There are many reasons why the eco-chic town of Tulum attracts thousands of people that travel here every year. Its natural beauty is only matched by the diversity of activities available to visitors, from peaceful and relaxing to more adventurous thrill seeking adventures. Here are the top five things to do when visiting Tulum.

Visit the ruins 

The Ek' Balam archaeological site sits on a cliff that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. This place was once home to the Maya, whose culture in the Yucatan Peninsula left behind cities like this one. It was occupied as early as 564 A.D. from the Middle Preclassic to the Postclassic period, after which the population grew and the city expanded, eventually being abandoned. These ruins are not as well known as others in the Yucatan, but are just impressive. It has one of the largest towers in the region, defensive walls, an entrance arch, a ceremonial building called the Oval Palace, and a temple called ‘The Throne which is recognizable by it’s doorway which is shaped like a mouth. A tour of the ruins takes you through large sections of staircases and decks which lead downwards towards the sea below where you can sit on the beach and swim.

Head to the beach

Tulum is consistently voted as having some of the best beaches in the world, with many travel publications ranking it high in their reader’s polls. The soft, powder-white sand, the clear blue water, the palm trees and the quiet serenity of its location attract thousands of visitors every year. The Mesoamerican Reef is located here, one of the largest reefs in the world and home to dolphins, marine turtles and 500 species of fish. It is second only to the Great Barrier Reef in size. Tulum also has numerous beach clubs designed for you to enjoy your day by the water, catering to all different tastes and age groups. El Paraiso Beach Club is located near the ruins and has a great view, the Ana y Jose Beach Club is a great family place with a playground for kids, Coco Tulum Beach Club is more of a Miami-style place that has guest DJs and dancing, while Papaya Playa Project is famous for its monthly full moon parties that cater to an older, mature crowd of local residents and tourists. 

Swim in a cenote

A cenote is a natural sinkhole, which links to the vast underground river system that flows underneath the Yucatan peninsula. The cool, crystal-clear waters make them the perfect place for a refreshing swim on a hot day. They are a great place for snorkeling and, depending on the depth of the cave, diving. Cenotes are one of the reasons why people love visiting here as they are truly a natural wonder of the environment The interiors are a visual feats of geological formations, with stalagmites and stalactites protruding from top and bottom.Your visit to any one of these will be an unforgettable experience. Cenote Escondido ranks among the best for cenote snorkeling experiences while Cenote Dos Ojos is well known thanks to National Geographic. Other recommended spots are Cenote Calavera and Cenote Carwash, and Gran Cenote, which is located in the middle of the jungle. 

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Nature Reserve

The Sian Ka’an Biological Reserve is 5,280 square kilometers of diverse wildlife living in tropical forests, mangroves and marshes.  a mixture of culture and nature. Established in 1986 it is a UNESCO World Heritage that is home to over 300 species of birds and animal species like crocodiles, dolphins, turtles, rays and manatees, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, jaguars, pumas and the Central American tapir. There are over 40 recorded species of amphibians and reptiles, assorted flora and fauna, exotic butterflies and native orchids. Sian Ka’an is also home to many archeological sites including Muyil, one of the earliest settlements on the Caribbean Coast. It has an observation tower that provides a great view over the treetops and across the lagoon. Behind the main Castillo structure is a path that leads you to a trail into the actual Sian Ka’an area.

Gastronomy

The Yucatan peninsula is bring recognized as some of the most unique and delicious food in the world, and many Mexican chefs have events whether it’s a causal order of ceviche and fish tacos or more elaborate fine dining experiences, the local gastronomical culture has unique flavors that owe its heritage to the local Mayan communities that have kept it alive through their kitchens and these recipes are finding their way into the kitchens of local Tulum restaurants and being featured in showcases like the upcoming such as the upcoming Wine and Food festival that runs from October 31 to November 11 in Tulum. A visit here is not complete without an authentic taste of the local cuisine.

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