From Sunrise to Sunset: How to Spend Your Days on a Tulum City Break 

If you’re looking for a location that offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, that also effortlessly combines ancient history with modern luxury, a Tulum city break should tick all the boxes. 

Many city breaks involve being confined to the hustle and bustle of a busy metropolis, but a trip to Tulum means while you can certainly enjoy a full day of activities, you can enjoy the city and the serenity of nature, from sunrise to sunset, without feeling rushed. So, how would you spend your weekend in Tulum? After you’ve secured the best flights using comparison sites such as Skyscanner (or similar), it’s time to start looking at creating the perfect itinerary, read on for some inspiration about how you could spend your days in a Tulum City Break. 

Watch the Sunrise

Is there any other way to start the day in Tulum than watching the sun come up? Head to one of Tulum’s pristine beaches – try Playa Paraiso or Playa Ruinas – and take in every second as the sun emerges from the horizon. Watch the waters glisten and warm the calm waters of the ocean and turn the sand golden as you enjoy a light breakfast or even try a little morning yoga or spend some time meditating. If yoga or beach Pilates sounds perfect for you, then you can sign up for a morning class or bring your own yoga mat and embrace every second as the sun rises over Tulum. 

If all that morning exercise has left you feeling hungry, then why not indulge in a breakfast and morning coffee at a beachside café? Beachgoers are spoilt for choice with local favourites Raw Love and Matcha Mama offering a sumptuous morning menu, including acai bowls, organic coffee and fresh smoothie options to start your day. 

Explore Tulum’s Ancient Ruins and Cenotes

Next up on this Tulum City Break list is all about what sets this Mexican tourist destination apart from the rest.

Head out early to the iconic Ancient Mayan ruins to avoid the crowds and embrace the opportunity to explore the area without feeling rushed. This means you can appreciate the tranquillity of the site and take some pretty impressive photos of these ancient structures. The Tulum ruins were part of a major port between the 13th and 15th centuries which means that the glorious Caribbean sea will be ever present, with the ruins looking strategically outward over the cliffs. 

Visitors have the opportunity to take fully guided tours or navigate the site independently. A knowledgeable guide can provide a deeper insight into the area’s historical significance and the culture surrounding it. If a tour guide is not your thing then invest in a guidebook to enrich your experience and make the most of your time here. 

Once you’ve explored the ruins, how about a refreshing swim or a deep dive into one of Tulum’s world-famous and completely unique natural wonders? Tulum’s cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with clear, cool freshwater and are surrounded by lush jungle scenery. Areas like Gran Cenote or Cenote Calavera are perfect for families with younger children who might like to paddle and swim in the shallower waters, while adults and teens might like to try diving and exploring underwater caves with guides as part of their Tulum experience. 

Beach Time or A Trip to the Biosphere

If you’re hoping to spend more time at the beach, then we recommend an afternoon spent lounging and enjoying some cocktails at one of Tulum’s many famous beach clubs. Notable venues include Nomade, Papaya Playa Project and Ziggy’s Beach Club. Here visitors can enjoy exclusive perks such as beachfront sunbeds, incredible cocktails and the great laid-back atmosphere that Tulum is famous for. You can enjoy the attentive service which means your glasses are never empty, complimentary towels and wi-fi, and not forgetting a much-needed place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life! Ziggy’s even offers water sports equipment for hire, so you can enjoy a full afternoon of fun activities and get some relaxing done too!

If you want to enjoy something a little more nature-focused then we recommend exploring the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. This UNESCO World Heritage Site spans 1.3 million acres and is one of the most biodiverse regions in Mexico. Tours happen regularly here and visitors could easily catch a glimpse of an endangered species such as manatees and even loggerhead turtles. Guided boat tours of the area are also popular with helpful guides who can take you through the reserve’s ecology and history. 

Head to a Rooftop Bar for the Sunset

Fancy some cocktails at sunset? As the sun sets over Tulum why not catch this truly mesmerising spectacle with an indulgent cocktail in hand at one of Tulum’s famous rooftop bars? Offering panoramic views of the jungles and beaches, visitors can enjoy the laid-back and sophisticated vibe of venues like Azulik or Gitano as the sun goes down. Or if you want a more relaxed and poignant transition from day to night, why not head to the beach, sit on the sand and watch night fall roll in. 

Evening Fun and Dancing

To end a great day in Tulum, how about indulging in a gorgeous water-front restaurant for an unforgettable dining experience? If you want to try some authentic Mexican cuisine then Rose Negra is the place to try, or for those who want something a little more romantic, Casa Jaguar boasts a jungle vibe with live music for a truly unforgettable experience. Tulum is known for its bohemian-chic nightlife, so if you’re looking for a venue to dance the night away, you can head to Batey Mojito Bar for live music and dancing will keep you busy until the early hours. 

Final Thoughts on a Tulum City Break

With so much to experience in Tulum, it’s impossible to do it all in one day. However, the suggestions above mean that you can certainly fill one day to the brim with history, culture, great food, drinks, nature and so much more. How would you spend a full day in Tulum?

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