5 days in Tulum

Day by day

1. Day 1: Tulum archaeological site and Playa Paraíso

   Tulum archaeological site, Playa Paraíso and Gran Cenote, then Beach road and Zona Hotelera in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Tulum archaeological site

      Arrive at opening time, before tour buses from Cancún, and bring water and a hat; there is very little shade. (2 hours, low cost).

   2. Late morning

      Playa Paraíso

      Go early in the morning for calm water and a quiet beach before the clubs fill up. (Half a day, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Cochinita pibil

      Morning stands and small restaurants in Tulum Centro; many sell out before noon.

   4. Afternoon

      Gran Cenote

      Go at opening time, shower before entering (required), and skip sunscreen to protect the water. (2 hours, mid-priced).

   5. Evening

      Beach road and Zona Hotelera

      Cycle rather than drive; traffic often stands still on the narrow road, and parking is scarce.

2. Day 2: Cenote Calavera and Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha)

   Cenote Calavera, Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha) and Dos Ojos cenote, then Tulum Pueblo and Avenida Tulum in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Cenote Calavera

      Use the ladder if you are unsure of the jump; the water is several metres deep. (1 hour, low cost).

   2. Late morning

      Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha)

      Combine it with a visit to Cobá on the same day, since it is on the way. (1 hour, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Tacos al pastor

      Taquerías along Avenida Tulum in town, busiest in the evening.

   4. Afternoon

      Dos Ojos cenote

      Bring or rent a dive light for snorkelling into the darker cavern areas. (2–3 hours, mid-priced).

   5. Evening

      Tulum Pueblo and Avenida Tulum

      Eat cochinita pibil tacos for breakfast in town; many stands sell out by mid-morning.

3. Day 3: Casa Cenote and Laguna Kaan Luum

   Casa Cenote, Laguna Kaan Luum and Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido, then Zona Hotelera in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Casa Cenote

      Pair a swim here with lunch at the beach across the road. (1.5 hours, low cost).

   2. Late morning

      Laguna Kaan Luum

      Visit in the morning when the light shows the colour contrast best, and stay in the roped-off shallow area. (1.5 hours, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Panuchos and salbutes

      Loncherías and evening stands in Tulum Centro.

   4. Afternoon

      Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido

      Go late morning on a weekday for sunlit water and few visitors; bring your own snacks. (2 hours, low cost).

   5. Evening

      Zona Hotelera

      Beach clubs and jungle venues hosting DJ nights and full-moon parties in high season.

4. Day 4: Day trip to Cobá

   About 45 minutes by car each way. Getting there: Car, tour or bus from the Tulum ADO station.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Cobá

      About 45 minutes by car (Car, tour or bus from the Tulum ADO station); about 45 km.

   2. Day

      Cobá

      A large Maya city in the jungle, linked by ancient raised roads (sacbeob) that visitors explore on foot, by rented bike or by pedicab. Best for culture, families and first-timers.

   3. Evening

      Back in Tulum

      Dinner: try Sopa de lima.

5. Day 5: Xel-Há and Cycling the ciclovía to the beach

   Xel-Há and Cycling the ciclovía to the beach, then Tulum Centro in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Xel-Há

      Buy tickets online in advance, which is usually cheaper than at the gate, and arrive early to make the most of the day. (Full day, expensive).

   2. Late morning

      Cycling the ciclovía to the beach

      Use lights after dark and lock the bike to something solid; bike theft is common. (Half a day, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Sopa de lima

      Yucatecan restaurants in town.

   4. Evening

      Tulum Centro

      Mezcal bars, salsa nights and casual bars along and just off Avenida Tulum.

Before you go

Reserve timed tickets for Xel-Há before you travel; the rest of this plan needs no advance booking.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 nights, Zona Hotelera Norte keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Tulum Centro ($$) suits budget, solo travellers, food lovers and nightlife. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 30–36 hours of visiting over 5 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 10.9 hours in December to 13.3 hours in June.

More or fewer days

• One day in Tulum
• 2 days in Tulum
• 3 days in Tulum

Questions travellers ask