Tulum is a beautiful and mystical place, but sometimes you just need to get out of the town and explore the area.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the best day trips to take from Tulum so that you can plan fun excursions during your holidays.
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1. Chichen Itza
This ancient Maya city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico, and for good reason. In fact, Chichen Itza is one of the most popular day trips from Tulum.
The ancient city is full of interesting history and architecture, and there is plenty to see and do. You can explore the ancient temples, learn about the Maya culture, or even take a dip in one of the nearby cenote.
You can plan a day trip to Chichen Itza from Tulum by taking a bus. The journey takes about two hours, so it’s best to leave early in the morning to make the most of your day.
Alternatively, book a day trip via GetYourGuide or Viator. You’ll find different options to choose from.
2. Coba
Coba is another ancient Maya city that makes for a great day trip from Tulum. It’s located in the jungle, so it’s a great opportunity to explore the area’s flora and fauna.
You can also visit the ancient ruins, take a swim in one of the cenotes, or go zip-lining through the jungle.
To get to Coba from Tulum, you can take a bus, or book a day trip. The journey takes around 45 minutes to one hour.
You can browse your options on GetYourGuide or Viator.
3. Sian Ka’an
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a must-visit for any nature lover. This protected area is home to an incredible variety of plant and animal species.
You can explore the reserve by foot, boat, or even on a bike. There are also various guided tours available, so you can learn about the reserve’s ecology and history.
To get to Sian Ka’an from Tulum, you can take a bus or book a day tour. The journey takes around 20 minutes from Tulum.
Browse your options on GetYourGuide or Viator.
4. Akumal
Akumal is a beautiful beach town that’s perfect for a day of relaxation. You can lounge on the white sand beaches, go swimming in the clear turquoise waters, or snorkel and scuba dive to explore the underwater world.
There are also various restaurants and bars in Akumal so that you can enjoy a delicious meal or refreshing drink.
Akumal is located just south of Tulum, so it’s easy to get there. You can take a bus or book a day tour from Tulum. The journey takes around 25 minutes by car.
Akumal is very popular for scuba-divers and snorkelers. So, book your tour in advance to avoid disappointment.
5. Playa Del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is a lively beach town that’s perfect for a day of fun in the sun. You can lounge on the beautiful beaches, go shopping in the trendy boutiques, or dance the night away in one of the many nightclubs.
There’s also plenty of delicious food to be enjoyed in Playa del Carmen.
To get to Playa del Carmen from Tulum, you can take a bus or book a day tour. The journey takes around one hour by car.
Browse your options on GetYourGuide or Viator.
6. Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is a small and charming fishing village that’s perfect for a day of relaxation. You can stroll through the quaint streets, enjoy fresh seafood at one of the restaurants, or lounge on the beautiful beaches.
There’s also an interesting reef to explore just offshore.
Puerto Morelos is located just north of Tulum, so it’s easy to get there. You can take a bus or book a day tour from Tulum. The journey takes around 1h15 minutes by car.
7. Cozumel
Cozumel is a beautiful island that’s perfect for a day of snorkeling and scuba diving. You can explore the coral reefs, go swimming in the clear waters, or just relax on the beach.
There are also various restaurants and bars on the island so that you can enjoy a delicious meal or refreshing drink.
To reach Cozumel from Tulum, you’ll need to take a ferry. The journey takes around 2 hours, including the ferry time. Note that you will need to get to Playa del Carmen to take the ferry.
Browse your options on GetYourGuide or Viator.
7. Valladolid
Valladolid is a beautiful colonial city that makes for a great day trip from Tulum. You can explore the historic center, visit the local market, or take a swim in one of the cenotes. There’s also plenty of delicious food to be enjoyed in Valladolid.
You can take a bus or book a day tour to get to Valladolid from Tulum. The journey takes around 1.5 hours by car.
Browse your options on GetYourGuide or Viator.
8. Bacalar
Bacalar is a small town located on the shores of Laguna de Bacalar. This beautiful lagoon is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
You can also just relax on the beach and enjoy the stunning views. In Bacalar, there are also various restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a delicious meal or refreshing drink.
To get to Bacalar from Tulum, you can take a bus or book a day tour. The journey takes around 2 hours by car.
Browse your options on GetYourGuide or Viator.
I recommend spending the night in Bacalar if you have enough time to make the most of your time there.
Final Thoughts On Tulum Excursions
There are many great Tulum excursions to choose from. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore ancient ruins, or try scuba diving, there’s something for everyone.
When planning your trip, be sure to factor in the travel time to each destination. Some of the best Tulum day trips are farther away and can take a few hours to reach, depending on the transport chosen.
We recommend booking a day trip via GetYourGuide or Viator if you want to have everything organized for you in advance. This way, you can just relax and enjoy your vacation.
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