Day Itinerary
10 Activities
Day 2
49 mi2 mi
SUPing, Surfing & Snorkelling
Today begins with some water sports – SUP, surf, or kayak – in Playa del Carmen, before driving south along the coast to the pretty village of Akumal, where you’ll have the incredible experience of snorkelling alongside turtles and other marine life.
There’s a healthy lunch at a “superfoods” café before continuing south to Tulum, where you can check out the famous Ven a la Luz statue. You’ll check into the Casa Malca boutique hotel (for two nights) before heading out to an exceptional, “off-grid” restaurant for some fantastic open-fire cooking.
There’s a healthy lunch at a “superfoods” café before continuing south to Tulum, where you can check out the famous Ven a la Luz statue. You’ll check into the Casa Malca boutique hotel (for two nights) before heading out to an exceptional, “off-grid” restaurant for some fantastic open-fire cooking.
0.2 mi
5 min
09:002 hrs
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is one of the best places for water sports, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. You can do everything here, from “SUPing” (stand up paddleboarding) and surfing to sea kayaking.
On the beach, you can easily find several clubs offering both equipment rentals and private or group lessons. Classes are held throughout the day.
On the beach, you can easily find several clubs offering both equipment rentals and private or group lessons. Classes are held throughout the day.
0.2 mi
5 min
11:1515 min
The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences
Return to the hotel and check out.
Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link.
Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link.
0.6 mi
15 min
12:301 hr 30 min
Playa Akumal
This small village is “the” place in the Yucatán to swim with sea turtles, who feed on the abundant seagrass in the bay. To access the beach, park near the Oxxo shop and walk into the village. Akumal Bay is a protected area and there are designated zones for swimming and snorkelling. You can rent a mask and snorkel from any of the dive centres here; make sure you read the signs indicating where you can swim and related dos & don’ts.
Please only use biodegradable sun cream (you can buy some from the shop if you don’t have any), as the chemicals in other sun creams can irritate the skin of the turtles and other sea creatures. Look out for stingrays too, which are just as amazing to watch.
Note: you may encounter people on the beach and in the village who will try to sell you a guided snorkel tour, saying that it is mandatory to have a guide; it isn’t. You just need to stay in the designated zones when you are snorkelling.
Please only use biodegradable sun cream (you can buy some from the shop if you don’t have any), as the chemicals in other sun creams can irritate the skin of the turtles and other sea creatures. Look out for stingrays too, which are just as amazing to watch.
Note: you may encounter people on the beach and in the village who will try to sell you a guided snorkel tour, saying that it is mandatory to have a guide; it isn’t. You just need to stay in the designated zones when you are snorkelling.
0.7 mi
15 min
14:151 hr
Turtle Bay Bakery and Cafe
This brightly coloured and unpretentious café in the village serves the most delicious range of salads, packed with superfoods. If you feel like something more substantial, the burritos and fajitas are also tasty.
It's a great place to relax and catch your breath after the beach. You don't need to make a reservation in advance.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
It's a great place to relax and catch your breath after the beach. You don't need to make a reservation in advance.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
0.2 mi
5 min
15:305 min
Akumal Parking
It’s time to pick up the car from the car park and continue your journey.
21.2 mi
40 min
16:151 hr 30 min
Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park
Tulum’s giant iconic sculpture “Ven a la Luz” once welcomed eco-hotel Ahau guests from the roadside but is now relocated in the hotel grounds, along with a couple of other impressive artworks. You’ll need to pay a small fee to enter the grounds (proceeds go to local charities) but it’s well worth it.
Created by South African artist Daniel Popper, this 10-metre-high sculpture made from wood, steel, and greenery translates as “come to the light” and depicts a woman holding her chest open to reveal a cavity of lush scenery.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Note that the sculpture garden closes at sunset.
This is also a good place to stay a while longer for an early evening drink, as the complex has a couple of nice bars and restaurants.
Created by South African artist Daniel Popper, this 10-metre-high sculpture made from wood, steel, and greenery translates as “come to the light” and depicts a woman holding her chest open to reveal a cavity of lush scenery.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Note that the sculpture garden closes at sunset.
This is also a good place to stay a while longer for an early evening drink, as the complex has a couple of nice bars and restaurants.
1.5 mi
10 min
18:001 hr
Casa Malca
This stunning boutique hotel, situated at the end of Tulum’s beach, has a fascinating history. It was originally an eight-room hotel owned by the notorious drug dealer, Pablo Escobar, and was purchased by Lio Malca, a New York art dealer, in 1993, after Escobar’s death. Beautifully renovated, it now has 42 suites and is one of the most luxurious places to stay in Tulum.
You will also need to book tomorrow's boat trip into Sian Ka'an Reserve with the concierge when you check in, or via WhatsApp.
Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link. Note that you’ll be staying here two nights.
You will also need to book tomorrow's boat trip into Sian Ka'an Reserve with the concierge when you check in, or via WhatsApp.
Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link. Note that you’ll be staying here two nights.
1.3 mi
10 min
19:152 hrs
Hartwood
Tulum is Playa del Carmen’s younger and more bohemian little sister, and this “off-grid” restaurant epitomises the town’s alternative vibe. The establishment is solar-powered and produces zero waste, and the meat and fish are sustainably sourced and cooked over a wood-burning stove. The menu changes daily depending on what’s available, but the flavours are fresh, bold, and Mexican.
As this is a popular restaurant, it is advisable to book a table in advance. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance. Email: [email protected].
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Monday – Tuesday: Closed
For more information, please visit the official website.
As this is a popular restaurant, it is advisable to book a table in advance. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance. Email: [email protected].
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Monday – Tuesday: Closed
For more information, please visit the official website.
1.3 mi
10 min
21:3010 hrs 30 min
Casa Malca
Return to the hotel and enjoy a fantastic evening.
Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link.
Note you’ll be staying here two nights.
Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link.
Note you’ll be staying here two nights.