Tulum & Coba Private Day Tour: Ruins, Jungle & Custom Lunch

Summary

Private day trip to Tulum and Coba ruins with custom stops

You’ll walk through Tulum’s seaside ruins with a private guide who knows every story, ride bikes beneath Coba’s jungle canopy to climb ancient stones, and pick your own lunch stop with local tips—no crowds or schedules holding you back. Expect laughter, real flavors, and moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You want to try the real cochinita pibil?” our guide, Martín, grinned as we bounced along the road from Tulum. I’d just wiped sweat from my forehead — that Caribbean sun doesn’t mess around — and realized I was actually hungry after all that wandering among the sea-facing ruins. Tulum’s walls felt older than time itself, but it was the wind coming off the cliffs that got me; salty, sharp, and carrying bits of laughter from a group of local kids. Martín had answers for every random question we threw at him (I asked about those iguanas everywhere — turns out they’re like unofficial guardians here).

Coba was quieter somehow. Maybe it was the shade or maybe just the way the jungle presses in around you. We took those funny bike taxis — honestly, I felt a bit silly at first but ended up loving it — weaving between trees until suddenly there’s Nohoch Mul rising above everything. The stones were warm under my hands when I climbed up (don’t look down if you’re nervous). The view is still stuck in my head: endless green, humid air, birds yelling somewhere far off. My legs shook a little on the way down but it felt good.

Lunch? That’s totally up to you. We stopped wherever smelled best (Martín knew every spot), and he helped us order in Spanish — Li tried too but her accent made everyone laugh in a nice way. There’s something about eating tacos after climbing ancient ruins that makes them taste better, or maybe I was just tired and happy. Anyway, we got dropped right back at our hotel with sand still in our shoes and more photos than I’ll ever organize.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Tulum and Coba ruins

• Visit Tulum archaeological site
• Travel to Coba ruins by private vehicle
• Bike or bike taxi to Coba pyramid
• Climb Coba pyramid for jungle views
• Choose lunch spot in Coba or Tulum

Top questions

Is transportation included for this private tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Can I choose where to have lunch during the tour?

Yes, you can pick any restaurant in the Tulum or Coba area; your guide will help and transportation is included (lunch cost not included).

Are entry fees for Tulum and Coba included?

Yes, all entry fees are covered as part of your private day trip.

How do we get around inside Coba?

Bicycles or bike taxis are included to explore Coba’s archaeological site.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, infant seats and stroller access are available; suitable for all fitness levels.

What should I bring for this day trip to Tulum & Coba?

Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hat, camera—and an appetite for local food!

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by private vehicle, all entry fees for both Tulum and Coba ruins, bottled water (plus sodas or beer if you want), snacks along the way, a certified local guide who shares stories as you go, use of bikes or bike taxis at Coba so you don’t miss anything under the jungle canopy—all activities covered except lunch itself (but your ride to any spot is free).