2 Days in Tulum
Wondering what to do with 2 days in Tulum, Mexico? I spent a long weekend in Tulum, Mexico and you can tailor your time to include archeological ruins, relaxing on a beach, or visiting natural cenotes!
Below I will provide three day types that you can easily mix and match! I’ll include some tour options as they can be great when you’re short on time, and list some beach clubs where you can spend a day relaxing on the beach!
There are plenty of things to do, but you can also just fill your Tulum itinerary with relaxing! However you go about it, here are options from beach clubs and spas to cenotes and a Unesco site for your 2 days in Tulum!
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Ruins and Paradise | 2 Days in Tulum
Zona Arqueologica de Tulum
We’re going to start one of our two days in Tulum at the archeological site exploring the ancient Mayan ruins! I spent a few hours here walking around and taking photos. While the actual ruins are not as large as others in Mexico, it boasts the most beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea!
I recommend getting here early for two reasons: heat and tourists. The morning will be the coolest time of the day, and when it gets hot, we want to be cooling off in the water!
The other reason to arrive early is to beat the tour buses! It’s far more pleasant to explore the Mayan ruins before the hoards of people arrive. Of course, you will have the company of the iguanas roaming around!
The Tulum ruins are open from 8am to 5pm, but the last entry allowed is at 3:30pm. Tickets (at the time of writing) cost 95 pesos and can be purchased on arrival.
How to Get to the Tulum Archeological Site
I rented a bike for my two days in Tulum and it made getting around very easy! Walking will take longer of course, but it’s doable! If neither appeal to you, a taxi is always a good option!
Playa Paraiso Beach Clubs
Now that you’ve got in some daily steps exploring the ruins, let’s relax for a while! Or as I did, until dinner.
Playa Paraiso is a beautiful beach right next to the ruins. You can easily walk or bike to any of the beach clubs mentioned below.
It’s worth noting, plastic bottles are prohibited. If you want to bring water, ensure it’s a reusable water bottle or be prepared to buy water at the beach clubs. They are trying to cut down on garbage, which I’m all for, but it can be annoying if you’re not prepared.
Zazil Kin
Zazil Kin is one of the more affordable beach clubs and it’s right next to the Tulum ruins. Depending on where you start at the ruins, you can walk there in under 15 minutes! Of course, if you rented a bike, it will take almost no time!
I enjoyed a relaxing lunch and afternoon here! When I was in Tulum in early March, there were plenty of tourists, but it wasn’t overwhelming!
Playa Paraiso Beach Club
One of the higher rated beach clubs in Playa Paraiso is Playa Paraiso Beach Club. Oversized beach beds and shade offered under beautiful palm trees. Can’t get much more idyllic than that!
El Paraiso Tulum Restaurant
Another high rated option for Playa Paraiso is El Paraiso Tulum Restaurant. It’s not as budget friendly, but there is a lot included with the price.
Relaxing Day | 2 Days in Tulum
Villa Las Estrellas | Beach Club
I came to Tulum to mostly relax, so I spent a good chunk of my second day at Villa Las Estrellas on the other end of Tulum. This beach club was much nicer than yesterday’s and the food quality, beach beds, and service were better!
Explore by Bike
Eventually, I hopped on the bike I rented and continued riding up the road to explore more of the area! I stopped in a few shops for fun and just enjoyed a chill afternoon of sightseeing.
A Note about the Seaweed
While I was in Tulum early March, the sargassum seaweed was out of control! Now, this is not the fault of Tulum. I’ve seen sargassum seaweed in Florida and Barbados!
Usually in Florida it shows up during cooler months, but in the Caribbean you’re enjoying the beach year round! On an island like Barbados, it’s easy to avoid as you can just go to the other side of the island.
In Tulum it’s difficult to avoid, but there seemed to be a little more effort to clean up the seaweed in this part of Tulum versus what I experienced at Playa Paraiso the day before. I was even able to enjoy the water as some areas were seaweed free!
Should you be fighting seaweed for the beach, scout the area to see how the clean up is going at various beach clubs. If you’re are going to pay a lot for a beach club, some seaweed cleanup could make it worth it!
Here are a couple more Tulum beach clubs to consider visiting on this side of Tulum.
Ziggy’s
While I had bookmarked Ziggy’s, I didn’t end up visiting it. However, it makes numerous lists for best beach clubs in Tulum. It’s definitely worth considering!
Taquería la Eufemia
Spa Options
Relaxing on the beach can easily be your relaxing day! However, if you want to take it a step further, here are a couple of spas in this part of Tulum worth checking out!
Mayan Clay Spa & Bathhouse
Just a bit further up the road from the above mentioned beach clubs, you will find the Mayan Clay Spa & Bathhouse!
Naj Naay Spa
Another great option on this end of Tulum, very close to Ziggy’s, is the Naj Naay Spa! A lot of praise for the signature massage!
Explore Nature | 2 Days in Tulum
With only 2 days in Tulum, it’s a good idea not to try and do too much! However, if you don’t want to spend a whole day relaxing on the beach, a day trip exploring nature is the way to go!
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, looks absolutely amazing! If I ever make it back to Tulum, this will top my list!
You can get here by car, bus, or for the most convenience, book a tour similar to the one below.
Tulum Archaeological Site and Sian Ka’an Muyil Tour from Tulum
If you elect to explore on your own, start at the Muyil ruins and walk the boardwalk. However, do not skip the main event which is a boat ride through lagoons and canals!
Cenote Calavera
The first cenote on the 109 is Cenote Calavera. This one is a hole, so it looks very cool! Make it the first or last stop for the cenotes on this road! Or if you’re short on time, consider it as one of the easier ones to visit due its proximity to Tulum town.
Gran Cenote
The Gran Cenote is not too far from downtown Tulum! It’s an easy few hours to half day event! Ride a bike in under twenty minutes from downtown Tulum, go for an hour walk, or take a car or taxi.
Zacil-Ha
It’s easy to add Zacil-Ha Cenote before or after the Gran Cenote! It’s just a bit further up the road! About fifteen minutes by bike and four minutes by car.
Cenote Santa Cruz Tulum (Wayak)
The 109 is full of cenotes! You could easily spend a day cenote hopping if you want. Cenote Santa Cruz (Wayak) is a less touristy option. It’s basically a swimming hole with no cave, which might be why it’s slightly less touristy, but people seem to really enjoy their time here.
Dos Ojos
Dos Ojos cenote is in the opposite direction of the above options. It sits about 22km from Tulum town up the beach road. If you want to ride a bike, it will take about an hour! Thirty minutes by car.
Sac Actun
Very close to Dos Ojos is Sac Actun! Part cenote and part cave, this looks amazing! If you can only pick one, this should be a strong contender!
Tour Options | 2 Days in Tulum
If you really want to ensure you see a lot, tours can be a great way to really maximize your time! With only two days in Tulum, consider a tour or two to ensure you see and experience everything you want!
Tulum Archaeological Site & Sian Ka’an Muyil Tour from Tulum
For the Tulum ruins and a boat tour through Sian Ka’an Muyil, the above tour is perfect! Almost 700 five star reviews!
Sian Kaan Boat Tour: Full Day Experience
If you are interested in spending a day only exploring Sian Ka’an Muyil, then the above tour is worth considering! Since I’ve seen the ruins, I’d choose the below. Plus this UNESCO world heritage site looks amazing!
Kayak Biosphere Reserve Sunset Tour
Of course, if you want to spend some time in Sian Ka’an Muyil, but not an entire day, the above sunset tour looks absolutely magical! Over 200 five star reviews agree this one is magical!
Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour with 3 Options
If you want to move away from salt water for a day, this tour is for you! It includes an epic cenote, pyramid of Kukulcan, and the enchanting city of Valladolid! If booking, just be careful to choose the meeting point option that includes pickup from Tulum locations.
All-Inclusive! Tulum Ruins, Tequila Tasting and Swim in 3 Cenotes in Small Group!
This tour offers seeing the Tulum ruins from a boat instead of walking them! You will also get to experience three types of cenotes: the cave, half cave and open! Throw in a tequila tasting and it’s no wonder they have over 150 five star reviews!
Where to Stay for 2 Days in Tulum
Tulum Beachside
Alaya Tulum $400+
Papaya Playa Project $300+
Kanan Tulum $250+
Villa Pescadores by Ahau Collection $150+
Selina Tulum (hostel) $50+
Tulum Town
Best time to Visit Tulum
The good news about visiting this swanky Mexican beach town in the Riviera Maya is it’s a year round destination!
The shoulder season (my favorite time for any destination) for Tulum is late April to early June or September to October. You are more likely to encounter rain, but for anyone who would rather a rain shower or two over crowds, this is your time!
The most popular months are between November and April. The weather sits in the 70s and 80s and has minimal rainfall. Of course, northerners are looking to escape brutal winter temperatures, so all of the Caribbean experiences high season during this time.
Where to Eat | 2 Days in Tulum
Tulum has only increased in it’s restaurant options, so you will have plenty to choose from! I’ve kept it to three categories.
Tacos, because when in Mexico! Though, I very much enjoyed tacos from a local taco stand and lived to tell the tale! When I was recently in Mexico City with my sister, she wouldn’t even have a drink with ice. So I’m not sure if I was too cavalier or if she was unnecessarily worried. In case you relate to my sister, below are some taco spots to consider, though I enjoyed my taco stand experience!
Coffee is must for me, and so is breakfast! Even if you’re not a breakfast person, it’s likely you are still a coffee person, so cafes are a must!
Lastly are Michelin restaurants in Tulum. Michelin restaurants will likely need reservations, so these are probably the most important ones to consider in advance.
Tacos
Taqueria Honorio
Taqueria La Chiapaneca
La Taqueria – Pinches Tacos Shop
Cafe & Breakfast
Campanella Cremerie
La Fournee
BOTANICA Garden Cafe
DelCielo
Michelin
Casa Banana
Autor
Hartwood
Arca Tulum
How to Get to Tulum from Cancun Airport
Spending two days in Tulum first requires getting there! I flew into Cancun and took a bus! It was quite easy, and the most budget friendly option for me as a solo traveler.
Keep in mind, driving will take an hour and forty minutes, so this is not super close by any means! This helps to keep the price in perspective.
You can rent a car, but if you’re not into the idea of driving in Mexico, below are great options!
I didn’t include shared shuttle simply because the experiences are very hit or miss. Some wait for hours for the company to get other guests, in which case you’re better off taking the bus.
Is Tulum Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
I traveled to Tulum for a long weekend solo and felt safe! From the bus to and from Cancun Airport to Tulum and riding a bike around Tulum town and the beach road, I had no issues.
Now, I will say I did get stared at by Mexican workers as there was a lot of road work going on while I was there. As this was the worst of it, I consider Tulum safe. Additionally, there is probably significantly less construction work going on now, so this may not even be a factor!
Overall, I recommend being aware of your surroundings like you would anywhere! I’m not a partier so I can’t really speak to safety at night. However, Tulum is very touristy, so trust your intuition and use common sense.
Ultimately though, if you feel uncomfortable going to a certain location, then skip it for now! There is nothing wrong with pivoting to a destination you feel more comfortable visiting solo.
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Is 2 days in Tulum enough?
I spent two full days in Tulum and didn’t experience much of the surrounding nature in this area. However, I spent a day and half relaxing on the beach which was the main purpose for going to Tulum.
With two days in Tulum, you can fill your days with whatever interests you and if you decide to do more than chill on a beach, then two days is perfect for Tulum!
On the other hand, if you want to spend time relaxing, then you might need to schedule an extra day or two for exploring.
Is Tulum touristy? (My Honest Opinion)
In total honesty, Tulum disappointed me. Now it’s not really Tulum’s fault, because ultimately my expectations were for a sleepy, authentic Mexican beach town.
The reality is Tulum is not sleepy or authentic and has more yoga retreat vibes than anything else. On top of that, the prices were very high touristy prices only solidifying my let down.
This is not meant to talk you out of Tulum, but there was one blog post out of many that warned me it was touristy. So I want to be honest and help set your expectations, because I wish I would have gone with a more accurate picture.
My advice for Tulum: have realistic expectations and I think Tulum can be a great experience!
2 Days in Tulum Itinerary
I hope these travel tips and itinerary ideas were helpful and you feel more empowered for your two days in Tulum, Mexico! With a short time, you can either try and do it all, or just relax and enjoy those Caribbean waters!
So whether you plan to visit cenotes, ruins or just want beach and food, I hope you have the best two days in Tulum! Those Caribbean waters are beautiful whether on an island or the Riviera Maya!
