How to spend 2 Days in Tulum: The Best Itinerary + Where to Stay

You’re want to go 2 days in Tulum and you’re looking for the best things to do?

Great idea!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared for you the perfect itinerary to visit Tulum in 2 days.

In addition to the world famous Tulum archaeological site, you will also discover the best of the city (including some hidden gems!) as well beautiful beaches and Cenotes located nearby.

I will first give you my optimized and detailed 2-day itinerary to make the most of your stay in Tulum, with all the best places to visit and activities for each day.

Of course, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Tulum in 2 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

2 Days in Tulum: Itinerary + Best Things to Do + Tips

Visits of Day 1

A. Morning: Archaeological Site of Tulum

Kick off your 2 days in Tulum with a visit to the beautiful ruins of Tulum.

Nestled on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, these ruins stand as a testament to the ancient Mayan civilization. It’s one of the few Mayan cities known to have been inhabited when the Spanish arrived, and it served as a major port.

While exploring, make sure to visit key structures like:

• El Castillo (The Castle), a temple perched on the edge of the cliff offering stunning sea views
• The Temple of the Frescoes, renowned for its preserved murals depicting Mayan cosmology
• The Temple of the Descending God, notable for its distinct architecture and the intriguing figure carved into its facade

B. Afternoon: Tulum’s Beach Strip and Beaches

In the afternoon, explore the allure of Tulum’s Beach Strip, also known as the hotel zone.

This extensive area, stretching about 10 miles along the beautiful Caribbean coastline, is dotted with boutique hotels, unique shops, and inviting restaurants.

• Where to Eat in Tulum: The Ultimate Guide to the Top 25 Restaurants!

Following your stroll along the Beach Strip, head to one of Tulum’s idyllic beaches for some relaxation and sun.

Playa Paraiso and Playa las Palmas are two of the most popular choices, each offering its unique charm.

• Playa Paraiso, known for its wider stretches of sand and panoramic views, is perfect for those looking to enjoy the vibrant beach atmosphere
• Playa las Palmas offers a more secluded and tranquil experience, ideal for those seeking a quieter day by the sea

C. Night: Tulum’s Vibrant Nightlife

As the sun sets, dive into Tulum’s lively nightlife. The town is home to a variety of spots perfect for enjoying a drink or partying.

Alongside the popular Papaya Playa Project, Casa Jaguar, and Gitano, don’t miss the unique experiences offered by Tulum’s rooftop bars.

Mateo’s Mexican Grill is a favorite for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of the sunset. For a more tranquil evening, head to Muuyal Rooftop, where you can relax in a serene setting.

If you’re in the mood for something more energetic, Nana Rooftop comes alive at night with its lively techno music.

Day 2 in Tulum

A. Morning: Refreshing Cenote Visits

Spend your second morning exploring the mystical cenotes, a hallmark of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Cenotes are natural freshwater pools formed by the collapse of porous limestone bedrock. These stunning natural wonders were considered sacred by the ancient Maya, who believed them to be gateways to the underworld (called Inframundo).

In Tulum, you’ll encounter both open-air and underground cenotes:

• Open-air cenotes resemble natural swimming pools under the open sky, perfect for sunbathing and swimming
• Underground cenotes offer a unique experience of swimming in cave-like settings with clear waters and striking rock formations

Options like Cenote Calavera, Gran Cenote, or further towards the archaeological site of Coba, Cenote Zacil-Ha and Carwash are all fantastic choices, especially if you’re interested in visiting more than one since they’re located on the same route (Mexico 180D).

• For more information about these hidden gems, be sure to explore my detailed guide on the 15 best cenotes in Tulum!

B. Afternoon: Coba and Caleta Tankah

A 2-day trip to Tulum is not complete without a visit to the archaeological site of Coba.

This ancient city was one of the most significant urban centers in the Yucatan Peninsula during the Classic Period (200 to 900 AD).

It played a pivotal role in controlling agriculture and water supply, which placed it in a dominant position in the region.

It had commercial, political and religious interactions with major cities like Tikal and Calakmul, among others. Coba also maintained significant relations with Teotihuacán, the great metropolis of central Mexico during that period!

In about 2 hours, you can visit:

• Nohoch Mul Pyramid: The 2nd tallest Mayan pyramid on the Yucatán Peninsula (after Calakmul).
• Ball Courts: Ancient sites where the Mayan ball game was played, showcasing the sports culture of the Mayans
• Coba Stelae: Stone monuments with inscriptions, revealing historical and astronomical insights.
• Sacbeob (White Roads): Network of ancient roads connecting Coba with other Mayan cities and within the city itself
• Coba Group: A collection of large temple pyramids and residential buildings near the entrance
• Macanxoc Group: Known for its stelae and small altars, providing a glimpse into the spiritual practices of the Maya

After Coba, return to Tulum and unwind at Caleta Tankah.

This beach club, with its stunning private beach, natural freshwater pool, jungle cenote, and beachfront restaurant, offers the perfect setting to relax and end your Tulum 2-Day Itinerary.

The best part about Caleta Tankah is that it is consistently free from sargassum, ensuring a pristine beach experience every time you visit!

Tulum in 2 days: the best tours to choose from

To make the most of your 48-hour trip, these are the tours that I recommend, all with Pick Up and Drop Off from Tulum:

• Tulum Ruins and cenote – Click here to book!
• Cenote Trail Bike Tour with lunch – Click here to book!
• Coba, Punta Laguna, cenote and lunch – Click here to book

The best hotels for two days in Tulum

Here are my best hotel recommendations for your short stay in Tulum:

• Mayan Monkey Tulum: an excellent value for money. Nice modern hostel with a good atmosphere, a pool, bar and garden. Including fast wifi, kitchen access, yoga classes, coworking spaces, and bike and motorcycle rentals. Dorms and private rooms starting at only 24 $usd per night.

• Casa Almendro: if you are looking for a little more comfort, you will like this small cheap hotel in the center of Tulum. It’s a green oasis with a rooftop terrace with chairs and hammocks. There are king size beds and breakfast is included, from only 50 $usd per night!

• Diamante K: is a high-end hotel but at a very fair price, which is exceptional in Tulum, especially for a hotel with direct access to the beach in the hotel zone! Bohemian chic atmosphere, including a restaurant, hammocks and beds on the private beach, and a massage service. Bungalows are 207 $usd per night.

• Habitas Tulum: this small eco-friendly hotel with a chic design is ideal for a romantic stay in Tulum. It is a true oasis of peace, hidden among the palm trees, with a magnificent swimming pool and a private beach. There are also yoga classes on the terrace at sunset. From 371 $usd per night!

• Kanan Tulum- Adults Only: this is the ultimate option for a luxury stay in Tulum. It is an ecological hotel for adults only, located on a beautiful private beach with hammocks and beds. With a fantastic rooftop terrace with a bar; the hotel also has an excellent restaurant, great rooms and a very friendly welcome. From 566 $usd per night!

Is 2 Days in Tulum Enough?

Spending two days in Tulum can be enough to experience a taste of its unique charm.

While a longer stay allows for a deeper exploration, a well-planned 2-day itinerary can cover the highlights, including the breathtaking Tulum ruins, stunning cenotes, and the vibrant beach strip.

However, if you have more time, adding a third day could give you the opportunity to visit the amazing Sian Ka’an Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity.

Check out my other Tulum guides:

• 1 Day in Tulum Itinerary
• 3 Days in Tulum Itinerary
• Top 35 Things to Do in Tulum – My Definitive Guide!

Essential Tips for an Unforgettable 2-Day Trip in Tulum

To make the most of your 48h in Tulum, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

• Plan Your Itinerary Wisely: With so much to see, it’s important to plan efficiently. Prioritize the must-visit places like the Tulum ruins and a couple of cenotes, and don’t overfill your schedule.
• Rent a Bike for Local Exploration: Biking is an enjoyable and eco-friendly way to explore Tulum, especially the beach strip and nearby attractions.
• Bring Aqua Shoes for Cenotes: cenotes can have slippery surfaces, so wearing aqua shoes will provide better grip and protection while exploring these natural pools.
• Stay Hydrated and Sun-Protected: The Yucatan sun can be intense. Always carry water and use sun protection, whether you’re exploring ruins or lounging on the beach.
• Be Prepared for Mosquitoes: Especially if you’re venturing into cenotes or jungle areas, insect repellent will be your best friend.
• Check for Sargassum Updates: While Caleta Tankah is free from sargassum, other beaches might be affected. It’s a good idea to check (here is the link!) the current conditions before planning your beach day.
• Carry Cash: While many places in Tulum accept cards, having cash (preferably in mexican pesos) is handy for small purchases, cenotes, tips, and some local markets or vendors.
• Start Your Day Early: To avoid the crowds, especially at popular spots like the archaeological sites and cenotes, try to begin your activities early in the morning
• Learn Basic Spanish Phrases: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, knowing some Spanish phrases can enhance your interaction with locals and show respect for the culture.

Rent a car in Tulum

Nothing beats renting a car to discover Tulum in two days and have a wonderful time!

To rent a car, personally, I always use Booking.com Cars, for a few reasons:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Booking Cars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies, so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

How to find a cheap flight to Tulum

You can choose between two airports to get to Tulum: Cancun and Felipe Carrillo.

Cancun (CUN) has more flight options, but it’s a 3.5-hour drive to Tulum. Felipe Carrillo (TQO) is newer and closer to Tulum (only a 40-minute drive), but it has fewer flights.

I recommend you check the fares and layovers for both airports from where you’re flying. Right now, there are not many direct flights to Tulum, so Cancun might be a better choice for now.

To find a cheap flight to Tulum or Cancun as well as the best domestic flights in Mexico, I recommend using our flight comparison tool in partnership with Skyscanner. It is guaranteed to get you the best price!

You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• The 35 Best Things to Do in Mexico

• Tulum: 35 Best Things to Do + All My Best Tips!
• Where to Stay in Tulum? The best areas and places to stay
• 1 Day in Tulum – Top Spots in 24 Hours
• 3 Days in Tulum – The Ideal 72-Hour Itinerary

• Tulum Ruins: Everything you Need to Know for your Visit
• Tulum: the 15 Best Cenotes You Can’t Miss!
• Why You Should Visit Cenote Dos Ojos (Tulum)
• Where to Eat in Tulum: The Ultimate Guide to the Top 25 Restaurants!
• The Ultimate Guide to Kaan Luum Lagoon, Tulum’s Best-Kept Secret
• New Tulum Airport (Felipe Carrillo): All You Need to Know

• Yucatan Peninsula: Top 20 things to Do and See
• Playa del Carmen: Top 30 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• Cancun: the 35 Best Things to Discover

• Itinerary: 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mexico – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary: 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico: The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month

• Itinerary: 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary: 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

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