5 Day Itinerary for Tulum

Morning

Start your Tulum adventure by visiting the Tulum Archaeological Site. Arrive early to beat the crowds and the heat. Explore the ruins of this ancient Mayan port city perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Don't miss the iconic El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the Temple of the Descending God.

Lunch

Head to a beachfront restaurant to enjoy fresh seafood and Mexican cuisine with a view of the azure waters.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon relaxing on one of Tulum's picturesque beaches. Playa Paraíso, known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand, is a perfect spot to unwind and take a dip in the sea.

Evening

Enjoy dinner at one of Tulum’s trendy restaurants in the town center. Afterward, explore the local boutiques and shops for unique souvenirs.

Morning

Dedicate this day to nature by visiting a couple of Tulum’s famous cenotes. Start with Gran Cenote or Cenote Dos Ojos for snorkeling in their clear, fresh waters surrounded by stunning geological formations.

Lunch

Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the cenotes or stop by a local eatery before heading to your next adventure.

Afternoon

Take a guided tour of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This natural paradise offers opportunities for bird watching, kayaking and learning about the local ecosystems.

Evening

Return to Tulum for a casual dinner. Consider experiencing a traditional Mayan cuisine restaurant to taste the local heritage.

Option 1 Cozumel Day Trip

Morning to Evening:

Take an early ferry to Cozumel for a day of exploration. Rent a scooter or a car to tour the island, snorkel in its renowned coral reefs, and enjoy the laid-back island vibe. Return to Tulum by evening.

Option 2: Wellness and Shopping

Morning:

Start your day with a yoga session at one of Tulum’s beachfront studios to immerse yourself in the town’s renowned wellness culture

Lunch:

Enjoy a healthy meal at a café that offers organic and local cuisine.

Afternoon:

Spend your afternoon shopping in Tulum’s boutiques, featuring local artisans and designers. Look for handmade jewelry, crafts and unique fashion.

Evening:

For your last night, dine at a beach club where you can enjoy a meal with your feet in the sand

Morning:

Depart early for the Coba Ruins, located about 45 minutes away from Tulum by car. This ancient Mayan city is nestled in the jungle and is less crowded than other archaeological sites. You can climb Nohoch Mul, one of the tallest Mayan pyramids in the Yucatán, for a breathtaking view of the surrounding jungle.

Lunch:

Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants near Coba, sampling traditional Mayan dishes such as cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork).

Afternoon:

After lunch, head to Punta Laguna Nature Reserve. This hidden gem is known for its spider monkey population and beautiful lagoon. You can take a guided tour to learn about the local flora and fauna, try a zip line over the lagoon, or even participate in a traditional Mayan ceremony.

Evening:

Return to Tulum in the late afternoon. Spend your evening enjoying a relaxed dinner at one of Tulum's beachfront restaurants, where you can listen to the waves.

Morning:

If you love ruins, start your day with a visit to the Muyil archaeological site, located about 25 minutes south of Tulum. Muyil is one of the oldest and most significant sites in the area but often less crowded than Tulum's main ruins. Wander through the ancient structures surrounded by lush forest and climb the lookout tower for a view of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.

Lunch:

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Muyil or head back towards Tulum to grab a bite at a local eatery offering traditional Yucatecan cuisine.

Afternoon:

After lunch, embark on a boat tour of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. These tours often include floating down ancient Mayan canals, bird watching, and sometimes even snorkeling in the reserve's clear waters. It's a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Evening:

Spend your final evening in Tulum reflecting on your adventures with a sunset walk along the beach. Consider dining at one of Tulum’s eco-chic beach clubs, where you can enjoy fresh, locally-sourced dishes in a relaxed, oceanside setting.

Tips:

Ruins: Wear comfortable shoes and bring insect repellent due to the jungle setting.
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: Make sure to book your boat tour in advance, as these can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Bring biodegradable sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Conservation: Both Muyil and Sian Ka'an are protected areas. Be mindful of your impact on the environment by staying on marked paths, not touching wildlife and taking all trash with you.