It does not matter when you’re planning to visit Tulum! You’ll always find something to do and new places to explore. In this article, we’ll share some tips and how to get to Tulum. “Tulum: Travel Guide and how to get there” has the information you need to find out things to do in Tulum to make your vacation unforgettable, and specifically, the ultimate Caribbean experience.
How to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum
Distance to Tulum
Cancun International Airport is the airport that serves the entire Riviera Maya, whether you are flying in or out of Mexico. It is also the most important airport in Mexico after CDMX.
The Cancun Airport is 15 kilometers from the Cancun city center, and about 120 kilometers north of Tulum. If you hire a private transfer to Tulum from the Cancun airport, your driver will be waiting to take you and your companions straight to your hotel. This saves you from searching and waiting, which, after a long flight, is something you will appreciate. The route to Tulum is very easy, 130 kilometers south of downtown Cancun and 65 kilometers from Playa del Carmen. The highway is almost a straight line from Cancun to Tulum.
In 2022, a new project began with the construction of the Mayan Train. This innovative project was the new Tulum Airport with the objective of offering travelers a new alternative for direct flights to this destination and to increase tourism.
Therefore, getting to Tulum is easier due to the new airport, which is located 20 kilometers southwest of the urban center of Tulum, within the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto.
Getting to Tulum from the Riviera Maya
If you are already staying in the Riviera Maya or elsewhere along the coast of Quintana Roo, just follow the Carretera 307 Cancun-Chetumal. As mentioned above, Tulum is 130 kilometers south of downtown Cancun and 65 kilometers from Playa del Carmen. Bacalar and Chetumal (the state capital) it is 210 and 250 kilometers to the north, respectively.
In addition, if you land at the Tulum Airport, there are different transportation options to get to Tulum, for example, you can take cabs, ADO, and Kolors buses, or even hire private transportation to anticipate your transfer.
Getting to Tulum from Yucatán
If, on the other hand, you are coming to Tulum from the State of Yucatan (Mérida, Chichén Itzá, or Valladolid), you will have to take highway 180 Mérida-Cancún. It’s recommended that if you leave from Valladolid, which is only 100 kilometers away, on the way there or on the way back, you should stop at the incredible archaeological site of Cobá and some cenotes.
Tips for visiting Tulum
It’s important that you keep in mind that the Archaeological Site of Tulum is open from 8 am to 5 pm, every day, and the last entrance is 3:30 pm. The entrance fee is $100MXN.
Also, in that case, the best recommendation we can give you is to arrive early, even before they open! That way, you are guaranteed to be among the first to enter and tour the archaeological site with fewer people.
Stay overnight in Tulum. The small town is good to go out for a walk and eat something, and it is much more practical and rest when visiting the ruins. Here you have accommodation offers in Tulum, both in the town and in the hotel zone, and you will see that, in general, there is a lot to choose from, and the establishments are great.
Avoid Sundays. Mexicans and residents have free admission on that day, so it gets crowded. Of course, if you don’t mind, just be prepared. Arriving early is always best, especially if you want to take pictures with no people passing by.
Tulum is sunny and there are few shadows. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat or cap, and sunscreen, and protect yourself, especially in the middle of the day, so take care of yourself!
The Golden Rule in the Caribbean is to keep yourself hydrated. Don’t forget water and snacks, just in case.
After you visit Tulum, you can go for a swim at Playa Paraiso or a nearby cenote. This way, you’ll have a great day. Enjoy it!
Things to do in Tulum
As part of our “Tulum: Travel Guide and how to get there” article, we recommend the following things to do in Tulum:
1.- Aquatic activities in the best beaches of Tulum
Spend an enjoyable vacation in Cancun doing the funniest and attractive activities involve sun, white sand and beautiful beaches. For example:
- Playa Paraíso: Known for its white sand and cristal waters, makes ideal for having a pleasant day with your parents or your friends. The best of this beach is located in the shore of Tulum Mayan Ruins
- Playa Pescadores: Its located just next to Playa Paraíso. This beach is so beautiful because its waters are very clear and turquoise with low swell and it has all kinds of services (sun loungers, beach bars, and more).
- Playa las Palmas: If you’re looking for a beach in the center, Playa las Palmas is the ideal for you. It boasts restaurants, coffees, and wide range of hotels surrounding. In addition, it is the perfect spot to make all kind of water sports like windsurt and kitesurf.
2.- Enjoy the Ruta de los Cenotes
An inspiring trip through the jungle outside of Tulum that will allow you to discover the caves, caverns, and cenotes hidden underground in the Yucatan jungle. Explore hidden cenotes by bike, away from the crowds.
Here are some popular cenotes of the Ruta de los Cenotes:
- Cenote Site Bocas
- Cenote Verde Lucero
- Cenote Kin Ha
3.- Enjoy the nightlife
Tulum boasts wide range of bars and clubs offering everything from live music to beach parties that make them perfect to enjoy after sunset.
4.- Discover Sian Ka’an
Take an exciting half-day trip through the heart of the ancient Mayan civilization and enjoy the spectacular Sian Kaan Reserve. Discover the jungle fauna and navigate the calm, turquoise waters before returning home.
In addition, this site is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to is home to a great diversity of flora and fauna. It offers funny activities such as boat rides and bird watching.
5.- Take a Cobá Tour
History, culture, and nature with this wonderful experience in the Riviera Maya. Coba ruins are located 40 kilometers northeast of Tulum and highlight for its pyramids, specially Nohoch Mul, one of the tallest pyramids of the Yucatan Peninsula.
6.- Tulum Bike tours
Enjoy a bike tour in Tulum and get a complete introduction to the area. Ride along quiet roads, hidden paths, and, through town, a variety of natural, cultural, historical, and culinary attractions that Tulum has to offer.
