Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders Of The World, a Unesco World Heritage site, and one of the top Tulum attractions. It was built by the Maya-Toltec civilization between the 5th and 13th century. The Temple of Kukulkan, also known as El Castillo, is the stepped pyramid that is most recognizable. Chichen Itza is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The entry fee is USD $13/person.
Tulum Ruins
Tulum Ruins
Tulum was built to be a fortress and is surrounded by limestone walls on three sides and the Caribbean on the other side. Highlights include the Great Palace, Temple of the Frescoes, God of Winds Temple, and most importantly, the views! The Tulum Ruins are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entry fee is USD $4/person.
Coba Ruins
Coba Ruins
The largest pyramid at Coba is called Ixmoja. The pyramid is quite steep – it has 120 steps and has a thick rope in the middle. Unlike other Maya sites, you can still climb this one! The Coba Ruins are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entry fee is USD $3/person.
Muyil Site
Muyil Site
The Muyil settlement was one of the earliest on the Caribbean coast. It is located within the northwestern border of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. One of the highlights is the lookout tower found at the Laguna (lagoon) Muyil. The Muyil Site is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entry fee is USD $3/person.
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote
A cenote is a natural sinkhole that is created from the collapse of limestone, also forming caves, and is a place to go swimming. Gran Cenote is one of the best places to go snorkeling in all of Tulum. There are bathrooms and lockers onsite as well as rental equipment. The Gran Cenote is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The final entry is at 4:15 p.m. The entry fee is USD $9.50/person. The Snorkel Mask & Fins Rental is USD $4.20/person. Life Jacket Rental is USD $2.65/person. Locker Rentals are USD $1.60/locker. Note that you can’t use your own lock.
Dos Ojos Cenote
Dos Ojos Cenote
Dos Ojos Cenote is formed by 2 sinkholes. It has an elaborate underwater cave system is excelling for scuba diving. There are bathrooms onsite and you can rent snorkeling equipment. Dos Ojos Cenote is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entry fee is USD $14/person. Snorkeling equipment can be rented for an additional USD $5/person.
Sian Kaan
Sian Kaan
Sian Kaan is one of Mexico’s largest parks – it covers more than 1 million acres of coastal jungle and lagoons. It is also a Unesco World Heritage site. The best way to get around the Reserve is by tour. Sian Kaan is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Punta Laguna
Punta Laguna
The Punta Laguna Nature Reserve has the most spectacular sightseeing – spider monkeys. The best way to get around the Reserve is by tour. Besides the spider monkeys, you can canoe, swim in the cenotes, explore caves, and zipline. Punta Laguna is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
While in Tulum, you must snorkel in a cenote – the water clarity is fantastic. Sian Kaan is a great place to snorkel because of the Mesoamerican reef. Xel-Ha Park is also a great spot to snorkel because of the cove located in the cenote. Another great snorkeling location is the Yal Ku Lagoon located in Akumal.
Xcaret Park
Xcaret Park
Xcaret Park is both an Ecological and Archaeological Park. There are tons of things to do. But the most popular is swimming with the dolphins. Some free attractions include the Coral Reef Aquarium, sea turtles, jungle trail, orchids greenhouse. Xcaret Park is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The entry fee is USD $100/person.
Tulum Xel Ha
Tulum Xel Ha
Xel Ha is an aquatic park where you can swim and snorkel all day. There is an area for children with water slides. If you get hungry, there are several restaurants to choose from. Xel Ha is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entry fee ranges from USD $90 – USD $105/person depending on the season.
