Tulum 5-Day Itinerary (2022)
If you are planning to visit Tulum and are looking for an itinerary that is a mix of beach clubs and great restaurants with a little bit of history/tourist experiences, you’ve come to the right place.
Days 1-3: My Tulum 3-Day Itinerary is here. The suggestions below are an extension of that schedule.
Day 4:
Visit Chichén Itzá and Suytun Cenote. Spend a half day outside of Tulum and visit Chichen Itza, the ancient Mayan city with pyramids you’ve likely learned about in a history class. I’d recommend doing a guided tour so that you know what you are seeing. Suytun cenote is nearby and definitely worth a stop. There is a platform in the middle and depending on the day/time of year, sometimes it is completely submerged underwater.
Spend the afternoon in Tulum Centro, Tulum’s downtown. Check out the shops, walk around town, and if you have time, make your way to the neighborhood of La Valeta.
Chill at the pool at Layla Hotel or Hotel Bardo. These two hotels make up for their lack of beach with their pools. Both are great spots to spend a day or at least pop by for a cocktail.
Have dinner in La Valeta at Canova, La Pizzine, Italdo, or in town at Humo, Burrito Amor, or La Hoja Verde.
Day 5:
Have breakfast at Papaya Playa Project. This is always my favorite place to take friends on their last day in Tulum. The restaurant overlooks the beach and it’s normally not crowded in the morning, making it a peaceful way to start the day.
Visit the Muyil Ruins and/or the Mayan canal experience in Sian Ka’an. These two activities are very close to each other, just south of Tulum. The Muyil Ruins is another opportunity to see an ancient Mayan settlement. In Sian Ka’an you can spend a few hours on a boat, learning a bit of history and float through Mayan-made canals.
End your trip with a wellness experience: Sound Healing, Temazcal, or opt for a massage.
If you have more time and can afford to spend a day or two away from Tulum, there are a few great destinations nearby, and each are a very different experience:
Bacalar. Looking for something very laid back? Bacalar is a tranquil and idyllic place. The town is just 2 hours south of Tulum and relatively undeveloped. You’ll want to book a taxi ahead of time and it should cost you ~$150 one way.
Read more about Bacalar: Mexico’s Lagoon of Seven Colors
Merida. Merida is a historical/colonial-style town with pastel-painted buildings that typically do not exceed two stories in height. The city is known for being very safe and is definitely more quiet than some of the other cities within the Yucatan peninsula. You should visit Merida if you want to experience Mexican culture and authentic Mayan dishes.
Isla Holbox. Looking for a beach destination, but not the crowds (or cars)? Holbox is a small island just north of Cancun. Like Bacalar, it’s also undeveloped, but you will find some great restaurants and bars, and very friendly people.
If you decide to come back to Tulum for more, or for a wellness retreat, there are so many options. I highly recommend checking out Sanara or Bikini Bootcamp at Amansala.
If you find yourself loving Tulum and staying longer-term, here are some helpful tips for saving a few pesos: Tulum on a Budget.
xx Em
