Tulum is considered one of the best places to visit in Mexico. If you use Instagram, you may have noticed that almost everyone going on vacation in Mexico makes a stop in Tulum at least for a day or two. Not only does it offer gorgeous views that will make everyone on your social media pages jealous, but it also offers much to do and experience.Â
Learn More About the History of Mexico
If you like anything to do with history or architecture, or you just enjoy learning, then Tulum is a great stop. All sorts of day trips from Tulum allow you to see some of the old Mayan architecture, including locations like Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid.Â
You can even take tours in Tulum itself, as the city is a Mayan city as well. It was the only Mayan city to ever be built alongside the sea and has over 60 temples that have been restored. It was an important maritime port and allowed for trade amongst other communities in the area and overseas.
Relax by the Beach
Of course, if you are visiting the coastal area of Mexico, you can’t just skip the beach. Tulum is right on the water and is full of picturesque sand and waves. Go swimming, enjoy the sun, or just play around. There are several beaches in the area. Explore them all until you find your favorite, or rotate daily as you want.Â
Kitesurfing is one of the biggest sports in the area, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. You can take a lesson if you want to try something new. These beaches are also considered to be some of the prettiest in the world, and the hotels and locals work hard to keep them clean and worthy of the title.Â
Biosphere Reserves
Do you enjoy wildlife and animals, and want to see some of the local natural sites during your stay? The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a great place to visit. It has miles of coastlines and is filled with various wildlife and coral reefs that you can explore. It was turned into a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987 and is one of the largest protected areas in Mexico.Â
Besides the ruins, it is one of the most popular reasons to visit Tulum. They offer boat tours and snorkeling in the water, where you can see wildlife like dolphins and turtles. They also offer a tour of ancient Mayan life, including places they used to live and the paths they likely followed over 1,000 years ago.Â
Many people go there to relax as well, without taking a tour, and the park caters to those needs as well. Weddings, birdwatching, and fly fishing are all allowed in the park.Â
Visit the Local Caves
While beaches might be pretty, there is also something enjoyable about getting to swim in freshwater in the middle of the forest. If you enjoy water and exploring, but are getting tired of spending the whole day by the beach, consider exploring the jungle of the Yucatan and the various cenotes hidden within it.Â
For those that don’t know, cenotes are bodies of water that are underground or within a cave. Most of the ones near Tulum are big enough that you can swim, snorkel, or scuba. Some tours will allow you to explore four different cenotes in a day, and you can even get beginner diving classes in some locations.Â
Participate in Outdoor Activities
If you like the great outdoors, you’ll be excited to learn that there is plenty to do in the area. Tulum and the surrounding jungle offer ATV rides, ziplining, swimming, and other adventure tours. If you have vacationed nearby before, you might have visited one of the adventure parks near Playa Del Carmen.Â
However, these are vastly different. They are much wilder and more adventurous, allowing you to actually go out and experience nature while participating in activities.
Getting There
Booking tours and activities can often be done reliably online, but always consider staying at the premium independent resorts in Playa del Carmen, like The Reef Resorts. From any of The Reef Resorts’ lobby, guests can book their tours and activities at the onsite tour office.