How to spend 3 days in Tulum

Spend your first day exploring the beachfront ruins and lounging at a beach club, your second day swimming in nearby cenotes, and your third day cycling through the town center and visiting the Sian Ka'an Biosphere. Stick to bicycles for local transport to avoid the notorious Tulum traffic.

  1. Rent a bicycle. Do not rent a car unless you are traveling with a large group. Tulum’s main road is constantly congested. Renting a bike for $10-15 USD per day allows you to bypass gridlock and park easily.
  2. Buy cenote tickets online. Popular spots like Gran Cenote or Cenote Calavera get crowded by 10:00 AM. Purchase your entry tickets online a day in advance if possible and aim to arrive at opening time (usually 8:00 AM).
  3. Navigate the beach zone. The beach zone (Zona Hotelera) is a single, narrow strip. If you are staying in Tulum Pueblo (the town), budget 20-30 minutes for a bike ride to the beach. Avoid taxis if possible, as they charge flat rates that start at $20 USD for very short distances.
Is Tulum safe?
Generally, yes. Stick to populated areas and avoid walking alone on unlit jungle roads at night. Petty theft can happen, so keep your bike locked.
Do I need to carry cash?
Yes. While many high-end beach clubs take cards, smaller cenotes, street food stalls, and local taxis require Mexican Pesos.