The Mexican state of Quintana Roo is famous for many reasons — mainly the beaches and buzzing nightlife of Cancún. It also hosts a treasure trove of pre-Colombian and Mayan ruins. There’s more to the region. Adventurous travellers willing to make the 1.5-hour car journey from Cancún to Tulum are in for a treat.

Before we get too far into this guide, don’t forget to find the best deals when flying to Tulum — save more in your travel budget for the fun stuff!

Explore the Mayan Ruins

Perhaps the most visited sites in Tulum are the ancient ruins not far from the Puebla. The Tulum Archeological site’s walled fortresses and temples are sure to impress. The site dates back to the 13th century, and you can easily spend more than half a day exploring the seaside cliffs and Yucatan Mayan architecture.

Some highlights include:

• Temple of Frescoes– two levels dedicated to the Maya diving god
• Temple of Descending God– a great spot to see the famous winged sculpture endemic to Tulum.
• El Castillo– a central pyramid standing at 7.5m in height.

Cobá Ruins

The Cobá ruins are a 45-60 minute journey from Tulum but more than worth the effort. The city dates back to AD 600-900 and is believed to have once been home to 50,000 residents. Visitors are greeted by a group of large temple pyramids as tall as 42 meters.

Chichen Itzá

It doesn’t get more world-famous than Chichen Itzá. It’s been voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Local tourism companies run regular day trips to Chichen Itzá. The journey takes around 2 hours each way. However, those who want to uncover every inch of history may want to book a night or two in the nearby town of Valladolid.

Muyil Ruins (Sian Ka’ an Biosphere)

Some Muyil ruins feature Peten architecture, with artifacts dating all the way back to 300 BC. The compound displays many buildings including a central 17-meter temple. It’s a relative stone’s throw away from Tulum. While you’re there you can enjoy all the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve has to offer including canals, trails, and plenty of wildlife. Book a day trip, a private tour, or a kayak sunrise tour of the biosphere to take it in properly.

Cenotes of Tulum

A cenote is a natural pit or sinkhole. Cenotes come in all varieties from labyrinths of underwater caves to disturbingly deep sinkholes out in the open.

Just a note, a licensed guide is highly recommended for any cave diving. And of course, you should have all the necessary permits and qualifications. Many scuba rentals provide everything you need plus a knowledgeable guide and a go-pro camera.

Cenotes Dos Ojos

One of the most stunning and largest in the country, Cenotes Dos Ojos or “Two Eyes Cenote” needs to be experienced in person. Part of a larger underground cave network, you can traverse 400 meters of corridors connecting two separate cenotes. It’s a great spot for cave snorkeling. If you have a license and guide, it’s a must-dive excursion.

Gran Cenote

The Gran Cenote is the most visited among the sinkholes of Tulum. Part of the reason for its popularity is its central location. The Gran Cenote is also a crowd-pleaser with its underground caverns, open-air areas, wooden boardwalks, and green spaces.

Cenotes Sac Actun and Cenote El Pit

Located in Dos Ojos Park, Sac Actun is also known as “Pet Cemetery.” Don’t let the name detract you from visiting. The cavern features thousands of stalactites stretching down towards crystal clear water.

While in the park, it’s also worth checking Cenote El Pit, a 400-meter-deep sinkhole. Beams of light illuminate the depths for unique and opportune photos.

Casa Cenote

A short drive outside the city heading towards the beach will get you to Casa Cenote. It’s an open sinkhole surrounded by mangroves and brimming with marine and sea creatures. Casa Cenote is a perfect choice for snorkeling, paddle boarding, and swimming to be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

Tulum Beaches

With so much to do in Tulum, it can be easy to overlook the region’s magnificent beaches.

Playa Paraiso

Paya Pariaso is also known as Paradise Beach. Paraiso gives any world-class beach a run for its money. It’s the longest stretch of powdery white sand and aqua ocean. It’s the perfect spot for sunbathing, yoga, partying, or spotting iguanas.

Playa Ruinas

You can only access Playa Ruinas by entering the Tulum Archaeological site. When you’re done exploring the mystical Mayan ruins, venture down the wooden stairs to soak up a slice of the Yucatan coast. Enjoy relative peace while catching a swim in the crystal clear shallows. There is one catch, the park (and beach) close at 5 pm.

Playa Las Palmas

Slightly north of the more popular beaches, you’ll find Playa Las Palmas. All that’s required is a short drive down a bumpy, dusty dirt road. On the way you’ll pass through dense vegetation, emerging to find a relative hidden gem of a wide crescent-shaped beach. Las Palmas has plenty of space for everyone and is great for body surfing.

Playa Pescadores

Also known as Fisherman’s Beach, Playa Pescadores is just beyond Playa Paraiso. While it can be difficult to know when one beautiful beach ends and the next impressive playa begins, you’ll recognize Pescadores because of all the fishing boats anchored along the shore. As it’s slightly farther from town, the beach has a more laidback atmosphere that’s congenial to families and those who want to chill out.

Playa Akumal

While there are plenty of beaches closer to Tulum Pueblo (town), curious travelers can be rewarded with a 30-minute drive out to Akumal Beach. Akumal is a seaside village with a charming Yucatan beach. Palm trees dot a narrow, sandy beach that also is a snorkeler’s heaven. Take a swim with the sea turtles that call the beach home.

Other Things to do in Tulum

Ruins, cenotes, and beaches are only about half of the Tulum story. The region offers so much more for vacationers.

• Eat: find all kinds of local and Mexican cuisine. Enjoy anything from street tacos at Taqueria Honorio to fresh seafood at El Capitan to healthy eating at Burrito Amor.
• Cook: learn how to cook like a local by signing up for one of the many cooking classes available — cook and eat several entrees over the course of 2-3 hours!
• Shop: Tulum Pueblo and Tulum Beach are packed with boutiques, grocery stores, and shops selling Mexican-made wares. You can spend hours finding the perfect gifts to bring home for loved ones.
• Nightlife: it’s not Cancún, however, there are plenty of late-night activities to keep partygoers entertained. Head to the pricey Ziggy’s Beach Club for private beach access and a chilled atmosphere reminiscent of Ibiza. Drink famously strong cocktails at Batey Mojito and Guarapo Bar and head to a full moon party at Papaya Playa Project.
• Adventure Parks: do more than just cave dive at a Quintana Roo adventure park. Sites like Rio Secreto and Xel-Há Park offer ziplining, off-road cycling, and tons of water activities.

Tulum Has It All

Don’t rush into your next adventure to Cancún without considering a trip to Tulum. Much like a trip to Cozumel, by going down the road less travelled, you’ll be rewarded with a unique experience.

Tulum balances relaxation and recreation. It is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to get away from it all but still has access to adventure and nightlife when the mood strikes.