A Weekend in Tulum: Making the Most of Your Short Stay in Paradise
Taking a short trip to Tulum means that you and your party are in for a weekend full of adventure, beauty, tranquility, and history.
The perfect place for an unforgettable weekend getaway, Tulum has always charmed visitors from all corners of the world, enticing explorers, honeymooners, families, and vacationers alike with its sandy white beaches, crystal clear waters, vibrant culture, and Mayan history.
But, if you’re spending such a short amount of time in this breathtaking destination, how can you make the most of it? Before you fly to Tulum, you must have an itinerary in place that can help guide you through your weekend. Although travelers would argue that you can’t experience everything Tulum has to offer in one weekend, we’ve created an itinerary that’s bursting with everything Tulum has to offer, ensuring you enjoy every moment of your trip, and are still eager to return! Read on to learn how to make the most of your short stay in paradise.
Arrival Day
Once you’ve safely arrived in Tulum it’s time to see what this gorgeous tropical paradise has to offer. The first step is to settle into your accommodation – you’ll find a plethora of hotels, Airbnbs, eco-friendly beachfront cabanas, boutique hotels, and resorts in Tulum, each with its own vibe and price tag to match your budget.
If you want to start your weekend a little slower and if you’re feeling particularly jet-lagged after your travel, then why not kick back and see what your accommodation has to offer? Start with a mouth-watering breakfast, made with the freshest ingredients, and enjoy the pool or a stroll around the lush gardens, if you’re beachfront then why not enjoy a stroll through the soft sand or feel the crystal waters lap over your feet, or relax in a hammock with a cocktail in hand? If you’re feeling a little more adventurous then why not hire a bike and explore Tulum at your own pace? Get to know your surroundings and you’ll get a feel for its laid-back vibe – you’ll soon start to feel right at home.
Once the afternoon hits, why not explore some more of Tulum’s famous powdery white beaches? You can take the opportunity to relax on the sand, read a book, or head to one of Tulum’s famous beachside bars like the Papaya Playa Project – known for its stylish ambiance and beachside cabanas. You can enjoy food, and even a local DJ if you’re in the mood for music. If you’re visiting with family, La Zebra is a great option.
Why not take the opportunity to hire a paddleboard or a kayak and head out onto the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea? Exploring the coastline will certainly take up most of your first afternoon in Tulum! Now, it’s the evening, why not enjoy dinner at a trendy spot like Arca for some fine dining or if you have the family in tow, why not enjoy something a little more casual at Hartwood, and experience some local cuisine?
Day Two
As your second day in Tulum is about to begin, it pays to get up early and start your day with the most iconic experience that Tulum has to offer – sunrise over the Tukum Mayan Ruins. Perched over a cliff that overlooks the Caribbean Sea, you can watch the sun bathe these incredible ancient ruins with golden light, highlighting the remnants of an ancient civilization. It pays to get there early so you can avoid the crowds and get some fantastic pictures!
Hungry for some breakfast? Head into Tulum and you’ll find a range of popular cafes like Raw Love, nestled under palm trees and lush greenery. You’ll find plenty of Insta-worthy dishes in this place and enjoy a nutritious and filling breakfast too.
For more awe-inspiring beauty for your second day, why not immerse yourself and reconnect with nature and wildlife with a trip to Sian Ka’an Biosphere? This UNESCO World Heritage site is bursting with biodiversity – visitors can kayak through lagoons with tour guides, and have the opportunity to spot manatees, crocodiles, and flamingos in and around the mangroves, or take a guided boat tour that will take you deeper into this area of untouched beauty.
In the evening, why not head to a rooftop bar such as Kin Toh at the Azulik Hotel and take in the incredible panoramic views? Sip on cocktails as you watch the sunset over the treetop setting and even take a toll along the winding walkways – it really is an experience you won’t forget!
If you’re looking for something a little more serene and relaxed, then an evening stroll along the beach and a glass of something cold to toast you and your loved ones under the stars is the perfect way to end the day.
Final Day
It’s the last day of your trip but there’s still plenty of time to cram in as many Tulum experiences as possible before you fly home. Start your morning with a yoga session down on the beach; you could do this solo or book a place with one of Tulum’s best wellness centers and retreats. And for breakfast on the go, why not enjoy a breakfast taco or smoothie bowl from one of the beachside food trucks?
For your final afternoon in Tulum, why not try some snorkeling or spend your final hours enjoying the ocean? If you want to see some more animals and marine life then a last-minute boat tour to see turtles and the coral reefs is the ideal way to sign off your trip.
Final Thoughts…
We’ve barely scratched the surface of what you can see and do in Tulum, however, you’ll have even more to look forward to and experience on your next trip to this breathtaking destination. From visiting the Cenotes and taking a guided trek through the jungle to experiencing a Temazcal ceremony or visiting one of Tulum’s many conservation projects, there’s so much more to enjoy. How would you spend your weekend in Tulum?
