowded as the day passes. Gran Cenote is the most famous sinkhole in Tulum and it is located on the way to Coba. Calavera and Carwash are some other best known Cenotes. Keep reading and we will introduce cenotes with unique features. Despite being crowded, you can still have a great time exploring one of these to your heart’s content.
Visit The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
The name actually translates to “where the sky is born,” or “where heaven is born “. So who would not want to catch a glimpse of it? The Sian Ka’an Biosphere is a wildlife reserve/ ecotourism destination in Quintana Roo. It is definitely a heaven for wildlife photographers and nature lovers alike. You can spend days here if you choose to. Apart from the hundreds of animal species that call this place home, Sian Ka’an also contains a good portion of Mexico’s pristine waters that enhances the attractiveness of this area furthermore.
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is actually a UNESCO-listed nature park. You are most likely to encounter crocodiles, dolphins, exotic birds, Jaguars and many other animals. The best way to experience this reserve is through the 2 hour wildlife safari boat tour with a local guide.
Swim With Sea Turtles And Sharks In The Mexican Riviera
Definitely a must-do for nature lovers who prefer to experience and interact with aquatic life up close. Each year from May to October the coastline fills with hundreds of whale sharks and sea turtles. As a matter of fact , If you want to dive with whale sharks, the Mexican Riviera is one of the best places in the world. Additionally, the sea turtle nesting season also falls within these months.
Akumal (26km north of Tulum) is a key spot where you can snorkel with these sea turtles. You can easily organise day trips towards the north of the coast from Tulum with the help of a tour operator found on the coastline. Needless to say, make sure to bring an underwater camera to capture these adventurous moments.
Kiteboarding And More Cenotes
Since scuba diving and snorkelling are quite common we thought of throwing in a somewhat different water sport. If you ever wanted to try this sport which offers the best of both worlds surfing and kitesurfing, Tulum is your spot. You don’t have to bring your own gear. The kiteboarding schools in the vicinity offer rental gear and coaching as well. Most visitors recommend the Mexican Caribbean Kitesurf at Ahau Tulum as a good choice if you want to engage in kitesurfing. November to May are the windiest months which makes it the best time to kitesurf. Controversial to snorkelling and scuba diving, not many people attempt sports such as kitesurfing. So here’s your chance to create a somewhat unique memory for yourself.
If you aren’t interested in trying kiteboarding you still have a great many Cenotes to swim and explore as much as you desire. While the Gran Cenote is a bit expensive, the Cenote Choo-ha comparatively, isn’t that expensive. The environment is literally peaceful over there without bustling crowds. The entrance to the cenote is relatively small and you will find a staircase that leads down to the pool. Tamcach-ha and Multum-ha are the other two cenotes that you will find close by. Note that these are located closer to Coba. Maybe you can choose to take a dip after visiting the Coba ruins.
If you want to experience a different layout of a cenote, you should definitely check out the Cenote Caracol. What’s unique about this cenote is it’s jagged stalactites more than the other cenotes. There are several other cenotes that you should check out if you are on schedule. Cenote Dos Ojos, cenote El Pit, cenote Xux Hah which is really deep into the jungle are some of them. A few of these cenotes will require you to wear life jackets and some will even have time limits. If you really want to enjoy the serenity and magical atmosphere of these cenotes do go in as early as possible.
Bar hopping And The Nightlife In Downtown Tulum
Why would you not want to enjoy the nightlife of Tulum with some Caribbean salsa rhythms and beachside DJ? That is the best way to call it a day after all the swimming, ruin explorations and other activities. The central part of Tulum is called the Pueblo area and it is where most of the bars are located. The Middle Beach Zone has more expensive and standard bars. The Batey Mojito Bar is known for being the most famous bar in Tulum. Santino bar, Casa Jaguar, Papaya Playa Project, Kin Toh are some other popular bars in town. Most of these avenues accept payment in Mexican pesos and tipping is a practice here. Learn more about club-hopping in Tulum.
Time for some authentic Mexican restaurants. Having the beach side snacks are satisfying, but if you are looking for a complete Mexican cuisine experience, you need to try out at least one of these restaurants. Hartwood restaurant is as they say is where to go to find the best food in Tulum. The prices aren’t low and the crowds are not thin. But the organic dishes and the time spent is definitely worth it. Mateo’s Mexican Grill is another restaurant you should visit. They have a sundeck offering a splendid view over the jungle, a great place to experience the sunset while enjoying your meal. Mateo’s Mexican Grill is extremely popular for their burrito with salta verde and the fish taco with the mango sauce. Gitano, Macando and Origami Gelato are some other restaurant choices offering delicious cuisine and tranquil environments.
Tulum Quintana Roo Hotels
Basically a good hotel would enhance your vacation experience and overall make planning your travels easier for you. For those of you who are able to afford a luxury stay, Coco Hacienda and Encantada in Tulum would be ideal choices. They are some of the best premium hotels in Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The first is located in the La Veleta neighbourhood of the Tulum city centre. Check out Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa for an all inclusive Tulum resort if that’s what you are looking for.
If you are on a budget, El Paraiso is a mid-range hotel and should fit in with most travellers. It’s location is directly on the El Paraiso beach, so you can enjoy gorgeous views with sunset and the waves. If you are travelling as a group, KASA Hotel Parota Tulum is a larger family-friendly hotel that sounds like the best option. It’s location lies between the beachfront zone and the city centre. Bar-hopping and enjoying the nightlife would be quite easier if you reside here.
Summary
That concludes our post on Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico. We hope this guide was helpful in organising your trip to Tulum. Even if you are unable to fit all the above activities into your budget and schedule, definitely try the cenotes and the ruins along with El Paraiso. As always, be eco-friendly and abide by the rules and regulations relevant to each sightseeing spot.
