6 best day trips from Tulum

Day trips compared

The day trips

45 km · About 45 minutes by car

1.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. Its Nohoch Mul pyramid is one of the tallest in the Yucatán; climbing has been restricted in recent years. Nearby cenotes make a good afternoon swim.

Getting there

Car, tour or bus from the Tulum ADO station

Best for

Culture, Families, First-timers

25 km · About 30 minutes to Muyil

2.Sian Ka'an and Muyil

The UNESCO-listed Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve protects lagoons, mangroves and reef south of Tulum. From the Maya site of Muyil, boats cross lagoons to ancient canals where visitors float with the current in life jackets; coastal tours from the beach road look for dolphins and turtles.

Getting there

Tour, or car to Muyil

Best for

Couples, Quiet stays, Families

25 km · About 25 minutes by car or colectivo

3.Akumal

A bay where green sea turtles feed on seagrass in shallow water. Snorkelling in the protected bay is regulated, with marked zones and certified guides in parts, and the Yal-Kú lagoon nearby offers calmer snorkelling.

Getting there

Colectivo along the highway, or car

Best for

Families, Beach, Couples

150 km · About 2 hours by car

4.Chichén Itzá

The most famous Maya city, with the stepped pyramid of El Castillo (Kukulcán), the great ball court and the Sacred Cenote. Arrive at opening to avoid tour groups and midday heat, and combine it with a swim at a cenote such as Ik Kil.

Getting there

Car, tour or Tren Maya

Best for

First-timers, Culture, Families

100 km · About 1.5 hours by car

5.Valladolid

A colonial Yucatecan town of pastel streets, the San Bernardino convent and Cenote Zací in the town centre. It is a good lunch stop on the way to or from Chichén Itzá.

Getting there

Car, ADO bus or Tren Maya

Best for

Culture, Food lovers, Couples

210 km · About 2.5 hours by car

6.Bacalar

A long freshwater lagoon famous for its seven shades of blue, with kayaking, sailing and swimming at Cenote Azul and the Los Rápidos channel. It is a long day trip, and many visitors stay a night.

Getting there

Car or ADO bus

Best for

Couples, Quiet stays

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• Colectivo vans run frequently along the highway to Akumal, Playa del Carmen and Cancún, and ADO coaches leave from the town's bus station.
• The Tren Maya stops at stations serving Tulum and its airport, with services towards Playa del Carmen and Cancún airport and inland towards Valladolid and Chichén Itzá.
• For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask