Hey everyone! I recently came back from an unforgettable trip to Mexico, where I was honored to be a part of a beautiful wedding celebration. Besides the wedding, one of the big highlights of the trip was heading out to Tulum National Park for the day. From delicious food to breathtaking ruins and pristine beaches, a trip to Tulum is a must if staying in the general Cancun area. If you’re planning a trip to Tulum, here’s a recap of my experience—plus some handy tips to make your visit even better!
Starting the Journey – Cancun to Tulum
Our day kicked off bright and early with our shuttle driver picking us up at 8:00am from our hotel, the Wyndham Valla del Palmer in Cancun, {shuttles and Ubers played a big role in this vacation). The ride from Cancun to Tulum took almost 2 hours but was certainly worth it. The driver—who was full of local knowledge—recommended a must-visit spot for breakfast: Don Cafeto. His first recommendation was something different, (I can't remember the name), however, it was closed. So, he drove us to Don Cafeto in downtown Tulum. Just down the road from the park.
Breakfast at Don Cafeto – A Hidden Gem
Once we arrived at Don Cafeto, we were seated at a nice table in the front, outside, which gave us a perfect spot for people-watching and just seeing the vibe of the town. We had a few different locals come up and offer little trinkets and such, which we politely refused. And the food? Absolutely delicious! I ordered a chile relleno, while my partner had the chilaquiles. I also had the fresh fish ceviche, which was a true highlight—bursting with flavor and freshness. Ceviche was a recurring theme for me while in Mexico. Everything was wonderful!
As we enjoyed our meal, we struck up a conversation with a lovely couple who sat down at the table next to us. They were also from Washington state and recently bought a home in Tulum, such a small world! They were kind enough to offer to drive us to Tulum National Park. Meeting fellow travelers and sharing experiences is always a great part of going to new places!
Before heading to the ruins, we made a quick stop at a street vendor for fresh coconut water—a refreshing treat to keep us hydrated in the Mexican sun. It was such a cool experience that I had never had before. It truly felt like a vacation at that point...drinking coconut water out of the coconut with a straw, a must!
Navigating Tickets at Tulum National Park
Our lovely new friends dropped us off at the park entrance and we were on our way to see the ruins.
One thing to note when visiting Tulum: You’ll need two tickets.
1️⃣ The first ticket is for the park zone, which you’ll find at the food and souvenir shop area.
2️⃣ The second ticket is for the archaeological zone, and you’ll need to walk a little further down a trail to reach this booth. The booth is a small trailer on the right, off the path a bit, so watch for it as it isn't clearly marked as a ticket station. We strolled right on past it and had to backtrack when we got to the entrance without the second ticket.
Make sure to grab both tickets in advance to avoid unnecessary backtracking!
Exploring the Tulum Ruins
The ruins of Tulum were amazing! I personally love exploring historic places and thinking about how life used to be for the people of the time. Tulum of course, is quite historic. Tulum is one of the last cities built by the Maya, who were thriving there between the 13th-15th centuries. It was an important trade and religious center for the Maya, acting as a major port for maritime commerce. The site features impressive structures, like the iconic El Castillo (The Castle), which served as a lighthouse guiding ships to safety. Today, Tulum is an awe-inspiring reminder of the civilization’s advanced architectural and astronomical knowledge. Standing among its ancient structures is a humbling experience, as well as a breathtaking one. Perched on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the ruins offer stunning panoramic views. The colors of the bright sky, the blue and teal water, the gray of the ruins, and the white of the sandy beach, created a beautiful masterpiece of scenery!
Walking through the site, I was amazed by the architectural work of the Mayan civilization and their connection to the sea. The structures tell the story of a once-thriving coastal trade hub, and it’s fun to imagine what life must have been like centuries ago. We also enjoyed seeing the current residents...the dozens of Iguanas that sunbathe throughout the area. They were super fun to watch.
Playa Maya – A Beach Lover’s Dream
After soaking in the history of the ancient ruins of Tulum, we made our way to Playa Maya, one of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen. The powdery white sand and turquoise waters were irresistible—I had to jump right in!
It was an amazing experience to be standing in the beautiful water along the beach while looking up at the ancient ruins from below. If you want a different perspective, you can also opt for a boat ride to see the ruins from the sea, which we didn't have time for this time around but it would be a great way to get that awe-inspiring shot of El Castillo that you always see.
Post-Swim Refreshments – Tiki Bar Vibes
After a rejuvenating swim, (if you want to call me being knocked around by the waves for a while, swimming), we made our way back to the vendor area, where a shaded tiki-style bar was calling our name. Sitting on swing seats, sipping on a refreshing margarita, trying my first shot of Mezcal, and chatting with the laid-back bartenders was the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.
Heading Back & Final Thoughts
As the day wound down, we caught a local bus near a 7-Eleven and zipped over to Playa del Carmen to meet up with my son, who had spent the day golfing with the newlyweds. I loved Playa del Carmen as well and definitely need to go back there sometime. We had a great evening there, which will be shared in another post.
After a satisfying meal, we hopped on an ADO bus back to our hotel, completely fulfilled by an incredible day of adventure, history, and delicious food and beverages.
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico, don’t miss out on Tulum! Whether you’re a history buff, a beach lover, or a foodie, Tulum has something for everyone. I’m already counting down the days until my next visit!
Have you been to Tulum? Let me know your favorite spots!