How to get to Punta Allen from Tulum, Mexico (2023)
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Need to know how to get to Punta Allen from Tulum? This post explains the best ways to get to Punta Allen from Tulum to make your trip as easy as possible.
There is a lot of misleading information on the Internet when it comes to getting from Tulum to Punta Allen. Half of the Internet tells you to go with a guided tour, and half tells you it’s impossible to reach without a 4×4.
Well, after we tried and tested it during our backpacking trip to Mexico, I can confirm Punta Allen is a lot easier to get to than you’d think!
You do not need a tour to reach Punta Allen from Tulum, and you do not need a 4×4 or jeep.
In the following post, I outline the exact ways to get from Tulum to Punta Allen, so your trip can run as smoothly as possible!
Other Sian Ka’an posts:
- How to Visit Sian Ka’an WITHOUT A Tour: Ultimate Guide! (2022)
- 11 BEST Things To Do In Punta Allen, Sian Ka’an (Mexico)
- Can You Fly a Drone in Sian Ka’an? Mexico (2022 Guide)
How to get to Punta Allen from Tulum: A Summary
In summary, it is important to note that:
- It is possible to get to Punta Allen by regular car from Tulum.
- You do not need a 4×4 or jeep to visit Punta Allen from Tulum.
- The road is potholed and has uneven terrain, but it is manageable if you have the time. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful roads we’ve ever driven down!
- The best way to reach Punta Allen is by your own hire car or motorbike.
- It takes at least 3 hours to reach Punta Allen from Tulum, even though it is only 45km.
Punta Allen is at the southern point of the Boca Paila Peninsula in Sian Ka’an. To access it by land, you will drive on a 45km dusty road, dodging potholes and uneven terrain. But fear not, this is a lot easier than it sounds!
Some of the best scenery Sian Ka’an has to offer is in Punta Allen, so I’d highly recommend making the drive. Yes, it takes a long time, but when you get there, you’re in a peaceful, remote area with no sounds other than the ocean and wildlife.
Regardless of the mode of transport, you use to reach Punta Allen, you will need to drive from Tulum town to Tulum beach. The main entrance to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is at the end of Tulum beach, and is hard to miss!
There is a large gate at the start of the road to Punta Allen, where you will need to sign a guestbook and pay a small fee of 100 MXN per person to enter. You will then be given a wristband, but this was not checked during our stay.
Getting to Punta Allen by car/motorbike
If you’re visiting Punta Allen by car, you do NOT need a 4×4 or a jeep to visit Sian Ka’an. There are so many blogs and tours stating it is impossible to reach Punta Allen or other parts of Sian Ka’an without a 4×4, and this is incorrect.
We drove the entirety of the peninsula, all the way south to Punta Allen, in a tiny car rental. It was slow, and there were potholes, but it can be done! Many bloggers state the drive from Tulum Beach to Sian Ka’an is unadvised and unsafe. From doing this journey myself, I can say this is not true. You can do the drive, slowly, in a regular rental car, but just need to be careful and take your time!
Many people also hired a motorbike to do the journey, as it is easier to avoid potholes. Choose the best mode of transport for you.
If you’re driving to Punta Allen from Tulum, be sure to read up on the best and easiest ways to rent a car in Tulum before you arrive!
TOP TIP: There is no phone signal on the road from Tulum to Punta Allen. Make sure you have your map downloaded before travelling.
Getting to Punta Allen by bus
Taking the bus (collectivo) to Punta Allen isn’t advised. Yes, it can be done, but sitting on public transport for 4 hours down a pot-holed filled road isn’t ideal. However, if you are set on taking public transport, you need at least 2-3 days in Sian Ka’an to make up for lost time.
There are 2 buses from Tulum town to Punta Allen, one which stops at a pier, to board a boat over to Punta Allen. Buses only depart once a day, at 2pm. The other takes the long road (the one you will drive down) and takes over 4 hours to reach Punta Allen.
Getting to Punta Allen by taxi
This is another method I would not advise. However, it can be done. Just bare in mind, if you’re taking a taxi to Punta Allen, you’re expecting the taxi driver to drive 3 hours from Tulum one way, and 3 hours back. That’s a 6-hour round trip!
It might be worth asking the taxi driver upfront how they feel about the drive. We did see some taxis on the road to Punta Allen, but most stopped off in the hotels and resorts before reaching the bottom of the peninsula. It really depends on where you want to go.
It’s worth noting that you can explore different areas of Sian Ka’an without going to Punta Allen. Yes, Punta Allen is one of the best areas in Sian Ka’an, but if you’re not willing to do the 3-hour drive, there are other places to see too!
And of course, if you take a taxi, make sure you organise your taxi back! There is little to no signal or wifi in Punta Allen, so it’s important to have all modes of transport organised!
Getting to Punta Allen by tour
If you would rather take a guided tour to Punta Allen, there are tours that can be booked in Tulum town. Check on the day and the night before for updated prices and times.
However, it may be best to take a tour to Sian Ka’an, rather than directly to Punta Allen. There is a lot more of Sian Ka’an that can be explored without needing to go all the way down to Punta Allen.
Punta Allen from Tulum Directions
From the gate, it is around a 3-hour drive to Punta Allen. This may sound crazy knowing it’s only 45km, but it’s a bumpy and even road. You will need to spend time avoiding potholes, iguanas, coatis and even birds who prefer walking on the road than flying!
It is an easy and direct route to Punta Allen from Tulum. It is one, straight dirt road, with no options of turning any other way!
When you have been driving for around 45-60 minutes, you will reach a large bridge. This marks a part of the journey between the ocean and lagoon. On one side you will see emerald-coloured water surrounded by mangroves and potential crocodiles, and on the other palm trees and the Caribbean Sea. It’s quite a sight!
Continue on along this road for at least another 2.5 hours. As I said, there are no turnings – we didn’t even have our Sat Nav on, and there is zero phone signal on the entire road. Continue all the way until you see signs for Punta Allen, which is actually located right at the end of the road.
Do I need a jeep to visit Punta Allen?
No, you do not need a jeep to visit Punta Allen. The road has recently been graded (November 2022) and although there are still potholes and uneven parts of gravel, it can be done in a regular car.
We rented a small hire car for our trip to Punta Allen, and although driving 40km took around 3 hours, it was safe and easy to do at a slow pace.
Where is Punta Allen, Sian Ka’an?
Punta Allen is in Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which is located south of Tulum. It is in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Sian Ka’an is on the eastern coast of the Yucutan Peninsula, and is one of Mexico’s largest protected areas.
Where to stay in Punta Allen
Need somewhere to stay in Sian Ka’an or near Punta Allen? You can’t get anywhere better than El Cielo Y Selva. It’s the closest I’ve been to paradise on earth, and really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can take a look at their site here.
How to get to Punta Allen from Tulum: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! How to get to Punta Allen from Tulum, in a nutshell.
When you’re planning a trip to Punta Allen, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t come across my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently backpacking Mexico with my boyfriend (read more here!), whilst creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Mexico content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
Other Quintana Roo/Mexico posts:
- How to Visit Sian Ka’an WITHOUT A Tour: Ultimate Guide! (2022)
- Kaan Luum Lagoon, Tulum: Complete Guide (2022)
- Is There Uber in Sian Ka’an? Getting Around Sian Ka’an (2022)
- 11 BEST Things To Do In Punta Allen, Sian Ka’an (Mexico)
MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
