Tulum is an enchanting place and perfect for any vacation, but there are also many great day trips from Tulum around the Riviera Maya. I have been there many times, and I certainly took my time to explore the region!
With stunning Mayan ruins, a paradisiacal beach, and an incredible selection of places to stay for all budget options, Tulum is the perfect place to end your Mexico road trip.
If you have a few extra days available, you should definitely take the opportunity to go on one or more day trips from Tulum.
From visiting archeological sites to cooling off in the chilled waters of a cenote, from island hopping to relaxing at a nearby beach, the range of places you can visit on day trips from Tulum is fantastic.
I have selected a number of places that are perfect for a day trip. Some are very popular, whereas others are lesser known – but all are equally charming.
Ready to find out more? Continue reading!
For more inspiration for Tulum, read Best Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico. Make sure to also read my complete guide to visiting Tulum ruins.
The Best Day Trips From Tulum
Chichen Itza – the most popular day trip from Tulum
No trip to the Yucatan Peninsula would be complete without a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and World Wonder, which is Chichen Itza.
This incredibly well-preserved ancient Mayan city was a major center for Mayan religion and economics, and it’s one of the most popular day trips from Tulum.
It’s just a two-hour drive from Tulum to reach Chichen Itza – so it really is a perfect place for a day trip from Tulum. Once you arrive, you’ll be able to spend the day basking in the history and the atmosphere of this magnificent city.
At its center, the Temple of Kukulcan is the iconic stepped pyramid that many come to see, but there are also some mind-blowing stone carvings tucked away in some of the ruins’ other intricate structures.
When you’re visiting Chichen Itza, I recommend going with a guided tour or hiring a guide at the entrance. There’s so much to learn you won’t have the same experience walking through on your own.
HOW TO GET TO CHICHEN ITZA FROM TULUM: Chichen Itza is 153 km (95 miles) from Tulum. The easiest way to get to Chichen Itza from Tulum is by car. If you don’t have one, you can use the ADO bus – there is just one per day, so make sure to book it in advance.
A tour is one of the easiest ways to visit Chichen Itza, as you don’t have to deal with all the planning. I recommend this Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour – it is the most popular tour of Chichen Itza. It also includes a few hours in the town of Valladolid and cooling down in a fresh cenote.
Valladolid
Situated an hour and a half to the west of Tulum, Valladolid is something a little bit different for your Yucatan adventures. Valladolid is a thriving city overflowing with charm and history – yet this is one of the most overlooked day trips from Tulum.
The city is a vibrant place to spend the day, where you can wander along its colonial-era streets, marveling at its elegant buildings and taking time to sample some of its best restaurants and cafes.
There are so many fun things to do in Valladolid you can easily spend an entire day enchanted by the charming town.
This hidden gem sometimes gets overlooked in favor of a trip to Cancun or Playa del Carmen, but this authentic city, with its colorful buildings and interesting sights, is not to be missed.
And if you decide to visit Chichen Itza on your own, this is a great stopping point as it’s the nearest town to the ancient ruins.
HOW TO GET TO VALLADOLID FROM TULUM: Valladolid is just 102 km (67 miles) from Tulum. There are regular buses connecting the two cities. If you have a car, you can definitely combine a day trip from Tulum to Valladolid with a visit to Chichen Itza.
If you’re taking a tour, I highly recommend choosing one with at least a few hours for Valladolid, as it’s a real hidden gem. For example, I recommend this Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour that will also stop at Valladolid, like this one.
Coba Mayan ruins
The Mayan Riviera is home to some incredible Mayan ruins, and many of them are easily explored on a day trip from Tulum. One of them is the ancient city of Coba.
If you’re staying in Tulum, visiting Coba is a must-do activity as it’s so easy and offers fascinating insights into more Mayan culture.
Tucked away among lush tropical jungle, this once powerful kingdom is just a 45-minute journey by car from Tulum. Unlike Chichen Itza, Coba is much less touristed (or at least, it feels like that because it’s massive) and is a perfect adventure away from the beach clubs of Tulum.
The ruins themselves reveal how people once lived, and they are centered on the main pyramid. Also to be found in this huge complex are ball courts, temples, pyramids, and residential complexes.
HOW TO GET TO COBA FROM TULUM: Coba is 47 km (29 miles) and around 45 from Tulum. Getting to Coba ruins is incredibly easy even if you don’t have a car – you can hop on an ADO bus, get a colectivo or simply hop on a taxi.
If you’d rather go on a tour, I recommend this Coba, Punta Laguna & Cenote Day Trip – This a fun, full-day tour of Punta Laguna Reserve, a guided archaeological tour of Coba ruins, and even a zipline adventure! The tour includes lunch, guides, transportation from Tulum, and all necessary equipment.
Punta Laguna
Just under an hour inland from Tulum, past Coba, Punta Laguna is a truly beautiful spot to visit on a day trip. This sparkling turquoise lagoon is set in the middle of the jungle, in an area of low rainforest, and it’s an amazing place to swim.
It’s a protected area that has been dubbed Otoch Ma’ax Yetel Kooh – “the Home of the Spider Monkey and the Puma”. As well as cooling off in the gorgeous waters of the lagoon, you’ll be surrounded by nature, with a few hiking trails running through it all.
You’ll also be able to meet the local Mayan people who still live in this area and who protect the natural habitat.
Some people also call this place the “Bacalar near Tulum” because the large lagoon is crystal-clear like the lake of Bacalar, and it’s much closer to Tulum.
HOW TO GET TO PUNTA LAGUNA FROM TULUM: Punta Laguna is around 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) from Tulum. The easiest way to get to Punta Laguna is by car. Due to its location close to Coba, it makes sense to visit them on the same day.
If you don’t have your own car, I’d recommend a day trip that combines Punta Laguna and Coba ruins. For example, you could consider this Coba, Punta Laguna & Cenote Day Trip. This is a popular tour that’s well organized, and full of fun.
Muyil ruins
This is one of the easiest places to visit on day trips from Tulum.
The small town of Muyil is situated around 20 minutes from Tulum. Complete with its very own archaeological zone, Muyil is also known as Chunyaxche and is one of the longest and earliest inhabited of all the ancient cities on Yucatan’s east coast.
Muyil is ideal to explore on a combination day trip to Sian Ka’an since it’s located within the boundaries of the reserve. Once you’re there, you can explore the ruins, of course, but one of the best things about this ancient Mayan site is that there are also canals here, too.
Carved out centuries ago, these historic waterways were once used for trading, but today can be swum in or explored by kayak.
HOW TO GET TO MUYIL FROM TULUM: Muyil is just 23 km (14.5 miles) from Tulum. The best way to get there is by car.
I suggest this Sian Ka’an Muyil Birdwatching with Guide – This guided tour includes two hours of exploring Muyil with a guide and two hours of walking through the jungle and learning all about the diverse ecosystem of the Riviera Maya.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Nature lovers take note – just a twenty-minute drive from Tulum is this stunning spot of natural beauty, away from the crowds and tourist sights common along the Maya Riviera.
Easily one of the most fun day trips from Tulum, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna, and it’s actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its importance.
There are many different ecosystems across 1.3-million-acre Sian Ka’an (meaning “Origin of the Sky”), from mangroves and marshes to tropical forests and even portions of gleaming barrier reefs.
The reserve has such an incredible amount of diversity, and walking through the pristine landscape – or kayaking around – will give you an insight into its sheer beauty.
HOW TO GET TO SIAN KA’AN RESERVE FROM TULUM: The best way to get from Tulum to Sian Ka’an Reserve is by car. If you don’t have one, you are better off joining a guided tour. In fact, having a guide will help you make the most of all the flora and fauna in this magnificent place.
If you prefer not to drive, I recommend this Mayan Ruins & Sian Kaan Reserve Tour – This is an amazing full-day tour of Muyil ruins and the Sian Kaan Reserve. The tour also includes a boat ride through the lagoons of the reserve, which is an incredible experience.
Punta Allen
Around two hours from Tulum, Punta Allen isn’t exactly close by, but a visit to this stunning coastal area is well worth your time.
Also situated within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, this fishing village is the largest settlement within the reserve, but it’s still only home to around 500 people.
Taking a trip here is bound to be one of the most amazing adventures you can embark on from Tulum. The town itself is a relaxing spot where you can pick up some food from vendors or the market and then head to the beach to enjoy the sparkling waters and white sand of the coast here.
HOW TO GET TO PUNTA ALLEN FROM TULUM: Punta Allen is actually only 55 km (34 miles) from Tulum, but getting there requires a bit of a trip because of the road conditions. You will need a good 4×4 vehicle and around 2 hours.
Cozumel
For something a little more relaxing, one of the nicest day trips from Tulum is to Cozumel. This island is a Caribbean paradise just off the coast of the Maya Riviera, and since it’s easy to reach from Tulum, it makes for a place to visit for a day.
Not only that but if you’ve got some spare time in your itinerary, you could easily spend a night or two here simply relaxing on the sandy shores.
Once you’re in Cozumel, I highly recommend a jeep tour around the island. For example, you could consider this Cozumel Jeep Safari with Beach Lunch and Snorkeling. You’ll be able to see much more of the beautiful island, and this one includes time for snorkeling, a fresh lunch on the beach, and a professional guide.
If you’re a water baby, you might want to consider this boat tour instead. Cozumel has some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in Mexico, and this is a great way to experience the best of the best.
HOW TO GET TO COZUMEL FROM TULUM: To get there, first take the bus (or drive) to Playa del Carmen, then hop on the ferry from Punta Venado. Upon arrival, stake out your patch of sand and enjoy or join a guided tour around the island.
Isla Holbox
Translating to “Black Hole,” Holbox Island is a laid-back world of wonder – it’s 42 kilometers (roughly 27 miles) long and 1.5 kilometers (about 1 mile) wide and is separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon.
No cars are allowed on the island (to protect the environment), making for a slower pace of life. This is a truly picturesque paradise island, so make sure to carve out some time in your schedule to pay a visit.
As well as spotting rich bird life that lives in the lagoon, a visit to Isla Holbox means kiteboarding, seeing bioluminescence (at night, if you’re lucky), and swimming with whale sharks off the coast here. Spending the day here may charm you enough to want to spend the night or maybe a week or two. It’s a beautiful island.
HOW TO GET TO HOLBOX FROM TULUM: Holbox is around 3 hours from Tulum. While getting there is a bit of a longer trip compared to other day trips from Tulum, if you make it there you will be definitely wowed. To get there, drive, take a shuttle, or take the ADO bus to Chiquila (it’s a 2.5-hour drive) and hop on the 30-minute ferry from there.
I highly recommend going on a guided tour, as getting to Isla Holbox alone can be a hassle and time-consuming. This Holbox Full-Day Tour with Lunch arranges round-trip transportation and several other activities around Holbox.
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is another island worth visiting. It’s a short 30-minute ferry ride from Cancun, which is about an hour and a half from Tulum.
While it’s a long day trip from Tulum, the incredible waters and exciting downtown area are worth all the hassle.
Isla Mujeres is home to Playa Norte, one of the best beaches in Mexico. It is actually ranked 23rd on Trip Advisor’s list of best beaches in the world in 2023.
In addition to enjoying the white sand beach of Playa Norte, there are a lot of other fun things to do in Isla Mujeres. From riding a golf cart around the island to snorkeling in the warm waters to exploring Punta Sur, you’ll likely have an unforgettable day.
HOW TO GET TO ISLA MUJERES FROM TULUM: Isla Mujeres is around two and a half hours from Tulum. You’ll first take a colectivo, ADO bus, or private transfer from Tulum to Cancun. This takes about an hour and a half, maybe a little more, depending on traffic. In Cancun, you can take a 20-minute ferry ride from Puerto Juarez to Isla Mujeres.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of transportation, you can also take this guided tour to Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy. Isla Contoy is a beautiful, uninhabited island near Isla Mujeres with great snorkeling. This tour also includes 1.5 hours of free time on Isla Mujeres.
Cenotes
Cenotes are a big attraction in the area surrounding Tulum, and there are many great cenotes around town. These are natural swimming holes caused by collapsed limestone that exposes underground reservoirs and rivers.
Once revered by the ancient Mayan population as places connected to the underworld, today, cenotes provide a refreshing spot for locals and tourists to take a swim in a natural setting.
There are numerous cenotes that are easy to reach from Tulum. One of the most popular is Gran Cenote, just 5 kilometers (a little over 3 miles) from Tulum town center.
Cenote Dos Ojos, named for its two circular pools, is also a good choice (22 kilometers – 13.6 miles – north of Tulum). Either make for enchanting places to swim – there’s plenty more to choose from!
If you’re a certified scuba diver, I recommend this 2-Tank Cenote Certified Dive of Dos Ojos. You don’t need a specialized certificate beyond your open water or advanced.
Laguna Kaan Luum
For a truly stunning slice of natural beauty, make your way to Lagoon Kaan Luum. This otherworldly lake is unlike any other you may have seen before. While most of it is shallow and gleaming light turquoise, at its center is a cenote that creates a disc of deep, dark aquamarine.
Its location very close to Tulum makes Laguna Kaan Luum a perfect day trip. The shallow waters make it great for families – don’t worry, the deepest part (i.e., the cenote) is not actually open for swimming.
It’s a protected spot, so make sure to care for the environment by not wearing sunscreen or leaving any litter behind.
HOW TO GET TO LAGUNA KAAN LUUM FROM TULUM: Laguna Kaan Luum is 5 kilometers (just over 3 miles) south of Tulum, off Highway 307. If you don’t have your own car, you can easily get there by taxi.
Bacalar
Bacalar is a small town around two and a half hours drive from Tulum. More than being a town, however, this destination – close to the border of Belize – is situated on the sparkling shoreline of the Bacalar Lagoon.
Also known as the “Lagoon of Seven Colors,” thanks to its graduating bands of blues and turquoise, it’s edged by soft white sand and makes for a fantastic place to chill for the day. You can kayak, SUP, snorkel, and even sail in the lagoon.
Once you’re in Bacalar, I highly recommend this private sailing tour around the lagoon. It’s the best way to experience the beauty of the lake, and it’s a very romantic and tranquil experience.
In the town itself are a few interesting spots to hit up. For example, the 18th-century Fuerte de San Felipe is a former fort that now plays host to a fascinating museum all about pirates in the Caribbean. There’s also the colonial San Joaquin Parish Church to stop by and the nearby Cenote Azul to cool off in.
HOW TO GET TO BACALAR FROM TULUM: Bacalar is 215 km (134 miles) south of Tulum, and the best way to get there is by car: head out nice and early. There are regular ADO buses that go there – just make sure to take the first one, as it is quite a long drive.
Mahahual
Mahahual is a small cruise ship destination and beach town about three hours from Tulum. Other than cruise ship passengers, very few people make their way all over the over to this small town.
So, it feels very relaxed and laid-back. It’s also one of the best places for snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking, as the waters are usually very calm, and it’s close to the Mesoamerican Reef.
Although it’s a little difficult to get to, as there usually aren’t any ADO buses from Tulum to Mahahual, it’s still one of the best day trips from Tulum if you have the time and freedom.
HOW TO GET TO MAHAHUAL FROM TULUM: Mahahual is 228 km (142 miles) from Tulum, and takes just under three hours to get to. You can take a local colectivo here, but you’ll have to transfer a few times and get a taxi at the end. So, it’s much easier to get to with your own rental car.
Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas
The Mayan Riviera is not short of natural beauty, and Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas really prove this. Both are around three hours by car from Tulum, but it’s an amazing place to visit for a very pink-hued day trip.
It’s at the sleepy fishing village of Rio Lagartos that you’ll get to glimpse hundreds upon hundreds of pink flamingos, making for an awesome photo opportunity at this protected biosphere.
Nearby Las Coloradas is home to a lagoon that has been colored pink by the salt from nearby salt mines making for yet another amazing spectacle to marvel at.
This day trip from Tulum is perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike – just make sure you leave early!
HOW TO GET TO RIO LAGARTOS AND LAS COLORADAS FROM TULUM: It’s around 205 km (127 miles) from Tulum to Rio Lagartos. The only way to get there if you want to do it as a day trip is by car.
If you don’t have a car, I recommend this Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas Day Trip w/ Lunch – This full-day tour takes you through the canals of Rio Lagartos. You’ll also explore the Coloradas area by bike, observe various bird species in the region, relax with a traditional Mayan bath, and enjoy a local lunch.
Akumal beach
Akumal is truly one of the best beaches in Mexico, with its abundance of sea life and lack of crowds.
Akumal is a coastal resort within easy reach of Tulum (just 25 minutes by car). Not only does it have white sand beaches and a colorful coral reef, but it is also home to its very own population of sea turtles.
Meaning “Place of the Turtle,” Akumal is the place to go to swim in warm waters alongside these majestic marine creatures as they feed in the sea.
You don’t need to be a qualified diver to see them – simply donning a snorkel and diving under the waves not far from the shore means you’ll be able to spot the sea turtles for yourself.
However, keep in mind that for the safety of turtles, you are now required to join a guided snorkeling tour once there. You’ll be able to find one once you get to the beach.
HOW TO GET TO AKUMAL FROM TULUM: It’s very easy! Just get a colectivo – there are many parked at the intersection of Avenida Satellite Norte.
For a fantastic day, I recommend this Tulum Guided Tour and Akumal Swim with Turtles. This is a great two-in-one tour of the Mayan ruins in Tulum and the Akumal snorkeling experience. You’ll be given all the necessary equipment and accompanied by a guide who will ensure you have the best experience possible.
Xplor Park
Adventure enthusiasts will definitely enjoy a day trip to Xplor Park – this is an amazing place to get your adrenaline pumping as you explore the wilds of nature.
Located just over 56 kilometers (30 miles) from Tulum, this adventure park is set within a natural environment, with caves and jungle, waterfalls, and cenotes to explore and marvel at.
Not only that, this is where you can try out a spot of ziplining swinging through the jungle (there are seven in total), amphibious vehicles that whisk you around, underground rivers to swim in and cavernous adventures to be had. It’s all very well run and super organized, and it’s fun for different age groups, too.
HOW TO GET TO XPLOR FROM TULUM: The easiest way to get to Xplor is by car. If you don’t want to drive yourself, just hop on a colectivo headed to Playa del Carmen and ask to be dropped off there.
To save a bit of time once you get there, you could get your Xplor Park All-Inclusive Entry Ticket ahead of time and enjoy everything the park has to offer.
Rio Secreto
Rio Secreto is one of the best day trips from Tulum for the typical adventurer, as it involces some caving and more fast-paced exploring.
Rio Secreto is a semi-flooded limestone cave near Playa del Carmen. The only way to visit is with a designated guide, and you can walk through the channels of caves, swim with cenotes, and explore the surrounding jungle.
It’s such a great way to truly experience the environment around the Riviera Maya and all the various ecosystems.
HOW TO GET TO RIO SECRETO FROM TULUM: Rio Secreto is 56 km (35 miles) from Tulum, just outside of Playa del Carmen. It takes about 40 minutes to get there by car. But you have to visit Rio Secreto with a guide.
A great option if you want an unforgettable experience is this Rio Secreto Wild Tour with Lunch – This is an exciting, adrenaline-filled tour from the Riviera Maya to Rio Secreto. Throughout the tour, you’ll bike through the jungle, swim in the semi-flooded cave, and learn all about the biodiversity of the region.
Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos, a once small fishing village, has been gaining popularity in recent years as a relaxing beach town. More resorts and boutique hotels have sprouted up, but it’s still relatively mild.
And it has a long stretch of beach that is hardly ever crowded. The downtown area consists mainly of one road that runs parallel to the beach, with one long dock, the classic, colorful town sign, and several Mexican restaurants.
Since it’s so close to Tulum and pretty easy to get to, it’s definitely worth a day trip from Tulum if you have the time and interest.
HOW TO GET TO PUERTO MORELOS FROM TULUM: Puerto Morelos is 97 km (60 miles) from Tulum, and the trip takes about an hour. It’s just outside of Cancun, so you can take a colectivo or ADO bus heading toward Cancun and request to get dropped off at Puerto Morelos. You’ll just have to walk about 15 minutes from the highway into town.
Swim with whale sharks
If you’re in Tulum between June and September (whale shark season), you definitely should consider a whale shark tour. Most tours don’t leave from Tulum, so you might have to take a day trip to Cancun to find a good one.
However, it’s well worth it.
Swimming with whale sharks is an incredible experience. For those who don’t know, whale sharks are gentle giants that feed on plankton and other microorganisms. They can grow up to 20 meters in length (65 feet) and swim majestically through the ocean.
HOW TO GET TO THE WHALE SHARKS FROM TULUM: Most whale shark tours depart near Cancun or Playa del Carmen, though you can find some that organize transportation from Tulum. Whale sharks congregate at different locations, so it’s impossible to know exactly where they’ll be. But the captain can always find them!
To make the most of your day, I recommend this Whale Shark Tour & Playa Norte Beach– This is an excellent full-day whale shark tour. You’ll get plenty of time in the water with the gentle giants, all while accompanied by an expert guide. You’ll also stop at the stunning Playa Norte beach, where you can enjoy snacks and drinks.
Playa del Carmen
Just under an hour’s drive from Tulum, Playa del Carmen is a playground for vacationers and backpackers alike.
This trendy town on the Maya Riviera boasts sandy beaches and palm-lined avenues, making for an exciting place to spend a day trip from Tulum.
When you’re not laying out on the white sand, sipping a delicious margarita, or snorkeling on a coral reef (just offshore is a part of the huge Mesoamerican Barrier Reef), you can spend time in the bohemian Playa del Carmen wandering its pedestrian-friendly streets, browsing the boutiques, or indulging in its bars and restaurants.
HOW TO GET TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN FROM TULUM: There are plenty of ADO buses and colectivos that depart from Tulum headed to Playa del Carmen, so you won’t have trouble getting there!
Cancun
Cancun is the largest city in the Riviera Maya, with beautiful white-sand beaches, warm waters, and bustling energy in every corner of the city.
It’s the complete opposite of Tulum, so it might be nice to spend a day exploring here after so much time relaxing on the low-key beaches of Tulum.
There’s a lot to do in Cancun, but my favorite things are walking the crowded beaches around the Hotel Zone and shopping in the local markets in downtown Cancun.
HOW TO GET TO CANCUN FROM TULUM: Cancun is about an hour and 40 minutes from Tulum, though usually a bit longer with traffic. You can take a colectivo or ADO bus from Tulum to downtown Cancun or even a private transfer or taxi.
Felipe Carrillo Puerto
Felip Carrillo Puerto is a small, local city about an hour from Tulum. It doesn’t cater to tourists as much, and you likely won’t see many tourists around at all. This makes it the best day trip from Tulum for those who want a peek into the more authentic Mexico.
Felipe Carrillo Puerto is named after the Mexican politician Felipe Carrillo Puerto, who was known for his efforts to unite the Mayan people and the Mexican government. The town has a very heavy Mayan influence.
There’s a large market that’s worth visiting here, and Sijil Noh Ha Ecotourism Center. It’s a naturalistic community run by the Mayans, with a jungle path, cenote, and lagoon.
HOW TO GET TO FELIPE CARRILLO PUERTO FROM TULUM: Felipe Carrillo Puerto to Tulum is 93 km (57 miles), and the drive takes just over an hour. There’s an ADO bus that goes there, but the ADO takes much longer (usually around three hours each way) and has a very limited schedule. So, it’s best if you have a rental car and can drive there on your own.
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