Everyone benefits from natural excursions once in a while. Science suggests that time spent in nature can make you kinder, happier, and more creative (1). This is why people whose home is surrounded by trees are less subject to depression (2). Living in Tulum, I make it a priority to explore new natural spaces every weekend, seeking more unique wildlife each time. I’ve had so many opportunities to enjoy natural landscapes in Tulum, each of them uniquely valuable. There are however a few which stand out for their authenticity, beauty, and wilderness.
Keep reading to know which spots are, by far, my three favourite excursions in Tulum!
The Natural Canals of Muyil
If you’ve known me for a while, you probably have already heard me rave about this place many times. The canals of Muyil are just a 10-min drive from Tulum pueblo and guarantee an awe-inspiring experience in and on the water. Imagine a water amusement park, but nature’s limited edition.
To access the small natural canals of Muyil, which have been used for centuries for trade, you must get to Muyil lagoon’s dock. There, you embark on a small boat with a local guide (the price is usually 1000 pesos per person). I recommend going in the morning around 11:00 as there is very few people and the sun usually shines brighter.
The boat tour lasts between 1.5-2.5 hours, including about 45 minutes in the water. I encourage you to ask the guide lots of questions if you can, as there are many interesting facts and anecdotes about Muyil. Bring your snorkeling mask and under-water camera if you fancy! There is also a small archeological zone with its own mayan tower in the quiet of the jungle.
Looking for lunch and a place to relax afterwards? LIYUM is a private cenote with a restaurant and wellness centre just across the road. It serves finger-licking food in a holistic, luxurious, and calm environment.
If you are a group visiting the canals of Muyil, I highly recommend planning a meal and activities at LIYUM. They can organise sound healing, breath work, yoga, and more. They now only host private events so make sure to contact them in advance to ask for availabilities and prices.
Coba Ruins
If you seek an impressive archeological excursion but don’t feel like going all the way to Chichen Itzá, Coba is your spot. It’s just 25 minutes away from Tulum Pueblo, surrounded by lush vegetation, lakes, and a mystical atmosphere
The entrance fee is 80 pesos and there is a large parking for 60 pesos more. Once you arrive, I recommend renting a bike and wandering around the jungle. There is also an option to hire a took-took style driver. There are five different buildings within the area, including a very impressive pyramid.
When I visited Coba, there were so few people that it felt we were the only ones. We could hear the birds, the wind, and imagine the Mayan spirits throughout the jungle. These are the details which completely transform your experience in nature.
The Ultimate Guide to Tulum
I wanted to gather tips and experiences after living in Tulum for several months, so I made this travel guide with information about how to get to Tulum, how to move around, where to stay, and what to do!
Tulum Ruins and Playa Santa Fe
An obvious item on this list is the Parque del Jaguar and the ruins of Tulum. This is perhaps the most popular site in town and therefore the most crowded. It is however possible to have an authentic experience in the ruins of Tulum is you plan ahead and arrive there at its opening, 8AM. It is possible to enter until 3PM. To enter the park in which the ruins are, you must pay a fee of 60 pesos per person. A ticket to enter the ruins site costs 95 pesos per person.
Right outside the entrance of the ruins, you will see some stands selling boat tours in the area. Following one of those vendors will lead you to the nearest beach (Playa Santa Fe) where they take you on a small boat with snorkelling equipment to see wildlife nearby, including manta rays and sea turtles. They are often fed and touched by tourists, which makes the experience less authentic but nevertheless worth noting.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere
Finally, how not to mention Sian Ka’an? Situated at the very end of the hotel zone, this natural reserve is the most quiet side of Tulum beach. The road alone feels like a dangerous expedition in the jungle – SUV or dirt bike with a full tank is mandatory. Prepare to have no shops, no signal, and no problems.
Bespoke villas and fishers’ restaurants will sparingly appear, but for the most part it’s simply nature (and some plastic… bring a trash bag to pick it up if you can!). Going to the tourism centre as you enter the reserve, you can hire a guide to give you a tour around the lagoons. You will see crocodiles, migratory birds, and manatees – a specie in danger of extinction unique to the region.
Tips for Excursions in Tulum
When visiting natural sites and planning excursions in and around Tulum, you may encounter challenges due to the difficulty of finding clear information online. After many years in Tulum, I’ve gathered the following tips for your next excursion in Tulum:
- Prepare cash. Most tour guides don’t accept cards and there is usually no good signal around. The majority of natural reserves are not accessible without a tour guide.
- Wear a swimsuit, light clothing, and sunglasses. If you have a snorkelling kit, you may want to bring it too.
- Bring water and a hat to protect you from the heat and the sun. Pack a light snack if possible (e.g. cereal bar).
- Minimise the amount of rubbish you create and, if possible, bring an empty trash bag with you.
- Don’t feed or touch wildlife. Pay attention to your surrounding and respect the environment.
If you need more advice on how to book tours or would like to be put in touch with local guides whom I recommend personally, please get in touch!
Hi! I’m Sophie
I am a social scientist and world explorer. In my work, I analyse the evolving meaning of security. I enjoy traveling, yoga, and electronic music in my free time. I consider myself an enthusiastic feminist and self-care advocate.
