Chiquila to Tulum tickets

About the ride from Chiquila to Tulum

If you're in Chiquila, it's safe to say that you are either heading to or returning from Isla Holbox. 

As the gateway port to this beautiful Mexican beach destination, Chiquila is almost exclusively where tourists pass through. And if you're passing through on your way to Tulum's famous beaches and ruins, you have a few ways of getting there.

Tulum, located on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, has everything you need for a beach vacation with an added helping of culture on the side. Most famous for its Mayan ruins, there are still plenty of other attractions to keep you busy.

With gorgeous beaches, inviting cenotes, and a lively town, Tulum is the perfect place to do absolutely nothing or do little of everything.

The four best things to do in Tulum

Tulum will keep you busy for days with its national park, strong cultural heritage, and incredibly blue water. Here are some of the top sights:

1. Get cultured at Tulum National Park, which includes the Tulum Archeological Site — a collection of Maya ruins keeping watch over the Caribbean Sea. When you're done learning about the site's fascinating history, you can explore the native jungle or take the stairs down to Playa Ruinas.

2. Take a dip in a cenote. The Yucatan Peninsula is filled with natural pools of crystal clear water called cenotes. These limestone holes in the jungle are great places to take a dip. Locally, Cenote Dos Ojos and Grand Cenote are favorites. In some cases, you can even snorkel or dive through the underwater caverns for a really unique experience.

3. Grab your mask and fins. Tulum and its surrounding beach towns are fantastic places to experience the joy of diving or snorkeling. With convenient access to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — the second-largest barrier reef on the planet — your diving and snorkeling options are truly world-class. Just a half hour away at Playa Akumal, you'll also have the chance to snorkel with sea turtles.

4. Party the night away. Though not as developed as Cancun or Playa del Carmen, Tulum does have its nighttime charms. Whether in one of Tulum Pueblo's clubs, a rooftop bar, or the Middle Zone's beachside cantinas, you can party all night long in any number of venues.

What can you expect when traveling from Chiquila to Tulum?

From the small village center in Chiquila to the hopping center of Tulum Pueblo, you will have to cross 168 kilometers (104 miles) through the jungle-covered interior of the Yucatan Peninsula. Doing so will involve taking either a bus or a shared minivan.

The ride isn't terribly interesting as you make your way to the highway along the coast. At that point, you might catch a glimpse of the electric blue waters of the Caribbean as you pass various beach towns. 

How to get from Chiquila to Tulum

To get from Chiquila to Tulum, your choices come down to taking a minivan or riding the bus. 

Minivans will get you there quicker and are usually shared with fellow tourists. Buses take a little longer but tend to be less expensive. Here's some helpful information about both options:

By minivan

The quickest and most direct option is to take a tourist minivan. Seats start around $34. 

The ride takes approximately 2.5-3.5 hours, and you'll share the space with other travelers.

Minivans offer air conditioning and depart and arrive at points set by the operator. Check with the company for the exact details. 

There are a few different departure times daily.

By bus

Taking the bus is only slightly less expensive ($33) than a ride in a minivan. The upside is that you will enjoy amenities such as air conditioning, restrooms on board and even reclining seats.

The bus option does take longer than the minivan, with the average travel time at 3.5 hours. 

Buses depart from ADO Chiquila and arrive at the ADO bus terminal in Tulum.

On the plus side, there are departures all day long from Chiquila, so whenever your ferry from Isla Holbox pulls into port, you shouldn't have to wait long to get on your way.

When is the best time of year to visit Tulum?

Peak season in Tulum runs from December through April, which also happens to be the best weather for touring or days at the beach. 

The downside of visiting during this period is the crowds, which not only get in the way but drive prices up. This is especially true in the weeks leading up to Christmas and Easter.

The shoulder season of mid-November and early December, along with May, offers a good compromise between weather and crowds. 

Summers can be unbearably hot, while September and October are the rainiest. If you choose to come during those times, be forewarned!

How many days do I need in Tulum?

If you've come to Tulum as part of a journey throughout all of Mexico, two to three days would be enough to visit the ruins, enjoy the beach and maybe even go for a dive. 

However, if you've come to Tulum for the same reason as most other visitors — namely, to relax — you could easily spend a week here without getting bored.