Tulum

Travelers who want to experience Mexico's untouched beauty should bypass the concrete-high-rise that is Cancun, and head down the Yucatan Peninsula coast to Tulum. While it houses plenty of comfortable accommodations and restaurants catering to all budgets, incredibly, Tulum remains largely untouched by overwhelming development.

Tulum Ruins

Right below the main pyramid structure is a secluded beach that you can actually swim at while you’re visiting the site. So make sure to bring your swimsuit with you!

Swimming under the old ruined fortress, perched on the cliff above you, is a pretty cool experience. The beach can get crowded fast though — again I recommend being there as early as possible (or right before it closes).

The beach opens around 10am, as long as the surf isn’t too strong. When walking down the wooden staircase, keep an eye out for the many iguanas who call these cliffs home.