Tulum’s coastline and nearby hinterlands are full of different vibes — from quiet cenote towns to lively beach communities — making it a handy base for short trips and longer explorations. Whether you’re planning day trips or mapping out a road route, a quick, organized list makes choosing destinations easier.
There are 17 Cities and Towns near Tulum, ranging from Akumal,Valladolid. The list is organized with Country,Distance (km),Drive time (min) so you can compare locations and travel times at a glance; you’ll find below.
Which nearby towns are best for a quick day trip from Tulum?
For a short outing, Akumal and other coastal villages offer snorkeling and beaches within easy driving distance, while inland towns like Valladolid give you colonial streets and cenotes; pick based on whether you want water activities or cultural sightseeing and use the Drive time (min) column to plan.
How reliable are the Distance (km) and Drive time (min) figures?
Distances are straight-route estimates and drive times reflect typical traffic conditions — useful for planning but allow extra time for busy seasons, roadworks, or stops; check a live map on the day for the most accurate ETA.
Cities and Towns Near Tulum
| Name | Country | Distance (km) | Drive time (min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akumal | Mexico | 28 | 25 |
| Chemuyil | Mexico | 20 | 20 |
| Muyil | Mexico | 9 | 12 |
| Coba | Mexico | 44 | 45 |
| Puerto Aventuras | Mexico | 40 | 35 |
| Playa del Carmen | Mexico | 64 | 55 |
| Puerto Morelos | Mexico | 102 | 90 |
| Cancún | Mexico | 131 | 110 |
| Felipe Carrillo Puerto | Mexico | 95 | 80 |
| Punta Allen | Mexico | 75 | 150 |
| Bacalar | Mexico | 215 | 180 |
| Mahahual | Mexico | 240 | 180 |
| Valladolid | Mexico | 160 | 120 |
| Pisté (Chichén Itzá) | Mexico | 197 | 165 |
| Tizimín | Mexico | 200 | 150 |
| Chetumal | Mexico | 385 | 270 |
| Solferino | Mexico | 85 | 80 |
Images and Descriptions
Akumal
Small coastal town famous for snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal Bay; reachable by car, taxi or colectivo on Highway 307. Top attractions: turtle-friendly beaches and Yal-Ku lagoon. Quick tip: bring reef-safe sunscreen and arrive early to avoid crowds and limited parking.
Chemuyil
Quiet village between Tulum and Akumal with local restaurants and access to nearby ruins and parks; easy drive or colectivo from Tulum. Top attractions: local mercados and access to nearby nature parks. Quick tip: use cash and ask locally for colectivo schedules.
Muyil
Tiny village at the southern edge of Sian Ka’an beside the Muyil ruins and lagoon; short drive or bicycle from Tulum. Top attractions: Muyil archaeological site and boat trips through the lagoon. Quick tip: bring insect repellent and a refillable water bottle.
Coba
Inland Maya town near extensive ruins set among jungle; reachable by car or guided tour from Tulum. Top attractions: Nohoch Mul pyramid (bike-friendly) and lakes. Quick tip: rent a bicycle or hire a bike taxi to explore the site faster and cooler in morning.
Puerto Aventuras
Planned coastal town with a marina, golf course and family-friendly beaches; accessible by car or colectivo. Top attractions: marina, dolphin encounters and safe swimming bays. Quick tip: stroll the marina at sunset for shops and seafood without the Playa del Carmen crowds.
Playa del Carmen
Bustling tourist city with beaches, Fifth Avenue shopping and lively nightlife; frequent colectivos, ADO buses or private car from Tulum. Top attractions: Quinta Avenida, beach clubs and ferry to Cozumel. Quick tip: use colectivos to save on transport and avoid downtown parking hassles.
Puerto Morelos
Laid-back fishing town with a calm reef for snorkeling and a slow-paced downtown; reachable by car or bus. Top attractions: reef snorkeling (part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef) and town square. Quick tip: visit weekdays for a quieter experience and fresher seafood.
Cancún
Major resort city with international airport, beaches and nightlife; direct drive or ADO bus from Tulum on Highway 307. Top attractions: hotel zone, nightlife, and airport connections. Quick tip: leave Tulum early to avoid peak traffic and arrive in time for flights.
Felipe Carrillo Puerto
Regional inland town with Maya cultural life and markets; reachable by car via Highway 307 and local roads. Top attractions: local market, regional cuisine and colonial plazas. Quick tip: stock up on supplies here when heading farther south; markets close early on Sundays.
Punta Allen
Remote fishing village in Sian Ka’an Biosphere accessible via a long rough drive or boat tours from Muyil/Tulum. Top attractions: fishing, birding and pristine mangroves. Quick tip: plan a full-day trip with a reliable 4×4 or join an organized boat tour; services are limited.
Bacalar
Lakeside town known for the Lagoon of Seven Colors and relaxed vibes; reachable by car or bus south of Tulum. Top attractions: kayak the lagoon, Fort of San Felipe, cenote snorkeling. Quick tip: stay overnight to enjoy sunset colors and avoid a rushed day trip.
Mahahual
Coastal town on the Costa Maya with cruise port, coral reef snorkeling and a relaxed beachfront atmosphere; reachable by car from Tulum. Top attractions: snorkeling/diving at nearby reefs and beachfront restaurants. Quick tip: confirm ferry/cruise schedules and bring cash—ATMs are limited.
Valladolid
Colonial town inland with charming plazas, cenotes and Maya culture; reachable by car or ADO bus from Tulum. Top attractions: cenotes nearby, Convent of San Bernardino and colorful streets. Quick tip: spend a night to experience evening calm and try local Yucatecan dishes.
Pisté (Chichén Itzá)
Small town serving Chichén Itzá visitors; reachable by car or organized tours from Tulum. Top attractions: world-famous Chichén Itzá ruins and local markets. Quick tip: arrive early or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and smaller crowds; guided tours add context.
Tizimín
Inland agricultural city with cattle culture and traditional fairs; reachable by car from Tulum via federal roads. Top attractions: local markets, annual festivals and regional food. Quick tip: check festival dates (e.g., feria) for cultural immersion and book accommodation early.
Chetumal
State capital near the Belize border offering government services, ferry links and a regional airport; long drive south from Tulum. Top attractions: museum of Maya culture, waterfront malecón and border access. Quick tip: allow extra travel time for stops and consider breaking the trip in Bacalar.
Solferino
Small village on the northern edge of Sian Ka’an with mangroves and birding access; reachable by road from Tulum with a short dirt-road segment. Top attractions: birdwatching and quiet local beaches. Quick tip: travel with a high-clearance vehicle during the rainy season; facilities are basic.
