Located in front of the Caribbean sea in the Mayan Riviera, this is arguably the most photographed archaeological zone in all of Mexico, due to its merely incredible location, the contrast that occurs when you see the imposing ruins and the beauty of the sea that extends behind them, Makes it a must-see spot with no doubt.

This reserve is just magnificent, as is the Archaeological Zone that we mentioned before, one of the best destinations to visit in Tulum.

The surface of this protected natural area,  located in the municipalities of Tulum and Felipe Carrillo Puerto, is spread over 528 thousand hectares. Get ready for one of the best ecoadventures ever as this pristine protected area is home for cenotes, sandbanks, mangroves, and very rich in fauna and flora. It’s also home for over 20 Mayan communities. This natural jewel was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, and the amount of activities you can do here is considerable. Definitely one of the best experiences that Tulum offers.

With an extension of about one thousand kilometers long, the great Mayan reef or also called the Mesoamerican Reef System, is one of the meccas for those who practice scuba diving due to its wealth of marine biodiversity and extension. This is is one of the best activities in Tulum and actually in the whole world; if you are a diving aficionado, you cannot miss it. Amaze with its more than 65 types of stony corals and the biodiversity which includes barracudas, sea turtles, rays, moray eels and a great variety of species.

The municipality of Tulum and the surrounding areas are packed with loads of cenotes, these are incredible aquatic bodies that are formed by the slow dissolution of the surface mantle of limestone by the effect of the rains. The Mayans believed that the cenotes were the entrance to the underworld.  When visiting Tulum, you can swim or dive in many of them, such as The Cenote Dos Ojos (two eyes) which was named after its two cavities that resemble the eyes of a colossal monster. This cenote is part of a system of underwater caves of over 60 km long, a paradise for diving. 

The municipality of Tulum and the surrounding areas are packed with loads of cenotes, these are incredible aquatic bodies that are formed by the slow dissolution of the surface mantle of limestone by the effect of the rains. The Mayans believed that the cenotes were the entrance to the underworld.  When visiting Tulum, you can swim or dive in many of them, such as The Cenote Dos Ojos (two eyes) which was named after its two cavities that resemble the eyes of a colossal monster. This cenote is part of a system of underwater caves of over 60 km long, a paradise for diving. 

The carnival is one of the most beautiful celebrations in the Riviera Maya, especially those of Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Come prepared for a colorful party and enjoy the parade and the entertainment if you come before Springtime. From the traditional to ecological celebrations such as the  Sea Turtle Festival, where you can be part of an emotional liberation ceremony of hundreds of baby turtles there’s a lot of party and good times going on in Tulum.

Speaking about turtles, This coastal strip located 28 km north of Tulum, Akumal is known for its wild beauty and because it hasn’t been exploited by large corporations and resorts (yet), making it a beautiful spot where you can even swim amongst turtles that love hanging around the Akumal beach. You can also snorkel in the Yal Ku Lagoon for a complete aquatic experience. 

Located 47 km from Downtown Tulum, right in the heart of the jungle, this archaeological site stands almost untouched by civilization, and it’s home for the Pyramid of Nohoch Mul, which at 42 meters high, is the tallest prehispanic building of the Yucatan Peninsula. The best part is that you can actually climb to the top for unique views of the vast green landscape of the jungle, adorned by the blue of the lagoons, extending around it. 

In Tulum, you will have the opportunity to taste exquisite delicacies. The local gastronomic scene is a mixture of ancient traditions and Mexican and international cuisine, so the flavors are unique.  There are many great restaurants in Tulum where you can find a wide variety of good proposals where your palate will be grateful. Most of the Tulum restaurants offer services that meet the highest standards of international cuisine and follow the “slow food” trend so you can be sure that your food will be cooked at the moment. Enjoying the Tulum cuisine is a full multisensorial experience. 

Finally, the most obvious suggestion, but no less enriching:  just enjoy, breathe and relax, lie under the sun on the beaches and let it kiss your skin. Tulum is about enjoying yourself, so if you decide to just sit and do nothing, it is totally OK. Practice some yoga or enjoy some spa time. Just relax and let yourself be carried away by the peace that you will find in Tulum, after all, there is nothing better than filling your body and spirit with the Tulum vibes.