Things to do in Tulum
This romantic town tucked on the Caribbean coast blends ancient history with beach vibes and boutique hotels. Located 90 minutes south of the Cancun airport, travelers can expect to find great food, white sand beaches and shopping that is easily walkable. Nestled on beautiful beaches you will find plenty of things to do in Tulum and nearby areas. You can enjoy a more tranquil environment away from the buzz of Cancun and Cozumel, yet vibrant bars and nightlife still abound.
45 Activities
About Tulum Mexico
Tulum is famous for its spectacular Mayan ruins perched atop the cliffs overlooking the turquoise Caribbean ocean. It is one of the most well-preserved Mayan ruins in all of Mexico, making it a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Here you can escape the bustle of Cancun to a more relaxed Mexico getaway where you'll find culture, history and natural beauty abound in this tranquil pocket of the Yucatan Peninsula.
This dreamy Mexican beach town has gained significant popularity over the past decade for its quiet-yet-hip vibe. A quick glance around and you'll see locals, backpackers, boaters and tourists. Visitors can easily find things to do within easy reach; rent bicycles to easily navigate the streets, walk to beaches or take a 5 minute drive to the ruins north of town. The town is also quite walkable to get from hotel to restaurants and shopping too.
While its boutique hotels make for great relaxing on white sand beaches, those looking for fun things to do in Tulum won't have to look far. The town is centrally located in the heart of the Riviera Maya. You will find yourself immersed in an array of activities like scuba diving with sharks, sailing, ziplines or ATV adventures in under an hour. We recommend you consider visiting the natural waterpark of Xel-ha, rejuvenate in the freshwater cenotes or swim with sea turtles that call the Riviera Maya home.
Explore Activities in Tulum The Dominican Republic
Frequently Asked Questions
A guide to some of the most common questions when travelling to Tulum
What are the best things to do in Tulum?
The top things to do in Tulum according to travelers and locals are:
What are the top tours in Tulum?
The top 10 tours in Tulum according to travelers and locals are:
- Private Sian Ka'an Maya Temple & Mangrove Boating Tour
- Private Cancun Caves & Rappelling Tour
- Private Cancun Bicycle & Zip Line Jungle Tour
- 3 Cenote Adventure From Tulum
- Tulum Ruins, Zipline & Cenote Adventure
- Private Tulum Sound Bath & Cenote Experience
- Tulum Bikes, Bees & Brunch Tour
- Chichen Itza From Tulum - World Wonder Discovery
- Tulum Local Walking Food Tour
- Half-Day Sailing Experience in Tulum with Open Bar
Is Tulum difficult to get to?
Tulum is located 72 miles south of the Cancun airport. It is fairly easy to get to with a 90 minute drive or two hour bus ride down highway 307.
Is Tulum safe?
In short, yes. Tulum experiences less violent crime than most other parts of Mexico. While there have been increasing rates of crime in the past few years, using common sense like not buying drugs, not walking alone at night, etc. will help ensure you enjoy a safe and wonderful visit to this lovely town.
Can I walk to the beach in Tulum?
Of course! The town is a short walk to many hotels that offer private beach access or day-use with the purchase of food or drinks. This makes easy access to the beaches. You can also walk or bike along the beachfront road that runs from the ruins in the north down to the entrance of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere in the south.
Are the Tulum ruins close to the town of Tulum?
The Tulum ruins sit atop a cliff on the coast of Tulum, about 2 miles (4.1 kilometers) from the town. You can walk (45 minutes), bike (15 minutes) or drive (5-10 minutes).