Cancun is the epicenter of Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Blessed with pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise blue water, here you’ll be in good company among sun worshipers from around the world.
But after a few days on these world-class beaches, you may be ready to head out and explore the rest of the Riviera Maya. And now, deciding what to do and how to plan a perfect day of adventure and exploration is easier than ever before. Simply download our app (link here) for access to the very best of the Riviera Maya right from your smartphone. Here you’ll find detailed itineraries including location descriptions, activity duration and great ideas to explore the best of the Riviera Maya.
On this day of adventure you will explore the sleepy town of Tulum, about two hours south of Cancun. In recent years Tulum has grown in terms of popularity, but it remains an offbeat city certainly worth exploring. You’ll find backpackers wandering around, heading to a yoga class or in search of a juice bar, as well as plenty of couples and families from around the world relaxing on Tulum’s wide beaches.
Spend the day wandering through the well-preserved Mayan ruins of Tulum, enjoying lunch overlooking the blue Caribbean Sea, and getting airborne during a kite surfing lesson all before dinner!
Head First to the Tulum Ruins
After an easy, two-hour drive south of Cancun, head right away to the Tulum Ruins to beat the crowds, and the afternoon heat.
From an archaeological perspective, Tulum is significant because of its status as a hub of trade and commerce in the Riviera Maya dating back to 1200 A.D. It’s interesting to note that the Tulum Ruins are the only Mayan site that is located directly on the Caribbean Sea.
The Tulum ruins can be explored in about an hour, and can be managed on foot or by a guided bicycle tour.
Enjoy a Leisurely Lunch Overlooking the Caribbean Sea
After exploring the ruins, head back down the beach strip to the hotel Mezzanine.
This oceanfront restaurant, which is open to the public, is an ideal place to relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch. In contrast to the delicious Mexican food you’ve likely been enjoying, opt for their Pad Thai, perhaps the best Pad Thai in Mexico, or other Asian small plates.
Try Your Hand at Kiteboarding
The Papaya Playa Project hotel is home to one of the largest kiteboarding operations in Mexico. This kiteboarding center is called the SianKite Watersports Center and Kiteboarding School, and here kiteboarding lessons are available for all abilities.
The beaches of Tulum are widely considered to be some of the best for kiteboarding in Mexico. In addition to soft, white sand and no big rocks or concrete in the water, the water temperature stays warm year round with dominant winds mainly onshore and sideshore creating conditions perfect for jumping and learning tricks on the passing waves.
Head north back up Highway 307 to the BelleVue Beach Paradise for a well-earned dinner after a busy day spent exploring Tulum!
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