Attractions near Tulum

Tulum is located in southeastern Mexico directly on the so-called Riviera Maya (this is the name of the stretch of coast from Cancun to Bacalar). Once you get to know the beautiful surroundings and magnificent beaches on the coast of the Caribbean Sea in the Yucatán region, it quickly becomes clear why it is such a popular destination. Here are some tips on attractions near Tulum.

The Mayan Ruins of Tulum

Located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the turquoise sea, these ruins were once a majestic walled city built and inhabited by the Maya around 1200 AD. Once known as “Zama” or “City of Dawn” (due to its east-facing location), Tulum reached its peak between the 13th and 15th centuries and was once home to more than one thousand people.

Gran Cenote near Tulum

This extensive underground cave system with its cool, turquoise waters among rock walls, caves, stalactites and vines is an inviting place to dive, snorkel and swim. The water is exceptionally clear because the cenotes are filled with rainwater that has slowly filtered through the ground over time. This means excellent visibility for all water aficionados.

Attractions near Tulum: Playa Paraiso

Tulum’s beaches are the city’s main attraction for good reason, and one of the most attractive is Playa Paraiso. Once you see the beach’s white sand and turquoise waters, you’ll understand why it won TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award for the most beautiful beach in Mexico.

What’s cool is that Playa Paraiso is a beach open to the public, which means that visiting this beauty is free for you. If you need lounge chairs (a towel usually does the trick), beach clubs Villa Pescadores and El Paraiso offer lounge chairs for a small fee.

Attractions near Tulum: Laguna Kaan Luum

One of the best kept secrets in Tulum is the Laguna de Kaan Luum, located just 9 kilometers south of Tulum. This magical lagoon houses a huge cenote at its center, which fills the lagoon’s waters with a spectacular variety of colors.

When visiting the lagoon, you can bathe in the mud produced by the cenote, which is said to have healing properties. Also, the entrance fee is very reasonable at 50 MXN. Opening hours are from 09:00 – 17:00.