PRIVATE TOUR: Enjoy a private guided tour of the Tulum ruins, followed by a refreshing swim in a cenote of your choice and lunch at a restaurant in the jungle. Opt for a custom experience with 1 or 2 cenotes on this tour.
Scroll down for detailed info, inclusions and itinerary.
Book your tour now and if your plans happen to change, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours prior to the tour!
When visiting the Riviera Maya, two unforgettable experiences should be at the top of your list: discovering the region’s rich Mayan heritage and immersing yourself in the area's spectacular natural beauty.
With our private Tulum Ruins & Cenote Tour, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of culture and adventure in just one day—without the stress of large groups or rigid schedules. This private experience is fully customized to your pace and preferences, offering exclusive access, expert guidance, and the flexibility to make the day your own.
Led by a certified guide, you’ll explore the Tulum Mayan ruins perched above the sea, then cool off in one or two handpicked cenotes. With private transportation, a flexible start time, and personal service, this journey offers a seamless and enriching escape.
Your experience begins with a guided visit to the ancient city of Tulum, one of the most iconic and scenic Mayan sites in Mexico. Once a thriving port and ceremonial center, Tulum was vital for trade along the Yucatán coast—where goods like jade, obsidian, and cacao once changed hands.
Set on a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, the site offers postcard-perfect views and a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the ancient Maya. Your guide will share the stories behind structures like the Temple of the Frescoes and El Castillo, along with cultural insights and fun facts tailored to your interests.
Thanks to early access and private transport, you’ll avoid the crowds and midday sun—perfect for uninterrupted photos and peaceful exploration.
Highlights:
After exploring the ruins, it’s time to unwind and refresh in a stunning cenote—a naturally formed freshwater pool hidden within the jungle. Whether you choose one or opt for two, each cenote offers a different experience, from sunlit open-air lagoons to mystical underground caverns filled with stalactites.
You’ll be provided with all the gear needed to swim or snorkel in crystal-clear waters, with a professional guide by your side to ensure safety and help you discover hidden details within the rock formations.
You can select from guest favorites like Cenote Nicte-Ha, Taak Bi Ha, or Jaguar, depending on your comfort level and interests. Want something more adventurous? For an additional $10 USD per person, you can upgrade to world-renowned cenotes like Dos Ojos or Pet Cemetery.
Why you’ll love it:
After your refreshing cenote swim, we’ll head to a peaceful jungle setting where a local restaurant awaits. You’ll relax under a thatched palapa and enjoy a homemade Mexican meal, with options available for vegetarians and guests with dietary restrictions.
This serene setting offers a chance to recharge and reflect on your day’s discoveries while enjoying traditional flavors and warm hospitality.
Combine Mayan ruins and cenote experiences with these popular tours:
Book 2 or more tours and enjoy a 10% discount! Perfect for travelers looking to make the most of their stay in the Riviera Maya.
The recommended early pick-up time helps you avoid traffic,
crowds, and heat at the sites, but you can opt for a later pick-up when
booking.Discover the benefits of early departure to visit Tulum.
Timing may vary based on traffic and your exact location.
We can spend more or less time at each location, moving at your own pace.
If you choose the 2 cenotes option, add an extra hour to the itinerary.
You can shorten the tour by booking the option that excludes lunch.
FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN AREA
07:00am Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum
08:00am – 10:00am: Visit of Tulum ruins
10:00am – 10:30am: Transportation
10:30am – 11:30am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:30am – 12:15pm: Lunch in a restaurant
12:15pm – 01:00pm: Transportation to your hotel
FROM TULUM AREA
07:45am Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum
08:00am – 10:00am: Visit of Tulum ruins
10:00am – 10:30am: Transportation
10:30am – 11:30am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:30am – 12:15pm: Lunch in a restaurant
12:15pm – 01:00pm: Transportation to your hotel
FROM CANCUN AREA
06:00am Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum
08:00am – 10:00am: Visit of Tulum ruins
10:00am – 10:30am: Transportation
10:30am – 11:30am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:30am – 12:15pm: Lunch in a restaurant
12:15pm – 02:00pm: Transportation to your hotel
This tour doesn’t include Tulum centro/Tulum beach-hotel areas. Only Tulum Mayan ruins.
* It is forbidden to apply sunblock and repellent before swimming or
snorkeling activities to prevent water pollution in the cenotes, even if
they are biodegradable products. Compliance with this rule is essential
for the protection of the environment.
You can bring personal belongings you require during the tour (phone,
camera, extra set of clothes…). While you are visiting or snorkeling you
can leave the things you don’t need in the van. Our driver will always
be in the van, so keeping your things safe!
You must be logged in to post a review.
When visiting the Riviera Maya, two unforgettable experiences should be at the top of your list: discovering the region’s rich Mayan heritage and immersing yourself in the area's spectacular natural beauty.
With our private Tulum Ruins & Cenote Tour, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of culture and adventure in just one day—without the stress of large groups or rigid schedules. This private experience is fully customized to your pace and preferences, offering exclusive access, expert guidance, and the flexibility to make the day your own.
Led by a certified guide, you’ll explore the Tulum Mayan ruins perched above the sea, then cool off in one or two handpicked cenotes. With private transportation, a flexible start time, and personal service, this journey offers a seamless and enriching escape.
Your experience begins with a guided visit to the ancient city of Tulum, one of the most iconic and scenic Mayan sites in Mexico. Once a thriving port and ceremonial center, Tulum was vital for trade along the Yucatán coast—where goods like jade, obsidian, and cacao once changed hands.
Set on a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, the site offers postcard-perfect views and a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the ancient Maya. Your guide will share the stories behind structures like the Temple of the Frescoes and El Castillo, along with cultural insights and fun facts tailored to your interests.
Thanks to early access and private transport, you’ll avoid the crowds and midday sun—perfect for uninterrupted photos and peaceful exploration.
Highlights:
After exploring the ruins, it’s time to unwind and refresh in a stunning cenote—a naturally formed freshwater pool hidden within the jungle. Whether you choose one or opt for two, each cenote offers a different experience, from sunlit open-air lagoons to mystical underground caverns filled with stalactites.
You’ll be provided with all the gear needed to swim or snorkel in crystal-clear waters, with a professional guide by your side to ensure safety and help you discover hidden details within the rock formations.
You can select from guest favorites like Cenote Nicte-Ha, Taak Bi Ha, or Jaguar, depending on your comfort level and interests. Want something more adventurous? For an additional $10 USD per person, you can upgrade to world-renowned cenotes like Dos Ojos or Pet Cemetery.
Why you’ll love it:
After your refreshing cenote swim, we’ll head to a peaceful jungle setting where a local restaurant awaits. You’ll relax under a thatched palapa and enjoy a homemade Mexican meal, with options available for vegetarians and guests with dietary restrictions.
This serene setting offers a chance to recharge and reflect on your day’s discoveries while enjoying traditional flavors and warm hospitality.
Combine Mayan ruins and cenote experiences with these popular tours:
Book 2 or more tours and enjoy a 10% discount! Perfect for travelers looking to make the most of their stay in the Riviera Maya.
The recommended early pick-up time helps you avoid traffic,
crowds, and heat at the sites, but you can opt for a later pick-up when
booking.Discover the benefits of early departure to visit Tulum.
Timing may vary based on traffic and your exact location.
We can spend more or less time at each location, moving at your own pace.
If you choose the 2 cenotes option, add an extra hour to the itinerary.
You can shorten the tour by booking the option that excludes lunch.
FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN AREA
07:00am Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum
08:00am – 10:00am: Visit of Tulum ruins
10:00am – 10:30am: Transportation
10:30am – 11:30am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:30am – 12:15pm: Lunch in a restaurant
12:15pm – 01:00pm: Transportation to your hotel
FROM TULUM AREA
07:45am Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum
08:00am – 10:00am: Visit of Tulum ruins
10:00am – 10:30am: Transportation
10:30am – 11:30am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:30am – 12:15pm: Lunch in a restaurant
12:15pm – 01:00pm: Transportation to your hotel
FROM CANCUN AREA
06:00am Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum
08:00am – 10:00am: Visit of Tulum ruins
10:00am – 10:30am: Transportation
10:30am – 11:30am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:30am – 12:15pm: Lunch in a restaurant
12:15pm – 02:00pm: Transportation to your hotel
This tour doesn’t include Tulum centro/Tulum beach-hotel areas. Only Tulum Mayan ruins.
* It is forbidden to apply sunblock and repellent before swimming or
snorkeling activities to prevent water pollution in the cenotes, even if
they are biodegradable products. Compliance with this rule is essential
for the protection of the environment.
You can bring personal belongings you require during the tour (phone,
camera, extra set of clothes…). While you are visiting or snorkeling you
can leave the things you don’t need in the van. Our driver will always
be in the van, so keeping your things safe!
You must be logged in to post a review.
You’ll have a dedicated guide and vehicle all to yourselves—no crowds, no waiting, just a smooth and personalized experience.
No. The driver and guide are two different professionals.
All our tours include a dedicated driver and a separate certified guide.
While some companies offer a guide-driver, we believe this is not safe. Having a driver focused solely on the road and a guide fully dedicated to our guests ensures a safer and higher-quality experience.
It typically lasts between 5 to 6 hours, depending on your hotel location and how much time you’d like to spend at each site. Please check the full itinerary in the “Itinerary” tab for more details.
Yes, round-trip transportation is included from Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum. We’ll pick you up right from your hotel, resort, or Airbnb for a stress-free start to your day.
Please note: we don’t offer pick up from Cancun Playa Mujeres hotels unless your group has 6 or more adults.
We offer a range of modern, air-conditioned vans to suit the size of your group and ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
Yes, you’re welcome to choose your preferred pick-up time when booking.
That said, we recommend an early morning start to help you beat the crowds, skip the traffic, and enjoy cooler temperatures—it really makes a difference!
We take a shuttle from the parking lot to the main ruins entrance, so you won’t need to walk far to get to the site.
The guided visit lasts about 45 minutes and we go at a comfortable pace, with breaks if needed.
Just a heads-up—there aren’t many spots to sit. If you have any limitations with walking or taking steps, keep in mind that a few are required to get in and out of the site and to reach the cliff area.
No, unfortunately, we cannot. The beach located within the Tulum ruins has been closed since 2020 and remains inaccessible to visitors.
Additionally, this tour does not include any stops at the Tulum beach area, the hotel zone, or Tulum town center.
No previous snorkeling experience is required, but basic swimming skills are necessary.
We provide mandatory life vests, and our guide ensures a safe and comfortable experience for everyone.
You can view the list of cenotes available for this tour under the ‘Tour Description and General Info’ tab, where you'll also find links to full descriptions of each cenote.
We offer a variety of cenote types, including open-air, semi-open, and cave cenotes.
Unless you've already made your choice, you can decide which cenote to visit together with your tour guide on the day of your tour.
No, cenotes aren’t too cold—they stay at a refreshing 75–79°F (24–26°C) year-round, which is perfect for a swim.
Most cenotes have easy access with platforms and just a few steps to get in and out comfortably.
Yes. Facilities include clean showers, restrooms, and changing areas.
Check the "What to bring" tab on the tour page for the full packing list. Essentials include swimwear, a towel and comfortable shoes.
You can safely leave your belongings in the van—our driver stays with it the entire time while you're out enjoying the activities.
Yes, we’re happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs or allergies.
After booking, you can let us know your needs by filling out the check-in form—just follow the link in your booking confirmation email.
You can cancel free of charge or reschedule (subject to availability) up to 24 hours before your tour.
We’re a small team and often fully booked 1–2 weeks in advance, so we recommend booking early to secure your spot.
Bonus: if you book at least 2 months in advance (60 days), you’ll qualify for our early bird discount*!
For full details, check out our booking policy page.
MJ –
This is a must-do tour! There’s nothing like having your own personal tour guide to maneuver you around and show you all the wonderful sites. Arturo, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable about the ruins, polite, fun to talk to, and very personable. Carlos, our driver, got us to our destinations safely and quickly. I guarantee you’ll have a blast and enjoy every second of it!
Melissa –
This is a must-do tour! There’s nothing like having your own personal tour guide, maneuvering you around and showing you all the beautiful sites. Arturo, our guide, was very knowledgeable about the ruins, polite, personable, and kind. Carlos, our driver, got us to our destinations quickly and safely. I guarantee this is one adventure you don’t wanna miss!
Matthew –
Joshua was a great tour guide! This private tour was the best part of our trip to Tulum. Highly recommend.
Abigail –
I really enjoyed my trip. It’s my first time coming to Mexico and was deciding whether booked with a private tour or a group tour. After this trip, I can say confidently, choosing the private tour is the best decision!! With our tour guide, Arturo, we were able to avoid crowds when we were at Tulum, to know all the details of the Tulum building, and to go to the two best cenotes (dos ojos and cenotes nicte ha), to slow down our trip whenever we needed to. Mind blowing and relaxing at the same time. My friend and I are already talking about our next trip with them to Chichen Itza 😊
Pin-Yu K. –
I can’t recommend this company enough. We did a private half-day tour to Tulum + Cenote Nicte Ha + Cenote Dos Ojos with Arturo. We beat the crowd and had the highest tour quality. Arturo is very professional and knowledgeable, and he is great at taking pictures. The whole tour was chill while super interesting and breathtaking the whole time. They never rush us through anything, which makes the private tour better than the group tours.
Trevor –
We went on the Tulum Ruins tour with a visit to a cenote with Absolute Adventures Mexico and we had a blast! Our day started out at 6:30 am with our guide Arturo and our driver Carlos meeting us in our hotel lobby. They showed up on time, and extremely friendly. We had about an hour and a half drive down to the Tulum ruins where we were the first to arrive. Arturo and Carlos offered us water and soda before we entered the ruins. Being the first people to walk in the ruins that day was an amazing experience seeing all the history up practically all to our selves. Arturo was full of facts and knowledge, being able to answer all the questions we threw at him. He is also quite the photographer taking excellent photos of us. After walking through the ruins and absorbing all the knowledge, we walked back to the van seeing hundreds of not thousands of tourists walking towards the ruins, making us glad we had opted for the private, early tour. It is worth all the money to see the ruins to yourselves. We were offered cold soda, juice and water after getting back to the van and headed to Cenote Nic Te Ha. We were given the option to choose between 3 cenotes but after discussing with Arturo we figured based on the weather and what we wanted this would be the best one. The Cenote was beautiful with lots of different fish and plants. We snorkeled in a cave and enjoyed the crystal clear water. We had to all to our selves for about 75% of the time we spent there. Arturo again shared all his knowledge with us and swam around with us to show us all the cool spots. We were never rushed and Arturo reassured us that there is no rush and we can swim how ever long we like. When we decided to head to lunch Carlos offered us more beverages and we drove down the bumpy road with Carlos navigating extremely well to avoid as many bumps as possible. The lunch spot was a very authentic Mexican restaurant that was delicious. We got to choose what we wanted to eat and had some greats chats with Arturo who at this point felt like a family member! Once done lunch we were again offered beverages before the hour and a half drive back to our resort.
I have to say Arturo and Carlos provided A+ Service. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. They were so professional yet personable, and full of knowledge and fun that I would recommend to anyone I know to request to tour with them! Next time we are in the area I would love to go on another tour with Absolute Adventures Mexico.
Katherine –
Tulum ruins and cenote- great private tour!
Great half day adventure with Joshua! We did the tulum ruins and 1 cenote tour. We learned so much and really enjoyed our time exploring. We never felt rushed at any point. Joshua was very knowledgeable and extremely friendly. I would definitely recommend them to anyone!
Peter –
Great experience! With our tour, we were able to learn a lot about Tulum while we toured it. Our guide, Arturo, was amazing — very friendly, and very knowledgeable! We also felt very safe, as there was a dedicated driver who stayed with the vehicle and our belongings. We snorkeled in a Cenote, and our kids loved jumping in from the cliff. Our tour ended with a great meal near the Cenote… couldn’t be happier!
Marco –
The entire experience was amazing. From the booking process, to the email follow up by Claire (one of the owners), to the half day spent visiting the Tulum ruins, cenote and lunch in a typical local restaurant (with the added benefit of the adorable puppy Tula). Juan is an excellent and very personable guide. He is knowledgeable and funny, and made our experience even better. I would highly recommend Absolute Adventure Mexico and Juan if you are traveling to the Cancun area. Muchas gracias!
Jasleen –
Fun adventure
Absolute adventures was very accommodating to us. They were able to modify/customize a private tour for us to tulum. Juan was our guide and Carlos our driver and they were amazing! Juan was very helpful, fun, energetic and knowledgeable. Highly recommend this company.
A.S. –
Private, Not Crowded, Personable Experience!
My husband and I toured the Mayan Ruins in Tulum and went to the most beautiful cave cenote. Juan was very personable and knowledgeable and made the day fun! Omar was a great driver and the van was comfortable and clean. I would highly recommend this trip! I have been to Mexico many times and haven’t seen anything like it!
Ahsley –
We picked the best tour! Out of all. Of the options out there, we had a great private tour. Juan was very personable and knowledgeable and enjoyable to spend the day with. Omar was a great driver and the van was nice and clean. I would highly recommend this company for any tour and private was the way to go!
Tifany –
Alex was the best tour guide. He made our experience so relaxing and fun. He was very accommodating to all our requests and ensured we were safe the entire adventure. Very knowledgeable about the tulum ruins. The cenote swim was incredible. Also enjoyed a lovely lunch after a day of swimming! 10/10 would recommend if you’re ever visiting. Thanks Alex for the amazing time.
Deborah –
DEFINITELY RECOMMEND
We took this tour for a friends bachelorette so we had 18 people and we had such an amazing time. Rodrigo, Joshua and Alex picked us up early in the morning from Cancun and drove over to tulum. Alex was the most knowledgeable tour guide and told us so much about Mayan history and Tulum. He was so considerate of our group and being in the heat and was mindful to keep us in shaded areas. We then headed over to the cenote and we got there early enough so we felt like we had our own private cenote. It was so fun and refreshing especially in the heat. We were able to enjoy a delicious meal at Juanita’s. We all had such a good time with Alex and would definitely recommend him to anyone wanting to visit tulum and go on a tour and visit cenotes. Alex really ensured that we all had a great time. We also enjoyed our car ride due to our drivers Joshua and Rodrigo. They made sure the car with stocked with cold water and our car was cold whenever we would get in the car.
McRebel93 –
Great Mayan experience
If you are vacationing in the Cancún area, I highly recommend this private tour. Mayan ruins, Cenote cave swim, and a local Mayan restaurant with an incredible personal Mayan history lesson. Alex G was fantastic as he guided us through this experience and became like one of the family. Omar kept us safe and took us everywhere we needed to go with plenty of drinks to stay hydrated. My kids had a blast. Last, the process to book this was seamless and the customer service after booking was the best experience I have found.
Heidi –
Wonderful experience with our tour guide Arturo and the driver. Very professional company. Highly recommend.
Wendy –
Our tour and time with Alex was amazing!!!! So much fun and so knowledgeable!!! Would 100% recommend!!!!
Kellie –
Amazing trip to Mayan Ruins and Cenotes!
We had the best time with Arturo to see the Mayan Ruins and swim in the cenotes! He brought us drinks in a cooler and life vests and snorkel gear! He was so great with our two families – we got an early start to see the ruins (best way to go) and we had fun zip lining and jumping off platforms, and swimming in the cenotes! Thank you!
BB –
JJ was our guide to Tulum and the amazing Mayan ruins and a cenote! He had us at both locations before other tours were coming through so we were able to explore essentially alone! He was very knowledgeable and did a great job!
BK –
JJ was our guide to Tulum and the Mayan ruins as well as a cenote. He was an amazing guide and so knowledgeable about the history. He was fun and engaging and kept us entertained while seeing these amazing Tulum sites!