Okay, so it’s not entirely true to say that Tulum is a ‘new’ Mexican mecca. In fact, this striking destination has been gaining its tourism wings for roughly a decade now. But, many people still refer to it as a must-see hidden gem, and visitor numbers that remain much lower than in central hubs like Cancun or Cabo continue to reflect that.
However, there are definitely enough people heading to Tulum right now to make it worth a visit, and travel bloggers broadly state that you can have a fantastic trip, even if you want to spend just three days here.
Keep on reading, as we cover a three-day itinerary that’s sure to result in one of your best Mexican trips yet.
Day 1: Living the Luxury Life
White sand beaches and some of the most scenic sights you’ve ever seen will mean that, for your first day, you’ll probably just want to take it easy and soak up those luxurious surroundings.
This is especially true if you book a room at options like La Zebra Tulum resort, where you can literally lie on your bed and look out at a crystal sea, or else head to a beach club complete with cocktails that you can sip just steps away from the Caribbean.
Or why not take this first day to head to iconic Tulum beaches like Playa Paraíso? Tulum’s ‘crown jewel’ of a public beach is less than five miles southeast and boasts chalk-white sand that’s bound to make you feel like you’re in an instant paradise.
Day 2: Let History Have its Moment
Tulum’s white beaches might have been the things to first catch your eye, but this destination is also well-known for its 13th-century Mayan ruins.
The most famous of these has to be the Zona Arqueológica de Tulum just 3km away from Playa Paraíso. Famed as the only Mayan city built along the coast, this hotspot includes the towering fortress of El Castillo and the Temple of the Frescoes, an astounding two-storey building containing paintings that date back to the 11th century CE.
You could follow up this location with a visit to another ancient city, the Cobá Archaeological Zone. While this is a 45-minute drive away from Tulum’s center, it’s well worth the visit for the sake of the iconic 42-meter-high Nohoch Mul pyramid, and the ability to hunt for those ruins deep in Tulum jungle..
Day 3: Not Forgetting Nature
We’ve saved arguably the best until last, because Tulum’s natural wonders are perhaps its most iconic locations of all. In fact, there are so many fantastic natural sights here that it would be impossible to list them all here.
That said, some great stops for your last day might include the the UNESCO world heritage untouched tropical forests of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, or the famed Gran Cenote limestone sinkhole that you’re probably seen all over Instagram, and which could make sure your Tulum visit ends on an unforgettable high.
Thinking about a trip to Tulum this year? Make the most of your time with this heart-stopping itinerary!
