kaitlin & Jason
Things To Do
Cenotes Sac Actún
Cenotes are a must when visiting Tulum. They are natural swimming holes filled with crystal blue waters and stalactites resulting from caves that collapsed millions of years ago. The Mayan people believed that cenotes were the crossroads to the underworld and the home of the water gods. There are hundreds of cenotes scattered throughout Tulum, but our favorite was Sac Actun. It was least touristy and most authentic cenote that we found. We were able to take a semi private tour snorkeling through the caves. Other popular cenotes: Cenote Calavera Cenote Dos Ojos Casa Cenote
Tequila, Mezcal and Wine Tastings
We did a mezcal and tequila tasting our first time in Tulum. There are many different tequila tastings in the area - just ask your hotel. They give private tastings at The Beach Tulum hotel which are both fun and informative. It's a great way to sample everything and learn the history and how it's made. It's also a killer way to kick off a night out.
Shop the boutiques of Tulum beach
Tulum is known for it's beachside boutiques. They all have so much character with unique clothing and jewelry, many of which are made by local artisans. Some of our favorite boutiques are: Pola Tulum Mr. Blackbird Kaya Tulum Wanderlust
Rent a Scooter
There's no better way to get around Tulum than by a scooter or vespa. Most hotels can arrange for one to be dropped off right at your door for about $40 per day. Although renting a car is a great option if you intend to drive on the highway or explore far away places, parking is tricky near the beach in Tulum. With a scooter or even just a bike rental, you can pull over anywhere, park and walk around.
Catamaran with Catamaya Sailing Cruises or Fat Cat Sail
Spend the afternoon on a catamaran surround by your friends and family. Four hours of sun, fun and snorkeling on a catamaran - Tours typically include drinks and snacks. You can also book 2 hour sunset cruises, semi private tours or a full day on a boat!
Eat authentic tacos at La Malinche Tulum
Eat the best, authentic tacos at our favorite outdoor taqueria! This is a "no frills" taco joint with amazing food, friendly staff and cold cervezas. It is right next door to the recommended hotels and our favorite place for a quick bite in Tulum.
Tulum Archaeological Zone
If you're a history buff, take a tour of the Mayan ruins which features an ancient walled city overlooking the Caribbean sea. The fortress was an important place for ceremonial and sacrificial practices for the Mayas and served to protect the people of Tulum from invasions. We would actually recommend seeing the ruins by boat! There's no better way to avoid tour busses and screaming children than to get a group of friends together and take a guided boat tour around the ruins. You can also rent snorkel gear and swim around while you're at it! We love history and architecture, but hate the heat and crowds. If you do opt to see these ruins on land, it is best to go right in the morning before tour busses come.
Golf at Mayakoba's El Camaleón golf course
Golf lovers - Play at the first PGA Tour golf course in Latin America. About 1 hour north of Tulum, El Camaleón blends through the diverse ecosystems of Mayakoba, including tropical jungle, dense mangroves, freshwater canals and pristine Riviera Maya oceanfront. The 18-hole PGA championship course captures spectacular views in every direction and accommodates golfers of all abilities, with five tee marks at each hole offering distance options for every player. Tee times start from 7am.
Visit a Wonder of the World: Chichén-Itzá
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a Mayan archeological site, Chichen Itza, is an Ancient Mayan city that was the most populated city in the Yucatan between 600AD and 1200AD. It is a 3 hour drive from Tulum and is well worth it if the beach isn't your thing or you are a history lover. These ruins are by far the most impressive in the area.
Explore the city of Valladolid
Valladolid is a colonial Yucatan city mid way between Tulum and Chichen Itza. It is filled with colorful buildings, local artisans, a picturesque town center and some of the best cenotes in Mexico. If you're already traveling out to see the Mayan ruins of Coba or Chichen Itza, stopping in Valladolid is an absolute must. We enjoyed walking the pedestrian streets, shopping in the boutiques and had our best meal in Mexico at Conato 1910 Restaurant.