Tulum lies south of Playa del Carmen, with lush, bougainvillea-filled jungle at its back. The town of 10,000 is divided into three separate sections, the Mayan ruins, the hotel zone and the pueblo. Popular with tour buses from Cancun, the ruins, some of the best preserved in the Yucatan, perch on cliffs along the coast. Those staying in Tulum can easily bike around, or explore swimming opportunities off white sand beaches and in subterranean sinkholes. The clear Caribbean waters also offer great diving.