7 Nature Parks near Tulum, Quintana Roo: Map & Photos

7 parks and reserves · within 60 km

There are 7 parks and reserves within 60 km of Tulum in a straight line, an hour or a little more by road. The closest is Sian Ka'an, 9 km away; the farthest, Xplor, is 55 km. They are listed under the Pueblos Mágicos of Cozumel and Tulum, which make good bases.

Parks and reserves are best on weekdays and early in the day. Bring water, and check the opening hours, since some close one day a week.

Best months, when most of these towns are dry with comfortable afternoons: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.

The Nature Parks 7

Sian Ka'an · Nature reserve · 9 km from Tulum
A vast UNESCO-listed reserve of lagoons, mangroves and reef south of Tulum, with boat trips to see dolphins, birds and manatees.
Palancar Reef · Nature reserve · 49 km from Tulum · Near Cozumel
Cozumel's most famous reef, off the island's southwest coast: coral towers, tunnels and drop-offs for divers and snorkelers.
Punta Sur · Nature reserve · 50 km from Tulum · Near Cozumel
An eco park at the island's southern tip: the Celarain lighthouse, a lagoon with crocodiles and birds, and quiet beaches with reef.
Xcaret · Nature reserve · 54 km from Tulum · Quintana Roo
Big eco-park on a Caribbean inlet south of Playa del Carmen, built around underground rivers and the ruins of the Maya port of Polé.
Xenses · Nature reserve · 54 km from Tulum · Quintana Roo
Grupo Xcaret's sensory park near Playa del Carmen: optical illusions, a topsy-turvy village, mud baths, a salt river and a zip line.
Chankanaab · Nature reserve · 55 km from Tulum · Near Cozumel
A park on the west coast with a reef for easy snorkeling from shore, a lagoon linked to the sea, and botanical gardens.
Xplor · Nature reserve · 55 km from Tulum · Quintana Roo
All-inclusive adventure park next to Xcaret: two zip-line circuits, amphibious vehicles and rafting and swimming through stalactite caves.