I’ll be honest: no time is enough time in Tulum! This laid-back beach haven on the Caribbean coast of Mexico is everyone’s dream. After all, it offers all types of experiences and attractions.
From historical riches to astonishing natural wonders, great food, parties, and some of the best beaches you’ll ever see, it’s all here.
With such a wide offer, journey planning can be a bit daunting, especially if it’s your first time traveling to Tulum. With that in mind, I have decided to put together the ultimate Tulum itinerary.
3 to 5 days will be enough time to explore the very best of the town, the beach, and the surroundings. But definitely stay longer if you can (I bet you’ll want to once you’re there!)
Table of Contents
HOW TO GET TO TULUM
First things first: how do you get to Tulum to begin with? It’s easy! Chances are you’ll be going to Tulum from Cancun, which is about 118 kilometers (73 miles) away, and there are many options to cover that distance.
I wrote a whole post on how to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum, but if you want the info quickly, here it is.
The main options are pre-booking a private transfer, pre-booking a shared shuttle, or taking the ADO bus from the airport.
▶️ A Private transfer to Tulum is the best option if you want to keep things easy and efficient. If you’re traveling in a group, it could even save you money because you pay per car, not per person.
▶️ The Shared shuttle to Tulum is a good, more budget-friendly option that takes you straight from Cancun Airport to your hotel. It’s also the perfect transfer for solo travelers. The downside is that they might make several stops along the way to drop off passengers.
▶️ The ADO bus to Tulum is the most affordable option. ADO (the main bus company in Mexico) has buses that go straight from the Cancun Airport to Tulum, departing several times a day.
ADO buses are big, air-conditioned, and of good quality. They’re also the only public transport option from the airport.
WHERE TO STAY IN TULUM
Tulum is divided into two main areas: the beach and the pueblo (the town itself). Where you choose to stay depends on your interests and priorities, both areas have things to offer! Here are some options for each.
Tulum Beach
LUXURY: La Valise – Private beachfront bungalow? Yes, please. Romantic and chic, this is one of the best hotels in Tulum beach. It has bungalows that blend beautifully with the natural surroundings. Plus, it boasts breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the jungle, and an infinity pool.
MID-RANGE: Zamas Hotel – Zamas reportedly offers “the perfect antidote to the mundane”. It’s a beach dream of white sand and coconut trees, with rustic, stylish, and charming thatched cabins. They overlook tropical gardens or the sea, and are beautifully decorated.
Tulum Town
LUXURY: Hotel Bardo – This adults-only hotel focuses on lifestyle luxury experiences. They have gorgeous, rustic-chic style rooms, and a private pool tucked in the Mayan jungle of Tulum.
MID-RANGE: Coco Hacienda Tulum – A plant nursery turned into a boutique hotel, they offer trendy rooms that combine historic charm and modern comfort, surrounded by perfect vegetation.
ON A BUDGET: Che Tulum Hostel & Bar – Super convenient location in the heart of Tulum, with all the action at the doorstep. They have a lovely pool in a green garden, hammocks, their own bar, and recently renovated rooms.
Right Outside Tulum
DREAMY CENOTE HOTEL: Wakax Hacienda – This gorgeous hotel boasts its very own cenote, plus outdoor pools, a spa, and a restaurant. The colonial architecture and rustic design are very appealing, and you’ll enjoy 5-star service and amenities. There’s a bar, free bikes, and breakfast on the daily.
Check out my full review of Wakax Hacienda!
3 TO 5 DAYS IN TULUM ITINERARY
Welcome to Tulum, the land of perfect beaches, awesome food, and even better vibes. Fun times await! This itinerary for Tulum, Mexico, will help you plan your visit.
Follow it to a T and you’ll get to see and experience a lot. But, of course, you can also modify and adjust it to suit your tastes and needs. Let’s get started!
Day 1: Tulum Ruins + Beach
Morning: Visit the Tulum Ruins
A must-do in Tulum is visiting the Tulum Archeological Site, one of the most visited in the whole of Yucatan and arguably the most picturesque.
Built as a seaport fortress, this ancient site was constructed to protect the city from the East. The main pyramid El Castillo (The Castle) served as a lighthouse, and large, thick limestone walls surrounded it on three sides.
Something that sets the Tulum Mayan ruins apart is that they’re perched at the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean. You’ll get unbeatable views of the sea and Tulum beach!
Visiting the ruins on your own from Tulum is easy, the site is only 3 km from the city center. To get there, you can rent a bicycle and ride to the entrance (about 20 minutes from town); take a taxi (the easiest option); or catch a colectivo.
If you’re opting for the colectivo (shared shuttle), stand anywhere on the main boulevard in Tulum Town (Tulum Pueblo) and flag it. It’ll drop you off at the entrance of the ruins.
Some useful tips:
• Bring pesos, as it’s the only currency accepted for the entrance ticket.
• Lots of water – you’ll be walking under the sun for quite some time!
• Pack a hat, sunscreen, and your swimsuit (there is a “secret” beach directly under the ruins!)
More importantly, try to be there at 8 AM when they open to beat the crowds (and the heat). You’ll thank me later!
▶️ To get the best of Tulum in one tour, check out this Viator Exclusive: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves. It takes you on a guided visit of the Tulum ruins, snorkeling through coral reefs, and swimming in a cenote. Then, go on a jungle walk and visit a limestone cave. ➥ BOOK IT NOW
▶️ This Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Tour with Lunch from Riviera Maya brings the best of both worlds. You’ll learn lots about the fascinating ancient Tulum with a guided tour of the ruins. Then, shake off the Caribbean heat swimming in a natural sinkhole. ➥ BOOK IT NOW
Afternoon: Hit the beach in Tulum + Check Out the Famous Insta Spots
Now the moment you’ve been waiting for: It’s time to hit the beach!
If you’re staying in Tulum’s Hotel Zone, you’ll probably have access to a private beach. In this case, drop everything in your room as fast as you can. Grab a hat, a book, and a snorkel mask, and head to the sea for some well-earned relaxation time.
If you don’t have access to a private beach or would like to explore further, there are many incredible spots along Tulum’s 10-km shoreline.
Playa Paraiso (which fittingly means Paradise Beach) is within an exclusive beach club on the northern end of the shoreline. Here you can rent beach chairs and parasols, and forget about the world’s troubles for a day.
The water here is ideal for a relaxing swim or snorkeling since the coral reef is amazing. You might even spot turtles!
Las Palmas Public Beach is a fantastic option to enjoy a more preserved beach with fewer tourist developments. Expect fewer crowds, a wider beachfront, and cheaper restaurants.
But don’t spend the entire afternoon sunbathing, because there are gorgeous Tulum photo ops. Get ready to get some very Insta-worthy snaps in town!
One of them is Escultura Ven a La Luz, an iconic landmark you’ve probably seen all over social media.
Sfer IK is an artsy museum shaped like a bird’s nest that’s very photogenic, and Nomade Tulum is a beach hotel with beautiful Moroccan décor. They’re both magnificent! Also, don’t miss the white-themed bar at Coco Tulum Beach Club.
Evening: Dinner in Tulum Beach
That Mexican cuisine is world-class is no secret. In Tulum, they combine it with ancient Mayan culinary traditions for some heavenly bites. Foodies will be very happy in Tulum! These below are some great spots to eat after spending a day at the beach.
Loco Tulum – Expect outstanding food and a relaxed atmosphere under the palm trees. A seasonal tasting menu, and local cuisine with Mediterranean influences. There’s a magical ambiance in this solid mid-range option.
ARCA – This gorgeous restaurant, set amid lush jungle vegetation, matches its earthy, natural feel with a seasonal menu. Open-fire cooking is one of the elements setting it apart, as well as the concept of dishes meant to be shared.
Oishī Sushi Omakasē – Offering a fine dining experience, Oishī serves multi-course meals, and sushi platters. The variety of flavors pays homage to Japanese millenary traditions. The luxury bar serves sake, drinks, and cocktails to pair your meal.
For more ideas, check out my post about the best restaurants in Tulum, which includes options in Downtown Tulum as well as the Hotel Zone.
Day 2: Cenotes in Tulum + Playa del Carmen
Morning: Swim in the Cenotes in Tulum
No trip to the Yucatan Peninsula is complete without swimming in Tulum cenotes. This is a unique and unforgettable experience you’ll only get to enjoy in this part of the world. And, trust me, once you’ve visited one, you’ll become obsessed and will want to see them all!
Cenotes are freshwater natural pools that form over thousands of years. It occurs when limestone caves collapse and get filled with rainwater and water from underground rivers. And they are oh so dreamy!
Lucky for you, some of the best cenotes are found around Tulum.
Cenote Dos Ojos – This is one of the most famous and Instagrammable cenotes. Its name translates as “two eyes” because from above the ground, it looks like two cenotes.
In reality, though, Dos Ojos is a single cenote composed of two sinkholes connected through a 400-meter passageway. Filled with sunlight and with the most turquoise waters at delicious temperatures all day, it’s a must-see.
Cenote Calavera – A truly special cenote that is still relatively unknown, so it’s a great cenote to go for a peaceful swim. There are many fish and maybe a bat or two flying around the cave, which adds to the middle-of-the-jungle feeling.
Cenote Calavera is quite deep, so it’s a good spot if you feel like jumping off the edge!
Gran Cenote – This is another extremely popular cenote, and for a reason. The color of the water is otherworldly!
You will lose track of time swimming and snorkeling around the many caves, under the stalagmites and stalactites. If you’re lucky, you might get to swim with a turtle or two!
Cenotes abound in the area, and you can easily visit multiple cenotes in one day, which is the best. Since they are so different from one another, each will be a unique experience.
The drawback is that you’ll need to either drive, take a taxi, or join a tour to visit them, as they’re out of town and public transport is not great.
If you can, I recommend you rent a car and drive around yourself, or hire a car with a driver for the day. This will be cheaper than going around in taxis, especially if you’re in a larger group. It’ll also give you more freedom!
▶️ Otherwise, you can always join a tour and visit a few cenotes in a day, hassle-free. This Cenote Triple Adventure Tour in Tulum is one of the best. It takes you free-diving, snorkeling, and cliff-jumping at three different cenotes. ➥ BOOK IT NOW
▶️ You can hire a car and driver for 6 hours to take you anywhere you wish within the Riviera Maya. Basically, pick which cenotes you want to see, how long you want to stay, and the driver will take you there! ➥ BOOK IT NOW
Afternoon: Head to Playa del Carmen
After your cenote-hunting experience, go enjoy the best of the Quintana Roo city life at Playa del Carmen.
Only an hour away from Tulum, Playa del Carmen is super easy to get to. The cheapest option is to hop on a colectivo (shared minibuses), which runs frequently almost all day.
If budget is not an issue, though, the most convenient alternative is to get a private taxi. You can ask your hotel to call one for you, they’ll know which taxi companies are legit.
You can also go for the in-between option and take the ADO bus. It’s more comfortable than the colectivo, but they run on a schedule, so check the times (especially to get back to Tulum!)
Once in the city, you’ll encounter endless activities to enjoy. The city is famous for its fabulous entertainment, after all! Probably the most Playa del Carmen thing you can do, though, is simply to stroll along and take in the ambiance at 5th Avenue.
This is the commercial and entertainment heart of the city: almost 1.2 miles of high-end stores, bars, restaurants, and local shops. You’ll also find street musicians, artistic performances, and much more.
As the night draws near, get ready for the fabulous nightlife of the city. For a nice dinner, try one of these fabulous eateries in town:
• Alux is a restaurant set inside a huge cave more than 10,000 years old. They offer Mayan specialties and great drinks.
• La Perla Pixan is where you’ll be served the very best authentic Mexican food to the sounds of live music.
• You could also stop by Le Lotus Rouge. It will have you daydreaming in colors with their eccentric venue set under a circus tent (artists and great food included).
Evening: Party at Coco Bongo
If your idea of fun is downing tequila shots and dancing until sunrise, head to one of the many nightclubs and bars on the beach or the city center. There’s one right after the other!
What I recommend, however, is partying at Coco Bongo. This renowned nightclub is the most popular in the city…but don’t expect your regular club! The venue hosts mind-blowing shows of flying acrobats, dancers, and performers every night, and plays great music to dance to.
It features a great number of bars, and has a very lively, vibrant atmosphere. It’s often compared to Vegas and trust me, it doesn’t pale at the comparison!
▶️ Tickets sell out fast, though, so make sure you book yours ahead of time. This Skip the line: Gold Member Ticket grants you priority entrance, and complimentary drinks from the open bar. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Day 3: Day Trip to Sian Ka’An Biosphere Reserve
Even if you’re only going to spend 3 days in Tulum, please save some time for Sian Ka’An. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean.
The reserve is home to a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, including many endangered species. The landscapes are sublime and the color of the water is supernatural.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that the Sian Ka’an Reserve is one of the most naturally astonishing and beautiful places in Mexico!
The Biosphere Reserve has two different sides, and tours usually visit either one or the other.
Punta Allen is a fishing village located at the end of Boca Paila Peninsula. It’s the section of Sian Ka’an that features paradisiac beaches and the coral reef.
The second destination is home to the Muyil Archaeological Site, mangrove canals, and a lagoon where to enjoy a boat ride.
Getting to Sian Ka’an on your own is possible, however it can be quite hard: you’ll need a 4×4 and be comfortable driving on a jungle road.
Unless you have plenty of time and are feeling adventurous, it’s best to visit the reserve with a tour. There are few trails and navigating the waterways on your own can be difficult.
▶️ This Sian Ka’an Adventure Tour Full-Day Tour to Punta Allen takes you to the Nature Reserve with a guide. Learn all about the unique ecosystem and fauna and flora of the place. Go snorkeling on the reef, and enjoy a boat ride across the lagoon before refueling with lunch. ➥ BOOK IT NOW
▶️ This Sian Ka’an and Muyil Archaeological Site Tour from Tulum takes you to visit the other side of the reserve. Explore the Mayan ruins, walk along a nature trail, and enjoy a boat ride to Muyil Lagoon. A picnic lunch with fruits will help you refuel. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Afternoon/Evening: Join a Food Tour or a Cooking Class in Tulum
Exploring Sian Ka’an will take all day, so I bet you’ll be ready for some tacos when you’re back! Tulum is a great destination for food lovers (and who isn’t?)
It offers the most traditional Mayan dishes, as well as fancy international cuisine. It’s time to let your inner foodie get wild!
▶️ Want to see what the real Tulum is all about? This Tulum Local Walking Food Tour takes you on a 3-hour immersive experience. Taste the most authentic flavors of Mexico away from common tourist hot spots with a foodie guide. ➥ BOOK IT NOW
▶️ Want to try your hand at the kitchen? This Mexican Cooking from Scratch and Mezcal Tasting in a Local Home is perfect! Your host will tell you all the secrets of Mexico’s most traditional recipes and flavors. Prepare a traditional menu from scratch, and enjoy it later with a mezcal tasting! ➥ BOOK IT NOW
If you planned your Tulum itinerary for 3 days, then this is the end of the run for you. It’s such a pity, but what better way to end it than giving your belly the best of Mexican cuisine to remember for a while?
If you’re one of the lucky ones who can stay for longer, read on, there are still many places to discover.
Day 4: Chichen Itza & Valladolid or the Coba Ruins
Option 1: Chichen Itza, Valladolid & Cenotes
It’s time to visit one of the most famous tourist attractions in Mexico and the greatest archeological sites in the Americas: Chichen Itza.
This famous ancient Mayan city has been listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. I’m sure you’ll recognize the famous step pyramid that is already a landmark of Mexico.
Chichen Itza was a major political, religious, and cultural center in the Mayan empire, and an important site of pilgrimage. Its ancient buildings, towering temples, and impressive monuments have been restored. Visiting is an absolute must if you’re in Yucatan!
Since going to Chichen Itza requires a day trip, it’s a good idea to take this opportunity and explore the surroundings, which have a lot to offer!
Pay a visit to the colonial town of Valladolid, with its endless charm and rich history that emanates the magic of Mayan times.
Roaming the cobblestone streets of Valladolid is simply a pleasure. If you feel like it’s getting too hot, you can always cool off at the cenote located right in the middle of town (yes, that’s right!).
Before you leave, get some traditional Yucatan food. Valladolid is famous for it!
This area is also a treasure trove of cenotes! Only 3 km (1.8 mi) from Chichen Itza, you’ll find Cenote Ik Kil. This gorgeous pool of turquoise freshwater is perfect for a dip to shake off the day’s heat. This cenote has a wide opening to the sky, letting in lots of sunlight.
With an impressive drop of 26 meters (85 feet) from the surface to the water, it’s perfect for divers. There’s also a staircase to walk down to the water’s edge in case jumping off cliffs is not your thing!
▶️ If you want to save yourself the hassle of planning, this Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid Tour is a great option. It includes a visit to Chichen Itza and Valladolid, and you’ll freshen up at a cenote afterward. Lunch is included and pickup from Tulum is available. ➥ BOOK IT NOW
Option 2: Coba Ruins & Beach Clubs
If you don’t want to travel the 2 hours between Tulum and Chichen Itza, consider visiting the ancient Mayan city of Coba.
It’s tucked deep in the jungle between Tulum and Valladolid, and unlike the other cities, Coba was not a single site. It’s rather a collection of settlements connected to the main pyramid, which you can still climb!
Crowds are definitely smaller here, and the structures are well preserved amid the beautiful lush green of the jungle. Really worth it!
Coba Mayan Ruins can be easily reached from Tulum by car. There are plenty of car rental companies in Tulum and driving will give you more flexibility to discover the area.
From Tulum, take the Quintana Roo Highway 109. It’s only a 40-minute drive, and you’ll find Coba just off the main highway to Valladolid. Otherwise, these are two good tours you can join.
▶️ This Coba Ruins, Punta Laguna Nature Reserve, Cenote, and Mayan family is as comprehensive as it gets. It takes you on a full-day adventure to visit the Coba site and a nature reserve. Go ziplining, hiking in the jungle, and canoeing, and take part in an eco-tour. ➥ BOOK IT NOW
To celebrate your 4 days in Tulum, how about checking out one of the many beach clubs Tulum is renowned for? There is no shortage of options here.
Papaya Playa Project is one of the best beach clubs – and therefore, among the most popular. It features comfy day beds and umbrellas in a strip of white sand, and has a great bar where to order your favorite cocktails.
Note that there’s a minimum consumption of 1,500 MXN.
Gitano is another great choice. This beach club has an unbeatable setting on a small beach cove. Its warm staff, beautiful decor, and fantastic Mexican food and drinks make it the perfect place to close a great day of exploring!
Day 5: Spend the Day at Xcaret or Xplor
Here we are, the final day in this Tulum 5-day itinerary! By now, you have probably realized how much there is to do in Tulum and around. If you want to take this last day to simply relax at the beach, I get it! Beach time in Tulum is always a good idea.
But in case you still have some energy and want to squeeze every minute out of your time here, may I suggest having fun at one of the many theme parks in the area? Check this out.
Xcaret is an eco-archeological theme park full of impressive landscapes and natural riches. At the park, you can take part in dozens of activities in the jungle, underground rivers, cenotes, or the beautiful Caribbean Sea.
Among the activities are ziplining, snorkeling, and kayaking through underground caverns. You can also explore natural sanctuaries, and witness traditional Mayan ceremonies. There’s a lot more, of course!
▶️ Xcaret is near Playa del Carmen, about 60 km (37 miles) from Tulum, so it requires a day trip. To get priority access and transfers included, book this Priority Access: Xcaret Day Trip, Transportation, and Cultural Night Show. You just focus on having fun! ➥ BOOK IT NOW
▶️ If you have a car or prefer to arrange transportation independently, I still recommend getting tickets in advance. Xcaret is a wildly popular destination! This Xcaret Plus Admission grants you full access to the attractions, as well as free parking, a buffet lunch, and beverages. ➥ BUY IT NOW
Xplor is an adventure park that is sure to provide you with adrenaline for days! Located right next to Xcaret, Xplor offers unforgettable adventures across the Mayan jungle.
You’ll ride amphibious ATVs, zip-line across the jungle, splash around in cenotes, and swim under a stalactite-filled cave. Rafting and venturing out on an underground expedition are also in the cards!
Whatever you pick, you will get your fair share of endorphins and leave with a smile on your face.
▶️ This Xplor Park Day Tripwith Lunch and Transportation combo will take care of everything. Transport, priority entrance ticket, equipment, and food are covered, so all you have to do is enjoy.➥ BOOK IT NOW
▶️ If you’d rather figure out transportation yourself, here you can get the Xplor Admission in advance. Besides access to all the activities, it includes free parking and a buffet lunch with beverages. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Evening: Party in Tulum
When the night has come, put a classy end to your time in Tulum by paying a visit to Papaya Playa Project. This rustic high-end resort has its own beach club nestled in the jungle with unobstructed views of the Caribbean.
The style blends nature and human constructions seamlessly, and they put a big emphasis on the quality of the music and the cocktails. It’s a great place to party and cap your time here in pure Tulum style!
Gitano is another great option. It’s among the best bars in Tulum, and on Friday nights it hosts an incredibly fan Gypsy Disco. The bar serves an impressive selection of cocktails, and there’s a live DJ to play some tunes.
▶️ Or how about pub crawling? Join this Social Pubcrawl Barcrawl Tulum for an unforgettable night out. You’ll visit different hotspots, in each of which you’ll get a free drink or shot, enjoy party games, and night until your feet hurt. You might also make new friends! ➥ BOOK IT HERE
I hope this Tulum, Mexico, itinerary has given you a good idea of what to see in Tulum and the surrounding area. Quintana Roo -and Yucatan in general- is a magical land filled with treasures, and I have no doubt you will want to go back over and over, no matter how many times you visit.
