2024-06-17
Here’s everything you need to know about what to do and see in Tulum, Mexico, the archaeological complex on the Yucatán Peninsula.
Discover the essence of Tulum, a treasure in the Riviera Maya of Mexico, where ancient Mayan history meets the natural beauty of the Caribbean Sea.
In this post, I’ll share information based on my own experience of what to do in Tulum.
I had the opportunity to explore the Tulum Archaeological Complex during a cruise stop and was captivated by the beauty of the Mayan ruins.
Get ready for a journey through time as we walk among the seaside ruins, where the grandeur of Mayan architecture harmonizes with the stunning coastal landscape.
Additionally, I’ll highlight other unforgettable experiences in Tulum, from exploring crystal-clear cenotes to relaxing on pristine beaches.
I’ll also provide suggestions for activities in this region of Mexico on rainy days, which are quite common in this area.
Join me and discover what makes Tulum a unique destination.
Best Things To Do and Visit in Tulum, Mexico
Visiting the Archaeological Zone of Tulum (Tulum Ruins)
The Tulum Archaeological Complex was an ancient walled Maya city. In fact, it was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya.
The city reached its peak in the 13th and 15th centuries, but it was only inhabited for about 70 years after the arrival of the Spanish.
It appears that the native population began to die from diseases brought by the Europeans, leading to the collapse of society.
Exploring the magnificent beaches of Tulum
Exploring the beaches of Tulum is an unforgettable experience. Among my favorite beaches are:
Playa Paraíso, as the name suggests, is a true paradise by the sea, with crystal-clear waters and white sands that invite relaxing moments.
Playa Pescadores, on the other hand, offers calm waters and rustic charm, perfect for those seeking a more authentic atmosphere.
Lastly, but certainly not least, Playa Ruinas, located next to the Mayan ruins, provides a unique experience combining history and natural beauty.
Each of these beaches in Tulum has its own unique charm, making it difficult to choose just one favorite beach.
I am certain that each of these beaches will offer moments of pure serenity, surrounded by the splendid Caribbean coast.
Shopping in Playa Del Carmen
Although I don’t usually go overboard with shopping while traveling, Mexico offers plenty of worthwhile items to buy.
I enjoy the hustle and bustle of Playa Del Carmen to peek into shops and storefronts, with my favorites being:
- Quinta Avenida: The main shopping destination, full of shops, boutiques, and local markets offering everything from handmade crafts to international brands.
- Mercado de Artesanato: Ideal for those who prefer authenticity, this market offers many Mexican handmade items such as ceramics, colorful fabrics, and jewelry.
- Centro Maya: A shopping mall with various stores including clothing, electronics, and sporting goods, providing a modern shopping experience.
- Plaza Las Américas: Another popular shopping center with a diverse selection of stores, as well as restaurants and entertainment options.
By the way, for the ladies, beach dresses in Playa Del Carmen are often very beautiful and affordable! It’s a tip for anyone looking to take advantage.
Diving into amazing cenotes
Cenotes are natural sinkholes formed by the collapse of limestone rocks, revealing underground pools.
Tulum, Mexico, is one of the most incredible places to see them.
For the Maya civilization, these formations held sacred significance, believed to be portals to the underworld known as Xibalbá. Maya people considered diving into these cenotes a way to communicate with the gods.
Tulum boasts several amazing cenotes, each with its own beauty and character. Here are some of the most well-known:
Cenote Carwash, also known as Aktun-Ha, features crystal-clear waters and rich underwater fauna. Casa Cenote stands out for its connection to the ocean through underground channels. Cenote Zacil-Ha is renowned for its tranquil waters and lush surroundings.
Additionally, cenotes like Dos Ojos, Corazón, Azul Tulum, Suytun, and Calavera offer unique experiences, from underwater caves to open cenotes surrounded by jungle.
What to do in Tulum when it rains?
Rain in Tulum is quite frequent, as those lush green tones require plenty of rainfall to remain so vibrant.
The good news is that typically, rain showers in Tulum, Mexico, last about half an hour to an hour before the sun returns.
Nevertheless, there are still enjoyable activities to do on these cloudy days when rain is almost certain.
Rainy days are perfect for visiting museums, and my suggestion is the 3D Museum of Wonders in Playa del Carmen.
Another very interesting activity in Tulum on rainy days is to take a Mexican cooking workshop! Learn to prepare typical Mexican dishes to reminisce about dream vacations when you return home.
Another relaxing option is to indulge in a day at the spa. Many hotels and resorts in Tulum have luxurious spas where you can pamper yourself with a massage or body treatment.
If your hotel doesn’t offer these activities, look for nearby resorts as there are likely places where you can enjoy a relaxing massage while waiting for the rain to pass.
Our experience on a tour to Tulum aboard the MSC cruise
The storm continued. When it finally cleared, we realized that our departure for Playa del Carmen was only delayed by 30 minutes. Not too bad! We traveled to Tulum by bus, and upon arrival, we rushed to buy insect repellent as mosquitoes wouldn’t leave us alone.
Our guide was experienced and talked non-stop. Almost without realizing it, we drifted away from the group to take photos and “feel” the place without distractions.
Coincidentally, the solstice had occurred in the early hours of that day. One of the buildings constructed by the Maya has an opening through which sunlight passes during the solstice. It must have been a spectacular sight to witness!
Before concluding, I’d also like to mention that despite enjoying the tour, we felt it was very rushed. Additionally, we ended up losing time traveling between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
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