Things to do in Tulum
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
Templo de la Estela
Templo de la Estela is also known as the Temple of the Initial Series. Stela 1, now in the British Museum, was found here. It was inscribed with the Maya date corresponding to AD 564 (the 'initial series' of Maya hieroglyphs in an inscription gives its date). At first this confused archaeologists, who believed Tulum had been settled several hundred years later than this date. It's now thought that Stela 1 was brought to Tulum from Tankah, a settlement 4km to the north dating from the Classic period.
reviewed
-
A
Tulum Ruins
The ruins of Tulum preside over a rugged coastline, a strip of brilliant beach and green-and-turquoise waters that will make you want to tear up that return ticket home. It’s true the extents and structures are of a modest scale and the late post-Classic design, workmanship and ornamentation are inferior to those of earlier, more grandiose projects – but wow, those Maya occupants must have felt pretty smug each sunrise. Iguanas are everywhere, and many act as if they own the place.
reviewed
-
Templo de las Pinturas
The two-story Templo de las Pinturas was constructed in several stages around AD 1400-1450. Its decoration was among the most elaborate at Tulum and included relief masks and colored murals on an inner wall. The murals have been partially restored but are nearly impossible to make out. This monument might have been the last built by the Maya before the Spanish conquest and, with its columns, carvings and two-story construction, it's probably the most interesting structure at the site.
reviewed
-
Estructura 25
Estructura 25 has some interesting columns on its raised platform and, above the main doorway (on the south side), a beautiful stucco frieze of the Descending God. Also known as the Diving God, this upside-down, part-human figure appears elsewhere at Tulum, as well as at several other east-coast sites and Cobá. It may be related to the Maya's reverence for bees (and honey), perhaps a stylized representation of a bee sipping nectar from a flower.
reviewed
-
El Castillo
Tulum's tallest building is a watchtower appropriately named El Castillo by the Spaniards. Note the Descending God in the middle of its facade, and the Toltec-style 'Kukulcanes' (plumed serpents) at the corners, echoing those at Chichén Itzá. To the Castillo's north is the small, lopsided Templo del Dios Descendente, named for the relief figure above the door.
reviewed
-
B
Salsalito Taco Shop
Far enough removed from the main strip that you won’t be sucking exhaust fumes, this palapa-thatched eatery has great fish and shrimp tacos – prepared just the way we like them with loads of cabbage and freshly chopped carrots on top. The fresh chips with just a hint of lime are the best in all of Quintana Roo.
reviewed
-
C
La Nave
Perched over Avenida Tulum, this open-air Italian joint is perpetually packed. You’ll find delicious pasta dishes – who doesn’t love a bit of authentic spaghetti amatriciana? – plus crispy stone-fired pizzas and an assortment of continental meat and fish dishes.
reviewed
-
D
Mexican Art Gallery
Located at the Hotel El Crucero, this gallery features the brightly colored work of local artist Enrique Diaz, whose motto is to ‘paint the colors of Tulum.’ His art is vivid and fun, a variety of portraits and landscapes that seem vaguely Picasso-esque.
reviewed
-
E
Cenote Dive Center
Cenote Dive Center is a recommended outfit specializing in guided cave dives, and cenote and cave snorkeling trips. The staff speak English, Spanish, German and Scandinavian languages, and they offer trips to the nearby Cenote Angelita.
reviewed
-
Ocho Tulum
About 8km south of the T-junction in the Zona Hotelera, Ocho Tulum offers daily yoga classes (M$200). Inquire here also for kiteboarding packages. Four-hour courses run M$3250, while M$7150 gets you 10 hours of instruction.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
F
Charlie’s
An old standby with attractive conch-shell decor and a wall made of old glass bottles, it’s near the bus station and offers your choice of indoor or courtyard dining. The food is largely Mexican, with a selection of salads thrown in.
reviewed
-
G
El Mariachi
Popular with locals and tourists alike, this open-air spot delivers yummy slow-cooked pork enchiladas, fresh grilled fish and about every cut of meat you could imagine. Find it between Orión and Centauro.
reviewed
-
Casa del Cenote
Named for the small pool at its southern base, where you can sometimes see the glitter of little silvery fish as they turn sideways in the murky water. A small tomb was found in the casa.
reviewed
-
H
Nachos 20°
Another appealing option. North of the T-junction on the Tulum-Punta Allen road, it has tables on a rocky bluff above the water, offering some fabulous views.
reviewed
-
I
Community Tours Sian Ka’an
Community Tours Sian Ka’an runs tours to the magnificent Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka’an, stopping at various ancient Maya sites.
reviewed
-
J
Caribe Swing
This is a locals’ watering hole. It’s generally a boys-only club. There are a few seats outside away from the blaring music.
reviewed
-
K
Divino Paraíso
This happening rooftop bar is good for all you sinners and saints out there. Come Tuesday night for free salsa lessons.
reviewed
-
L
Azul
Bathed in white with strips of blue neon this lounge/disco heats up late. It's next to París de Noche.
reviewed
-
Templo del Dios del Viento
Templo del Dios del Viento provides the best views of El Castillo juxtaposed with the sea below.
reviewed
-
El Palacio
South of Estructura 25 is El Palacio , notable for its X-figure ornamentation.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
-
-
M
París de Noche
Serves some big portions, so bring an appetite or a friend. The French owner won a Time Out award at the restaurant he ran in London. He serves a mix of French and Mexican dishes (as well as steaks and seafood) that include escargots, ceviche, and a delicious green salad with chèvre that's a full meal in itself. There's often two-for-one drink specials and a tasty comida corrida.
reviewed
-
Gaudi Café
Just south of the bus station on the same side of the street, Gaudi Café offers great fresh-squeezed juices and good coffee. Spotlessness and relaxing music make it a great way to start the morning.
reviewed
