So, you’ve finally booked that flight to Tulum — congrats! You’re now officially on a one-way journey to sun-kissed beaches, ancient ruins, overpriced smoothies, and enough boho vibes to last you a lifetime. But wait — before you arrive in your wide-brimmed hat and Instagram aspirations, let’s make sure you know what to actually do once you get there.
Because while Tulum may be paradise, it can also be a little… confusing. Should you be meditating in a jungle dome? Partying under the moon? Floating in a cenote? Eating $3 tacos or $30 ceviche? (Yes.)
This guide is your no-nonsense, slightly sarcastic, occasionally spiritual roadmap to things to do in Tulum, Mexico — written by someone who’s been sunburnt, scammed, soul-cleansed, and totally smitten by this slice of Caribbean chaos.
🏛️ Visit the Tulum Ruins (A.K.A. Mayan Real Estate Goals)
Perched dramatically above the Caribbean Sea, the Tulum Ruins look like a setting from a Mayan Game of Thrones episode. Built around 1200 AD, this fortress-city was once a hub of trade and astronomy. Now? It’s that place on Instagram with the blue ocean backdrop and ancient stone walls that make you feel wiser by association.
Don’t miss:
- El Castillo, the main pyramid (no, you can’t climb it—yes, it’s still majestic).
- The Temple of the Frescoes with traces of Mayan murals.
- Iguanas doing their best tourist impressions (they’re everywhere).
🎟 Entry Fee: Entry is now around USD 5 (plus extra for camera usage
🕗 Best time: Right when it opens (8 AM). Sunburn and selfie sticks increase exponentially by noon.
🏖️ Hit the Beaches Like You Were Born in a Sarong
Tulum’s beaches aren’t just pretty—they’re on a whole other level of stunning.
Top Picks:
- Playa Paraíso: The name isn’t sarcastic—white sand, clear water, and postcard energy.
- Playa Ruinas: Where the ruins literally overlook the waves. Bring goggles—you’ll want to snorkel.
- Las Palmas Beach: Less crowded, more “I’m not a tourist, I’m a boho mermaid” vibe.
🩴 Bonus Tip: Some beaches have day passes via hotels, so bring cash if you want to rent a lounger and pretend you live here.
💧 Dive Into Cenotes: Mexico’s Natural Infinity Pools
Cenotes are like the secret swimming holes Indiana Jones would’ve loved—underground, crystal clear, and sometimes inside caves.
Splash-Worthy Favorites:
- Gran Cenote: Turtles, caverns, sunlight beams. Classic.
- Cenote Calavera: Three small holes = one big adventure. Nicknamed “The Skull.” Spooky-cool.
- Cenote Dos Ojos: Translating to “Two Eyes,” it’s a cavern lover’s dream and a favorite of divers.
💡 Bring: A dry bag, snorkel gear, and humility. You’re swimming in ancient groundwater, not a Vegas pool.
🌿 Explore the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: AKA The Earth Is Awesome
Welcome to 1.3 million acres of protected wonder. Sian Ka’an is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and your best chance to see dolphins, manatees, and crocodiles in the wild (and hopefully not all at once).
🚤 Activities:
- Boat rides through mangroves.
- Float down ancient Mayan canals.
- Spot over 300 bird species.
🎒 Tip: Use a certified eco-tour operator like Community Tours Sian Ka’an.
🚴♂️ Bike Through Tulum Town
Here’s a secret: not everything in Tulum has to cost $50 and involve a crystal. Rent a bike in Tulum Pueblo (the town), where tacos are cheap, shops are vibrant, and murals add the color Instagram filters wish they had.
What to Do in the Pueblo:
- Grab street tacos from Taquería Honorio or Antojitos La Chiapaneca.
- Shop for handcrafted blankets, macramé, or that one-of-a-kind hat you’ll never wear again but had to buy.
- Visit the Tulum Art Club for exhibitions, matcha lattes, and art people saying “vibe” a lot.
🚲 Rent bikes from Ola Bike Tulum or Iguana Bike Tulum.
🛶 Take a Dip at Laguna Kaan Luum
This circular lagoon has shallow emerald water around a deep cenote center that looks like an eyeball from above—creepy, yes, but mostly dreamy.
🛝 Things to do:
- Swim or float (no diving into the cenote core—it’s deep and off-limits).
- Bring a picnic.
- Snap drone photos if you’re the designated photographer friend.
🎟 Entry Fee: About 300 MXN (~ USD 16 as of 2025).
🐢 Swim With Sea Turtles in Akumal
Just 30 minutes north of Tulum lies Akumal Bay, where you can snorkel with green sea turtles. It’s magical, moving, and mildly awkward (turtles will totally ignore your existence).
🎒 Must-know:
- You must wear a life vest by law.
- Guided tours are recommended to avoid harming turtles.
- NO TOUCHING. Seriously, let the turtles vibe.
🛍️ Shop the Boho Dream
Whether you’re into crystals, candles, or just really chic sarongs, Tulum’s got a boutique (or ten) for you.
Tulum’s shops are basically Pinterest IRL.
Must-visits:
- Mr. Blackbird – Men’s beachwear and vibes.
- La Troupe – Handmade everything.
- Hoki Poki – Statement jewelry with a story.
- Mixik – Colorful folk art for your “I-actually-traveled” shelf.
🚫 Just don’t ask how much anything costs unless you’re emotionally ready.
🌳 Jungle Yoga & Wellness Retreats: Detox Your Inbox
Tulum isn’t just about sandy toes—it’s a mecca for soul-soothing yoga and eco-lux wellness.
Favorite Spots:
- Yaan Healing Sanctuary: Jungle setting + essential oils + sound therapy = out-of-body calm.
- Sanará Tulum: Oceanfront yoga shala, plant-based food, and detox smoothies that taste like enlightenment.
- Holistika: Yoga, temazcal, art walks, vegan bowls, and the chance to say, “I had an awakening in Tulum.”
🌟 Pro tip: Book classes early. Some items sell out quickly during high season.
🍲 Tulum’s Foodie Scene: From Taco Stands to Jungle Kitchens
You haven’t really visited Tulum until you’ve eaten something that made you tear up a little.
Eat Like a (Hungry) Local:
- Taqueria La Eufemia: Cheap tacos, reggae beats, and barefoot beach views.
- Hartwood: Wood-fired magic. The menu changes daily. Bring cash and patience.
- Safari: Glamping meets gastronomy in a converted Airstream. Rustic chic.
- Tulum Art Club Café: Art, espresso, croissants, and artists in flip-flops.
🚗 Don’t miss the street food carts near the municipal building for the real MVPs: tamales, marquesitas, and $1 tacos.
🏰 Mayan Cultural Day Trips: Explore Beyond the Beach
Ready to go deeper than Instagram stories? Head inland to these cultural goldmines:
- Cobá Ruins: Rent a bike and ride through jungle-covered ruins. You used to be able to climb Nohoch Mul (the tallest pyramid in Yucatán).
- Muyil Ruins + Lagoon: Underrated ruins + float down canals once used by ancient Maya.
- Valladolid: A pastel-colored colonial town with cenotes, churros, and charm by the bucket.
📎 Tip: Book a local guide. They bring the stories, not just the steps.
🌌 Stargazing & Bio-Luminescent Tours: Light Show Included
Night-time Magic:
- Head out to Punta Allen on a clear night for zero light pollution and major Milky Way drama.
- Join a boat tour to Laguna Kaan Luum or Sian Ka’an when the bioluminescence kicks in. It’s like swimming in glitter… nature’s glitter.
🔮 Best done on new moon nights for max sparkle.
⛵️ Adventure Sports in Tulum: Because Beach Lounging Gets Old
If you’ve got an adrenaline itch, Tulum’s got the scratch.
Thrill List:
- Kitesurfing at Playa Paraiso: With strong coastal winds, Tulum is a world-class spot to harness some air.
- Scuba Diving in Cenotes: Explore underwater caves with eerie blue light. (Certified divers only.)
- Stand-up Paddleboarding at sunrise: Start your day zen, but with a core workout.
- Snorkeling at Soliman Bay: Quiet waters, colorful reef, and turtles if you’re lucky.
🎣 Top operators include Extreme Control, Koox Diving, and MexiDivers.
✅ Quick Survival Tips for First-Timers
- Wi-Fi is a suggestion, not a promise. Be present (and pre-download your maps).
- ATMs can be moody. Bring pesos or visit a bank.
- Tulum’s not cheap. Think LA prices with Caribbean views. Budget accordingly.
- Don’t flush toilet paper. Just don’t. There’s a trash bin for that.
- Eco-everything. Skip plastic, wear reef-safe sunscreen, and respect the land. It’s sacred to locals.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔒 Is Tulum safe to visit in 2025?
Yes, generally. Tulum is tourist-friendly, especially in the hotel zones and main areas. Use standard travel smarts: avoid isolated spots at night, don’t flash valuables, and don’t leave your beach bag screaming, “I trust everyone!”
🚗 Do I need a car in Tulum?
Not unless you’re planning lots of day trips. Bikes, taxis, colectivos, and your own two adventurous feet are perfect for most of Tulum.
🚫 Is Tulum too expensive now?
Let’s just say: Tulum used to be a backpacker’s dream… now it’s a boho-luxe playground.
Budget travelers can survive (hostels, tacos, and bike rentals FTW), but upscale beach clubs and jungle villas will definitely test your credit limit.
🏕️ Are cenotes safe to swim in?
Yes—most are crystal clear, well-maintained, and magical. Just follow the posted rules and don’t treat them like a water park.
☀️ When’s the best time to visit Tulum?
November to April. Dry, breezy, and beautiful. Summer = hot and humid with possible rain (but fewer tourists and better deals).
🔄 So, Why Is Tulum Worth It in 2025?
Because it’s wild, weird, beautiful, slightly chaotic, and full of experiences you just can’t script. One minute you’re eating tacos in a hut, the next you’re meditating in a cenote. It’s equal parts Instagram and introspection. And if you do it right? You’ll go home sunburned, soul-fed, and with a new appreciation for jungle Wi-Fi.
🧳 Conclusion:
Let’s be real: Tulum isn’t just a destination, it’s a vibe. One minute you’re floating in a sacred cenote, the next you’re paying $15 for a green juice that tastes like regret. But once you settle into its rhythm — barefoot mornings, salty hair, taco-stained shirts — you’ll see why people can’t shut up about it.
Whether you’re diving into ancient history or diving into guac, the things to do in Tulum will keep you curious, sun-dazed, and maybe just a little spiritually confused (in a good way).
And if you’re still figuring out how to get there, what paperwork you need, or whether your passport is quietly judging you — swing by Get Visa Info. We’ll help you navigate visas, immigration, travel tips, and the occasional food warning. You’re welcome.
