Katrina Julia

Jul 18, 202112 min read

Top 10 Tulum, Mexico Things to Do

Updated: Jul 21, 2021

Whether you will be spending One Day in Tulum, Mexico, week, a month, or 3+ months like I did, you will love the beach, nature, and bohemian vibes all around.

When I glanced at pictures on Instagram of Ven a La Luz, Azulik, or Kaan Luum, or learned via resources like Tripping with my BFF, I knew I wanted to stay in Tulum longer during my travel to 7 Continents.

From the moment I arrived at my Mayan Jungle Cabana Airbnb, I was blown away with the peace and quiet in the jungle, as well as the limitless adventures to explore all around me like the best Cenotes nearby!

My Top 10 Tulum, Mexico Things to Do includes Cenotes, Beach, Art Museums, Ruins, World's Best Gym, Ruins, and foodie experiences!

Tulum, Mexico

Tulum, Mexico surprised me in many ways during my three month stay! Tulum went above and beyond my expectations with what I saw online with blogs and Instagram in some ways.

I learned a lot about the history and growth of Tulum, Mexico from a small village of less than a 100 people in the 60s to a population of over 40,000 with millions of visitors from all around the globe in 2019.

It's grown tremendously in every way with people, tourism, experiences, and sustainability. If you want to learn more, I share more on the history of Tulum, fun facts, and what I like and don't like in my One Day in Tulum, Mexico Itinerary to Transform and Travel.

Tulum, Mexico Stay for 3 Months

For my visit to Tulum, Mexico, I stayed at a Mayan Jungle Cabana in the Jungle via Airbnb.

The peaceful stay in the middle of the jungle and the owner, Diana are amazing in every way!

All shots are my own on Canon EOSM100, Sony A330, and/or my iPhone 12 Mini or via Airbnb.

Tulum, Mexico in Under 60 Seconds

Yes, I may have spent 3 Months in Tulum, Mexico in 2021. At the same time, I may still condense the experience in under 60 seconds! You are welcome!

Top 10 Tulum, Mexico Things to Do

You will find limitless things to do in Tulum, Mexico. Originally, I envisioned hours on the beach. Like life sometimes, my plans with my time on the beach changed with the seaweed problem during my time in Tulum.

This opened up possibilities for more time in nature outdoors with Cenotes, Art Museums, biking around Tulum, Ruins and foodie experiences to name a few! I loved visiting world famous Ven a La Luz, Azulik Sfer Ik Art Museum, and the Worlds Best Gym - Tulum Jungle Gym! Not to mention, immersing myself literally in the Best Cenotes in Tulum and nearby!

I am sharing what I experienced, and logistical things to consider in planning your visit. This is something I keep in mind always to save time and money whether you are taking Collectivos or biking around Tulum, If you are in Tulum for a short stay, I would recommend renting a car over taking Taxis. Keep in mind there are no Ubers here as of July 21, and the taxis are more expensive than other places in Mexico. I share more insights on the One Day in Tulum, Mexico guide.

In putting together the Top 10 in Tulum, Mexico, I considered how I would experience the place knowing what I know now, and to make it easy, efficient and enjoyable!

1 Bike Around Tulum, Mexico

A great way to jump start your experience in Tulum is to bike around your first day towards South Beach. It is a great experience to have anywhere in the world plus it helps you get and stay healthy in Tulum like a boss!

I recommend you plan biking to South Beach in Tulum for a weekday. On the weekends, South Beach may get crowded with traffic especially on Sundays. From the center of town to exploring South Beach, you will bike 3 to 7 km / 2 to 5 miles ish one way. With stops along the way, it is easily doable!

On a weekend, you could bike from Tulum Center to Cenote Cristal, Escondido, Kaan Luum Lagoon to name a few!

My Mayan Jungle Cabana offered a bike with my stay. Whether you stay here or not, many places in Tulum include bike rentals. It is easy to rent a bike as well near Ado Bus Station in Tulum Center.

With that in mind, I recommend starting from either Mini Tulum if you stay here and/or from Tulum Center and going straight down the main road or a side parallel street to explore Tulum Pueblo. From there, you may bike to the main road that leads to North and South Beach.

Along your route, you will see Tulum Center, Tulum Pueblo, and Tulum Beach. From the center of town to the road to the beach, Tulum is shaped like an L. Once you realize this, it becomes easier to navigate. From there, you may continue further on to South Beach to the right or head to North Beach to the free beach or ruins to the left.

If you head towards the beach from the center, you will cross Instagram worthy spots like Eat at Liefs and Aloft Hotel and Atico Rooftop Pool. When you first get to Tulum, using Eat at Liefs for your navigation will get you to the main bike-able path to take to North and South Beach.

If you head the opposite direction from the center of town, you may discover Holistika Tulum, Ajal Treehouse, Cenote Cristal + Escondido, Cenote Corazon, and Kaan Luum Lagoon all along your path!

I shared these in the order you would see them biking from the center of town. If you are biking from my Mayan Jungle Cabana, Holistika, Ajal TreeHouse, and Cenote Cristal + Escondido would be to the left of the cabana headed towards Tulum. In comparison, Cenote Corazon and Kaan Luum would be to the right of the cabana. These are other great itineraries for One Day in Tulum, Mexico or more!

It is important to point out that there is an additional road to go towards Playa Del Carmen and Cancun where you will find Cenotes like Gran Cenote along your route, as well as Mystika Tulum Museum and Tulum Ruins!

Whether you spend One Day in Tulum, Mexico or longer, biking is a MUST*!

*Unless you have physical disabilities or inabilities to bike etc

2 Kaan Luum Lagoon

Kaan Luum Lagoon is one of the best Cenotes in Tulum to visit. It is beautiful, unique and photoworthy places i have visited.

The majority of the lagoon is less than 3 feet deep with beautiful green emerald water, swings, hammocks, and piers. It is great for a solo, group, and family visit. It is easy to spend hours or a full day here.

In the middle of the lagoon is a blue Cenote over 50 meters deep! There are Palapas on the shore to relax in, viewpoints, and a hut that sells coconuts and coco preparados with salsa, tahein and lime!

3 Ven a La Luz

Ven a La Luz is one of those "Did You Even Go to Tulum" if you don't visit. The statue is permanently installed at the entrance of Ahau Hotel. It is designed by South African Artist, Daniel Hopper and his team.

It definitely is photo and Instagram worthy towering over the middle of Tulum South Beach Hotel Zone in the middle of the beach and bohemian vibes.

A great way to visit is to bike from Tulum Center about 3 to 4 miles in the morning before the heat and crowds. In July 2021, I visited in the middle of a weekday, and waited about 10 minutes to take the picture and video to give you perspective.

4 World's Best Beach Gym - Tulum Jungle Gym

Once you get done getting your Instagram worthy shot at Ven a La Luz, you will love visiting the World's Best Gym! Move over Fred Flinstone, Tulum Jungle Gym is in town at the beach! In 2017, Alistair and Katie Davies, Fitness professionals and entrepreneurs cast a vision and made it a reality.

Not only is this gym outdoors at Tulum South Beach, the majority of the equipment is made from wood, bamboo, and stone! Men's Health named this gym the World's Best for great reason!!

When I visited in July 2021, I didn't monkey around and my workout rocked! Whether you are visiting for One Day in Tulum or more, you will love it!

Once your done hanging out with Fred Flintstone and Donkey Kong, you will love stopping by Raw Love back at Ahau Hotel for a coffee, smoothie, or smoothie bowl! I loved their Chia pudding!

5 Tulum, Mexico Beach Visit

You may decide to visit the Beach at North Beach for free or visit Tulum Ruins. While I didn't yet experience the traditional Tulum Beach, I imagine this is a great option when there is no seaweed! Another reason for me to come back and visit Tulum!

If you do decide to go to North Beach, you may want to stop first at Azulik Sfer Ik. I share more below.

If you rather stay along South Beach, a great option is to stop at Hotel Delek. It is calm and relaxing.

While you are biking back, you will see Hotel Delek on your right with great views, food, and WiFi! I did stop here for coworking, tacos, and doing a beachside workout!

6 Visit Azulik in Tulum South Beach and/or in Mayan Jungle

As you continue exploring South Beach's bohemian vibes in Tulum, Mexico, a great stop is Azulik in Tulum. Azulik aims to reconnect people and tribes with themselves, one another, and the environment.

You may experience Azulik at Tulum Beach or Uh May at Francisco Uh May on the way to Coba with a visit surrounding art, gastronomy (food), healing, and / or a stay. In July 2021, I visited Sfer Ik at Tulum Beach. I believe the $10 USD for the museum is well worth it.

7 Coba Ruins Near Tulum, Mexico

While many rave about Tulum Ruins, I opted for going to Coba Ruins first because it is off the beaten path, close to beautiful Cenotes, and has the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan!

It is easy to visit about 30 min from Tulum, Mexico and is a great half day or Day Trip near Tulum. It is easy to navigate for less than $15 by taking a bus or Collectivo from Tulum.

8 Choo Ha Cenote

If you didn't know, there are over 6,000 Cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. While you will find many people raving on Instagram about the best Cenotes in Tulum, I found the Cenotes near Coba to be some of my favorite so far.

Choo Ha Cenote, and two other Cenotes nearby Coba are less known, spectacular, and less expensive. Three great reasons to have them in your Top 10 Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico.

9 Day Trips near Tulum, Mexico

In addition to Coba Ruins and Cenotes, there are numerous options for Day Trips near Tulum, Mexico you will love! While I have visited Mexico 5+ times, I keep finding reasons to keep coming back! Anyone else?

You may decide to visit these beautiful places for Day Trips near Tulum, Mexico or your next destination in Mexico!

Holbox Island

Holbox Island is incredibly beautiful. It is a dream come true. My last time in Mexico in 2019 before this trip, I visited Holbox on a Airbnb Adventure. Even if you have a little bit of time, this is high on my list of worthy day trips in Mexico!

Valladolid

Valladolid is a beautiful colonial town that is walkable, nearby Cenotes, and one of the 7 Wonders of the World. On my last visit, I spent a day in Valladolid. I am going back in 2021 for longer to Valladolid to experience nearby Cenotes and Chichen Itza!

Pink Lakes

The pink lakes are unlike any place you will ever visit. It is important to know that when you visit that is your main attraction making it easy to visit Pink Lakes in Mexico for one day! It is a fishing village and working salt factory.

Isla Mujeres

I visited Isla Mujeres in 2019 and loved it. The island is small, walkable in many parts, and Playa Norte is amazing! I highly recommend adding Isla Mujeres for a day trip or longer in Mexico!

Cancun

I visited Cancun for the first time in 2001. When I recently visited in 2019, it has changed a ton! Depending on what you love, you may love One Day in Cancun!

Playa Del Carmen

I love to visit Playa Del Carmen for the day to see the church, Fundadores monument, walk 5th avenue, and listen to the ocean! From Tulum, it is easy to take a Collectivo all day for 50 pesos, or an Ado Bus for about 100 pesos (as of July 2021).

As I explore more places in Mexico in 2021, I will share more ideas for Day Trips near Tulum!

10 Foodie Favorites in Tulum, Mexico

Last, but definitely not least, the food does NOT disappoint in Tulum!

Top Row: From left to right - Taco Stands, Rincon Chapianeco, Burrito Amor, Street Food like Coco Preparado, Hotel Kaab Tulum, Co Con Amor, Eat at Liefs, Raw Love

Taco Stands

Tulum offers countless taco stand options! I found them to be sanitary and include sanitizer.

Some of my favorites include taco stands near Ado Bus Station, and Chedraui Grocery Store. You will find countless vegan, vegetarian and meat options!

Prices range at about 12 to 30 pesos or less than a dollar per taco to about $2 USD per taco!

El Rincon Chiapaneco

This is one of my favorites in Tulum! The food is amazing, the juices incredible, and the prices out of this world! My favorite juices are the green juices and speciality juice Nuva! They are located close by to Ado Tulum Center Bus Station.

For about $5, you may get a full plate and liter of juice! Amazing!

Burrito Amor

Burrito Amor in Tulum near the Center. I read about it on Trip Advisor and loved my vegetarian burrito and green juice! They are near the center of town going towards Cenote Cristal + Escondido. You may enter them in Google Maps or Waze.

The average price will be about $10 USD for a burrito and juice.

Street Food

I love coconuts, fruit cups, and Coco Preparado at food stands with coconut sliced with salsa, tahein and lime! I found this easy to get at Kaan Luum Lagoon and Playa Del Carmen.

The price for a fresh coconut to drink later sliced to eat with the toppings is 60 pesos/about $3 USD!

Hotel Kaab Tulum

I discovered this amazing place by accident biking around Tulum Center near Chedraui Grocery Store. You may enter them in Google Maps or Waze. They have a beautiful outdoor space, pool, and great WiFi! It is a great place to unplug and/or cowork!

The average price for Ceviche and a coffee is $12 USD.

Co Con Amor

I found this place on Google researching outdoor and coworking spots! The ambiance and outdoor space is super chill! The food is amazing! The WiFi is great! I have visited countless times getting the traditional breakfast, tofu bowl, quinoa porridge, and more!

The average price is about $10-$12 USD for a meal and juice/coffee.

Eat at Liefs

I found out about Eat at Liefs via Instagram via @thatblondebikinigirl. During my 3 months in Tulum, I have visited here 3 times already! I have enjoyed their mushroom all veggie burger, breakfast tacos, and yummy iced coffee so far!

The average price is about $10-$15 USD for meal and juice/coffee.

Raw Love

I found out about Raw Love via numerous people on Instagram like @tourdelust and @christinagalbato. I loved my Chai and Chia pudding when I visited!

The average price is about $10 - $15 USD for a smoothie/pudding/bowl and coffee/tea.

Matcha Mama

I found out about Raw Love via numerous people on Instagram like @tourdelust and @christinagalbato.

I spent $5USD for a coconut + tumeric juice in July 2021.

Are you hungry yet?

Top 10 Things to Do: Tulum, Mexico

Tulum, Mexico has limitless options to do from biking to the beach, Cenotes, Art Museums, Day Trips, World's Best Gym, Instagrammable spots, foodie experiences and much more!

What activities interests you to do for Top 10 Tulum, Mexico Things to Do.

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