Tulum is rapidly becoming the place to be for all kinds of getaways. Christmas holidays, family vacations, girls’ trips, and of course couples getaways. It’s not hard to see why. Tulum is the ideal vacation destination. It is easy to get to, has great weather, and gorgeous beaches. If you are planning a couples trip to Tulum to get some sun, eat delicious food, and have a great time together, you won’t be disappointed.
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Best Things To Do in Tulum For Couples
Tulum is located in Quintana Roo state, on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. It’s easy to reach from the United States. Most travelers will fly into Cancun (it’s about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Cancun to Tulum) but starting in mid 2024, there will be an airport in Tulum, making travel much easier. Let’s dive into the best things to do on a couples’ trip to Tulum.
1. Explore Tulum Ruins
If you are a couple who loves to learn about local history, the Tulum ruins are a great place to start. Located just outside of town, they are easy to reach by bicycle or by car/taxi.
Take your time exploring the ruins and enjoying the ocean views from the cliffs. You can also access the picturesque secluded beach at the bottom of the sea cliffs from the ruins.
2. Dive in to Cenote Calavera
Cenote Calavera is one of the closest cenotes to town and one of the most fun! This magical cenote is made up of 3 small holes in the ground that lead to a large underwater cave. The cave is full of beautiful blue water that’s perfect for swimming. You can choose to jump straight in or climb down using the ladder. There is also a swing in the cave if you feel like taking a seat and watching the cave bats flying around above you.
This Cenote is ideal to spend a morning playing and enjoying the water. Arrive early to beat the crowds and have the rest of the day free to explore more of Tulum.
Onsite they are changing rooms, a small bar, and parking.
3. Enjoy a morning at the Spa
Tulum is the perfect setting for relaxing and indulging in a bit of self-care. What better way to do this than to treat yourselves to a couples massage at a nice spa?
Luckily Tulum has many great spas to choose from. Some of the best ones are Spa Tulum, Tulum Massage Energy Healing Spa Temazcal, Cacao Spa Tulum, and Massage Tulum Carlos Cardona Spa.
Choose some spa treatments and unwind together with some luxurious pampering.
4. Take a trip to Chichen Itza
No couples trip to Tulum would be complete without taking a day trip to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Chichen Itza is a real marvel to behold and a place you will never forget.
Rent a car and easily drive yourself there or join a guided tour directly from Tulum. Either way, you are sure to enjoy making time to visit these impressive Mayan ruins.
My top tip is to go as early as possible to enjoy the place and have it all to yourselves before all the crowds arrive.
Chichen Itza tours we recommend –
- Chichen Itza with a Cenote visit and Valladolid via Viator – CLICK HERE
- Chichen Itza with Early Access, tequila tasting, and lunch via Viator – CLICK HERE
- Classic Chichen Itza Day Tour with Lunch via Get Your Guide – CLICK HERE
5. Marvel at the architecture at Azulik City of Arts
Located a short drive or taxi ride outside of Tulum is one of the most unique places in the area. Azulik City of Arts is a one-of-a-kind creative art exhibit. The entire place has no straight lines or walls. Everything is carefully designed, allowing you to connect with your inner creative self, and link the endless possibilities of the human mind to the physical world.
Sounds intriguing doesn’t it?
They also have a wellness program and an onsite restaurant. This is the perfect place to explore your creativity and experience new things together.
6. Dance the Night away at La Zebra Hotel
La Zebra is one of the more popular beachfront luxury resorts in Tulum. It is known for its luxury accommodations, great food, and awesome salsa vibes.
Every Sunday you can join free salsa classes at La Zebra or dance the night away to some of the best music in town.
7. Spend a day relaxing by the beach
Tulum is rich with long stretches of white sand beaches. This means you have plenty of choices when it comes to spending a day soaking up the sun and splashing in the sea.
There are many great beach clubs where you can rent a sun bed and enjoy their facilities for the day. If you prefer the public beaches, you’ll find those north of the hotel zone.
8. Explore Tulum by Bicycle
Tulum is fairly spread out. There’s the Hotel Zone down at the beach and then downtown Tulum further inland. A popular thing to do in Tulum is to rent bicycles and head out to explore the area. There are many bike rental places in the downtown area.
The main road from downtown to the beach has a large separate cycle path that is super safe. Cycling along the beach road you can stop to enjoy a coffee or juice at many of the shacks or browse through any of the countless independent boutique stores.
Having two wheels for the day is a great way to explore Tulum and enjoy some extra freedom.
9. Visit Yal-Ku Lagoon
Yal-Ku Lagoon is the perfect place for couples to spend the afternoon, swimming and exploring the crystal clear blue waters. This spot is perfect for fishing since it is a mix of fresh and seawater.
This is a cenote that runs into the lagoon and then out to sea. The water where the two meet is full of sealife and turtles, and rays can even be found here If you’re lucky.
10. Try some water sports
Tulum is full of options for water activities for the more adventurous couples out there. Whether you want to go snorkeling or try diving in a cenote, there is no shortage of activities.
Other popular options include kayaking or paddle boarding, sailing, river tubing, and even kite surfing if you are up for a challenge.
Best Romantic Resorts in Tulum For Couples
When taking a couples trip to Tulum, you will find there are plenty of places to stay. To save some time and effort here are the top resorts for the perfect romantic getaway.
The Yellow Nest Tulum
The Yellow Nest Tulum is one of the best boutique hotels in Tulum, surrounded by the area’s lush jungle and palm trees. It is a quiet oasis with a natural cenote/pool for relaxation.
You will have your own jungle bungalow with a gorgeous interior. If you’re looking for something special, consider booking one with a private terrace and pool.
Hotelito Azul
Located right on the water with its own private access to the beach, this resort is perfect for couples looking for special sunsets and romantic moments.
The main attraction of this resort is its stunning rooftop pool. This is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset after a long day of exploring.
Hotel Bardo
This adults-only hotel in Tulum is perfect for anyone looking to escape the chaos and enjoy some peace and tranquility. Even though it’s in the heart of downtown Tulum, you could easily be tricked into thinking you were on a desert island.
The pool area is beautiful. In fact, you might find yourself wanting to spend your entire vacation at the pool. They also have an onsite wellness center.
Best Restaurants in Tulum for Couples
Tulum is known for its fabulous restaurants and bars, so it’s hard to make a bad choice. We think these are some of the best restaurants in town.
Burrito Amor
For the best burritos in town, head to Burrito Amor. This restaurant serves delicious Mexican food in a simple and clean setting right on the main street in downtown Tulum. Many people who visit Tulum head straight to Burrito Amor and often end up returning time and time again.
Humo
If you’re looking for that typical Tulum jungle vibe with a touch of elegance then Humo is the place for you. Their outside space is beautifully decorated and they often have performers to entertain the guests.
Taqueria La Chiapaneca
Perhaps one of the most popular places to eat in all of Tulum is Taqueria La Chiapaneca. It is perfect for a couple that’s on the go or looking for some yummy local food at a great price. This is the place to come to experience local Mexican food.
To Sum Up – Things to do on a Couples Trip to Tulum
So hopefully now you have plenty to keep you entertained on your visit to Tulum. Having visited Tulum myself with my partner, I can safely say that Tulum is one of the best places we have been to get that romantic vibe mixed with fun and adventure.
For the perfect romantic trip to Tulum I recommend staying in the downtown area, close to the restaurants and the action. Hire yourselves a couple of bikes and explore town on your own. We promise you will love it!
About the author: This post was written by Callie from Counting Our Footsteps. Callie and her partner Guido quit their jobs in 2022 to travel the world and started their Central and South America Trip in Mexico.