How to Spend just 24 Hours in Tulum Travel Guide

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Your Guide to Spending just 24 Hours in Tulum

Tulum has become a popular tourist destination in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Their unique boho design and healthy lifestyle have attracted many people from around the world. Tulum is known for its ancient ruins, coastal beach, and rocky cliffs. While Tulum is not one of my favorite places in the Yucatan Peninsula, it is still a great place to visit at least once in your lifetime.

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How to Get to Tulum, Mexico

Fly to Cancun

From Cancun, you can either rent a car and drive or take the popular Ado Bus. We chose to drive as we were traveling to five other Yucatan cities. Most of the drive is on a highway that is well maintained and easy to navigate.

Drive to Tulum

Cancun to Tulum: 2 Hour Drive

Playa del Carmen to Tulum: 1 Hour Drive

Isla Holbox to Tulum: 2.5 Hour Drive

Valladolid to Tulum: 1.5 Hour Drive

Merida to Tulum: 3 Hour Drive

Tulum Packing Guide

Getting Around Tulum, Mexico

Walk: We chose to walk during our time in Tulum. The streets are easy to navigate with two main streets getting you from restaurants and shops to the beach. I always prefer to walk in most cities because you get to see so much more and it is great exercise. Make sure to get good walking shoes because this is a large town.

*I wore Chacos every day I was here because they are comfortable walking shoes, stylish, can get wet, and easy to clean.

Drive: If you are not staying near the beach area of Tulum, driving is a great way to get around. Tulum is quite spread out with highway 307 being the main road with many restaurants and shops. If you are staying near the bustling highway and want to get to Tulum beach, do not drive. The Tulum beach is very crowded with narrow streets and limited paid parking. Instead of driving take a taxi or rent a bike.

Taxi: Taxis are a popular form of transportation in many Mexican cities because it is cheap. Taxis will honk their horn to alert people they are available. I highly encourage anyone using taxis to learn navigational Spanish terms because most cab drivers do not speak English.

Bike Rental: You can find many bike rentals throughout Tulum city. Our hotel had a bike rental option that was an additional fee. There is a well-maintained bike path and sidewalk taking you all the way down to the beach area and up the 307 highway.

Where to Stay in Tulum, Mexico

Budget Friendly ($)

Aldea Tzunun

• Hostel Style with Private Rooms
• Gorgeous Tulum Decor & Style
• Located near many Restaurants & Bars
• Shared Bathroom & Kitchens
• Swimming Pool
• Sun Terrace
• Karaoke

We stayed at Bufo Alvarius, unfortunately, this was not one of our favorite stays. While this hotel has great aesthetics and amenities, they highly promote taking part in their ceremonies while on the Bufo Alvarius experience. We did not realize this is what the hotel was into and felt a bit awkward because we do not partake in things like this.

Things To Do in Tulum, Mexico

Stroll Down Tulum Avenue

Tulum Avenue is located 2 miles from the beach and is filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. You must take a stroll on the sidewalk down this busy highway. There are many gorgeous restaurants with Tulum decor as well as souvenir shops.

Akumal Beach

Akumal is just a short drive from Tulum. This beach is known to be one of the prettiest beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula. Grab your snorkeling gear and enjoy the gorgeous blue waters. You can also swim with sea turtles!

Snap a Photo at the Iconic Ven a La Luz Entry

Swim in the Nearby Cenotes

Cenotes are all over the Yucatan Peninsula, with three located right next to Tulum. Gran Cenote is the most popular with gorgeous blue water, snorkeling areas, and close proximity to the city. Two of my favorite cenotes are an hour drive away near Valladolid. Cenote Syutum is very well known with large man-made peninsula and large enclosed cave structure. Cenote Zaci is another great cenote to visit because it is cheap and great for swimming.

Day Trip to the Mayan Ruins

The Tulum Mayan Ruins are a quick adventure located right by the city. These are smaller Mayan ruins located near the beach. There are two major Mayan Ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula, Chicken Itza, and Ek Balam. Chicken Itza is one of the &-Wonders of the world and has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. Ek Balam is also a tourist attraction that is far less busy but offers the same Mayan Ruin experience. These are both great day trips from Tulum.

Get a drink at one of the many Beach Clubs

Coco Tulum is one of the most popular beach clubs. They are known for their all-white décor, delicious fish tacos, and Instagram beach swings. There is a minimum spend at most beach clubs on the Tulum beach strip. For Coco Tulum, the minimum spend is $25USD.

Find the “Follow That Dream” Sign

Workout at the Tulum Jungle Gym

This one-of-a-kind jungle gym is located right on the beach with gym equipment made from wood, bamboo, and stone. This is a bit of a pricey attraction at $30USD for the day. The Tulum Jungle Gym is open daily from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Visit Tulum’s El Centro

El Centro in Tulum is just one block from the main highway in the city. Tulum’s El Centro is a bit dated but a fun place to visit because of the unique signs, skate park, and many cheap food vendors.

Where to Eat in Tulum, Mexico

Breakfast

Ki’ Bok Café Gourmet

Ki’ Bok Café Gourmet is a great spot for a healthy morning breakfast. They offer some of the best coffee in Tulum is just one block off the main road of Tulum Avenue. They have many delicious options for any dietary restrictions. Ki’ Bok Cafe is open every day at 7:00 AM.

What to Order: Coffee & Breakfast Burrito

Lunch

Burrito Amor

Burrito Amor is a fan favorite with healthy and delicious burritos. Their burrito combinations are unique and tasty. This is a great affordable lunch spot! Burrito Amor is open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

What to Order: Seasonal Fish Fillet Burrito

Dinner

Bonita Burger Bar

Bonita Burger has made quite an impact on social media with its dazzling one-of-a-kind burgers. Their menu is filled with unique burgers and tasty sides. The burgers are large and filling, each burger comes with four condiments. This is an indoor/outdoor restaurant with a laid-back vibe. This is a must-visit restaurant while visiting Tulum! Bonita Burger is open in the evening 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM.

What to Order: Any Burger

Travel to Isla Holbox, Mexico