Day Trips from Tulum: The Best Ruins, Cenotes & Nature Escapes!

Last updated on January 1st, 2026 at 06:57 pm

If you’re looking for the best day trips from Tulum that go beyond the beach, you’re in for a treat! Tulum is surrounded by some of the most exciting destinations on the Yucatán Peninsula – all easy to explore in a day.

Tulum may be known for beach clubs and turquoise water, but it’s also near some epic places, from ancient Mayan ruins to cenotes and wild, untouched nature, well worth leaving the sun lounger for!

I’ve curated this Tulum day trip list based on some truly memorable personal experiences and genuine curiosity! Whether you can spare half or a full day, getting out of the Tulum bubble to explore hidden gems – and tick off some major attractions – is a must!

Honestly, there are so many unforgettable day trips from Tulum I loved doing during my stay, here are the full details!

Best Day Trips From Tulum (Quick Picks)

Short on time? These are the best day trips from Tulum depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for:

• Chichén Itzá – Mexico’s most famous Mayan site and a true bucket-list experience
• Coba Ruins – cycle through ancient ruins hidden in the jungle
• Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – lagoons, mangroves, and incredible wildlife
• Akumal – snorkel with sea turtles just outside Tulum
• Cenote–hopping – crystal-clear water and dramatic underwater caves

Scroll on for practical tips, travel times, and the best ways to visit each one!

Chichén Itzá Day Trip from Tulum (Bucket-List Experience)

A day trip to Chichén Itzá is one of the most popular day trips from Tulum – and for good reason! As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this vast Mayan archaeological site is home to the iconic El Castillo pyramid (pictured), fascinating ruins and stories!

The journey from Tulum might be long (usually a full day), but most tours make it worthwhile by combining the impressive ruins with a cenote swim and stopping for lunch in the nearby colonial town of Valladolid.

I did Chichén Itzá as a guided tour from Tulum and honestly found it the easiest way to experience the site without worrying about timings or transport. The early start was worth it, and having a guide made the ruins far more interesting.

I’ve shared everything in much more detail, including what the day is really like and whether it’s worth it, in my full Chichén Itzá tour from Tulum guide.

If you’re considering a tour, this is the Chichén Itzá tour from Tulum I recommend – it’s well organised and takes care of everything!

Coba Ruins – Jungle Pyramids & Ancient Roads

The Coba Ruins is only 45-minutes from Tulum and it’s a world away from beach clubs and boho restaurants!

Hidden deep in the jungle, this ancient Mayan city is known for its tall structures and pyramids raised high above the treetops and its wild, overgrown setting, making it one of the most adventurous day trips from Tulum.

Coba’s landscape is utterly different from Chichen Itza, and what makes it unique (aside from the remote jungle) is that you can hire a bike to explore the site, which trust me, is one of the highlights of visiting – not only will you get around quicker, but it’s also fun!

I recommend this option for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, and right around the corner, you can visit cool underground Cenotes for a swim before heading back to Tulum!

If you fancy exploring Coba Ruins, you can either hire a car and drive yourself or take a small group guided tour, which includes bike riding, Coba village and Punta Laguna nature reserve!

Akumal – Swim with Sea Turtles

Akumal is one of the most popular day trips from Tulum, to swim with sea turtles in the wild – Akumal literally translates from the Mayan language to ‘place of the turtle’, it’s another good option for nature lovers!

Just a short drive north, this small beach town is best known for its calm bay and resident sea turtles, making it one of the best Tulum day trips for snorkelling.

The shallow, clear water makes it super accessible, and it’s common to spot turtles grazing on seagrass close to shore, but it’s no longer possible to go off snorkelling alone in Akumal; you must book a guide, which protects the wildlife and keeps the area responsible.

I visited Akumal as part of a private guided snorkelling trip and found it far easier with transport included; our guide made a big difference – not only did we spot turtles almost immediately, but the experience felt calm and respectful.

Akumal is perfect if you want something relaxed and half-day friendly, especially if you’d rather spend the afternoon back in Tulum by the pool or at the beach.

If you’re thinking of doing it the same way, this is the Akumal snorkelling tour I recommend – it includes transport, a clear water cenote and keeps turtle encounters responsible and well managed.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – Wild & Untouched

If you’ve already seen the cenotes and ruins and want a break from the busy Hotel Zone, a day trip from Tulum to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is an incredible way to see a quieter, more natural side of the Riviera Maya.

This huge UNESCO-protected reserve is all about lagoons, mangroves, wide-open spaces and wildlife – it feels completely different from Tulum and visitors are limited to protect the fragile eco-systems, so it’s also crowd-free!

Most trips involve a slow boat ride through the lush green waterways, where you’ll (hopefully) spot dolphins, turtles, crocodiles, and plenty of tropical birdlife along the way!

It’s one of those places where having a guide really makes all the difference, as access can be tricky (you’ll need a 4×4 to start) and the area is carefully protected.

I visited Sian Ka’an with Mexico Kan Tours and loved how thoughtful and well-paced the day felt. The group was small, everything was well organised, and having a knowledgeable guide made such a difference when navigating the reserve and spotting wildlife!

If you love nature, scenery, and getting a little off the beaten path, this is easily one of the most memorable day trips from Tulum!

If you’re considering a guided visit, this Sian Ka’an tour with Mexico Kan Tours is the one I’d recommend – it’s responsibly run and takes care of the tricky logistics so you can just enjoy the experience.

Best Cenote Day Trips from Tulum

Cenote hopping is one of the easiest and most refreshing day trips from Tulum, especially if you want to escape the heat and swim somewhere truly magical!

The area around Tulum is dotted with cenotes (6000 of them) – natural freshwater sinkholes – ranging from open-air pools to dramatic cave systems with crystal-clear water for exploring, swimming and scuba diving.

You can visit cenotes independently if you have a car – I recommend visiting 2-3 and choosing different types for a better experience. The most popular cenote is Grand Cenote, filled with clear turquoise-coloured waters, and it really is a Tulum bucket list experience!

I’ve done cenote hopping both independently and as part of a small-group tour, and the guided option was by far the most enjoyable. Not having to worry about routes, entrance fees, crowds or timings made the whole day feel effortless, and we visited cenotes I probably wouldn’t have found on my own.

It’s a brilliant option if you’re short on time, want something flexible, or are travelling with people who have different interests – there’s always a cenote everyone loves!

If you’d like an easy, well-organised way to experience a few of the best cenotes in one go, this small-group cenote tour from Tulum is a great option – especially if you want transport and local insight included.

How To Choose The Best Day Trip From Tulum

Not sure which day trip from Tulum is right for you? Use this quick guide to narrow it down:

• Short on time: Akumal or cenote hopping near Tulum
• History lovers: Chichén Itzá day trip from Tulum (full day) or Coba Ruins (closer, jungle setting)
• Nature & wildlife: Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve tour
• First-time visitors: Chichén Itzá tour from Tulum or guided cenote tours
• Prefer a relaxed pace: Akumal snorkelling tours or small-group cenote tours from Tulum

If you want a stress-free experience – especially for longer or more remote trips – booking a guided tour is the easiest option in my opinion! For shorter trips like Akumal or cenotes, DIY works well if you’re hiring a car.

Scroll back up to choose the day trip that fits your travel style best!

Are day trips from Tulum worth it?

Yes, if you have around a week in Tulum, I highly recommend including a day trip in your itinerary; some of the best experiences can be found just beyond Tulum!

My trip to Chichen Itza, which included stops in quaint Valladolid and local cenotes, was one of the highlights of my entire trip!

Whether you want to visit ancient Mayan ruins, swim in cenotes, or discover nature, these Tulum day trips will enhance any stay in Tulum!

Still planning your Tulum itinerary?

Planning your trip to Tulum? I’ve also shared a complete Tulum travel guide for first-time visitors, my favourite boutique hotels, and the best beach clubs – perfect for pulling together your ideal itinerary!

• Chichén Itzá Tour From Tulum – a detailed guide & honest review!
• Best Things To Do In Tulum – ruins, restaurants, beach clubs & experiences!
• Complete Guide To Tulum – top tips & need to know for first-time visitors!
• Where To Stay In Tulum – the best areas, boutique hotels & luxury stays

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