Tulum: Day Trips and Tours from Cancún

Mexico is the perfect destination for travelers seeking new destinations and exciting experiences. For an unparalleled and fascinating excursion, take a day trip to Tulum from Cancún.

The Tulum archaeological site is the location of an ancient Mayan city overlooking Mexico’s Caribbean coast, within easy reach for visitors staying in Cancún.

Not only does the site offer visitors an insightful glimpse into the lives of the ancient Mayans, it also offers spectacular panoramic views across the sea and one of the region’s best white sandy beaches.

Here's all you need to know about Tulum, one of the most exciting day trips from Cancún.

How to get to Tulum from Cancún?

Tulum is located on the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Less than 140 kilometers south of Cancún, getting to Tulum is easy and there are several ways to do it.

From Cancún to Tulum by car

The approximately 135 kilometer journey from Cancún to Tulum takes around two hours directly along Highway 307 South. This route offers amazing views of the Caribbean Sea and the Mexican countryside. You can either self-drive or hire a vehicle and driver for the day.

From Cancún to Tulum by bus

If you would like to travel by bus, you can book a ticket to Tulum from the ADO bus terminal in Cancún. The bus follows the same route you would take on a car trip, but traveling time is slightly longer at around two and a half hours.

Guided tour to Tulum from Cancún

Guided tours from Cancún to Tulum usually include round-trip transfers from the city. You will either be offered a return hotel transfer or asked to meet at a central pickup point. Half-day tours last 4 to 5 hours, while full-day experiences can last anywhere between 8 and 14 hours.

How much does the entrance ticket to Tulum cost?

Entrance tickets to Tulum can be purchased online in advance or at the Tulum archaeological site ticket office. If you have booked online in advance through a tour operator, you will be able to skip the long lines at the entrance.

Single-entry ticket to Tulum

• Adult: MXN90 (US$5)
• Children (under the age of 13): free

The ticket price includes access to the Tulum ruins and the beach area. It does not include access to the cenotes or any other activities.

What is the typical itinerary?

Most guided tours to Tulum from Cancún get an early morning start to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and to avoid the crowds. You will either be collected from your hotel, or asked to make your way to the tour’s meeting point.

As you travel to Tulum, you will be able to view the magnificent scenery and learn more about the natural and cultural history of the region. The itinerary usually includes a guided tour of the Tulum ruins, followed by some free time to explore the beach area, swim in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea or relax on the white sand.

Some tours also include additional activities such as a visit to the nearby cenotes for a swim. A cenote is a natural pit in limestone bedrock that reveals the azure groundwater beneath. Otherwise, your tour may include snorkeling at nearby coral reefs, or one of the eco-adventure activities offered in the area.

After a day of exploring, the trip back to Cancún usually leaves in the late afternoon or early evening, unless you have specifically booked a half-day excursion.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Tulum?

There are many tours available that offer day trips to Tulum from Cancún. You can choose between private tours, group tours, eco-tours and adventure tours. Some of the most popular tours include the below.

Full-day guided Tulum archaeological site and cenote tour

Start your day with an early hotel pickup and travel to the well-preserved ruins at the Tulum archaeological site. Your tour guide will tell you all about the discoveries and secrets that have been unearthed at Tulum before taking you to cool off in a nearby cenote.

Tulum express half-day tour

This small-group tour includes a hotel pick-up and transportation. On arrival at Tulum, you will skip the ticket line and enter the site for a one-hour guided tour followed by one hour of free time to explore independently or to unwind and enjoy the beach.

Tulum and Coba tour from Cancún

If your primary interest is the Mayan history of the Yucatan Peninsula, then a full-day tour that includes visits to the ancient cities of Tulum and Coba is ideal.

At Coba, you will discover Nohoch Mul, the tallest Mayan pyramid in the region, while at Tulum, you will explore the walled city that played a pivotal role in Mayan trade of jade and turquoise. A buffet lunch and round-trip transfers from Cancún are included in the tour cost.

Tulum and jungle adventure tours from Cancún

There are several variations of adventure tours that include a guided tour of Tulum followed by jungle activities, including zip-lining, a visit to an underground river, and a Mayan cultural experience.

These small group tours typically include return transfers, a driver/guide for the duration of the tour, all equipment required for each activity and lunch.

Private 3-in-1 tour including Tulum, reef snorkeling and cenote

Expand your tour of Tulum and the cenote to include snorkeling in the reefs of the Caribbean Sea. This guided tour includes round-trip transfers from hotels in Cancún, entrance fees and a buffet lunch.

The first stop on this type of tour is the ruins at Tulum, followed by a motorboat trip from Mayan Beach to the outlying Caribbean Sea reefs with their brightly colored tropical fish.

Finally, you will journey into the subtropical rainforest to the Xtun Cavernas where you can swim in the clear waters of a massive cenote before returning to Cancún.

If you would like to book this tour on a private basis, you can do so by paying a flat rate for a maximum of 12 participants.

How much does a day trip to Tulum from Cancún cost?

Tour prices vary depending on the length of tour and the activities included. Some tours include entry fees, while in other cases, these costs need to be paid additionally.

Full-day guided Tulum archaeological site and cenote tours start at US$30 per person. This price includes shared transport and guide services, but excludes entrance fees and any personal expenses.

A Tulum express or half-day tour costs around US$70 per person. Children between the age of 5 and 11 pay from US$60, while children under the age of 5 are free of charge but do not get their own seat in the transfer vehicle.

A full-day guided tour to Coba and Tulum from Cancún starts from US$75 per person for a seat on a small group excursion.

Tulum and jungle adventure tours from Cancún are priced from US$100 per person for a full day of sightseeing and activities.

A private 3-in-1 tour including Tulum, reef snorkeling and a cenote visit includes a return transfer from Cancún and costs US$100 per person in a group of 12.

What will you see and do?

The main attraction of Tulum is undoubtedly the ruins of a well-preserved ancient Mayan city that overlooks the Caribbean Sea.

A guided tour of the site will take you through the main buildings and structures, including the famous El Castillo pyramid, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the Temple of the Descending God.

The ruins are surrounded by a stunning landscape of tropical vegetation and turquoise waters, creating the unique atmosphere of this site.

Like all Mayan cities, Tulum had a purpose. It was a sea port and trading post, with turquoise and jade being the most commonly traded commodities. Unlike most other Mayan cities, Tulum was a walled city and it is this wall that has helped to preserve the city itself.

After visiting the ruins, you will be able to walk down to the white sand beach and spend some time exploring, swimming or relaxing.

If your tour includes other activities such as a visit to the cenotes, snorkeling or an eco-adventure, your guide will make sure your tour is well-planned to accommodate all destinations and activities.

What are the opening times?

Tulum is accessible to visitors year-round. You are able to enter from 8 AM. The site closes at 5 PM, with the last entry permitted at 4 PM, so take this into account when planning your visit.

When is the best time to visit Tulum?

Peak season in Tulum is from December to April, with warm, sunny days and cooler evenings. During the rainy season and summer months, humidity increases and this can make these periods less pleasant for activities.

If you want to visit during a quieter and more budget-friendly period, then November and December offer the benefit of post hurricane-season breezes with better deals on flights and accommodation.

Are there any tours to Tulum from other cities in Mexico?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Mexico:

• Day trips to Tulum from Playa del Carmen
• Day trips to Tulum from Cozumel

Travel tips

• Pack plenty of bottled water to drink, especially during the hotter and more humid months.
• Remember sunscreen and a hat.
• Bring your bathing suit and towel along.
• Most tours happen regardless of weather conditions, so pack a rain jacket and spare change of clothing.
• Some tours do not permit cameras or film equipment. Check with your operator regarding your specific tour policies.