Itineraries for Your Trip to Tulum
2 Days in Tulum for First Timers
I've visited Tulum many times for rest, relaxation, and good food. My favorite thing about Tulum is that you can be as busy or as relaxed as you want, with plenty of ziplining and 4WD adventures or days spent chilling in a cenote.
With two days in Tulum, I recommend visiting the Tulum Archeological Site, as it's close to the town and a remarkable relic of the Maya civilization. Afternoons are best spent in a cenote or enjoying the area's soft-sand beaches. Here's how you can take advantage of your two days in Tulum.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Tulum Archeological Site.
Summer in Tulum is hot and muggy, while the rest of the year is warm but less humid.
One of the big draws when visiting Tulum is the cenotes you can visit nearby, such as the Grand Cenote and Cenote Dos Ojos. These natural sinkholes are great for swimming and snorkeling. You can visit them alone or with a guided tour from Tulum or Cancun.
Once you've worked up an appetite, explore Tulum's food scene. You'll find opportunities for mezcal and chocolate tastings throughout the town, or take a food tour to learn about the culture and traditions while sampling the food. Taco tours let you explore this humble food with some taco history and culture thrown in between bites.
You'll do yourself a disservice if you don't get out on the water when you're in Riviera Maya. Whether you choose a private sunset catamaran sail or a lively party cruise, you'll see this part of Mexico anew. Some cruises include a stop for snorkeling.
The Riviera Maya is full of stunning ruins you can easily visit on a half-day tour or independently. The Tulum Archeological Site is located just outside the city center and is the easiest to get to. The Mayan Ruins of Cobaand Muyil are less than an hour's drive from Tulum. Tours will pick you up in Tulum and take you there.
While you're out visiting the Maya ruins, spend time bird-watching. The ecosystems surrounding the cenotes are known for their biodiversity, and you might get to spot kingfishers, toucans, and hummingbirds. While peeking in the trees, see if you can spot the lively spider monkeys. A bird-watching tour is a great way to learn about these fascinating animals.
In the evening, relax by visiting one of Tulum's many restaurants or booking a cooking class with a local. Your teacher will welcome you into their home to instruct you on their food traditions. This hands-on experience will allow you to bring home some recipes, the perfect souvenir to remember your time in Tulum.
