One of the best parts of this section of the car trip is the locals selling fresh fruits and handmade artifacts by the roadside; donât skip stopping by some of their stands and picking a piece of Yucatan home with you. After enjoying your midway stop at Valladolid and exploring its historic buildings in the town square, you continue deep into the dense jungles.
Keep an eye out for traditional Mayan homes with thatched roofs, and if youâre lucky, youâll catch a glimpse of exotic birds, iguanas, or even a howler monkey! This 160-mile-long (259-km) journey is nothing but amazing. The views get even better once you approach Tulum, and with Daytrip those three and a half hours spent in the car are guaranteed to be worth your while.
The most attractive feature that Tulum offers people is most likely its location; who wouldnât be down for spending days by the Caribbean Sea, though? But actually, Tulum preserves a precious history in its borders. It was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Mayans.
Having stood out as a major port for the nearby city of Coba, it played a crucial role in maritime and land trade routes. The Caribbean Sea mesmerized Tulumâs Mayan founders as well, so much that they named the site originally âZama,â meaning âCity of Dawn.â This name obviously referred to the sunrise views over the Caribbean Sea that stunned the cityâs dwellers.
Apart from its integrated history throughout the city, visiting Tulum will also be like an open exhibition of some of Mexicoâs most noteworthy natural wonders. For example, Tulum sits atop a wide network of underground rivers and cenotes. A cenote is a limestone sinkhole holding cold and clear water.
Though natural, it looks like it was made just for everyone to dive right in! Cenote Dos Ojos, for example, is one of the most famous ones in the region. Youâll understand why once you see the inviting blue-green water hidden under the cave that covers it!
Start your trip as early in the morning as possible and avoid the midday heat and traffic. Youâll enjoy more daylight hours for sightseeing along the way and arrive at Tulum at a more reasonable time.
### Keep your energy high with snacks and water
There are roadside eateries, and stopping by one for lunch is almost necessary (explore the local cuisine on the way!), but having your own snacks and plenty of water makes sure you're not reliant on finding a stop when hunger strikes. Go for local fruits like mangoes or papayas that you can buy at the localsâ stands.
### Cash is king
Many small towns and roadside vendors only accept cash. Make sure to carry small banknotes and coins of Mexican Peso for easy paying.
### Be eco-friendly-supplied
Bring eco-friendly supplies such as reusable water bottles, utensils, and shopping bags to minimize your environmental impact and support Tulumâs eco-conscious ethos.
### Swim in the Kaan Luum Lagoon
Within a short distance from Tulum lies the Kaan Luum Lagoon, a swimming experience like no other. Everyone knows this lagoon for its bright turquoise waters and deep cenote at its center.
The waters of these two stark contrast in color. What really gets to its visitors is its relatively quiet and peaceful environment, so youâll be able to relax and inhale the natural beauty in your own time. Plus, these pristine waters are enclosed by the greenery of mangroves, making you feel deep inside nature.
### Explore the Muyil Ruins and Sian Kaâan Biosphere Reserve
After getting to know Tulumâs main ruins, try the nearby Muyil Ruins for a more intimate exploration of Mayan history. It sits amidst the dense jungle within the Sian Kaâan Biosphere Reserve, so walking through the thick green to find this archaeological site is like discovering it yourself as you wander through the ancient city.
Definitely climb the El Castillo pyramid before taking a boat tour through the lagoons of Sian Kaâan. You can float down ancient Mayan canals and drift gently through the bright blue waters.
### Participate in a Temazcal Ceremony
A Temazcal ceremony is a traditional Mayan sweat lodge ritual that offers a profound spiritual and physical cleansing experience. These ceremonies are led by experienced shamans and involve entering a small, dome-shaped structure where hot stones are used to create steam. You sit in the dark, steamy environment while the shaman chants, plays instruments, and uses aromatic herbs to cleanse you.
The ceremony purifies the body, mind, and spirit, helping everyone who joins to release stress, detoxify, and connect with ancient traditions. Many wellness centers and eco-resorts in Tulum offer Temazcal ceremonies, so if you are interested in diving deeper into the culture, this is a very achievable way to do so.
The shoulder season, July to August, is hot and humid (around 83°F/28°C), and it attracts travelers for nightlife, beach parties, and bar hopping. Despite occasional rain showers, hotel rates rise, and Tulum is bustling.
If youâre a budget traveler, you should visit during the low season (May, June, and September to November). Though heat and rain reduce crowds, this period has great hotel deals. However, be mindful of poor ocean visibility and hurricane warnings. November stands out as a perfect month to visit since it combines good weather with lower prices.
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Izamal
This charming yellow city was built atop a Mayan city with monuments so massive, the Spanish treated them as hills. It Was All YellowÂ
Cenote Yokdzonot
Roots and vines from the verdant jungle hang into the brilliant blue waters of this sinkhole. The Hanging HoleÂ
Chichen Itza
The mightiest Mayan city in the Yucatan was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its amazing marriage of Mayan and Toltec cultures. Mayan MagicÂ
Ek Balam
This ancient Mayan city bears some of the most intricate ornamentation in the Yucatan, including a king's tomb with a jaguar-mouth as its entrance. Enter the JaguarÂ
Valladolid
Filled with colorful colonial houses, simply wandering this laid-back city is a delight. Quiet ColorsÂ
Coba
The largest network of Mayan highways radiates out from the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan located in the heart of this ancient city. The High RoadÂ