What's to Do in Tulum?

The Mexican Riviera Maya is home to amazing resorts, pristine jungles, long stretches of white sand beaches and more.  The village of Tulum is the traditional end of the area, though recent years have seen promotion of points to the south.  However, the village is home to numerous attractions and is a "must see" for any trip to the area.  Why visit Tulum?  You'll find incredible Mayan ruins, some of the best beaches on the Caribbean and a warm, welcoming people that will make you want to call the area home.

The Caribbean – Bathe in the warm sunshine on Tulum's white sand beach.  Explore the crystalline waters of the Caribbean or surf the waves.  Tulum offers visitors numerous ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the beach and the sea.  There is no breakwater reef here, so the surf is perfect for play, while the crystal clear water is excellent for swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving.  Play on the beach and enjoy the incredible area.

Mayan Ruins – Tulum is home to the only large-scale Mayan ruins on the Caribbean coastline.  Tulum is a Mayan word, meaning "wall," taken from the walled city ruins perched on the rocks above the crystalline waters.  Once, the area served as a defense point; today, it serves as one of the best places to explore the wonder of an ancient civilization.  Explore the ancient temples and walk the steps rising to the colonnade.  In the city square, you can almost hear the vendors hawking their wares in that long ago day.

Sian Kaan Biosphere – 1.3 million acres of pristine wilderness, deserted beaches and quiet surroundings.  Exploring this area is an excellent way to really get away from it all.  If you crave solitude and quiet, this is the place for you.  However, many of the northern beaches (closer to Tulum) are frequently visited by tourists.  You will need to head farther south, or inland to the jungles, to find areas completely untouched.

Tulum Pueblo – This is the place to come for shopping and dining in the area.  While the village is relatively small, you'll find a wide array of options for your enjoyment.  Charlie's is one of the landmark restaurants, though you will find taco stands, bars, nightclubs and much more scattered throughout the area.  Change is a constant here and growth has begun to provide more standardized offerings.  Visitors will still find an intimate atmosphere and warm, welcoming people, though.