Tulum may be small but it has a lot to offer. Our backpacking community has a wealth of hot spots which we have organised into 'one day itineraries', so if you have 3 days, a week or a month we have pieced together five fantastic options for a day out in Tulum. Couple this with out backpacking Mexico travel guide and our Mexico blog section for more awesome backpacking tips
things to do Tulum
Tulum in one day Option 1 - Four cenotes in a day by bicycle
Backpacking Mexico
Naturally one cannot visit the Yucatan without heading to the wonderful spectacles that are the cenotes. Below are four you should not miss, you can do them all in a day by bicycle or alternatively if you are on a slower flex pair the Gran Cenote and Zacil-Ha as one day and cenotes Escondido and Cristal as a second day.
Zacil-Ha Entry fee $300mx (2023)
This cenote is the north most and features a picturesque circular shape and offers a relaxing swimming experience, its a bike of a longer ride so strap in.
Gran Cenote Entry fee $500mx (2023)
One of the most popular cenotes in the Yucatan, Gran Cenote offers crystal-clear water, underwater formations, and even a large cave area for snorkeling and diving.
Cenote Escondido & Cenote Cristal Entry $200mx for both. (2023)
South of Tulum and around 20 minutes by cycle, these cenotes are somewhat hidden and offer a more secluded experience, they will be much better for a 'backpacker vibe'.
Above, the Gran Cenote, photo by Backpackers Blueprint
Option 02 - Parque Nacional Tulum & Beach Day
Possibly Tulums most important architectural site the Parque National is also easily accessible by bicycle from Tulum. Ticket are $90 pesos, and the site is open 8 am to 5 pm, everyday. It is quicker to bike down the main 307 but less scenic, however if you do the full loop (see map below) you will be able to bike back up north along the much more attractive 15.
Allocate around 1-2 hours at the site, we would recommend going early before the area gets too busy from bus loads of tourists, avoid the hottest part of the day; this may seem obvious, but take a hat and water! There are not many shady places to get relief from the Mexican sun. Another important note. If you arrive from the 307 people will try to sell you tickets for entry! Ignore these touts and go directly to the stone building with a thatched roof located on point B. This is the ticket office you do not need to buy anything off anyone before this point for entry.
Once you have had some time checking out Tulums most important site, grab your bike and head west up La Costera. Find a public opening to the beach (C), lock your bike up and walk your way across the golden sand, you will find a view like this to welcome you.
Above, the Tulum beach front, photo by Backpackers Blueprint
Option 3 - Cenotes by transport
From Tulum, some cenotes are just a bit too far to sensibly get to without a vehicle here are four cenotes north east of Tulum that are accessible by colectivo or grab a scooter for the day from Tulum if you do not want to take on the colectivo.
The colectivo' are only easy for those who know, but essentially you want to wait for a white van, flag it down, it will stop (if not full) jump on, tell the driver where you would like to be dropped off and take a seat. The driver will charge you at the stopping point so make sure you take an array of Pesos with you! Playa del Carmen where Chaak Tun is located is around an hour north of Tulum so try to leave straight after breakfast.
Dos Ojos Entry fee 700mx
Yes this is an expensive one, this cenote system is famous for its extensive underwater cave network and unique formations. It's a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkling, always book before you go, this one is for good swimmers.
Casa Tortuga Entry fee $400mx (pre booked) $650MX for walk-ins
An odd one for the list perhaps as this one is definitely less backpacker(ish) and much more geared towards conventional tourism, however for your 400 Pesos, you get a guided tour of four cenotes 2 caverns and two open as well as a life jacket.
Above, Casa Tortuga, photo by Backpackers Blueprint
Cenote Azul Entry fee $150mx
Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, hence the name "Azul," or 'blue' in Spanish. Azul has a small cliff from which visitors can jump into the cenote's refreshing waters.
Cenote Chaak Tun Entry fee $500mx
Cenote Chaak Tun is known for its stunning underground formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and various rock formations. You can swim and snorkel through its underground chambers, which can have varying degrees of light filtering through from openings in the cave ceiling.
Option 4 - Art & Shopping
The interesting thing about Tulum is that it is not an architecturally beautiful town, what makes it beautiful is the extensive street art and murals on buildings. Grab your camera and a coffee from Raw Love Cafe, https://www.rawlovetulum.com/ great for vegan options, green marker on the map below, and explore the area, below are a few images from our cameras, we have also highlighted the areas to venture into as most of the art is set only a few streets deep.
As for shopping, your main point of interest is going to be straight up the main road, the 307. Tulum has become synonymous as a boho centre with a young edgy undertone. It is far enough and away from 'glitz and glamour' and is home to some very cool, friendly and welcoming people. If you are looking for lunch then try Botanica Garden Cafe to the eastern side of the map (purple marker)
Option 05 - Night life
If you are a creature of the night then here are a few of the best bars to check out ranging from wild to classy.
For starting a night out try Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar a new bar in the area it provides live music and makes claim to the best mojito in Tulum, let us know what you think. Alternatively to Batey and just one block over is 'Bar Near Me' a more casual vibe and good alternative to Bateys as the starting point of your evening.
Nearby Batey are 'Mezcaleria Amores' and 'Mistico Tulum', these are all street level and will all have music popping off into the evening, you can have a fantastic night out in the space of 100 meters using these four bars alone but if you want to hit the rooftops then read on.
Tulums Rooftop Bars
On the same block as Mistico Tulum but on the main strip is Xibalbar, expect a DJ set and a more casual vibe.
Now ... If you are on a wild one then you will here everyone mention one place, Straw hat, think spring break on a small rooftop, all the shots all the beers! But it is also cheap!
If you are on a more classy evening then check out Naná Rooftop Bar, a better selection of cocktails, and a more refined decor.
Alternatively to Naná Rooftop Bar is DT Rooftop, but if you are on a budget, this is not a place you will thank me for recommending but it is more 'glitzy' than most other places down the strip.
Generally down the strip you will see the various rooftop bars but you will also be able to quite easily hear what they are playing, so you can make a decision from the street based on which DJ/ bar you like the sound of best.
Tulum Safety Tips
A word of warning, generally it is known that guys have to be careful when walking home alone at night in Tulum. Try to only take out the cash you need and leave your passport safely at your hostel/ accommodation, you will need some ID for entry to clubs but try to ensure that whatever you take it is less important than your passport. Try not to walk home alone at night, ESPECIALLY if you are fairly drunk, unfortunately it is often the police who will take advantage of you. Don't be a victim be sensible and careful, take a cab if you have a distance to get home.
We hope the above adds to your experience of Tulum and you are able to find some inspiration from our suggestions. Please feel free to contact us with what you have enjoyed about Tulum and what you have not and let us know what suggestions you would include for fellow travellers.
As always stay safe travellers and keep exploring.
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