Tulum Travel Guide

1. Seaside Mayan City: Tulum is the only major Mayan city built on the coast. While most Mayan sites are inland, Tulum’s cliffside spot made it a strategic port and trading center on the Caribbean Sea.
2. City of Dawn: Tulum was originally called Zama, which means “City of Dawn,” because it faces east, perfectly positioned to catch the sunrise over the ocean.
3. Trading Hotspot: Tulum thrived as a commercial hub, especially for obsidian and jade. Its coastal access made it ideal for both land and sea trade routes.
4. Temple of the Frescoes: One of the highlights of the ruins is the Temple of the Frescoes, which still displays vibrant murals depicting Mayan gods, cosmology, and rituals.
5. World-Class Beaches: Tulum’s beaches are known for their soft, powdery sand and clear turquoise waters.
6. Sian Ka’an Biosphere: Just south of Tulum lies the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with wildlife, including monkeys, manatees, and over 300 species of birds.
7. Turtle Nesting Season: From May to October, sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on Tulum’s beaches. If you’re lucky, you might witness hatchlings making their way to the sea.

1. Ven a la Luz Sculpture: Stand beneath the massive wooden goddess opening her chest to the jungle—Tulum’s most iconic art installation.
2. Next to the “Follow That Dream” Sign: Snap a shot next to this inspiring sign along Tulum’s beachfront road. 
3. Tulum Ruins: Pose with ancient Mayan ruins behind you and the turquoise Caribbean Sea stretching beyond the cliffs.
4. Swinging at Matcha Mama: Capture a carefree moment on the wooden swings while sipping a smoothie bowl at this charming roadside café.
5. Hanging Couch at Casa Malca: Kick back on the swing couch with draping curtains—it’s moody, artsy, and totally Tulum.
6. Walking the Bridge at Azulik Tulum: Walk barefoot along Azulik’s wooden pathways suspended over the jungle—perfect for that boho-chic vibe shot. 
7. In the Water at a Cenote: Float or dive into crystal-clear freshwater—get an underwater shot or one from above with limestone walls all around.
8. On the Beach at Sunrise: Photograph yourself walking the untouched shoreline at sunrise when the light is soft and magical.
9. Under a Jungle Canopy at a Wellness Retreat: Join a yoga or sound healing session and capture a peaceful, meditative moment surrounded by lush green.
10. With a Bike on the Tulum Beach Road: Rent a bike and take a photo riding past palm trees, boutiques, and boho cafés.

Tulum has always struck me as a magical, jungle-meets-beach kind of escape—like stepping into a real-life Tarzan treehouse filled with bohemian charm. The laid-back energy and earthy aesthetics were exactly what I needed.

We stayed at Nomade Tulum, a soulful, eco-conscious resort that promotes wellness and mindfulness. I loved waking up to the ocean breeze and starting my mornings with yoga in their open-air studio. During the day, they had all kinds of wellness sessions like sound baths, meditation, and healing classes that helped me unwind and just live in the moment.

One of my Tulum bucket list dreams was to jump into a crystal-clear cenote, and I finally got to do just that. Swimming in the turquoise water surrounded by limestone walls felt surreal. The cenote was filled with little fish and even turtles gliding past, an unforgettable connection with nature.

Evenings had a vibe of their own. We explored Tulum’s vibrant culinary scene and enjoyed unforgettable dinners. One night, we danced through dinner at Ilios with fire shows and live music. Another night at Rosa Negra felt like a full-on party with sparklers and DJ beats. And at Kin Toh, we slowed it down with a magical, treetop dinner at Azulik.

One highlight was Taboo Tulum—the atmosphere was electric with amazing food, live music, crafted cocktails, and a beachfront view that added the perfect touch.

We also took a day trip to see Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Standing in front of the towering pyramid and learning about the rich Mayan history was humbling. It felt amazing to cross this incredible site off my travel bucket list.

Another unforgettable stop was the Ven a la Luz sculpture. Standing beneath the towering wooden goddess felt surreal. Knowing it symbolized nature and feminine energy made the moment feel spiritual.

We also explored the Tulum Ruins, where ancient stone structures overlook the Caribbean Sea. Walking through these preserved remnants of the Mayan civilization, with waves crashing below, gave us a glimpse into a powerful, ancient world.