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Look for the best activities to enjoy during your trip to Tulum? Then you’ve come to the right place!
Bailey and I have been to Tulum more times than we could count and absolutely love exploring the town and surrounding area! From beautiful cenotes to fun ziplining tours, Tulum really has something for everyone.
Below you’ll find only our 10 absolute favorite things we have done in Tulum. These are our top choices, and they are the best to make this list!
Don’t have time to read the full article? Tulum is full of places to explore, and here are some of our favorites:
- Start your morning off right by visiting three awesome cenotes on this half-day tour
- Eat the local bites by going on a walking food tour
- Learn about the Tulum Ruins from an expert guide
- Feel the rush by ziplining through the jungle
- Swim with turtles at Akumal Beach
- Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico
- 1. Visit Chichen Itza
- 2. Go on a food tour
- 3. Explore the BEST cenotes near Tulum
- Tours to Cenotes in Tulum:
- 4. Swim with turtles at Akumal Beach
- 5. Visit the Tulum Ruins
- 6. Learn to cook Mexican food
- 7. Catamaran cruise to Isla Mujeres
- 8. Swim with whale sharks
- 9. Visit Botanica for brunch
- 10. Go Ziplining
- Where to Eat in Tulum, Mexico
- Where to Stay in Tulum, Mexico
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in Mexico
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico
1. Visit Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is the most famous Mayan ruin in the world. The archeological site is most well known as the home of El Castillo – the main temple at the site. It’s a true show of the Mayan peoples’ knowledge of the earth and planets.
However, Chichen Itza is also home to The Great Ball Court. This is the largest in Mesoamerica and is 168 by 70 meters (551 by 230 feet). The game played here was called Pitz. Overall, it’s one of the coolest sites I have visited and a must-do activity while in Tulum.
You can either rent a car and drive yourself to Chichen Itza, or join one of the many Chichen Itza tours that leave from Tulum.
We did this Chichen Itza tour from Tulum, and loved it! Our well-informed English-speaking guide taught us so much, and the tour actually included entrance to Chichen Itza and a guided visit to Ik-Kil Cenote – one of the best cenotes in the area. Afterward, we also enjoyed lunch in Valladolid – a beautiful city in Mexico. The tour also includes transport, which is essential since Chichen Itza is about a 2-hour drive from Tulum.
You can book this awesome Chichen Itza tour we did here!
2. Go on a food tour
Mexican food is amazing! So, it’s no wonder that joining a food tour made this list of things to do in Tulum. Of course, this will cost you a lot more than just wandering around and trying the street food, but you’ll also visit the best restaurants in Tulum (and go to the local secrets!)
From the humble taco to other delicious Mexican foods such as mole (mole is so good!), you’ll eat your way around the streets of Tulum and the best part is you’re going to leave with a full belly!
A great tour to do is this walking food tour through Tulum. Juan was an amazing guide for us, so you’re sure to have an awesome time! The tour visits seven locations including one of the best taco stands in Tulum, Mercado Tulum, Tamales Don Taco, and Parque Dos Aguas. For only $74 USD, it’s one of the best value tours in Tulum!
You can book this food tour here!
3. Explore the BEST cenotes near Tulum
One of the most famous things to do in the Yucatán Peninsula is to explore the cenotes, which are literally everywhere! There are just too many to see them all – so you’ll need to choose wisely which ones you want to check out. Or, you can pick from our list of the best cenote tours in Tulum.
Definitely ask around for other peoples’ recommendations, but I will tell you about the ones we chose to visit (based on what we heard are the absolute best!) These are just a few of the many cenotes in and around Tulum:
Dos Ojos: This cenote is a complex underwater cave system. From land, it actually seems like two different cenotes as they connect underwater. Dos Ojos entrance gates are easy to get to by collectivo (only 20 minutes from Tulum.) Once at the entrance gate, it is another 2 km (1.24 mi) walk to the actual cenotes.
Gran Cenote: Gran Cenote is a very popular cenote located just outside of Tulum. The cenote is made up of caves as well as an open-air section. Gran Cenote is popular for snorkeling, and the best part is that it is accessible by a short bike ride from Tulum (or a couple of dollars taxi ride.) The entrance fee for Gran Cenote is 180 pesos ($11 USD) per person.
Cenote Calavera: Cenote Calavera is one of my favorite cenotes in Mexico. This small cenote is just a hole in the ground but underneath you can explore deep caves which are perfect for diving. It’s become very popular in recent years and now gets very crowded.
Cenote Zacil-Ha: Cenote Zacil-Ha is a small but stunning open-air cenote not far from Tulum. It’s one of the best cenotes for swimmers and is basically just a natural limestone pool!
Cenote Zemway: Out of all the cenotes we’ve looked at so far, Cenote Zemway is definitely one of the least well-known, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less amazing to visit! It’s about a 15-minute drive out from central Tulum, so it’s perfect if you’re renting a car, but you can also take the collectivo from Avenida Coba Street, or you can also take a taxi (though this can be a bit pricier!).
Tours to Cenotes in Tulum:
If you want to visit a few cenotes, and you don’t have a car, there are some excellent Tulum tours that visit a few in one day. This specific 4-hour cenote tour visits Cenote Cristal and Escondido, Gran Cenote, and Casa Cenote. It’s an awesome way of bundling together some of the best cenotes nearby into one tight package, so you won’t be wasting time figuring out how to get between the cenotes!
The tour includes transport, snorkeling gear, as well as a professional guide who will be happy to tell you stories about the cenotes and answer any questions you may have. Tickets for this tour cost $130 USD per person.
You should book it online in advance here to avoid missing out!
4. Swim with turtles at Akumal Beach
Akumal Beach is easily one of the best beaches in Mexico, it’s pretty famous here in the Yucatan Peninsula! The beach is located just 30 minutes from Tulum and is home to many, many large and majestic sea turtles. And you know what that means… It’s time to go snorkeling!
If you’re not looking to snorkel, you can still pay the small fee of 100 MXN (under $6 USD) for all-day entrance to the beach, which itself is gorgeous and such a great place to pass the time. There are also some great bars and restaurants here, so don’t feel shy if you’re feeling hungry or thirsty!
Since we already had a rental car to get to the beach, we joined this private tour at Akumal Beach for only $45 USD and our guide was awesome. We saw a ton of turtles and learned a lot about them too. Since it was just us on the tour, we could take our time and really enjoy the experience.
However, Akumal Bay can also be reached by hopping on a top rated tour that includes transport like this particular tour. This is often the best option as it includes your transport, equipment, and a guide who knows where to find the turtles. This tour also visits a cenote and includes lunch. On top of that, it has over 750 5-star reviews.
You can book your tour with transport from Tulum here!
5. Visit the Tulum Ruins
Tulum was once a huge trading hub for the Mayan people and its steep limestone cliffs provided the perfect fortress to protect its port. The Tulum Ruins are what’s left of this old and impressive fortress – they’re a must-visit if you’ve never been before.
For one, these ruins are located right on the coast some 12 meters high (30 feet) above the pearly white sand beach below – where you can swim! And two, it’s a very interesting archaeological site in the region.
There’s lots to learn about the Tulum Ruins including how they used a pyramid as a lighthouse, but you’re sure to find out more about this on your visit.
The best way to see the Tulum Ruins is on one of the top-rated tours such as this combination tour. First, you’ll head to the Tulum Ruins, where your guide will tell you all about the history and cultural significance of this area. Afterward, you’ll have time to walk around the ruins on your own.
Next, you’re headed out on a boat to explore a beautiful coral reef. You’ll be able to snorkel around the clear waters of the Mexican Caribbean and see all the amazing underwater life around the reef. Sometimes, there are even stingrays and sea turtles nearby, so it’s really a cool experience.
Finally, head to the Parque De Cenotes Yax-Muul where you’ll have about three hours here to walk around subtropical rainforests, swim in cenotes, and spot all sorts of wildlife like tropical birds and other animals. This is the last spot on the tour and where lunch will be held, so it’s a great time to relax fill your belly after a busy day exploring.
It’s worth noting that this tour is a Viator Exclusive, so you won’t find it anywhere else!
You can book this Tulum Ruins tour in advance here!
6. Learn to cook Mexican food
Let’s be honest, do you really want to go back to eating Tex-Mex after your Mexico Trip is over? Yeah, neither do I!
The best way to avoid this is to join a Mexican cooking class. Now, I didn’t do a cooking class in Tulum, instead, I actually did mine in Mexico City – but it was honestly one of the best things I did in Mexico.
So, I highly recommend doing one during your trip regardless of whether you do it in Tulum or another city around Mexico.
Most cooking classes go for around 3 hours, but there are different styles to choose from depending on the experience you’re after.
This cooking class and mezcal tasting is the top-rated experience in Tulum and comes highly recommended. Nothing is more Mexican than tacos and Mezcal, and on this top-rated tour, that’s just what you’ll get! You’ll cook a 3-course meal as well as homemade salsa and tortillas. Then it’s time to try some authentic mezcal!
Lily is a fantastic teacher and has been doing this tour for years in Tulum. The tour is also great value (in my opinion) at only $87 USD per person. It is also limited to a small group size which I loved.
You can book your spot online well in advance online here.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
7. Catamaran cruise to Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a small island in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. This island is a destination in it’s own right, but one of the best parts about visiting it is getting there – espeically if you join one of the fun catamaran cruises from Tulum!
This particular catamaran cruise is a full day adventure that departs from Tulum. You’ll board a catamaran before stopping at a couple snorkeling spots on your way to Isla Mujeres. Once there, you can relax at the beach club and enjoy a buffet lunch before having some free time to explore the island on your own.
The tour includes an ope-bar, lunch, snorkeling equipment, guides, and transport to and from Tulum. All of this for only $110 USD is a great deal, if you ask me! You can book it easily online here, too.
For something even more special, or for those traveling with a group, this private catamaran cruise is the way to go. You’ll sail on a 10-meter (32-foot) catamaran with your private captain and crew, so you actually can set your own itinerary. They can take you to secluded islands, amazing snorkeling spots, or simply cruise in the Caribbean the whole time.
The best part is that the boat is equipped with an open bar (of course) and comfy lounge chairs, so you’ll really settle into this relaxing experience!
This private tour offers transportation from Tulum by request, so make sure to specify that when booking. It doesn’t include lunch, but you can add it for an additional cost, or pack some snacks! The boat allows up to 9 passengers and the 4-hour option is the cheapest at $570 USD.
Be sure to reserve this tour in advance here, as a private catamaran tour is certainly a high-demand experience!
8. Swim with whale sharks
Don’t let the word “shark” conjure up images of Jaws and scare you away from this amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience in Tulum! Whale sharks are absolutely gorgeous and are known as the “gentle giants” of the Mexican Rivera. They aren’t actually “sharks” at all, and are classified as a fish.
Whale sharks are large at 5 to 10 meters (16 to 33 feet) in length but are slow-moving and very docile. For many, swimming with whale sharks is an experience on their bucket list that you can, luckily, do right in Tulum!
This particular tour will pick you up from the hotel and take you on a day-long snorkeling tour to see the whale sharks from Tulum. They provide all the snorkeling equipment in addition to lunch, snacks, and drinks. It’s one of the top-rated tours in Tulum and the company is certified to do these types of tours.
You’ll not only see Whale Sharks, but tons of wildlife and fish along the way – your expert guide will help point out some of the interesting creatures that live in the ocean.
One thing to note is that swimming with whale sharks is a seasonal activity, with the best chances of seeing them from mid-May to mid-September. During this time, people travel from all over the world just to swim with whale sharks!
Be sure to book your tour online here well in advance so that you don’t miss out.
9. Visit Botanica for brunch
Botanica Garden Cafe is an absolutely beautiful downtown spot in Tulum that serves delicious food for a super affordable price. In fact, Dan and I were so blown away by this café on our last trip that we came back here to eat three times during our four-day trip!
The friendly folks running the café serve the most incredible breakfasts, brunches, and lunches, so if you’re like us, you’ll find yourself stopping by here often. The pastries here were fresh and sooo tasty, and my absolute favorite dish for brunch was their famous Omelette Botanica… You can view their menu online here.
They also offer free Wi-Fi and have some live music that takes place regularly, as well as special events like salsa dancing, art therapy, and more. Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, this is such a great spot for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to get fueled up before the start of another day of adventure.
10. Go Ziplining
Ziplining is one of the best tours you can do in Mexico. This fun activity is popular all over the country, and the lush jungle provides the ideal conditions to enjoy it.
There are lots of different ziplining tours you can do from Tulum; however, none compare to the experience at Selva Maya Eco Adventure Park. The 4-hour tour in the park includes a thrilling ride down nine ziplines and also across five hanging bridges. Afterward, you get to do a little rock climbing and even repel down into a cenote that very few get to visit. Cool off here with a swim.
The tour does not include transport; however, you can get a taxi out to the park for under $15 USD. This makes this ziplining tour much cheaper than others, and for $80 USD, it includes lunch, water, entrance fees, all activities, and even the use of snorkeling equipment.
Where to Eat in Tulum, Mexico
One of the most important things to consider when visiting a new destination is the food! For me, visiting local restaurants when I travel is one of my favorite activities.
Luckily for you, there is no shortage of amazing places to eat in Tulum. Below are some of our personal favorites!
El Camello Jr.
One of my favorite types of tacos is seafood tacos and El Camello Jr. is a local favorite in Tulum. In fact, it was a friend of mine who grew up in Tulum who took me to this amazing place!
It’s within walking distance from almost anywhere in town, and they serve amazing tacos, ceviche, and whole fish. Basically, anything you order is amazing… and fresh!
Burrito Amor
You only need to head over to Burrito Amor’s TripAdvisor page to know that these are THE best burritos in town. Like, go back every day for another burrito kind of place!
The location is perfect, right in the middle of town, and the environment and décor of the restaurant are fun, open, and modern. But really, it’s all about the burritos! They’re so yummy, and they offer a lot of options for vegetarians or other diets.
Burrito Amor’s goal is to provide healthy, filling burritos that will keep you coming back every day! It is a great place to eat in Tulum.
Akuma Tiger Sushi
If you’re a huge fan of sushi (like us, yum!), then Akuma Tiger Sushi in downtown Tulum is an absolute no-brainer. It’s easily one of the best sushi places we’ve ever been to, and we love trying out new sushi spots, so that’s saying something!
All it takes is one look over at their Google reviews, and you know you’re onto a winner. Every single piece of sushi I tried melted away in my mouth, and their maki rolls were simply the best. Honestly, my mouth is watering now just remembering it…
The prices here are also pretty reasonable too, considering how expensive good sushi restaurants can often be! They’re open from 6 pm to 11:30 pm, however this is a pretty popular spot, so I highly recommend giving them a call to make a reservation in advance.
Eat Street Food
Eating in Tulum on a budget is easy as there are so many affordable options when it comes to street food. Skip the fancy restaurants and give your wallet a break with street-side food trucks and taco stands.
We found lots of great-tasting, yet cheap, street food in Tulum. One of our favorites was also a local dish called Al Pastor, which is essentially pork-filled soft tacos.
Usually, you get about 5 small tacos for $3 USD, and it is more than enough for one person. Street food is one of my favorite ways to eat in Tulum on a budget.
Where to Stay in Tulum, Mexico
No matter what you’re looking for in a hotel, Tulum has it! Offering everything from hostels to 5-star luxury hotels to glamping, there is accommodation for any budget!
Here are some of the best places to stay in Tulum (categorized by budget!)
Hostels in Tulum – $
Hostel Che Tulum – This hostel prides itself on having a great social vibe. They have a beautiful pool and a central location. For only around $14-20 USD a night, you can get a dorm bed in an air-conditioned room with breakfast included! Easily book a stay on HostelWorld.com or Booking.com.
Oryx Hostel – Just a few steps from downtown Tulum, gardens surround the property so you’ll feel like you’re staying in a tropical jungle. There are hammocks, a nice pool area, and fun activities like salsa dancing! Stays here are as cheap as $29 USD a night in a dorm room or around $35 USD for private rooms and can be booked on HostelWorld.com or Booking.com.
Budget-friendly hotels in Tulum – $$
Aruma Boutique Hotel – For a hotel only a few minutes’ walk from Tulum’s center and close to restaurants and shops, this is it. The breakfasts here are exceptional (there’s also espresso!) and the staff is super friendly. Plus, the rooftop pool and bar are so nice to relax on after a day of exploring. Expect to pay around $50-100 USD per night depending on when you’re visiting.
Joy Tulum Adults Hotel – For those looking for some peace and quiet in Tulum this is the place. No kids are allowed and a location slightly out of town makes for a quiet getaway. The outdoor pool is located among the trees. For $40-70 USD, you’ll get an entire double bungalow with a fan and included breakfast.
Hotel Blanco Tulum – This hotel is luxurious without the ridiculous price tag. For around $60-80 USD per night, you can get a deluxe double room with air conditioning and a balcony. The hotel is centrally located and offers an outdoor pool as well as a hot tub!
Luxury Hotels in Tulum – $$$
Hotel Boutique TerraNova – This boutique hotel is one of the top-rated in all of Tulum. They haven’t cut any corners when it comes to comfort and the staff is wonderful. All rooms are spacious and have air conditioning and a garden patio. There is an outdoor pool and the hotel is located right in town.
Although this is a beautiful and luxurious hotel, I’ve seen rooms online go for as low as $130 USD per night, so you can definitely get some good deals here!
Kan Tulum – This hotel is actually built around its own private cenote! The rooms here are uniquely designed and feel almost like a jungle treehouse. Every room is huge with a private seating area and terraces to watch the sunset from. You’re close to beaches and nightlife and rooms here cost at least $400 USD per night.
Check out all accommodations available in Tulum!
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Hopefully, this guide to Tulum on a budget is useful and inspires you to check out one of Mexico’s most beautiful regions! We had some really great times in and around Tulum.
We would encourage anyone to visit Tulum on a budget – and when you do, let us know if you have any other tips to add below!
For more info-packed blogs, check out our Mexico page, it has all our posts about Mexico laid out to make planning your trip easy!
Or maybe at a glance, you’ll find some of these related guides helpful too!
25 Amazing Things to do in Puebla, Mexico & Guide to Visiting
The Best Palenque Waterfalls & Guide to Visiting
12 Things to KNOW Before Going on a Cancun Catamaran Cruise to Isla Mujeres