Tulum and Coba with a Secret Cenote Experience
Begin your day exploring the ancient walled city of Tulum from a golf cart perspective, arriving at this stunning coastal archaeological site overlooking the Caribbean before the crowds.
Ride bike taxis through jungle paths to Cobá's interior temples, then climb Nohoch Mul (the Yucatan's tallest pyramid!) for breathtaking panoramic views of the jungle canopy.
Refresh yourself in a hidden, lesser-known cenote surrounded by pristine nature.
Finish your adventure in air-conditioned comfort at an international restaurant with a complete, delicious meal;the perfect way to reflect on two of the Maya world's most fascinating and contrasting cities.
What's included:
✅ Round transportation (Air-conditioned vehicle)
✅ All entrance fees (Tulum walled city; Cobá archaeological zone; Cenote)
✅ Federal certified archaeological guide (bilingual Spanish/English)
✅ Golf cart transportation in Tulum
✅ Bike taxi rides through jungle paths at Cobá (includes Nohoch Mul pyramid climb)
✅ Cenote swimming with available included life jackets
✅ Complete meal at Lara&Luca international restaurant
✅ One drink of choice (water, soft drinks, fresh juice of the day, or beer)
Meeting and pickup:
📍 Meeting point
Lara y Luca Restaurant.
Diag. Aeropuerto MZ 29-LT 4, fase II, Playacar, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.
(Hotel/Airbnb pickup and drop-off can also be arranged upon request for an additional fee.)
🏁 End point
Lara y Luca Restaurant.
Diag. Aeropuerto MZ 29-LT 4, fase II, Playacar, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.
(Hotel/Airbnb pickup and drop-off can also be arranged upon request for an additional fee.)
🕗 Operating hours:
08:00 am - 05:00 pm
(approximate; duration ~9 hours depending on traffic and local conditions)
(As with all experiences in the Riviera Maya, timings are approximate and may vary slightly depending on local traffic and road conditions. We appreciate your flexibility and will always do our best to provide a seamless experience.)
🚐 Pickup Available:
Hotel/Airbnb pickup and drop-off available; please request with your location
Itinerary:
1️⃣ TULUM WALLED CITY
We travel through the jungle-lined federal highway, where your guide begins sharing stories of the ancient Mayan world. Arriving at Tulum, you'll explore this uniquely positioned walled city perched on dramatic seaside cliffs overlooking the Caribbean.
Your federal certified guide will lead you through the archaeological zone via golf cart, explaining the history and significance of this impressive coastal settlement. You'll discover the Casa del Cenote (House of the Cenote), featuring a natural underground cenote beneath it; the Maya considered cenotes sacred gateways to the underworld. Next is the intriguing Casa del Dios Descendiente (House of the Descending God), with its mysterious winged figure carved above the entrance, a deity of great spiritual significance to the Maya.
The iconic El Castillo (The Castle), a stepped pyramid serving as both ceremonial temple and ancient lighthouse, dominates the skyline. Finally, the striking Templo del Dios del Viento (Temple of the Wind God) stands majestically on the cliffs with its distinctive circular base, a sacred symbol of the Mayan wind deity and evidence of Central Mexican influence.
The combination of turquoise Caribbean waters, white sand beaches, and these remarkable stone structures creates a breathtaking backdrop. The guided tour lasts approximately 1.5-2 hours, providing ample time to absorb the energy of this remarkable place and capture stunning photographs.
2️⃣ COBÁ ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONE
Moving inland through the jungle, we arrive at Cobá, a larger, more sprawling Mayan settlement with a completely different character than Tulum. This ceremonial center was once a major hub of Mayan civilization, with intricate stone roads connecting it to distant cities.
At Cobá, you'll travel via traditional bike taxi through jungle paths, an immersive and eco-friendly way to explore. Your guide will lead you to Nohoch Mul, the tallest pyramid in the entire Yucatan Peninsula; a climb of 120 steps that rewards you with panoramic views of the jungle canopy stretching to the horizon. The ascent is steep but manageable, and the perspective from the top is unforgettable.
Next, you'll explore the Cobá Group, featuring the impressive ball court and another significant pyramid known as "La Iglesia." Your guide will explain the cultural significance of each structure and how Cobá's role in the Mayan world differed from coastal cities like Tulum.
The total time at Cobá is approximately 1.5-2 hours too, including all transportation within the site.
3️⃣ SECRET CENOTE & SWIMMING
After exploring the ancient cities, we travel to a hidden cenote with pristine turquoise-green waters; a peaceful sanctuary far removed from crowds. This cenote, not marked on typical tourist maps, offers an intimate swimming experience, being totally surrounded by jungle.
Life jackets are included, and the cenote boasts a natural depth that makes for safe, enjoyable swimming. The waters are cool and refreshing, providing the perfect antidote to a morning of archaeological exploration. Facilities including bathrooms are available on-site.
Time to swim and relax in this tranquil setting is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
4️⃣ MEAL AT LARA & LUCA
We return to Lara&Luca international restaurant to complete your full-day adventure with an excellent meal featuring international cuisine. The restaurant is known for its quality preparations and complete menu, offering a comfortable setting to rest and refuel.
Menu options include full three-course meals (Monday-Friday) or main courses with side selections (weekends). All meals include your choice of beverage: fresh water, soft drinks, the fresh juice of the day, or a cold beer.
This final meal ties together your day of exploration, offering time to reflect on the remarkable journey through ancient Mayan civilization and pristine jungle environments.
What to bring:
-
- A towel
- Swimsuit
- Dry clothes to change into after cenote swimming (for the meal)
- Comfortable walking shoes suitable for archaeological zones (good grip for climbing)
- Long, lightweight clothing or cover-ups (recommended for sun protection at archaeological sites)
- Hat or cap (sun protection during extended outdoor exploration)
- Reusable water bottle (plastic water bottles are not permitted; we provide complimentary filtered water)
- Cash (optional, for tips or purchases)
You may also wish to bring:
Eco-friendly bug spray (for insect repellent)
(Optional) Rash guard or light wetsuit for extra sun protection in the cenote
You may also want to bring:
-
- Eco-friendly bug spray (for insect repellent)
- (Optional) Rash guard or light wetsuit for extra sun protection in the cenote
Important Notes:
🌍 Sustainable Tourism: We encourage sustainable practices throughout your tour. Lightweight long-sleeved clothing is your best friend; it protects you from the sun at Tulum and Cobá, and becomes essential at the cenote, where sunscreen isn't permitted to preserve the pristine waters.
🐢 Sunscreen Policy: Sunscreen is not permitted in the cenote. Instead, wear a lightweight long-sleeved rash guard or cover-up for sun protection; this also prevents insect bites and helps protect the cenote ecosystem.
🦟 Insect Repellent: Plastic containers are not permitted in the archaeological zones. Bring a reusable water bottle. Use only eco-friendly bug spray to help preserve jungle and cenote ecosystems.
Additional info:
-
- Maximum group size: 13 participants (ensuring an intimate, personalized experience)
- Minimum requirement: 6 participants
- The guide is a Federal Certified Archaeologist, bilingual (Spanish/English)
- Golf carts at Tulum are provided for comfort and site accessibility
- Bike taxis at Cobá are an eco-friendly experience; the pace is leisurely and suitable for all fitness levels
- Nohoch Mul pyramid: 120 steps; the climb is steep but manageable for those with moderate fitness
- The cenote is not private, but typically experiences very few visitors
- Optional hotel/Airbnb pickup and drop-off available for an additional fee (inquire for pricing)
- If you arrive by rental car, secure free parking is available at Lara y Luca for the duration of the tour




















