Tulum - Things to do

Perched on cliffs above the Caribbean, the Tulum Mayan ruins are one of the most scenic archaeological sites in Mexico. The temples overlook turquoise water and were once an important coastal trading port. It’s one of the most iconic things to do in Tulum. Read our post.

Hidden in the jungle, the Cobá Mayan ruins are known for their towering pyramids and ancient stone roads called sacbeob. The vast archaeological site can be explored by walking or cycling through the forest. It’s one of the best Mayan ruin sites near Tulum. Read our post.

One of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, Chichén Itzá was once a major Mayan city in the Yucatán. Highlights include the iconic El Castillo pyramid and the Great Ball Court. It’s generally considered the most impressive Mayan ruin site in Mexico. Read our post.

Just north of Tulum, Akumal Beach is one of the best places in the Riviera Maya to snorkel with wild sea turtles. The shallow bay’s seagrass beds attract turtles that can often be seen feeding calmly underwater. Read our post. Photo credit.

The small beach town of Akumal is home to an unexpected collection of colorful street murals. Painted across walls and buildings, many artworks celebrate marine life, Mayan culture, and the region’s connection to the sea. Read our post.

Hidden in the jungle, Holistika’s Art Walk is a winding outdoor gallery filled with colorful murals and installations by international artists. The path moves through tropical forest, blending contemporary art with the natural surroundings. Read our post.

Tulum has a growing plant-based food scene, and a vegan food tour is a great way to explore it. You’ll visit several local spots while learning about regional ingredients and modern plant-based Mexican cuisine. It’s a delicious way to discover vegan food in Tulum.

The Yucatán Peninsula is famous for its cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater. Around Tulum you’ll find dozens, from open swimming holes to cave cenotes hidden underground. Read our post.

SFER IK Uh May, also known as the City of Arts, is a surreal museum set deep in the jungle outside Tulum. Its flowing wooden walkways and sculptural architecture create one of the most unusual art spaces in Mexico. It was our absolute favorite experience in the area. Read our post.

Located in Tulum’s hotel zone, SFER IK Tulum is the museum’s second location featuring the same organic architecture. It’s a fascinating stop for anyone interested in art and architecture in Tulum. Read our post.

SFER IK Basin, also called Jardín Encantado, is an outdoor extension of the SFER IK project filled with sculptural installations set in lush gardens. The space also hosts a fascinating seed bank focused on biodiversity and preservation. Read our post.

Tulum is home to a growing collection of colorful street art, with murals scattered across town and along the beach road. Many pieces celebrate Mayan heritage, nature, and the region’s connection to the sea. It’s a great way to experience Tulum’s art scene. Read our post.

Just south of Tulum, Bacalar is a laid-back town famous for the Laguna de los Siete Colores, a freshwater lagoon known for its stunning shades of blue. Visitors come to swim, kayak, and relax along the calm shoreline. It’s one of the most beautiful weekend trips from Tulum. Photo credit.

Part of a vast UNESCO-protected nature reserve, Sian Kaʼan offers quiet lagoons, mangroves, and incredible wildlife. Kayaking through its calm waterways lets you explore this unique ecosystem at a slow pace. It’s one of the most unforgettable nature experiences near Tulum. Photo credit.

The Akumal Monkey Sanctuary rescues and cares for monkeys, parrots, snakes, and other animals that can no longer live in the wild. Guided visits introduce the sanctuary’s residents while explaining their conservation work. Photo credit.

One of the most famous cenotes near Tulum, Cenote Dos Ojos is known for its crystal-clear water. Divers come to explore its caverns, stalactites, and glowing blue passages. It’s a spectacular place to experience cenote diving in the Riviera Maya. Photo credit.

Just south of Tulum, Laguna de Kaan Luum is a shallow lagoon known for its striking turquoise water and central cenote. Wooden docks stretch into the calm lagoon, making it a peaceful place to swim and relax. Photo credit.

Hidden in the jungle outside Tulum, Bejil-Ha Ancestral Waters is a small eco-park centered around a sacred cenote and traditional Mayan practices. Visitors can swim in clear freshwater, walk forest trails, and learn about ancestral relationships with water. Photo credit.

Just offshore from Tulum lies the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. Divers come to explore vibrant coral formations, tropical fish, and occasional sea turtles or rays. It’s an incredible scuba diving experiences in the Riviera Maya. Photo credit.

The Muyil Mayan ruins are one of the oldest sites along the Riviera Maya, with temples rising above the surrounding jungle. The site was closed during our visit, but it’s still considered a fascinating place to explore Mayan ruins near Tulum. Photo credit.