Tulum is probably one of the reasons why you've decided to visit this part of Mexico. Think laid back beach paradise with white sands, turquoise waters, jungles teeming with wildlife, Mayan ruins, authentic Mexican and fantastic international cuisine.
Now, where to stay in Tulum?
What most people don't realize is that there are actually two 'Tulums'. Tulum Town and Tulum Beach. You can, of course, walk (about 1 hour) or cycle (20 minutes) between these two locations.
But also worth mentioning is the fact that the atmosphere is obviously quite different in these two different areas.
Tulum Town feels more authentic, less busy and offers better value in terms of accommodation.
Tulum beach is pricier, busier, more touristy and the only Mexicans you'll see here will be the workers of the different hotels and shops. Now if you only have a couple of days in Tulum and all you want to do is relax by the beach and money isn't a problem, then staying closer to the beach is something worth considering.
Let me break it down.
OPT FOR TULUM BEACH IF:
you are planning on spending your days relaxing on the beach
you enjoy all the comforts you usually have back home
you want to practice some yoga
money is not an issue
you don't mind a touristy vibe
OPT FOR TULUM TOWN IF:
you are planning on doing day trips like exploring nearby Mayan ruins, Cenotes and nature reserves
you want to stay somewhere where you can experience the authentic local vibe
you like good deals and want to save some money
you want to try authentic Mexican food
Now that you've got a better idea of where to stay in Tulum, let's find out what are the best things to do.
Explore The Tulum Ruins
You don't need an organized tour to get to the ruins, you can either get there by cab, by bicycle or even walking (make sure you bring plenty of water). This archaeological Mayan site dates back to the13th Century and some of the most famous structures that you'll be able to visit include the Castillo, a castle perched on the cliff edge that was once a watchtower, and the well-preserved Temple of the Frescoes. The ruins are contained in what is a nature reserve. Right before you enter if you wish you can hire the services of a guide.
The Beach At The Tulum Ruins
After checking out the spectacular ruins of Tulum and taking in the beauty of the place, what better than a swim in the beautiful Caribbean Sea? This is a possibility even before you leave the archaeological site as after descending a set of wooden stairs not far from the Castillo, you'll reach Playita Tortuga. Bring your swimming attire. Bear in mind though that this beach is protected during the summer months for nesting sea turtles and you won't be able to swim here during that period of the year.
Si’an Khan Biosphere
About 10 km south of Tulum you find the Si’an Khan Biosphere. The best way to get here is to hire your own vehicle or bike and just follow the dirt road. To one side you'll have the lagoon where different animals live (there are crocodiles here so no swimming) and to the other the Caribbean Sea. There are plenty of viewpoints along the way and opportunities to take some amazing photos.
Visit And Swim In A Cenote
There are plenty of Cenotes (naturally occurring sinkholes) to choose from in the Yucatan Peninsula (CLICK HERE if you want to read more about Cenotes). The main Cenotes you should consider visiting when in Tulum are Cenote Ak Tun Ha or as it's known the Carwash Cenote given it was once used for exactly that, washing cars!
You could also opt for the Gran Cenote which is actually made of multiple Cenote caves and is a great choice if you're into scuba diving, or a bit further out North of Tulum, Cenote Dos Ojos (Two Eyes Cenote) which is also great for scuba diving since it is named like that because of the two sinkholes of 70 meters in diameter connected by a 400-meter long passageway.
Check Playa Paraiso
Tulum’s beach road is split between the north, where there are great public beaches and at the very end impressive Mayan ruins, and south, where all the ecolodges and extravagant resorts with their private beaches are located.
But the public beaches are as beautiful as the private ones. The waters here are an impossible electric blue and the sand is very fine and white almost like chalk. The beach is lined with some decent food and drink options although as you'd expect somewhat expensive. Bring your beach towel, grab a margarita and read that book while you dig your toes into the sand.
Visit Chichen Itza
The most famous Mayan ruins in the whole Yucatán Peninsula, Chichen Itza, is an easy 2-hour drive from Tulum and you should not miss it.
TULUM – CHICHEN ITZA
Bus Line - ADO
Class Travel - 1st Class
Travel Time - 2:20
Cost - 190 pesos
Departure Times - Daily 09:10
CHICHEN ITZA – TULUM
Bus Line - ADO
Class Travel - 1st Class
Travel Time - 2:20
Cost - 190 pesos
Departure Times - Daily 16:30
The bus will drop you off and pick you up from the main entrance to the archaeological park (in Tulum you'll have to get to the ADO bus terminal). There are a lot of buses waiting around the entrance of Chichen Itza so don’t be nervous if the ADO bus isn’t there as it will show up eventually and if in doubt there are plenty of vendors and people about to ask for information.
There are options to visit Chichen Itza on your own.CLICK HERE if you want to find out more information on how to visit Chichen Itza On Your Own.
Eat Some Proper Food In Tulum
If street food is your thing, Tulum won't disappoint you, every night, many street food vendors line the main streets of Tulum town selling decent priced Mexican delicacies (some stalls also specialize in vegetarian food). If there's a small queue of people waiting to be served that's always a good sign. In terms of restaurants serving Mexican food, consider trying Taqueria Don Beto for mouthwatering Mexican tacos or Antojitos la Chiapaneca for more tacos or other Mexican specialities.
For international cuisine, make sure you check 85xciento La Vera Pizza al Taglio for pizza al taglio (pizza by the square) like the one you have in Rome, or El Sudaca Empanadas Argentinas for Argentinian Empanadas, both these options are very affordable.
If upscale dining is your thing or you'd like to impress your partner, then you need to make your way to Tulum beach. Some options which are much talked about here are The Hartwood owned by the American chef Eric Werner, or perhaps you could check the Arca owned by a former Noma chef, Jose Luis Hinostroza.
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