From Tulum: Tulum Ruins and 2 Cenotes Tour

Explore the fascinating Mayan ruins of Tulum combined with a refreshing swim in two beautiful cenotes—Cenote Mariposa and Chen-Ha Cenote—on this well-organized 5-hour tour from Tulum. Priced at $45 per person, this trip offers a comprehensive experience that covers historical sights, natural beauty, and cultural insights, all with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off. The tour is suitable for travelers seeking a blend of history, nature, and ease, though it involves walking on uneven terrain and is not designed for those with mobility challenges.

We appreciate how this tour balances guided exploration with free time at the cenotes, allowing visitors to enjoy the sites at their own pace. Reviewers often highlight the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the crystal-clear cenote waters. Keep in mind that some additional attraction fees apply, and the tour runs rain or shine, so packing rain gear is advisable. This outing provides great value for those wanting a snapshot of Tulum’s ancient and natural wonders in a single day.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $45, the 5-hour tour offers a compact yet comprehensive experience.
• Starting Point: The tour departs from Starbucks Tulum DT, with hotel pickup included.
• Main Attractions: Visit Tulum’s famous ruins, including the Temple of the Frescoes and Temple of the Wind, plus two cenotes—Cenote Mariposa and Chen-Ha Cenote—for swimming and relaxation.
• Guided Experience: The tour includes live commentary in English and Spanish, with guides who are praised for their knowledge and friendly manner.
• All-Inclusive: Entrance fees for the cenotes are covered, and a bottle of water is provided. Additional options may include lunch, drinks, and amenities.
• Physical Considerations: The tour involves walking on uneven terrain and is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

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Tulum Ruins: A Walk Through the Past

The tour begins at the archeological zone of Tulum, a breathtaking site perched beside the Caribbean Sea. The guided tour lasts about 2 hours, during which the guide explains the stories behind El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the Temple of the Wind. These structures showcase the impressive architecture and spiritual life of the ancient Maya.

Visitors get a chance to photograph the famous Pyramid El Castillo with the sea as a backdrop, making for picture-perfect moments. The site is lively but manageable, and the guide’s insights help visitors appreciate the significance of each structure. The history of the Maya people is woven into the commentary, making the ruins both beautiful and educational.

Enjoying the Cenote Mariposa in the Jungle

After exploring the ruins, the tour proceeds to Cenote Mariposa, about 30 minutes away. This cenote is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and lush jungle surroundings. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the platforms while gazing up at the dense canopy overhead.

The freshwater cenote provides a cool escape from the heat, with water temperatures perfect for a refreshing dip. Wildlife is often seen among the trees above, adding to the sense of connection with nature. The tranquil environment makes it a favorite stop for those looking to unwind and enjoy natural beauty.

Chen-Ha Cenote: An Underground Wonder

The tour also includes Chen-Ha Cenote, an underground site with spectacular cave formations. The admission fee is included, giving travelers access to swim in the crystal waters of this unique cenote. Its underground caves and stalactites make it an impressive sight, and the clear waters are ideal for snorkeling.

Visitors may find Chen-Ha Cenote slightly more enclosed than Mariposa, but its mystical atmosphere and geological features offer a different kind of natural wonder. The water visibility allows for good snorkeling, revealing the cenote’s rock formations beneath the surface.

Convenient Transportation and Meeting Point

The tour starts with hotel pickup from the Starbucks Tulum DT location, simplifying logistics for travelers. The air-conditioned van makes the 20-minute drive to the archaeological site smooth and comfortable, especially in warm weather.

Round-trip transportation is included, and the group size tends to be manageable, ensuring a personalized experience. The drop-off is also at the same meeting point, making it easy to plan the rest of the day.

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Detailed Itinerary and Schedule

The tour begins early in the morning to avoid crowds and maximize sightseeing time. After the hotel pickup, the group spends about 2 hours at Tulum archaeological site, followed by 30 minutes traveling to Cenote Mariposa. There is approximately 1 hour allocated for enjoying Cenote Mariposa, then another 30-minute drive to Chen-Ha Cenote for swimming and exploring.

The return trip includes a drop-off at Starbucks Tulum after a full and engaging morning of history and nature. Optional extras like lunch and drinks can be added, depending on the package selected.

What’s Included and Extra Fees

The tour covers admission fees for both cenotes and the guided tour of Tulum. A bottle of water is provided, along with a beach bag, sunscreen, and bug spray if chosen. Optional lunch, drinks, and other amenities are available at an extra cost.

There are additional attraction fees of $540 MXN per adult or $360 MXN per adult with Mexican INE ID, which cover entry to attractions like Parque del Jaguar and EcoTaxes.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

This tour involves walking on uneven or unpaved terrain, which could pose challenges for some visitors. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and bring swimwear, towels, rain gear, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Guides and Commentary: Knowledgeable and Friendly

Guides on this tour are highly praised for their friendly demeanor and deep knowledge of Mayan culture and local history. Multiple reviews mention guides like George, Susana, and Estrella, emphasizing their passion and ability to explain complex cultural details in an engaging manner.

Live commentary is offered in both English and Spanish, making the experience accessible to a wide audience.

Practical Tips for the Tour

Travelers should bring their ID or passport, comfortable shoes, and sun protection. Since the tour takes place rain or shine, packing rain gear is recommended. The tour starts at a specific time different from pickup, so attendees should check their confirmation email carefully.

Luggage and large bags are not allowed at the ruins or cenotes, and drone or tripod use is prohibited to preserve site integrity.

Final Thoughts on the Tulum Ruins and Cenotes Tour

This tour offers a balanced mix of history and nature at an affordable price, with professional guides and convenient logistics. The main highlights, such as the spectacular ruins and the beautiful cenotes, are well-covered, making it ideal for travelers wanting a compact yet enriching experience.

While it involves some walking on uneven terrain and additional fees for certain attractions, the overall value and quality of the sites make it a popular choice. This tour appeals most to those interested in Mayan culture, natural swimming spots, and easy logistics.

For visitors seeking an efficient way to see Tulum’s highlights with expert guidance and included entrance fees, this tour delivers a reliable and enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $45 per person, including transportation, guided tour, and cenote admission fees.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 5 hours, starting early in the morning to maximize time at each stop.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is just outside the Starbucks Tulum DT, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour requires walking on uneven terrain and is not suitable for those with mobility impairments.

What should I bring?
Travelers should bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, rain gear, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Are drinks or meals included?
Basic drinks and bottled water are included, with additional options like lunch and drinks available at extra cost.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby