Written & Photographs by Samantha Diaz
Tulum is a laid-back town on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, with a relaxed beach vibe that has attracted artists and bohemians for decades. It's also known for its Mayan ruins and nearby ancient cenotes (sinkholes filled with water), both of which give travelers an authentic glimpse into the past. Tulum is full of color and character, boasting bright buildings and plenty of Instagram-worthy spots. The nightlife here is lively, but if you'd instead relax on the beach, you can do that too. Tulum's beaches are beautiful, but they're also much more affordable than those in Cancun or Playa del Carmen: two other popular towns just up the coast from Tulum. There are plenty of reasons to add Tulum to your bucket list—here are nine of them!
For the history
If you love history, Tulum is a great place to visit. The ruins of Tulum are one of the most spectacular Mayan ruins in the Yucatan, and they're worth a visit. It's also where you'll experience some of the histories behind this fantastic culture and its architecture. The Mayans were an interesting group of people who lived on the Yucatan peninsula during pre-Columbian times (500-150 CE). They were known for their intricate calendar system, advanced architecture, and impressive city-states. Their society was divided into four classes: priests, warriors, farmers/artisans, and merchants.
For the tropical charm
Tulum is a small, laid-back town with a very relaxed vibe. The weather is warm and sunny all year round, making it the perfect place to relax on the beach or enjoy some time in the sun. The food scene here is also delightful, with many restaurants serving fresh seafood dishes and traditional Mexican fare.
For the architecture
With so many options available in terms of style and price point, there's no shortage of places where you can relax after spending a day at the beach or heading off into nature for some hiking! The architecture of Tulum is a mix of Spanish colonial, Mayan, and modern. The bright white buildings are made from stucco and coral rock with smooth columns and rounded details. The yellow structures are made from limestone with rounded corners and flat roofs. Pink buildings have more traditional triangular roofing but still, use smooth columns and stucco to create an elegant feel. All this color makes it easy to find your way around town when exploring the streets on foot or on a bicycle (which is highly encouraged).
For the plentiful restaurants
The best part about Tulum is the food. The town has an abundance of restaurants and bars, each with its own unique vibe and menu. There are many places to grab a beer or a bite to eat, making it difficult to narrow down where you should spend your time. I had trouble narrowing it down myself! I ended up at two restaurants: one for breakfast and another for lunch, within walking distance. The first restaurant was Coati Cafe (Located at Av. Satelite Sur Esquina Calle Asteroide Centro, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico). At this cafe, you can enjoy authentic meals from different countries. Good coffee is always available here. The friendly staff provides excellent service, making it a pleasure to rest and have a meal here. My next spot was Taqueria Hornorio (Located at Satélite Sur 19, Tulum Centro, Villas Huracanes, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico). Taqueria Honorio is a small roadside taqueria you might drive by without noticing. Once you take a closer look, you will find delicious Mexican tacos and a taste of the Yucatan. I tried the tacos (15 pesos each) of cochinita pibil, lechon, and poc chuc—traditional Yucatecan dishes. The minute I took my first bite, I fell in love with the place. I keep coming back whenever I visit Tulum—I highly recommend it! Tip: Go early since they will sell out if it gets too busy.
For the Mayan ruins
Tulum is one of the best-preserved Mayan sites and a great place to learn about this ancient civilization. You'll see that it was once a huge city with several temples and pyramids and a palace for the king. The people who lived here were advanced in many ways, including their art and architecture skills. If you're interested in learning about the history of this region, visiting Tulum is an ideal way to do so!
For the lively nightlife
If you're looking for lively nightlife, Tulum is the place for you. There are many bars and clubs to choose from, and each has its unique atmosphere. The nightlife here is not as crazy as what you would find in Cancun or Playa del Carmen – it's much more about relaxing and meeting people. The best way to experience this vibrant culture is by going out dancing!
For the cenotes
The cenotes are a popular tourist attraction in Mexico, and you should visit one (or more) during your trip. Cenotes are freshwater sinkholes formed through the Yucatan Peninsula's limestone rock.
They naturally form pools of water that can range anywhere from a few feet deep to over 100 feet! Some cenotes have formed into underground caves where divers can explore deep underwater tunnels and chambers. Others are shallow enough to swim in or even snorkel if you're brave enough. But don't worry—there's no reason for alarm if you get stuck in one of these pools! Just remember: do not panic!
To relax on some of Mexico's best beaches
Tulum is a beautiful place to visit, and the beaches offer some of the most scenic locations you will find anywhere in Mexico. The pristine white sand and crystal clear water will entice anyone looking for a relaxing vacation. Not only that, but these beaches are also safe for tourists and locals alike. The beaches at Tulum tend not to be crowded, which makes them great places for families with children who might need more space than other resorts can provide.
Tulum is a dreamy vacation destination with something for everyone
Tulum is a dreamy vacation destination. The beach town is located on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula and has been named one of the best beaches in North America by National Geographic. Tulum is the perfect place for anyone looking for a peaceful getaway where they can relax on white-sand beaches and soak up some sun before heading out at night for fun activities like dancing under the stars at local bars where live music will keep you entertained all night long! Tulum offers something for everyone: its white sands are lined with thatched-roof restaurants, hammocks, and palm trees. It's also eco-friendly, as much of the property was previously owned by an eco-resort that had to close down due to financial troubles. The area has since been taken over by locals who continue to preserve the land while giving back to their community through fair wages and other initiatives like free public libraries (more on this later).
Tulum is a magical place—there's something for everyone, whether you're looking to enjoy the culture of this historical city or relax on a tropical beach. The best part is that you can have both! If you're considering a vacation to Tulum, I highly recommend it. And if you go and see everything I covered here, let me know what your favorite part was.
Visit more posts from Samantha's 'Travel & Brew' blog at www.travelandbrew.com
