There are many incredible things to do in Tulum: you could spend months there and never tire of it.
Tulum is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s easy to see why! Unique Mayan ruins, gorgeous beaches, nearby nature reserves, and some of the best cenotes in Mexico, a selection of incredible hotels, and delicious restaurants make it a must for anyone on a road trip around Mexico.
Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, just a 1.5-hour drive from Cancun, Tulum is the perfect place to end your trip before you head to the airport, return your car and fly home.
I have been to Tulum countless times and checked out all the best tourist attractions in Tulum Mexico, as well as some lesser known places.
Curious to discover the best things to do in Tulum Mexico? Continue reading as I share my pick of all the places to visit in Tulum you can’t miss, and the best activities in Tulum.
How To Get To Tulum
Before you start planning your trip to Tulum, Mexico, you may want a little information about how to get to Tulum and where it’s located.
Tulum is in the state of Quintana Roo in the Yucatan Peninsula in southeast Mexico. The downtown area in Tulum is set back from the beach, which has more of a jungle vibe. Whereas the hotel zone is right on the beach, with beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea.
There are great places to stay in Tulum hotel zone and downtown Tulum; it just comes down to preference.
Cancun International Airport is the largest international airport near Tulum, and the trip from Cancun to Tulum takes about two hours, depending on traffic and mode of transportation.
There are buses directly from Cancun Airport to Tulum, or you can coordinate a private driver or shared shuttle ahead of time.
Tulum International Airport opened and began operations in December 2023. Currently, there are only domestic flights to Tulum, but international flights will be popping up throughout the year.
Because Tulum International Airport is a brand new airport, and there’s slightly less demand to fly directly to Tulum versus Cancun, flights may be a little more expensive directly into Tulum.
Some people choose to spend a few days in Cancun before getting to Tulum because there are so many fun things to do in Cancun, and it’s a completely different vibe from Tulum. This is something to consider if you have the time and are interested in a large city on the Caribbean Sea.
The Best Things To Do In Tulum, Mexico
Explore Tulum Archaeological Zone
Visiting Tulum ruins is a must do in Tulum for any traveler in the Yucatan Peninsula because of the intricate history, sheer beauty along the cliffs, and ease of access.
They are an iconic destination in the town, and it goes without saying that visiting the site is one of the unmissable things to do in Tulum. Set on an impressive cliffside location, overlooking the Caribbean Sea, they may not be the most extensive of Mexico’s Mayan ruins, but it is worth a visit nonetheless.
The ruins of the 13th-century watchtower and temple are all the remains of a Mayan-walled city that once stood here, which doubled up as the major port for the more important city of Coba.
Interestingly, ancient Tulum – thought to have been called Zama, meaning “City of Dawn” – was one of the last cities built and inhabited in the Mayan world and survived 70 years into the 16th-century Spanish colonization.
Zama is further considered to be an important site for the “Diving” or “Descending” god.
I recommend this Tulum and Coba: Full-Day Archaeological Tour with Lunch. This is an excellent full-day tour that includes a guided trip to Tulum Ruins and Coba Ruins, as well as a swim in a cenote. The tour includes lunch, roundtrip transportation, and all entrance fees.
Make sure to read my post, The Most Impressive Mayan Ruins In Mexico, to learn about other fantastic Mayan ruins to explore.
Cool off in the Gran Cenote
Cenotes are very unique to the Yucatan Peninsula, and there are so many great cenotes in Mexico to visit. There’s no doubt spending some time in one of the many nearby cenotes is one of the best things to do in Tulum.
Just outside of Tulum is Gran Cenote. Easily one of the most popular cenotes in Tulum, it’s a collection of caves and an open-air cenote all linked up by wooden boardwalks. With many facilities, it’s popular with snorkelers and divers who explore the waters both in and out of the cave system.
It’s also a spot for those who simply want to swim and lounge around in the cooling beautiful waters of the cenote itself. Gran Cenote is particularly nice as it is surrounded by nature – lots of green lush plants provide the backdrop to your day of chilling out at this exquisitely chilled spot.
I recommend this Tulum: Cenote Trail Bike Tour. It’s one of the top things to do in Tulum for the active traveler. This is the perfect tour for active adventures. You’ll visit up to three different cenotes around Tulum on a bike, with plenty of time to go for a swim or explore the jungle. And there’s nothing better than jumping in the freshwater of a cenote after sweating on a bike trip.
I also recommend this From Riviera Maya: Snorkeling & Private Cenote Half-Day Tour. It’s an amazing half-day cenote snorkel tour near Tulum if you want to skip the workout and instead go snorkeling in the cenote.
Make sure to read my post, The Best Cenotes Near Tulum, to find more swimming holes to cool down at in Tulum.
Go diving in a cenote
Certified scuba divers travel from all over the world to experience an unforgettable dive in the cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula: it’s one of the must do in Tulum. While it feels like cave diving, it’s actually much safer and doesn’t require a specific certification.
You can dive through the cenote channels, which feels like you’re entering another planet entirely.
If you’re already certified, you can join a dive shop on two dives. If you aren’t certified, you can either get your certification in Tulum or join a Discover Dive, which doesn’t require the Open Water certificate.
I recommend this Tulum: Scuba Diving in Cenotes expedition. It’s one of the best activities in Tulum for those who aren’t certified and doable for people of any level or experience. You’ll get an introduction to scuba diving and practice time in the pool before jumping in the cenote. It’s scary at first but really fun once you get the hang of it.
Additionally, this 2 Cenotes Adventure from Tulum is another great option for certified divers. You’ll go to Casa Cenote and Dos Ojos for two completely different dive experiences with professional and certified guides.
Go underground at the Caves at Cenote Caracol
Another of the amazing cenotes situated near Tulum, Cenote Caracol, is just a few miles north of the town and is well renowned for its caves. This captivating cenote and cave complex will be perfect for casual visitors and intrepid explorers alike.
Formed over millions of years, the caves are absolutely covered with enormous hanging stalactites, creating otherworldly rock formations that make for an eerie, awe-inspiring atmosphere.
The cave system itself is vast, and it can be explored on a tour or by yourself (it’s fairly developed). After you’re done journeying through the magical caverns, you can cool off with a dip in the glimmering blue of the cenote that is located here.
Spend the day at Laguna Kaan Luum
While cenotes may be the go-to for travelers looking to cool off in a beautiful natural setting, there are other ways to relax in a watery setting in Tulum.
Laguna Kaan Luum is one of the best places to see in Tulum. Just 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) and around 15-minute drive south of Tulum town, this shallow lake boasts unbelievably turquoise water, which actually has a deep cenote at its center, making for a unique place to explore.
It’s thought that the central sinkhole is around 80 meters (around 262.5 feet) deep, giving a dark blue contrast to the pastel blue lagoon waters – however, divers will be disappointed as it’s off-limits. Definitely a hidden gem in Tulum.
Chill out on Paradise Beach
As you might be able to tell from the name, Paradise Beach – also known as Playa Paraiso – is a true slice of coastal beauty and one of the best beaches in Mexico. You absolutely must visit – it’s one of the top things to do in Tulum!
Think white sand, turquoise waters, and palm trees (yes, just like a postcard). It’s one of the most famous beaches in Tulum and is a popular area for locals and visitors alike, who come for snorkeling, water sports, and relaxation.
Lapped by the sparkling Caribbean Sea, this gorgeous beach is free to enter as it’s a public beach. But while it is free, you can pay to use the sun loungers of the beach clubs situated here, and here you can also pick up food and drink.
Thankfully, even though Paradise Beach is popular, it never feels too crowded as it’s pretty large.
If you don’t already know, a bathing suit is a must-have on your Mexico packing list! You might always want to bring reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a beach cover-up for Tulum.
Swim with sea turtles at Akumal Beach
Akumal is a small, beachside town about 20 minutes from downtown Tulum. There are a handful of luxury and all-inclusive resorts right on one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.
But you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy the splendor of the white sand beaches and active sea turtles feeding in the area.
Akumal Beach is open to the public, though you do have to pay a small entrance fee toward conservation efforts. Once there, you can snorkel on your own or go with a snorkeling company.
While there are several blocked-off spots open for swimming and snorkeling for everyone, I recommend going on a snorkel tour.
A snorkel tour practically guarantees that you’ll swim with at least one sea turtle, and they’ll provide everything you need for your trip.
This Akumal Bay: Cenotes and Snorkeling with Turtles is one of the best things to do around Tulum. And it has the added bonus of stopping at a few cenotes. This tour is particularly popular for water babies who want to spend an entire day in the most majestic and calm waters in the Riviera Maya.
Go souvenir shopping
Tulum is one of the best places in Mexico for souvenir shopping, especially if the “hippie beach fashion” catches your eye. So much of the arts and souvenirs are handcrafted and made right in town – so it goes without saying that shopping is one of the things to do in Tulum!
You’ll find hammock shops, handmade jewelry, beautiful art and wall decorations, and so much more. There are several great places to go shopping in Tulum, but one of the best spots is Tulum Beach Road.
Tulum Beach Road is about 10 minutes from downtown Tulum. It’s a long stretch lined with various shops and souvenir stalls. It tends to be a little more expensive than more local shops, but it’s still reasonably priced and convenient.
Enjoy the vibrant nightlife
You might be in Tulum to hit the beach, marvel at Mayan ruins, and visit a cenote or two, but while you’re here, why not let your hair down on a wild night out?
Ok, so it doesn’t have to be that wild – nightlife in Tulum ranges from having a few cocktails at a chic bar to dancing the night away under a full moon (and everything in between).
Tulum has an eclectic mix of nightlife spots, making it perfect for party lovers of all kinds and tastes.
One of the best things to do in Tulum at night is to check out Casa Jaguar. In the week, this is a Caribbean restaurant, but as the weekend arrives, international DJs take to the decks for late-night parties.
There’s also the notorious Papaya Playa Project (or PPP), claiming to host the biggest party in town – particularly at full moon, where you’ll find big-name DJs spinning tunes into the early hours.
Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar is more of a low-key bar with the best mojitos in the Yucatan Peninsula. They make their mojitos with fresh sugarcane, ground right in front of you. They sometimes have mellow live music.
Go on a yoga retreat or take a yoga class
Tulum is often referred to as one of the most spiritual places in the Yucatan Peninsula, where the spirit meets the jungle. Many people who travel to Tulum talk about the various healing properties found in nature and the balance between the mind and nature.
For this reason, yoga is one of the most popular activities in Tulum. Almost every hotel and hostel around Tulum offers daily yoga classes, some at the beach, others in the jungle, and sometimes on the roof.
But no matter where you take a yoga class, you can do so knowing this is one of the best things to do in Tulum.
You can even take it one step further and join a yoga retreat in Tulum, where the entire itinerary and focus is on yoga and healing of the mind.
Yoga might not be for everyone, but Tulum definitely tends to draw yogis and spiritually open travelers, so it’s worth doing while in town.
If you want something different, I recommend this From Tulum: SUP Yoga Class in Sian Ka’an tour. You’ll do basic yoga moves on a paddle board out in the water. This creates more of a connection with the ocean, but it’s definitely much more challenging than yoga on land.
Take a class at Casa de la Cultura de Tulum
The Casa de la Cultura de Tulum is a cultural center (as the name suggests) situated inside a colorful, visually striking building.
If you’re curious about learning a new skill or want to learn about local heritage and culture, then you should definitely make a beeline here to see what events are on offer: it’s one of the top things to do in Tulum town.
From art exhibitions and workshops all the way to concerts and cinema screenings, there’s always something going on at the Casa de la Cultura de Tulum. It’s fairly off the beaten track, one of the more unusual things to do in Tulum, and ideal for those who aren’t here for partying.
Take a cooking class
Mexico has some of the best food in the world. You can feast on tacos al pastor, empanadas, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, enchiladas, tamales, and so much more. You should definitely try some of the local food, but even more, you can also take a cooking class to learn how to prepare it yourself.
Cooking classes are one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new culture. Not only will you have a fun afternoon making some delicious food, but you’ll also learn about the ingredients and recipe so you can try to replicate the meal back home.
Mexico is perhaps one of the best places in Latin America for cooking classes as the food is so well-known and unique to the region. So, why not try a cooking class? It’s definitely one of the most fun things to do in Tulum?
I recommend this Mexico Cooking from Scratch and Mezcal Tasting in a Local Home activity. This is one of the most popular cooking classes in the Riviera Maya. You’ll prepare a three-course meal in a local home, learning more about local history and traditions. You’ll make guacamole, tacos al pastor, and three milk and cream cheese jelly.
Join a walking food tour
If you don’t have the interest or patience to cook some local food yourself, you can always join a food tour to see and taste the best of Tulum. A walking food tour is perfect, as Tulum is pretty small, and it’s easy to get around on foot.
There are so many different dining options in Tulum, and while some are incredible, others are beyond disappointing. So a food tour will help you weed through and find the places and food worth trying.
Going on a food tour with a guide has an additional bonus; you’ll explore the Tulum region with a local who can tell you all about the history and surroundings along the way.
This Tulum Local Walking Food Tour is one of the most immersive and comprehensive walking food tours, and it will not disappoint. The food tour itinerary changes a bit to meet the group’s interests and what’s available, but you’ll still hit all the best of Tulum. The guide is excellent and people really love the brief history lesson throughout.
Admire Tulum’s street art on a tour
Murals in Tulum have a history starting back in 2014 as an idea by a local business owner who wanted to create a vibrant, creative scene in the city.
Since then, the streets of Tulum have been daubed in an array of colorful murals, with street art in various styles popping up all over the city. It really adds to the cool charm of the town itself.
However, these murals aren’t always easy to find – they’re often tucked away down side streets and on local people’s houses. One of the best things to do in Tulum town to see them all is to take a tour and get a local guide to show you around to the best and most impressive of all the murals.
I recommend this exciting Tulum Bike Tour: Tulum Mayan Ruins, Cenote, Swimming, Pueblo History, Art, Tacos, Lunch tour. It’s a wonderful tour of the main tourist attractions in Tulum Mexico, including the best of the street art! The tour visits a cenote, the Tulum ruins, and passes by some beautiful murals. You’ll also learn about the history of Tulum and the region.
Splash out on fine dining at Hartwood
Hartwood is arguably the most high-end restaurant in Tulum, and because of that, eating here comes with a certain prestige.
Naturally, tables at this stylish eatery are not always easy to come by – in fact, reservations are taken for up to one month in advance. So if this sounds like your thing, make sure to book ahead!
At Hartwood, you can expect dishes made with fresh ingredients sourced from markets and farms throughout the Yucatan, bringing local flavors together in a down-to-earth style of cooking, all rooted in “Mundo Maya”.
Sustainability is also key to the restaurant – it’s actually off-grid, meaning its power comes from solar panels, and they have a zero-carbon footprint, with cooking done only with their open fire. It’s pretty easy to see why this place is so popular – it may just be one of the best meals you ever eat.
Tour Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s the most famous and world-renowned Mayan site in all of Mexico, so it’s definitely worth stopping by while visiting Tulum.
It earned such an impressive reputation not only because it was an important civilization during the Mayan reign but also because the complex pyramids and temples showcase the indignity and brilliance of Mayan architecture.
For example, El Castillo is the most prominent pyramid, standing at 30 meters (98 feet) with 365 steps leading up the peak. The pyramid was designed in such a way that a shadow in the form of a serpent (an important social and religious symbol) would snake its way up the pyramid during both annual equinoxes.
Tulum is 153 km (95 miles) from Chichen Itza, and the drive takes about two hours and fifteen minutes. There are no direct buses from Tulum to Chichen Itza, so it’s best to either drive there yourself or go on a tour.
I recommend this Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour. It includes a comprehensive guided tour of Chichen Itza, where you’ll learn all about the Mayan accomplishments and Mayan history. You’ll also visit a cenote and spend time in Valladolid, a quintessential Mexican town near Chichen Itza.
Visit the Muyil Archaeological Site
Muyil is one of the oldest and longest-inhabited Mayan sites in this part of the Yucatan Peninsula (300 BC to the time of the 16th century AD). Situated only around 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from Tulum, Muyil is also known by its ancient name – Chunyaxche.
It may be relatively small compared to some of the more major archaeological sites in the region, but this results in an atmospheric spot that’s less crowded and easy to explore.
Spread across 38 hectares of jungle, Chunyaxche features, at its center, a pyramid which, at 15 meters (59 feet), is the highest in the entire Maya Riviera. At its peak, Chunyaxche, whose name means “Where the Sky is Born”, was a densely populated city situated along a Caribbean coastal trade route.
It was accessed by a series of canals which can still be seen to this day, partly in the form of a lagoon that you can swim in or explore via boat.
Be amazed by nature at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Whether or not you’re interested in Muyil ruins, you should definitely make time to visit Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. This nature reserve is full of so much natural beauty and local flora and fauna and it’s one of the best things to do near Tulum.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest area of protected nature in the Mexican Caribbean. Located around an hour and twenty minutes drive from Tulum, this vast natural environment is a unique place to visit.
At Sian Ka’an (meaning “Origin of the Sky”), you’ll find a breathtaking mix of habitats – from mangroves and marshes to tropical forests and even part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. It is home to an incredibly rich array of flora and fauna – here, there are more than 300 bird species and a large number of other vertebrate species, too.
The exceptional diversity can be explored easily on a tour of the reserve, which can be arranged in advance. There’s a choice of different ways to see what’s on offer, from the “ancient Mayan route” to a reef and snorkeling tour.
I recommend this From Riviera Maya: Mayan Ruins & Sian Kaan Reserve Tour. This is a guided tour from the Riviera Maya to the Sian Kaan Nature Reserve and the Muyil Archeological Site. The tour encompasses time to explore Muyil ruins and drift down the canals of Sian Kaan Reserve.
Spend the day in Coba
About 27 miles (43.4 km) northwest of Tulum, Coba is one of the most impressive Mayan sites in the region. Visiting is definitely a must do in Tulum.
What’s special about it is the incredible system of sacbeob, Mayan pathways – it’s the largest in the ancient Maya world, and it won’t take you long to realize it: the site is massive, and it will take you a good half day to explore it on foot (you can also rent bikes or bici-taxi).
Back in the day, Coba was actually the most important city in the region – it is thought that Tulum actually served as its port.
Around 50,000 people lived there, and the construction of the city occurred between 500 and 900 AD. Here, you will be able to see pelotas (ball) courts and climb the pyramids (it’s one of the few places in Yucatan where this is still permitted) for stunning views of the surrounding jungle.
I recommend this Tulum and Coba: Full-Day Archaeological Tour with Lunch. It’s a good tour if you want to go with a guide and make the most of one between ruins and cenotes near Tulum. The tour has excellent reviews, and everything is included in the itinerary.
Have a coffee break
Tulum has no shortage of cute cafes and cool coffee joints where you can go to spend a relaxing time with a cup of joe. So when you’re not lounging around at the beach or hiking around some ancient ruins, it might be a nice idea to unwind in one of the many coffee shops in town.
There is a lot to choose from. Cara Feliz is one of the best places in Tulum: it is a bookstore cafe with a scattering of tables, sofas, and a shady courtyard to spend a while reading and sipping on coffee.
There’s also the family-run Ki’Bok Coffee Shop, which is a very popular spot to grab a coffee in Tulum (the iced coffee is particularly good here). Alternatively, you could try Coati Cafe, a stylish coffee bar close to the beach that also serves tasty food.
If you aren’t much of a coffee drinker, you can always try some Mexican chocolate. The fresh chocolate isn’t as sweet as some might be used to, but it’s rich and tasty!
Snap a picture at one of Tulum’s famous signs
The Tulum Sign is a colorful spot that makes for a popular photo opportunity for Instagrammers and tourists in town. It may be a pretty touristy spot, but it’s still a lot of fun to go and snap a pic for some memories and strike a pose or two in a selfie. You’ll find it near the Tulum Ruins, so it’s not hard to stumble across.
Another notorious sign that’s often seen on Instagram and on many travel sites is the “Follow your dreams” sign.
This quirky sign could be mistaken for just another traffic warning, but this little slice of inspirational aesthetics is perfect for a quick snap as you’re exploring Tulum. It’s situated just in front of Lolita Lolita Boutique.
Treat yourself to a day at a beach club
If you don’t just want to spend the day laying out on the sand and you feel like a little bit more luxury, then you’re in luck. Tulum has its very own array of beach clubs just waiting for you to turn up and soak up all of its chic ambiance.
However, they actually come in all shapes and sizes. Some are more family-friendly, while others are definitely more party-centric. One example is Casa Malca, which is a glamorous, artistic space that has a decidedly exclusive atmosphere (it costs over $100 USD per day to use).
For something more down-to-earth but still stylish, try out Ahau Tulum – an eco-conscious beach club with cabanas and beach huts right on the beach. They also host yoga classes. For a bargain option, try Zazil Kin, where you can rent a sunbed for the day and have access to waiter service and the restaurant.
Rent a yacht
One of the most luxurious ways to tour the Riviera Maya and the beautiful Caribbean Sea is with a private yacht. Fortunately, renting a yacht in the Riviera Maya is a lot more affordable than in places like Miami, Florida, or other tropical destinations.
If you’re traveling with friends or meet other people interested in a full day out at sea, you should definitely consider renting your own private yacht: it’s one of the most fun things to do in Tulum. You’ll feel like a rockstar for the day and see some of the most beautiful corners of the region.
This is also one of the best things to do in Tulum for bachelor or bachelorette parties, as you’ll have your own captain with a personalized itinerary and plenty of fun party spots on the private boat.
You can check out this impressive 4 Hours – Private 48ft Yacht All Inclusive activity. This fantastic yacht rental in Tulum or Playa del Carmen. The rental is considered all-inclusive, so food and drinks are provided, as well as snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboards, and transportation from Tulum.
Soak up the views from Tulum Tower
For views out over the surrounding area, one of the best things to do in Tulum is climb Tulum Tower. This 35-meter (118-foot) tall structure soars above the surrounding jungle canopy and provides an expansive vista.
Seeing the white sands of the Caribbean coast and the lush greens of the jungle is amazing enough, but you can also enjoy a drink (or two) when you’re up in the tower itself. It’s pretty fun and definitely recommended for those who like a good view – especially of Mayan ruins down below.
I recommend this Tulum: Tulum Tower Entrance Ticket – You can get your tickets for Tulum Tower ahead of time to save time and planning.
Go wild at Xplor or Xcaret Adventure Park
Both Xplore Adventure Park and Xcaret are action-packed adventure parks in the Riviera Maya. They are about 45 minutes from Tulum.
At Xplor, you’ll find zip lines, calm river rafting through cenotes, water parks, water slides, and so much more fun. Everything is included with your ticket, including food and drinks. So, all you have to do is to show up energized and ready for a day of excitement and enjoy!
Xcaret has similar activities, but Xcaret is set in a cave in the Caribbean, whereas Xplor is deeper back in the jungle. Therefore, Xplor has more of a jungle vibe, whereas Xcaret has more of a tropical atmosphere. Xplor is also better for thrill-seekers, as Xcaret has a larger variety and range of activities.
Whether you visit Xplor or Xcaret depends on what you’re looking for. Both are equally as popular, and both are owned and operated by the same company.
You can buy your Xplor Park All-Inclusive Ticket in advance to make things a little easier for you! Remember, this ticket is all-inclusive, so you’ll have food, drinks, and every activity in the park at your disposal.
In advance, you can also buy your all-inclusive Xcaret Park: Full Day Pass, Night Show, and Lunch ticket. Xcaret is not all-inclusive like Xplor, so different tickets include different events and things. Make sure you’re buying the right ticket for what you have planned.
Get wet at Xel-Ha Aquatic Park
Xel-Ha is an adventure water park from the same masterminds behind Xcaret and Xplor Adventure Park. The difference between Xel-Ha and other parks is Xel-Ha is designed as a natural aquatic park.
That means there’s an emphasis on swimming, water activities, water sports, and all things water-related. This is the perfect afternoon in the Riviera Maya because you get excitement and fun in the water all in one package.
Xel-Ha is also one of the closest adventure parks to Tulum, making it one of the most exciting things to do in Tulum!
I also recommend you buy your Xel-Ha All-Inclusive Day Pass ahead of time to save yourself the trouble of planning and coordinating once in Tulum.
Plan a day trip from Tulum
Tulum is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, and it’s very easy to get anywhere around the Yucatan Peninsula from Tulum. For this reason, you should definitely try to plan one or two day trips from Tulum.
There are dozens of great day trips from Tulum, but here are some of the best trips:
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is one of the easiest day trips from Tulum because it’s nearby, and there are so many other fun things to do in Playa del Carmen!
Playa del Carmen (often referred to as just “Playa”) is equally as popular as Tulum, but it has a completely different vibe. The beach is right downtown; you can walk there from almost anywhere. And the travelers here tend to be bigger partiers then the more holistic side of Tulum.
You can easily spend an entire day here shopping on Quinta Avenida, enjoying one of the many beach clubs near Fifth Avenue, or doing something a little more active, like paddle boarding or scuba diving off the coast.
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is one of the best island day trips from Tulum. It’s a small island near Cancun. It’s known for its incredible sunsets, home to the easternmost point in Mexico (Punta Sur), golf cart rentals, and the location of arguably the best beach in Mexico: Playa Norte.
You should definitely spend at least one full day in Isla Mujeres because there are so many things to do, see and do. I recommend renting a golf cart and trying to explore as much of the island as possible. But if you’re looking for something more relaxing, visiting Playa Norte is just as nice.
You can get to Isla Mujeres one of two ways. You can go on your own by taking a bus, taxi, or shuttle to Cancun. In Cancun, you’ll take a short 30-minute ferry ride to Isla Mujeres. You can also go by boat with a tour company, turning it into an exciting snorkel and sun adventure.
I recommend this Isla Contoy & Isla Mujeres Full-Day Tour if you want to visit the islands with a tour group. Not only do you get a few hours to roam Isla Mujeres, but you’ll also visit and snorkel around the uninhabited island of Isla Contoy.
Isla Holbox
Holbox is another small island in the Yucatan Peninsula. This one is on the other side of the coast, so it’s a bit further away from Tulum. But it’s worth every bit of trouble once you get there.
Holbox is much more lowkey than Isla Mujeres or even Cozumel. There are no paved roads, most people get around by foot or golf cart taxis. The center of Holbox is right on a gorgeous beach with shallow waters and lots of sun.
To get to Isla Holbox, you’ll have to drive or take a bus to the town of Chiquila. From Chiquila, you’ll take a 40-minute ferry ride to Holbox Island. Conversely, you can go on a tour, which will handle transportation for you.
I recommend this Holbox Full-Day Tour with Lunch for those who want to go to Holbox Island with a tour group. This tour is relatively small, which makes it feel personal. It’s also one of the most headache-free ways to spend a day in Holbox from Tulum or somewhere else in the Riviera Maya.
Bacalar
Bacalar is perhaps my favorite trip from Tulum. Bacalar, also called “La Laguna de Siete Colores” (The lagoon of seven colors), is one of the most beautiful lakes in all of Mexico.
It’s a large lake with turquoise waters, great views, and a more low-key vibe. You can walk through Bacalar town, go on a kayak tour around the lagoon, enjoy the sunset right on the lake, or take a sailboat tour to every corner.
It is different from Tulum, as it is not on the ocean, but it has a similar holistic vibe to it. So, if you’re traveling from Tulum, you might appreciate the peaceful town and natural beauty.
Bacalar is about three hours from Tulum, so I recommend leaving early so you can have an entire day at the lagoon. The easiest way to get to Bacalar from Tulum is with an ADO bus from the ADO central station in Tulum.
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