day trip to gulum

One Day in Tulum Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day in Tulum, Mexico

Tulum, an hour and a half away from Cancun and Playa del Carmen, is one of the major tourist attractions in Mexico. It was a walled city built by the Mayans in the 13th century. In fact, Tulum is the Yucatan Mayan word for “fence” or “wall”. Today, it is  known for its Mayan ruins, gorgeous beaches and clear ocean views. Because of all that, one day in Tulum will be a spectacular experience.

Guest post by Lola

Blog:  la vida lola, a few facts about tulum.

Since Tulum is a beach town, it’s a popular year-round destination . The place sees the biggest number of visitors in spring and summer, with fall and winter being much more quiet, so depending on what type of experience you are seeking, keep that in mind when booking your trip.

One day in Tulum itinerary

Follow this guide and make the most of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do during your one day in Tulum.

Walk among ancient Mayan ruins

To enter the archaeological site to see the Mayan ruins , it is 35-40 pesos per person. The ruins sit atop cliffs, so hiking up to them offers a nice vantage point to see the beach and  the ocean. There are also other places where you can see Mayan ruins in Tulum, such as the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve.

Visit the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve

After viewing the Mayan ruins, you can tour the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve. Sian Ka’an was formed in 1986 and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site the following year. The biosphere reserve is 780,000 acres big and thus has many access points. One of the most common entrances into Sian Ka’an is Muyil, also known as Chunyaxche.

The cost of a one-way bus ticket from Tulum to Muyil is 24 pesos. When you arrive at Sian Ka’an, you can relax on the beach, look at more Mayan ruins, swim in a lagoon, or see animals such as dolphins and turtles in their natural habitat.

Swim in a cenote

Cenotes are underground sinkholes that were held sacred by ancient Mayans and are now used as swimming pools and popular tourist attractions. There are over 6,000 cenotes in Mexico, however only about half of them have been explored. Some of the cenotes specifically in Tulum are Dos Ojos, Tortuga, Vacaha, Abejas, Calavera and Grand Cenote.

To preserve the delicate pH balance in the underground water, all visitors who are planning to swim in cenotes are required to not have any lotions, creams or oils on their body, otherwise it will pollute the water in the cenote.

Experience nightlife at beach bars

There are quite a few bars by the beach where you can dance the night away on the sand or dip your toes in the ocean. One of the top picks is Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar where fruit drinks are made with real sugar cane. The bar can easily be identified by a yellow classic VW Bug parked by the entrance. Some other bars worth checking out are Curandero, Bar Iguana, and Kiki.

Where to Stay in Tulum?

There are many beachside hotels in Tulum which makes the decision of choosing one difficult. By reading reviews and checking out people’s opinions on social media, travelers interested in Tulum can find the right hotel for them.

Villas H2O Hotel

Best budget hostels in Tulum

Find the best hotel deals in tulum, pin for later.

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Tulum Itinerary feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

Related posts:

Lola is a journalist who lives in NYC and enjoys traveling in her free time. She shares her travel experiences on her Instagram and travel blog, La Vida Lola.

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TOP 25 Best Tulum Day Trips You Won’t Want to Miss in 2024

searching for the best day trips from tulum Mexico?

You’re in luck because there are so many of amazing Tulum day trips, and they’re all highlighted here in this article.

As I’ve been living in Mexico since 2018 and spent A LOT of time in Tulum, I’m going to share my insider info with you so you pick the most fun Tulum day trips.

🚗💨 Need a rental car? Whenever I rent a car in Mexico, I always use Discover Cars . They are the company I recommend to readers because they have the BEST rates, and FREE cancellation up to 48 hours before your rental.

Within 30 minutes to 2.5 hours of Tulum, you will find everything from swimmable beaches, beautiful cenotes, Mayan Ruins, and even one of the New Seven Wonders of the World (Chichen Itza Ruins).

Ready to discover the 25 of the most epic Tulum day trips!? Let’s get to it!

After you see all thee places themselves, check out the practical information at the end of the article about the best way to take a day trip from Tulum (rental car, tour or bus).

The 25 Best Tulum Day Trips from Tulum

1. chichen itza mayan ruins: most popular day trip from tulum.

As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — Does Chichen Itza Ruins even need an introduction?!

Probably not, but what I will say is that a day trip from Tulum to Chichen Itza is among the most popular day trips of them all.

These ancient Mayan Ruins house the most famous of all pyramids in Mexico , El Castillo (AKA Temple of Kukulkan), as well as numerous other important structures.

It is one of the most-visited landmarks in Mexico , with about two million annual visitors, and a must see Yucatán Peninsula site.

You can visit on your own, but tours from Tulum to Chichen Itza with a guide to explain all the history, significance and hidden symbolism are much more fun.

• 🏆 Best Tulum to Chichen Itza Tour: Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour
• 🗺 Tulum to Chichen Itza Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Chichen Itza: 94 miles (151 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Chichen Itza: 2 hours in normal traffic
• ⚠️ For additional info, head to 10 Best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum . While options, I’ll always recommend a Chichen Itza tour from Tulum for convenience.

2. Valladolid Pueblo Magico

Want to take a day trip to Valladolid?! Smart choice! Valladolid Mexico , located in Yucatán State, is an increasingly popular Mexico travel destination.

It’s also one of my favorite places to jump in a car from Tulum and spend the day.

It is also one of the country’s 175 or so  pueblos magicos (Mexico magic towns), and known as one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico — so get that camera ready.

Aside from all the pretty pictures you’ll take in Downtown Valladolid, there’s also great shopping on the Calzada de los Frailes, restaurants in Valladolid to sample authentic Yucatan food , cenotes near Valladolid, Mayan Ruins just outside of town, and more.

• 🏆 Best Tulum to Valladolid Tour: Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour
• 🗺 Tulum to Valladolid Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Valladolid : 64 miles (102 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Valladolid: 1.5 hours in normal traffic
• ⚠️ For additional info, head to 10 Best Things to Do in Valladolid Mexico

Cenote Zaci: Best Valladolid Cenote

Located only a few blocks from downtown Valladolid, Zaci Cenote is one of the best cenotes near Tulum , and popular with locals and visitors alike.

💡 Valladolid Travel Tip: The entrance to Cenote Zaci costs $30 pesos (about $2 USD), but you get in free if you’re eating at the onsite restaurant.

Colorful Church in Uayma Yucatán

Located just 20 minutes from Valladolid, don’t miss the colonial town of Uayma, Mexico (pronounced why-maa).

It is a charming pueblo (small town) with one of the most beautiful and best churches in Mexico — the Santo Domingo de Guzman Church and Convent.

3. Xcaret Park: Best Waterpark Near Tulum

With more than 50 activities, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Xcaret Park .

During your visit, you can zip line through the jungle, swim in the cenotes and three underground rivers, go snorkeling at the beach inlet, enjoy the famed nighttime dance show, and much more.

Among the best things to do in Yucatan, Xcaret is a water park that uses the beautiful native environment instead of swimming pools.

While visitng Xcaret , you’ll also learn about the surrounding land and culture at the famous Xcaret Mexico Espectacular Mayan Show, held nightly.

This show features more than 300 artists on stage to takes you on a journey through the history of Mexico.

💧 Xel-Ha Park

Xel-Ha (pronounced shell-ha) is billed as “the world’s largest natural aquarium.” This water park near Cancun also has the tallest waterslides in the Yucatan Peninsula.

It is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, just south of Playa Del Carmen , there’s also cenotes and caves, snorkeling, zip-lines, cliff jumps, a lazy river, and more.

🙌 BONUS: Admission includes an all-you-can-eat buffet with open bar.

🔥 Xplor Fuego Park

All these parks are owned by Grupo Xcaret , and though similar, they do offer a different experience overall.

Of the three, Xplor Fuego is perfect for adventure enthusiasts who want to enjoy waterslides, cenotes and rafting at night.

You’ll also explore underground caves on amphibious vehicles, ride ATVs in the jungle after dark, and fly across seven ziplines under the starry night sky.

Besides all the adventure activities, you get an all-you-can-eat buffet at the onsite El Troglodita restaurant.

Once you visit, it’s easy to see why this is known as one of the best things to do in Tulum at night .

4. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve & Muyil Ruins

Sian Ka’an is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that spans about 1.3 million acres (5,260 km²) — which is one of the largest of all Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Located deep in the jungle on an unpaved road on the edge of Tulum, it’s not easy to get to unless you have a 4X4.

Personally, I wouldn’t attempt it in a compact car, though some do — and not always with great results.

For those who don’t want to risk a possible tire blow-out in the jungle, the best way to visit Sian Ka’an Reserve is on this boat ride tour .

This way, you won’t have to deal with transportation, and you can go out the water with a knowledgeable tour guide leading the way.

• 🏆 Best Tulum to Sian Kaan Tour: Sian Ka’an and Muyil Archaeological Site Tour
• 🗺 Tulum to Sian Kaan Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Sian Kaan: 39 miles (63 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Sian Kaan: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours in normal traffic

Muyil Ruins

The actual name of Muyil Mayan Ruins is Chunyaxché , though you’ll mostly see it referred to as Muyil (pronounced moo-yeel).

It is located just south of Tulum in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, within the Sian Ka’an Reserve.

As a smaller archeological site, many combine their visit to Muyil with a boat tour of the Sian Ka’an Natural Reserve — I always recommend this top-rated Sian Ka’an and Muyil Archaeological Site Tour .

5. Rio Secreto Underground River

Río Secreto Nature Reserve  is a semi-sunken cave system just a few miles from  Playa del Carmen .

Meaning “secret river” or “hidden river,” you can only access it with a tour guide who will lead you through an elaborate system of tunnels well lit by artificial lights.

On the tour, visitors don a wetsuit, helmet and headlamp to explore this underground river, marveling at its impressive rock formations and limestone bedrock walls.

You’ll walk and swim through the clear turquoise water, as your guide lists fun facts about this unique ecosystem.

• 💡 Note: You can only visit with a guide, but you’ll jump to the front of the line of those waiting for a guide with this Rio Secreto Skip the Line Admission Ticket
• 🗺 Tulum to Rio Secreto Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Rio Secreto: 39 miles (63 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Rio Secreto: 45 minutes in normal traffic

6. Playa Maroma Beach

Punta Maroma Mexico has been voted one of the Best Beaches in the World by the Travel Channel and Discover Channel.

It also ranks among the best hidden beaches in Mexico .

It’s soft sand and warm waters are perfect for overwater bungalows — and this is where you will find all the best overwater bungalows in Mexico .

Though all beaches in Mexico are public, not all beaches have easy public access.

Unless you’re staying at a resort like El Dorado Palafitos , the easiest way to access Playa Maroma is with this day pass from Maroma Adventures and Beach Club, which costs $40 USD per person.

• 🗺 Tulum to Playa Maroma Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Playa Maroma: 51 miles (82 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Playa Maroma: 1 hour and 15 minutes in normal traffic

Playa Xpu-Ha Beach

Similar in look to Playa Maroma Beach, but less exclusive and easier to access, there’s Xpu-Ha Beach in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico.

It is considered one of the best beaches in the Mexican Caribbean — yet it’s still somewhat off the beaten path and not super crowded (though that’s changing as it gets more well-known).

To escape the crowds, I also head to Playa Paamul Beach .

7. Izamal: The Yellow City

Izamal is a small colonial town and one of the best Yucatan pueblos magicos (magic towns).

It’s known as the Yellow City in Mexico because all of its buildings are painted the same shade of yellow.

Izamal is one of just a few monochromatic cities on Earth (cities painted all one color).

Downtown Izamal is on the smaller size, but there’s still plenty to see, like the Convent of San Antonio de Padua (Izamal church), and the Mercado Municipal (Izamal market).

Just a few blocks from downtown, don’t miss the Kinich Kakmo Pyramid (AKA Izamal Mayan Ruins). In my opinion, this is one of the best Mayan Ruins near Tulum.

• 🗺 Tulum to Izamal Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Izamal : 130 miles (210 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Izamal: 2.5 hours in normal traffic
• ⚠️ For additional info, head to Izamal Mexico: Visiting the Yellow City in Yucatan

8. Isla Holbox Island

Isla Holbox is one of the Mexican Caribbean islands, along with Cozumel ,  Isla Contoy , and Isla Mujeres  off the coast of Cancun.

They’re all located in the Caribbean Sea, so get ready for an awesome day in some of the bluest waters you’ve ever seen.

Holbox Island (pronounced hole-bosh) a paradise, with gorgeous beaches and fun activities — like swimming with the whale sharks in Isla Holbox (from approx. May 15 to September 15 only).

For the record, whale sharks are sharks, but a docile variety, like a nurse shark. They are also the largest fish in the sea, averaging about 40-feet-long (12 m).

If giant fish aren’t your thing, there are other things to do in Holbox Island , like laying in the hammocks on Punta Cocos Beach, walking the sandbars of Punta Mosquito Beach, taking a boat tour to Cabo Catoche, or admiring the street art murals.

• 🏆 Best Tulum to Holbox Tour: Holbox Full-Day Tour with Lunch
• 🗺 Tulum to Chiquilá Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Chiquilá : 104 miles (167 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Chiquilá : 2.5 hours in normal traffic
• ⏰ Chiquilá to Holbox ferry time: 20-30 minutes

⛴️ how to get to Holbox from Tulum

The easiest and best way to get from Tulum to Holbox Island is on this tour , so all you have to do is kick back, relax and enjoy.

If you decide to stay the night, there are so many great Holbox hotels to choose from.

You can also go to Holbox on your own by driving or taking the bus to the small town of Chiquilá Mexico, then taking the Chiquila to Isla Holbox Ferry.

Note: You can’t bring your rental car on the ferry, as there’s no cars allowed on Holbox Island.

Once there, you can rent a golf cart or bike to get around, walk, or use the golf cart taxis owned by locals.

9. Cenote Suytun

Cenote Suytun has become known as the most Instagram worthy cenote in Mexico.

When you visit, you’ll see there’s a circular platform perfect for photos, which goes into the center of this cave cenote . There’s also a single beam of light that shines down, giving an otherworldly look.

Cenote Suytun is best for a quick swim and capturing stunning photos of the beautiful rock formations inside the cave.

It is a smaller-sized cenote, so you won’t need more than 1-2 hours for a nice visit, and then you can head to some other Instagrammable cenotes nearby.

These include Cenote Ik-Kil , Cenote Zacil Tunich, and Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman (AKA Cenote Oxman).

• 🏆 Best Tulum to Cenote Suytun Tour: Discovering Best Insta Cenotes Yucatan Tour
• 🗺 Tulum to Cenote Suytun Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Cenote Suytun: 59 miles (95 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Cenote Suytun: 1 hour and 15 minutes in normal traffic
• ⚠️ For additional info, head to Cenote Suytun: 20 Things to Know Before Visiting

10. Laguna Bacalar Lagoon

Bacalar Lagoon earned the nickname, the Maldives of Mexico, after the Instagram-famous Maldives Islands, and their crystal-clear blue waters.

The Mayans native to this part of Mexico call Bacalar the Lagoon of Seven Colors, because they say you can see seven shades of blue in the water.

There are quite a few things to do in Bacalar, including a blissful swim in beautiful Laguna Bacalar (AKA Bacalar Lake or Bacalar Lagoon), this catamaran cruise of the lagoon with open bar 🥂, or a sunset SUP session (stand-up paddle boarding).

You can also take this Bacalar boat tour , head to Los Rapidos Bacalar Beach Club, or check out the Bacalar cenotes, especially Cenote Azul.

• 🏆 Best Tulum to Bacalar Tour: Bacalar 7 Color Lagoon from Tulum
• 🗺 Tulum to Bacalar Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Bacalar: 134 miles (215 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Bacalar: 2.5 hours in normal traffic
• ⚠️ For additional info, head to Bacalar Mexico: Ultimate Bacalar Lagoon Travel Guide

11. Akumal Beach: Swim With the Turtles

Want to swim with turtles in Mexico 🐢? This is the place! Akumal is located in-between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

It is a small town in the Caribbean, and ranks among the safest cities in Mexico .

While some of the best Mexico resorts are in Akumal , the #1 reason people visit is to snorkel with the Akumal turtles.

Akumal means “place of the turtles” in Maya, and Playa Akumal Beach is famous because you can swim with the sea turtles.

A few years back, the Mexican government put restrictions in place to limit the number of daily visitors — so you must now book a tour to swim with the turtles in Akumal.

• 🏆 Best Akumal Turtles Tour: Adventure Snorkeling in Akumal Bay is the highest rated Akumal tour, but you will have to get from Tulum to Akumal on your own
• 🗺 Tulum to Akumal Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Akumal: 17 miles (28 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Akumal: 25 minutes in normal traffic

12. Cozumel Island

Wondering, Can you take a day trip from Tulum to Cozumel? You sure can!

If you now need to know How far is Tulum from Cozumel? It’s about 50 miles (80 km) by land and sea. The entire Tulum to Cozumel trip will take about two hours, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Cozumel Mexico is among the top Mexico travel destinations because it has some of the best diving and best snorkeling in Mexico.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest reef in the world, is located just off-shore from the beautiful white sand beaches of Cozumel.

One of the coolest ways to see it is on this Cozumel submarine tour (yes, you get to go in a real submarine).

You can also take this Cozumel Jeep tour to explore the whole island on land.

It has numerous amazing parks, natural areas and beaches, like Punta Sur Ecological Park, Playa Palancar and Playa Chen Rio.

Besides all those, there’s San Gervasio Mayan Ruins on Cozumel Island, the Jade Cenote (one of the best Cozumel hidden gems), and numerous Cozumel beach clubs to enjoy — like the popular Mr. Sanchos Beach Club .

how to get to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen

First, you will have to get from Tulum to Playa del Carmen , which you can do by rental car, ADO bus, or taxi. The drive takes about 45 minutes to one hour.

You’ll want to head to the Playa del Carmen ferry dock , next to Parque Fundadores (Founders Park).

There are ferries leaving every hour with both the Ultramar Ferry and Winjet Ferry companies, so you can just buy a ticket for the next one available.

The fast ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel takes about 45 minutes, and costs about $450 pesos (about $25 USD) round trip.

• 🗺 Tulum to Playa del Carmen Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Playa del Carmen: 39 miles (64 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Playa del Carmen: 60 minutes in normal traffic, then 30 minutes on the ferry to Cozumel

13. Coba Ruins

While Chichen Itza is the most-visited Mayan Ruins in Mexico, there are great sites near to Tulum to explore, like Coba.

The Coba Mayan Ruins offer a unique insight into the ancient Maya civilization .

If you’re debating Chichen Itza vs Coba, know that Cobá Ruins is much easier to get to from Tulum, much less crowded, and you can climb some of the Coba Pyramids — but you can’t climb any Chichen Itza pyramids.

Standing at 138-feet-tall (42 m), Nohoch Mul Pyramid at Coba is one of the tallest Mayan pyramids in the Yucatan Peninsula still standing today.

Note: This tallest Mayan pyramid in Yucatan is located at Calakmul Ruins in Campeche ; it stands 180-feet-tall (55 m).

From the top, you have amazing views of the surrounding Mayan jungle. ⚠️ UPDATE: Sadly, visitors are lo longer allowed to climb the Nohoch Mul Coba Pyramid (AKA Ixmoja Pyramid).

However, there are other structures you can climb.

• 🏆 Best Tulum to Coba Tour: Cobá Express with a Mayan Guide
• 🗺 Tulum to Coba Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Coba: 29 miles (47 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Coba: 45 minutes in normal traffic

14. Las Coloradas Pink Lakes

The vibrant pink waters of Las Coloradas have grown in popularity over the years, thanks to social media, and have since drawn admirers from all across the globe.

Nowadays, many say their Tulum isn’t complete without seeing the pink lakes of Mexico — one of the few natural pink lakes on Earth.

The pink lakes in Las Coloradas are 100% natural, and get their color from the red- and pink-colored plankton, brine shrimp and algae in the water.

Although visitors can not swim in Las Coloradas Mexico, you can still get up close to the colorful waters.

• 🏆 Best Tulum to Las Coloradas Tour: Las Coloradas Pink Lagoon + Rio Lagartos Tour
• 🗺 Tulum to Las Coloradas Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Las Coloradas: 139 miles (223 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Las Coloradas: 3 hours in normal traffic

Rio Lagartos

The town closest to Las Coloradas is Rio Lagartos Mexico. Meaning Alligator River , the town does live up to its name, as you’ll see plenty of them if you take a boat tour in Rio Lagartos .

There is a long boat dock in town, where you can book a tour operator for about $800 pesos ($40 USD).

Las Coloradas is easiest to access by boat, and the boat tours will take you out on the river, and over to see the pink lakes.

You’ll pass by gators in the water, and see different types of mangrove trees and various bird species , including flamingos during some months

🦩 I visited in January, and we saw quite a few flamingoes.

• 🏆 Best Tulum to Rio Lagartos Tour: Las Coloradas Pink Lagoon + Rio Lagartos Tour
• 🗺 Tulum to Rio Lagartos Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Rio Lagartos: 128 miles (206 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Rio Lagartos: 2 hours and 45 minutes in normal traffic

15. Cenote Ik-Kil

Hands down, one of the most impressive, most famous and best cenotes in Mexico is Ik Kil Cenote in the Yucatan Peninsula near Valladolid. (BONUS: It’s super easy to get to Valladolid from Tulum).

It is located only 3.5 miles (7 km) from Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins , so many people opt for a Chichen Itza and Cenote Ik Kil day trip from Tulum.

This massive sinkhole is unique in the fact that its walls are completely vertical and form a circle around the swimming hole.

On top of that, vines hang from the walls and roof into the water, making it look almost magical. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Yucatan .

• 🗺 Tulum to Cenote Ik Kil Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Cenote Ik Kil : 91 miles (147 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Cenote Ik Kil : 2 hours in normal traffic
• ⚠️ For a complete guide, check out this Cenote Ik Kil Mexico article

16. Punta Allen: Best Tulum Beach

Punta Allen, located just south of Tulum, is where you’ll find the so-called Tulum Secret Beach.

It is located in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, and considered one of the best beaches in Mexico — especially if you want to escape the crowds.

Now, it’s not always easy to get to, especially in the Tulum rainy season when the road gets washed out. (Yes, this is the main road to get there.)

In fact, the best way to visit is in a 4X4 or SUV. To reach Punta Allen, keep driving south down QROO 15, the dirt road at the end of the Tulum Hotel Zone.

It takes about two hours to get all the way to Punta Allen, but if you don’t think you’ll make it, you can try for Boca Paila Beach instead.

They two of the best secret and hidden beaches in Mexico , so you can’t go wrong with either.

• 🗺 Tulum to Punta Allen Directions: Google Maps ( Note: This drive isn’t recommended unless you have a 4X4, SUV, truck or equivalent)
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Punta Allen: 34 miles (54 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Punta Allen: 2.5 hours in normal traffic

17. Laguna Kaan Luum Lagoon

Want to take one of the best day trips in Tulum?

If you only have one day in Tulum, Kaan Luum Lagoon should be on your list (though for a similar vibe, don’t miss El Gran Cenote and Cenote Calavera ).

Meaning “yellow Earth” in Maya, Kaan Luum is a hidden swimming hole, located just a short drive of about 15 minutes from downtown Tulum.

It’s one of the easiest Tulum day trips you can take, and for some it might even be a half day trip so you can still enjoy the Tulum nightlife later on.

Of course, you can also easily spend the entire day here.

Once you arrive, you’ll find a long wooden dock where you swim, relax, and sunbathe in the shallow water. There are benches here, as well as a few snack bars, but not much else.

Keep in mind that sunscreen of any kind is prohibited in Lagina Kaan Luum Tulum.

When you visit, consider a long sleeve swim shirt and waterproof sun hat , and bring your water bottle , as there’s no only a few shaded areas on the dock.

• 🏆 Best Tulum to Kaan Luum Tour: Underworld Maya Cenote & Lagoon Experience Tour  
• 🗺 Tulum to Kaan Luum Lagoon Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Kaan Luum Lagoon : 8 miles (13 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Kaan Luum Lagoon : 15-30 minutes in normal traffic

18. Mahahual Beach

Mahahual (pronounced ma-ha-wall) is a small Mexico beach town on the Caribbean Sea, in an area called the Costa Maya.

It is a popular destination for Mexico cruises and visitors who enjoy venturing off the beaten path , as Mahahual is far less crowded than Cancun and Playa del Carmen .

Mahahual Mexico used to be a quaint fishing village, though is now on the map as one of the best beaches in Yucatan Mexico, especially for diving and snorkeling in its coral reefs.

It has retained a small town feel, as it hasn’t been overtaken by all inclusive Mexico resorts and chain restaurants.

It’s usually a quiet town, except on days when the Mahahual cruise ships dock; though it calms down again when they leave.

• 🗺 Tulum to Mahahual Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Mahahual : 140 miles (226 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Mahahual : 2.5 hours in normal traffic

19. Ek Balam Ruins

Ek-Balam, meaning black jaguar , is a visually interesting site, with thatched roofs covering many of the structures; a gorgeous contrast with the stone pyramids.

It’s actually one of the closest ruins from Tulum (not counting Tulum’s Ruins , of course).

Towards the interior of the buildings, don’t miss the elaborate carved stone statues tucked away beneath the thatched overhangs.

You can climb the main pyramid at Ek-Balam , the Great Acropolis, for some spectacular jungle views of the surrounding area.

Overall, it’s a gorgeous Mayan ruins site, so make sure your phone is charged when you visit because you’ll want tons of photos.

• 🏆 Best Tulum to Ek Balam Tour: Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, Cenote and Tequila Factory (Private Tour)
• 🗺 Tulum to Ek Balam Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Ek Balam : 79 miles (127 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Ek Balam : 1 hour and 45 minutes in normal traffic

20. Isla Mujeres Island

One of the 175 or so Mexico pueblos magicos (magical towns), Isla Mujeres means Island of Women — though men can go too 😜

Located in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, it is one of the best places to visit in Yucatan, and one of the best islands in Mexico.

There are many things to do in Isla Mujeres — swimming at Playa Norte, exploring the ruins at Punta Sur, renting a golf cart to drive around the island, and swimming with whale sharks in Isla Mujeres .

🐋 Note: Isla Mujeres whale shark season runs May 15 to September 15.

how to get to isla mujeres from cancun

To get to Isla Mujeres from Tulum, you first need to get from Tulum to Cancun.

From Cancun, head to the closest ferry port (Puerto Juarez Embarcadero, Playa Tortugas, or Playa Caracol), and take the short ferry ride over.

Depending on where you catch the ferry, the ride is just 15-30 minutes, as Isla Mujeres is only about 10 miles (16 km) east of Cancun.

I took the Ultramar ferry to Isla Mujeres from Puerto Juarez Cancun, and it took 15 minutes.

• 🗺 Tulum to Cancun Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Cancun : 84 miles (135 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Cancun : 2 hours in normal traffic

21. Playa del Carmen

A nice alternative to the busier tourist hub of Cancun, Playa del Carmen Mexico is a picturesque beach town in the Mayan Riviera.

Though generally overshadowed by Cancun, Playa has been carving out its own identity, and is now one of the best places for digital nomads in Mexico.

There are so many things to do in Playa del Carmen, like strolling the bustling Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue).

This main street in Playa del Carmen has shopping, restaurants, cafes, bars, great people-watching, and more.

Looking to visit some of the best cenotes in Playa del Carmen? You’re in luck because there are A LOT to choose from!

The most popular Playa del Carmen cenotes is Cenote Dos Ojos and Cenote Azul. For a full cenote day, add Cenote Cristalino and Cenote Garden of Eden to your list.

There’s also beautiful beaches, especially Playacar Beach , on the southern edge of town. I also love Playa Punta Esmerelda Beach on the northern side of town.

This local’s only beach is one of the best Playa del Carmen hidden gems, and it has a cenote that’s in the sea.

• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Playa del Carmen: 40 miles (65 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Playa del Carmen: 55 minutes in normal traffic
• ⚠️ For additional info, check out this blog post Traveling to Playa del Carmen: A First Timer’s Guide

One of the most recognized places in Mexico, is the coastal city of Cancun Mexico .

It is the entry point to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula for many, and well known for its white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, year-round warm weather, and bustling nightlife.

Between the Cancun Underwater Museum , numerous gorgeous beaches, the best Cancun cenotes , and seven lagoons at Laguna Nichupte Lagoon — perfect for kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling and jet skiing — there’s no shortage of unique things to do in Cancun.

Though mostly known as a party town or a place families go for summer break, there’s much more to Cancun.

One of the most popular Mexico resort towns , there’s also amazing cenotes near Cancun and Mayan Ruins near Cancun to explore nearby.

With so many things to do in Cancun, it’s a great way to spend a day outside of Tulum.

It’s also easy to take a day trip to Tulum from Cancun because you have several transportation options.

• 🚗💨 Cancun to Tulum Distance: 84 miles (135 km)

23. Puerto Morelos

Just south of Cancun, don’t miss the laid back beach town of Puerto Morelos . Enjoy the beaches while lounging at My Paradise Beach Club or Unico Beach Club.

Among the other things to do in Puerto Morelos, check out the Jardin Botanico, one of the best botanical gardens in Mexico.

As part of the world’s second largest barrier reef, Puerto Morelos Reef National Park is teeming with tropical fish, turtles, colorful coral and rays.

Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts should check out these healthy reefs to check out the many types of marine life here.

• 🗺 Tulum to Puerto Morelos Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Puerto Morelos : 60 miles (97 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Puerto Morelos : 1 hour and 15 minutes in normal traffic

24. Isla Contoy National Park

You’ll find some of the best beaches in Yucatan at Isla Contoy National Park. You’ll need to book an  Isla Contoy tour  to visit because this small island is only accessible by boat trip.

All tours to Isla Contoy leave from Cancun, so you’ll have to get from Tulum to Cancun first. You can get there by rental car, bus or taxi, and the drive takes about two hours in normal traffic.

To keep this Mexico national park pristine, the Mexican government limits the number of daily visitors to just 200. Pro Tip: Don’t hesitate to book your Isla Contoy tour , as they usually sell out.

In such small groups, it can feel like you’re on a private island, especially during the Mexico slow season months of April to September , when the island doesn’t even reach capacity.

In my opinion, it’s the best way to escape the crowds on the Riviera Maya coast.

• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Cancun : 2 hours in normal traffic, then 30 minutes by boat from Cancun to Isla Contoy

25. Felipe Carrillo Puerto

Continue south past Punta Allen to the pueblo (small town) of Felipe Carrillo Puerto Mexico — the same town the Tulum Airport is located in.

The town was named after Felipe Carrillo, a Mexican journalist, politician and revolutionary, and is one of the best places to experience real Mayan culture near Tulum.

There are only a few things to do in Felipe Carrillo Puerto , but the town is a nice way to see what Mexico is like outside of the big name destinations.

While there, don’t miss the Centro Ecoturistico Sijil Noh Ha , a Mayan eco-tourism center, and the Santuario de la Cruz Parlante shrine.

• 🗺 Tulum to Felipe Carrillo Puerto Directions: Google Maps
• 🚗💨 Distance from Tulum to Felipe Carrillo Puerto : 60 miles (96 km)
• ⏰ Drive time from Tulum to Felipe Carrillo Puerto : 1 hour in normal traffic

Best Way to Take Tulum Day Trips

You have a few options when taking day trips from Tulum Mexico — go with a tour, drive yourself in your rental car, take the ADO bus or hire a taxi for the day (this works best if you speak Spanish though).

There’s no best way to take Tulum day trips, so what you pick will depend on your travel style.

Personally, I always rent a car when I’m planning for a few Tulum excursions, so that I can go at my own pace and see only what I want to.

Hover, that might now be the best way for you!

If not, or if you’re not sure, keep reading for more info on different ways to take day trips form Tulum Mexico, so you can pick the best one.

1. Tulum Rental Cars

If you want a Tulum rental car, there are several places in town you can get one.

These include the Tulum International Airport, and along Avenida Coba near downtown, where you’ll find most of the car rental agencies in Tulum.

If you’re flying into Cancun International Airport, the best place for your rental is Cancun Airport when you arrive, as they have a much bigger selection than Tulum.

Whenever I rent a car in Mexico, I always use Discover Cars . The reasons I use them include:

• They always have the best rates (and I’m a big price-comparer!)
• They have FREE cancellations up to 48 hours before your reservation
• They offer the cheapest Full Coverage Plan for Mexico car insurance (which you do need to have in order to legally drive in Mexico; your U.S. or Canadian plan won’t be accepted)

Best Tulum Tours

Don’t want to deal with driving in Mexico on your trip to Tulum? No worries, you can book a group tour or private tour for many Tulum day trips.

For the best tours in Tulum, I recommend Viator and Airbnb Experiences , where knowledgeable guides who live in Tulum will show you around.

Looking for specific tours?

I have A LOT of Tulum tour blog posts, as it’s my second favorite way to take day trips from Tulum (my first is renting a car and going at my own pace).

However, tours are great too because someone else will handle all the logistics — so check out these articles to help you decide which to take:

• 💎 Tulum Private Tours
• 🛥️ Tulum Boat Tours
• 🗿 Tulum to Chichen Itza Tours
• 🐬 Sian Kaan Tours from Tulum
• 🤿 Tulum Snorkeling Tours
• 📸 Tulum Photoshoot Tours
• 🗿 Tulum to Coba Ruins Tours
• 🐋 Tulum Whale Shark Tours
• 💧 Tulum Cenotes Tours
• 🚲 Tulum Bike Tours
• 🍽️ Tulum Food Tours
• 🥃 Tulum Mezcal Tasting Tours
• 🌮 Tulum Taco Tours
• 👩‍🍳 Tulum Cooking Classes
• 🗿 Tulum Ruins Tours
• 🚐 Cancun to Tulum Tours

ADO Bus in Tulum

The ADO bus is an option for some day trips from Tulum, like Valladolid , Cancun and Chichen Itza Pyramids , and a few more.

However, it will NOT get you to all the places on this list!

In general, ADO (the largest Mexico bus company) is a great way to get from city to city, but not great to explore within the cities themselves.

If you want to venture off the beaten path to explore the small towns and hidden gems, you’ll want your own transportation .

⚠️ Note: The ADO website is not user-friendly and they don’t take usually U.S. credit cards (it works sometimes, but usually not).

For booking Tulum ADO bus tickets the easiest way possible, I recommend booking your tickets with BusBud instead of ADO.

Is there Uber in Tulum Mexico?

No — There’s no Uber in Tulum , no Lyft in Tulum, and no ride-shares of any kind.

You can try to negotiate a day rate with a Tulum taxi driver, where they drive you to your destination, wait there for you, and drive you back to Tulum when you’re done exploring.

Of course, this works best if you speak Spanish because you will need to negotiate.

Rates vary, but plan to spent at least $2,000 pesos (about $115 USD) for an eight hour day.

If you want to go somewhere far, like Chichen Itza Ruins which is about a three-hour drive each way, you will spend much more.

As you can see, costs can really start to add up with this — which is just one more reason I recommend you rent a car in Tulum if you want to cover a lot of ground at your own pace, and at a reasonable price.

Are Tulum taxis safe?

For the vast majority of travelers, it’s perfectly safe to use taxis in Tulum. You can hail one on the street, and if there’s someone friendly you like, ask for their number so you can text them if you need more rides.

⚠️ Note: In Mexico, you need to agree on the price before entering the taxi, as there aren’t meters, and you’ll need to have pesos to pay the driver.

Some drivers will be open to price negotiations, and some won’t.

Map of Tulum Day Trips

Want to take a couple of day trips?

For your convenience, all the Tulum day tours mentioned in this article have been pinned to this Tulum map, so you can visualize where everything is — and plan an EPIC tour around Tulum.

Some Tulum day trips are only 30 minutes away, but many of the best excursions are about 1.5 to 2 hours away — so consider renting a car in Tulum to be able to see as much as possible.

🇧🇿 Note: I don’t recommend day trips from Tulum to Belize because you won’t have enough time.

This trip will take about 5-6 hours one way, so not really a Tulum day trips option.

Best Way to take a Day Trip to Tulum Mexico

Are you staying near Tulum in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya?

Then you’re going to need some options for Tulum day trips from Cancun and the other towns. Unless you have a rental car, I’d recommend a tour, like these:

• Tulum day trip from Cancun
• Tulum day trip from Playa del Carmen
• Tulum day trip from Riviera Maya

Tulum Mexico Travel: Frequently Asked Questions

Where is tulum located.

Tulum is a Mexico pueblo magico (magic town) in the Yucatan Peninsula. The Yucatan is located in southeastern Mexico, with the Gulf of Mexico to the north and west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.

🗺️ Tulum Map

Still wondering, Just where is Tulum Mexico located exactly? The map above should help, but here’s some more context for you.

Tulum is about 1.5 to 2 hours south of Cancun (don’t worry; the Tulum Cancun trip is an easy one) and 45 minutes to 1 hour south of Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya.

All three cities, as well as Tulum, are located in Quintana Roo state .

This is one of the three Mexico states that make up the Yucatan Peninsula ; the others are Yucatan state and Campeche state.

Is there an airport in Tulum?

Yes — The Tulum Airport (code: TQO) opened to domestic flights in late-2023, and opened to international flights in 2024.

Officially called Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum Felipe Carrillo Puerto, the Tulum International Airport is located in the Municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

It is about 25 miles (40 km) from downtown Tulum, and the drive usually takes 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.

However, some travelers are still using Cancun International Airport (code: CUN) and booking this Cancun to Tulum shuttle .

Since Cancun Airport is one of the largest airports in Mexico, its easier to find direct flights.

How do I get to Tulum from Cancun?

From Cancun Airport to Tulum you have a few options including a rental car , private transportation , or the ADO bus .

🚌 Private Shuttle: Cancun to Tulum Transfer service

I recommend Cancun Airport Transportation Services , which has an impressive 4.7 out of 5 Star rating on TripAdvisor.

It is the highest-rated and best Cancun to Tulum private shuttle service available.

This Cancun to Tulum shuttle is also the easiest, fastest, most stress-free and hassle-free way to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum with door to door service! It is also the fastest way to get to Tulum from Cancun Airport.

Book your Tulum Shuttle now with Cancun Airport Transportation → ︎

This is a nice option because your private transportation service will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to Tulum.

After a long day of travel, having someone waiting to take you from the airport straight to your hotel in Tulum is the best start to the trip.

Is Tulum expensive?

When comparing Tulum to other beach towns in Mexico, yes , Tulum is on the expensive side.

However, doing Tulum on a budget is completely possible by making it a point to save money here and there.

One way is opting for street food taco stands over restaurants.

Another tip is to stay in Tulum Town (AKA Downtown Tulum) instead of staying on the beach.

In fact, eating, drinking and shopping will all cost less in downtown than on Tulum beach, as it’s less touristy.

🏡 Need a Tulum place to stay that’s budget-friendly? Check out these 11 Best Cheap Hotels in Tulum Mexico , and these 17 Best Tulum Hostels .

If you’re a budget traveler, there are many other cheap Mexico beach towns you can visit instead of Tulum.

These cheaper options include Sayulita , Zihuatanejo , Puerto Escondido , El Cuyo and Bacalar Lagoon , though it’s not technically a beach.

What’s the best place to stay in Tulum?

🏝️ Best Tulum Beachfront Hotels

While they certainly don’t always come cheap, Tulum hotels on the beach are the way to go for most travelers.

Staying on the beach in the Tulum Hotel Zone means you’re in the middle of all the action and within walking distance of everything you’d need.

Here are some of the best hotels Tulum Beach has to offer, at several price points:

• Be Tulum ($$$$)
• Casa Malca Tulum ($$$$)
• Papaya Playa Project ($$$$)
• Azulik Tulum ($$$$)
• Hotel Bardo Tulum ($$$)
• Dreams Tulum ($$$) — The best Tulum all inclusive resort!
• Coco Tulum Zen Zone Hotel ($$)
• Hotel Tiki Tiki Tulum ($$)
• Meteora Tulum Hostel ($)

What are the best neighborhoods in Tulum?

🏝️ Tulum Beach

If you discovered Tulum on social media or YouTube, what you’ve likely seen is Tulum Beach.

You might have even seen some of these unique Tulum glamping options or these best all-inclusive Tulum resorts .

This is where you will find all the beautiful large-scale art installations, beachfront eco-resorts like Alaya Tulum , high end restaurants, cool bars, and all the Instagram worthy places in Tulum.

🏩 Tulum Town (Downtown)

Tulum Town is also called Tulum Pueblo, and it’s the downtown area where many Tulum locals live. If you’re doing Tulum budget travel, you’ll want to stay here in downtown.

It has a charm all its own, but this is not the Tulum you’ve seen on Instagram — that’s Tulum Beach.

However, you can always stay in Tulum Town to save some money, and spend most of your time at the beach.

🏨 Aldea Zama Tulum

The Aldea Zama neighborhood is located between Tulum Town and Tulum Beach.

Besides this great central location, it’s walkable, there’s plenty of restaurants, and newer construction apartment buildings with nice amenities.

When I visit Tulum, I usually stay here because you can often find great deals for Airbnb Tulum Mexico options in Aldea Zama.

What’s the best time to visit Tulum?

The best time to go to Tulum is during the Tulum dry season from November to April . This is also the high season, so expect higher price tags and bigger crowds — but also nice weather and low humidity.

Use the links below for a rundown on what to expect in each month.

These articles provide general weather information, travel tips, and information on activities to do in Tulum during each month.

• Tulum in January
• Tulum in February
• Tulum in March
• Tulum in April
• Tulum in May
• Tulum in June
• Tulum in July
• Tulum in August
• Tulum in September
• Tulum in October
• Tulum in November
• Tulum in December

🌡️ Tulum Weather & Temperatures

Tulum has a tropical climate, so plan for hot weather all year long.

Tulum temperatures average about 83-87° Fahrenheit (28-30° Celsius) in the fall and winter, and 93-97°F (33-36°C) in spring and summer.

Keep in mind that summer in Tulum is seaweed season , and very humid — and it will often feel 5-10°F (2-3°C) hotter than the number reads.

Don’t forget to pack your reusable water bottle so you stay hydrated.

💧 I recommend and use a Water-To-Go bottle with a built-in, three-stage water filter.

They will filter your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico. Use code SOLO15 for 15% OFF your purchase.

Located in the tropics, it will likely rain daily from about May to October, though storms tend to pass quickly.

June 1-November 30 is Atlantic Hurricane Season and Tulum Hurricane Season, though direct hit hurricanes are rare.

What do I pack for Tulum?

As far as what to wear in Tulum, anything goes! For specifics, head to the Ultimate Tulum Packing List: What to Wear in Tulum Mexico .

You can expect to see everything from boho hippie style to decked out Instagram influencers.

If you need a visual, head here for some Tulum outfit inspo — or just think flowy sundresses, cute sandals, a sunhat and sunglasses.

Tulum is hot, so don’t forget your Water-To-Go refillable water bottle .

This not only keeps you hydrated, but filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico. 🤑 Use code SOLO15 for 15% OFF your purchase.

You’ll also need one of these best sunscreens for Mexico , some Frizz Ease for your hair, and anti-hangover pills if you plan to party hardy.

Is Tulum safe for tourists?

For the vast majority of visitors, yes , Tulum is safe. If you want to do a deep dive into the complex topic of Tulum safety, check out this Tulum Travel Safety Guide and this Tulum Solo Travel Guide .

While the majority of travelers simply visit and have a nice time, always be aware that no place on Earth is 100% safe.

You have to make safety a priority by staying aware of yourself, your belongings and your surroundings at all times.

While not everyone would rank Tulum among the safest places to travel in Mexico , plenty of statistics show that millions visit each year — and by comparison, the number of incidents of petty crime and violent crime is low.

Is Tulum worth visiting?

Tulum is worth visiting for those who love beaches , jungles and boho vibes — but also understand this is a popular place with large crowds and high price tags, even in the slower seasons.

Believe it or not, Tulum used to be a sleepy town. In the last decade or so, it’s become one of the top Mexico vacation destinations .

How many days in Tulum do I need?

As a small town, you can see all the best Tulum sites within 3-5 days . Of course, the more days you have, the more you can see, and even if you spend a week in Tulum, you’d never be bored.

What’s the best way to get around in Tulum?

Since Tulum is on the smaller side, you’ll only want to rent a car if you’re doing a few Tulum day trips. If you’re not, it’s easier to rent a bike or rent a moped, use taxis or walk when you can.

Final Thoughts: Best Tulum Day Trips to Take

If this is your first time in Tulum, you might be overwhelmed by the amount of choices you have for day trips.

Indeed, there are a lot of popular sites and cool things to see in Tulum .

If you need some help, check out this Tulum itinerary which has some suggested Tulum day trips already added in.

This handy map of Tulum day trips will give you a visual on where all the best Tulum day trips are located, if you’d rather plan your Tulum trip on your own.

Depending on where you’re going, you can decide if a rental car, tour or bus works best — though I tend to recommend Tulum excursions and tours through Viator and Airbnb Experiences if you only want to take one or two day trips.

Personally, I always say your best option is to do Tulum Mexico tours, so you can just kick back and relax on your vacation — unless of course, you want to see A LOT of the popular sites. If so, opt for the renal car .

When you subtract out the cost of a rental car (which you don’t really need in Tulum unless you’re doing a lot of day trips) the tours can be quite economical.

Tulum Travel Planning Guide

1. should i buy mexico travel insurance.

100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

2. Can you drink the water in Tulum?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. ( Read more )

3. Is it safe to rent a car in Tulum?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks both international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

4. Will my phone work in Tulum?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy this Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

5. What’s the best way to book my Tulum accommodations?

For Tulum hotels, Booking.com is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World . If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb.

6. What do I pack for Tulum?

Head to the Ultimate Tulum Packing List to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

7. What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend Skyscanner .

8. Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you do a Mexico travel visa. The majority of travelers will receive a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa or passport stamp upon arrival.

One Day in Tulum: A Step-by-Step Itinerary

Posted on Last updated: 11/02/2023

Categories Things To Do

Planning one day in Tulum? Discover everything you need to include in a killer one day itinerary. 

Tulum is a magical place, so it’s no surprise that taking a day trip to the town from other vacation spots in Mexico is pretty common.

Whether you’re looking to explore fun outdoor activities or want to chill out and enjoy your trip at one of Tulum’s best beaches , there’s plenty to see and do.

But what should you definitely pack in if you have only one day in Tulum? Read on for tips and ideas for making the most of a short time in this Mexico vacation hot spot.

Handy Tips for Planning Your One Day in Tulum

Making the most of your trip to Tulum requires planning and attention to pretty-much every small detail, especially if you only have one day. 

Lucky for you – we’ve already done the hard work, so you can decide where to go during your one day in Tulum. You’re welcome.

Top Tours for Your Tulum Itinerary

Tulum: tulum ruins and jungle adventure park combo tour.

Looking for the best way to see what the jungles of Tulum have to offer? 

The Tulum: Tulum Ruins and Jungle Adventure Park Combo Tour is our favorite idea for one day in Tulum if you want to see the tropical forests and jungles from high above the trees or from the gorgeous waters below.

If you fancy scheduling an afternoon with adventure around every turn, you can’t do any better than this tour. For $139 per person, you’ll get to spot ancient Mayan ruins and learn about them firsthand from trained guides. 

Better yet, once you finish your history lesson of a lifetime at Tulum Archeological Zone, you’ll then head to Parque Tankah. 

What better way to spend one day in Tulum than zip-lining, kayaking, and cliff-jumping in one of the most beautiful areas of the Yucatán Peninsula? We can’t think of many, and at just 7 hours long, you’ll have plenty of time to visit other locations during your one day in Tulum.

Riviera Maya: Turtles Snorkeling and Cenote Cave

Looking to spend your one day in Tulum in the water? We don’t blame you, and the Riviera Maya: Turtles Snorkeling and Cenote Cave is a great way to see the ocean and a cenote on your one day in Tulum.

The 7-hour trip takes you to Akumal Beach, where you’ll get up close and personal with wild sea turtles. 

There’s plenty of other wildlife in the serene Caribbean waters, too. Be sure to bring your suntan lotion and swimsuit because you’ll spend most of your one day in Tulum on the perfect beaches that make Akumal a must-visit location.

Bonus points? Lunch is covered, giving you less to worry about during your quick trip to the Yucatán Peninsula.  

When your adventure on the beach and cenote wraps up, you’ll head back to Tulum Town. You’ll  still have plenty of time to see the bustling downtown area, home to fantastic food, cocktails, and live music to wrap up your one day in Tulum in good fashion.

Riviera Maya: Cobá and Chichén Itzá Tour with Cenote & Lunch

If you want to visit Tulum and Coba in one day, why not make it even more epic and tack on a couple of incredible stops on your journey?

The Riviera Maya: Cobá and Chichén Itzá Tour with Cenote & Lunch tour begins by picking you up in Tulum and taking you on the adventure of a lifetime. 

Why is this one of the most memorable journeys you can have while spending one day in Coba and Tulum? Because you’ll also visit other must-visit Mayan Ruins like Nohoch Mul and Chichén-Itzá.

But you’ll want to check out some of the most impressive archeological sites (and one of the Seven Wonders of the World) while you’re here. And the tour also drops you off at Cenote Saamal, where you can swim in one of the most famous cenotes in Mexico.

Be sure to take in the beauty and history of the area not only while you’re at each destination but on the drive too. 

At $61 per person (with a buffet-style lunch included), this is an incredible value and a great way to see the Yucatán Peninsula on your one day in Tulum. You’ll have to pay extra for life jacket rental (unless you’ve got your own) and admission to the archeological sites, but it’s still worth every penny. 

Quick Info for Your One Day in Tulum 

You’ll want to know a few things when planning your Tulum itinerary, especially if you only have one day. First, consider some essential things to remember when visiting Tulum. 

• Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5)
• Currency: Mexican Pesos (MXN)
• Plugs: Type A and Type B (127 V)
• Nearest Airport: Cancun (CUN)

Tulum Archeological Zone

Cenote calavera, tulum beach.

• Top Tip: Do extensive research and plan your Tulum vacation well in advance. Since you only have one day in Tulum, you want to make sure you take care of every detail ahead of time for the smoothest trip possible.

Getting Around 

If you only have one day in Tulum, you’ll want to rent a car so you can see as many places as possible. A rental car is especially important if you plan to do Chichén Itzá and Coba in one day while seeing Tulum, as both require a fair amount of driving time from Tulum.

However, you can book the Riviera Maya: Cobá and Chichén Itzá Tour with Cenote & Lunch . It’s an excellent way to see the surrounding areas, but keep in mind you won’t have much time to explore Tulum Town or Tulum Beach if you book this tour.

Want to learn more about how to get to Tulum? Read our handy guide that answers all your burning questions.

One Day in Tulum Itinerary 

Hit up the beach .

We’re always on board with exploring the beaches in and around Tulum. It would be rude not to, after all.

Whether you want to stroll the miles of shoreline and hotels that make up Tulum Beach or drive to a nearby snorkeling or diving hot spot, Tulum is full of beach hotels , restaurants, and places to have fun in the sun.

So where are the best beaches when you only have one day in Tulum? We’ll show you. 

Tulum Beach isn’t a small, deserted patch of white sand and sparkling blue waters. Instead, it’s a 6-mile stretch of hotels, clubs, restaurants, and areas to swim, snorkel, or lay out in the sun.

You’ll be close to Tulum Archeological Zone and have some fantastic dining options, making this area a wonderful place to spend one day in Tulum. 

Many of the best all-inclusive hotels and boutique resorts are near Tulum Beach, so it’s an excellent option for spending some time around the water if you only have one day in Tulum and want to fit in numerous activities.

Akumal Beach

Though it’s a ½ hour’s drive from Tulum, we think it’s worth every minute of the detour to travel to Akumal’s pristine white sand beaches. 

Akumal Beach is a fantastic beach to visit on your one day in Tulum because you’ll likely see incredible marine life, including turtles, rays, and maybe even some sharks. 

Secret Beach

If you decide to visit Sian Ka’an Biosphere on your one day in Tulum, you’ll want to check out one of our top beach ideas for any Tulum itinerary. 

You’ll find Secret Beach in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s well worth adventuring to if you’re in the area. It can be tough to locate, and you’ll want a bicycle or your best jogging shoes, as it’s a trek from the parking area. 

Want to tour the Sian Ka’an Biosphere while you’re here? The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Full-Day Discovery Tour is an excellent way to see more of the park if you want to experience the glistening blue waters teeming with marine life that make the beaches some of the best in Mexico. 

Visit an Archeological Site

Traveling to Tulum without seeing Mayan ruins is criminal, and you can easily access several archeological sites from most hotels in the area. 

So if you have one day in Tulum, which archeological site(s) should you check out? Let’s look at some of our favorites. 

Not only is Tulum Archeological Zone near Downtown Tulum and the Hotel Zone, but it’s also an incredibly picturesque historical site that features a vast complex of archeological attractions sitting high above the Caribbean Sea. 

It’s a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours when you have one day in Tulum, and you can even walk down to a beach below to get a little bit of beach bumming in.

Muyil Ruins

Another ancient attraction that’s a perfect addition to your brief Tulum itinerary is the Muyil Ruins.

What makes this a top choice for checking the archeological ruins box on your one day in Tulum? Not only will you see Mayan temples that rank up with some of the best in the country, but there’s also a large collection of stone tablets featuring ancient hieroglyphics, making it a great location for a diverse history lesson in Mexico.

Coba and Chichén-Itzá

If you want to drive further out to see archeological ruins on your one day in Tulum, we suggest heading out to either Coba or Chichén-Itzá.

Better yet, if you’d like to visit Chichén-Itzá and Tulum in one day, why not add one of our favorite tours and schedule the Riviera Maya: Cobá and Chichén Itzá Tour with Cenote & Lunch ? 

Want nothing more than to see the most impressive pyramids in Mexico? This is a fine choice that includes other unique sites on your one day in Tulum.

Explore a Cenote

One of our favorite reasons to spend one day in Tulum is to visit a cenote – or several. 

Whether you want to snorkel, scuba dive, swim, or just take some incredible photos, cenotes are a wonderful way to spend one day in Tulum. 

Which should you fit into your Tulum itinerary if you have limited time? Here are a few of the best cenotes in Tulum .

Gran Cenote

As the name suggests, Gran Cenote is really big. It’s also home to one of the largest underground cave systems in the world. 

Gran Cenote is also an excellent scuba diving spot, and you’ll want to make time for one day in Tulum to explore the tunnels and caves underwater.

Not keen on diving deep below the earth? Snorkeling is excellent here, too, and this tour is a great way to spend a few hours here getting to know the beautiful landmark a little closer to the surface.

One of the closest cenotes to downtown Tulum, Cenote Calavera , is an excellent option if you want to see a cenote quickly on your one day in Tulum. 

The cenote’s skull shape is the main draw, which can make for some truly great photos.

Cenote and Cenote Escondido

Planning a Tulum itinerary for one day can be tricky, so fitting in as much as possible in a short period is crucial. 

How about visiting two of our favorite cenotes right next to each other? Snorkel and cliff jump at Cenote Cristal , then make your way to Cenote Escondido , where you’ll find some of the best scuba diving in Tulum. 

Go to Tulum Town

Finally, if you have one day in Tulum, you’ll want to head downtown and explore the cafes, restaurants, and shops that make this a must-visit on your Tulum itinerary. 

Stop by Mystika Immersive and Tulum Tower nearby, and eat some street tacos for a local experience. Want to skip the line? One of our favorite ideas is to book Mystika Immersive and the Tulum Archeological Zone tickets together and speed up entry to both. 

When your day is winding down, stop by a rooftop bar for a Mezcalito or two and see why many people visit Tulum for its bustling nightlife.

One Day in Tulum: Map 

Read More Tulum Guides

• Where to Stay in Tulum
• Unmissable Things to do in Tulum
• Brilliant Hotels in Tulum

How to Take a Day Trip to Tulum from Playa del Carmen in 2024

Want to take a day trip to Tulum from Playa del Carmen? You’ve come to the right guide!

As a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen , I’ve taken countless day trips to Tulum and I’m here to help!

In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about taking a day trip to Tulum from Playa del Carmen including how to get there, top things to do, restaurant recommendations, and top tips for visiting.

So if you want to visit the Tulum Ruins, check out a cenote, or simply chill out at a beach club, I’ve got you covered! 

Read on for my ultimate Tulum day trip from Playa del Carmen guide! 

Why Take a Day Trip to Tulum from Playa del Carmen?

With its beautiful white-sand beaches and bohemian design aesthetic, Tulum has become one of the most popular beach destinations in Mexico. 

At just one hour away from Playa del Carmen, a day trip to Tulum is an easy and fun activity if you want to find out for yourself what makes Tulum so unique.

In the coastal town of Tulum, you’ll find a bohemian beach scene that feels worlds away from Playa del Carmen. 

With its earthy design elements and Instagram worthy backdrops at nearly every turn, Tulum boasts untouched beaches, Mayan Ruins, open-air restaurants, upscale jungle hotels, and trendy designer boutiques.  

Tulum is the perfect destination for a day trip from Playa del Carmen if you want to chill out at its superior beaches, visit the Tulum Ruins, or take a stroll through its trendy beachfront Hotel Zone.

Just be prepared for Tulum attractions to come at a higher price tag!

Fun Fact: Tulum is also considered a “pueblo magico” (magic town), which is an official distinction given to towns in Mexico that are considered to be particularly special or charming. 

Where is Tulum?

Tulum is located about 1 hour south of Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, just north of Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve .

Driving times from nearby destinations are as follows:

• Playa del Carmen to Tulum : 1 hour
• Cancun to Tulum: 2 hours

Is it Safe to Take a Day Trip to Tulum?

You might be wondering – is it safe to take a day trip to Tulum? It’s not a secret that there have been widely publicized incidents of drug violence in Tulum in the past couple of years. 

However, as someone who lives in Playa del Carmen, I do still believe it is safe to visit Tulum on a day trip.

If you stick to the main tourist areas and steer clear of any drug activity, you will more than likely be fine visiting Tulum. It’s more the late-night and illegal activity where risks are higher and danger is more likely to occur.

Of course, safety is never guaranteed and it’s important for travelers to be aware of the possible risks and current safety situation in Tulum.

As in any foreign destination, use common sense, avoid staying out too late, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

🚨 Do you need travel insurance for Mexico? Yes! Most insurance plans in your home country will not cover incidents abroad. I recommend using Travel Insurance Master, which is a handy travel insurance marketplace where you can compare policies. Get a FREE quote by clicking here !

How to Get to Tulum from Playa del Carmen

There are a few different ways for getting to Tulum from Playa del Carmen depending on your budget and the size of your group. 

👀 Looking for the easiest way to get to Tulum? Book the best Tulum tour from Playa del Carmen by clicking here !

Drive to Tulum

If you’re comfortable driving in Mexico, the best way to get to Tulum is by renting a car from Playa del Carmen .

This would allow you the freedom to visit places on your own schedule and explore some of the more off-the-beaten-path attractions near Tulum.

Plus, driving to Tulum from Playa del Carmen is very easy – it’s just a straight shot down the highway. You’ll just want to watch out for speed bumps and occasional traffic stops.

👉 For a hassle-free experience, book your car through my favorite rental service Discover Cars by clicking here !

Take a Taxi to Tulum

If you don’t want to drive yourself, taxis are abundantly available in Playa del Carmen and can be easily hailed to get to Tulum. 

You can expect the Playa del Carmen to Tulum taxi price to be about $1000 pesos (~$60 USD) each way.

When taking a taxi to Tulum from Playa del Carmen, it’s always best to confirm the price of the taxi upfront before getting in the car.  You’ll also want to have enough cash on hand as credit cards are typically not accepted. 

Travelista Tip: Always wear a seatbelt when taking taxis especially for long distances.  Drivers in Mexico can be a little unpredictable and it’s not uncommon for accidents to occur. 

Take a Colectivo to Tulum

The cheapest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is to take a colectivo, which is a public transport and shared van service that runs continuously on the highway between the two towns.

Tulum Colectivo Station

Colectivos can be picked up in downtown Playa del Carmen near the Chedraui grocery store and the main highway 307 (behind the McDonald’s).

There will be a line of colectivos and you’ll want to make sure you get on one that says “Tulum” on the side. 

Tulum Colectivo Schedule

Colectivos do not have a set schedule and just depart when they are full so you’ll never have to wait long to get on the road.

They typically depart every 5-10 minutes and run from early in the morning to around 11PM.

Once you’re on the colectivo, it will take a little longer to get to Tulum as colectivos stop frequently to pick people up and let them off along the way.

There aren’t specific stops so you’ll need to tell the driver when you would like to get off if it’s before the final stop in Tulum.

Tulum Colectivo Cost

The colectivo to Tulum costs around $50 pesos (~$2.50 USD) and you will pay the driver upon exiting.

It’s best to pay in pesos and you’ll want to have small bills on hand as most drivers will not have much change.

Depending on where you’re headed, you can either get off at the Tulum Ruins, at the beach road to the Hotel Zone, or just take the colectivo all the way to the end at the stop in Tulum Centro. 

Take the ADO Bus to Tulum

Another option to get to Tulum is by taking the ADO bus, which is charter-style bus and is much larger and more comfortable than a colectivo. 

The Playa del Carmen to Tulum ADO bus has set schedules and tickets can be booked online so this is a better option if you don’t speak Spanish and are nervous about taking a colectivo.

ADO Bus Schedule

The ADO bus to Tulum from Playa del Carmen departs very frequently with 2-3 departures every hour from early in the morning until around 11PM.  The travel time is 1 hour and 10 minutes.

ADO Bus Stations

The Playa del Carmen to Tulum bus departs from the Playa del Carmen Turisitica ADO station in downtown Playa del Carmen on 5th Avenue and Avenida Juarez.

They will drop you off at the ADO Station in Tulum, which is located right off the main highway just south of the Tulum town center.

From there, you can take a taxi to the Tulum Ruins, nearby cenotes, or the popular beachfront hotel zone.

How to Book ADO Tickets

ADO Playa del Carmen to Tulum tickets can be booked online on the ADO website and the cost is around $120 pesos (~$7 USD) each way. 

The ADO website is only in Spanish but is pretty straight forward.  For detailed instructions on booking ADO tickets, see my full step-by-step ADO guide here .

If you don’t speak Spanish, I would recommend booking ADO tickets on Busbud , which is an online booking tool but you’ll pay a tiny bit more for the added convenience. 

👉 Book ADO tickets to Tulum on Busbud by clicking here !

Book a Tour to Tulum from Playa del Carmen

If you want to visit Tulum from Playa del Carmen, the most hassle-free option would be to book a tour with roundtrip transportation included.  

This would be an all-inclusive experience with fun activities like visiting the Tulum Ruins, reef snorkeling, cenote swims, or ziplining.

👉 These are some of the top Playa del Carmen Tulum tours with transportation included:

Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, and Cenote Tour

• Tulum Ruins and Jungle Adventure Tour

Private Tulum Ruins, Turtles in Akumal, and Cenote Adventure

How to Get Around Tulum

Once you’re in Tulum, there are a few different Tulum transportation options available depending on what you choose for your day’s activities. 

If you have a rental car , this is probably the easiest way to get around Tulum on your own.

Parking is available at most restaurants, hotels, and beach clubs along the hotel zone for paying customers.  Valet parking may also be an option for an added cost. 

If you don’t have a car, taxis are abundantly available in Tulum and can be hailed easily to get around.

Just keep in mind, taxis in Tulum are typically much more expensive than in Playa del Carmen. 

You’ll want to confirm the price of the taxi upfront before getting in and it’s best to have cash on hand as credit cards will not be accepted. 

Travelista Tip: Uber is not safe to use in Tulum so if you need a ride, you’ll need to hail a taxi. 

Another fun way to get around Tulum is by renting bicycles.  Bicycles can be rented from bike rental shops in Tulum Centro–there are a few rental shops located right off the main highway. 

Bikes can typically be rented by the hour or day and they’ll likely request an ID to keep as a form of collateral to ensure you return the bike.

From there, you can ride to the beach and pedal along the trendy beachfront hotel zone. 

Travelista Tip: Use caution when bike riding along Tulum’s Hotel Zone as the roads can be narrow and you’ll come close to passing vehicle traffic. 

Best Things to Do in Tulum on a Day Trip

Tulum offers plenty of fun activities that are perfect for a day trip.  These are some of the best things to do in Tulum:

1. Visit the Tulum Ruins

Undoubtedly Tulum’s most popular attraction, the Tulum Ruins are one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico and the only beachfront Mayan ruins near Playa del Carmen .

The most notable feature of the Tulum Ruins is the oceanfront location with the ruins elevated at a height of about 12 m (~39 feet), offering spectacular seaside views of the brightly colored Caribbean Sea.

At the Tulum archaeological site, many basic structures remain including El Castillo (The Castle) and many different temples.  The site also offers a one-of-a-kind public beach access area to cool off after visiting the ruins. 

While not as grand as what you’ll see on the Chichen Itza tour , the Tulum Ruins are still impressive and worth a visit! 

They are one of the best day trips from Tulum and if you get there early, you’ll still have time to hit a beach club in Tulum afterwards. 

2. Visit a Tulum beach club

Tulum is home to many fabulous beach clubs, which are a great place to spend the day relaxing on lounge beds with food and beverage service.

You’ll find beach clubs in Tulum for every vibe whether you’re looking for a beachfront party scene or something much more chill and relaxing.  

One important thing to know about Tulum is that there aren’t many public beach access points. 

So in order to access some of Tulum’s most beautiful beaches, you’ll need to purchase access by renting lounge chairs at a beach club or dining at a beachfront restaurant. 

While this can be expensive, from my experience it has definitely been worth it!

With far fewer crowds and a widespread beachfront area, the beaches in Tulum are far superior to the beaches in Playa del Carmen . Plus they are much more chill so you’ll actually be able to relax! 

Here are some of favorite beach clubs in Tulum:

• Ziggy’s Beach Club: With a palm tree lined entrance and cutely strung overhead lights, Ziggy’s Beach Club is a fun Tulum beach club with great food and drinks and a widespread beachfront area.  You can grab a table at the restaurant or head directly down to the beach to reserve a large beach bed.  Pricing varies by season but there is usually a minimum consumption charge.

• Mia Beach Club : As one of the trendier and more upscale beach clubs in Tulum, Mia Restaurant & Beach Club offers a full service restaurant and bar, as well as large day beds for rent on the beach with palm trees for shade. The menu at Mia’s offers upscale Mexican cuisine such as tacos, seafood, and ceviches, as well as a few American items like hamburgers and ribs. Pricing varies by season but there is usually a minimum consumption charge.

Travelista Tip: If you’re looking to save money, head to Playa Paraiso (Paradise Beach), which is one of the only public beaches in Tulum. 

3. Visit a Tulum cenote

Another fun activity in Tulum is to head to a nearby cenote, which are freshwater swimming holes unique to the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico.

Once there, you can swim, snorkel, or just hang out in crystal clear waters and admire the natural beauty. 

These are some of the best cenotes near Tulum:

• Gran Cenote : Gran Cenote is a popular cenote located less than 10 minutes outside of downtown Tulum.  It has an open swimming area, as well as a cave you can float or snorkel through.  Snorkel gear and life jackets can be rented for an additional cost, and there are some amenities like bathrooms, changing rooms, lockers, and snacks for purchase.

• Cenote Dos Ojos : Meaning “Two Eyes,” Dos Ojos Cenote is probably one of the most popular cenotes near Tulum featuring two twin cenotes next to each other.  Located about 25 minutes north of Tulum’s city center, Dos Ojos is situated in a more commercialized cenote park, which includes a restaurant and amenities. Guided snorkeling and scuba diving tours are also available.

• Cenote Taak Bi Ha : Cenote Taak Bi Ha is a smaller and less well known cenote near Tulum, which is more of a hidden gem. After descending a steep flight of stairs, you’ll arrive at a beautiful closed cenote with impressive stalactites and rock formations. Cenote Taak Bi Ha is an underground cavern with lights to illuminate the turquoise water and surrounding swimming areas.

• Casa Cenote : Known for its crystal clear emerald water and lush mangroves, Casa Cenote is a long freshwater cenote located just north of Tulum. Casa Cenote is different from traditional cenotes for the fact that it’s more like a long lazy river that feeds directly into the sea.  At Casa Cenote, you can swim, float, snorkel, or even paddle board in a beautiful natural setting. With its shallow depths and clear water, it’s also an extremely popular spot for beginner scuba divers.

Travelista Tip: When visiting cenotes, be sure to bring biodegradable sunscreen , water shoes , and a quick dry towel .  Regular sunscreen is not permitted. 

4. Ride bikes through the Hotel Zone

If you’re looking for a fun and inexpensive way to explore the beautiful Hotel Zone in Tulum, consider renting a bicycle for a leisurely stroll.

There are several bike shops located near the highway in Tulum Centro, so it’s easy to find one that suits your needs. 

Once you have your bike, simply ride down to the beachfront Hotel Zone and start exploring. You can stroll along the beach road, checking out the various beach clubs, jungle restaurants, and designer boutiques. 

You’ll get a peek at the ocean in some parts, but most of the road is lined on both sides with Tulum hotels , restaurants, and shops–all instagrammable of course!

5. Go shopping at designer boutiques

If you’re looking to do some shopping while you’re in Tulum, be sure to check out the trendy designer boutiques in the beachfront Hotel Zone. 

You’ll find everything from designer swimwear and beachwear to upscale souvenirs and home accents. Most of the items are handmade and sustainable, so they come with a bit of a higher price tag. 

But each item is made with Tulum’s unique design aesthetic so you’ll be able to take home some one-of-a-kind items. 

6. Break a sweat at the Tulum Jungle Gym

Another popular tourist attraction in Tulum for active travelers is the Tulum Jungle Gym , which is a beachfront gym where all weights and exercise equipment are made from wood and earthy materials.   

This oceanfront workout zone is a great place for a one-of-a-kind outdoor workout or even a quick photo op!  It’s probably one of the most unique gyms you’ll find in Mexico.

7. Snap some Instagram photos

Another fun activity in Tulum is to take some Instagram photos.  Tulum is basically an Instagrammer’s paradise and attracts bloggers and social media influencers from all over the world.

With unique photo ops at nearly every turn, you’ll never run out of things to capture. 

Popular Instagram photo locations include the wooden swings at Matcha Mama, the “Follow That Dream” sign, and the “Ven a la Luz” art installation at Ahau Tulum hotel. 

No matter where you go, you’re sure to get some amazing shots that perfectly capture the fun tropical vibe of this bohemian destination.

8. Explore Tulum Pueblo

If you’re looking for a more authentic Tulum experience, head to the downtown area known as Tulum Pueblo.

Located about 3 miles from the beach, this area is closer to restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and grocery stores. 

While it may not be as picturesque as the Hotel Zone, Tulum Pueblo is definitely worth a visit to get to see a more real side of Tulum.

While there, you can dine at local restaurants, grab a drink at a fun bar, or shop for more reasonably priced souvenirs. 

9. Visit Pablo Escobar’s beach mansion

If you’re looking for one of the most unique things to do in Tulum, consider visiting Casa Malca .

This former beach mansion of Pablo Escobar has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind luxury hotel, complete with stunning artwork and unique design elements. 

While the property is one of the best hotels in Tulum , day passes can be purchased for those who want to chill at the property’s beach and explore its incredible features.

Day passes are not cheap but will give you a totally unique experience and great story to tell!

10. Eat at local restaurants

If you want to experience more authentic Mexican food while in Tulum, venture away from the Hotel Zone and check out some of the local restaurants in Tulum Pueblo for tasty tacos, fresh seafood, and other traditional Mexican dishes.

In Tulum Pueblo, you can find some great tacos at Taqueria Honorio or La Taqueria .

You’ll also find food trucks, taco stands, and local restaurants in the area serving more traditional (and more reasonably priced!) Mexican food. 

Best Tulum Tours from Playa del Carmen

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of planning your day and getting around Tulum on your own, consider booking a Tulum tour from Playa del Carmen with transportation included. 

Plus, you’ll have a local guide to get the most out of your experience and show you all the best spots. 

Travelista Tip: Booking a tour is probably the best option if you want to visit the Tulum Ruins and a cenote, but most tours don’t really go to the beachfront area in Tulum.  If you just want to relax at the beaches in Tulum or explore the Hotel Zone, you’re better off going on your own. 

Here are some of the best tours to Tulum from Playa del Carmen:

This full day Tulum tour includes a guided tour of the Tulum Ruins, as well as reef snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea, and a visit to Xtun Cenote.

Plus, roundtrip transportation from your Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya hotel, lunch, and entrance fees are included. 

You’ll not only get a history lesson at the ruins, but you’ll be able to experience some amazing snorkeling at world-renowned coral reefs, and take a dip in an ancient cenote connected to underground rivers. 

I visited Xtun Cenote on the Akumal snorkeling tour with this same tour company and had an incredible experience! The cavern cenote is so impressive and our tour guides were excellent.

👉 Book the Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, and Cenote Tour by clicking here !

Tulum Ruins and Jungle Adventure

This small group full-day tour includes an early visit to the Tulum Ruins, where you’ll have a guided tour of the archeological site and be able to beat the crowds.  

Then, you’ll head to Cenotes Tankah, which is a nearby cenote adventure park where you can swim, snorkel, go canoeing, and try out an overwater zip line. Roundtrip transportation and a traditional Mayan lunch are included. 

👉 Book the Tulum Adventure Tour by clicking here ! 

If you want a more exclusive experience, consider booking a private Tulum tour . 

This private tour experience includes a guided tour of the Tulum Ruins, as well swimming with sea turtles in Akumal, and a visit to Xtun Cenote. 

Plus, you’ll have your own private driver and tour guide to get the very best experience, customize your own schedule, and avoid the crowds. 

👉 Book the best private Tulum tour by clicking here !

Best Lunch Restaurants in Tulum

If you’re exploring Tulum on your own, check out some of these best places in Tulum for lunch or a healthy treat:

La Taqueria

La Taqueria is a casual yet trendy taco restaurant with a few different locations in Tulum.  You can find locations in Veleta (the residential area of Tulum) or there are a couple locations along the Hotel Zone as well.  

At La Taqueria, you’ll find a trendy outdoor seating area where you can dine al fresco. The menu features classic Mexican dishes like tacos, quesadillas, burritos, fajitas, and nachos.

Plus, you can order craft beer, cocktails, and fresh juices and smoothies. 

Matcha Mama

Matcha Mama is an outdoor smoothie and juice bar serving tropical smoothies, acai bowls, and kombucha. 

All menu items are freshly prepared, plant-based, and gluten-free and offer unique ingredients like bee pollen, amaranth, and maca.

My favorite menu item is the Mango Tango, which comes as a smoothie or a smoothie bowl.  

The colorful presentation of the smoothie and acai bowls is almost too pretty to eat! Plus, its Instagram-worthy swings and signs make it a popular spot for photo ops. 

Similar to Matcha Mama, Raw Love is another health food restaurant and smoothie bar located at the Ahau Tulum hotel .

Menu items include vegan and vegetarian dishes, acai bowls, superfood smoothies, and juices. 

Raw Love can be accessed from the beach so it’s a great spot to stop for a healthy treat if you’re walking down the beach in Tulum. 

Palma Central

For a casual meal in Tulum Pueblo, check out Palma Central , which is a colorful food truck park serving a variety of dishes.

You can order from any of the food trucks and stands in the park which serve a ton of different cuisines like Mexican food, pizza, wings, noodle bowls, and sandwiches. 

Plus, there’s a full service bar where you can order cocktails and local beers.  Be sure to go early as they close at 2PM and reopen at 5PM for dinner and live entertainment.

What to Bring on a Day Trip to Tulum from Playa del Carmen

Here are a few things I would recommend bringing on a day trip to Tulum: 

• Biodegradable Sunscreen : Anytime you are going to be swimming in the ocean or a cenote, you’ll need to wear biodegradable sunscreen as regular sunscreen is not permitted.  You can pick up my favorite brand on Amazon here . 
• Sun Hat : Bring a sun hat to protect your head and shoulders from the sun.  The style in Tulum is very bohemian so you’ll likely see both men and women wearing Fedora style hats like this one . 
• Water bottle : Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.  These collapsible water bottles are a great option to travel with as they can roll up to fit easily in your beach bag, backpack, or suitcase. 
• Belt Bag: I always wear a belt bag when on Tulum or Playa del Carmen excursions to keep my personal belongings safely secured in front of me when walking around.  I personally use and recommend this belt bag to travel safely around Mexico. 
• Comfortable Shoes : Wear comfortable walking shoes or sandals depending on your Tulum excursions. Tulum is very casual and the ground is pretty uneven so I wouldn’t bother wearing heels or nice shoes. 

Tips for Taking a Day Trip to Tulum from Playa del Carmen

Follow these tips to make the most of your experience in Tulum:

• Leave early : If you want to experience Tulum fully, I would recommend getting an early start. Leave Playa del Carmen as early as possible to beat the crowds in Tulum. Plus, you’ll have more free time if you want to do multiple activities. 
• Be prepared for higher prices : When visiting Tulum, you’ll definitely want to prepare yourself for higher prices and some serious sticker shock! You can expect prices in Tulum to be at least 30% higher than in Playa del Carmen for food, drinks, transportation, and minimum consumption charges at beach clubs. 
• Pack sunscreen and a water bottle : You’ll want to pack biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection and a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Expect poor cell service : Tulum doesn’t have the best infrastructure so expect to have poor cell service or areas with limited connectivity. My cell service is always spotty whenever I visit Tulum. 
• Bring cash : Because Tulum’s wifi and connectivity is not the best, it can sometimes be difficult to pay for things with a credit card. It’s best to always have enough cash on hand to cover your expenses in case paying with a credit card is not an option. 

FAQs about Tulum Day Trips

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about taking a day trip from Playa del Carmen to Tulum:

Absolutely! Tulum is the perfect place for a day trip from Playa del Carmen as it’s only 1 hour away and has plenty of options for activities and excursions whether you want to relax at the beach, get a history lesson at the ancient Mayan Ruins, or take a dip in one of the beautiful cenotes. 

The cost to go from Playa del Carmen to Tulum can vary depending on your chosen transportation method. Public transportation (colectivos) can be as cheap as $50 pesos (~$2.50 USD) or taxis can cost more than $1000 pesos (~$60 USD) each way. 

The closest thing to a shuttle from Playa del Carmen to Tulum would be the ADO bus, which is a large charter style bus that runs between the two towns. 

You can expect a taxi from Playa del Carmen to Tulum to cost around $1000 pesos (~$60 USD) each way.

Uber is currently not safe to use in Tulum. While legislation was passed in January 2023 allowing Uber to operate in the region, it remains dangerous to use Uber or any ride-sharing service. Taxi drivers have always strongly opposed Uber in Mexico , and there have been several reports of violence against Uber drivers and passengers. So even if your Uber app will work, it’s not safe to use Uber in the entire Riviera Maya region of Mexico including Tulum, Playa del Carmen , and Cancun.

Final Thoughts: Day Trip to Tulum from Playa del Carmen

Are you ready to take a day trip to Tulum?! I hope this guide was helpful in planning your visit!

If you’ve never been to Tulum, I think it’s definitely worth a visit to see for yourself what the town is like–it’s such a special place with its own unique vibe.

Tulum is one of the most popular day trips from Playa del Carmen and really shouldn’t be missed when visiting Playa del Carmen or the Riviera Maya. 

Check out more of my guides on the best day trips from Playa del Carmen :

• How to Take A Day Trip from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres
• How to Take a Day Trip from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel

🇲🇽 Traveling to Mexico soon?

These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:

🏨 Hotels : I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com . If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!

✈️ Flights : I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.

🚗 Rental Cars : I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.

🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation : I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!

🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.

🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.

☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen : Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list ! Regular sunscreen is prohibited when swimming in the ocean and cenotes in Mexico, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen , which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.

Allison Sicking is the founder of Viva La Travelista. After moving to Playa del Carmen, Mexico in 2018, she created her travel blog to empower others to travel safely and confidently in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries. Using her Spanish language skills and expertise in Mexico travel, she is passionate about teaching others to travel Mexico like a local.

Tulum Itinerary – 5 Day Trip to Tulum

By: Author Tim Kroeger

Posted on Published: October 30, 2020  - Last updated: September 21, 2023

Tulum is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico. Check out this Tulum itinerary to plan your 5-day trip to Tulum, Mexico.

All photos and text by Isabella Biava

Among all the Mexican Caribbean Coast touristy resorts, Tulum is undoubtedly the most trendy, especially for style-conscious travelers.

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From a wild and laid-back fishing village that it was 15 years ago, when I visited for the first time, Tulum has continuously developed and expanded over the years to become what it is today, a wanna-be eco-friendly destination for wealthy tourists but not only. 

Unfortunately, the so boldly acclaimed eco-resorts are everything but eco. Beautiful and stylish for sure, I admit I fell too into the Eco-boho-chic trap. But there is nothing Eco about them, if not for the fancy green badge to clean our conscience and appear cool.

Having said that, Tulum has so much to offer both for first-timers and returning guests. It’s always full of surprises, beach parties, great restaurants, amazing natural resources.

I also have good news for you. You don’t necessarily need to be wealthy to enjoy Tulum. 

I used to visit Tulum multiple times when I was living in Cancun , and when I later left my job to travel around South America, I always found my way back there for some reason. 

It’s a special place indeed, and in this post, I am going to help you figure out the perfect 5 days itinerary, squeezing in the most interesting things to do, including some beach time. 

Explore Mexico with GuateGo ! It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and book online.

Table of Contents

Where to stay in Tulum

First of all, you need to decide where to stay. As a digital nomad who temporarily settles in every destination for at least a month, I always choose Airbnb over hotels.

I feel like I have more freedom, and most of all, I feel like I am leaving like a local with my own home, without the hassle of paying the bills, because everything is already included once you make your reservation on the platform. 

I got so used to it that I always check on an Airbnb, even for short stays. It’s just more comfortable. 

I have selected the best Airbnb in Tulum for their decor and location in the best and safest areas of Tulum. You can choose the one that suits you best.

But let’s dig into my suggested Itinerary

5-Day Tulum Itinerary

5-day tulum itinerary – day 1.

On the first day, I would explore the beach.

If you stay in the beach area, you can just enjoy your hotel or Airbnb facilities and relax. But I would also suggest that you take a long walk and maybe try one of the fancy beach restaurants.

If you are staying in town, you can always join a beach club. Generally, they let you use the beach facilities in exchange for spending a minimum amount at their restaurants. 

On the northern side of the beach, closer to the Ruins, you have open access. 

The most popular beach club is Papaya Playa Project, but I also like Villas las Estrellas, Posada Margherita, and Nomade, but the majority of the beach hotels offer this option. 

5-day Tulum Itinerary – day 2

After a glorious breakfast in your home/hotel or at one of the cool cafes in downtown, it’s time to go for an adventure.

Let’s visit Coba’s archeological site today. A small village at only 50 minutes’ drive from Tulum, Coba is mostly known for its majestic archeological site, where you can find one of the tallest pyramids that you can still climb among the Mayan Ancient cities. 

However, I have a surprise for you.

Besides the Mayan ruins, you will be able to appreciate the refreshing cenotes of Coba. There are three cave cenotes located about a 20-minute drive from the site. 

It’s great to keep them for last so you can cool off after a sweaty walk in the jungle.

How to get to Coba

My suggestion is to rent a car and drive, but if you prefer to go by bus it’s possible via ADO, and then you can get a taxi from the ruins to get to the cenotes. But mind that they are not always available. 

5-day Tulum Itinerary day 3 

Today I would explore the ruins in Tulum, the only Mayan site built right on the beach. I would suggest you go when they open at 9 am when it’s not so hot or crowded. You can get to the entrance from the beach road and park the car right at the gate. 

In fact, once you finish your historical tour, you will be already there to hit the beach.

Playa Paraiso is the stretch of beach that goes from the ruins to the first hotel. It’s a public beach, and you can find some restaurants for your lunch and enjoy the beach for the rest of your day.

If you feel bored, there are cheap one-hour boat tours that take you snorkeling by the reef and then to see the Mayan ruins from the sea, definitely picture-worthy. 

5-day Tulum itinerary – day 4 

The Sian Ka`an biosphere is a spectacular protected area that stretches over more than 5000 km2 south of Tulum.

Proclaimed Unesco World Heritage site, Sian Ka’an is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna, and something like 23 archeological sites, one of which is Muyil, accessible from the main road, the Carretera Federal, at only 10 minutes drive from Tulum.

There are different ways to visit the biosphere, a must if you are in the area and you love nature. One is by a regular organized tour, either by jeep or by boat. 

The second option, which is my favorite, is by boat via Muyil. There is a path to the lagoon just past the archeological site where official guides will be waiting for you with their boat.

They offer two kinds of tours, the longest one, a full-day tour, will take you by boat through the natural canals among the mangroves. You will then swim in the lazy river and let the current take you to the next stop, where the boat will pick you up and take you along other canals through the coast where the lagoon meets the ocean.

It’s a fantastic day in the water, and I suggest you leave it for your last day so that your skin is already used to the sun and you don’t get burnt. However, I recommend using an ecological sun protector . 

5-day Tulum itinerary – day 5

This is your last day in Tulum before setting off for your next destination. 

In the morning, before leaving, you can either bask in the sun and relax, or you can use your time to check out another cenote. There are so many amazing cenotes in the area.

I would choose one depending on which direction you are going, assuming that you have your own car, of course. And that’s the reason why I always suggest renting a car in Mexico , to have the freedom to move around as you please. 

If you go to Bacalar next, you might want to check out Cenote Corazon. A beautiful open heart-shaped cenote. Hence the name “Corazon,” “heart” in Spanish. It’s located on the road Tulum-Chetumal, right before Muyil, about 15 minutes drive from Tulum downtown.

If you are driving towards Valladolid, you can check out the Gran Cenote , a little too expensive, in my opinion, but it’s a beautiful and very well-known semi-open cenote.

If you are heading towards Cancun, you must visit the cenote Taak bi ha, a spectacular cave cenote with crystal clear water.

With this itinerary, I just wanted to offer an idea of what 5 days in Tulum could be like and what I would do if I had such limited time. Options are endless, though, and it’s really up to you.

Traveling style is so personal, and there is no right or wrong. You can even spend the 5 days on the beach sipping Margaritas, and it’s fine, although you would be missing a lot. 

Either way, I am sure you’ll have a blast.   

Tulum Top Places

Here below, I am leaving you a list of my favorite places to hang out. 

Trendiest restaurant on the beach: Hartwood

Best Vegan Restaurant: La Hoja Verde – downtown /Sanara restaurant – beach zone

Best meat restaurant: Asadero – downtown

Best Mexican gourmet restaurant – Centonzle – downtown

Best cafe in town: Botanic Garden – downtown

Best coffee’ in town Ki’bok

Best burritos: Burrito Amor

Cool healthy restaurant: Raw Love – downtown and on the beach

Top luxury Hotel: Be Tulum

Coolest hotel: Nomade Tulum

Most Elegant Hotel: Casa Malca

Vegan and Organic grocery store: Gipsy Market

Best Bakery: Gipsy Market / Italdo

• About the Author

Tim Kroeger is a seasoned professional in International Tourism Management, specializing in Luxury Adventure Travel , Luxury Hotel Reviews , and Tourism in Costa Rica .

Expertises: International Tourism Management, Tourism in Costa Rica, International tourism advertising, Adventure travel, Luxury Adventure Travel

Protect your trip: With all our travel experience, we highly recommend you hit the road with travel insurance! SafetyWing offers flexible & reliable Digital Nomads Travel Medical Insurance at just a third of the price of similar competitor plans.

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5 of the very best day trips from Tulum

Nov 5, 2022 • 6 min read

A bounty of history, nature and outdoor activities is within day-tripping distance of Tulum MStudioImages / Getty Images

Glorious stretches of sand and eco-chic hotels are reason enough to visit Tulum , but if you can drag yourself away, you’ll find that this is much more than a beach destination .

Tulum is a gateway to the remarkable riches of the Yucatán Peninsula , and you can find towering Maya ruins, dense jungle forests, colonial towns and the world’s longest underground river system all just a day trip away.

Here are the best day trips from Tulum.

Explore ancient Maya ruins at Cobá

Travel time: 45 minutes

Entering Cobá ruins  long racks of multicolored bicycles are lined up for rent and people sit straddling yellow triciclos (pedicabs). Whichever you prefer, hire one – it’s worth it. The archaeological site is spread across several square miles, and the heat and humidity make riding so much more pleasant than walking. Pedaling under the forest canopy, listening to the sound of song birds and stopping to explore long abandoned Maya palaces and ball courts is nothing short of sublime.

The star of the site is Nohuch Mul . At almost 14 stories high, it’s one of the tallest pyramids in the Maya world. Climbing the narrow stone steps, clutching the thick rope that leads to the top, is not for the faint of heart, but you’ll never forget the view: a stunning jungle expanse, ancient temples poking above the verdant tree line. Aim to arrive at opening so that you miss the tour groups and have the best shot at seeing wildlife – motmots and colorful toucanets, blue morph butterflies and, if you’re lucky, spider monkeys.

How to get to Cobá from Tulum:  The Cobá ruins are a 45-minute drive from Tulum on a well-maintained road. Public buses and colectivos  travel to Cobá town several times daily, dropping off passengers at the ruins.

Swim in Tulum's nearby cenotes

Travel time: 10 to 30 minutes

No matter how many photos you see, the first time at a cenote (sinkhole) feels like descending into another world. One moment you’re relaxing on Tulum’s white-sand beaches, and the next you’re lowering yourself down a rickety ladder into a hole in the ground.

Once your eyes adjust to the dark, you’ll see stalagmites and stalactites surrounding turquoise water that is so impossibly clear it looks bottomless. It’s a dream-like eerie wonderland. Tulum is surrounded by some of the region’s most dramatic cenotes. Popular Parque Dos Ojos offers guided snorkeling tours of its labyrinthine underwater cave system, while others like Gran Cenote are open-air caverns deep in the jungle where you can swim with small fish and freshwater turtles. Still others, such as Cenote Angelita, are best suited for scuba diving, its wonderfully creepy waters capped by a foggy layer of hydrogen sulfide, making the outstretched branches of submerged trees seem like arms reaching for the surface.

How to get to cenotes near Tulum:  More than a dozen cenotes are located near Tulum, making cenote hopping a fun way to spend a day. They’re found along the coastal highway and on the road to Cobá, all reachable by car in 10 to 30 minutes from Tulum’s town center. Colectivos (public shuttles) stop at most of them.

Watch wildlife at Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Travel time: 30 minutes

A rutted dirt road runs along the eastern edge of Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve , a 1.3-million-acre reserve of coastal forests and beaches, mangroves and lagoons. It’s slow going but doable in most cars. Simple fences and thick vegetation line the road, with thatch-roofed homes appearing now and then. An occasional opening in the palm forest leads to gloriously empty beaches, showing what Tulum looked like decades ago.

The reserve is teeming with wildlife, and a handful of community-based agencies run excellent trips: sunset kayak trips to bird-watch and listen to the haunting call of howler monkeys; tubing excursions down ancient canals, with beefy iguanas sitting atop long-forgotten Maya ruins; and snorkeling tours, where giant sea turtles glide past you like underwater birds and dolphins play in your boat’s wake.

How to get to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve from Tulum: Sian Ka’an’s coastal road begins where Tulum’s beach road ends to the south. From the Tulum town center, it’s about 30 minutes to the entrance of the reserve, which is marked with a huge arch. There is no reliable public transportation to Sian Ka’an, but tours include transportation.

Be captivated by the power of Chichén Itzá

Travel time:   2 hours

While the entrance to the park is a wooded path lined with souvenir stands, at one point the trees suddenly part to reveal a grassy plaza, the home of El Castillo , Chichén Itzá ’s tallest and most recognizable temple. Looking up, it’s easy to imagine a Maya priest standing at the top, arms elevated to the heavens, thousands of people celebrating the shadow of a serpent descending the staircase on the autumnal equinox.

The site is majestic and ornate, every structure oozing brilliance and power, a reminder of the people who once lived here. Arrive at opening to enjoy the ruins before the tour groups descend on the site, and come back in the evening for the sound-and-light show and the treat of walking through the ruins with the moon overhead, with the most prominent structures lit up in bright reds, purples and blues.

How to get to Chichén Itzá from Tulum: By car, it's two hours from Tulum to Chichén Itzá on paved roads that cut through the scrub forest and pass Maya villages. Public buses also make the trip from Tulum twice a day.

Wander the character-filled streets of Valladolid

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

The cobblestone streets of Valladolid are lined with brightly painted Spanish-Colonial buildings, old VW Beetles are parked along the curb, and women dressed in huipiles  (traditional Maya dress) buy mangoes from stands piled high with fruit. This is a slice of Yucatecan life.

Meander down Calzada de los Frailes , a street draped in bougainvillea and dotted with artisanal boutiques. When it’s time for lunch, order a plate of savory empanadas and a cool agua de jamaica (iced hibiscus tea) at the cozy Tresvanbien. The Templo de San Bernardino , an imposing Franciscan church, is nearby, and a self-guided tour includes flaking 16th-century frescos and a cenote where a cache of weapons from the Caste War was found. As the afternoon heat subsides, Valladolid’s central plaza fills with locals out for a stroll and food carts offering tasty snacks, such as sugar-coated churros and chicharrones (crispy pork rind) doused in hot sauce. Stay until sunset, when folkloric dancers arrive to spin and smile, entertaining those on the pedestrianized street.

How to get to Valladolid from Tulum: Valladolid is 1.5 hours by car from Tulum on a well-maintained road that passes small towns and thatch-roofed communities. Nonstop bus service is also offered several times daily.

This article was first published Jun 30, 2021 and updated Nov 5, 2022.

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14 BEST Excursions & Day Trips From Tulum

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: March 4, 2024

Categories Hotels , Luxury Travel , Mexico

Climbing pyramids, swimming in cenotes, visiting pink lakes…Those are just a few of the best day trips from Tulum . In this post you’ll find plenty of unmissable excursions from Tulum. Read on!

Tulum lies in the heart of the Riviera Maya , Mexico. Despite being a small town, it has become one of the most popular vacation spots in Quintana Roo, and for a (very) good reason!

Tulum is so naturally beautiful and offers such great amenities , it makes it easy to spend day after day chilling at the beach . However, one of the town’s best attributes is its prime location in the Yucatan Peninsula.

If you have some extra days, it’s definitely worth it to go and explore the other attractions near Tulum, Mexico .

From striking natural sinkholes to ancient Mayan structures , quaint towns, and UNESCO-listed places, your options are *seemingly* endless!

Here you’ll find my favorite day trips from Tulum , and the most popular day trips in Riviera Maya in general. Check them out, and start planning your Tulum itinerary !

Table of Contents

Swim In The Most Beautiful Cenotes

In addition to all those Mayan ruins, there’s another thing that Yucatan is famous for: cenotes . Swimming in cenotes should be at the top of your list of things to do around Tulum, and here’s why.

All across the region, you’ll find plenty of sinkholes littering the landscape . While they might seem like just pits in the ground at first, they actually open up into spectacular subterranean lagoons.

Lagoons in which you can swim, as well as take part in the ever-popular Yucatan pastime of cenote diving .

There are also other cenotes which are mostly above ground , but still offer a welcome respite from the Mexican heat as you plunge into the water.

My favorite cenotes around Tulum include Gran Cenote , Cenote Nicte-Ha , Cenote Calavera , and Cenote Dos Ojos .

You can definitely visit the cenotes in Tulum and Quintana Roo on your own, although you might have to rent a car or hire a driver for the day .

READ ALSO : 13 Incredible Cenotes in Tulum You Can’t Miss

If you prefer to avoid the hassle, though, you’ll find that there are a lot of cenotes tour operators in Tulum . These tours let you visit multiple cenotes in a single day, and are a great way to spend a day relaxing and swimming with friends and family. It sure beats the hotel pool!

▶️ The Cenote Triple Adventure Tour in Tulum is a 4-hour excursion. You’ll visit three different cenotes: Casa Cenote, Gran Cenote, and Cenote Zemway with a guide. Dive, snorkel, and cliff-jump into the clear water, with snorkeling gear and transfers covered. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ The Cenote Trail: Caves Visit and Bike Tour , combines Gran Cenote, Cenote Escondido & Cenote Cristal all in one day. One cenote alone isn’t enough! Plus, you’ll get to cycle from one to the other. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Climb Pyramids at Coba Ruins

Yucatan is also known as the Mayan Riviera . This is because it’s home to some of the most spectacular Mayan ruins still in existence, including the Tulum ruins and Muyil.

Hidden in the dense forests are many magnificent reminders of this once-mighty civilization. But the Coba ruins are a little different .

Archaeologists believe that Coba would have been an important trade hub back in the day. This thriving Mayan city now lies mostly forgotten amid the surrounding forests.

Since it’s tucked out of the way, it sees fewer tourists than more popular sites like the archaeological site of Tulum . This is definitely to your advantage if you feel like taking the trip out there. I don’t know about you, but crowded places lose some of their appeal to me.

For one thing, it’s much more peaceful than the tourist hotspots . It allows you to fully take in the wonder and ancient mystical atmosphere of these Mayan ruins near Tulum.

Secondly, it means that, unlike the other ruins in Mexico , you can actually climb the pyramid of Coba . I recently heard this might change soon for safety reasons, though, so you need to go ASAP!

The climb is quite steep , and coming down can be a little scary, but wear comfy shoes and use the ropes to help you.

From the top, you can gaze out in wonder across the treetops , and see for yourself why the Mayans felt closer to the gods up here. It’s truly a unique location for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

How to get to Coba Ruins from Tulum

The Coba Mayan ruins are 29 miles northwest of Tulum, merely a 45-minute drive. You can either drivee your own car and combine a Coba day trip with some other attractions on this list, or go by colectivo .

If you choose the latter, you’ll take the colectivo in Avenida Tulum and Calle Osiris Norte . They depart whenever they’re full, usually every 20 minutes, from around 8 AM.

You can also join a tour to Coba – here are a couple of suggestions for you:

▶️ Check out Coba Ruins, Punta Laguna Nature Reserve, Cenote and Mayan Family . Start the day with a guided tour around the Coba site, followed by a trip to Punta Laguna.

There you’ll have time to kayak, zipline, and hike, before cooling down in a cenote. A visit to a Mayan village is included, along with lunch and transfers. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ The Tulum and Coba: Full-Day Archaeological Tour is a super comprehensive tour. You’ll get to explore two of the best archaeological sites in a single trip!

Learn from your savvy guide as you wander around the ruins of Tulum, perched atop a cliff, and the vast site of Coba. Finally, cool off in two beautiful cenotes.. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Soak Up The Colors of Valladolid

From the Mayans to Spanish settlers, to the present day, Yucatan has a rich history that’s well worth delving into.

If you’re interested in the impact that the Spanish conquistadors had on the region, then definitely plan a Valladolid day trip .

Valladolid is a somewhat sleepy but extremely charming town where that way of life has been preserved for centuries.

READ ALSO : Top 7 Things to do in and around Valladolid

Here, you’ll find magnificent examples of conquest-era architecture in the churches and municipal buildings, as well as pastel-colored walls lining the quiet streets.

Just wander the town and enjoy the slower pace of life here, or explore the cenotes in Valladolid ( Cenote Zaci is right in the middle of Valladolid).

How to get to Valladolid

The fastest way to get there is by car, as the drive only takes 1.5 hours. However, you can easily reach Valladolid by public transportation. The ADO Bus departs a few times a day, and it costs $15.

You can also enjoy a comprehensive visit by joining a tour !

▶️ This Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid Small Group Day Trip is a great excursion to join. Unlike most Chichen Itza tours, which include a quick stop in Valladolid, this one allows 2 hours to explore the charming city and have lunch. That’s besides the Mayan ruins visit and a dip in a cenote! ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Another city you should make time for is Merida : it’s chill, safe, and laid back, and the food is great!

Discover Breathtaking Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

One of the most awe-inspiring Tulum day trips is Sian Ka’an . This area of natural beauty offers a welcome respite from the crowds that you’ll encounter in many of the other spots on this list.

Think like deserted, wild, white beaches fringed by palms that will remind you of Baja California. Coral reefs with the most beautiful colors, lagoons with crocodiles, and wild dolphins swimming along your boat.

It sounds unreal, doesn’t it? It’s even more surprising that this natural area starts right at the edge of Tulum beach . Where Tulum ends, Sian Ka’an begins!

The Biosphere Reserve is incredibly big, and it’s divided into two main destinations . When you visit – either with a tour or on your own – you’ll probably stick to one of them.

The most popular is the eastern area of Sian Ka’an, where Punta Allen is . This picturesque fishing village is on a peninsula in the Caribbean Sea. It boasts pristine beaches, snorkeling opportunities in the reef, and the Boca Paila Lagoon.

How to get to Sian Ka’an

You can explore Sian Ka’an on your own if you want to, but keep in mind that to get to Punta Allen, it’s over one hour by car. And the road sucks (sorry, there isn’t a nicer way to say it).

It’s unpaved, bumpy, and you definitely need to have a Jeep or a similar vehicle to make it, especially if it’s rained recently.

For once, I strongly suggest taking a tour for your Sian Kaan day trip . I have a few suggestions here, but you can check out my post about the best tours to Sian Kaan for more options.

▶️ The Sian Ka’an Adventure Full Day Trip to Punta Allen takes you to explore the flora and fauna of the reserve. Discover the mangrove forest, meet the manatees of Boca Paila Lagoon, snorkel on the reef, and enjoy a scrumptious lunch on the beach. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

On the western side of Sian Ka’an, you’ll find the Muyil Archaeological Site with Mayan ruins and a history of over 2 thousand years. A beautiful lagoon, lush mangroves, and canals are the major natural attractions in this area. Plus the rich wildlife!

▶️ Join the Sian Ka’an and Muyil Archaeological Site Tour from Tulum . It’s a half-day trip that includes a guided exploration of the Mayan ruins. You’ll also enjoy a boat trip to Muyil Lagoon, and a visit to a former trading post along a nature trail. Cap off the tour with a picnic lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Explore Mayan Ruins With a Chichen Itza Day Trip

As mentioned earlier, Yucatan was the center of the Mayan empire in its heyday . The jewel in the crown of that empire was undoubtedly the magnificent city of Chichen Itza .

Luckily, this heritage site has been remarkably well-preserved over the centuries . There are still plenty of awe-inspiring examples of Mayan architecture to be seen here.

You may want to book a guide , who will be able to tell you all about the history of this place and facts about Mayan culture, although it might get quite pricey.

The other option is to download some material about the archaeological site beforehand and read it while you walk through the ruins.

READ ALSO : A Complete Guide to Chichen Itza Ruins

The ruins of Chichen Itza aren’t my favorite ones in Mexico ( Palenque is gorgeous!), mostly because of the crowds. However, a day trip from Tulum to Chichen Itza is absolutely recommended .

It’s not a case that Chichen Itza is one of the new 7 Wonders of the World and one of the most popular Riviera Maya day trips.

Survival Tip : Make sure to get Chichen Itza in the early morning , as the site gets more than crowded as the day goes on. Also, you want to try and avoid the midday heat (bring a hat).

How to get to Chichen Itza

If you have a rental car , take the QROO 109 from Tulum, and then get on the 180 Highway . The drive takes approximately 2 hours.

You can otherwise take the ADO Bus , book a private transfer , or join an excursion .

There are plenty of Chichen Itza tours from Tulum in case you prefer to go with a tour. Here are two of the best excursions in Tulum, Mexico to visit this archaeological site:

▶️ The Chichén Itzá, Cenote and Valladolid Small Group Day Trip is the perfect tour to explore the Yucatan. You’ll enjoy a comprehensive tour around the ruins, cool off with a swim in cenote, and finally spend some time in Valladolid, where you’ll have lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ The VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour is a full-day experience reserved for your group of 15. Join an expert guide to visit the archaeological site, and discover its fascinating history and phenomena. Then, take a dip in a cenote and indulge in an a la carte lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

 Zipline at Xplor Park or Selvatica

I don’t know why I waited 28 years of my life before trying ziplining. There’s nothing quite like the thrill that comes with soaring over the treetops , lakes, and cenotes!

If you want to give it a try, then I heartily recommend Xplor Park. Xplor is part of the same group that also owns Xcaret Park (another one highly recommended).

This adventure park is home to a great variety of activities , all of which are designed to get your heart pumping and give you a thrill. (Though there are relaxing areas to counter all that adrenaline!) At Xplor, you can tackle the tallest ziplines in Yucatan .

Glide through glistening waterfalls, and plunge into deep caves . It’s all perfectly safe for the whole family!

▶️ The Xplor Admission grants you access to the park and all its activities, as well as a buffet lunch, use of lockers, and other facilities. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Another fantastic adventure park worth checking out is Selvatica . It features astounding zipline courses, including an Aquazip , a zipline coaster, and a Superman zipline.

▶️ Join the Selvatica Adventure Park: Ziplines and Cenote Tour from Cancun and Riviera Maya . It grants you access to the park, and unlimited use of the ziplines, as well as a visit to a private cenote. It’s family-friendly, and it includes lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Take a Cozumel Day Trip

If you can’t go all the way to Isla Holbox , then Cozumel is as close to a Caribbean paradise as it gets around here. I mean, look at that turquoise water!

You could easily spend more than one day exploring the island ! Cozumel offers plenty of attractions, including beautiful remote beaches, lighthouses, and lagoons. It’s also easy to organize a Tulum to Cozumel day trip if you prefer to go back at night.

How to get to Cozumel

To reach Cozumel, you’ll first need to make your way to Playa del Carmen , as that’s where the ferry leaves from.

Take a colectivo or an ADO bus to Playa del Carmen, and then walk the short distance to the ferry terminal, located in Av. Benito Juárez 239 . It’s two blocks from 5th Avenue!

There you’ll board either an Ultramar or a Winjet ferry for a 40-minute trip to Cozumel. At the time of writing, tickets cost 600 MXN ($35).

Once in Cozumel, you can join an excursion to explore the island , from the city center San Miguel de Cozumel to the lush jungle areas. These are the top Tulum tours to Cozumel (though without the transfers!)

▶️ The Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs is a half-day water adventure. You’ll visit the island’s three snorkeling hotspots to swim with the rich marine life, which includes starfish! Snacks, water, and beers are included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ The Private Jeep Excursion in Cozumel with Lunch and Snorkeling takes you to explore all the main attractions on the island. The best part? You get to personalize the itinerary! Head into the jungle, snorkel at the beach, visit a national park, and enjoy sightseeing or horseback riding. A local lunch is included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Check out this Cozumel Reefs Snorkeling Tour by Karma Trails – this is a tour operator I’ve used multiple times and always found very reliable. The tour includes snorkeling in various points of the island, which in my opinion is the best thing to do in Cozumel. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

 Visit Playa del Carmen

Fancy a change of scenery from Tulum? From clean, sandy beaches lined with palm trees, to coral reefs below the waves, Playa del Carmen has it all .

The city is the perfect destination for a day relaxing on the beach, without leaving the scenic Quintana Roo landscapes.

However, it’s also a trendy, up-and-coming city . It boasts plenty of hip eateries, boutique shops, and stores from all the major Western chains.

How to get to Playa del Carmen from Tulum

Taking a colectivo (shared shuttle bus) is your best option. Just stand on the side of the 307 highway going north and signal the driver when you see a shuttle bus approaching.

Tell the driver your destination (in this case Playa del Carmen), and you’ll pay once you get there . A colectivo trip from Tulum to Playa del Carmen shouldn’t cost you more than 50 -70 MXN.

➤ Save yourself any stress and book in advance a minivan ride for less than $4 . ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Otherwise, the ADO bus Tulum-Playa del Carmen is good alternative, with multiple buses a day.

Swim at the Laguna Kaan Lum

          Visualizza questo post su Instagram                       Un post condiviso da FRAN Ortiz | Nómada Digital (@viajandoconfran) in data: 3 Apr 2018 alle ore 4:17 PDT

If you don’t mind discovering the Tulum off the beaten path a little (and why would you?), then Laguna Kaan Lum is well worth a visit . A hidden paradise, this vast lagoon is an oasis of tranquility , where you can swim and splash to your heart’s content.

The lagoon itself is actually a huge cenote , and the depth causes the water to glisten in truly gorgeous colors. The water is usually pretty warm , and it’s just a short drive from Tulum, so why not stop by for a dip?

One thing to note is that there are no amenities here other than bathrooms , so make sure you bring some food with you.

How to get to Kaan Lum Lagoon

Laguna Kaan Lum is 3 miles south of Tulum , off Highway 307. If you are driving from Tulum, look for the sign on your left.

Public transportation is not really an option . You could potentially take a colectivo (in the direction of Felipe Carrillo Puerto) which will drop you off at the entrance.

From there, though, you’ll have a 1.2-mile walk to the lagoon (in mosquito territory!) A better alternative would be taking a taxi .

READ ALSO : A Guide to the Best Things to do in Tulum

Need some more Tulum day trip ideas? We’re not nearly done yet! Keep reading to find some other epic destinations.

Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas

Looking at photos of Las Coloradas , you might think that they have been Photoshopped – there can’t really be a pink lake, can there?!

Well, there really is, and while you’re in the Yucatan peninsula (in this case Tulum), you definitely have to take the trip to see it for yourself.

Located at the very tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, Las Coloradas dates back to the Mayan era, when the local people would use these tidal lagoons as a way of producing salt .

Water would flow into them at high tide and then remain behind when the tide went back out again.

As the water evaporated, the sea salt would be left behind to collect . Over the centuries, that process has caused the water here to turn a brilliant pink.

I spent a few hours here taking millions of photos and videos because… well… a pink lake! Do I really need to explain??

READ ALSO : A Guide to las Coloradas, Yucatan

Nearby, you should also check out the town of Rio Lagartos . The town itself is a picture-perfect example of a sleepy Mexican settlement. But the stars of the show here are the thousands of flamingos that live nearby.

If you love all things pink, or just want to marvel at the wonder of nature, be sure to visit both of these stunning landscapes . It’s possibly the most unique Tulum day trip you can take.

How to get to Las Coloradas from Tulum

It’s about 124 miles (200 km) from Tulum to Las Coloradas, and you definitely want to rent a car (or a car with a driver) for this trip.

You could  go by bus to Valladolid and from there take a combination of colectivos and buses but it would take you forever. It’s better to plan your own transportation .

▶️ If driving isn’t an option or you wanna save yourself the hassle, check out the Tour Las Coloradas & Rio Lagartos only from Tulum . It includes a visit to both destinations, with a knowledgeable guide to give you insights about the pink salt lakes and the local ecosystem. Plus, you’ll enjoy an ancient Mayan bath and lunch! ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Have Fun at Xcaret

Xcaret is one of the most fantastic attractions in the Riviera Maya, and one of the Tulum, Mexico excursions I strongly recommend.

It’s a nature and adventure park that offers tens of activities and attractions. From soaring over the treetops to discovering the underwater world, marveling at ancient Mayan ruins, and braving the exhilarating mud roads, be ready for an adrenaline-filled day!

The park boasts underground rivers, cenotes, and coastline, as well as rainforest trails and rich wildlife.

The most fantastic attraction at Xcaret Park has to be Xcaret México Espectacular . This amazing show has been running every single day for over 20 years. It offers the most delightful entertainment in the Riviera Maya and the whole state of Quintana Roo.

The show represents the history of Mexico from pre-Hispanic times , and it’s the perfect way to end a jam-packed, super fun day trip at the park.

How to get to Xcaret

Xcaret is 40 miles north of Tulum , approximately an hour’s drive along Carretera 307. The easiest ways to get there if you’re not driving are by taxi or colectivo (shared shuttle).

▶️ The Xcaret Admission grants you access to all the park’s attractions for a whole day, as well as tickets to the Mexico Espectacular show. When choosing the Plus Admission you’ll have a buffet lunch with beverages included! ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Discover the Stunning Bacalar Lagoon

The Bacalar Lagoon is also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors because of the astounding different shades of blue it features.

Bacalar Lagoon is located near the border with Belize, 125 miles (202 km) from Tulum, and it’s started to become more and more popular in the past few years (thank you, social media!). It’s easy to get from Tulum to Bacalar .

The lake is close to 30 miles long , making it the second largest freshwater lake in the country, but it’s very narrow, merely 1 mile wide. The crystal clear waters, which display (more than!) 7 different hues of blue , are perfect for snorkeling and swimming.

That’s one of the many ways in which you can enjoy Bacalar Lagoon, though. Other activities include taking one of the best Tulum boat tours there are, or simply relaxing by the shore and exploring the town .

How to get to Bacalar

You can take the ADO bus from Tulum to Bacalar and visit on your own. I strongly recommend going on a boat tour on the lagoon, though, as it’s the best way to experience it.

▶️ This Bacalar Lake of Seven Colors Tour includes roundtrip transfers from Tulum, Riviera Maya, and Cancun. You’ll enjoy a boat ride on the famous lagoon, and a visit to a cenote, the Pirates’ Channel, and San Felipe Fort. Relish a grilled lunch at the end! ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ This Sailing Tour is the exact same one that I went on. It lasts 3.5 hours and includes stops for swimming in the lagoon, as well as brunch and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Go on a Day Trip to Cancun

Cancun is one of the most bustling, vibrant cities in Quintana Roo. You should definitely visit it on a day trip from Tulum, especially if you won’t include the city as part of your Mexico itinerary.

Cancun offers the perfect balance between a busy metropolis , with plenty of restaurants, nightclubs, shopping avenues, and the peaceful beaches of the Caribbean.

It will prove to be quite a contrast to Tulum’s more laid-back atmosphere . It makes one of the best excursions in Tulum if you’re looking for a change of scene.

Cancun has two main areas, Downtown Cancun and the Hotel Zone . The latter is more touristy and features most of the restaurants, bars, and resorts, as well as being right by the coastline.

If you want to experience the more local part of Cancun , visit some markets and mingle with the city’s residents, then stick to Downtown Cancun.

How to get to Cancun

You can take a colectivo , or an ADO bus from Tulum. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.

▶️ Join this 3-in-1 Street Food Tour with transportation (Food Stalls + Local Market + Murals) . It’s the ultimate foodie experience. A guide takes you away from the tourist spots to sample authentic bites and delicacies all over town. You won’t need dinner after the abundant tastings! ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Explore Holbox Island in One Day

One of the best Tulum day trips is to Holbox, the Mexican epitome of paradise . This gorgeous island is completely surrounded by the turquoise sea, being accessible by ferry only, and it has NO cars .

The only sounds you’ll hear are those of the waves and the birds as you explore its enchanting locations.

How to get to Holbox

Holbox is north of the Yucatan Peninsula, approximately 91 miles (148 km) from Tulum. If you embark on a DIY day trip, you’ll travel from Tulum to Chiquila Port , and there catch the ferry to Holbox.

To cheapest way to reach Chiquila from Tulum is by ADO Bus , which costs $34 and takes 3.5 hours. You’ll need to take the earliest bus for the day trip to make sense! Otherwise, book a taxi or private transfer.

You could also join a tour that covers transfers , as well as all the activities!

▶️ The Holbox Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Riviera Maya starts with pick-up at your hotel. Travel to Holbox, and embark on a boat tour around its main attraction.

Visit Isla Pasion, stop at Punta Mosquito, and swim at Yalahau Lagoon. Lunch and drinks are included, and you’ll have free time to relax on the beach. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

READ MORE ABOUT ISLA HOLBOX

And there you go! These are the best day trips from Tulum – they’ll definitely keep you busy for a while!

Where To Stay in Tulum: Zamas Hotel

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Tulum , the choice is quite hard. There are so many possibilities , ranging from backpacker cheap, to mid-range and ultra luxury.

I always try and look for boutique hotels as I generally prefer them to the big resorts. So I came across  Zamas Hotel , a very colorful, laid-back boutique hotel located right on the beach. It’s also one of the best eco-hotels in Tulum , so even better!

If all you want is palms , white beaches , and playful cabanas , keep reading.

  • I know I was born and I know that I’ll die The in between is mine I am mine. • [Pearl Jam] • The weather is so gloomy here! What wouldn’t I do to go back to Tulum!! Thanks to @zamashotel (the most colorful hotel in Tulum!) for an amazing time under the sun. 🌴🌴🌴 📸: @journeywonders Un post condiviso da Stefania Guglielmi (@everysteph) in data: Gen 11, 2018 at 4:26 PST

I was staying in a beachfront cabana , and it was simply perfect. Falling asleep with the sweet rolling sound of the waves and getting up being 10 steps from the ocean was a dream come true. Especially after months of traveling around at a fast speed!

Some special touches included the mosquito net that was put in place every night and the jar of purified water that helps reduce the use of plastic bottles. The bathroom, featuring a big shower, is gigantic and very colorful, in theme with the rest of the hotel.

I absolutely loved the porch with the hammocks , a perfect spot to relax in front of the ocean. Other types of rooms include larger jungle bungalows and garden suites.

I found the food in Tulum to be excellent, even though keep in mind that the prices are way higher than in the rest of Mexico. And the food at The Restaurant at ZAMAS didn’t disappoint , not even one bit.

The food is fresh, locally sourced , and the plates combine innovation with traditional Mexican flavors.

READ ALSO : 19 Restaurants in Tulum Not To Miss

The beach is private for hotel guests , and we never had a problem finding a chair or a lounger.

There are so many choices when it comes to hotels in Tulum: if you are looking for a place that combines a touch of luxury, mid-range rates, and an exclusive location right on a private beach, then Zamas Hotel is the perfect choice!

Rates start at $334 a night for the jungle rooms and go up to $486 for the classic room on the beachfront.

CHECK OUT RATES & AVAILABILITY AT ZAMAS HOTEL

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DAY TRIPS FROM TULUM FAQ

In our opinion, some of the best Tulum excursions are these: • Tulum: Cenote Trail Bike Tour • Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour • Luxury Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres with transportation from Tulum • From Tulum: Sian Ka’an Boat Trip Adventure with Lunch • Xcaret Park Entry Ticket with Night Show Included *Official Product*

 Yes, I recommend going with a tour such as Chichen Itza, Ik Kil Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour . I also wrote a whole post about the best ways to get to Chichen Itza from Tulum .

I received a complimentary stay at Zamas, but all the opinions in this article are mine and mine only.

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you book something through one of my links I might get a commission, at absolutely no extra cost to you

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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Monday 29th of October 2018

Excellent article, pictures, and recommendations! I’m in Yucatan now, looking forward to some of these adventures! Especially Las Coloradas! Thanks for all your suggestions!

11 Unmissable Day Trips From Tulum | Every Steph | Viatges pel Món

Sunday 15th of April 2018

[…] 11 Unmissable Day Trips From Tulum | Every Steph […]

Cristi Brenda

Tuesday 3rd of April 2018

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• Things To Do

Being one of the most popular spots in the Riviera Maya in Mexico, Tulum has an endless amount of amazing things to do . But if you’ve been in the town for a while and have grown tired of the beautiful beaches and unforgettable nightlife (unlikely) then perhaps it’s time you start taking some Tulum day trips to awesome spots nearby. How does climbing pyramids, swimming with turtles, and visiting colonial towns sound?

The state of Quintana Roo is quite small and the neighbouring states of Yucatan and Campeche are only a day trip away, making Tulum the perfect base to start exploring these places.

Bacalar, Valladolid, Playa Del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, or Coba are just a few of our favourite places that make perfect day trips, or more than one day if you end up loving them.

Best Tulum Day Trips

Witness the lagoon of 7 colors in bacalar.

Distance: 215 km (2 hours 30-minute drive)

Two and a half hours south of Tulum you’ll find Bacalar , a small, quiet town situated on a large lagoon sometimes referred to as the “Lagoon of 7 Colors” (Laguna de Siete Colores) though we were only able to spot 5 different colours when we were there.

An eco-tourism-focused town, it’s definitely not as developed as Tulum but has become increasingly popular over the past few years. You can take a boat trip, kayak, or snorkel out to the spectacularly blue-green-turquoise lagoon, or check out the neighbouring Cenote Azul. It’s definitely a quiet town, so if you’re looking for a relaxing day trip then we would recommend coming here.

Go Back in Time at Chichen Itza

Distance: 150 km (2-hour drive)

Without a doubt, the most popular pyramid in Mexico, a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula wouldn’t be complete without visiting this ancient wonder. Once the center of the Mayan world, it’s no wonder the Yucatan is full of amazing pyramids, and Chichen Itza is no exception.

Founded around 600 AD, the main Kukulcán Temple is one of the most instantly recognizable pyramids in the world and makes an excellent Tulum day trip, being only a 2-hour drive away. Around the area are also many spectacular cenotes to explore, along with the colonial town Valladolid which we’ll cover next.

Explore Colonial Valladolid

Distance: 102 km (1 hour and 30-minute drive)

On the way to Chichen Itza, you’ll find the wonderfully quaint colonial town known as Valladolid. The beautiful little town could be a day trip in itself, apart from Chichen Itza. With lots of things to do and explore, including cenotes surrounding the area, some visitors end up staying here for more than a day.

With a rich Spanish Conquistador colonial history, Valladolid contains fantastic examples of early Spanish architecture and sprawling quiet streets with colorful little houses and buildings. It is often compared to its big sister: Merida – the capital of the state of Yucatan. Chichen Itza is only 45 minutes away, so it’s worth a stop here, even if you don’t plan on staying long.

Party it up in Playa Del Carmen

Distance: 64 km (1-hour drive)

If you’re looking for a beach town that’s a little different but has a lot in common with Tulum and also looking to save money – then we recommend Playa Del Carmen, especially if you wanna party. Probably one of the most popular and easiest Tulum day trips, PDC is very easy to reach from Tulum via colectivo or taxi. Most people who find themselves going to Playa Del Carmen for a “day trip” end up staying here for weeks or even months. It’s notorious for sucking you in and not letting you go. If you’re looking for the best nightlife spots, then check out our Playa Del Carmen nightlife guide here .

Famous for its hectic walking street “Quinta Avenida,” it’s lined with all kinds of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and shops vying for your attention – it really overloads the senses. In our opinion PDC has better nightlife than Tulum, it’s not as pretentious and you’ll definitely save more money. If you’re thinking of spending the day at the beach – that’s fine, but don’t expect the beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water that Tulum offers unless you consider Cozumel, which we’ll cover next.

Go Snorkeling in Cozumel

Distance: 80km (1-hour drive and 45 min ferry ride)

If you find you don’t enjoy the crowded beaches of Playa Del Carmen then it’s possible you would like the large and spacious island of Cozumel, which is only a 45-minute ferry ride from the PDC ferry.

With charming little walking streets, markets, delicious restaurants, and bars – Cozumel has a lot to offer, including amazing beaches and coral reefs perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving. While Cozumel can be done as a day trip from Tulum (If you get up super early) we would really recommend staying a night, at least on the island or in Playa Del Carmen. No point in rushing through such a beautiful island if you have time to spare.

Swim With Turtles in Akumal

Distance: 28 km (26-minute drive)

One of the easiest Tulum day trips to take is Akumal, only a 26-minute drive northeast of Tulum. Also popular for its beaches, snorkeling, diving, and marine wildlife living amongst fantastic colorful coral reefs, including turtles. In fact, the name Akumal translates to “Place of the Turtle” in the Mayan language.

Check out our guide on the top things to do in Akuma l here.

Like Cozumel, it’s a popular place for divers looking to get their PADI certification. If you’re looking to spend the day enjoying the beach, the wonderfully clear water, and swimming alongside majestic sea turtles in a stunning marine ecosystem then we recommend heading here.

Climb the Pyramid at Coba

Distance: 48 km (45-minute drive)

Being so close to Tulum, this might be a better option if you’re looking to go pyramid hunting but don’t have the time to make it to Chichen Itza. The Coba Archaeological Site is one of the popular Tulum day trips for escaping the crowded beaches and hectic nightlife and allowing you to regenerate amongst nature.

The amazing Mayan ruins are hidden deep within the jungle, so deep in fact that you have to bike to get there. At 120 steps, it’s the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula and one of the few you’re actually allowed to climb. Being so close to Tulum and with fewer tourists, we recommend this over any other ruins in the region, hands down.

Trek to Punta Allen

Distance: 55 km (2-3 hour drive)

This is going to be one of the hardest Tulum day trips to take mostly because the road here is full of potholes, unkept and you’ll need a 4×4 to reach it. Nestled far down the coast of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve , (which can be multiple day trips in itself) Punta Allen is a quaint little fishing town with spectacular views and quiet, remote sandy beaches.

It costs around 70 pesos to enter the reserve, but well worth it with all of the marine wildlife, reefs, and jungle untouched by humans. We recommend taking a tour here unless you are risky enough to rent a 4×4 and try the journey yourself. If you can’t make it to Punta Allen (it happens) then at least checkout Boca Paila further up, or one of the awesome lagoon ins the Sian Ka’an Reserve.

Go Cenote Exploring

Distance: Depends on the cenote, most are within a few kilometers

The Yucatan Peninsula is full of amazing cenotes to explore and cool off in. It may seem overwhelming to know where to start, but check out our handy guide which should help you figure out which is best for you. Cenotes are basically underground sinkholes formed millions of years ago that have collapsed, exposing usually a crystal clear reserve of cool water underneath. Some are open-air cenotes and some are completely underground.

Most of the cenotes are within a few kilometers of Tulum, so you could reasonably do two or three in one day trip. If you want an even greater variety, then the ones surrounding Valladolid or Merida are also possible to make within a day, although give yourself more time.

Give Cancun a Chance

Distance: 131 km (2-hour drive)

Last but not least is of course – Cancun. Probably the first place you land when arriving in Mexico (if going to Tulum), most people heading to Tulum give it the cold shoulder and not even a second thought. The overall impression of Cancun is just fancy family-oriented resorts, beautifully crowded beaches, and a downtown full of gang violence. Check out our Tulum vs Cancun guide here and you’ll be surprised at what you’ll learn.

While some of this is true – you should give Cancun a chance. It has wild nightlife, some fun hostels to party at like Mayan Monkey , and stunning beaches, including the beautiful island of Isla Mujeres not far off the coast. You can also explore the town of Cancun itself which is often overlooked and underrated, it has lots to offer such as great restaurants and also a unique take on nightlife – go and party with the locals.

Have Fun One of the Adventure Parks

Discover the excitement of Riviera Maya’s adventure parks, where nature, culture, and adrenaline-pumping activities come together for an unforgettable experience. Xcaret Park, an eco-archaeological wonderland, offers a delightful blend of underground river exploration, wildlife encounters, and a glimpse into Mexico’s rich heritage.

Xel-Há, a natural aquatic park, invites visitors to snorkel in a vast inlet teeming with tropical fish, while Xplor provides adrenaline-fueled adventures, such as ziplining, off-roading, and rafting through underground rivers.

Each park offers a unique experience, catering to diverse interests and ensuring unforgettable memories. From the immersive cultural experience at Xcaret to the thrilling escapades at Xplor and the aquatic paradise of Xel-Há, these adventure parks provide the perfect day trips for Tulum visitors looking to explore the diverse offerings of the Riviera Maya. Check out our extensive Xel-Ha and Xcaret guide here .

Muyil Archaeological Site

Muyil Archaeological Site is a lesser-known ancient Maya treasure nestled within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. The site features well-preserved structures, including the impressive El Castillo pyramid and a network of raised wooden pathways leading to a tranquil lagoon.

Visitors can explore the ruins surrounded by lush jungle, take a boat tour through the lagoon, and even float along a lazy river while soaking in the area’s rich history and natural beauty.

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Alyona Travels

Alyona's travel blog

Mayan Ruins of Tulum

The old city of Tulum (Pre-Columbian Mayan walled city) is nested on 12 meter high cliffs along the east cost of the Yucatan Peninsula.

The former name of the site is Zama, meaning the City of Dawn, which was given for its location facing the sunrise. Tulum was one of the last cities inhabited and built by Mayan people, serving as a major port for Cobá.

It’s a perfect start to your day . The views are breathtaking! We enjoyed the site so much!

• Location: It’s very easy to find. Just follow the signs, look for “Zona Arqueologica”. It’s 1 km from Highway 307 on the left hand side if you are coming from Playa del Carmen/Cancun and 2 km before the intersection of the highway and the Coba/beach road in Tulum.
• Entrance fee:  57 pesos
• Parking:  70 pesos
• Opening hours:  From 8 am to 5 pm

Gran Cenote

Gran Cenote is a big beautiful garden cenote with crystal clear refreshing blue water and easily accessible caves for snorkeling and diving. This place is popular with families and first time cenote swimmers, like us.

It’s a great experience. The water is so clean and crisp. The caves are full of stalactites and stalagmites of all shapes and sizes. Be prepared to see fish and turtles (bet you didn’t expect to see turtles right?).

When going down the stairs, turn on the right and you will find a shallow snorkeling area with soft white sand bottom and natural open hole on the other side of the cave.

More advanced swimmers can try out the large cave to the right. Be ready for the 15 meter journey into darkness, hundreds of stalactites and bats !

We took our snorkeling gear with us. If you don’t have one, you can rent it right there for an extra 70 pesos.

• Location:  Drive 4 km by the Coba road from the intersection of Highway 307 and beach road in Tulum. It will be on your right hand side.
• Entrance fee:  120 pesos; 150 pesos for divers
• Parking:  Free
• Opening hours:  From 8 am to 6 pm

Have Your Delicious Meal

There are quite a number of restaurants and cafes in Tulum considering it’s such a small town. I would like to recommend several places which are really good!

1. Kinich Restaurant

Try out this cozy restaurant with its authentic Yucatan Food . The ambience of the place is very pleasant. The food is tasty and service is very good. Prices are quite resonable as well. Don’t miss it!

2. El Camello

Looking for excellent seafood ? This place is definetely your choice. El Camello offers delicious, cheap and fresh seafood. This is the most famous marisqueria in Tulum, some people say it is the best in Mexico! 😉

3. Trattoria Romana

For a break from Mexican Food there is this amazing (yet very simple) italian restaurant . The food is great. The owner, an Italian, is very friendly, speaks to every guest and makes sure you get a perfect plate.

4. El Gourmet

It’s a small coffee shop, run by a sweet local family. It’s a great place for a coffee   and snacks . They sell homemade pastry, cheeses, ham, sandwiches and other yummy things. These guys are very friendly and try their best to make you happy.

How to get to Tulum from Playa del Carmen

It’s very easy to get to Tulum from Playa Del Carmen. You have 3 options here:

1. ADO Bus.  Departs from Playa del Carmen every day from 8:00 am to 12:31 pm (see the photo below) . The price of a one way ticket is 66 pesos. ADO buses are very comfortable and fast.

2. Colectivo.  Colectivo – minivans used by locals to get around within and outside the town. It’s a quick and cheap way to get to the desirable destination. It’s less comfortable than ADO buses and doesn’t have AC but is still safe. The Colectivo to Tulum runs every day between 5 am to 10 pm. It leaves from Calle 2 between 15th and 20th Avenue every  15 minutes. A one way ticket will cost you 40 pesos. 

3. Car.  If you prefer to travel without using public transport, as in any country of the world you can rent a car. I don’t know why many people say that it’s cheap to rent a car here. I would say it’s expensive, but affordable. Of course it all depends on whether you are going to purchase full insurance, which adds $25 to your bill. If you choose to r ent a car, go only to the world famous companies like Hertz, Avis or EuropCar .

We rented our car from Hertz and were very happy with it. All the process of renting was very smooth and thank God we didn’t have any problems on the road. However it was expensive. We paid $75 each day. The fuel is cheap in Mexico, so with a distance of 65 km from Playa to Tulum, we didn’t spend much money on gas. If you’d like to rent a car but you are not sure about it, check out my guide to renting a car abroad . You’ll get all the necessary information and a few tips on how to rent a car and don’t loose money. If you don’t feel like reading that long post and would like to book your car right away, I suggest you to use the website that we always use to rent a car abroad. We always manage to find cars that we like and to pay less than you would pay at the office.

Accommodation (Update of 2017)

I know you are planning a one day trip to Tulum, but just in case you feel like staying there for one or two nights, I’d like to show you a few affordable and really good hotels  where you might like to spend a couple of nights while in Tulum. All the hotels below have free wifi, free parking and rated highly by the travellers.

1. Prana Boutique Hotel 4*

Free WiFi, free private parking, free use of bicycles, outdoor pool and pet-friendly. The hotel has a sun terrace and views of the garden, guests can enjoy a drink at the bar.

2.  Azura Boutique Hotel 4* 

Free WiFi, free parking, family rooms,rooftop solarium, airport shuttle, located very close to Mayan Ruins.

3.  Los Amigos Tulum 4* 

Free WiFi, free parking, outdoor pool, family rooms, airport shuttle, free use of bicycles, spa and wellness centre.

4.  Hotel Casa Santiago 4* 

Free WiFi, free parking, airport shuttle, non-smoking rooms, water park, daily maid service, free access and discounts on consumption in several private beach clubs.

Guys, I haven’t stayed at these hotels but I chose them the way I chose accommodation for ourselves, considering every single detail. When we went to Tulum all the hotels were extremely expensive so we opted for an Airbnb apartment . We use Airbnb very often and we love it! Just in case you’ve never rented an apartment through Airbnb just click this link and you’ll get up to $25 discount from me on your first trip.

Tulum is a very beautiful place. If you have time, not only one day, I encourage you to come to this town for a few days. There are more things around to do and to see. Enjoy your holidays!

Are you planning to have a day trip somewhere else rather than Tulum from Playa Del Carmen? Then check out my detailed posts on  One Day Getaway in Cozumel , or find how to visit Chichen Itza from Playa Del Carmen in one day !

February 24, 2014 at 6:43 pm

Amazing post, Alyona! And the photos are amazing. You just saved us a lot of planning for our Tulum trip tomorrow. 🙂 Thanks. Looks like you had an amazing day. 🙂

February 25, 2014 at 10:42 am

Thank you Celia! I am glad to be helpful. Hope you are having a great time in Tulum! 🙂

June 1, 2014 at 2:29 am

This is such a helpful article. I just arrived in PDC and am very keen to see the ruins in Tulum. Swimming in the cenotes sounds good too! Do you know if you just arrive at the cenotes- no booking required? Kat

June 1, 2014 at 10:04 am

Hi Kat! Thanks. You don’t need to book anything, just go there during the opening hours and enjoy yourself 🙂

June 9, 2014 at 10:53 pm

Thank you for all of the detailed information! Planning a side trip from Playa to Tulum soon.

June 15, 2014 at 11:12 pm

You are welcome, Jen! 🙂

August 9, 2014 at 5:37 am

Hey Alyona, great guide that is very useful to my planning right now, thank you! I have a question for you: Would I be able to walk from the ruins at Tulum over to Gran Cenote? My wife and I are in good shape and wouldn’t mind a walk if its less than 3 miles or so. Also, are the beautiful beaches I hear about in Tulum close to the ruins site (again, walkable distance)? We aren’t renting a car and will be relying on the colectivo to get us down to Tulum from our resort.

August 9, 2014 at 12:35 pm

Hi Brandon! I am afraid the Tulum ruins are too far from Gran Cenote if you want to walk this distance. It is around 6-7 km away. I am not sure about taking a colectivo (but there are colectivos in Tulum, maybe there is a route to Gran cenote). Just use a taxi. Cabs are cheap there. With regards to the beach, you can just go down the stairs at the ruins site, find the place you like most and swim there, it’s very beautiful.

I personally didn’t swim there, but many people do. Hope this can help. Thanks for coming by!

October 7, 2014 at 5:31 am

I just read your post about traveling from Play del Carmen to Tulum. Are you able to answer a few more questions? If so, if we take the bus to Tulum are we able to get return bus transportation back to Playa del Carmen? Once the bus drops you off are you within walking distance to the ruins? How far is it? How far is it to the ElCamello restaurant you recommended? We have five in our party and need to plan a cost contained day trip. Thank you.

October 7, 2014 at 3:44 pm

Hi Carol! The colectivos run to/from Tulum very frequently, you just stop one and go back to Playa. You can use ADO as well, just check the timetable. The bus/colectivo stops right near the turn to the Ruins. You will have to walk, but it’s not an impossible walk…maybe 10 mins. Many tourists do so. Then if you want to go to El Camello it will be a bit far to walk, it’s around 5 km from Ruins. Just catch a taxi from there to get to the restaurant or stop any colectivo. Hope it was helpful 🙂

October 19, 2014 at 5:40 pm

Colectivo – minivans used by locals to get around within and outside the town. It’s a quick and cheap way to get to the desirable destination. It’s less comfortable than ADO buses and doesn’t have AC but is still safe.

Correction: Most of the colectivos have AC. If you take one whitout it (rare), the price is almost half the price than the ones with AC.

Have a nice day

January 8, 2015 at 11:10 pm

Hello Alyona! Hope you still have time for one more question 🙂 How long did the whole trip take? At what time did you leave/were back in Playa? Thanks!

January 10, 2015 at 10:43 am

Hello Ignaura! We stayed in Tulum for a few days. But the plan I offered here took us exactly one day. You can easily go to Tulum in the morning (go early at around 7-8 am) and come back in the evening.

February 5, 2015 at 1:37 am

Hello Alyona 🙂 I have a question. We are going to Tulum from PDC, after we plan Cenote but I’m not sure how back to PDC from Gran Cenote. Should we back to Tulum and take ADO or is another way strictly to PDC? Thank you in advance. 🙂

February 7, 2015 at 2:05 pm

Hi Lukasz, you will have to go back to Tulum anyway, because the road to PDC goes through Tulum. So if you manage to catch a bus/minivan to PDC from the cenote, just go for it. If not, then head to Tulum and catch a bus from there. Hope it was helpful 🙂

February 18, 2015 at 8:50 pm

I loved this article, thank you for taking the time to put all that information together! I also have a quick question. My family and I will be arriving on a cruise in Cozumel and will take the ferry to Playa del Carmen. Can I take a taxi to Tulum from Playa del Carmen instead of renting a car or taking the Collectivo? is it too expensive to take a taxi? We have time restrictions because we have to be in the cruiseship by 5pm. Thanks!

February 25, 2015 at 12:23 pm

Hi Clara! Thanks for stopping by and sorry for my late reply! Yes, you could take a taxi to Tulum. I won’t tell you now the exact price, but cabs are not expensive in Mexico. Once we took a taxi from Cancun to Playa del Carmen and it cost us 600 pesos, which is around $40. Since the distance between Playa and Tulum is almost the same, I think the price will be similar.

April 3, 2015 at 4:48 am

Your blog was so helpful!! Gave us an outline for the day! I’m curious about the price of the Gran Centone. I saw you posted 190 pesos (Snorkel entry with equipment) which if I’m converting correct is around $12 but on trip advisor someone said $25 for entry?? I tried to look on their website and it seemed to just show group rates or packages. We wouldn’t want a guide. We just want to go and explore on our own. Is your price the accurate one or was it a typo?? Thanks!!

April 3, 2015 at 12:02 pm

April 24, 2015 at 6:47 pm

Thanks for all this information!!

August 27, 2015 at 6:55 pm

Hi! I was wondering if you would happen to know how far the shops on Tulum road are from the ruins and Gran Cenote? Are Taxi’s readily available? Great article!

August 28, 2015 at 12:19 pm

Hey! Thanks for your question 🙂 I am sorry, I am not sure which shops exactly you are talking about, but cabs are available everywhere, don’t even worry about it 🙂

August 28, 2015 at 4:20 pm

very useful – thank you – you can’t beat an honest review, Millie Warham

August 28, 2015 at 4:25 pm

Thanks Millie 🙂

September 27, 2015 at 6:15 pm

Hi Alyona your post very informative. This was the first time I saw mention of Gran Cenote! My daughter told me to visit – tour offices had no idea. Great info on cat hire as well everything I needed to know thanks

September 29, 2015 at 10:25 am

You are welcome Teresa! 🙂

September 30, 2015 at 12:28 am

Look on TripAdvisor for more info on Gran Cenote

December 17, 2015 at 7:48 pm

Dag – Thanks so much for correcting the comment about AC in Colectivos. I’m likely going to take one today from Tulum to Playa del Carmen and wouldn’t have had I thought they didn’t have AC. Cheers!

February 21, 2016 at 3:28 pm

Came across your blog when searching for tulum and cenote tours. Great travel blog and beautiful pictures !

February 21, 2016 at 10:03 pm

Thank you! 🙂

April 4, 2016 at 9:18 am

We plan on visiting soon and am considering car rental. Am in the planning stages, so this is very helpful info. Wish you the best in all your travels!

May 6, 2016 at 1:34 am

thanks a lot. this helps a lot for us while planning for travel from Cancun to Tulum.

June 20, 2016 at 9:42 pm

Thanks for the review. Very helpful info. Did you see a lot of people swimming/snorkeling in the ocean in Tulum? We have heard that Playa del Carmen has a seaweed problem and we really would like to find a beach with good water that we can snorkel in. Any suggestions?

June 22, 2016 at 1:17 pm

Hey thank you! To tell you the truth I don’t remember people snorkeling. We tried, but you almost don’t see anything near the shores. Diving is amazing there. We tried diving in Playa. You might want to check this my post about it and consider to try it yourself 🙂

March 23, 2017 at 12:06 am

do you know much about Taxis? How do you catch a taxi from Tulum and head back to Playa? Are they always just hanging around tulum?

April 2, 2017 at 11:03 pm

Hi Sophia, to tell you the truth I am not sure about the taxi. As far as I remember you can just catch them on the street.

August 29, 2017 at 1:23 pm

Hi. We’re staying in Puerto Morelos soon. Is it practical to do the Tulum trip in one day? How about getting there and back. No problem with using local transport from our perspective, just need best advice and an idea of costs please.

September 2, 2017 at 11:36 pm

Hi Paul, I can’t really help you on this as I’ve never been to Puerto Morelos, so I am not sure how public transport works there. I can see that it’s around 100 km from Tulum, which is not that far. I guess it’s totally ok to make a one day trip if you’re going by car. If you intend to use public transport then you need to see whether it’s easy to get there or not.

15 Memorable Day Trips from Tulum

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So one of the hottest travel destinations in Mexico is on your radar this year? If that’s the case, I have a little something for you that will make your trip even more delightful, especially if you’re looking for the best day trips from Tulum to take during your stay. This post will get you covered!

Situated on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula , Tulum is a town known for its white-sand beaches, well-preserved ancient Mayan ruins, spectacular cenotes, and countless other attractions.

You will find thousands of tourists from around the world swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and enjoying the views from its ruins on the cliff during your visit.

Another thing that is famous here is Tulum day trips and in this post, I will tell you all about it.

If you are wondering about safety in Tulum , you should know that It is a relatively safe destination, with its issues but overall safe for tourists, if you stay away from troubles.

The health-related situation put a temporary break in the town’s tourist activities for a while, but now it’s returning to normal, like the rest of Mexico.

Tulum is in the orange zone, so it’s pretty safe to visit now—but make sure you practice all the safety measures like wearing a mask, social distancing, and sanitizing your hands regularly.

If you’re planning to visit this dreamy tourist destin ation of Mexico, having a few day trips would only make it more fun. So let’s dive into our list of 15 memorable day trips from Tulum.

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Amazing day trips from Tulum

1. sian ka’an biosphere.

Starting off with the closest and the most beautiful day trip from Tulum, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere is just around 20 minutes away from the town but offers a wonderful excursion from city life.

The area is filled with natural beauty and stunning natural views.

In 1986, the area that is now known as Sian Ka’an was declared a Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site a year later.

Now, it’s one of the largest protected areas in Mexico, where you will see thousands of species of animals, plants, and birds.

I highly recommend this day trip from Tulum if you like being away from the crowds (which are quite commonplace in Tulum), enjoy nature, and would like to relax on powdery white sands under palm trees.

You can also take eco-tours, go on boat rides to see dolphins, turtles, and crocodiles swim alongside your boat, or just let the enchanting atmosphere fill you with serene joy. After all, there’s a reason why it’s known as “a place where heaven begins” by the locals. 😉

2. Explore colonial Mexico in Valladolid

If you’re fancying the cultural and historical richness of Tulum, a delightful change in scenery is awaiting you. Valladolid is a town around 70 miles inland from Tulum, where you will find a colorful respite from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

In the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, the town is famous for its preservation of the Spanish colonial era’s mark on the region.

It is small and colorful, with all the monuments built by the Spanish conquerors standing just as they were in 1543.

These include The Cathedral of San Gervacio, which was rebuilt in 1706 after its destruction the previous year and is a marvelous display of baroque architecture; and the 16th-century Convent of San Bernardino of Siena, with an ornate wooden altarpiece.

You will also find a lot of amazing cenotes here, each one worth a visit, especially Cenote Zaci which is within a walking distance of the main plaza.

3. Have fun in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is so famous that chances are, you may have doubted whether it was better to stay in Playa del Carmen or Tulum in the first place. Well, if you chose Tulum, you can still visit with a day trip from Tulum.

The chaotic and busy city, located in the heart of Quintana Roo State, is filled with all things Mexico, so you will find the best beaches of the Caribbean coastline here and the famous Quinta Avenida where you can stroll among fancy shops, Mexican souvenirs , bars, and restaurants for full day entertainment.

Located just 40 miles from Tulum, a day trip to this coastal town will bring you to palm-lined beaches that are bound to mesmerize.

Even though the town was originally a fishing village, you won’t have to worry about missing out on any of the luxurious stuff now that it’s turned into a cosmopolitan city.

Whether you’re looking for a perfect beach day or a shopping spree, a day trip to Playa del Carmen will do.

4. Visit Cancun and its stunning beaches

If you have ever wondered whether to stay in Cancun or Tulum and opted for Tulum, you can always visit Cancun for one day.

Cancun doesn’t just have the airport that you most likely landed on before making your way to Tulum, it’s way more than that—nightlife, parties, resorts, and traditional life of Mexico are all found here, besides the world-famous Cancun beaches .

Not to worry, though; you still have a chance to take a day trip to Cancun and experience Mexico at its best. Cancun is filled with beaches, shopping centers, restaurants , beach clubs, and many things more. You won’t find anything else like Mercando 28, which is a flea market lined with shops selling souvenirs and goods, and food stalls offering local cuisine.

The Hotel Zone has all the exotic restaurants serving international and local cuisine, the most amazing bars, and a breathtaking beach.

👉 Read also 45 amazing things to do in Cancun

5. Visit Isla Mujeres

The Island of Women ( Isla Mujeres ) is definitely worth visiting if you’re in Mexico. Luckily, it’s close enough to make for one of the best full-day trips from Tulum.

The place is a few miles off of Cancun’s bay and offers plenty of things to do without the noise of the big city.

Beautiful white sand beaches, quiet crystal clear turquoise waters, and the friendliest folks in the Mexican Caribbean are just a few of the reasons to visit.

To get to Isla Mujeres from Tulum you will need to reach Cancun (2hr-drive) and then get the Isla Mujeres ferry. Or you can join a catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres. Both ways are doable and will make an amazing full-day trip from Tulum.

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6. Dive or snorkel in Cozumel

Do you fancy ferry rides? If you answered with a yes, this day trip is worth your while. Although Cozumel is only 50 miles from Tulum, you will need to reach Playa del Carmen first and then get a ferry ride (20 minutes only) to the island.

Since it’s the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean, the majority of Cozumel is underdeveloped and still holds the natural charm of Mexican regions.

It’s also why the place is rich in Mayan history and boasts one of the most tranquil beaches, besides amazing snorkeling and diving by its spectacular coral reefs, the second largest in the world.

In fact, the island is most famous for its scuba diving experience , which many tourists are attracted to every year for diving trips. You can also visit the Punta Sur ecological park, try out authentic Mexican cuisine, and lounge at the beaches.

With so many activities both below and above the waters, your day trip to Cozumel will undoubtedly be one to remember.

For further Reading :

► How to get to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen ► The best snorkeling in Cozumel ► The best diving in Cozumel ► Top 25 beach clubs in Cozumel

7. Visit Coba ruins and cenotes

Coba is a wonderful place when it comes to exploring ancient ruins, especially because of the fewer crowds and the opportunity to climb some of its structures.

Since sites like Chichen Itza and Tulum ruins are way more popular, the majority of tourists make their way to those, while Coba is more off-the-beaten-path.

You will fall in love with the pyramids in the middle of the jungle. The view from their top is absolutely stunning, which makes the whole jungle surrounding them look like a carpet of greenery.

But the lower crowds, more intimate experience with the ruins, and the amazing view are just one part of your day trip.

Coba also has underground cave cenotes which are just as memorable an experience.

All you need to do is take a drive of around 45 minutes to the place and pay 75 pesos as the entrance fees, and you will have access to all these!

8. Relax in the Yucatan beach town of El Cuyo

If you’re anything like me, you will fall in love with El Cuyo the moment you step into the town. It’s nothing like you would expect to find in Mexican tourism hotspots.

The small community of locals and expatriates is very intimate, where everybody knows each other and lives like a big community of expats and locals.

Unlike the more touristy cities, you won’t find a lot of fuss around the town. Most of the shops and restaurants close early in the evening, and an inexplicable solace radiates from its streets. So, if the place is on your Yucatan itinerary , it’s bound to surprise you with its slow mode of life.

But regardless of the closed shops and slow Wi-Fi, you will find El Cuyo to be a dream day trip destination. It’s so quiet and peaceful that one forgets all the luxuries of big cities.

The peaceful seaside isn’t just perfect for a lazy afternoon at the beach, you will also find lots of kite surfing and paddleboarding to do here. What’s more, the hospitality of El Cuyo’s people is unparalleled. So what are you waiting for? Make sure to include this unique experience on your bucket list to make your day trip a memorable one.

Keep in mind that it will take 2 hours to get to el Cuyo from Tulum and you will need a car rental.

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9. Chichen Itza

And of course, you cannot miss the jewel of the crown, the majestic Mayan Archeological site of Chichen-Itza.

The complex ruins of this ancient Mayan city, which were a major part of the Maya civilization back in 600 A.D., are just as magnificent as ever.

Kukulcan Temple is the center of attraction in Chichen Itza, but there are also many other remnants from the structures that once dominated this city.

These include the Temple of the Warriors, the Wall of Skulls, and stone carvings on various structures.

Apart from the architectural marvels of Chichen Itza, you will also have lots of cenotes to check out nearby and experience their spiritual significance for the Maya people.

I especially recommend Xtoloc Cenote, also known as “The Sacred Cenote” among the locals. Just keep in mind that this is one of the most popular day trips from Tulum, so you’re likely to see lots of crowds.

You can join an organized tour to Chichen Itza which is more convenient because it includes a guide and everything is well organized beforehand if you don’t mind traveling with a group.

Otherwise, you can rent a car in Tulum and go on your own and get a local guide at the entrance. Check out my post on how to get from Tulum to Chichen Itza for further details.

Buy Chichen Itza Entrance Ticket in Advance

Avoid the lines and the hassle of carrying extra cash!

10. Connect with the Mayan Culture in Felipe Carrillo Puerto

Felipe Carrillo Puerto is the perfect blend of a developed town with an authentic touch of local life.

The place is named after the revolutionary Mexican journalist and politician of the same name, who is famous for his role in bringing together the Maya people and the Mexican government after the Caste War at the beginning of the 20th Century.

Despite the city’s rapid development due to the recently increased tourist activity, the place is ideal for a peaceful escape without missing out on the Caribbean charm of Mexico .

Surrounded by mangroves, lagoons, and the Mayan jungle Felipe Carrillo Puerto is one of the most unique day trip locations from Tulum.

There are quite a few interesting things to do here, especially if you want to connect with the authentic Mayan culture on a different level.

Among the things to do in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, I suggest you should visit the Community of Siijil oh-haa , a naturalistic place by a lagoon where you can connect with nature far from the touristy spots.

Right here you can visit a cenote, walk along a trail in the jungle, kayak in the Lagoon and enjoy the peaceful surrounding.

If you have a drone this is a perfect place to fly it and capture the magnificent seven lagoons that are only visible from above as there is no access by land.

11. Swim with the sea turtles in Akumal

Akumal is a coastal town known for its homonymous beach. Expect white sand beaches, a coral reef, and warm, peaceful waters brimming with aquatic life.

Akumal is famous for its beautiful beaches and a vast number of watersport activities like snorkeling , swimming, and diving.

Most people visit it for the chance to swim with sea turtles which are absolutely free in their natural habitat but they enjoy swimming close to the shore oddly unafraid of humans.

But your day trip to Akumal will encompass way more than the watersports and swimming with the sea turtles because Akumal packs a lot more than that.

There are tons of popular restaurants, each with a unique taste and flavor on its menu, plenty of caves and caverns to discover, and the famous Caleta Yal Ku where you can go snorkeling and experience nature in full bloom.

A day trip to Akumal means seeing the best beaches, bars, restaurants, and wedding spots along with an abundance of nature. “The Place of Turtle” is just 17 miles from Tulum, so it’s a must-visit.

Tulum Ruins Cenote and Swimming with Turtles

153 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reviews This full-day tour has a max of 18 participants. You will visit the ancient ruins of Tulum, snorkel with sea turtles, and swim in a cenote.

12. Isla Contoy tour

If enchanting experiences like swimming with sea turtles are your thing, then Isla Contoy is something you will find to your liking.

It’s the most unique and exclusive island you can visit for your day trip from Tulum. There is no way to reach this island on your own, so you will have to go there with the help of a tour boat company.

A small island in the northwest of the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Contoy is home to more than 150 bird species and also shelters four of the endangered sea turtle species.

Due to this fact, the island has very strict rules and regulations in place to make sure the wildlife is preserved despite tourist activity.

One of these regulations is a maximum of 200 guests per day, so make sure you book your tour in advance in order to not miss out on this unique experience.

Usually, boat tours, which depart from Cancun, include transportation from your hotel in Tulum .

Excursion Las Coloradas & Rio Lagartos

72 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reviews Don’t miss this full day tour packed with amazing Mexico natural wonders. From a boat trip through the through the Ría Lagartos reserve, among flamingos, pelicans, eagles and crocodiles, a Mayan mud bath and a walk around the pink lakes of las Coloradas salt flats to a delicious sea-food meal locally prepared. Includes also pick ups from many hotels.

13. Visit Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos

Located in the northern shores, just at the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, Rio Lagartos is a peaceful fishing town where one of Mexico’s most unique attractions never fails to astonish visitors.

A boat trip to Rio Lagartos is in fact a unique experience, that you should not miss.

And at only a 30-minute drive along the coast, there are the Insta-famous pink lakes that you can check out!

While not many people include it on their day trip list, Rio Lagartos is definitely worth a visit if you’re in Tulum. With a population of fewer than 4,000 people, it’s a town where you will find the peace and quiet that makes you forget everything else.

The pink lake of Las Coloradas isn’t only famous for its brilliant color, it also has more than 400 species of birds that many bird-lovers come to see.

The most popular among these are the flamingos that are very commonly seen during a visit to the town.

14. Visit the pristine beach of Xpu-ha

Located only 30 minutes drive north of Tulum Xpu-ha beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Riviera Maya .

Although quite popular among tourists and locals alike it didn’t lose its charm and beauty. Highly recommended to visit during the week instead of on weekends to avoid the crowd.

Read also | Why you should visit Xpu-ha beach

15. Visit some cenotes along the Riviera Maya

If you love nature you must save some time to visit a few of the cenotes near Tulum , especially the ones located on the Riviera Maya .

Located at a short distance from one another, they are the most cave cenotes and the most remarkable are cenote Taak Bi ha or Grand Cenote

They are all located close to the beaches of Akumal and Xpu-ha whose visits combined with the cenotes would make a great day trip from Tulum.

► If you are comfortable with renting a car you can check out this cenote guide and plan your own itinerary, otherwise, you can join some cenote tours from Tulum as well.

Best day trips from Tulum: FAQ

Now that I have shared all the amazing available day trips from Tulum, let’s cover some useful practical tips.

When is the best time to visit Tulum?

There is not an easy answer to that. It all depends on what you are looking for. In fact, in Tulum, you will find a unique environment every phase of the year, so it’s mostly on your preference to decide the best time.

I’ll give you a brief overview of the different seasons of the year, each one a good time to visit Tulum for a different reason.

January through March (High season)

The high season in Tulum starts in January and goes on until the end of March. During this time, the weather is at its absolute best, with ideal conditions for both land exploration and watersport activities. You can go exploring, visit all the popular spots in town, and try out as many beaches and watersports activities as you want.

However, this is also the time when a large majority of Tulum’s visitors choose to travel here. Most of the popular day trips will be crowded and it’s harder to find good deals during this time of the year. Prices are also higher during peak season, so make sure you look up the best deals for yourself before your trip.

April through June:

This is the time when temperatures and humidity levels start to increase. But this is also the time when prices start dropping for a majority of tourism spots.

You will find a mixture of good deals and good weather on most days, but there are also chances of rain in the latter half of this season.

By the time June is ending, Tulum sees the start of the hurricane season. Although there are no harmful storms during this season, with the chances of one hitting Tulum being even lower, you will still encounter rainfalls that are intense and quick.

July through October

This is the season during which hurricane season peaks, so you will find the most amazing deals on hotels and beach clubs between July and October, with almost no crowds and a peaceful time.

But, since chances of storms and heavy rains are the highest during this time, it’s also quite tricky to plan your day ahead with such weather.

Make sure you weigh the pros (like unbelievable deals on pretty much everything) and cons (like a heavy cloudburst on the day you planned your day trip to Chichen Itza) .

All in all, this is the best time to pick if you’re on a budget. The rains are intense but last only for a short time, which makes for wonderful day weather in spite of all.

November through December

The two months before peak season’s arrival are generally considered the ideal time to visit Tulum if you’re looking for the best of both worlds. Hurricane Season is over by the start of November, so you won’t have to worry about heavy rains spoiling any of your plans. But the prices still remain relatively lower, so you can still get your hands on the best deals.

I personally like these two months because the weather keeps on getting better, there are no crowds, and prices for hotels are still quite affordable. What’s more, events like The Day of the Dead and Riviera Maya Jazz Festival sweeten the deal even more.

Read more | The best time to visit Tulum

Is Tulum safe?

Tulum is a relatively safe city when it comes to tourism. I personally find it to be one of the safest places to spend a vacation as compared to many other places in Mexico.

The crime rate is very low here, and even if a crime does take place, it’s mostly related to drugs. As long as you’re avoiding getting involved with drug dealers or other shady activities, you’ll be fine.

More than that, you have nothing to be worried about as long as you take the common-sense precautions which apply anywhere else in the world as well. They include not going to secluded areas alone, especially at night, not drinking more than you can handle, and being careful around strangers.

And always purchase travel insurance.

Read more | Is Mexico safe?

➢ Do I need travel insurance in Mexico? Yes, you do! I can never stress enough what a lifesaver it can be in unexpected situations. Although I hope I never need it, it gives me peace of mind to know that whatever happens, I am covered. I have been using   Safety Wing , and I find it quite fair, covering a lot for its pricing level. Depending on your needs or you can compare different insurance companies on this useful site, TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER . Make sure you read carefully what’s included before making the purchase. If you are undecided yet, you can read my post on the best travel insurance for Mexico for more clarity.

Keep Mexican Pesos at hand

This is one of the minute details many people fail to consider, but a lot of places don’t accept cards. This is even more true if you’re taking a day trip to one of the developing tourist destinations of Mexico.

So it’s always a good idea to have some cash handy to make paying for stuff easier wherever you go. Although US dollars are widely accepted throughout Mexico, I recommend getting some of your money converted to pesos.

The local currency is way more useful and works everywhere, so keeping some of it in cash doesn’t hurt.

How many days do I need to visit Tulum?

The required time to visit Tulum mostly depends on your itinerary, but 5-7 days should suffice if you want to cover the beach strip, discover the town, visit Sian Ka’an , and make some day trips to one of the places I mentioned above.

But it’s never a bad idea to make your stay longer because Tulum has enough to offer that you will be covered for a whole month’s stay without running out of new things to do.

Read more | The perfect Tulum Itinerary

How to get to Tulum?

Making your way to this picturesque tourist destination of Mexico is fairly straightforward. There are no direct flights to Tulum, but once you land at the Cancun airport, all you need to do is take a cab directly to your lodgings in Tulum.

You can also take an ADO or some other bus service to get to Playa del Carmen and get a Colectivo for Tulum from there.

You can also book a shuttle transfer either private or shared which is the best option overall, to make your journey to Tulum hassle-free.

If you have landed in Cozumel instead, taking a cab to the ferry terminal and getting on the Playa del Carmen ferry is the best way to get to Tulum. You can take a cab or Colectivo to Tulum from Playa del Carmen without any difficulty.

Read more | How to get from Cancun to Tulum

Unmissable things to do in Tulum

Visit the beach.

I am sure you have seen the beautiful postcard-worthy pictures of Tulum beach. Well, it is real! Tulum beach is probably the main reason why the majority of visitors choose Tulum as their favorite Mexican destination.

And that is why your trip to Tulum won’t be complete without visiting the picturesque beach with its floury-white sand beaches and turquoise waters. If you didn’t choose a hotel on the beach, you can spend the day in one of the fancy beach clubs in Tulum for maximum enjoyment and comfort.

Visit the archaeological site

Right beside the town of Tulum, the archaeological site is the most spectacular spot and worth a visit if you’re there.

Even though the ruins are worth seeing on their own, the view from the cliff they’re located on is breathtaking and makes it even more worth visiting.

You can get a good look at the above-mentioned turquoise waters of the Caribbean, which makes for refreshing scenery.

Exploring Sian Ka’an

Even though I have already mentioned Sian Ka’an earlier, the importance of visiting this biosphere reserve cannot be overstated.

It’s thriving with nature and has many species of fauna and flora alike. If you’re in Tulum, visiting Sian Ka’an is something you don’t want to miss out on.

The enchanting experience will give you unforgettable memories to bring back with you.

Walking around Downtown

Although Down Tulum doesn’t have the historical feel that many other Pueblos Magicos have, it still has its charm, thanks to the variety of restaurants, bars, nice shops art galleries and a general hippy ambiance that will make you fall in love.

Trip to the cenotes

There are dozens of cenotes in and around Tulum , each one worth a visit. Just like the beaches, visiting some of the cenotes is an essential part of a trip to Tulum.

I highly recommend including at least one or two of the cenotes on your itinerary, you won’t regret it.

I assume you have a boatload of Tulum activities on your list that you want to try on your Tulum trip, especially a lot of day trips from Tulum, so it’s important to decide on a mode of transport to get around quickly and easily during your stay.

My advice, in this case, is to rent a car . It’s pretty safe to rent a car in Riviera Maya and makes going places a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

You can book one online, but I recommend going to a renting company personally to avoid any last-minute additional charges that unsuspecting tourists sometimes face.

Renting a car in Riviera Maya is fairly easy, but driving it around requires gaining some insight into the local practices there, so do read a few tips before you hit the road.

Where to stay in Tulum

Tulum hotels.

There are an infinite amount of hotels in Tulum to choose from and for any budget. I will write a full post about it but in this section, I just want to share my top favorites.

Delek Tulum

Located in one of the best places to lodge, Delek Tulum is a beachfront hotel known for its stunning views of the sea, comfortably luxurious lodgings, and excellent staff that is dedicated to providing the best services to its guests.

Delek Tulum is situated in the Hotel Zone of Tulum, but it’s still one of the most reasonable hotels when it comes to pricing and service.

The cabanas in Delek are built with preserving the environment in mind, so you will find a very authentic vibe during your stay here.

The interiors reflect harmony between comfort and nature, while the restaurant of Delek offers delicious authentic foods in a very atmospheric setting.

Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia

Nomade Tulum

Another gem of Tulum’s Zona Hotelera, this hotel is one of the best places to make your stay if you’re in town. Surrounded by tropical jungle on a Tulum beach along the Caribbean Sea, this chic resort is where you will find a truly enchanting stay.

The permanent outdoor tents of Nomade Tulum feature outdoor showers, while the rooms have all the luxuries of modern lodging.

You can also book Nomade Tulum’s suites, which feature private terraces, and villas that have their own private gardens and some even have pools.

The restaurant at Nomade Tulum focuses on healthy, vegetarian cuisine, so you can replenish both your mind and body during your stay in this lovely hotel. But if you feel like trying out delicious seafood, the beachfront eatery of Nomade Tulum won’t disappoint.

Cinco Tulum

Cinco Tulum is a unique Glamping option and beach club in Tulum that mixes a genuine Tulum ambiance with the natural beauty of the area, making it the ideal hotel for those who want to be closer to nature.

Cinco’s comfy tents are highly recommended, even if you plan to stay only for a day or two. The ambiance here at night is simply magical.

The most unique thing about Cinco Tulum is its perfect location near the beach, the atmospheric design that gives you a feeling of being at home, and all of it is topped off with the dedication of Cinco’s staff.

Check rates and availability on Booking.com

► Best Tulum Hotel on the Beach : Habitas Book it on   Booking.com   |  Expedia ► Best Tulum Hotel for healthy-conscious travelers : Sanara Book it on   Booking.com  |  Expedia ► Best Tulum Co-living for Digital Nomads: Selinas Tulum Book it on Hotels.com | Expedia ► Best Tulum Hotel in Downtown: Zenses Wellness and Spa Book it on Booking.com   |  Expedia ► Best Tulum Hotel for a romantic escape: La Valise Book it on Booking.com  |  Expedia ► Best All-inclusive Hotel in Tulum : Kore Tulum Retreat & Spa Resort (adult only) Book it on Booking.com | Expedia ► Best Tulum Hotel for Families: La Zebra Tulum Book it on Booking.com | Expedia ► Best cheap hotel in Tulum: Hotel Santiago Book it on Booking.com | Expedia

Tulum Airbnb

Rooftop suite w/ private pool | view of mayan ruins | bike to beach | free bikes.

It’s a stylish penthouse with a modern look throughout. The hotel’s rooftop offers breathtaking views of Tulum National Park and the world-famous Mayan Ruins.

A gym, plunge pool, outdoor cinema, yoga area, café and bar, and free bike access are available for the guest to use. It’s also an extremely secure area, with 24-hour security and a guarded entry that only registered guests are allowed to pass through.

Read more on VRBO

Beach Front King Size Cabaña Arena (no kitchen)

The King Size Beachfront Room Cabana Arena is directly on the beach and provides a magnificent stay on the sugary-white beaches, and is surrounded by palms.

There are both cabanas and modern accommodations available. Located right at the beach, this Cabana is fairly close to the Maya Ruins and National Park as well.

This place’s beach access is particularly popular with visitors. Each room is air-conditioned and equipped with a personal safe. It goes without saying that the cabana has all of the amenities necessary to make your stay enjoyable. Although it is a family-friendly establishment, pets are not permitted on the premises. If you’re bringing a pet, consider one of the other options on this list.

Kasa Kai means “fish house,” which evoques its closeness to the beach. In fact, it is located in the Aldea Zama a residential high-end area nestled in a tropical jungle, not so far from the beach, and yet close to town.

The spacious unit features two bedrooms, each with a pair of beds. You can use the in-room laundry service in both rooms, and on a private balcony.

It also has an infinity pool on the rooftop that is available for the guests to use. It was only recently constructed, so all of the handcrafted hardwood furniture is still new and exotic-looking.

I hope this post was helpful not only to learn about all the amazing day trips from Tulum but it also gave you a nice overview of what Tulum can offer. If you have any questions please ask away .

For more reading

• The perfect 3 to 10 days Tulum Itinerary + practical tips
• The most exquisite Airbnb in Tulum
• Cancun vs Playa del Carmen: which one is best for a phenomenal vacation in Mexico?
• Cancun vs Tulum: which one is the best beach destination in Mexico?
• The 15 Best Cenotes Near Tulum That You Must Experience
• When is the best time to go to Tulum?
• A thorough guide to the best Tulum beach clubs
• Why you should visit Xpu-Ha Beach if you are traveling to the Riviera Maya
• Is Tulum Safe? Everything you need to know about Safety in Tulum in 2021

Isabella is traveler and animal lover, a former tourism professional with an multinational background that lead her to Mexico, that she can proudly call home. After seven years in Cancun where she's still a resident, she took a bold leap, leaving her fancy job to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. She traveled all over Mexico, from Baja California to Ciudad Juarez, Oaxaca, Chiapas Hidalgo exploring and living like a local. Isabella founded Let's Travel to Mexico to help travelers plan their own trip on and off the beaten path in this beautiful land that she loves so dearly.