Things to Do Near Tulum
Ancient Mayan Ruins of Tulum & Coba
Nature Reserves
Ecological Parks
Cenotes
Birding
Dining
Shopping
Ancient Ruins
Tulum Mayan Ruins is the most magnificent Mayan ruins on the Caribbean Sea. The main pyramid, El Castillo, sits on a 10-meter cliff and has an impressive view of the Caribbean. The pyramid is also aligned with a natural break in the world's second largest barrier reef and functioned as a lighthouse for Mayan boats. Tulum means , "walled city". It encompasses the temple complex and a sacred cenote. Post classic period 900-1200 AD. Large market at entrance, bargaining is expected. Gas station here.
Coba Ruins and Village are located
About 45 minutes from Tulum
Coba was the capital of the largest Late Classic empire in the Northern Lowlands. Coba is a mammoth ruined city and is located 30 miles inland from Tulum. This archaeological site sits amid 5 small, shallow lakes and is very impressive. Coba is known for its great length of occupation. The earliest stele dates to a.d. 623 and Coba was occupied until the late Postclassic times, around the 14th century.
The main group at Coba is dominated by the Castillo complex. From this area a series of "white roads" or sacbeob radiates in five directions. Coba is famous for these raised roads, of which 16 are known. Coba also has a large late Post Classic temple known as Nohoch-Mul, it is one of the tallest structures in the Northern Yucatan. The view from the top is stunning. You can see the outline of the city in the jungle. This site is currently under excavation and is mostly covered by vegetation. Good bird watching and great photo opportunities.
Coba is a great day trip from Tulum to include hiking the ruins, shopping at the village and dining authentic Mayan cuisine. Don’t miss the Punta Laguna Nature Reserve.
Nature
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, south of Akumal and Tulum. Consisting of hundreds of thousands of acres of protected wilderness area, including tropical jungle, miles of coral reefs, beaches, mangrove and two large wetlands. Sian Ka'an can be accessed via the coconut road to Punta Allen or from highway 307, south of the village of Tulum. The coconut road runs south along a peninsula that separates the Caribbean Sea and beaches from the inner wetlands and jungle of the reserve.
Sian Ka'an is home to hundreds of species of birds, butterflies, fish, fauna and a wide variety of animals. Some of the animals which inhabit this region include; spider monkeys, howler monkeys, jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, coatimundi, manatee and crocodile. The beaches within Sian Ka'an are also nesting grounds for such sea turtles as green, loggerhead, hawksbill and leatherback. Fisherman have long ventured into the bays within Sian Ka'an for bone fishing, leaving out of Boca Paila or Punta Allen.
Hidden Worlds Just beyond the entrance to Xel-Ha (south of Akumal) on the right, is Diver's of the Hidden Worlds, Dos Ojos Caves. This underground river offers spectacular fresh water snorkeling and cave diving. Guided tours are available at the road side building.
X-caret Ecological Park
This eco/archeological park is a must for first time visitors to the area. Located only 15 miles to the north of Akumal, Xcaret offers a wide variety of sites and activities. Some of them are: museum, dolphins, ancient underground rivers, shows, Mayan temples and village, the Coral Reef Aquarium, sea-turtles, diving, snorkeling, beaches, Jaguar Island, Butterfly Pavilion, the Botanical Garden and Nursery, orchid farm, mushroom farm, and the Wild Bird Breeding Aviary. Xcaret is a full day of activities. We recommend that you get there early. Hours: Monday to Saturday 8:30am to 9:00pm, Sunday 8:30am to 5:00pm
Xel-Ha Ecological Park
Xel-Ha is located about 5 miles north of Tankah and is well marked with signs. This large lagoon, natural aquarium offers; snorkeling, shopping, restaurants, water sports and Mayan ruins. Playa del Carmen: 984-206-0038 | xelha.com
Playa del Carmen
This rapidly growing coastal city is located approximately 26 miles north of Tankah Bay. Playa offers hundreds of casual restaurants, shops, bars, several gas stations, banks and just about everything else you would find in a small city. Playa Del Carmen also offers a variety of bars and clubs for a night on the town. The bus station and taxis are at the town square (plaza). The two large grocery stores in Playa Del Carmen are Super San Francisco and Super Chedraui.
Ferry shuttles depart from Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel Island.
Playa del Carmen to Cozumel Ferry - Daily 5:00am, 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm, 7:00pm, 9:00pm, 11:00pm
Cozumel to Playa del Carmen Ferry - Daily 4:00am, 6:00am, 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 12:00am, 3:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm, 8:00pm,10:00pm
Ferry schedules can change due to weather and other reasons. Ferry tickets can be purchased at the pier, on the corner of the Playa Del Carmen town square.
Tita Tulum
Tita Tulum is one of our most favorite places! www.titatulum.com – enjoy a wonderful lunch and this beautiful beach. Just before Tita is La Zebra where you will find GREAT live music & Salsa dancing on the beach – make a reservation for dinner.
