A Perfect Day Trip in Tulum: Ruins + Cenote Dos Ojos + Dinner at Mezzanine

The Tulum Ruins: A Day Trip from Playa del Carmen

If you only have one day in Tulum and want a mix of history, nature, and good food — this itinerary is for you. Here’s how to enjoy a day trip covering the iconic ruins, a magical cenote, and a dreamy dinner under the stars (with a few “local‑tips” at the end).

🏛️ Morning: Explore the Tulum Ruins

Start your day early at the Tulum Ruins — the coastal archaeological site that sits atop cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Why start early? The site opens at 8:00 AM, and last entry is usually around 3:30 PM.
Beat the crowds & the heat: Visit right at opening to enjoy soft morning light, cooler temps, and far fewer visitors, making for peaceful strolls and great photos.
What to bring: Cash (pesos) — entrance fees and park fees tend to be cash-only (‘no card’ at many ticket booths).
Time needed: 1.5–3 hours, depending on interest — you can see most of the main structures and walk the seaside cliffs for great views.
Address: Carretera Tulum Ruinas, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Google Maps: Tulum Ruins
Website / Info: tulumruins.info

Tip: Because the site closes in mid‑afternoon, you won’t be able to stay for sunset inside — but you can still watch the sunset from nearby beaches or viewpoints just outside the ruins.

💧 Midday / Early Afternoon: Swim at Dos Ojos Cenote

After the ruins, head about 20–25 minutes north along Highway 307 to Dos Ojos Cenote — one of the most famous cenotes in the region. It’s a striking contrast: after ancient stone and sea‑wind, you’ll dive into cool, crystal‑clear freshwater in a jungle cave.

What to Know

Location: Carretera Federal 307, km 244.5 (roughly 22 km north of Tulum)
Entrance fee: ~ MXN 350 (≈ US $18–20).
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entries in late afternoon)
Facilities: On-site restrooms/changing rooms, lockers, life jackets included, snorkeling gear rentals available.
Getting there: Easiest by taxi or rental car. There is a “colectivo” (shared van) from Tulum, but note: after the colectivo drop-off, it’s a ~2 km walk on a dirt road to the cenote — so wear comfortable shoes.
Address: Carretera Federal 307, km 244.5, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Google Maps: Dos Ojos Cenote
Website / Info: todocenotes.com

Pro tip: Visiting early (right after opening) or late (a bit before closing) tends to offer the clearest water and fewer crowds.

🌅 Evening: Dinner (and Sunset Vibes) at Mezzanine

Wrap up your day with dinner at Mezzanine — a restaurant perched on a cliff/terrace right at the beach-coast, offering Thai and Caribbean flavors, cocktails, and magical sunset views.

Mezzanine: The Essentials

Address: Carretera Tulum – Boca Paila, Km 3.5, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R.
Reservations / Contact:
- From Mexico: +52 984 115 4728
- From USA: +1 303 952 0595
- Email: reservations.mezzanine@colibriboutiquehotels.com
Hours: Daily ~ 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM (kitchen open until ~22:00)
Address: Carretera Tulum – Boca Paila, Km 3.5, Zona Hotelera, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Google Maps: Mezzanine Tulum
Website: mezzaninetulum.com
Cuisine & Vibe: Thai + Caribbean food, cocktails, casual‑elegant seaside terrace — ideal for sunset dinner and a relaxed, dreamy vibe.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Matt from Nasplaya, your go-to guide for living, investing, and thriving in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. In 2008 my husband and I quit our jobs in Boston, Massachusetts, sold everything we owned and drove to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to start North American Standards (Nasplaya), our property management, vacation rental and real estate company. Now 17+ years later, I am sharing our experience helping expats and property owners navigate the local market. I share honest insights, practical tips, and insider knowledge to make your move—or your investment—a success.

From finding the best schools and maximizing rental income to understanding local regulations and uncovering hidden gems, my goal is to give you clear, actionable advice you can trust. When I’m not exploring the beaches or scouting the newest rental opportunities, I’m sharing stories, guides, and strategies that help you make the most of life in paradise.

Follow along for expert tips, local updates, and everything you need to live, invest, and enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest.

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