Written by Mony Figueroa

Day 1: Explore Tulum Downtown

You’ve arrived in Tulum! It’s your first day here, but before you start swimming in cenotes and exploring archaeological marvels, you’ll want to see and visit everything you can around you. Assuming you landed early, here are a few things you can do on your first day in Tulum:

Bike and Explore the Town

One of the best ways to explore is by renting a bike in Tulum and riding around town. There are easy, bike-friendly streets and even a bike lane that crosses downtown. Hop on and off to check out the shops and restaurants. One of the coolest things to do by bike is see some street art. Not only will the colorful murals lead you down some of the most interesting streets in town, but you’ll also get to see bits of local life that you don’t get to see in the popular zones. Be sure to look for souvenirs here, too, as you can find many handmade Mayan goods.

Tulum Tower

One of our favorite ideas for day 1 in Tulum is to head over to Tulum Tower to see what the area looks like from above. You can enjoy cocktails and a snack from over 100 feet high and take in the Archaeological Zone and other attractions from a bird’s eye view. Please note that reservations are required.

Time for some Insta Snaps

Tulum is among the most Instagram-worthy Mexico travel destinations, so you’ll likely want some photos at all the iconic spots. Start with a photo at the famous Follow The Dream sign, located outside of the Lolita Lolita shop. Next, head to Casa Malca, the mansion-turned-hotel once owned by Pablo Escobar. From there, make your way to Azulik Tulum, one of the most Instagrammable Tulum resorts. Then, visit the Ven a la Luz sculpture (meaning “come into the light”) by South African artist Daniel Popper is perhaps the most recognizable of all Tulum photo ops. 

Remember that you can also get our Tulumstagram Experience, which includes all those and some extra special not-so-famous places.

Day 2: Tulum Ruins + Beach

First thing in the morning, visit the Tulum Archaeological Site, one of the most visited in the whole of Yucatan and arguably the most picturesque. Something that sets the Tulum Mayan ruins apart is that they’re perched at the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean. You’ll get unbeatable views of the sea and Tulum beach!

Visiting the ruins on your own from Tulum is easy; the site is only 3 km from the city center. To get there, you can take a taxi, or reserve our tour, where we’ll have everything ready for you.

After a full morning soaking up culture and history, comes the moment you’ve been waiting for: It’s time to hit the beach! Grab a hat, a book, and a snorkel mask, and head to the sea for some well-earned relaxation time. If you don’t have access to a private beach or would like to explore further, there are many incredible spots along Tulum’s 10-km shoreline. We recommend:

• Playa Paraiso: Here you can rent beach chairs and parasols, and forget about the world’s troubles for a day. The water here is ideal for a relaxing swim or snorkeling.

• Las Palmas Public Beach: A fantastic option to enjoy a more preserved beach with fewer tourist developments. Expect fewer crowds, a wider beachfront, and more local restaurants.

And to close this perfect day, nothing beats a good dinner on Tulum Beach. It’s no secret that the cuisine here is world-class. Foodies will be very happy! 

Check some of our hot spots we suggest for you to get the perfect bite.

Day 3: Cenotes

Today, prepare for some amazing activities, inspiring natural places, and some relaxing vibes, because we are going cenote swimming! This is a unique and unforgettable experience you’ll only get to enjoy in this part of the world. And trust me, once you’ve visited one, you’ll become obsessed and will want to see them all!

To enjoy your time in the Tulum cenotes, my most important tip is to GO EARLY! Right at opening time is best. Cenotes aren’t as enjoyable when you have to share them with dozens of other people. 

Some of our favorite (and highly recommended) cenotes to include in your Tulum itinerary are:

• Cenote Dos Ojos – One of the most famous and Instagrammable cenotes. 

• Cenote Calavera – A truly special cenote that is still relatively unknown, so it’s a great cenote to go for a peaceful swim. 

• Gran Cenote – This is another extremely popular cenote, and for a reason. The color of the water is otherworldly!

If you want a full deep dive on the top cenotes and where to find them, read our sister article, where we tell you all you need to know and some special insider secrets.

After your cenote-hunting experience, go enjoy the best of life at Playa del Carmen. Once you're in the city, stroll along 5th Avenue and take in the atmosphere. This is the commercial and entertainment heart of the city: almost 1.2 miles of high-end stores, bars, restaurants, and local shops. You’ll also find street musicians, artistic performances, and much more.

Day 4: Day Trip to Sian Ka’An Biosphere Reserve

This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean and home to a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, including many endangered species. We are not exaggerating when we say that the Sian Ka’an Reserve is one of the most naturally astonishing and beautiful places in Mexico! 

The Biosphere Reserve has two different sides, and tours usually visit either one or the other. Punta Allen is a fishing village located at the end of Boca Paila Peninsula. It’s the section of Sian Ka’an that features paradisiacal beaches and the coral reef. The second destination is home to the Muyil Archaeological Site, mangrove canals, and a lagoon where you can enjoy a boat ride. 

Exploring Sian Ka’an will take all day, so once you’re done, we’re pretty sure you’ll be ready to get some well-deserved rest in your villa.

Day 5: Ancient City of Coba

No 5-day Tulum itinerary is complete without a visit to the nearby ancient Mayan city of Coba and its underground cenotes. Coba is located a bit further away from Tulum (45-50 minutes) but is still really doable for a day trip. 

Here, you’ll get to walk or ride a bike around one of the most mystical Mayan ruins sites. You’ll get to see an ancient, well-preserved Mayan ball court and even climb one of the pyramids for an epic lookout over the jungle. Crowds are definitely smaller than the ones you’ll find in Chichen Itza, and the structures are well-preserved amid the beautiful lush green of the jungle. Really worth it! 

Maya Luxe has an incredible tour where we handle everything from transportation to snacks and some professional guides.

That’s it! If you only have 5 days in Tulum, your trip will end here. You’ll likely head back to the Cancun Airport and be on your way. We hope this itinerary helps plan your trip! Since Days 1-5 are packed with activities, consider taking an extra day to just chill at the pool or beach. Think of it as a “free” day to unwind and soak in the last bits of paradise.

We hope this guide has helped you plan a memorable trip. Stay tuned for more travel guides and itineraries from Maya Luxe to help you enjoy the best days of your life. 

Happy travels!