This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
Going to Mexico, especially with family, often means being all-inclusive. However, like several other places to discover, the tourist city of the Yucatán peninsula is full of activities and places that will delight young and old alike. Visit Tulum with family outside of the all-inclusive in this second text in our Traveling differently series.
Tulum is a paradise for sea lovers. Bathed by the Caribbean Sea, it has beaches as far as the eye can see that merge with undulating expanses of crystalline turquoise. If toddlers can leisurely splash around on the shore making sandcastles, older children, or the more daring, will be delighted to indulge in snorkeling to observe the fauna and flora beneath. -Marine. Tulum is famous for its multicolored fish, its rays, but also for the big stars that are the green turtles and the Loggerhead turtles. It is also rumored that a short distance away, a little further south, it is possible to observe dolphins.
Head, then, to the Sian ka’an nature reserve where the happy cetaceans live with their families all year round. You can even come across nurse sharks, crocodiles, manatees, pelicans or eagles somewhere between the mangrove, the marsh and the tropical forest of this biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO and included on the heritage list global.
For freshwater sailors
The other wonder of Tulum and its region is undoubtedly the cenote. With their dark and abyssal depths, these “sacred wells” for the Mayans are found by the thousands in Mexico, but those in the state of Quintana Roo are particularly spectacular! Although the Gran Cenote is the most popular in the Riviera Maya, there are others worth seeing. There is the Corazón del Paraíso cenote, surrounded by the jungle, the Escondido cenote, which dazzles with the intensity of its blue, the Zacil-Ha cenote, which also offers water games for children, the Mariposa cenote, like a cave… The list is long and diverse.
Our favorite, however, is a very special cenote, which is in reality an immense lake which shelters an equally dizzying cenote: the Kaan Luum lagoon. You can take a dip in the translucent green water and stroll along the shore, because you can walk in the entire authorized area. Still little frequented, this lagoon is the ideal place to play with children and take a nap on the wooden pontoon in a very confidential setting and rare calm for Tulum.
How can we not finally mention the temazcal, these traditional Mayan steam bath rituals, which are legion in the establishments of Tulum? The Mayan Clay Spa, for example, offers an interesting experience with Mayan clay treatments with multiple benefits.
And the Mayans?
It is unthinkable to stay in Tulum without visiting the famous ruins for which it is famous. The archaeological site of this ancient Mayan city is an ancient fortress whose monuments were mainly used for ritual ceremonies. Because the historical richness of the place is such, we cannot help but invite you to plan an excursion. Thanks to its specialized local French-speaking guides – who don’t roam the streets in Tulum – the Secretoo agency is certainly one of the best in the area. In addition, the visits are done in small groups and the prices are intended to be fair for the entire community.
Those who want to learn more about the Maya, this pre-Columbian civilization very advanced in writing, art, architecture, agriculture, mathematics and astronomy, will be delighted with a day excursion at Chichén Itzá which is one of the new seven wonders of the world. The emblematic pyramid of Kukulcán is therefore worth seeing at least once in your life.
Treats
We automatically think of tacos when we say Mexico… In Tulum, there are some delicious ones and the Mayan specialty is the Cochinita Pibil taco — slow-roasted pork marinated with achiote, a bright red spice, and bitter orange and other good things, slipped into a freshly cooked tortilla with onion marinades and salsa. The place to absolutely eat it is located in the city center: Taqueria Honorio.
The hotel zone is also unmissable when it comes to high Mexican gastronomy. We think in particular of the Wild restaurant which combines ancestral Mayan know-how and modern Mexican cuisine. All enjoyed in a lush setting, with your feet in the sand, and with a No Names cocktail! by hand, decorated with incandescent copal for a moment of magic around the table and seeing stars shine in the eyes of the whole family.
To put on your list before departure
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.