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 of Tulum
Tulum: Travel Guide and how to get there. Cancun International Airport is the airport that serves the entire Riviera Maya and, therefore, the best airport to get to Tulum, 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 Cancun city center, and about 120 kilometers north of Tulum. If you hire a private transfer to Tulum from 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.
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.
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. The entrance fee is $80MXN.
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 really 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 your visit to 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:
- 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. Check out Tulum Bike Tours for more information.
- 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. Check out Mexico Kan Tours for more information about cenotes’ tours.
- Gastronomic tour
Taste your way through Tulum on a 3-hour gastronomic tour. Avoid the touristy places and savor authentic Mexican specialties where the locals go. Visit Eating with Carmen for more information.
- Sian Ka’an
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. Check out Visit Sian Ka’an for more information about tours.
- Cobá
History, culture, and nature with this wonderful experience in the Riviera Maya. Visit not one but two Mayan ruins and swim in a cenote.