Are you looking for the top experiences in Tulum? With its Caribbean waters, incredible beach hotels, epic wellness scene and unique attractions, Tulum has become a must visit destination on Mexico’s Riviera Maya – here’s a curated list of unmissable things to see in Tulum for first-time visitors!
Tulum is a special jungle-meets-beach destination with many outstanding attractions, including ancient Mayan ruins, mysterious cenotes, incredible jungle restaurants and luxurious bohemian beach clubs.
In this Tulum guide, I’ll share my favourite ways to enjoy everything! After exploring the area extensively, I’ve curated this list of must-see spots to help you have an amazing first-time experience in Tulum!
Here are the 9 things you must see in Tulum, Mexico!
TOP 9 EXPERIENCES IN TULUM MEXICO – YOU CAN’T MISS
1. DINING IN A FANCY JUNGLE TULUM RESTAURANT
The restaurant scene in Tulum is unique and exciting, whether you’re into Mexican cuisine or not! Tulum offers some of the best food in the Yucatan, a fusion of Mexican and International dishes. They may not be truly authentic, but they are good and housed within some of the most attractive venues and surroundings I’ve ever seen!
On occasion, I’ve been drawn to the restaurants in Tulum for looks, but the food quality also matches and the vibe is unparalleled for jungle dining with dim candlelit tables. You’ll find many of them along the beach road or beachfront, when planning your best trip to Tulum I recommend including at least one or two!
My favourite lunchtime spots include, Mezzanine and La Popular right on the beach – both are a must see in Tulum and Alma Verde situated within a gorgeous garden along Aldea Zama. While Nu Restaurant and Hartwood are best for evening atmosphere, known for organic fresh ingredients, and daily changing menus.
2. A STAY AT A STUNNING BEACH HOTEL IN TULUM
The beachfront of Tulum is full of amazing hotels and experiences that offer private access to the white sand beach, sunbeds, breakfast with a view and more! Nothing beats the feeling of looking out at the sea and having sand between your toes.
Tulum’s beachfront hotels are more expensive than anywhere else, but completely worth it, even for a couple of nights to make your first visit to Tulum truly unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for spa-like tranquillity at Nest, a yoga retreat at Lula a Colibri or a cool ambience at Encantada, Tulum’s beachfront hotels are unmissable, read the full list of beachfront hotels in Tulum I recommend in this post!
Read More: Best Beach Hotels in Tulum
3. WALKING AROUND ANCIENT MAYAN RUINS
The ancient Mayan ruins are a must see in Tulum, it’s one of the unique things about visiting the area and best attractions! Tulum’s Ruins are the closest, they sit right along the beach with a stunning backdrop, while several more in the area are within driving distance, the most well-known is Chichen Itza!
If you haven’t visited Chichen Itza before, this is your opportunity, it’s only 2-hours from Tulum! Chichen Itza is much bigger than you imagine, it’s vast, also very hot! I visited with a small group tour, you can of course explore the grounds on your own, but you would be missing out on all the fascinating stories that bring it to life!
I cannot recommend this experience enough for anyone visiting Tulum, our official Mayan guide was professional and entertaining! We covered so much, including the colonial town of Valladolid with lunch in a beautifully restored mansion and a local cenote to swim.
Book the best tour to Chichen-Itza in advance Here
4. SUNBATHING AT A BOHO-LUXE TULUM BEACH CLUB
If you are not already staying at a beachfront hotel in Tulum then you’ll definitely want to head to a beach club! Tulum’s beach clubs are fantastic, some of the best I’ve ever experienced anywhere, they are well organised and equipped with everything you need for a day at the beach.
Be Tulum and Nomade are my favourites and offer relaxing daybeds, hammocks and delicious food along the private beach, a quality section of sand, but there are many more! Here’s some of the others I’ve enjoyed in Tulum – arrive early to make the most out of the sunbed hire!
- Habitas, jungle, Middle Eastern & hammocks
- Ziggy Beach, friendly, casual & light bites
- Coco Tulum, beachy white-wood & cocktails
- Ahau Tulum, relaxed & healthy eats
5. EXPLORING THE MYSTERIOUS CENOTE UNDERWORLDS
Cenotes have been around for thousands of years and are incredible and mysterious (the Mayans believe Cenotes are linked to the underworld), a must see in Tulum!
Visit at least 2-3 as they all offer different things, some you can jump into and others are great for clear water swimming and sun lounging, Dos Ajos, Calavera and Casa Cenote are the most popular.
You can visit independently with a taxi or car, I opted for a group tour and loved it! If you want to visit three of the best cenotes including the Gran Cenote check out this group tour, the Cenotes are not to be missed.
6. A YOGA CLASS ON THE BEACHFRONT
Tulum has been a wellness and yoga hotspot for years and what a dream location to practice! Book a class at one of Tulum’s best luxury beachfront hotels with scenic views and the sea breeze!
As a complete beginner I took relaxing breath classes and hatha yoga complementary to my hotel stay at Lula a Colibri, right on the beach – many of the hotels offer free yoga as part of the package, I also recommend The Beach Tulum and Azulik.
7. PHOTOGRAPHING TULUM’S ICONIC SCULPTURES
You may have already seen a few images of the iconic larger-than-life sculptures in Tulum, they are striking and attract a lot of attention, plus they are fun to photograph! These natural-resourced sculptures and art installations are made by famous artists and designers and for that reason alone it is worth visiting at least one when in Tulum.
You can find a few of them in the Hotel Zone such as the iconic Ven a La Luz at Boutique Ahau and for a more epic experience, you can book a meal and photo shoot at Tseen-ja by Azulik. The view from the top alone is a must see in Tulum! It is a high-end experience, so if you have a special occasion this will be the place!
8. EXPERIENCING ANCIENT MAYAN RITUALS
Wellness and healing retreats are popular in Tulum and one of the must-do wellness activities is experiencing a traditional Temazcal ceremony led by a Shaman. It’s like a hot sauna sweat lodge but with ancient Mayan traditions, known for its healing powers with chanting, meditation and intention setting.
You can find wellness and rituals all over Tulum, but I recommend Azulik, they have a full-list of ceremonies to check out including one of my favourites the relaxing Cacao Ceremony. It’s all about sipping a traditional cocoa drink in a serene setting, maybe outdoors, while feeling mood-enhancing vibes, plus the setting is gorgeous! Another good spot to check out is Yaan Healing Sanctuary.
9. EXPLORING WILDLIFE AT SIAN KA’AN BIOSPHERE
You may not have heard of it, but Sian Ka’an Biosphere is a protected UNESCO area full of fauna and flora, a lagoon and around 23 Mayan archaeological sights just outside of Tulum. Inside the park, you’ll find dolphins, turtles, and more fish and birds than you can count!
There are many different types of tours to get there, but the most popular activity is Sian Ka’an Boat Tour, it’s operated by a reputable tour company in Tulum and includes 4×4 transport and an expert guide – if you’re a nature lover this trip is for you!
TULUM TIPS
BOOK EARY
Tulum is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico, so booking your favourite hotel in advance is essential. Tulum’s hotels typically have fewer rooms and fill up fast, especially hotels in Tulum with pools and yoga.
ADVANCE TICKETS
Book your tickets online and in advance where possible to avoid waiting in the travel agents in Tulum’s Town. Reserve at least two weeks prior for Tulum’s top experiences and day trips.
To book in advance:
- Tseen-ja by Azulik, best sunset drinks
- Chichen Itza, best day trip from Tulum
- Tulum Ruins, top private guide tour
TULUM FAQ
What is the best month to visit Tulum?
Tulum is an all-year destination, however, the wettest months are June, September and October and the best months are in the low season – November then mid-February until April. The busiest (and most expensive) months are December and January.
What is the weather like in Tulum?
The weather is tropical, warm and humid all year round, with temperatures averaging 76-90 degrees, I would avoid the wet season, June to October!
How to get around Tulum?
Cycling is best in Tulum, bikes are cheap to rent for the day or week and there are plenty of bike racks and parking available along the main Beach Road, Tulum Town and Tulum Ruins! Cycling along the Beach Road is one of the best things to do in Tulum, you’ll find the best boutique shops and coffee stops along here!
Tip! For independent travelling further afield I recommend a car, Discover Cars offers unbeatable deals.
Is Tulum expensive?
Tulum is expensive compared to the rest of Mexico. You will pay top Dollars for beach hotels, restaurants, drinks and taxis. An iced coffee will set you back $12 and a meal $35, the beachfront is highly priced for everything, and Tulum Pueblo is the most affordable area.
Looking to stay on Tulum Beach for a few days? In this guide, 9 Best Beach Hotels In Tulum, I have highlighted the very best hotels for location, facilities and ambience, including two of my favourite stays.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Tulum is much more than a beach escape, there are plenty of attractions in Tulum like Cenotes, Mayan Ruins and Wellness Rituals to keep you entertained and see something unique and new!
The biggest must see in Tulum is undoubtedly the beach, Tulum Ruins, stunning beachfront hotels and the sculptures that are intertwined with cool dining experiences, better still stay at a beachfront hotel in Tulum and everything will be in close proximity!
Liked this post? Please leave a comment in the box below – or you can BUY ME A COFFEE!
Plan your Tulum trip!
Here’s my go-to list of resources for booking flights, accommodation, tours and more:
- Booking.com: For the best hotel rates
- Trip Advisor: The latest reviews & trips
- Viator: For incredible day trips
- Discover Cars: Best car hire
Related Post
LIKED THIS POST? PIN IT!
Must See In Tulum, Mexico | Pin For Later
This post contains affiliate links and I earn a small commission when you make a purchase using the link. This is at no extra cost to you and it allows the site to keep running.