How Tulum has transformed and evolved may surprise you. Likely, you found Tulum, its jungle and eco-chic vibes, and Cenotes on a blog or on Instagram.
What is interesting to know is in 1960, the population of Tulum, Mexico included less than a 100 people! The city grew to about 2,000 people by 2,000. Between the usually breathtaking beaches, best Cenotes, and Instagram worthy photos, the population grew to over 45,000 people by 2020 in Tulum, Mexico.
Paradise, and the adventures that you will find in and near Tulum, Mexico attract many from all
7 Continents. In 2019, over 2 million people visited the Tulum Ruins alone.
That's one of the reasons why I decided to spend not just One Day in Tulum, Mexico but about three months! If you are curious about my creating and adventuring, check out my second month in Tulum, Mexico.
If you don't know where to start with your time at and near Tulum, Mexico, I am here to help you #createit! Traveling helps you transform in more ways than one when you travel globally.
While there is plenty to experience one day all around Tulum to transform and travel whether you come solo, with family, or with a group, you will definitely want to consider staying longer.
Follow this One Day in Tulum, Mexico: Itinerary to Transform and Travel. It will help you make your travels transformational even it's a short trip. These are my recommendations for the top experiences for your one day in and around Tulum, Mexico.
I enjoyed spending the day biking and experiencing Cenotes, Ven a La Luz, Azulik, Rooftop Pool, and foodie experiences in and near Tulum, Mexico. Not to mention, amazing Day Trips nearby!
Getting to Tulum, Mexico
You may find flights to Cancun Airport, the closest airport to Tulum, from most Southern states in the USA directly. I flew to Tulum from Guatemala via Volaris Airlines in May 2021.
Tulum, Mexico is about 2 hours south of Cancun, Mexico making it easy to get to from the airport.
For a short trip, you may decide to rent a car. It is easy to take an Ado Bus to either Playa Del Carmen and transferring via another bus to Tulum and/or Collectivo.
In 2019, I visited Mexico with a hosted Airbnb Adventure visiting Cancun, Holbox, and Valladolid. At the time, Uber operated fully from Cancun Airport.
As of July 2021, there is no Uber at Cancun Airport. You may get one from within Cancun. I found the Taxi being 3 to 4x more than Ubers.
My Experiences with Tulum, Mexico
This is my first time in and near Tulum, Mexico. While I have visited Mexico over 4 times before, this is my first time in Tulum, Mexico. Thanks to my Mayan Jungle Cabana Airbnb, Tulum, and adventures like the best Cenotes in Tulum, it will likely not be my last.
There is so much to experience in and near Tulum in Mexico including the nature, adventures, and food! Tulum is divided into three parts, Tulum Center, Pueblo and Tulum Beach. The beach is divided by North and South Beach (Playa Norte and Playa Sur). In Playa Norte, you will find Tulum Ruins. In Playa Sur, you will find the Hotel Zone, Ven a La Luz, Azulik, and Tulum Jungle Gym.
Although I am staying in Tulum for about three months, I love to create adventure days to share for myself and others whether you are somewhere short or long-term and want to create adventure days too. That's why I created One Day Travel guides.
My travels and experiences in and near Tulum, Mexico included nature, adventures, community, and food! Travel fills me up. New people, adventures, and experiences are something I love.
My story includes being conceived in Bulgaria, born in Poland, and in 4 countries by the time I was 2 (including a refugee camp in Italy.).
I am in awe of the transformation from the inside out of my life in every area including health, wealth, business and travel.
Tulum, Mexico Airbnb
For my first visit to Tulum, Mexico, I stayed at a Mayan Jungle Cabana in the Jungle via Airbnb.
The peaceful stay in the middle of the jungle and the owner, Diana are amazing in every way!
I not only got to connect with Diana via Airbnb and during my stay via WhatsApp, but in real life too!
Diana came to visit Tulum during my 3 month stay. We visited Casa Cenote during her visit and an incredible Mexican restaurant in Tulum Center.
All shots are my own on Canon EOSM100, Sony A330, and/or my iPhone 12 Mini or Airbnb photos.
Fun Facts About Tulum, Mexico
The original people in Tulum named their city Zamá, meaning “Place of the Dawning Sun”.
The name Tulum means wall in Mayan. Tulum originally was a fortress, port and trading hub.
After Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan, Tulum Ruins are the third most visited Archeological site in Mexico. Tulum has an amazing variety of animals from monkeys and iguanas to sea turtles and jaguars.
In and near Tulum, you may find the beach, art, Cenotes, and adventure abounding!
I love visiting Tulum, Mexico and enjoying the nature and adventure that surrounds the city. It is important to point out during my visit from May to July 2021, the Yucatan coastline in the state of Quintana Roo was inundated and surrounded with seaweed or sargasso.
I have visited Mexico over 4 times and have never seen seaweed like I did this visit. The smells and sight of the seaweed overwhelmed me. While some may choose to swim in it, I did not. I visited the beach 3 times to listen to the sound of ocean, visit the outdoor gyms, and walk along the beach.
Before visiting, I thought I would spend much more time at the beach. As a result of the smells and impact of the seaweed to the water color, I did other adventures like Cenotes, Art, and Day Trips in and near Tulum. Before booking your trip to Tulum, Mexico, you may want to Google sargasso in Tulum and plan your trip accordingly.
I enjoyed spending the day biking and experiencing Cenotes, Ven a La Luz, Azulik, Rooftop Pools, and foodie experiences in and near Tulum, Mexico.
Shot on my iPhone 12
Tulum in Under 60 Seconds
One Day in Tulum, Mexico
Let's explore the experiences I recommend for one day in and near Tulum, Mexico. Depending on when you arrive, and where you stay, feel free to modify your experiences!
Things to keep in mind that may be different than other Tulum, Mexico guides.
Spoiler Alert: There are some things I don't like about Tulum, Mexico!
5 Things I Don't Like About Tulum, Mexico
While there are many things I loved about Tulum, I do want to be honest about things I don't like that you may or may not agree with.
The experiences in Tulum, Mexico could be greatly improved for everyone with adjustments to any or all of the following:
1 Taxis: Paying high rates for taxis in Tulum so I will be sharing biking, Collectivos, and walking.
2 Beach Clubs: Attending Beach Clubs with loud music with $50 minimums per day with bad reviews.
3 Beach: Swimming in the ocean with smelly, thick and toxic looking seaweed / sargasso.
4 Stays: Spending or Supporting over $200 to $1000 a night for a place to stay near the beach.
5 Cenotes: Visiting Cenotes that are >$20 for 1 Cenote when there are over 6,000 in Yucatan.
To give you further insight:
1 Taxis: I took a taxi one time from North Beach to my Mayan Jungle Cabana. With negotiating it down, it was $17 for four miles.
2 Beach Clubs: I researched and reviewed beach locations for free near Tulum Ruins. If there was no seaweed, I would have visited much more. I found Beach Clubs via blogs and Trip Advisor with minimums. of $30 to $50+ per day for food and alcohol. In addition, many of the reviews were very unfavorable. It seems many of the hotels and establishments have forgotten friendliness and service.
With that being said, I did visit Hotel Delek that had no minimum as long as you eat at the restaurant. However, for 2 small tacos and a green fruit juice, I spent $17. In comparison, in the center of town I would pay $5 to $10 for the same to give you insight.
3 Beach: I imagine without the seaweed North Beach in Tulum is beautiful. I would definitely visit more if there was no seaweed issue during my visit.
4 Stays In researching stays and collaborations prior to my Tulum visit, I found stays on average starting at $50 per night in Tulum Center, and about $200 per night at Tulum Beach. In comparison to my stays in both Costa Rica and Guatemala, and other locations in Mexico, I found this excessive.
I encourage you to read reviews of any stays with amount per night, and noise nearby. In addition, I did not want to stay in the center of town with car and traffic noises. I did not want to stay near the beach next to any beach clubs hearing any music to all hours of the night either.
It is possible to find a much better and affordable stay a few miles out of town. My Mayan Jungle Cabana includes peace and quiet, great WiFi most of the time, A/C, kitchen, patio, and an incredible owner for over half less of the lower prices in the center.
5 Cenotes You may find 6,000+ Cenotes all over the Yucatan. Even if you saw a Cenote every day, it would take you over 20 years to see them all!
While I understand that the beach and bohemian spirit, along with Instagram popularity has helped Tulum, Mexico get on the map, I don't agree with several of these changes nor do I think they are for the better. I will absolutely admit one of the reasons I am here is because of many of the things I saw on Instagram and on blogs before visiting Tulum.
At the same time, there are many places around the world that are just as beautiful, compelling, and popular that have not sacrificed service to people while growing. In addition, the price gauging and/or greed is palpable in some locations or via some reviews.
I do hope that many of the owners, corporations, and establishments rethink their approach. Otherwise, many will elect to go to other beautiful places that treat them very well like a human and not a transaction.
At the same time, what I love about Tulum, Mexico and nearby sites is you may experience a ton budget friendly if you think outside the box and research a little! That is my hope with my One Day Guide that you look beyond and do not discount Tulum, Mexico as a whole!
I'm sharing here a full 24 hours for your one day in and around Tulum Mexico from morning to night! If you haven't yet, check out my other One Day and Top 10 Guides like One Day in Antigua, Guatemala and Top 10 in Antigua, Guatemala as well.
I enjoyed spending the day biking and experiencing Cenotes, Ven a La Luz, Azulik, Rooftop Pools, and foodie experiences in and near Tulum, Mexico. Not to mention, amazing Day Trips nearby!
Cenotes in and near Tulum, Mexico
A great way to start your day in Tulum, Mexico is to immerse yourself in nature. If you didn't already know, biking is one of the best ways to get around Tulum, Mexico. It is healthier and cheaper!
A great way to start your day is by biking to a Cenote. With the location of my Mayan Jungle Cabana Airbnb, there are four Cenotes close by to choose from!
Even if you aren't staying at the Cabana(s) here, these four Cenotes are within
4 miles from Tulum Center!
You may choose from:
Cenote Cristal and Escondido
Cenote Corazon
Kaam Luum Lagoon
After you leave South Beach in Tulum, Mexico, you could end your day with Gran Cenote, it is on the other side of Tulum within about 10 minutes!
Here is more about Tulum, Mexico: Best Cenotes and All You Need to Know to Visit!
Ven a La Luz
Ven a La Luz, the statue created and designed at the entrance of Ahau Hotel by South African Artist, Daniel Hopper and his team, is one of those "Did You Even Go to Tulum" if you don't visit this spot.
It definitely is photo and Instagram worthy towering over the Ahau Hotel entrance at South Beach in Tulum in the middle of the beach and bohemian vibes.
A great way to visit is to bike from Tulum Center about 3 to 4 miles in the morning before the heat and crowds. In July 2021, I visited in the middle of a weekday, and waited about 10 minutes to take the picture and video to give you perspective.
Raw Love
If you walk through Ven a La Luz or bike right past, you will come to the entrance of Ahau Tulum. This is where you may walk through Ahau Hotel to get to Raw Love!
They have yummy teas, coffees, smoothies and food! I came here after my workout at Tulum Jungle Gym nearby, and had the Chai with Cardemon and Chia Pudding.
Tulum Jungle Gym - World's Best Beach Gym
Move over Fred and Wilma Flinstone! Tulum Jungle Gym is a real life Fred Flintstone gym where nearly all gym equipment is made from wood, bamboo and stone. I saw this gym on Instagram the last few years, and knew I wanted to visit!
The World's Best Gym does not disappoint! It is amazing!! I loved being immersed in a natural habitat surrounded by the sound of the waves working out is a dream come true! Not to mention working out in your bathing suit in the open air! I would have loved to have worked out here much more during my three month stay in Tulum, Mexico.
As of July 2021, the gym is open 9am to 5pm. A day pass is $30 USD, and a weekly pass is $120 USD. I did ask about long term/resident pricing with my situation. Unfortunately, there are no options currently beyond these. Feel free to ask if you reach out via email and/or visit! My motto is the answer is always no if you don't ask!
The gym opened in Tulum, Mexico in the Hotel Zone in South Beach near Ahau Hotel in 2017. Tulum Jungle Gym is founded by Alastair and Katie Davies, two fitness professionals and entrepreneurs. Men's Health named then the Worlds Best Gym / Best Beach Gym.
The vision made reality with the beach side vibes, wooden plates, dumb bells, and bars is incredible to experience! I highly recommend you visit at least once during your Tulum, Mexico stay!
Matcha Mama
If you bike past Ahau, going further down South Beach, you will come across Matcha Mama with yummy matcha, coconut, and tumeric juices to name a few! Not to mention, it is adorable!
Follow That Dream Sign in Tulum, Mexico
Keep those bike pedals moving a couple more miles as you soak in the bohemian vibes and you will come across the Follow That Dream Sign!
I went in July 2021 mid day during the week, and I didn't need to wait to take the picture for anyone else or any traffic nearby.
The easiest way to find it is put Lolita Boutique in your GPS or Waze App! Shoutout to Tripping with my BFF for the tip!
Hotel Delek
If you bike back the way you came towards town, you will find Hotel Delek on your right. If you want some beach time on South Beach, this is a great option!
In July 2021, in reading reviews about Beach Clubs and beachside locations, I found Hotel Delek did not have a minimum. I went for half a day to work outside, eat tacos, and do a workout beach side!
Although there is no minimum, it is more expensive than the Center or Tulum Puebo. For example,
I spent $17 USD for 2 Tacos and a Green Juice. In comparison, in Tulum Center, I would spent about $5 to $10 in town!
Azulik Museum
A great way to continue experiencing art in Tulum, Mexico is a stop at Azulik in Tulum. Azulik aims to reconnect people and tribes with themselves, one another, and the environment. You may experience Azulik at Tulum Beach or Uh May at Francisco Uh May with a visit surrounding art, gastronomy (food), healing, and / or a stay.
In July 2021, I visited Sfer Ik at Tulum Beach. I believe the $10 USD for the museum is well worth it.
The creative sphere welcomes all to a museum where the architecture fuses with visual artists.
The museum is immersed in silence, stillness and peace. I visited for about an hour or so with more than enough time to immerse myself in the space with prayer and capturing moments.
The space is a mix of minimalism with polished concrete, twisted bejuco vines, and thatched roofs made up the majority of the hotel's architecture, with winding paths designed to relate to the curvature of the earth.
Creator of Azulik
Screenwriter, film director, painter, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Eduardo Neira, better known as Roth, created AZULIK. Azulik is a brand that develops initiatives in the fields of hospitality, architecture, sustainability, wellness, gastronomy, art, fashion, luxury, design, creativity and innovation.
Rooftop Pool
Your day may be over already! Or, you may have decided to stay at the beach or finished up your day at Gran Cenote!
Depending on how your day has gone, you may want to visit Aloft Tulum closer in town for rooftop views at the pool! This is one of my favorite places to relax at the end of the day!
As of July 2021, there is no minimum when you visit. Take the elevator up to the rooftop.
Depending how long you are staying in Tulum, this is a great place for coworking in Tulum too!
Foodie Experiences
There are countless options for foodie experiences in Tulum!
Taco Stands
Tulum offers countless taco stand options! I found them to be sanitary and include sanitizer.
Some of my favorites include taco stands near Ado Bus Station, and Chedraui Grocery Store. You will find countless vegan, vegetarian and meat options!
Prices range at about 12 to 30 pesos or less than a dollar per taco to about $2 USD per taco!
El Rincon Chiapaneco
This is one of my favorites in Tulum! The food is amazing, the juices incredible,
and the prices out of this world! I love the tacos, breakfast, and pancakes!
My favorite juices are the green juices and speciality juice Nuva!
For about $5, you may get a full plate and liter of juice! Amazing!
They are located close by to Ado Tulum Center Bus Station.
Burrito Amor
Burrito Amor in Tulum near the Center. I read about it on Trip Advisor and loved my vegetarian burrito and green juice! They are near the center of town going towards Cenote Cristal + Escondido. You may enter them in Google Maps or Waze.
Street Food
I love coconuts, fruit cups, and Coco Preparado at food stands with coconut sliced with salsa, tahein and lime!
Hotel Kaab Tulum
I discovered this amazing place by accident biking around Tulum Center near Chedraui Grocery Store. You may enter them in Google Maps or Waze.
They have a beautiful outdoor space, pool, and great WiFi!
It is a great place to unplug and/or cowork!
I love their Ceviche at Hotel Kaab Tulum
Co Con Amor
I found this place on Google researching outdoor and coworking spots! The ambiance and outdoor space is super chill! The food is amazing! The WiFi is great! I have visited countless times getting the traditional breakfast, tofu bowl, quinoa porridge, and more!
Eat at Liefs
I found out about Eat at Liefs via Instagram via @thatblondebikinigirl
During my 3 months in Tulum, I have visited here 3 times already!
I have enjoyed their mushroom all veggie burger, breakfast tacos, and yummy iced coffee so far!
Reasons to Stay in and near Tulum, Mexico
It is easy to see One Day in Tulum, Mexico is not enough!
If that is all you have, enjoy it to the fullest and make plans to come back!
Beyond the spirit, nature, Cenotes, art, Instagram spots, and food, there are countless places to visit nearby too!
Day Trips near Tulum, Mexico
Although I have visited Mexico four times before this trip, I knew I wanted to experience Tulum, Mexico to the fullest. As I explored places around Tulum to visit, I found countless options for Day Trips in and near Tulum!
Holbox Island
My last time in Mexico in 2019 before this trip, I visited Holbox on a Airbnb Adventure. Even if you have a little bit of time, this is high on my list of worthy day trips in Mexico!
Valladolid
Valladolid is a beautiful colonial town that is walkable, nearby Cenotes, and one of the 7 Wonders of the World. On my last visit, I spent a day in Valladolid. I am going back in 2021 for longer to Valladolid to experience nearby Cenotes and Chichen Itza!
Playa Del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen has grown so much! I love to visit for the day to see the church, Fundadores monument, walk 5th avenue, and listen to the ocean! From Tulum, it is easy to take a Collectivo all day for 50 pesos, or an Ado Bus for about 100 pesos (as of July 2021).
Isla Mujeres
I visited Isla Mujeres in 2019 and loved it. The island is small, walkable in many parts, and Playa Norte is amazing! I highly recommend adding Isla Mujeres for a day trip or longer in Mexico!
Cancun
I visited Cancun for the first time in 2001. When I recently visited in 2019, it has changed a ton! Depending on what you love, you may love One Day in Cancun!
Coba
Tulum Ruins may be a great option with oceanside views and a private beach. It isn't the only option. If you want to explore Coba Ruins, it is easy to take an Ado Bus or rental car within 30. to 40 minutes from Tulum!
The ruins here are larger than Tulum ruins and they include the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan! Prior to the pandemic, you could climb the pyramid too! In July 2021, climbing was not permitted!
I loved biking around the ruins! Speaking of biking, ruins are not the only adventure you may have in Coba! Within 3 miles of the ruins are 3 off the beaten path Cenotes! I loved visiting Choo-Ha Cenote in June 2021!
Visiting Coba Ruins and the Cenotes nearby are a great Day Trip near Tulum, Mexico!
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Tulum, Mexico One Day Travel
As you may clearly see, Tulum, Mexico has limitless options for One Day and more!
Why do you think I spent 2-3 Months in Tulum?
Whether you want to immerse yourself in nature, adventures, and foodie experiences,
you will love it!
Have you visited Tulum before?
Is it on your bucket list?
If you haven't, what activity here interests you the most to do in One Day in and near Tulum, Mexico?
Travel Guides
Guatemala Travels
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One Day in Escazu, Costa Rica & Top 10 Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica!
Not to mention our Inspiring Travel Now & in the Future Project &
Costa Rica Retreat coming in August 2021!
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