Tulum has become one of the most popular destinations in the Riviera Maya for living and vacationing; its white sand beaches, turquoise blue sea, lush vegetation, and its famous archaeological zone make Tulum a true paradise. But beyond that, Tulum still holds more surprises, lesser-known nearby attractions that you definitely should visit on your next trip:
1. Bacalar Lagoon
Bacalar Lagoon is one of the most beautiful places in Quintana Roo; it is known as the “lagoon of seven colors” or “blue lagoon,” because you can see seven different shades of blue in the water. Also, getting there from Tulum is easy; the drive takes about 2 hours, so you can leave early and make the most of your day in Bacalar.
This destination became a global trend on social media after one of the members of the group BTS, Kim Tae-hyung, was spotted here. Definitely a place worth visiting.
2. Boca Paila
If you prefer a place closer to Tulum, we recommend visiting Boca Paila. This destination is located south of Tulum, within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Getting to Boca Paila will take you about 45 minutes, but along the way you’ll enjoy beautiful scenery, as the only way to get there is via a coastal road. The natural beauty of Boca Paila will amaze you; here you can see the mouth of a lagoon where greenish fresh water meets the blue sea.
3. Car Wash Cenote
If you still don’t know what a cenote is, this is your chance to discover one. Cenotes are natural freshwater pools connected to underground rivers, so they have different depths and shapes. The Car Wash cenote is 5 meters deep and is perfect for snorkeling, and if you dive, the cavern area, which is 15 meters deep, is accessible for divers as long as they are accompanied by authorized guides. This cenote is located just 15 minutes from Tulum town, so you can get there quickly by car, or if you prefer, the bike ride will take you 30 minutes.
4. Kaan Luum Lagoon
Another place you can visit near Tulum and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is Kaan Luum Lagoon, which means Yellow Land. This lagoon is surrounded by mangroves and has a unique feature: in the center there is a cenote, visible by the difference in water color; the cenote looks like a blue eye in the middle of turquoise green water. It is located 15 minutes by car from Tulum town, so you can also bike there, which will take you 30 minutes.
5. Cobá Archaeological Zone
When visiting Tulum, it’s common to want to see one of its main attractions, its archaeological zone. However, there is another nearby archaeological site that is just as impressive: the Cobá archaeological zone, located 45 minutes from Tulum. Here you’ll find the Nohoch Mul pyramid, which at 42 meters tall is the highest in the Yucatán Peninsula. Unlike Tulum’s, this site is extensive, covering 80 km2, so it’s recommended to visit each pyramid by bike, which you can rent on site.
Live in Tulum and enjoy its wonders
Now that you know about these amazing places, imagine living very close to them so you can visit whenever you want. At Grupo Emerita, we have a variety of residential projects for you. Discover our developments and fall even more in love with the attractions of Tulum, the paradise of the Riviera Maya. Check out our real estate offerings!
You might be interested: Grupo Emerita: a developer of experiences
