Tulum Travelers Recommend

With a rustic vibe and relaxed resorts along the beach, Tulum is a laid-back alternative to the nearby tourist hubs of Playa del Carmen and Cancun. With three days to spend, you can experience picturesque beaches, Maya ruins, and countless outdoor-adventure opportunities. Here’s how to make the most of your time. 

Day 1: Essential Tulum

Start with a trip to Tulum’s most iconic attraction—the Maya ruins perched on bluffs above the sea. Book an early access tour or snag a skip-the-line pass to explore the archaeological wonder before the midday crowds and heat that inundate the park. Then, follow the trail to the base of the bluffs where you can take your first dip in the Caribbean. After relaxing or snorkeling at the beach, head into downtown Tulum for an authentic Mexican or traditional Maya lunch. If you’re staying at one of the resorts along the beach, you can book a tour that provides round-trip transportation into town and includes a bilingual guide to help you navigate and show you the best shops to browse Mexican and Maya crafts.

Day 2: Into the Jungle

Venture into the interior of the Riviera Maya today with an ATV or bicycle tour, heading off-road to explore parts of the region you can’t see from a car or tour bus. Following your morning spent off-roading between nature preserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and local villages, it’s time to head to the region’s famous cenotes. These freshwater sinkholes are alive with lush plants and marine life and are worthy of your entire afternoon. You can swim and snorkel in several unique ecosystems on a cenote-hopping tour, or spend the afternoon scuba diving (there are packages that include lessons for first-timers) in massive caverns and narrow underground rivers. 

Day 3: Culture and Outdoor Adventure

Take your last day to explore more of the surrounding region. Extend your Maya explorations with a tour to Coba, where you can climb an ancient Maya pyramid in the heart of the jungle, or visit the impressive structures at Chichen Itza—one of the new seven wonders of the world. Alternatively, if you are looking for more outdoor adventures, you have barely scratched the surface of the action surrounding Tulum. You can get an adrenaline rush ziplining through the jungle at an ecoadventure park, paddleboard at a freshwater lake, or discover whale sharks on a boat tour along the coast. Finally, wind your trip down with a cocktail and seafood at one of the beach clubs overlooking the ocean. 

With two days in Tulum, you have time to enjoy the Riviera Maya’s rich environment and culture while exploring vibrant waters, underground rivers, and jungles teeming with history and wildlife. Take advantage of the Yucatan Peninsula’s outdoor adventures and then relax at night with authentic food and local entertainment. Here’s how. 

Day 1: Ruins and Beaches

**Morning:**Start your stay in Tulum with a deep dive on the region’s culture and history at the Maya ruins on the seaside bluffs outside of town. Book an early-access or skip-the-line tour to beat the crowds and learn about the traditions of the ancient civilization from an archeologist guide. 

**Afternoon:**An afternoon enjoying the white-sand beaches and temperate turquoise waters along the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is a must for any visitor. To see the colorful underwater world, join a guided snorkeling or scuba diving tour that provides all the gear you need and takes you to the best spots around. 

**Night:**Wind down from your first day of adventures with cocktails at one of the area’s beach clubs. Then, indulge in a seafood meal complemented by live music at one of the many restaurants along the ocean. 

Day 2: Outdoor Adventure

**Morning:**After spending your first day immersed in Tulum’s coastal attractions, it’s time to head into Riviera Maya’s lush rainforest. Venture into the jungle on an off-road ATV or bicycle excursion or step up the adrenaline on a tour that includes ziplining, rock climbing, and repelling.

**Afternoon:**The crystal-clear waters of Tulum’s cenotes are waiting for you after your morning of adrenaline. You don't have to choose just one of the numerous limestone sinkholes; instead book a tour that visits several in one trip and includes snorkeling (or scuba diving) gear so you can explore below the surface of the tranquil pools. 

**Night:**On your final evening in Tulum, take time to explore the souvenir shops and craft markets of downtown Tulum and pick up something special to take home. Then, head to one of the many open-air restaurants for affordable, authentic cuisine that melds the areas' Mexican and Maya heritage and flavors.

Set on the Caribbean coast and surrounded by rain forests, turquoise water, and Mayan ruins, Tulum is a vacationer’s paradise perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs. From snorkeling in underground rivers and visiting ancient ruins, to shopping for souvenirs and eating seafood, here’s how to make the most of a day in Tulum. 

Morning: Explore the Ruins

Start off with a trip to the Mayan ruins perched on the bluffs above the ocean. To enter the ancient fort before the midday heat and crowds descend, join a morning tour of the ruins and enjoy a serene walk through the grounds. After wandering the remains of the only Mayan city built on the coast, walk down the steep trail, then relax on the scenic beach at the base of the cliffs. 

Afternoon: Swim in Underground Rivers

Time to venture inland to see more natural wonders. The Riviera Maya’s magical cenotes (freshwater sinkholes and caverns) are the perfect place to spend the afternoon snorkeling or basking in the sunshine. Some tours include snorkeling gear and give you the chance to explore the intricate cave systems of one cenote, while other tours take you to multiple cenotes. To get a feel for the surrounding jungle, travel to a cenote on an ATV or bicycle tour.

Night: Shop, Eat, and Drink

Return to Tulum and immerse yourself in the local fusion of Mexican and Mayan culture and cuisine. If you’re staying in the hotel zone along the beach, you can visit the other side of Tulum on a guided tour that includes round-trip transportation. Once there, browse the shops to pick up souvenirs before heading to one of the palapa-top restaurants for an open-air dining experience along the busy main street. For a more hands-on alternative, sign up for a cooking class and tequila tasting that culminates in a communal meal, and share stories with fellow travelers over cocktails.