Are you wondering how to spend the perfect day in Tulum? In this post, we are going to give you the insiders guide to spending a day in Tulum. There is so much to see and do it can be difficult to know the best places to visit, especially if you have a limited time.
But never fear! Here is our 1-day Itinerary, along with our Tulum Travel Tips to make sure you have the perfect day.
Enjoy the perfect Tulum beach sunrise
If you are an early riser then head to Mirador Beach, this is the perfect spot to relax and prepare yourself for the most magical sunrise over the Caribbean sea.
Enjoy the best breakfast in Tulum
It’s time for breakfast and close to Mirador Beach is El Pez, just a short walk away.
At El Pez enjoy a delicious breakfast, with a mimosa or two, while soaking up the spectacular view of the Caribbean sea. We recommend the Yogurt Parfait to start followed by the Smashed Avocado on Sourdough with a fried egg.
Tulum Travel Tip: Every Sunday El Pez has a special Sunday Brunch from 11-5 pm. There is live music from Swingazo fro 1 pm and a special brunch menu. It’s the perfect way to recover from your Saturday night Mojitos.
Hire a bicycle
Bikes can easily be rented for a very reasonable price and cycling really is the best way to explore Tulum. We do recommend only using the bikes during the day as the bikes do not come with lights. You can rent a bike from any of our hotels for $15 USD per day, just speak to the concierge.
Tulum Travel Tip: Be sure to check the bike over and adjust the seat height for you before peddling away.
Explore Tulum Ruins
Once you have your bike take a leisurely ride to Tulum Ruins, from El Pez, it is a 15-20 minute bike ride to the entrance.
Tulum Ruins is the only Mayan City to be built by the sea and interestingly the only one to be contained within a wall. If you prefer to take a tour you will be able to book a tour guide on arrival or speak to your hotel concierge about arranging one for you.
Tulum Travel Tip: When you enter you will have a choice of 2 doorways. Don’t choose the first, instead, continue up the steps and go through the second. Trust us walking through the doorway to the view of the limestone ruins view over the crystal clear water of the Caribbean sea. Also, don’t forget your bathing suit as you can access the beach from inside the ruins and cool off part way around.
Enjoy lunch with a view
After all of that exploring, it is time refuel and recharge and enjoy lunch at one of the most popular spots in Tulum, Mezzanine. Set up on the cliff top Mezzanine boasts one of the best views in Tulum and its location next door to Playa Paraiso makes it the ideal lunch or dinner spot.
Tulum Travel Tip: Did we mention 2-4-1 Margaritas at Mezzanine from 1-4pm? Every day!
Chill on the Beach
If you can pull yourself away from the Margaritas and stunning views at Mezzanine then it is time to hit the beach. A visit to Playa Paraiso has to be one of the top things to do in Tulum. With its powder white sand and unmistakable turquoise sparkling water, you will be forgiven for never wanting to leave.
Tulum Travel Tip: Playa Paraiso is one of the larger beaches in Tulum and as it is on the north side of the beach road it tends to be a lot quieter than the south side. So if you want to avoid the crowds it is the best beach to chill for the day. It was also ranked as the number one beach in Mexico and the 21st in the world by Tripadvisor’s Travellers Choice two years in a row.
Explore Cenotes in Tulum
Not really a chill on the beach person? Then it is time to hop back on your bike and visit a Cenote or two. We recommend Cenote Encantado and Cenote Cape-Ha. they are both on the south side of the beach road and easily accessible by car or bike.
Cenote Encantado is a bit of a hidden gem, not many people know about it so the chances are you will have it all to yourself. The Cenote itself is more like a lake and unless you are a strong swimmer we recommend hiring a kayak. The water is very clear and perfect for snorkeling, although you will need to bring your own equipment as you will not find it for rent here.
Cenote Cape-Ha is smaller but still just as beautiful. Mostly uncovered but surrounded by mangroves and jungle. It is pretty well concealed so you will need to look closely for the sign. There is normally a man close to the entrance who you will need to pay, he will then guide you through the short jungle walk to the Cenote.
Visiting Cenotes is a must do while in Tulum. For those of you who are a bit more adventurous, you can discover the Mayan underworld and go scuba diving in many of the cenotes in and around Tulum.
Tulum Travel Tip: If you want the full Tulum spiritual experience then they often host sacred water ceremony at Cenote Encantado especially around the full moon.
Dinner on the beach
After you have freshened up it is time for dinner on the beach at La Zebra. Specializing in genuine Mexican food with a modern twist Chef Bonilla has put together an exciting menu that will offer you an authentic taste of Mexico cuisine.
Want to know more take a read of our Tulum Nightlife Guide here.
Tulum Travel Tip: If you happen to be in Tulum on a Sunday then you can not miss Sunday evenings at La Zebra. With a live Salsa band playing from 7:30 pm and a free dance class at 6:30 pm.
If you are visiting Tulum, one day really isn’t enough time to get the full Tulum experience. Ideally, you need a week (or more). There is so much to do in Tulum and the surrounding area, from exploring Mayan Ruins to swimming in the sea with turtles, or even sharks!
But of course, you could also choose to spend a few days reading and sipping cocktails in a hammock on the beach, enjoying the view in true Tulum style.
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