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Tulum
Culture & history

Culture & history

Our most recommended Tulum Culture & history

Cancún: Chichén Itzá, Cenote, Valladolid, Lunch and Tequila

1. Cancún: Chichén Itzá, Cenote, Valladolid, Lunch and Tequila

Dive into Mayan culture on a guided day trip with optional hotel transfers from Cancún or Riviera Maya to Chichén Itzá, named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World for being one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities. Enjoy a Mexican buffet and tequila tasting, and stop at Valladolid and a cenote. The fun will just get started with a panoramic visit as no visit to the charming town of Valladolid, famed for the ornate, 16th-century Convent of San Bernardino of Siena, and the baroque San Gervasio Cathedral. Then, a visit to the area would not be complete without a stop by a cenote, a refreshing, enchanting underground sinkhole, sacred to the Mayan people. Then, enjoy a Mexican buffet lunch and a tequila-tasting experience. Finally, once at Chichén Itzá, follow the guide while learning all about the most important buildings. From the awe-inspiring Pyramid of Kukulcan to the ruins that once housed tens of thousands of Mayans, the Pyramid of El Castillo or El Caracol, this visit is filled with rarely heard stories, incredible details, and stunning photo opportunities. Discover why the huge city played such an important role from the Late Classic period (600 AD) into the early part of the Post Classic period (1200 AD), and why it remained a huge center of pilgrimage.

Riviera Maya: Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour

2. Riviera Maya: Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour

Discover the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itzá on a guided tour from Playa del Carmen. Immerse yourself in the jungle at an eco-park, with some time for swimming in a cenote and a hearty buffet lunch. Start with pickup from Playa del Carmen and first travel to the jungle eco-park. Marvel at the sacred cenote as you refresh yourself with a purifying swim in crystalline waters. Dig into a delicious buffet lunch at the restaurant at the eco-park, and be ready for a flavor sensation. Try some of the famed Mexican cuisine with regional dishes from Yucatán. After your buffet, head to the world-famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itzá. Take a guided tour of the ceremonial site and listen to fascinating tales of the ancient Maya civilization. Learn more with your expert guides and hear entertaining stories of life at Chichen Itzá. Discover a culture that was way ahead of its time. Then, enjoy some free time to explore by yourself and walk in the footsteps of the Mayan people. Your final stop is in the colonial center of Valladolid for a quick visit to this charming “Magic Town” of Mexico. The imposing church and architecture of the town surrounding the “zocalo'' or town square are perfect photo ops and a chance to relax and enjoy the laid-back vibes of Yucatán, before heading back to Playa del Carmen.

Tulum and Coba: Full-Day Archaeological Tour with Lunch

3. Tulum and Coba: Full-Day Archaeological Tour with Lunch

Enjoy the perfect blend of culture and adventure as you immerse yourself in Mayan culture like a local. Visit two significant archaeological sites: Tulum, the walled city by the beach with stunning Caribbean views, and then head to a refreshing semi-open cenote. Here, experience Mayan traditions, including an introduction to Mayan Bee Melipona honey, a demonstration of cocoa seeds, and a visit to a Shaman who will perform a Mayan ceremony in your honour. Indulge in the finest local cuisine to recharge, and then continue to Coba, where you'll find the tallest pyramid of the Peninsula. An immersive adventure in Mayan culture awaits you.

Cancun Airport: One-Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer

4. Cancun Airport: One-Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer

Enjoy a 1-way or round-trip transfer between Cancun Airport and your hotel. A 1-way transfer is also available from your hotel to the airport. A friendly driver will meet and greet you at your location. Relax knowing that you are traveling safely in an air-conditioned vehicle. Let your driver navigate you through the traffic smoothly. Travel conveniently without needing to find a taxi or shared public transport from the airport.

From Playa del Carmen: Tulum, Coba, and Cenotes Day Trip

5. From Playa del Carmen: Tulum, Coba, and Cenotes Day Trip

The first stop is Tulum, the ancient Maya city perched on a cliff overlooking the Mexican Caribbean sea. Your expert bilingual guide will share fascinating information about the archaeological site, its importance in history, and the day-to-day life of its inhabitants at its peak. Hear all about the past cultures and the theories of their demise. Next up is a visit to Cenote Kuxtal for a swim. Cenotes are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula, natural sinkholes in limestone caves that were sacred to the ancient Maya people. You will then savor an authentic regional lunch buffet to recharge for the last stop of the day. The last part of this incredible journey is a guided tour of the Coba Mayan ruins. Still mostly hidden beneath the jungle foliage, Coba is the site of the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan, climb to the top for out of this world views. Hear from your guide about the discovery of this site. Admire the boundaries between nature and man-made structures and the jungle bonds with the ruins.

From Cancún: Cobá, Cenote, Tulum and Playa del Carmen Tour

6. From Cancún: Cobá, Cenote, Tulum and Playa del Carmen Tour

Discover the Mayan Riviera first-hand on a guided day trip from Cancún, with hotel pick-up and drop-off included. Swim in the clear waters of a sacred cenote, marvel at the old Mayan cities of Tulum and Cobá, and visit the coastal resort town of Playa del Carmen. Begin your tour from Cancún with a visit to Tulum, an old Mayan city built on the seashore. Marvel at its incredible structures, including El Castillo, El Templo de Los Frescos, and the beautiful white sand beach. This is one of the most photographed sites in the Riviera Maya. Next, discover Cobá, a Mayan city boasting the tallest pyramid in the entire Yucatán Peninsula. Tek through the sprawling jungle surrounding you and marvel at its sounds, aromas, and natural beauty. Your guide will enlighten you with magical tales of an ancient culture as you explore. Stop for a buffet lunch and taste local delicacies. Enjoy a regional lunch buffet of Yucatán specialties. Spice up your day with a taste of the special habanero salsa if you are feeling brave. Dive into a truly magical experience with a swim in a cenote in the Riviera Maya, an otherworldly natural underground limestone sinkhole filled with crystalline water. Conclude your Riviera Maya tour with a visit to Playa del Carmen, a vibrant city in the Mexican Caribbean - a perfect spot for some shopping, people watching, and enjoying the chic 5th Avenue vibes.

Riviera Maya: Tulum Ruins and 2 Cenotes Half-Day Tour

7. Riviera Maya: Tulum Ruins and 2 Cenotes Half-Day Tour

Set off on an excursion to Tulum, a picturesque, must-see Maya archeological site located next to the turquoise sea. Enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off in the Riviera Maya and visit two breathtaking cenotes. Be picked up from your hotel and make your way to the Tulum archaeological zone on the picturesque Caribbean coast. Embark on a comprehensive guided walk. Have some free time to explore the ancient solar observatory in the Temple of the Frescoes and the seaside Temple of the God of Wind. Snap once-in-a-lifetime photos of the Pyramid El Castillo and pristine white-sand beaches. Stop at the cenote Mariposa and immerse yourself in the cave's crystal-clear waters. Look up to admire the lush jungle canopy as you swim, and try to spot the wildlife that lives among the branches. Make a stop at the Chen-Ha cenote before returning to your accommodation.

From Riviera Maya: Mayan Ruins & Sian Kaan Reserve Tour

8. From Riviera Maya: Mayan Ruins & Sian Kaan Reserve Tour

Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Muyil and the Sian Kaan Nature Reserve on a half-day tour from Tulum. You will encounter a variety of birds, plants, and animals before wandering through the ruins to discover the incredible history of this ancient civilization. After being picked up from Tulum you will be transferred to the Sian Kaan Nature Reserve. Walk through this inspiring eco-preserve to the highest point in the reserve and gaze out at an unblemished jungle filled with hundreds of species of birds, plants, and animal life. Enjoy a small hike before a boat ride through the trading canals of the ancient Maya civilization and visit the Maya temple of Xlapak. You will see the detailed facades of these old ruins, located at the bottom of the river valley. Next, float and swim back down through the canals between mangroves and gently make your way back out into the crystal-clear waters around the peninsula. Onboard, enjoy an assortment of Mexican snacks and lunch as the sun sets over this beautiful landscape. Experience the very best of this region. The food, the culture, the nature, and a bit of relaxation in the water make this a perfect day trip.

From Riviera Maya: Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour

9. From Riviera Maya: Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour

Start your journey by getting picked up in Tulum. Discover Chichen Itza, a spectacular archaeological site and a must-see for those interested in history and culture.  See renowned structures with your guide such as the Pyramid of Kukulkan and the Great Ball Court. Get a glimpse of the achievements of the Mayan civilization.  After Chichen Itza, head to Valladolid, a city where past and present come together. Be amazed by the colorful architecture and the local food culture.  Have lunch in the courtyard of a restored colonial mansion and wander the square and nearby streets. Take photos and enjoy shopping as you get a taste of the slow-paced Mexican life. To finish the day, go to a local community-run cenote, the perfect spot to get away from the crowds and cool down in the refreshing blue waters.

Cancun/Riviera Maya: Tulum Ruins, Sea Turtle Swim & Cenotes

10. Cancun/Riviera Maya: Tulum Ruins, Sea Turtle Swim & Cenotes

After pickup from your hotel in Cancun or Riviera Maya, visit the Ruins of Tulum. Embark on a 45-minute tour with a professional archeologist guide and learn about Mayan history. Explore the site at your own pace.  Next, board your coach and travel to the Jaguar Cenote. The drive includes off-roading since the cenote is located in the jungle. Once arriving, enjoy a Mexican buffet-style lunch including Cochinita Pibil ´the pulled pork of Mexico,´ chicken, rice, beans, tortillas, and tortilla chips. Vegetarian options are available upon advance notice. Visit and swim in the wet stage cenote, snorkel, and explore the colorful sea life. After your cenote adventure, enjoy a Mexican-style coffee called Café Olla. Next, head to Akumal Bay, a perfect place for swimming with sea turtles that feed on the seagrass in the bay near you. Put on your provided snorkeling gear — or your own, if you prefer — and enjoy a snorkeling tour of these amazing creatures. Your instructor will guide you through each step of the process to ensure a unique and fun-filled swim experience. A professional photographer will accompany you throughout the day and capture your beautiful moments. Look over the photos at the end and purchase your USB with the guide. Finally, return to the van for transportation back to your hotel.

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What people are saying about Tulum

Overall rating

4.1 / 5

based on 296 reviews

It's about 2hrs to Tulum from cancun it's an air conditioned coach with a toilet l, we had 10 people on the coach and when we got to Tulum we were then put into groups of english speaking so we did have quite a few people by the time we got into Tulum. Tulum itself is beautiful and it's quite small so it's easy to get around but you can't get to close to anything as it's all roped off. Our guide very knowledgeable and explained the history of tulum very well. you get to walk around the ruins for about half hour then you have to get back to the coach where you have lunch, aslong as you get your lunch ordered you can eat this on the coach to Coba. Coba is again stunning but it is a 2km walk from the entrance to get there there are bikes which you can hire and also locals will bike you up to the temple for a minimal fee. Unfortunately you cant climb the temple due to it needing restoring. The cenote is beautiful crystal clear waters there's 2 of them 1 is a cave the other is outside

We had an outstanding experience and highly recommend this tour. Felipe was an excellent guide, really well prepared and making you sure you got context to all the visited sites and experiences. With him we had a great tour of Chichen Itza, moved on to an excellent lunch in Valladolid and then went to what is probably the highlight of the tour (not small considering you previously visited Chichen Itza) with the visit to a off the beaten path community-run cenote, where you can have an authentic experience and give back to the local community.

I was solo and mr apolina was pretty cool chill tour was an experience i recommend it just wear sun lotion lolol just a little the sun was out Def an experience of a like time all the explaining about civilization and everything was pretty cool something they will never show you in school or anywhere else def an awesome tour guide experience

The tour guide was great. Small tour group made up of fun people, 11 total. Loved the small bus pickup and tour. Take photos on swing cenote first then head to the cave one

Great experience with super knowledgeable guide! The size of the group was perfect to navigate all of the crowds and get to everything effectively.