Looking to visit Tulum and not sure where to start? Don’t fret, we’ve created a handy interactive map to make your vacation planning a breeze.
For a small(ish) town, Tulum boasts a surprisingly large amount of brilliant things to do.
Not that we’re complaining, but it can make things seem a little bit overwhelming – especially for anyone who is visiting for the first time and doesn’t quite know which attractions are unmissable.
Luckily, we’re well-seasoned when it comes to Tulum and so we’ve created a super handy map to help you when creating your itinerary. Better yet, you can even save this map to your mobile and take it with you on the go.
Ready to explore?
Sites Featured on the Tulum Map
Tulum Ruins
Steeped in ancient Mayan history, visiting the Tulum Ruins needs to be at the very top of your travel bucket list. These are some of the best-preserved Mayan ruins in the world, and the remains of the ancient walled city can still be seen today.
Make sure to check out El Castillo, the tallest of the Tulum Pyramids, as well as the Temple of the Frescoes and the House of Halach Uinic – one of the most impressive buildings on the site.
Azulik Uh May
Not to be confused with the equally cool hotel resort down the road of the same name, Azulik Uh May is an art gallery tucked away in the Tulum jungle.
The art center is the work of Roth (Eduardo Neira) and has been designed in an environmentally conscious manner, designed to leave zero traces of a carbon footprint.
Head there to check out work by some of the most innovative visual artists in the world, including Azuma Makoto, as well as an alchemic dining experience well worth booking onto.
Sian Ka’an
No visit to Tulum is complete without venturing into the lush Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. The National Park lies just south of Tulum on the Caribbean Sea and is abundant in natural beauty, as well as thousands of flora and fauna species.
There are plenty of things to do at Sian Ka’an including kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and bird watching. Taking a Sian Ka’an half day tour from Tulum is the best way to visit this beautiful park.
Muyil Ruins
Nestled between Tulum and the stunning Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Tulum’s Muyil Ruins might seem like an unnecessary trip – but we urge you to pay a visit to this incredible site.
Mainly to check out Muyil’s famous stone tablets (or stelae), which are totally covered in carved hieroglyphics and give insight into religion and politics during the Mayan era.
Muyil was one of the first settlements on the Caribbean coast and the site’s proximity to the water meant that it was an important trade route amongst merchants.
Akumal
A snorkeling hotspot, Akumel means “Place of the Turtle” – no wonder then that this spot is abundant in marine life.
For the best experience, book onto a guided snorkeling tour, where you’ll be able to spot three out of seven world species of turtle, as well as explore cenotes nearby.
Gran Cenote
Tulum is filled with cenotes – A.K.A natural sinkholes filled with water and utilized during Mayan times – though Gran Cenote is the most famous of them all.
The pool is made up of a network of caves and caverns, each inter-connected by a number of wooden boardwalks.
Two main snorkeling spots separated by a wooden bridge await you at Gran Cenote – it’s great for families too, as you’re likely to spot turtles and schools of fish swimming by.
Pablo Escobar’s Beach House
In what might just be the coolest Tulum attraction, art dealer Lio Malca has turned famous cartel leader Pablo Escobar’s house into a luxury hotel.
Casa Malca is filled with works from the likes of Kaws and Jean-Michel Basquiat and first opened with nine rooms in 2015 – though Malca is constantly expanding this further along the beachfront.
The rooftop terrace bar is a highlight, completely plastered in a monochromatic Keith Haring design and serving up some of the best (though, rather expensive) cocktails in Tulum.
Playa Paraiso (Paradise Beach)
With so many stunning beaches in Tulum, you might just struggle to commit to one. Well, let us tell you that it should be Playa Paraiso.
Why? It’s a lively spot blessed with white sand and has the shimmering Caribbean Sea stretched out in front of you. The nearby beach club offers oversized beds, brilliant drinks, and a lively atmosphere no matter the time of day.
Pssst… You might want to read our guide to visiting Tulum to find out how to avoid seaweed season.
Mystika
While we encourage you to immerse yourselves in Tulum’s beautiful nature, Mystika is an incredible multi-sensory experience that allows you to see Tulum in a new light – and is well worth visiting.
The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through some of Mexico’s most stunning sanctuaries of nature, as well as underneath the night sky at Tulum’s many ruins. This is one of the most wonderful things to do in Tulum for those with (and without) kids.
Taqueria Honorio
We know what you’re thinking, how good can tacos be? Well, Taqueria Honorio blows it out of the water with their wholesome offering.
Their Cochinita Pibil, a spiced pork affair, is totally delicious – you’ll be coming back for more. Get there early to beat the crowds (we mean it, they open at 6am).
Chichen Itza
If you want to check out one of the finest examples of Mayan architecture, a visit to Chichen Itza is a must. The temples here were designed to be used as calendars and for rituals throughout the year.
It’s a fair distance from Tulum (it takes 2 hours to get there by car), but it’s well worth booking a guided tour to see one of the most beautiful archeological areas in all of Mexico.
Psst… Spring Equinox is a big deal in Mexico, with thousands of people flocking to Chichen Itza to celebrate. Avoid visiting at this time of year if you can.
Book Your Chichen Itza Tour From Tulum Here
Coba Ruins
Often overshadowed by the main archeological site in Tulum, Coba Ruins offer a unique glimpse into ancient Mayan history.
The Nohoch Mul pyramid is the most famous part of Coba and the tallest in all of Mexico at 42 meters. This pyramid is accessible via a series of steep steps, and offers dramatic views over the rest of the ruins.
Ven a la Luz at Ahau Tulum
Ven a la Luz (which translates to Raw Love, FYI) is the sculpture of a woman with a lush green jungle at the center of her chest. It was created to illustrate the region’s relationship with nature and sustainability.
Though the sculpture used to be free to snap photos in front of, it is now part of a new exhibition called the Ahau Sculpture Exhibition. You’ll find it on the Calle Corazón de Jesús.
Follow That Dream Sign
As totally gimmicky as it is, it’s a classic icon, isn’t it? Strike a pose next to Tulum’s famed Follow That Dream sign.
You’ll find this sign on the road next to Hotel Alma – a spot that rents out colorful bicycles that you can use as a photo prop.
Beach Swings at Coco Tulum
Weirdly enough, Tulum is full of swings – but none are as famous as the ones at Coco Tulum Beach Club. These iconic black and white swings face out into the Caribbean Sea – a glittering turquoise backdrop that contrasts against the white sand.
Matcha Mama (Tulum Beach)
Where is Insta-friendly, insanely cute, and serves delicious smoothie bowls? Ten points if you guessed Matcha Mama.
There are a couple of locations dotted around Tulum, though our favourite is the Tulum Beach one – this adorable smoothie bar not only looks the part, but serves up delicious treats.
Keep your eyes peeled for the surfboard that says “I Love Tulum so Matcha” and you’ll know you’re in the right place.
Ciel Rose Bar
One of the best bars in Tulum, the stunning Ciel Rose Sunset Bar is where you’ll find us spending a chilled-out evening in Tulum beach.
Order a glass of wine from the restaurant below and head up to the rooftop terrace for unparalleled 360 degree views of the jungle and beach – and yes, the pink sunset makes the perfect instagram shot.
Xel-Ha Park
Part park, part nature reserve, paying a visit to Xel-Ha Park is a must-do activity. And especially if you’ve got kids – they will adore the mini waterpark (alright, so will the big kids).
Multiple bodies of water flow into this inlet, which leads itself to being an excellent location for snorkeling, exploring on a donut (yes, really), and swimming in the Ixchel Grotto and El Dorado Cave.
Papaya Playa Project Beach Club
Tulum’s beaches are some of the very best in the world, and so it’s no wonder that the town is home to a stellar selection of beach clubs. Our favourite is Papaya Playa College, a sustainable-driven resort.
It gets extremely busy (and rowdy) on weekends, though is a far more relaxing spot throughout the week. Entrance is $30 but well worth it for a luxurious day spent lounging on the white-sand beach.
Ka’an Restaurant
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to wow your other half with a delicious (and beautiful) meal, Ka’an Restaurant has got it covered.
Nestled inside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere and boasting breathtaking beach views, Ka’an serves up an authentic meal that seriously impresses. Order the lobster tacos and you will not be disappointed. Wash down with a cocktail or two, of course.
There we have it. 21+ fabulous things to see and do in Tulum, all marked out for you on a handy interactive map. You’re welcome.