Tulum is one of the premier travel destinations in Mexico. Known for its pristine Caribbean coastline of white sand beaches, historical archaeological sites featuring ruins of the ancient Mayan civilization, unique adventures, and world class dining, there are so many things to see and explore in this charming town nestled in the Yucatan Peninsula. If you’re considering Tulum for your next vacation, check out some of our recommendations for the top three things you don’t want to miss during your trip.
Mayan Archaeological Sites
When traveling to Tulum, many people are drawn to explore the ancient Mayan ruins. What was once a beautiful city inhabited by the indigenous people of Mexico, is now one of the most intriguing archaeological sites in the region. Tulum was the only port city of the Mayan empire and many visitors flock to the Tulum Ruins to get a deeper understanding of the Mayan civilization, the culture, and the remaining structures. El Castillo (the castle), one of the major highlights of the site, catches your attention as soon as you see it due to its grand presence among the rest of the ruins.
BEAUTIFUL CENOTES
No trip to Tulum is complete without taking a swim in one of the beautiful cenotes, which are sinkholes that formed many centuries ago. The cenotes generally provide a serene and peaceful escape, perfect for a day of aquatic exploration in a tucked away location. On the flip side, they can get really crowded at times so it’s usually best to get there early in order to take advantage of the quieter moments. There are different types of cenotes located throughout the Riviera Maya, however, Tulum boasts some of the most intriguing ones to explore. The ones we recommend checking out are Cenote Calavera, Cenote Nicte-Ha, Cenote Dos Ojos, and Gran Cenote, and Cenote Zacil Ha.
STUNNING BEACHES ALONG THE CARIBBEAN SEA
Outside of the cenotes and ancient archaeological sites, Tulum is an enchanting beach town, featuring some of the most immaculate beaches you can find in the Mexican state, Quintana Roo. Travelers opting for a day of relaxation or swimming in the Caribbean, have several options to choose. Paradise Beach has great proximity to the Tulum Ruins and has great offerings, including a restaurant and bar plus umbrella and beach chair rentals. To heighten the relaxation, you can also get a massage right on the beach from a massage therapist.
For a less crowded, more secluded beach day, Playa Las Palmas is a great option. It doesn’t feature all of the commercial bells and whistles found at Paradise Beach, however, it just as beautiful and perfect for a nice, relaxing day.
While Tulum is not the party destination that Cancun is known to be, there are so many great things this growing hotspot has to offer travelers looking to embark upon a nice Mexican getaway. Whether planning a solo adventure, couples vacation, or group trip, Tulum is guaranteed to provide a distinctive and captivating experience for all to enjoy.
