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I spent three weeks test-driving 15 hotels in Tulum, Mexico when I was searching for Tulum’s best hotels and resorts. If you compare Tulum to Cancun or Playa Del Carmen – I’d go with Tulum each time. If you’re looking for an authentic Mexican experience, Tulum is the place to be.
Here are the top 10 unique things to do in Tulum:
Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water, and Tulum has some of the most beautiful cenotes in the world.
Take a dip in these refreshing waters, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a magical wonderland.
Tulum is home to many spiritual communities that practice traditional healing methods, especially around ayahuasca and magic mushrooms. I’ve had personal experience with this and it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.
But… you need to do a lot of homework and do your own due diligence and also check in with your doc before going down this path. Make sure it’s safe for you and you’ve been properly informed and advised and seek out pros in this spec – this is not to be taken lightly. If this is interesting to you, spend time studying and preparing. This is not for everyone, but it’s definitely a unique experience.
Mexico is famous for its delicious and spicy food, and Tulum has some of the best. But don’t expect what you might think is traditional Mexican food – these folks have their own, very interesting twist. Whether you’re looking for street food or upscale restaurants, Tulum has it all. Read our blog post about Tulum food culture and two insider tips on the best restaurants here.
The beaches in Tulum are world-class: white sand and you can literally walk for miles. Take a long walk on the beaches, and you’ll feel your troubles melt away. The turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea are good for swimming most times of the year.
Tulum has a vibrant nightlife scene that’s worth checking out. From beachfront bars to underground clubs, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to dance the night away under the stars. Check out our video about the Tulum Treehouse for the most insider venue in Tulum.
If you’re an adventure seeker, windsurfing might be for you (but trust me – it’s a lot harder than it looks). The strong winds and calm waters make Tulum one of Mexico’s top spots for windsurfing. There are plenty of places to rent equipment and take lessons.
Tulum is home to some of the most well-preserved Mayan ruins in the world. The ruins sit on a cliff overlooking the sea, and the views are wildly good. Take a guided tour and learn about the history of the Mayan civilization.
Pro tip: skip the line by finding a blue-shirted tour guide outside the ticket line.
Tulum is a hub for yoga enthusiasts. Many of the hotels and resorts offer yoga classes on the beach, and there are plenty of yoga studios in town. Practicing yoga in such a serene and beautiful setting is an experience like no other. It also helps to cure hangovers (personal experience talking).
Tulum has its own fashion sense. (Think: flowing beachwear and hipster hats.) There are boutiques up and down the main beach strip – and folks sometimes walk up and down the beach selling their wares (but not in a pushy way). Handmade jewelry is a thing too.
Lastly, don’t forget to take some time to relax and unwind. Tulum is the perfect place to disconnect from the world and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Pro tip: skip the $100 hotel massage and find a tent on the beach where you pay $20 for a 1 hour massage. Just as good as the hotel and you’re putting money directly into the pocket of a local. (As a bonus, it’s right on the beach.)
Go green at Reserva de la Biósfera Sian Ka’an, a biosphere reserve located near Tulum. Explore a diverse range of ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and coral reefs. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the region’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Tulum can be a laid-back chill destination. Our best hotels video shows you the best places, according to whether you want to relax or be in the heart of the action. If you want to eat and dance, Tulum has you covered too.
What I love most about Tulum is that, although it’s getting more and more popular, it still has a great, relaxed vibe and has none of the impersonal mega-resorts you’ll find up the coast. I’ve traveled all over Mexico and this is one of my favorite places.
We have videos about what to do in Tulum, as well as a video about what you should know before you head to Tulum.
