5 Off the Beaten Path Tulum Experiences

Tulum is much more than white sandy beaches, ancient ruins, and getting a pic of the bent palm tree! Tulum is one of the best places to visit in Mexico. Here are some of the unusual Tulum attractions and off the beaten path Tulum experiences – including the popular lagula de kaan luum mud bath.

1. Laguna de Kaan Luum

Just 9km south of Tulum is a large cenote (underground spring) in the middle of a huge lagoon called Laguna de Kaan Luum. The water takes on magical colors thanks to the underground spring; the lagoon is a murky green color while the circular cenote in the middle is a deep blue.

The hole is cordoned off and you can’t swim into Laguna de Kaan Luum but you can dive or walk out to the cenote on a long wooden walkway and swim in the rest of the lagoon. At Laguna de Kaan Luum you can take a mud bath in mud from the cenote. The Laguna de Kaan Luum mud bath is said to have health and beauty benefits. These Tulum attractions can be easily visited with local tour groups.

Sian Kaan Biosphere

Near Laguna de Kaan Luum is another of Tulum attractions, the Sian Kaan Biosphere, a protected area with rich flora and fauna and another unique off-the-beaten-path Tulum experience. The water is clear and you can see turtles, fish and even dolphins.

The best way to see this slice of paradise is by renting a 4X4 or going on a guided tour then go swimming, kayaking, etc. The Sian Kaan Canal System is within the biosphere and is a UNESCO-listed ancient Mayan system of canals. Visitors can simply float along the canals with the current.

2. Cenote Caracol

Although you probably already included a Tulum cenotes tour in your Tulum itinerary, Cenote Caracol is often overlooked. You can enjoy this Tulum attraction without the crowds. It is also one of the most stunning and unusual of the Mexico cenotes. Cenote Caracol is just north of Tulum (best visited with an Underground River and Cenote Tour).

It is a cenote and cave complex where the natural springs are inside caves that drip with stalactites that are dramatically lit up. If you take an organized tour to Cenote Caracol the entrance fee will be included in the tour price. For more off-the-beaten path Tulum experiences there is Choo-ha; Tamcach-ha; Cenote Calavera; Cenote Encantado and Multum-ha.

3. Tulum Dining Experience

For an unusual place to eat that is also a Tulum attraction, join other adults (only 18yrs+) at an exclusive professional dinner party with The Dining Experience. You’ll be served a multi-course meal of Mexican classics with a “tasting menu” and sample pre-Colombian cuisine fused with modern.

Cocktails are also served!

The dinners are hosted by locals and the atmosphere is friendly and sophisticated as strangers meet around a communal table. It is a great choice for solo travelers in Tulum. The dinner lasts about 3 hours and the price (about $79US) includes all food and drinks. They cater to special dietary requirements if you mention them when you book. Navigate to The Dining Experience website to book this off the beaten path Tulum experience.

4. Spiritual Experiences in Tulum

Tulum has a very laid-back atmosphere with plenty of ways to relax and connect with your inner….whatever; you know what I mean – spiritual activities and such including yoga, meditation, and holistic treatments.

Take a yoga class in Tulum with the Yoga Dicha Studio or visit the Hotel & Retreat Center in the Magic Jungle and have a holistic experience with Holistika Tulum. Some of their experiences at Hotel Holistika Tulum are really unique like the Temazcal which is a traditional Mayan steam ceremony in a structure that resembles a womb. You can get the Temazcal experience at other Tulum attractions as well as where a shaman blesses you and the experience is accompanied by chanting and drums.

They also have a wacky outdoor art gallery. You can join an Art Walk with the Tulum Art Club in collaboration with Holistika and meander among murals and surreal sculptures set in natural surroundings. Watsu (floating massage therapy) or Janzu (rebirth therapy) are available at some of the Tulum cenotes.

5. Xamach Dos

There is no shortage of ancient ruins in and around Tulum but most have been excavated and commercialized. For an off-the-beaten-path Tulum experience head for Casa Palmas Xamach Dos (if you have trouble finding it all the better as it means it is really a unique Tulum travel experience!) deep in the Sian Kaan Reserve.  Xamach Dos is a small hotel consisting of 6 cabanas, a 2 bedroom casita, and a restaurant. This is perfect if you really want to get away from civilization.

Ask the owners or staff about the nearby Mayan cemetery. This site is as-yet un-excavated and all the more unique in this area. The locals at this hotel/restaurant will point you in the right direction. You might even find one of the locals here who will take you out onto the reef to snorkel. In and around Xamach Dos you can enjoy the unspoiled landscapes, and pristine waters, take tours, and see animals in their natural habitat.

More Unusual Mexico Experiences:

For another stunning experience in Mexico visit the pink lakes of Los Coloradas or try a volunteer vacation experience in Mexico.

Tulum Attractions Practical Details:

The TRS Yucatan in Akumal is great if you want to indulge yourself; The Lumapi Jungle Eco Lodge is good for easy access to the cenotes and getting back to nature (outdoor showers, jungle hut accommodation, solar power, etc.); Casa Xaaninna is a Tulum farm stay option and my pick for the best Tulum hostel is La Negrita Hostel.

How to Get to Tulum Attractions:

Unless you’ve rented a car often the best bet for Tulum travel is to join several day trips to Tulum attractions. This will save you the transport headache, research of open times, booking, and entrance fees.

If you’ve had an off the beaten path Tulum experience add your own tips below in the comments I’d love to hear about it.