Only an hour and a half down the coast from Cancun is a slice of paradise that’s worlds away from the megaresort culture. Whether you want to make a day or a week of it, the sleepy seaside town of Tulum boasts surprisingly plenty to do on your Mexico vacation. Tulum beach is a spectacle unto itself, boasting powdery limestone sand and calm water that varies from shades of greens to hues of blue. Here, you’ll find low-rise eco-chic hotels with bungalows and thatched palapas located right on the sand. A walk in either direction will bring you to an array of restaurants and cafés perfect for a casual lunch or romantic dinner.
Head north and you’ll come upon the Mayan Ruins, a historic site with over sixty structures built along the coastline. Three structures of note are the El Castillo Tower, the Temple of the Descending God and the Temple of the Frescoes—each boasts rare carvings, adornments and murals. The ruins are also open at night, offering viewers a different kind of sightseeing experience. To the south is the impressive Sian Ka’an Biosphere, a natural preserve comprising one million acres of lush wilderness with hiking trails and lagoons for swimming.
If all this natural beauty has you longing for a little action, check out Tulum Pueblo located just inland. This small city has everything you need—local eateries, grocery stores, dive shops, public transportation, and about any other service you can think of to make your trip enjoyable.