Exploring Tulum's surrounding areas pays big rewards

For the best things to do in Tulum, we suggest thinking beyond the sand. [View in browser]( [facebook]( [instagram]( [TikTok]( PICTURE YOURSELF IN… Tulum Tulum is surrounded by amazing cenotes to explore While some might think of [Tulum]( exclusively as a beachy getaway, what I love about it is how it is not always what you expect. One time, camping outside of Tulum in the world’s smallest tent, I heard what can only be described as a colossal roar. Then another. For hours, roars filled the air. My imagination invented ever larger and more-terrifying monsters, tearing through my tent walls, teeth dripping saliva. Shaking in my sleeping bag, I tried to think of a known animal that could make a sound like that – and came up with nothing. The next morning, I learned what a howler monkey was. Not more than 3ft from the tip of their long tails to their short, wide noses and weighing some 14 pounds, these relatively small primates are not the monsters I had conjured. And that’s kind of how I’d describe Tulum: you think you know exactly what you’re going to get, but you don’t know what you’re going to discover. Yes, there are Maya ruins and tasty tacos and yoga classes on the beach; but there are also wild and wonderful locales to adventure into. To delve deeper into what Tulum has to offer, I contacted Liza Prado, a Quintana Roo regular and a writer I’ve enjoyed working with for some time now. [I'm an image]     Featured Story [7 unmissable beaches in Tulum]( As a self-described beach bum, Liza Prado’s favorite thing to do in Tulum is hit the beach. Here is her list of the best ones in the area. [Read more]( [] Immerse yourself Liza always brings a fresh perspective, making Tulum feel both accessible and mysterious. I encourage you to [peruse her work]( plan a trip there. But first, I’ve gathered some basic intel to get you going. [View all stories]( [Best things to do]( The beaches are some of the best in the world, but for the best things to do in Tulum, we suggest thinking beyond the sand. [Read more]( Pro-tip: While the beach resorts have plenty of fancy restaurants, the best food is in town.   [Best time to visit]( Every month has some special reason to visit, but November and May are our favorites. The crowds are thin, and it feels like you have the place to yourself. [Read more]( Pro-tip: Save money any time of year, and book your accommodation in town versus trying to stay on the beach.   [Best day trips]( Tulum is surrounded by ruins, cenotes and wildlife reserves. Rent a car and plan a few extra days for these incredible day trips. [Read more]( Pro-tip: Hire a guide to take you kayaking through Reserva Biosphera Sian Ka'an. The reserve is filled with secret lagoons, a guide will help steer you to all the right spots.   [Getting around]( The amount of traffic in Tulum can be overwhelming. Consider renting a bike, an exhilarating way to get around town. Check out other transportation options here. [Read more]( Pro-tip: Bike the beach road. It is so easy to forget where you are from while cycling under the arched palms.   Ask an Insider Liza Prado is Lonely Planet’s resident Tulum expert. She’s been covering the region for over twenty years and loves sinking her toes into the perfect Tulum sand. Read on for a little of the conversation we had just ahead of Liza's winter sojourn to the Riviera Maya. What’s your favorite thing to do in Tulum? Go to the beach. They are the best in Mexico – spectacular. When you think of the perfect heavenly beach, Tulum has it. White sand and clear, turquoise water that you can see your toes under. Curving palm trees line a beach that just seems to go on and on. What is something that surprises you about Tulum? It’s more than a beach destination: it’s a great adventure destination as well, with kayaking in Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka’an, biking to Coba, kiteboarding in the ocean and scuba diving in cenotes. There are so many fun adventures to be had, and you’re surrounded by the jungle and the wildlife that goes with it. When people ask for your tips on Tulum, what do you always tell them to do? Definitely cenotes (underground caves with freshwater lakes). It's hard to think about going underground when you’re in such a beautiful place, but you should go to Dos Ojos. There are two separate entrances, and you can dive between the two. Seeing this other world under the ground, you understand why these are sacred places to the Maya. "Diving in the Dos Ojos cenote is just spectacular. There are stalagmites and stalactites and fish with no eyes swimming past you. It's an incredibly special place, like another world, and its just under the ground." - Liza Prado What draws you to Tulum over and over? The vibe. There is a distinct boho spirit here that is really the heart of Tulum. It has changed over the years, but it still has this distinct vibe that really appeals to me. And there is a lot of art that is integrated into that. So we know it’s crowded, but are the Tulum ruins worth it? Yes. You have to go. The site is so unique and spectacular. I always feel like it’s not just me going there; I can’t help but imagine the ancient Maya who once lived there. It was the main trading place and entry point that attracted people from very far away. It’s easy to imagine the thousands of people who passed through here with their canoes laden with goods from all over. This email was sent to you by: Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 © 2022 Lonely Planet [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy](