12 Best Things To Do in Tulum, Mexico

The best things to do in Tulum include climbing the Nohoch Mul pyramid at Coba ruins and swimming in the ancient limestone caves of cenotes. Tulum sits atop one of the world’s largest underground river systems, with over 6,000 cenotes hidden beneath the Yucatán Peninsula’s limestone surface.

From the 13th- to 15th-century ruins perched on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean to the coral reefs of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Tulum offers both cultural history and natural beauty. Relax at beaches like Playa Santa Fe and Playa Paraiso, or book a traditional Temazcal ceremony at Cacao Spa Tulum.

We evaluated each activity by reviewing recent reviews on Google Maps and TripAdvisor, and cross-referencing recommendations from the Tulum Tourism Office combined with our personal experience. Below are the 12 top things to see and experience in Tulum, Mexico.

Table of Contents

Highlights at a Glance

Luxury Hotel in Tulum, Mexico: The Yellow Nest Tulum offers adults-only accommodations with a pool, sauna, yoga studio, and easy access to Cenote Dos Ojos and Tulum’s landmarks.
Mid-Range Hotel in Tulum, Mexico: Los Arrecifes offers beachfront accommodations with private beach access, a family-friendly restaurant, and convenient amenities like EV charging.
Budget Hotel in Tulum, Mexico: Casa Colibrí Tankah offers beachfront family accommodations with private terraces, a swimming pool, water sports facilities, and garden views.

Experience Xel-Há Park
See the Ruins of Tulum
Spend Days at Xcaret

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Exotic Warm Destinations in September Tulum, Mexico

Ruins of Tulum 1/5

Best_Things_To_Do_in_Tulum_Mexico_Spend_Days_at_Xcaret_Ritual_Performance_of_Maya_Indians

Xcaret Park 2/5

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Sian Ka’an Reserve 3/5

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Xel-Há Park 4/5

Beaches with the Whitest Sand in the World Tulum Beach, Mexico

Tulum Beaches 5/5

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Ruins of Tulum

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Xcaret Park

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Sian Ka’an Reserve

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Xel-Há Park

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Tulum Beaches

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See the Ruins of Tulum

Tulum was once a powerful coastal city built between the 13th and 15th centuries. It was a center for sea trade between Mayan cities and other regional powers. Along the shore, people built magnificent palaces, temples, and homes.

When you visit, take your time walking along the ancient roads. See the towering pyramids overlooking the sea, surrounded by palm trees and endless sand. Framed by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, it’s like no place on earth.

Enjoy the park early in the morning to avoid the extreme temperatures. Bring plenty of water and set aside several hours to take photos and learn about the ancient city’s history.

Swim at Playa Paraiso: After touring the ruins, I always walk down to Playa Paraiso, a scenic beach 20 minutes on foot from the ruins’ main exit. It’s great for a swim, and you can get fresh coconut water from vendors right on the sand.
Taqueria Honorio: For incredible local food, I recommend Taquería Honorio, an iconic local spot loved for its slow-roasted cochinita pibil tacos and pork lechón. Arrive before noon—they often sell out early, especially on weekends.

Spend Days at Xcaret

Xcaret is a fantastic adventure park featuring live shows, art, and endless outdoor adventures. During the day, swim through curated canals that flow through gorgeous jungle surroundings.

Take a tour of the jungle along trails deep into the wilderness. Enjoy an aviary with hundreds of tropical birds and a butterfly exhibit. Put on your snorkel gear and snorkel over a coral reef and see colorful tropical fish.

Enjoy a gourmet lunch featuring local delicacies and Mayan favorites such as cochinita pibil and ceviche. At night, see the spectacular performance Xcaret México Espectacular. See hundreds of dancers in elaborate costumes and visual art unlike anything else in the world.

Opening Hours and Entry Fee: It is open every day from 08:30 to 22:30. Entry fee starts at 2739 MXN (140 USD) for a basic admission ticket.
Buffet Lunch at La Cocina: If you want to try authentic cochinita pibil and local Yucatecan dishes, I highly recommend the buffet at La Cocina, one of Xcaret’s most popular restaurants. The mole and ceviche were standouts for me, and you’ll get to sample a great variety of local flavors.

Lounge on the Beaches

Tulum’s beaches are nothing short of extraordinary. Imagine stretches of white sand framed by turquoise Caribbean waters and Mayan ruins. Add vendors selling fresh fruit, activities such as yoga, and beach parties, and you’ve got a good time.

Start at Playa Santa Fe and Playa Pescadores. Spend time soaking in the rays and diving to spot sea turtles and other marine life. Grab a spot at the Playa Paraiso Beach Club and order a cocktail under some shade.

Afterward, join a yoga session by the beach or come for one of the exciting beach parties. Places such as Casa Colibrí Tankah offer covered cabanas, fresh cocktails, and DJ performances.

Playa Paraiso Beach Club: Playa Paraiso Beach Club is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Entry is free if you order food or drinks. I like their grilled fish tacos and cold margaritas served right on the sand.
Yoga at Ahau Tulum: Join a beachside morning yoga class at Ahau Tulum. Classes start at 08:00 and drop-ins are welcome. I found the group sessions to be friendly and open to all levels—you just pay about 391 MXN (20 USD) for a class.

Explore the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a must-see reserve for wildlife, stunning plants, and awesome experiences. Take a tour through the canals and jungle and see animals such as parrots and crocodiles.

Snorkel over coral reefs and see exotic coral and colorful fish. You may even spot dolphins, sea turtles, and rays. If you’re lucky, you can see manatees swimming underneath you.

The reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mexico’s most ecologically diverse locations. Visit early in the day to avoid the direct sun and book your tour early, especially during peak season from December to April.

Lunch at El Ultimo Maya: For a great lunch afterwards, try El Ultimo Maya in Tulum Pueblo. Their pescado empanizado (breaded fish) and shrimp tacos are favorites, and it’s a local spot with fair prices.
Bring Cash for Entry and Tips: Even if your tour covers transport, bring small bills in pesos for the entrance fee, snacks, and tips. There are no ATMs or card readers near the reserve.

Go on a Food Tour

Best_Things_To_Do_in_Cancun_Mexico_Eat_as_Much_as_You_Can_Cochinita_Pibi — © Robert Briggs / Adobe Stock

Take a food tour of the town to experience the rich local cuisine. Tours such as Eating with Carmen tours are fun and super educational. You’ll travel around, dining at off-the-beaten-path destinations.

The local cuisine is heavily influenced by Maya traditions. Dishes such as cochinita pibil and grilled fish with local vegetables are nothing short of amazing.

You’ll try rare jungle fruits and herbs and some of the spiciest and most mouth-watering salsas of your life. Book your tours early to get a spot and arrive hungry!

Eating With Carmen Food Tours: Eating With Carmen offers a top-rated Tulum food tour that lasts about 3 hours. The tour costs 1480 MXN (76 USD) and runs daily, starting at 17:00. Bookings fill up fast—reserve at least a few days in advance.
Try Burrito Amor: I recommend stopping by Burrito Amor (open daily, 08:00–21:00), especially for their famous cochinita pibil burrito and cold hibiscus tea. It’s a welcoming spot with fresh ingredients.

Visit the Cenotes

Cenotes are giant caves formed when the Chicxulub Crater was formed 65 million years ago. As the giant blast wiped out life, including the dinosaurs, huge caverns were formed around the blast site.

These caverns filled with water and fish and plant species found nowhere else started living in them. Eventually, these caverns became sacred sites for the Maya People.

Today, several cenotes are open to visitors around Tulum. Visit respectfully and avoid using sunscreen to protect the sensitive ecosystem living in the caves.

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Taqueria Don Cafeto: After swimming, I always stop at Taqueria Don Cafeto in Tulum town (open 08:00–23:00). Their poc chuc (citrus-marinated pork) tacos are a local favorite and it’s just a 15-minute drive from the cenote.
Cenote Calavera Alternative: For something less crowded, check out Cenote Calavera, open daily 09:00–17:00, entry 156 MXN (8 USD). The “Temple of Doom” jump is a highlight if you’re feeling bold.

Try Scuba Diving

12 Incredible Underwater Adventures Across the Globe You Need To Experience — © Jukkis / Shutterstock

Tulum is one of the top destinations in Mexico for scuba diving. Whether you’re a professionally certified diver or a newbie, you’ll find plenty of opportunities in this spectacular destination.

Resorts such as Hotel Biwa Tulum offer diving packages and instructions. You’ll train with certified PADI instructors and explore the offshore reefs.

Take a boat to the coral reefs and see sea turtles, rays, corals, and colorful fish. You may even get to see dolphins and small sharks. The water is usually crystal clear and over 70°F.

Hotel Biwa Tulum Diving Packages: Hotel Biwa Tulum partners with local dive instructors for customized diving packages. Reach out via their website for prices and to arrange pick-up at the hotel—especially handy if you want to combine lessons, cenote dives, and ocean reef trips.
DelCielo: For a tasty post-dive meal, hit up DelCielo (open daily, 08:00–15:00). This café is known for fresh salads, healthy brunches, and great smoothies. I recommend their avocado toast and a passionfruit smoothie to recharge after a day on the water.

Go Shopping and Eating Downtown

Tulum is a touristy town, but you can still find great locally made stuff besides souvenirs and plastic beach toys. Head to the old city center and explore the markets.

Downtown has some of the best prices, and you’ll find tons of deals. Buy locally made jewelry and clothes, or homemade candies and snacks.

Stop into Mercado Tulum to buy fresh fruit and local goods. At night, stay in town and visit the popular street food market on Calle Sol.

Mercado Tulum: Mercado Tulum is open daily from 07:00 to 19:00. There’s no entry fee. I’ve picked up local honey, handmade chocolate, and tropical fruits straight from the stalls—don’t miss the fresh chamoy mangos.
Street Food on Calle Sol: The street food market on Calle Sol gets busy around 18:00. My go-to is Antojitos La Chiapaneca for authentic al pastor tacos and grilled meats (open daily 16:00–23:00). It’s a favorite with locals and only a short walk from the main plaza.

Experience the Coba Ruins

The Coba ruins are some of Mexico’s best Maya ruins, yet few people visit. Coba was once a massive city deep in the jungle. It was connected to other Maya super cities via roads and served as a major trade destination.

Most of the ruins were built between the 6th and 10th centuries. Walk through the jungle paths and stand under giant pyramids such as the Nohoch Mul pyramid.

See engraved statues and carvings and learn about the site’s remarkable history. Take a tour with a local guide to experience the most out of your visit.

Restaurante Chile Picante: After touring, I usually stop at Restaurante Chile Picante (open daily 10:00–20:00, just outside the ruins). Their poc chuc and lime soup are specialties—perfect for refueling with a cold drink.
Buy Handicrafts from Local Vendors: At the Coba site entrance and near the main structures, local Maya artisans sell beaded jewelry, embroidered linens, and hand-carved masks. Prices are negotiable, and every purchase supports the community.

Go on a Spa Date

Tulum’s spas are nothing short of spectacular. From high-end resorts to local businesses, you’ll find something for every budget.

If you can, try a traditional sweat lodge called a Temazcal. You’ll enter a hot room and partake in a special ceremony. You’ll feel refreshed and detoxed.

You can also find luxurious massages at many local resorts and spas. Take a day to treat yourself to the pampering of a lifetime. Some of the best spas include Cacao Spa Tulum and Massage Tulum, and Energy Healing Spa Tulum Temazcal.

Cacao Spa Tulum: Cacao Spa Tulum is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00. A 60-minute deep tissue massage costs about 1,740 MXN (70 USD). I loved the cacao ritual and chocolate exfoliation treatment—they use local cacao and it smells amazing.
Massage Tulum: Massage Tulum is open every day from 09:00 to 21:00. I booked their signature relaxing massage at 1173 MXN (60 USD) for 60 minutes. It’s centrally located and has a calming, no-frills local atmosphere.

Take a Trip to Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is unlike any archaeological site in Mexico. It’s home to giant pyramids and ancient streets. Walk through centuries-old palaces and see the ancient ball courts.

Take a guided tour through the ruins and sites. See carved walls and statues with deep religious and cultural significance. Then, check out the surrounding cenotes where the Maya held ceremonies.

Visit early in the day and book your ticket early. There are many day-trip tours offered at Tulum’s many resorts.

Shop for Handicrafts: Right outside the Chichen Itza entrance, local artisans sell intricate wood carvings, hammocks, obsidian masks, and embroidered blouses.
Restaurante Pueblo Maya: For lunch, try Restaurante Pueblo Maya (open 09:00–18:00), just outside Chichen Itza’s main entrance. The buffet features specialties like cochinita pibil and sopa de lima, and the cool shade is a relief after touring the ruins.

Experience Xel-Há Park

Xel-Há Park is another must-visit water park right near the beach. Start by biking through the beautiful trails surrounding the park. Take a zip line through the jungle and see rare birds and plants.

Climb the scenic lighthouse for one of the best views of Tulum. Hop on rafts to go on a river tour through the jungle. Snorkel the reefs offshore or take a swim through jungle caverns.

There are numerous restaurants and cafes on site where you can relax and dine. Enjoy several options, from full-day passes and food to simple, several-hour visits. Book early, especially during the peak season from December to April.

Opening Hours and Entry Fee: It is open every day from 08:30 to 18:00. Entry is 2151 MXN (110 USD) for a full-day all-inclusive pass (includes food, drinks, snorkel gear, bikes, and most activities).
Climb the Scenic Lighthouse Slide: Don’t skip the lighthouse—climb up for the best panoramic view and then take the 98-foot waterslide straight to the cenote-blue pools below.