Tulum fun!
Cenotes
There are a number of MAGNIFICENT cenotes on the Yucatan Peninsula. A cenote is a fresh water, natural pit in the earth formed by the asteroid strike that extinguished the dinosaurs. Many of them have underwater caves and wildlife in them. We saw so many cutie tortugas! Most have an entrance fee- cash only. Totally worth it. 10/10 For reference: we went to Gran Cenote. ~10 minute drive from the hotel. Entrance fee: $25USD per person: included life jacket, locker, and goggles. https://cenotesmexico.org/gran-cenote/ Our air bnb host also recommended Atik Cenote, approx a 15 minutes drive from the hotel, with an entrance fee of ~$20 USD with no equipment included. https://cenoteatik.com/
Ruins
There are also a number of famous Mayan ruins in Mexico. Chichen Itza is a famous Mayan Ruins, approx 2.5 hours from tulum. There are tours you can book from Tulum, for a full day excursion, averaging $75-100 USD pp, most include foods and other stops. If you do not want to spend a whole day traveling, we visited the Tulum ruins. These are on the north side of town, ~15 minutes from hotel. There is a parking fee of $10 USD for the whole day. You pay entrance fee to the national park: $90MXN ($6 USD pp: can pay with CC). Once in the national park, you need to pay an additional $90 MXN to enter the ruins (cash only w/conversion so it was $7 USD). They will try to get you to pay for a private tour,. but we just walked by ourselves and read the signs and it was perfect. Plan to get there early, ideally before the big tour groups get there. Bring plenty of water. You have access to the beaches in the national park: with a view of the ruins. A great way to see some gorgeous history!
Jungle Tour
The Jungle is what drew us to Tulum. Just saying... it would be HELLAAA FUNNNN to rent some ATVs and drive yo ass around the jungle... do it. This link is just one random one that had good reviews. I cannot vouch for them
Beach vibes
There is a public access beach at Playa Paraiso for sure, also some random public access spots along the hotel zone, you just have to be diligent to find. There is also one located just north of Blue Venado Tulum. Those of you at Maya Tulum- There is access from our hotel, and we have access to the day beds/recliners by the pool, no minimum spend necessary. And the beach at Maya is Gorg!! Otherwise, beach clubs are truly the way to go if you are sick of your hotel or air bnb. A lot of them have a minimum spend at the bar/restaurant. But let's be honest, you were planning on at least one margarita and some ceviche right? Here are some suggestions, based on the vibe you are wanting: 1. Chill with music: Papaya Playa Project 2. Party Hard: Taboo or Rosanegra Beach Club 3. Insta-worthy: Mia Restaurant and Beach Club
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
This is a bit of a drive, and you might want a car or hire taxi service again with some friends to get there, or honestly sign up for a guided tour(?). BUT, i think it will be worth it. It is a protected area a bit south of the city with the most pristine waters (alleged) in Mexico. There are dolphins, turtles, BIRDS. Once there, you can get a boat to float around, or experience the "float of ecstasy" (I don't friggin know)
Shop till you Friggin Drop
In the hotel district, where the venue/hotel is located, there are countless amazing shops. within walking distance You can walk along the street for HOURSSSS and still find such cute and glamorous shopping: for all genders and taste levels. There are more shops and tourist-type specific shops in Central Tulum, right on rt 307. This would be your best bet for a key chair, magnet, ornament, or other little souvenirs. Be aware, in this section, you will get a lot of heckling and such from the vendors to get them into their shops. Plenty of bars and restaurants to stop in and get a bevvy/snack while walking around too! Just remember, how far you walk away from your lodging, you still have to walk back...or taxi.
Food Though
There are MANY incredible looking restaurants in the hotel district where we will be. We took the burden upon ourselves to find two of the most perfect and incredible restaurants to try: 1. WILD Tulum 2. Nu Tulum
Golf it up.
There are a bunch of beautiful golf courses in the area. Bring your clubs with you, or rent them there but be sure to bring the sunscreen, and your cutie little visor!