Tulum: Deluxe Tour – Tulum, Coba, Cenote & Playa Del Carmen

The Tulum Deluxe Tour promises an immersive exploration of the region’s cultural and natural wonders. For $79.85 per person, visitors can discover the ancient ruins of Tulum, scale the Coba Pyramid, and cool off in a serene cenote. While the itinerary seems enticing, concerns have been raised about unexpected costs and service quality. With a controversial $19 donation to a Mayan foundation, it’s crucial to understand the full scope of the tour before booking. As with any travel experience, managing expectations and doing thorough research can make all the difference in ensuring a truly memorable adventure.

Key Points

• The Tulum Deluxe Tour is a 12-hour guided experience priced at $79.85 per person, including round-trip transportation from Tulum.
• The tour itinerary features visits to Tulum Ruins, a cenote for swimming, and the Coba Pyramid, as well as a leisurely stroll in Playa del Carmen.
• The tour package includes a buffet regional meal, certified guide, life vests, and preservation taxes for Coba and Tulum.
• Customers have reported an unexpected $19 donation for a Mayan foundation as a significant issue, leading to overall dissatisfaction with the tour.
• Based on negative customer reviews, the tour is not recommended due to the additional costs, inconsistencies with the advertised itinerary, and subpar customer service.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Tulum: Deluxe Tour – Tulum, Coba, Cenote & Playa del Carmen is priced from $79.85 per person and lasts for 12 hours.

Availability and start times can be checked. Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot now and pay later.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Tulum, a buffet regional meal, a certified guide for the Tulum Ruins, free time for swimming in a cenote, a visit to the Coba Ruins, a box lunch, and drinks.

Preservation taxes for Coba and Tulum are also included, as well as life vests.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at the Super Aki market main gate on the federal avenue in Tulum.

From there, the group heads to the Tulum Ruins for a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours.

Next, they’ll experience the tranquility of a crystal-clear cenote, swimming for around 1 hour.

The itinerary then takes them to the Coba Archaeological Site, where they can explore and climb the pyramid for 1 hour.

Finally, the tour concludes with a leisurely stroll along 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen, allowing guests to shop and soak up the local atmosphere.

The key itinerary highlights include:

1. Guided tour of the Tulum Ruins (2 hours)
2. Swimming in a cenote (1 hour)
3. Exploration and climbing of the Coba Pyramid (1 hour)
4. Stroll along 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen

Included Features

The tour package includes a comprehensive set of features to enhance the overall experience.

Guests will enjoy round-trip transportation from Tulum, a buffet regional meal, and a certified guide for the Tulum Ruins tour.

They’ll also have free time to swim in a crystal-clear cenote and explore the Coba Ruins, including climbing the pyramid.

A box lunch with juice, sandwich, and fruit is provided, and drinks are included during the meal and transportation.

Preservation taxes for Coba and Tulum are covered, and life vests are provided for the cenote experience.

Important Information

Meeting point for the Tulum Deluxe Tour is at the main gate of the Super Aki market on the federal avenue, as the tour doesn’t provide hotel or Airbnb pickup.

Guests are advised to bring the following:

1. A change of clothes
2. Beachwear
3. Cash for any additional expenses
4. No alcohol or drugs are allowed on the tour.

It’s important to note that if visiting Playa del Carmen is part of the itinerary, the return journey is on the guest’s own as the tour bus can’t provide transportation back to Tulum.

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Customer Feedback

Customers’ overall rating of the Tulum Deluxe Tour stands at a disappointing 1 out of 5 based on a single review.

Key issues cited by the reviewer include an unexpected $19 donation for a Mayan foundation not mentioned in the tour description.

Tourists staying in Tulum also didn’t visit Playa del Carmen despite similar pricing.

While the guide was satisfactory, customer service was reported as rude.

The reviewer strongly recommends against booking this tour due to these problems.

Meeting Point and Preparation

For the Tulum Deluxe Tour, travelers are instructed to meet at the main gate of the Super Aki market on the federal avenue, not at their hotel or Airbnb.

Guests should come prepared with a change of clothes, beachwear, and cash. Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour.

If visiting Playa del Carmen, the return trip is on the traveler’s own time, as the tour bus can’t provide transportation back.

The recommended items to bring for the tour include:

1. Change of clothes
2. Beachwear
3. Cash
4. Sun protection

Mayan Foundation Donation

The tour description failed to mention an unexpected $19 donation for a Mayan foundation that was required during the trip.

This unanticipated cost angered many travelers, especially those staying in Tulum who didn’t visit Playa del Carmen despite the similar pricing.

Customers felt misled, as the donation fee wasn’t disclosed upfront. Some viewed it as an unnecessary extra charge, tarnishing the overall experience.

The tour operator’s lack of transparency around this mandatory donation stands out as a key issue, negatively impacting customer satisfaction.

Moving forward, clear communication about all fees and inclusions is crucial to prevent similar complaints and maintain trust with tour participants.

Recommendation Against Booking

Based on the customer feedback, it’s clear this tour isn’t recommended.

The tour faced several issues, including an unexpected $19 donation for a Mayan foundation that wasn’t mentioned in the description, travelers staying in Tulum not visiting Playa del Carmen despite similar pricing, and a guide with satisfactory performance but poor customer service.

Given these concerns, it’s advisable to avoid booking this tour.

The key reasons not to book this tour are:

1. Unexpected additional costs
2. Inconsistency between itinerary and actual experience
3. Subpar customer service
4. Overall negative reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour does not specify a maximum group size. However, most guided tours typically accommodate between 15-30 participants to provide an intimate and personalized experience. The exact group size may vary depending on demand and logistical considerations.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Child Pricing?

The tour does not have any age restrictions or child pricing listed. Infants and children of all ages are welcome to join the tour at the same price as adults.

Can Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated During the Buffet Meal?

The tour provider typically accommodates dietary requirements for the buffet meal, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, upon prior request. Customers should notify the company of any special dietary needs when booking the tour.

Is There an Option to Upgrade or Add Additional Activities?

The tour does not explicitly offer upgrade options or additional activities. Travelers would need to contact the tour provider directly to inquire about any customization or add-on possibilities for their Tulum tour experience.

What Happens if the Tour Is Canceled Due to Weather or Other Reasons?

If the tour is canceled due to weather or other reasons, customers will receive a full refund. The tour operator will proactively contact customers to notify them of the cancellation and issue the refund in a timely manner.

Recap

The Tulum Deluxe Tour offers an extensive itinerary, but customer feedback suggests caution is warranted. While the package includes transportation, meals, and guided tours, the mandatory $19 donation to a Mayan foundation may not be made clear upfront. With concerns about unexpected costs and service quality, potential travelers should carefully consider whether this tour aligns with their expectations and budget before booking.

You can check if your dates are available here: