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Tulum & Riviera Maya in 3 Days: Ruins, Cenotes & Beaches

Itinerary by the TimeLine team

Mayan ruins above the sea, swimming in cenotes and white-sand beaches between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. A car or bike makes it easy.

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Day 1 · 4 stops

  1. Tulum Ruins

    Zona Arqueológica de Tulum

    A walled Mayan port on a cliff over the Caribbean.

    Tip: Go at opening — it gets hot and crowded fast.

  2. Playa Paraíso

    Playa Paraíso, Tulum

    A palm-lined beach right next to the ruins.

  3. Gran Cenote

    Gran Cenote, Tulum

    Clear water, caverns and turtles a short drive from town.

    Tip: Shower before entering and skip sunscreen to protect the water.

  4. Tulum Pueblo tacos

    Tulum Pueblo

    Cheap, excellent tacos and cochinita pibil in town, away from the beach-zone prices.

Day 2 · 4 stops

  1. Cobá

    Zona Arqueológica de Cobá

    Jungle ruins where you can rent a bike along the old Mayan roads.

    Tip: Climbing Nohoch Mul is no longer allowed.

  2. Cenote Choo-Ha

    Cobá

    A low cave cenote with stalactites near Cobá.

  3. Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

    Sian Ka'an

    Mangroves and lagoons with dolphins and birds, best on a guided boat trip.

  4. Tulum beach zone

    Zona Hotelera, Tulum

    Sunset drinks among the beach clubs.

Day 3 · 4 stops

  1. Akumal Bay

    Akumal

    Snorkel with green sea turtles in the shallow bay.

    Tip: Guides and life vests are required in the turtle area.

  2. Xel-Há or Dos Ojos Cenote

    Dos Ojos, Tulum

    Snorkel or dive two connected sinkholes in a cave system.

  3. Puerto Aventuras

    A marina town with a quiet beach and seafood restaurants.

  4. Playa del Carmen & Quinta Avenida

    Quinta Avenida, Playa del Carmen

    A pedestrian street of shops, bars and restaurants by the beach. Ferries leave here for Cozumel.

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