Tulum is a favoured destination of Yucatan and for good reasons. There’s a lot of reasons to come in to ideal beach town. Be it for its hippy vibes, white sand beach or its close temples and ruins, here are places you must see around Tulum.

1. Casa Malca

Casa Malca is Pablo Escobar’s former mansion, now a stunning and luxurious hotel with a private beach. A must visit for those who want to spend relaxing afternoon in the house once owned by the most dangerous drug dealer in the history. Without a doubt, he had extraordinary and eclectic taste in architecture and decor. Definitely part of the places you must see around Tulum.

↬ TIP : Spend an afternoon on the beach bed free of charge, just by getting delicious drinks. 

2. Azulik Tulum

Absolutely extraordinary place. Definitely one of the most spectacular one we have ever been to. If staying here is out of your budget (like 99 % of ppl), then come around 6 PM. You will be able to watch the sunset sitting on the net and admiring the views above the jungle. Get a drink and wander around the hanging bridges and the nests.  

↬ TIP : Dinner at The Koh restaurant might be tempting, but we do not recommend it. The food was actually the worst we had in Mexico and hence is highly overpriced. 

3. Azulik Uh May

“It’s a holistic center for human vision and evolution created in the jungle of Tulum”. Created by Roth (Eduardo Neira), social entrepreneur and founder of Azulik, this new multi-faceted art centre is a special place composed of creative spaces. It includes an innovative art space, a lab dedicated to fashion and design, a state of the art recording studio as well as residencies for artists. At the heart of the centre, a school focusing on the universal language of art and craft will bring together the local Mayan population, artists in residence, international students and scholars.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to visit the place. It was its opening night on our last day in Mexico.

4. Tulum Ruins

Tulum Ruins are sited on top of cliffs along the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. The archaeological site is one of the best-preserved coastal Mayan temple in Mexico. This is the most touristic of the places you must see around Tulum, but it is worth an early visit!

↬ Read : Tulum Ruins Guide – All There is to Know

5. Gran Cenote and Cenote Dos Ojos 

Those two are the most popular cenotes and are located just outside of Tulum. They are perfect places for an afternoon refreshing dip. You can swim and snorkel in crystal the clear waters of those magnificent caves. Or even cavern dive if you are feeling more adventurous.

↬ Read : Best Cenotes to Visit in Yucatan or Cavern Diving in Dos Ojos

6. Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve 

A sublime area of natural beauty, Sian Ka’an, home to thousands of species of flora and fauna, is designated Biosphere Reserve and declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. Make a one day tour of the Biosphere, and snorkel in its mangrove.

If you wish to explore this sublime reserve, here is the official website.