Things to do in Tulum

Tulum is a tropical paradise with countless activities and adventures for every type of visitor. There is so much to do and see in Tulum, especially if it’s your first time visiting. If you don’t know where to begin, here are some of my favorite things to do in Tulum to really get a taste of what this part of Mexico has to offer.

Playa Paraiso

You can find beautiful beaches through all the Riviera Maya, and Playa Paraiso is not the exception. It’s called “Paradise Beach” for a reason. This dream place will make you want to move to Tulum. This stunning beach is located next to Tulum Ruins, which makes it the best stop to relax after exploring the archeological area. As it’s a public beach, you don’t need to stay at a hotel or beach club to come here. Just pack your things and stay as long as you want. Swimming, diving, playing beach games, riding a boat, or just sunbathing, this beach is perfect for everybody.

Tulum Ruins

These ruins are one of the most important structures in Tulum. Most people come to Tulum to enjoy the beach and just relax. If you come to Tulum, this archeological site is a must see. It’s so interesting to learn about the history of the place plus it has one of the most amazing views. 

Some things you should know before you go:

The ruins are located around 3km from Tulum town, between 10-15 min drive 

They are open from 8am-4pm 

It costs 80 MXN ($4USD) or free on Sundays if you are Mexican 

Try to go between 8-11 to avoid crowds and the sun 

It will take you around 1-2 hrs to see the whole place 

Wear fresh and comfortable clothes and shoes, and sunscreen. You are going to be walking a lot under the sun 

Bring your swimsuit, there’s a beach right next to the ruins

Sfer Ik

Sfer Ik is a museum located inside the hotel Azulik. This whimsically designed museum is Azlulik’s most distinctive feature. The place itself is a piece or art. Even if there’s not an exhibition on place by the time you go, it’s woth to stop by and admire the place.

Sfer Ik doesn’t look like an ordinary space. It’s made of locally sourced wood and cement. The ceilings and walls are trimmed with plants sprouting along circular apertures to the world outside. The most impressive part, they never draw a floor plan when they designed the place.

There are a few things you should know before visiting Sfer Ik:

The min age to enter is 18 years olds 

You have to remove your shoes upon entering 

The use of tripods and professional cameras is prohibited 

Bags larger than 40×40 cm are not permitted 

There are two museums, one in Tulum and one in Francisco Uh May (40 min from Tulum) Entrance fee is $10 USD for the one in Tulum and $20 USD for the one in Francisco Uh May 

It’s such a spiritual place that you can feel the energy it radiates 

Cenotes

One of the best things to do in Tulum is visiting its cenotes. You can find these incredible caves around the Yucatan peninsula and some of them are really unique. Snorkeling, diving and swimming into cenotes is a magical experience you don’t want to miss. I would recommend checking them in advance to plan your transportation as some of them are not as close to Tulum as you may think. Here is a list of the most popular ones:

GRAN CENOTE

This is one of the best cenotes near Tulum. What I love about this place is how crystal clear the water is, you don’t need to snorkel to see the turtles swimming. It is beautiful!

This cenote is divided in two area that are connected underwater. It’s underground world makes it perfect for swimmers, dives and snorkelers, where they can see the light beams hitting the water through the cave opening. As this cenote is not deep, it is great for unconfident swimmers and families. When I went, most people was in the first area, so I decided to walk a little more to visit the second one and I had it all to myself for a while.

This cenote is a short drive from Tulum and it’s next to cenote Calavera (1 min driving and 25 min walking)

Professional cameras and tripods are not allowed

You have to take a shower before entering to protect the ecosystem

Entrance fee is 300mxn rentals of masks and snorkels are available

There are bathrooms and changing rooms on site as well as lockers to keep your belongings safe

CENOTE CALAVERA

This is another great cenote near Tulum. It has the shape of a skull, therefore the name (“calavera” means skull in Spanish) Once you are inside the cave, you can hear all the bats squeaking. At the beginning is a little scary but I must admit, it’s really impressive!

The best part of this cenote is cliff jumping from the edge. The adrenaline is the best! If jumping is not for you, you can climb down the latter. Once there, you can get on the rope swing, go swimming or scuba diving. You can also lay down outside and eat a snack from their little stand.

This cenote is really close to Tulum center (a 10 min drive, 25 min bike ride or 1 hr walk) making it super accessible if you are staying in Tulum

It’s open from 9-5, 7 days a week, and from the entrance to the actual cenote it’s a 2 min walk

The entrance fee is 350 min and if you wanna go scuba diving is 200mxn more

I hope you can visit all these places. If you need help planning your trip to Tulum, check my Tulum Travel Guide

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