Gautape is one of the most beautiful (and colorful) towns in Antioquia. It’s home to the famous Piedra de Peñol – a huge stone mountain, that offers incredible views over the lakes in the area. We’ll pick you up in a luxury van, and you’ll spend the day taking in the amazing scenery. Take a boat onto the lake, climb the 740 steps to the top of the mountain (it’s a great work out), or enjoy the scenery from a helicopter – you decide! After a delicious lunch, you’ll have time to walk the gorgeous streets of the town, lined with colorful houses depicting life in this part of Colombia. We’ll drive you back to Medellín in time for a night out – just tell us where you want to go and we’ll organize the reservations and transfer.
Colombia’s coffee is prized across the globe and the Coffee Triangle outside Medellín is the best place in the country to see how coffee is grown and processed. This day trip takes you to one of the best coffee farms in the region. Walk through the organic coffee plantations and learn how coffee is grown, harvested, dried and ground. As well as the coffee plantation, the farm has bee hives and raises animals. Take the coffee tasting experience, before exploring a little further on a horse ride through the property. This day trip is one not to be missed!
Channel your inner adventurer! What better way to see Colombia’s coffee triangle than by air? Go paragliding in Colombia for the day, and soar like an eagle over the coffee farms and countryside just 30 minutes drive from Medellín. This day trip paragliding is perfect for groups, and especially popular among bachelor parties.
You may think that Tulum is all about lazing the day away on sumptuous beach loungers sipping mezcal margaritas, floating in the Caribbean turquoise waters, or eating gourmet lunches in quirky little eateries. And YES, you would be right to think that, because it is absolutely all about that. But if you really want to explore Tulum, you’re in luck! There are plenty of great Tulum activities, tours and experiences to enjoy. However, Tulum offers so much choice, it can be difficult to decide which places work best for you. So to help, we’ve selected our Top Six Activities to Explore Tulum.
Two Travel can offer a wide variety of customised excursions set up exclusively for your group. From cultural experiences to active adventures and everything in between. Whether you’re celebrating a bachelorette, a wedding, or a family vacation, we help create incredible Tulum experiences and unforgettable moments.
Explore Tulum’s Cenotes
A cenote is a magical, deep freshwater pool fed by underground springs, and they are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Many cenotes open up into vast under<water worlds, filled with tunnels and lagoons. Cenotes are number one on many people´s must see list while in Tulum and for good reason! If you’re travelling independently, the cenotes are usually open between 8am and 5pm, and some charge an entrance fee.
Cenote Dos Ojos, translated as “Two Eyes Pool” because it’s formed by two neighbouring circular cenotes, is the most photographed in Tulum. It’s easy to see why, as the sun beams glisten over the rock formations and transform the water into an aquamarine paradise. This place is also popular with divers due to the world’s longest underground water cave, so grab your snorkel and your GoPro, this is one not to miss!
2. The hottest beach clubs in Tulum
As soon as you arrive in Tulum you´ll want to hit the beach clubs. With so many to choose from, where do you start? The beach clubs in Tulum are split across the Beach road and the Hotel road and they range from rustic chic to luxury.
Here are our top three recommendations for beach clubs in Tulum.
Casa Malca
For pure opulence and a touch of the bizarre, head to Casa Malca, which once upon a time was one of Pablo Escobar’s homes. Now transformed into a boutique hotel, art sculptures and abstract pieces fill every corner. The draped fabrics, swinging sofas and armchairs dotted around make the perfect backdrop for a photo, before you take the winding staircase to the rooftop for incredible 360 views. For non-residents of the hotel, a day pass is available, so don’t worry, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful grilled seafood lunch with a crisp rosé – the perfect combination.
Cinco
Now popular on the beach club scene, Cinco opened its doors in August 2020. Here you’ll find a rustic laid back beach club full of bohemian charm. Located on the beach road in a quieter part of Tulum, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing beach day with friends and family. With a help yourself beer cooler, sorbet stand and swinging hammocks, plus glamping teepees for an overnight stay, what’s not to love about this beach club!
Papaya Playa Project
Surrounded by beautiful, lush green jungle, Papaya Playa Project is a luxurious eco-friendly beach club in the very heart of Tulum. With guest DJs and beautiful people draped across sun loungers, this is the place to be if you want to party into the night.
3. Rent a yacht or catamaran and explore Tulum by boat
For an unforgettable day out with family and friends, jump on board your very own private yacht or catamaran. There is no better way to explore the area. Spend the day gliding across crystal clear waters and visit some of the most extraordinary beaches and sights in the Mayan Riviera.
Your boat will take you to the best places to swim and snorkel amongst tropical marine life, and if you’re lucky, you may spot sea turtles or dolphins bobbing in and out of the water alongside you. Take in the sights and enjoy an open bar, as well as gourmet lunch, freshly prepared by our chef. For added luxury, choose an onboard DJ and your very own photographer!
Get away from the hustle and bustle of central Tulum and step into the natural beauty of the Sian Ka’an nature reserve, which translates as “Origin of the Sky”. To negotiate the bumpy ride, a 4 wheel drive is essential. Deep in the jungle, with only the sounds of jungle birds and the rustle of a lizard at your feet, fun and adventure awaits!
Walk along the pontoon to your private lagoon boat, perfect for couples, families or large groups of friends. Cruise through the lagoons where the sea water meets with freshwater and you may even see a manatee, as wild birds swoop overhead. For added fun, pop on your life jacket, jump in and let the current gently pull you through the mangrove lined waterways.
After the lagoon tour, explore Tulum’s gorgeous secluded beaches. The Sian Ka’an is completely untouched, and home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Think white powdery sand and crystalline turquoise waters as far as the eye can see. As the sun sets, your food and drinks platter is served on the beach, brimming with fresh fruit, pastries, pasta salads and fresh juices, maybe even a bottle of fizz for that special occasion.
5. Spa and Detox Day in Tulum
Your vacation is all about balance. Too many midnight tacos might have you and your BFFs craving a detox. Rejuvenate your mind and body with a sensual spa day at the luxurious Yaan Healing Sanctuary spa in the hotel zone.
Here you’ll find a healing water circuit, with warm and cool massage pools, sauna, steam room and marble stone hammam. The spa uses natural waters from the crystalline springs of the Yucatan’s natural cenotes. Expect offerings of delicate herbal teas, made from herbs freshly harvested from the rooftop garden, followed by a natural scrub to stimulate your senses, and that’s just for starters.
Two Travel can help arrange unique spa experiences that will purify and cleanse your body, mind and soul. Choose from many different treatments including reiki, sound healing and traditional Mayan massages.
6. Tulum Cenote Adventure by zip line and ATV
For the adrenalin junkies, this activity is for you! Glide through the jungle on a zipline, ride an ATV through dense jungle before jumping into cool cenotes and crystal-clear waters. Experience the top adrenaline sports of the Riviera Maya on a trip that combines off-roading, ziplining, and snorkelling in a cenote.
These are just some of our top recommendations to explore Tulum. You can find more experiences here, or get in touch with details of the kind of vacation you’re looking for, and we’ll help you craft your dream trip to Tulum.
For the more adventurous, we can offer exhilarating day trips. Take an ATV into the jungle for a zip lining experience – it’s the best way to see the jungle from above. Hold on tight and explore the rain forest in a whole new way, followed by a short trek to a fantastic cenote for an end of day swim, and an ATV race back to the beach!
The freshwater pools, or cenotes, around Tulum are some of the most beautiful in Mexico, and we can take you to the best spots for a photo or a refreshing dip. Don’t forget your swimsuit! We’ll bring water and a light snack.
Cenote hopping with a break for a Mayan lunch
With breath-taking jungle backdrops, many cenotes in Tulum are high on the Instagram hit list. Float between lily pads or dive deep into ancient hidden caves. With over 200 cenotes in Tulum, it can be difficult to know which are the best to visit.
The cenotes are spread out around the area and so, you’ll need some form of transportation. Our day trip to the best cenotes in Tulum takes you from pool to pool in a luxury air-conditioned minibus, which means you can sit back and relax. Enjoy a typical Mayan lunch and try traditional handmade corn tortillas accompanied by chicken pilbil and Poc-chuc pork with salsas and guacamole.
What could be better than a day sailing along the coast, exploring lagoons, reefs, islands and swimming spots? Catch some rays on the deck. Cool off in Tulum’s turqoise waters. Spend a day at sea with your friends or family.
If you’re searching for the best Rosario Islands day trip, look no further! Rent a private boat for the day and we’ll take you to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Rosario Islands. We start early to get to some swimming and snorkelling spots, then head to an island beach for a fresh fish lunch and an afternoon of lounging or liveliness – you choose your vibe and we’ll live up to your expectations.
The Rosario Islands day trip is a private tour, personalized to you. It’s your boat for the day and you can always manage your schedule, however we recommend going early in the morning (9 or 10 am latest). It takes an hour to get out to the islands on speed boat and another 30 minutes to boat around and see all the beautiful islands, But we know there are many swimming spots you’ll want to enjoy throughout the day, so that 30 minutes can stretch out the whole day.
We can arrange catering on board your boat or lunch at a beach club giving you enough time to enjoy your Rosario Islands day trip without having to rush. A note for the rainy season especially – the sea can get rought in the afternoon and occasionally, the captain will have to return earlier than expected in order to keep everyone safe. Whichever day you choose, all boats have to be at the dock at 5pm in Cartagena.
For a more extensive Rosario Islands trip, we can help you find a place to stay on an island, and get you the best rates for a beach club near Cartagena. If you’re looking for more advice (and some videos) of what to expect in the Rosarios, here’s our guide to the Best Way to Visit the Rosario Islands.
The coral reefs just off Cartagena are the perfect place to gain your Open Water Certification, or take the day to explore old wrecks, the underwater art museum, or the wonderful reefs teeming with tropical fish, sting rays, octopus and seahorses.
Offered as a half day or full day trip, charter a boat out to the Rosario Islands for a day of fishing with friends. All training and equipment is included and a chef can cook up your catch for lunch or dinner!
