Things To Do
The Mayan Ruins of Tulum
Tulum's namesake archaeological zone served as a pre-Columbian port city, constructed sometime in the 13th century. Other nearby archaeological sites include Coba, Muyil, Ek Balam, and Chichen Itza (the largest, but also the furthest away). If you do visit ruins, it would be wise to go early to beat the crowds and the heat. This goes for everywhere you go in Tulum, but bring lots of water! Also - the really LONG line that you will see is for Mexican Citizens who get to visit for a discount price - look for the shorter line or visit from the front desk to find out where foreigners should line up.
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Laguna Boat Trip and Floating Canals Tour
If you have a half day and want to have a unique laguna experience, we would say this is a must do! Take a look at this guide to learn more about how to plan your trip. If you go early, you'll more than likely have a boat to your self. The laguna is beautiful, has ancient history, and the canal float is one of the most relaxing things we've ever done. If you decide to go to Sian Ka'an via the Muyil Ruins (which is what we did), for a little extra money, you can get a park ranger to give you a private tour of the ruins. Please remember that you must use natural sunblock in any of the lagunas you visit to preserve the ecosystem for the wildlife.
Gran Cenote
A cenote (Mayan dzonot, “well”) is the word used to describe a natural pit made with limerock that has groundwater underneath. They were formed by naturally-acidic rain filtering down over thousands of years and dissolving away the limestone. Mayans believed that cenotes were an entrance to the underworld, so they were often used for sacrifices, both human and material ones. In fact, at the Sacred Cenote found within Chichén-Itzá, archeologists have found many important ceramics, jewelry and bones. At the cenotes in Mexico, you’ll be asked to swim without any lotions or creams on your skin at all, as it can poison fish, sea plants, and other delicate marine life. The Gran Cenote is very popular, but that's the problem! It gets very crowded, but it does have a turtle garden and various areas to explore. There are other cenotes of various sizes in the area between Tulum and Cancun. You can rent goggles and lifejackets at all of the cenotes.
Escondido Cenote and Cenote Cristal
You get two centoes for the price of one! Take a dip in Cenote Cristal (and rent some Goggles and a life jacket), and then walk across the road (and through the jungle) to Escondido Cenote. Both Cenotes are a bit smaller, but they're also less busy than the Gran Cenote.
Batey Mojito and Guarapo Bar
Sip on a mojito made with freshly crushed sugar cane (they literally crush it in a modified VW Bug), and then dance the night away to live music. A favorite of locals and tourists alike.
Burrito Amor
Have you ever eaten a burrito and thought to yourself, "I wish this burrito were healthier?" Well then head down to Burrito Amor, where they make delectable burritos (and salads) using clean, fresh ingredients. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and packed for all three meals)
Panna e Cioccolato
It's going to be hot. You're going to want some gelato. This is Ryan's favorite
Aldo's Gelato Tulum
It's going to be hot. You're going to want some gelato. This is Lindsi's favorite
Kitchen Table
Kitchen Table is one of a handful of restaurants that have sprung up on the beach road in which a world class chef has decided to eschew city life and cook really good food using local ingredients and traditional methods.