The Ultimate Day Trip to Tulum

If you are heading to the Riviera Maya, an ultimate day trip to Tulum is a must. This cute little beach town should easily be on the top of your bucket list. Tulum has become the go-to spot for travelers seeking turquoise water, amazing food and to explore the Mayan ruins.

My boyfriend and I were in Playa Del Carmen at the beginning of January and we decided to get off resort for a day and go see Tulum. Next time we go to Mexico I look forward to actually staying in Tulum to enjoy the true beauty it has to offer!

There are a couple different ways you can get to Tulum:

1. Private full day Cab – You can get in touch with your resort or hotels front desk and they will be able to help arrange a private cab to stay with you all day. I have heard, for about 6-7 hours it can cost about $200.00 USD.

2. Taxi – You can go to your front desk and arrange a one way transfer to Tulum. From our Resort ‘Grand Sunset’ the cost was about $80.00USD one way.

3. Colectivo – This is the way we decided to travel from our resort to tulum. We just could not fathom spending almost $200.00 USD to get there. I felt very safe and never was worried.
What is a Colectivo? A colectivo is the form of public transportation that runs along highways in Mexico. It is the form of transportation that all the locals take daily.

Route: Cancún – Playa Del Carmen = 20-40 pesos.
Route: Playa Del Carmen – Tulum = 20-40 pesos
(cost depends on distance travelled)
Colectivos run 24/7 every 15 mins

How to catch a Colectivo

If you are staying directly in Playa Del Carmen all you need to do is walk up to Calle 2 between Ave 5 and 10 where you will find all of the colectivos parked up. Just look out for the minivans that say Playa Del Carmen to Tulum or listen for someone shouting Tulum.

If you are staying along highway 307 between Cancun – Playa Del Carmen. You walk out to the highway on the south direction side. Vans will flicker their high beams at you and If you want to be picked up, waive your hands at them. When they pull over say what direction you are going to or the location you are wanting to be dropped off at.

Please note if you are staying at a resort before Playa Del Carmen. Your colectivo will stop in Playa Del Carmen at the main terminal and you will require to pay, get out and transfer to a van that says Tulum.

It is important to know that Tulum is broken up into two sections; Tulum Town and Tulum Beach.

**Please keep in mind most places along Tulum Beach only accept cash. I would recommend when you start your day in Tulum town to go to a bank to take out cash as a lot of the ATM’s along the beach are not the safest and a lot of cards have been compromised.

Tulum Ruins

Address: Carretera Federal, Cancun – Chetumal Km 230, 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Hours: 0800-1700
Cost: 65 Pesos/ $3.00-$4.00USD
You can explore the ruins and truly enjoy the spectacular views of the sea. The ruins have a “secret beach” which is absolutely stunning! This is a very popular tourist destination and it is best to visit them early in the morning as a lot of tours go on throughout the day and it can get very crowded.

Visit the Las Palmas

Las Palmas is the Public beach in Tulum. You can walk along the beach and there are plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy some food and drinks! We did have a bite to eat at the restaurant Playa Las Palmas (Their Mojitos and the Natural Nachos ARE AMAZING).

Visit The Azulik

Address: Carretera Tulum – Punta Allen KM 5, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
This place is just absolutely breathtaking. If you’re not staying here, it is free entry. You are able to visit the “nest” rooftops by purchasing drinks or eating at the restaurants.

Photo by @Azulikofficial 

Browse Tulum’s Boutique Shops

Whether you are walking in Tulum town or along the roadside of Tulum beach there is no shortage of cute boutique shops! Definitely a must while you are visiting Tulum 🙂

Coco Tulum

Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km 7.5, Tulum Beach, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
This cute little swing up bar has two beach clubs and 1 restaurant bar. Hammocks, swings, sunbeds and delicious creative cocktails make this a must visit while in Tulum.

Matcha Mama

Address:Quintana Roo 15 470 Zona Hotelera • 77780, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Cute little plant based smoothie bar with matcha, smoothies, bowls, acai, ice cream, kombuchas and more! Well known for their insta famous swing. Make sure you go to the Tulum Beach one as there are two locations!

Stop by the ‘FOLLOW THAT DREAM’ Street Sign

Address:Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila, Zona Hotelera Tulum, Km 8.5, 77780 Q.R., Mexico
You can find this sign at Lolita & Lolita boutique, directly across from Sueños Tulum hotel.

Hartwood Restaurant

Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila 7, Tulum Beach, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Hours: 1730-2200 (not open on Monday & Tuesday)
Finish your day with a beautiful outdoor dinner at the Hartwood Restaurant. It is advised to book your reservation far in advance as this is the most popular restaurant on tulum beach. Each day their workers will travel into the Yucatan to fresh markets and farms, therefore their menu changes daily depending on what is found.

Thanks for reading my ultimate day trip to Tulum. If you are travelling to the Riviera Maya soon I hope you have the most amazing time! Please comment your experience in Tulum, I would love to hear all about it.

Kenzie xx