Your Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Tulum
Unwind in Tulum, a bohemian sanctuary on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico known for its well-preserved Mayan ruins and pristine eco-chic resorts.
Tulum is about 90 minutes from Cancún International Airport by car or shuttle; colectivos and ADO buses also run from Cancún and Playa del Carmen. November–April is dry and warm; summer is hot and humid with a higher chance of rain. The hotel zone is spread along the beach road—rent a bike or use taxis to get around. Book popular restaurants and cenote tours in advance. Combine beach time with the Tulum ruins, cenotes like Dos Ojos and Gran Cenote, and day trips to Sian Ka’an or Coba. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and cash for smaller spots.
Discover the best landmarks, where to eat, and where to stay in Tulum.
Best Time to Visit Tulum
Spring
31°C / 22°C
Hot and dry, excellent beach weather
Summer
33°C / 24°C
Very hot, humid, with short tropical showers
Fall
32°C / 23°C
Warm and humid, peak hurricane season
Winter
28°C / 20°C
Perfectly warm and breezy, dry season
Day 1
Tulum Archaeological Zone
Ruins of a walled, ancient Mayan city, located on a bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Morning activity: Tulum Archaeological Zone.
Gitano Tulum
Lunch nearby: Gitano Tulum.
Gran Cenote
Limestone cenote & cavern with snorkeling areas, equipment rentals & boardwalks.
Afternoon sightseeing: Gran Cenote.
Kin Toh
Dinner in the area: Kin Toh.
Tulum Beach
Evening experience: Tulum Beach.
Day 2
Sian Ka'an Biosphere
Protected jungle preserve offering guided boat tours, wildlife sightings, walkways & Mayan ruins.
Morning activity: Sian Ka'an Biosphere.
Taqueria Honorio
Lunch nearby: Taqueria Honorio.
Cenote Dos Ojos
Historic caves & crystal clear natural swimming holes popular for snorkeling & scuba diving.
Afternoon sightseeing: Cenote Dos Ojos.
Rosa Negra
Vibrant restaurant serving Latin American cuisine & cocktails in rustic surrounds.
Dinner in the area: Rosa Negra.
Papaya Playa Project
Basic cabins & eco-chic cottages in a beachfront retreat with a pool, a spa & a lively bar.
Evening experience: Papaya Playa Project.
Day 3
Coba Ruins
Visitors to the remains of ancient Mayan city Cobá can climb Nohoch Mul, the area's highest pyramid.
Morning activity: Coba Ruins.
Matcha Mama
Lunch nearby: Matcha Mama.
Playa Paraiso
Afternoon sightseeing: Playa Paraiso.
Hartwood
Off-grid open-air restaurant known for seafood cooked over a wood-burning grill & fruity cocktails.
Dinner in the area: Hartwood.
Taboo Beach Club
Vibrant beachfront lounge with regular live music serving seafood, Mediterranean dishes & cocktails.
Evening experience: Taboo Beach Club.