Kitesurfing, Clay Massage, and Coba

If you’ve never tried kitesurfing before, Tulum Beach is the place to do it.
Here you can have an introductory lesson that will allow you to see if this sport is something you would like to learn. If you’re already a competent kitesurfer, then you can just hire the kit here or, alternatively, there are kayaks, SUPs, surfboards, and bodyboards to rent.
Consult your concierge service where you can book kitesurfing lessons or rent equipment.
There is no separate parking nearby, but there will be some small parking areas – use them.

This Mayan “jungle” spa offers a unique clay body treatment. Mayan clay has been used for centuries as a skin treatment to reduce inflammation from insect bites and sunburn, soothe dry skin conditions, and rehydrate the skin cells. It can also be used to condition hair and even as a natural toothpaste.
The 90-minute massage treatment involves being covered from head to toe in golden clay, which is massaged into the body. Be warned: you will end up looking like the model from James Bond’s Goldfinger, but it all washes off in the outdoor shower.
Note that the treatment needs to be booked in advance.
Contact details: official website, +529848079376, or WhatsApp.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

With rustic benches under a grass palapa, this “no-frills” restaurant serves a range of traditional Mexican dishes. It’s not particularly elegant, but the recipes are authentic home cooking and the plates are hearty. Try the tacos made with fresh tortillas or the huarache, corn cakes with a meat or vegetable topping.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sunday: Closed
Open hours may change, so it's better to check them in advance via WhatsApp.

Cobá is another ancient Mayan city, bigger than Tulum (so expect to do more walking), with one of the tallest pyramids on the peninsula. Nohoch Mul, the Great Pyramid, stands at 42 metres high and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding jungle from the top. There are 130 steps to climb, and it’s much steeper than it looks, but there are ropes to hang on to. Note that COVID restrictions currently prohibit climbing the pyramids, but this is expected to change soon.
Another must-see is the juego de pelota, the large stone ball court where Mayan ball games were played. These games played an important role in the Mayan civilisation, the size of the court being indicative of the relative wealth and status of the city. Not only did these games serve a social and athletic purpose, but they were also associated with ritual sacrifice, potentially beheading, although exactly how this related to the game is still a subject of debate.
Buy a ticket to the site at the entrance. As the main buildings are quite spread out, there is the option to hire a bike or a tuk-tuk here, instead of walking around.
Note that the opening hours are subject to change, and it’s best to check the latest times with the hotel concierge before visiting. If open hours allow, be sure to spend more time here. This place is worthy of a leisurely stroll and it’s a great experience.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

This main highway through the jungle passes a number of typical Mayan villages, such as Nuevo Xcán, where you will find small taquerías and other roadside cafés selling authentic Mayan snacks and fresh juices.
Over 50% of the rainforest covering the Yucatán Peninsula is collectively owned by Maya communities, who rely on the forest's natural resources for their food, water, and livelihoods. Many of the villages have small farms where they raise poultry and grow crops such as corn, beans, and squash. Beekeeping is also growing in popularity as the honey from the indigenous (and stingless!) Melipona bee is highly prized for its medicinal qualities.
In recent years, the increased interest from tourists in visiting cenotes has provided new revenue opportunities for these communities, as the majority of cenotes are on Mayan lands.

Returning to Cancún, you will drive again through the Ruta de la Cenotes, where your wonderful and eventful adventure started. During these four days, you’ve visited and experienced a lot – cast your mind back to the most splendid moments of the trip and continue driving to a fascinating dinner.

Featuring in “Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants”, eating here is pure theatre. At this restaurant described as a “multi-sensory experience”, chef Jonatán Gómez Luna has created an incredible 21-course menu that is both a visual and gastronomic feast. It’s like a Mexican version of Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck Restaurant, with lots of deconstructed recipes, gold leaf, foams, and smoke. The perfect decadent end to your road trip!
Note: it is closed Sunday and is very popular, so reservations are essential.
Book a table online.
Kindly note that any type of shorts, sporting attire, and open-toed shoes/sandals for gentlemen are not allowed.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sunday: Closed