Now that you'v got your flights to Tulum booked, you'll need to plan your activities next, right? The first time I visited Tulum, Mexico, it seemed like there were almost too many options. This guide will help you zoom in on the top 10 things to do in Tulum, especially for solo travelers, for a practically guaranteed good time.
And if you enjoy this article, you'll love my Tulum itinerary, too!
Is Tulum worth visiting?
Absolutely. Tulum has been ran through by tourists from all over the world, especially the United States, but it still retains its charm. Whether you're interested in being a beach bum, exploring spiritual wellness practices, or eating world-class cuisine, you'll find something here!
I recommend renting a car to see the best of Tulum. Read everything you need to know about driving to and around Tulum, Mexico!
My Top 10 Things to Do when Visiting Tulum
Visit Tulum Mayan Ruins
This archaeological site preserves Tulum's ancient Mayan civilization and is the only ruins site in Mexico that sits on a beachy coast. It's one of the most unique things to see and experience in Tulum.
I loved the history of the ruins and the serenity of Playa Ruinas and highly recommend this Tulum bucket list experience for solo travelers, groups, couples--everybody! If you're just stopping through from nearby Playa del Carmen or Isla Holbox and wondering what to do in Tulum for a day, add Las Ruinas to your day trip itinerary.
Read my detailed guide to visiting the Tulum Mayan Ruins and the Secret Beach!
Relax on the Beach
Tulum has some of the prettiest beaches I've been to and it's easy to spend hours swimming, eating fresh seafood, and lounging in a relaxing cabana with some fruity drink in hand. Ask me how I know!
In addition to the Hidden Beach at Tulum's Ruins site, my favorites include Caleta Tanka, Las Palmas Public Beach, and Playa Paraiso. And many beaches are public so if you're looking for free or inexpensive things to do in Tulum, add this activity to your list.
Practice Yoga
There are dozens of places to practice yoga and other mind-body movement like pilates in Tulum. Whether you want to try sunrise beach yoga, take a yoga class in the jungle, or just hit up a beautiful studio, you got options!
This yoga excursion from Tulum includes round-trip transportation to take class on the water!
Shop Mexican Handicrafts and Housewares
Tulum is well-known for hammocks (amacas) and you’ll see them for sale everywhere. There are shops along Tulum Road in town, all down Tulum Beach Road, and in front of the entry point for the Mayan Ruins.
Vendors also walk up and down the beach selling everything from woven goods to Mexican candies. Leave room in your luggage for souvenirs!
Enjoy Street Art
Tulum is home to several art galleries to get lost in. There are also street murals sprinkled all throughout town. Walk down Calle Sol Oriente to see lots of murals in one go then wander around the intersecting streets for more.
Celebrate Local Culture
Tulum has cultural carnivals, festivals, and parades throughout the year. On my very first night there, I stumbled upon a carnival parade, which reminded me of Mardi Gras festivities back home.
Fiesta Tradicional de la Cancha Maya is a significant cultural festival that happens on October 7th to honor Mayan traditions. And Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe is a vibrant event celebrated by Mexico's Catholic communities. If you can time your visit with one of these enriching events, your trip will be all the better.
Read my top tips for traveling on a budget to make your trip to Tulum more affordable!
Mexican Dining Experience
I highly recommend this experience, especially if you are traveling alone. The Mexican Dining Experience in Zona Hotelera Tulum is great for adventurous foodies, culture and history buffs, and anyone interested in a communal dining experience in nature.
There were singles, couples, and a big group at the dinner I took part in. Our host, Diego, guided us through sampling then recreating unlimited specialty cocktails, five courses of food, making salsa while listening to salsa, and a Mayan energy ritual. I liked meeting people from all over in a setting that felt non-touristy.
The home cook in me loved learning about and try authentic foods. Make sure you bring cash to tip!
Here's my advice for solo women travelers to Mexico and anywhere in the world!
Swim in a Cenote
Cenotes are one of the most popular things to do in Tulum and the Yucatan region. These natural groundwater pools range in depth up to 130 feet but there are plenty of shallow ones so don't worry if you aren't a strong swimmer.
Some of the most well-known cenotes are Gran Cenote, Cenote dos Ojos, and Cenotes Casa Tortuga. But I think the Cenote at Caleta Tankha is slept on for a chill, secluded swim.
Eat Delicious Food
Tulum's dining scene is popping! You can enjoy everything from super cheap 50-cent tacos al pastor for lunch to bougie smoothie bowls for breakfast, freshly-made sugarcane mojitos for happy hour, and even a Michelin-starred meal for dinner.
Here are the best restaurants to try in Tulum for every budget!
Watch the Sunset at Playa Paraiso
Playa Paraiso is one of my top Tulum beaches because it's so beautiful, especially at sunset. Hit up one of the cool beach clubs like Villa Pescadores or just camp out in the sand and watch the sun dip below the Caribbean Sea. It's just dreamy.
Looking for where to stay in Tulum? Read my Tulum boutique hotel review!
Frequently Asked Questions
Definitely. Tulum is one of the best places in Mexico for solo travelers. It’s easy to meet people at yoga classes, cenote tours, or communal dinners, and most activities are super solo-friendly. Just be mindful of safety at night and use the same travel smarts you would anywhere else.
I recommend at least three full days to experience the top attractions in Tulum. If you’ve got 5-7 days, even better—you can explore hidden gems, nearby towns, and leave room for lots of peaceful relaxation.
Tulum is truly gorgeous year-round, but the sweet spot is from November to April when the weather is sunny, dry, and not too humid. May to October is technically low season (aka rainy season), so you'll score cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds—just pack bug spray, be flexible, and plan for some indoor acitvities!
More Favorite Tulum Activities
I hope my list of the best things to see and do in Tulum helps you have the most fun on vacation--on your own or otherwise. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this post for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
