The Best Day Trips From Tulum Mexico

When you’re planning a trip to the Mexican beach paradise of Tulum, keep in mind that there are numerous attractions nearby. So, head beyond the local beaches and save some itinerary space for the Mayan ruins, underground cenotes and natural aquariums. Here’s our guide.

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Explore the ruins of Chichén Itzá

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this well-preserved Mayan city was once the center of economic and religious life in the region. The complex takes a few hours to explore, with numerous temples, ball courts and the huge central pyramid, El Castillo, to visit. Come in the spring or autumn equinox and, during the late afternoon, the northwest corner of the pyramid casts a series of shadows that looks like a snake descending the staircase, an image which some scholars associate with the feathered serpent god Kukulkan. If you can’t make those dates, the phenomenon is also visible at night-time shows, in which colored lights are projected onto the buildings.

This stunning lagoon just south of Tulum is the perfect place for a swim. The gorgeous destination has clear, calm waters and is often deserted. Arrive in the early morning if you want to be the only person in paradise. The lagoon contains at least two different shades of blue because its center has a cenote (sinkhole) around 260ft (79m) deep. You won’t find food vendors or restaurants in the immediate area, so bring a picnic and eat on the tables next to the lagoon.

Experience Xel-Há Park

Taking its name from the nearby Mayan ruins, Xel-Há is an aquatic theme park and natural aquarium that offers an incredible range of activities. Whether you are looking to snorkel with tropical fish, swim in a cave, try zip lining or take a trip down the river, Xel-Há is the place for you. A fantastic day trip for families, the park is also extremely beautiful and can be explored on foot, bike or mini-train. Xel-Há also has an impressive range of amenities, including free wifi and four restaurants serving Mexican and international dishes.

Take a dip in the Gran Cenote

The area surrounding Tulum is famed for its cenotes, which were once revered as sacred by the ancient Mayans. Formed when limestone is gradually eroded over hundreds of years, these cenotes attract a diverse crowd of divers, swimmers and adventurers. Gran Cenote is a particularly impressive example and takes only 15 minutes to reach by bike from central Tulum. Swimmers flock to the destination because of its sandy bottom and sunbathing decks, while serious divers are attracted to the site because it provides access to the world’s second-largest cave system.

Zip line through the jungle

Zip lining has exploded in popularity in Mexico in recent years. Adventure and sports companies such as Aventura Mayas offer thrillseeking travelers the chance to soar over the Mayan jungle. The company offers a range of tours that take around six hours and include other activities such as snorkeling, rappelling down a rock face and exploring an underground river – the perfect way to get an adrenaline rush while also enjoying the local wildlife.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.