Tulum is best known for the crumbling stone Mayan ruins that overlook the Caribbean Sea. This ancient and revered site is like an open-air museum offering visitors views of the coast and surrounding jungle. Equally famous for its white, sandy beaches, food scene, cenote plunges, and tourist amenities, Tulum draws crowds to its temperate shores and laid-back attitude.
As a coastal town, it is also known for its amazing diving and marine life, with tropical fish and sea turtles often spotted among the waves. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll be in awe of Sian Ka’ an Biosphere Reserve. And if you like to party or experience “immersive wellness”, don’t miss the full moon events and yoga workshops at Papaya Playa Project.
Finally, Tulum is a haven of sorts for hippies and those who identify as alternative. It’s a very welcoming place, and while it’s definitely gotten more posh over the years, you can still rock braids and bare feet without feeling underdressed. Yogis fill Tulum’s sea-facing palapas for downward dog while vegans refuel on plant-based smoothies and bowls at their beloved Raw Love Cafe. More shops selling crystals are also starting to pop up downtown, and not a day goes by that you won’t find a festival, or two, taking place.