Earlier
this year, Tulum was named the No. 1 rising destination in the world by TripAdvisor. So what’s so hot about Tulum?
Well, in addition to beach-lounging and ceviche-eating, here are seven reasons to
consider a visit to the city and its environs.
Visit Mayan
ruins: Tulum
is perhaps best known for its world-famous archaeological site, an ancient Mayan
port city perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. It is also just two hours
from Chichen Itza, a major ancient Mayan city that was named one the New7
Wonders of the World a decade ago. Coba Mayan ruins, with the tallest pyramid
in the Yucatan, are also 45 minutes away.
Tour the Sian
Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: Tulum
is a gateway to Sian Ka’an, a protected area with multiple species of birds,
plants and animals. Sign up for a tour to explore canals, rivers and lagoons
with local Mayan guides.
Go
fishing: Whether
you’re new or already a master angler, hire a boat and spend the day fishing.
If you decide to fish while at Sian Ka’an, consider dinner at Boca Paila, a
fishing village with a number of top-notch hotels and restaurants.
Take cooking
classes: Practice
the magic of Mexican cooking at Rivera Kitchen Tulum. Classes start with a
cultural introduction, from Mesoamerican cultures and traditions, to the colonial
period and the birth of traditional Mexican cuisine. This is followed with the
preparation of a typical Mexican meal, and, of course, the sampling of the
finished products.
Explore
cenotes: Tulum
and all of the Yucatan is home to cenotes, or natural sink holes, that connect
through underwater cave systems. One of those cave systems is Sac Aktun, where
you can dive or snorkel with an experienced guide.
Visit
Labnaha Eco Park: Not
open to mass tourism, this park only accepts small, guided groups
and the number of daily visits is limited. Known as the Magic Mayan World, it offers different
activities, all with the backdrop of thick jungle and with subterranean cenotes beneath. Activities include ziplining into the Sacred Lakes, kayaking, swimming
in the cenotes and more.
Hit
the road to Bacalar: Two
hours from Tulum is Bacalar, one of the designated Magic Towns of Mexico and
home to the Lagoon of Seven Colors. There are no large tourist complexes here
in this Mayan village. What you’ll find are rustic cabins and a Caribbean vibe.
Sample local food or book an excursion in the bay and surrounding mangrove swamps
to discover flowers, birds and other wildlife.