3–7 Day Tulum Itinerary With Real Tips From Someone Who Lives There
If you’ve been dreaming about visiting Tulum, whether it’s for the cenotes, the beach clubs, the jungle vibes, or just to finally discover what all the hype is about, this Tulum itinerary will be your go-to travel guide. Trust me, it’s so helpful that you’ll want to share it with your friends and family, too.
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Why Plan a Tulum Mexico Itinerary?
I used to live in Cancún, and I’ve been to Tulum, Mexico, many times. It’s one of those places in the Yucatán Peninsula that can be whatever you want it to be: relaxing, spiritual, bougie, wild, budget-friendly, or very expensive. That’s entirely up to you!
But here’s the thing… Tulum has changed a lot over the years. Some changes are for the better (there’s so much more to do now), and some… not so much (don’t worry, I’ll explain). So if you’re trying to figure out how many days you need, what to prioritize, or whether renting a car makes sense, this guide has you covered.
What You’ll Find in This Tulum Travel Guide
This Tulum itinerary is designed for all kinds of travelers—those who love to chill on Tulum Beach, as well as those who want to explore cenotes, Mayan ruins, and authentic food spots. Whether you’re planning a quick 3-day Tulum itinerary or a whole week in paradise, I’ll help you create a trip that balances culture, relaxation, and adventure without wasting time in traffic.
You’ll find:
- The best things to do in Tulum, Mexico
- Day-by-day ideas for 3 to 7 days
- Travel tips on where to stay in Tulum and how to get around
- Extra suggestions for cenotes, excursions, and must-see Tulum attractions
How to Use This Itinerary
You can follow this Tulum travel guide step by step or mix and match the parts that fit your vibe. Think of it as a flexible Mexico itinerary that helps you enjoy the best of Tulum without the stress of planning everything from scratch.
Now, before we jump into the fun part, there’s something important you should know…
🏖️ Tulum Beaches are not exactly public.
Wait—Aren’t Mexico’s Beaches Public? (Yes… But Not Exactly in Tulum)
Mexico’s beaches are federal property, which means they are public by law. Hence, anyone should be able to access them, regardless of their circumstances.
But in Tulum, that’s not how it works in practice.
Over the years, beach access has become increasingly challenging. Most of the coastline is lined with hotels, private villas, or beach clubs that block entry unless you’re staying there or are willing to pay. A lot of the old access points were closed off. And the few “public” stretches that exist are either hard to find or overcrowded.
The brand-new Jaguar Park, for example, includes free access to beaches, but you still need to pay 400 MXN to enter the park. I would rather pay for a beach club than, as it includes the meal at least, unless you are planning to visit the Tulum Ruins, in which case it makes it totally worth the money.
Cinco Tulum Beach Club, for example, will refund the Park Entry fee if you spend more than 800 MXN in food and beverages, which you may do if you spend the day there.
So, unless you book a hotel with direct beach access or pay to enter a beach club, you may have a hard time finding a spot on the sand.
Frustrating? Absolutely. But I’ll point out the few free or low-cost access spots that still exist throughout this guide, and if you are going to splurge on a beach club for the day, I’ll also recommend ones that are worth the price or not so expensive. For most beach clubs, their entry fees include a food allowance, which is fairly affordable. So, it’s not all lost.
In the summer, which is considered the low season in Tulum, many hotels have a more relaxed policy and may let you in as long as you purchase at least one drink at their bar, with no minimum spend required. I cannot provide more precise information about these offers because they are last-minute and may be withdrawn without notice.
Now that we have clarified the important point about Tulum beach access, let’s proceed with our itinerary.
Sample Tulum Itinerary Breakdown
Here’s a quick look at how you can plan your trip:
- Day 1: Explore the Tulum Ruins + relax at Tulum Beach (Jaguar Park)
- Day 2: Swim in the best cenotes in Tulum + jungle adventures
- Day 3: Take a day trip to Chichen Itza and Valladolid
- Day 4: Spend a day relaxing in one of Tulum’s beach clubs
- Day 5: Visit Sian Ka’an and Muyil with a boat tour through the ancient canals
- Day 6: A day trip to Xpu-ha beach with lunch and evening in Playa del Carmen
- Day 7: Wrap up your trip with one last swim in your hotel’s beach or one of the beach clubs
Tulum 3 to 7-day Itinerary
Day 0 – Arrival + Getting Your Bearings
Option 1: Staying on Tulum Beach
- Chill by the water, catch the last sun rays, and stroll along the beach.
- After sunset, take a walk on the beach road, peek into boho boutiques, and scout out restaurants for the days ahead.
- Hotels on the beach tend to be more expensive, but you can find some affordable stays too.
Recommended Hotels: Aldea Canzul, Mi Amor
Option 2: Staying in Downtown Tulum
- Rent a bike and ride around town, check out the artisan shops, and chill at a local café.
- Get a feel for where you want to eat—there are lots of great restaurants to plan for.
Recommended Hotels: Casa Santiago, Hotel Bardo
If you want to learn about more hotel options in Tulum, I’ve got you covered. Check my guide linked above.
Depending on where you are staying and the time of your arrival, you can enjoy the remainder of your day relaxing on the beach (if you are staying in a beach hotel) or exploring downtown.
If you have a car (which I recommend), you can still explore the beach road, lined with charming restaurants, shops, and cafes. Mind that in that area there’s no free parking, just a few parking lots scattered along the road, and they cost from 100 to 200 MXN per day (there is no by-the-hour fare). These prices may inflate during the high season from December through March/April.
📆 Day 1: Ruins and Beach time
Unless you are staying in one of the Hotels in the Jaguar Park, which includes your park fee in the room rate, it’s a good idea to make the most of your ticket (400 MXN/20 USD) once you arrive. So the first day will be dedicated entirely to exploring the Jaguar park, starting from the Tulum Ruins, the beach and the towers for spectacular views.
🏛️ Morning: Tulum Ruins with a View
Start early. Like…get there at 8:00 am when the gates open. Not only will you beat the heat, but also the tour bus crowds.
The Tulum Ruins are perched on a cliff above the sea, which makes them extra photogenic—even if you’re not a history nerd. It’s a small site, so you don’t need a full tour. However, if you’re curious, guides are available at the entrance, or you can download a self-guided app/audio tour.
🎟️ Entry: 100 MXN (plus a small extra fee if you bring a camera).
🧴 Bring water, sunscreen, a hat—and wear a swimsuit under your clothes if you want to dip in the little beach below the ruins.
💦 Midday Stop by one of the beach clubs in the Jaguar Park
Enjoy the Beach and a nice meal in one of the Jaguar Park Hotels and Beach Clubs. My favorite is Cinco Tulum. It’s cute and with a comfortable beach bed, hammocks, and tables, delicious drinks, and Mexican delicacies.
When you are well rested, you can hop on one of the electric cars in the park and visit the Maya Museum at the entrance of the park (amazing air conditioning inside that you will enjoy, trust me). Then you can get the car back to the towers for spectacular 360-degree views of the beach and park, including the ruins.
More info about the Jaguar Park in a separate post soon.
🍽️ Evening: Dinner in the Jungle or Drinks in Town
Tonight, go with your mood:
- Feeling fancy? Try Arca or Hartwood (arrive early or make a reservation—they’re both popular for a reason).
- Keeping it local? Head into town for Antojitos La Chiapaneca—super affordable, super tasty tacos al pastor.
If you’ve still got energy, stop by Casa Jaguar or Gitano for drinks. Both have jungle-style nightlife going on certain nights (Thursday is big for Jaguar).
📆 Day 2: Cenotes Day! (Trust Me, Don’t Skip This) Swim in the Best Cenotes in Tulum + Jungle Adventures
Get ready for a day of nature, swimming, and hidden gems as you explore some of the most beautiful cenotes around Tulum—each with its own unique character and vibe.
☀️ Morning: Southern Cenotes & Jungle Surroundings
Start your cenote tour in the southern zone, just a few minutes from Tulum Pueblo:
- Cenote Corazón del Paraíso: A heart-shaped open cenote surrounded by lush jungle—ideal for a peaceful swim and Instagram-worthy shots.
- Cenote Escondido and Cristalino: Tucked into the jungle with a diving platform and calm waters, perfect for snorkeling or spotting tiny freshwater fish. Cenote Cristalino is just accross the road, an open-air cenote that offers crystal-clear water, underwater caves, and a refreshing dip under the sun.
These cenotes are close together and make a great morning circuit before lunch.
🍽️ Midday: Lunch in Tulum Downtown
Head back into Tulum Centro for lunch. You’ll find great local flavors and cool cafés. Some top picks:
- Taquería Honorio – Legendary for cochinita pibil tacos
- El Vegetariano – Great vegetarian and vegan options
- Burrito Amor – Healthy burritos and cold-pressed juices in a modern, shaded space
Take your time to cool off, grab a smoothie, and consider shopping for some souvenirs before heading out again.
🏊♀️ Afternoon: Cenote Car Wash & Gran Cenote
Now head northwest of town (towards Coba´) to explore two of the most popular cenotes in the area:
- Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha): Once used as a car wash by locals, this semi-open cenote is now famous for its deep diving areas, lily pads, and turtles. Great for photography and scuba diving.
- Gran Cenote: One of the most iconic cenotes near Tulum, ideal for snorkeling through crystal-clear waters, seeing bats and stalactites in the caves, and swimming alongside turtles.
Both cenotes are located along the same road (Carretera 109, heading toward Coba), making them easy to pair.
PRO TIP – If you don’t want to waste time for lunch, you can grab a burrito and some drinks before getting to the cenote and have a picnic there.
TIPS
- If you have time and energy to explore more cenotes near Tulum, check out my guide with many more cenote options.
- This itinerary assumes having a car, but you can also hire a taxi; however, it will be more expensive.
- An alternative option is booking a cenote tour, which is actually a more relaxed way to visit. You just sit back and relax while the guide takes you to the most amazing cenotes. This tour is the top-rated one.
- If you choose to rent a car, I recommend grabbing my customized cenote map.
Day 3: Take a Day Trip to Chichen Itzá and Valladolid
Book a guided day trip to Chichen Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Arrive early to beat the crowds and explore the awe-inspiring El Castillo pyramid, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Great Ball Court.
On your way back, stop in Valladolid, a charming colonial town. Wander the colorful streets, visit the Cenote Zací in the middle of town, and grab a Yucatecan lunch at El Mesón del Marqués.
- Travel time: ~2 hours each way
- Recommended tour add-on: A visit to Cenote Ik Kil for a quick swim near Chichen Itzá.
Even in this case, if you don’t want to drive, there are many tours that combine Chichen Itza, Valladolid, and a cenote. Here’s one of the most highly rated.
Day 4: Spend a Day Relaxing at a Tulum Beach Club
After two active days, treat yourself to total relaxation. Choose one of Tulum’s top-rated beach clubs.
- Nomade Tulum – ideal for a luxurious, boho-luxe vibe
- Coco Tulum – for a laid-back beach day with great drinks
- Papaya Playa Project – perfect if you want music, cocktails, and a stylish crowd
Rent a daybed, order some fresh ceviche and mezcal cocktails, and let the day melt away under the sun.
Pro tip: Reserve in advance during high season (December–April).
Day 5: Visit Sian Ka’an and Muyil with a Boat Tour Through Ancient Canals
Explore the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with wildlife, mangroves, and Mayan Ruins.
Various tours take you to Sian Ka’an, but my favorite is a boat tour through the Ancient Canal in Muyil, which is also a lesser-known archaeological site nestled in the jungle.
From Muyil, you can hop on a boat tour through the lagoon canals, where you’ll float in crystal-clear freshwater through ancient Mayan trade routes.
Expect to see tropical birds, perhaps a crocodile or two, and incredible views across the untouched wetlands.
Make sure you choose the full tour that takes you to the sea all the way through the Canals of the Sian Ka’an biosphere.
To reach Punta Allen, you must either take a car or board a boat from Pier, located 3 km from the Sian Ka’an entrance.
What to bring: Reef-safe sunscreen,, swimsuit, gopro, towel, sunglasses.
Day 6: A Day Trip to Xpu-Ha Beach with Lunch and Evening in Playa del Carmen
Escape the Tulum crowds with a visit to Xpu-Ha Beach, a local favorite known for its soft white sand and calm turquoise waters. Rent a beach chair or bring a towel and relax at La Playa Xpu-Ha Beach Club, where you can also enjoy a fresh seafood lunch right by the sea.
There is an entry fee of 50 MXN, which is completely worth it.
In the late afternoon, head north to Playa del Carmen. Explore Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue), the pedestrian-friendly street lined with shops, bars, and cafés. Stay for dinner and soak in the vibrant nightlife before heading back to Tulum.
Day 7: Wrap Up Your Trip with a Final Swim or…
Soak up your final moments in paradise with a morning swim—either at your hotel beach or by revisiting your favorite beach club.
Treat yourself to a beachfront brunch and start reflecting on your incredible week in Tulum.
Optional: Book a spa treatment or a sound healing session before checkout for a rejuvenating sendoff.
🏛️ Alternative Day: Explore the Coba Ruins + Cenote Hopping Nearby
If you have an extra day in Tulum or want to swap one of the beach or chill days for something more, head inland to Coba, a quieter, less-crowded archaeological site with a deep jungle vibe and incredible history.
🌄 Morning: Discover the Ancient City of Coba
Drive or book a tour to Coba Archaeological Zone, about 45 minutes from Tulum. Once a major Mayan city, Coba is spread out over a vast area, surrounded by dense forest and connected by ancient stone causeways (called sacbeob).
- Rent a bike or hire a bicitaxi to explore the site.
- Climb Ixmoja, the tallest pyramid in the Yucatán (if open for climbing).
- Wander past ball courts, temples, and residential ruins hidden among the trees.
Entry fee: ~$100 MXN (plus optional guide or bike rental)
💦 Midday: Cool Off in Nearby Cenotes
After exploring Coba, head to one or more nearby cenotes—beautiful and less touristy than those near Tulum:
- Cenote Choo-Ha: A small, enclosed cenote with bright blue water and stunning stalactites.
- Cenote Tamcach-Ha: A deep underground cenote with diving platforms—great for adventurous swimmers.
- Cenote Multum-Ha: A bit further out but more secluded, with a quiet cave environment and cool, clear water.
These three cenotes are all run by the same community and are just a short drive or bike ride from the ruins.
🍽️ Lunch Idea: Local Flavors in Coba Village
Stop for lunch at a small local restaurant near the ruins—look for places offering poc chuc (grilled pork), sopa de lima, or handmade tortillas cooked over fire. Most are family-run and full of charm.
Recommended spot: Restaurante Chile Picante or El Encanto de Coba
🌿 Optional Add-On: Punta Laguna Nature Reserve
If time allows, while you are in Coba, visit Punta Laguna Monkey Reserve (20–25 minutes from Coba) for a guided jungle hike, zip-lining, canoeing on the lagoon, and a chance to spot howler and spider monkeys in the wild.
🛣️ Tips for Visiting Coba:
- Go early to avoid midday heat and crowds.
- Wear sturdy shoes and bring bug spray.
- Bring small bills in pesos for entrance fees, snacks, and tips.
- Cell service is limited—download maps offline before you go.
🎒 Tulum Packing List: Essentials for a Week of Adventure & Relaxation
🌴 Beach & Swimwear
- 2–3 swimsuits (quick-dry and stylish for cenotes + beach clubs)
- Lightweight cover-up or sarong
- Flip-flops or waterproof sandals
- Beach towel or quick-dry travel towel
- Sunhat or cap
- Sunglasses (polarized recommended)
- Reusable water bottle
🧭 Adventure & Jungle Gear
- Comfortable hiking shoes or sport sandals (for ruins and jungle tours)
- Water shoes (helpful for rocky cenotes and boat tours)
- Daypack or small backpack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory for cenotes and Sian Ka’an)
- Biodegradable bug spray
- Dry bag or waterproof pouch (for phone, money, etc.)
- Travel towel or microfiber towel
🏖️ Clothing
- Light, breathable clothing (cotton or linen)
- 1–2 dressier outfits for beach clubs or dinners
- Athletic wear for tours or biking
- Lightweight rain jacket or poncho (for sudden tropical showers)
- Sleepwear and undergarments
- Hat or bandana for sun protection
📱 Tech & Travel Essentials
- International power adapter (Mexico uses Type A and B plugs, 110V)
- Portable charger/power bank
- Smartphone with offline maps downloaded (like Google Maps or Maps.me)
- Waterproof phone case
- Travel documents (passport, driver’s license if renting a car)
- Copies of reservations/tour confirmations
💵 Money & Health
- Pesos in cash (for cenote entrance fees, tips, small shops)
- Credit/debit cards (Visa & MasterCard widely accepted)
- Small first aid kit (with motion sickness pills, pain relievers, etc.)
- Aloe vera or after-sun lotion
- Hand sanitizer & travel tissues
- Travel Insurance
🎯 Optional but Useful
- Snorkel gear (if you prefer your own)
- Travel guidebook or phrasebook
- Lightweight yoga mat or towel (many hotels offer classes)
- GoPro or waterproof camera
