Tulum lies on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, in the Riviera Maya region. It’s known for its vibrant town, natural beauty, and ancient Mayan ruins. In more recent years, it has become a popular destination for yoga retreats, boutique shopping, gourmet dining, and nightlife.
With a relaxed holiday vibe, downtown Tulum offers quaint cafes, small art galleries, boho-chic clothing stores, and yoga studios. Adding a more modern feel are upmarket spas and hotels, plus a small but lively nightlife district.
One of the area’s biggest draws is the well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan settlement. The walled city features ornate stone structures built by the Mayans over 800 years ago, perched on the cliffs above white-sand beaches.
The palm tree-lined beaches of Tulum are renowned for their powder-soft white sand and crystal-clear, turquoise water. Many beaches feature excellent restaurants and bars to enjoy a meal at or boutique spas perfect for a day of relaxation.
Tulum is the ideal destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists. It is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-protected Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which encompasses a vast area (1.3 million acres) of jungles, mangroves, lagoons and coral reefs. Visitors can spot an eclectic range of local wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, crocodiles, sea turtles, jungle cats, monkeys, and hundreds of bird species.
The area is also home to the world-famous cenotes – freshwater pools formed in natural limestone sinkholes. In cave cenotes, visitors can snorkel or dive (with the proper certifications) through the underwater cave systems dotted with stalactites and stalagmites and teeming with tiny fish. There are also open-air cenotes, offering beautiful swimming spots surrounded by dense forest. Some are in their natural state, whilst others have been developed with rope swings and jumping platforms for an extra adrenaline hit.
See our collection of luxury beach villas with private pools in Tulum below.
See
- Ancient clifftop temples built by the Mayans
- Wild dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and crocodiles
- White sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush, green jungle
Experience
- Swim, snorkel or dive in the cenotes
- Take a cycle tour through the jungle
- Enjoy the relaxed vibe of the downtown area
