3 Hidden Tulum Locations Only Locals Know

Tulum is no secret. A simple search online will pop up a plethora of stunning images of hidden caves with water, dreamy white-sand beaches, and Instagram influencers with golden tans and trendy dresses. But what you may not know is that even this paradise destination holds more than meets the eye. And you have to be a local to know where to find some of Tulum’s best-kept secrets.

Perhaps one of the greatest things about this chic beach destination is how easy it is to fall in love with it. Just by searching for it and looking at these spots that seem out of this world, you’ll know this is the place to visit and to invest in. So now that you’ve decided to have a little piece of the pie, you can read on to discover these Tulum secrets only locals know. Just don't tell anybody.

Sian Ka’an Natural Reserve

You may have known that Tulum is a destination for nature lovers who want to get lost in the beauty of the Caribbean. But what you may not know is that deep in Tulum’s jungle is the Mexican Caribbean’s largest nature reserve and it is stunning. The Sian Ka’an Nature Reserve extends more than 650 thousand hectares to include mangroves, beaches, lagoons, 25 unexplored archaeological sites, and countless wildlife. The site has been a protected natural space and heritage by UNESCO since 1987. Sian Ka’an means the place where heaven begins and when you visit, you will discover why.

Kaan Luum Lagoon

The beautiful Kaan Luum Lagoon is located south of Tulum, unknown to many people due to its hard-to-reach location. But if you dare to go in search of it, you are in for a stunning surprise. What makes Laguna Kaan Luum special is the color of the water and the fact the center is a deep cenote. Some say the center is about 80 meters (262ft.) deep. One look at that water and you'll understand what the hype is all about. Even though the cenote is off-limits to swimmers, you can still cool off in the actual lagoon. Most of the water is knee to shoulder depth. The water is fairly clear with a slight green turquoise color. The lagoon is just south of Tulum off 307 Highway. You will have to look closely for the sign that is on the left-hand side of the road if you are going south. At this sign, you will need to turn left and go down a dirt road. If you come to the town of Pino Suarez, you have passed it and you will need to turn back. This is the perfect one-day adventure for those seeking a little gem.

Coba, what you didn’t know

Even though Tulum has its own set of unique Mayan archaeological sites and amazing cliff views, there is another, even more, mysterious Mayan city just down the road. Immersed deep in the jungle, Coba is a true gem for those history buffs who enjoy a little mystery. This hidden gem is a delicacy to enjoy as its lower popularity allows its visitors to enjoy it without the crowds. The main highlight of this Mayan site? Nohoch Mul, the 100+ staircase structure that you can still climb for amazing views of the green jungle as far as the eye can see. However, as fascinating as this structure is, the real secret of the site is that almost 90% or more of the city is hidden under the jungle and yet to be explored. As you ride your bicycle to see the isolated Nohoch Mul, notice the "mountain-like" piles of rock, dirt, and nature that hide one of the greatest cities of the Mayan.

When in Tulum, do as the locals and explore these hidden jewels.