TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN TULUM MEXICO

Tulum is a dreamy, laid back, boho beach paradise with white sands and jungle adventures. I had six days there to explore the area and was overwhelmed with exquisite things to choose from.

Here are my top 10 things to do in Tulum

GO TO A CENOTE

Cenote is the Spanish word for “sinkhole.” These natural sinkholes are limestone rocks that created caves and stalagmites over thousands of years. The cenotes were a vital water source to ancient Maya and contain crystal clear water. However today, they are used for diving, snorkeling, and swimming and are a wonderful way to cool down in the Tulum heat. Listed below are some of my favorite cenotes in and around Tulum:

• Cenote Zacil-Ha

• Cenote Ik Kil

• Gran Cenote

• Cenote Calavera

• Cenote Escondido

• Cenote Suytun

GO TO CHICHEN ITZA

Chichen Itza is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world and is the most famous Mayan ruin. The archeological site is home to El Castillo and is a representation of the Mayan peoples’ knowledge of the earth and planets. I ended up booking a day tour with **. You will receive entrance into Chichen Itza, a English or Spanish-speaking tour guide, entrance into Ik-Kil Cenote, as well as transportation which is essential because Chichen Itza is a 2-hour drive from Tulum.

VISIT THE RUINS

The Tulum Ruins are a unique place to visit. The buildings are very unique and different from each other. The Coba Ruins are another excellent spot outside of Tulum where you can climb to the top and enjoy the views.

RENT A MOPED/ATV

If I had to suggest any mode of transportation if you are traveling solo or as a couple, I'd highly recommend skipping renting a car and taking the ADO bus to Tulum from Cancun. When in Tulum, go to Good Bikes Only and rent a moped or ATV. Tulum is very small and parking can be costly if you are not staying in the hotel zone.

EAT AT THE LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND BARS

Having traveled to all 50 states, I have gotten my fair share of food choices. However, I have never traveled to an area where I loved every thing I tried. There were numerous times where my friend and I were given items "on the house." There were many things that I had never heard before but ended up loving anyway. Listed below are some of my favorite food places:

• Burrito Amor

• Mateos

• Tora

• Taqueria Honorio

• Posada Margherita

• Oishi Sushi

GO TO THE BEACH

The beaches of Tulum are located along the hotel zone so if you are staying in the downtown area, you will have to find a mode of transportation. Paradise Beach is one of the closest beaches from downtown and is arguably one of the best beaches in Mexico. Playa Ruinas is another beautiful beach that gives you views of the Tulum Ruins.

ENJOY THE NIGHTLIFE

There are tons of options to choose from when it comes to nightlife in Tulum. On Saturdays, you can head to Papaya Playa Project to dance the night away or to La Zebra Hotel for a more relaxed experienced. For a true nightclub experience, many choose Animal or Santino.

GO SHOPPING

Tulum is now filled with small boutiques selling high-quality clothing and accessories from designers from all around the world. You don’t have to wander far to visit some of the best shops in Tulum either. In fact, there are too many to mention them all in this blog. However, a few of my personal favorites include:

• Pura Vida Tulum

• MexicArte Tulum

• Kaahal Home Tulum

• Calas Boutique

VISIT THE VEN A LA LUZ SCULPTURE

Tulum is well known for its highly famous instagram spots. Anywhere you look, there seems to be a picture waiting to be taken. One famous spot is the Ven a la Luz Sculpture. To take a picture here you do have to pay a small fee and wait in line but I would highly recommend doing it for your first trip to Tulum.

SIAN KAAN BIOSPHERE

Sian Ka’an is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located south of Tulum. Visitors are able to spot many forms of wildlife as wll as 23 archeological sites and Mayan Ruins.

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