Tulum Pictures

When you're not touring ruins, lounge along Tulum's white sands. SimonDannhauer Getty Images

The Cobá ruins are located about 30 miles north of Tulum. The top attraction there is the Grand Pyramid, accessible via a daunting climb up more than 120 steps. Pierdelune Getty Images

You'll want to fill up on your fair share of tacos while in Tulum, which many refer to as a "foodie heaven." Peter Marik Getty Images

If El Gran Cenote is too crowded for you, head to Dos Ojos (pictured here) instead. Simon Dannhauer Getty Images

Bring a swimsuit with you to the Tulum ruins, as they are perched above a beach. Florian Trojer Getty Images

The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve UNESCO World Heritage site remains a popular stop for Tulum visitors. The area also includes 23 Mayan archaeological sites. Fouque Getty Images

Among the highlights to a trip to the Muyil archaeological site is this ancient pyramid. carlosrojas20 Getty Images

Keep your eyes peeled for the many iguanas that sunbathe among Tulum's ruins. Andreas Schmid Getty Images

Cenotes (including El Gran Cenote) are underground pools once considered sacred waters by the Mayans. Matteo Colombo Getty Images

Bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to take an ocean dip after your tour around the Tulum ruins. M Swiet Productions Getty Images

This building within the Coba ruins was used as a lookout tower. JoseIgnacioSoto Getty Images

The Punta Laguna Nature Reserve is a popular place to see spider monkeys. Regina Zuyeva / EyeEm Getty Images

Among the Coba ruins, you'll spot ancient Mayan ball courts. carlosrojas20 Getty Images

Playa Paraiso is a great way to cool off after exploring the ruins. shalamov Getty Images

Here you can swim, snorkel and dive amid some pretty cool geological features, including stalagmites and stalactites, while bats and birds flutter overhead. Csondy Getty Images

Past visitors preferred Muyil over the Tulum ruins thanks to the lack of tourist crowds. Byelikova_Oksana Getty Images

If you're planning a trip to Muyil, wear appropriate footwear and a hat to shield yourself from the sweltering sun. carlosrojas20 Getty Images

When snorkeling Tulum's waters, keep your eyes peeled for endangered green sea turtles. M Swiet Productions Getty Images

Some travelers say Tulum's ruins are worth a visit for the picturesque setting alone. traveler1116 Getty Images

Tulum is full of trendy bars and restaurants. CabecaDeMarmore Getty Images

If you're looking for a quick daytrip from Tulum, consider heading about an hour northeast to Chichen Itza. Matteo Colombo Getty Images

Head to Cenote Dos Ojos if you've got cave diving on your must-do list while in Tulum. Simon Dannhauer Getty Images

Because Tulum lacks an extensive public transportation system, biking is one of the easiest ways to get around. Linda Raymond Getty Images

Itching to swim with dolphins? Head to Delphinus Xel-Há. Adelle Adams / EyeEm Getty Images

Aktun-Chen Park, which sits about 30 minutes northeast of Tulum, is chock full of activities like zip lining, cave and underground river swimming, and wildlife watching. Oleg Gutsol Getty Images