Tulum is one of the last cities to be built by the ancient Mayan civilization. It’s a beautiful Mexican village that has everything from ancient Mayan ruins to underground rivers that run through caves adorned with stalactites to beautiful white-sand beaches. Tulum is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, so it comes as no surprise that there are a lot of options to consider when planning your stay.
A lot of people, when planning their vacation, opt for one of Tulum’s luxury hotel suites. But you also have the option of choosing one of the many Tulum villa rentals that are available. Which one is best for you? Well, that depends on what it is you’re planning on doing when you visit this veritable paradise.
Things to Do in Tulum
There are countless things to do in Tulum. If you’re looking for enchanting ancient ruins, you can explore Mayan ruins that are still standing and even an ancient pyramid. There are endless beaches with crystal-clear waters, replete with beach clubs and places to go snorkeling. And of course, there are a plethora of shops, restaurants, and bars the city proper has to offer.
Visit the Mayan Ruins
Above all, Tulum is famous for its ancient Mayan ruins, otherwise known as Chichen Itza. These ruins, originally built in the 13th century, are magical to behold. Understandably, they are immensely popular, but they’re an absolute must if you’re visiting Tulum for the first time.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can also visit the less-populated Coba ruins. These ruins are more difficult to access as you have to bike through dense jungle to get there, but it’s worth the effort. Coba is home to a Mayan pyramid, which you can climb to the top of and experience an amazing view from the summit.
Explore the Many Cenotes
The jungles surrounding Tulum are home to crystalline cenotes — beautiful swimming and diving holes formed from underground springs. These cenotes are as varied as they are wonderful; you can take a dip in the jungle, in a cave, or even go scuba diving at Dos Ojos. Some are shallow and shrouded in caves, others are deep pools that open up to the jungle above.
And not only do the activities differ from cenote to cenote, but the aesthetics do as well. Each cenote has its own unique personality, with some having more caves and rock structures that sport vibrant colors, and others having sprawling vegetation and flora.
Explore the City’s Culture
If you’re into city culture and shopping, Tulum doesn’t disappoint. You’ll love its many boutique vendors and shops that have a wonderful hippie aesthetic. You can find everything from elaborate, hand-crafted dream catchers to artisan textiles to shops filled with the latest fashions in clothing.
If you’re a foodie, you can sample the delicious and authentic flavors from the food stalls that populate the town’s roads. There are also several great restaurants to try as well. Burrito Amor offers an unforgettable burrito that’s wrapped in banana leaves. And if you want a delicious mojito, check out the nightlife at Batey.
Wrapping Up
If you’re simply looking to lounge on the beach and check out the local shops and restaurants, you might enjoy one of the luxury hotel suites that are situated along the ocean’s edge of Tulum. The hotels have great amenities, fantastic service, and a few of them open up to their own private beaches.
However, if you’re looking to truly experience all that the city has to offer, consider renting a villa. It’s a much more authentic experience that puts you in a location with easy access to everything from ancient ruins to enchanting cenotes to wonderful boutique shopping. Staying in a villa can mean the difference between feeling like you’re on vacation and feeling like you’re truly having an unforgettable luxury experience.
