7 Best Things to Do in Tulum Mexico in 2024

4. Cenote Dos Ojos

Skip touristy Gran Cenote and Cenote Calavera in town, and visit local favorite, Cenote Dos Ojos, just north of Tulum. "Dos Ojos" translates to "Two Eyes," referring to the cenote's two main openings. Descend into a magical underwater world of crystal-clear freshwater caverns, stalactites, and stalagmites. Explore hidden passages, observe unique aquatic life, and marvel at the breathtaking light shows as sunlight filters through the water.

For a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the beauty and mystery of the Mayan underworld, we highly recommend an early morning VIP Private Tour of Cenote Dos Ojos with everything included. Entrance fees, snorkel gear, lunch, and hotel pick-up and drop-off is provided. You can select any hotel in Tulum or Playa del Carmen or anywhere in between when booking. It's a private tour after all! Your private guide will contact you in advance of your tour to confirm all details.

3. An Authentic Mexican Cooking Class

Journey to the heart of Tulum with an authentic Mexican cooking class in a local's house. This unique experience goes beyond delicious food. Learn to prepare traditional dishes alongside a welcoming host, using fresh, local ingredients and family recipes passed down through generations. But the fun doesn't stop there! Before you get cooking, tantalize your taste buds with a mezcal tasting, exploring this smoky spirit produced from agave plants. It's a chance to learn about Mayan cultural traditions and gain hands-on cooking skills, all in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

2. Muyil River Float in Sian Ka'an

Dive into paradise with the Muyil River float in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a must-do near Tulum, Mexico. Imagine gently drifting through a maze of mangroves, surrounded by lush rainforest and exotic birdsong. This unique float lets you cool off in refreshing crystal-clear waters, spot diverse wildlife, and even dip into a natural freshwater spring. It's a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and nature immersion, all within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Muyil River float is also our favorite adventure activity in Tulum. Join a small group tour to Muyil to explore the ruins before a thrilling trek on boardwalks through the mangroves to your panga boat. Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included by air-conditioned mini-van as is a picnic lunch with seasonal fruits, snacks, and bottled water.

1. Chichén Itzá

Venture deeper into the jungle and discover Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. The highlight of any trip to the Yucatan peninsula, Chichén Itzá means mouth of the water hole or cenote of the Itzá tribe.

Built for prayer and worship, the main temple represents the Mayan calendar and is the star attraction. With 91 steps on each of the four sides plus the very top, the number of steps adds up to the 365, which is the number of days in the year.

Incredibly, twice a year on the equinox of March 21, the time to plant, and September 22, the time to harvest, the shadow of the serpent or snake can be seen on the temple. The snake was important to the Mayans as it represents life and fertility.

For the best experience, rent a car and go early or join an awesome small group tour for this unforgettable experience when in Tulum. Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included as are all entrance fees, lunch in colonial Valladolid, drinks and snacks at a cenote, and an English-speaking guide. Many tours to Chichén Itzá require you to purchase tickets on your own on arrival, which eats up a lot of precious time, so we always recommend tours with tickets included whenever possible!

Travel Resources

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Most health coverage in the U.S. for example does not cover you in Mexico, thus it’s extremely important to protect yourself from out-of-pocket costs due to a medical emergency. We learned this the hard way which you can watch on YouTube: Our First Trip to the Emergency Room in Mexico. To learn more about Safety Wing, check rates and availability.

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