About Tankah Pueblo
Tankah Pueblo (often just “Tankah”) is a rural eco-park and small Maya village on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, part of the Riviera Maya in Quintana Roo. It’s best known for Parque Tankah , a natural adventure park where jungle and beach come together (xplorariviera.com ). The park’s main features are four cenotes (sinkhole pools) named Cueva, Piraña, Naval and Azul, each connected by trails and wooden platforms. Visitors come to swim in crystal waters, zip-line among the treetops, paddle canoes and enjoy authentic Maya culture (xplorariviera.com ) (tankah.com.mx ). The setting is peaceful and rustic – thatched palapas, hammocks and hand-carved decor create a traditional vibe. Notably, archaeologists have found Tankah’s ruins are even older than nearby Tulum (dating to Pre-Classic Maya times) (noticaribe.com.mx ), giving the area a deep historical significance. Today, Tankah Pueblo stands out as a community-run sanctuary — emphasizing sustainability and local identity (www.tankah.com.mx ) — making it a special spot for those seeking an authentic jungle experience rather than a crowded resort.
Events and Programming
Tankah Pueblo isn’t a concert hall but an outdoor adventure venue. The main “programming” consists of guided eco-tours and free exploration. Typical days include multiple tour departures (usually morning and early afternoon) that weave through all four cenotes. As one tour operator explains, guests first launch off vines and zip-lines into Cenote La Cueva, then hike to Cenote Piraña (adorned with stalactites), onward to Cenote Naval (where there’s a 220 m zip-line over the water), and finally paddle a canoe to Cenote Azul for snorkel time (xplorariviera.com ) (xplorariviera.com ). The tour ends back at the village with a buffet of regional dishes. Between official tours, visitors can walk the park’s trails at will. While there are no scheduled concerts or big events, the park may host occasional Maya ceremonies or cultural workshops during holidays and can arrange private group events on request. Every day, the emphasis is on nature and tradition rather than nightlife or shows.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets are sold at the park reception (or online through official channels), not through third-party ticketing sites. You can pay on arrival; the park accepts cash or credit cards (Visa/MasterCard/AmEx) (www.tankah.com.mx ). Be aware there is typically a ~5% surcharge on card transactions. The standard admission price is about MXN 250 per person (roughly US$13) (cenotes.net ). Children and students pay a reduced rate, but you must show valid ID for any discount (www.tankah.com.mx ). Once purchased, a ticket covers access to all cenotes and activities – including use of life vests in the water (cenotes.net ). Guided tours are included in the entry fee (they have set start times), so you don’t need to pay extra to zip-line or canoe. For popular dates (holiday season, weekends) it’s wise to arrive early or reserve in advance; coaches often fill up. Plan to check in at least 15 minutes before your tour time (www.tankah.com.mx ) so you can sign waivers and gear up.
Seating and Layout
Tankah Pueblo is laid out as a jungle park rather than a stadium, so there are no fixed seating charts or rows. Instead, gravel paths and wooden ramps wind through the property, linking each attraction. At the cenotes, expect simple wooden platforms and steps. For example, Cenote Tankah has ladders and stairs for access (cenotes.net ). The central “pueblo” feeding area has picnic tables under palm-thatched palapas, and the lagoon-side beach features dozens of lounge chairs and hammocks for resting (tankah.com.mx ). There are benches along the trails and shaded resting spots, but nothing is reserved. The best view is from anywhere on the beach at sunset or from the cenote decks looking up. If you want sun or shade, plan where to sit: early morning is cooler under the jungle canopy, while the beachfront has afternoon sun and rusty-red marshlight. In short, seating is on a first-come basis – relax where you like, whether it’s a hammock under the palms or a concrete bench by the water.
Getting There and Parking
Parque Tankah is located on the Carretera Federal 307 (Cancún–Tulum highway), in the Tankah Bay area north of Tulum town (xplorariviera.com ). From central Tulum it’s roughly an 11–12 km drive (about 15–20 minutes). Look for roadside signs or an entrance gate on the east side of the highway. Free parking is available next to the reception area (no attendant or charge). There is no direct city bus to the park. Visitors generally first travel to Tulum (e.g. ADO bus, collectivo or taxi to Tulum town) and then take a taxi or local colectivo up Hwy 307 to Tankah. For example, a taxi from Tulum center to Tankah Pueblo (about 11.2 km) costs on the order of MXN 300–360 (www.rome2rio.com ). Colectivo vans often run this route hourly. Uber can sometimes pick up in Tulum and drop off at Tankah, but ride-sharing is less reliable on the highway. If coming from Playa del Carmen or the Ulum exit, you’d transfer to a Tulum vehicle at least. There are no metro or train lines to Tankah; the nearest (under-construction) Tren Maya station is in Tulum, so expect to use road vehicles.
Inside the Venue
On entering, you’ll find an open-air reception area with a ticket desk and signs. Facilities are basic: there are restrooms and changing stalls near the start, and perhaps lockers or hooks at the desk where you can stow personal items. Staff will provide mandatory life jackets for everyone planning to swim (cenotes.net ). The atmosphere is friendly and low-key – guides and crew are usually Maya locals or Spanish-speaking staff (some English is offered for tours). After check-in, you’re free to wander or take a guided tour. The entire site is outdoors, but there are covered rest stops and picnic areas along the trails. Most of the action ends at the communal dining palapa. Here, a buffet lunch is served (it typically includes **Pollo Pibil, Poc-Chuc pork, frijoles, and tortillas** in the afternoon) (xplorariviera.com ). Outside of this meal, you may purchase bottled water or soft drinks at a small snack bar or trust store near the entrance. If you need to charge your phone or camera, there is a low-voltage outlet by the reception, but cell signal is weak, so treat it as a digital detox. The site has no full-scale gift shop; you might find a few handcrafted trinkets or handmade hammocks for sale. After the cenote visits and lunch, you’ll exit back through the plaza to collect belongings and depart. Do remember to sign out if joining a tour – guides will dismiss you when the day’s adventure is done.
Nearby Amenities
The area immediately around Tankah Pueblo is largely undeveloped jungle and coastline. Don’t expect a strip of restaurants like in Tulum proper. However, within 5–10 minutes by car you’ll find a handful of rustic beach eateries. Notable nearby spots include:
Chamico’s : A hidden beachfront shack famous for fresh catch and ceviche (tpgstay.com ).Casa Cenote Restaurant : Located beside a cenote, serves seafood tacos and margaritas (tpgstay.com ).Blue Sky : Casual beachfront spot with wood-fired pizzas and Mexican dishes (tpgstay.com ).Cocina Doña Rosa : Home-style Mexican kitchen (enchiladas, cochinita, etc.) in the Tankah Bay area (tpgstay.com ).
For a wider selection of bars or dining, you would drive back into Tulum (10–15 minutes south) or catch evening entertainment on Tulum’s beach road. Nearby accommodation is mostly small inns, eco-resorts or vacation-rental villas in the Tankah Bay zone. Many visitors instead base themselves in Tulum city and drive in for the day. If arriving late at night, remember that only private cars or arranged transport (taxis/rentals) will be available – there’s no late-night public shuttle. Also note that in the wider Tankah area, grocery shops and banks are several kilometers away; plan accordingly before leaving Tulum.
What Makes This Venue Special
Tankah Pueblo shines because it offers an authentic blend of nature and culture. The park is explicitly designed as a sustainable, community-focused project (www.tankah.com.mx ). This means local Maya families participate in running tours, preparing meals and caring for the land. Guides often share stories of Mayan cosmology and soul-filled legends as you canoe through mangroves. The emphasis on tradition and environmental respect gives every visitor a sense of true Maya hospitality. Architecturally, nothing is flashy – just palm-thatch huts, wooden ramps and hand-painted murals – which only enhances the jungle immersion. Unlike Tulum’s high-end beach clubs or crowded archaeological sites, Tankah feels like a hidden refuge. It even has a unique bragging right: researchers confirmed that ancient Tankah was settled earlier than Tulum (with life in the Pre-Classic Maya period) (noticaribe.com.mx ). That ancient backstory (plus the clean-flowing cenotes and lush forest) creates an atmosphere of exploration. In short, both visitors and the occasional artist love Tankah for its back-to-basics vibe and genuine “off-the-beaten-path” charm.
Visitor Tips and Information
**Plan for a jungle adventure.** Wear your swimsuit and bring water shoes – many paths are uneven or slippery. Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent are must-haves. Towels and dry clothes will make the trip more comfortable (you’ll get wet). The park provides life vests for all swimmers (cenotes.net ), which is especially helpful if you’re not a strong swimmer. You should also carry some Mexican pesos: the buffet is included in entry, but staff often appreciate a small tip, and the rustic shops only take cash (card payments incur a ~5% fee (www.tankah.com.mx )). Keep valuables to a minimum; there may be lockers, but they’re limited.
**Accessibility:** This is a natural park, not a pavement paradise. There are many steps, uneven trails and wooden bridges. Wheelchairs or strollers will face major difficulties. Even elderly visitors should take care walking – the staff can assist if needed, but be prepared for a hilly trail. Bring smaller kids only if they’re supervised around water and high platforms.
**Facilities:** Restrooms and changing rooms are available at the start and by some cenote areas. Expect simple (no hot water). There is no full-service bar or kitchen, only the communal buffet and a small snack bar. Lodging is offsite. Phone use is possible but cell signal is spotty; don’t count on strong reception inside the jungle.
**Rules:** The park asks that you do not pollute the cenotes (wear only biodegradable sunscreen or none at all). Drones are generally not permitted without special permission. Follow instructors’ directions for ziplines and ropes for safety. Large DUI or loud music parties are not allowed. In general, treat Tankah Pueblo like a tranquil nature reserve: leave no litter, and respect wildlife and the local community.
**Other tips:** Busloads of tourists tend to arrive late morning; for smaller crowds, try visiting early (9 AM opening) or after 2 PM. The weather here is warm year-round, but the park closes by 4 PM daily (xplorariviera.com ) (closed Sundays), so factor that into your schedule. Last, if you want great photos, the best light is before noon or late afternoon; midday is hot and bright. By coming prepared with swim gear, cash and sun protection, you’ll get the most out of this offbeat and unforgettable jungle retreat.
What is the admission price for Tankah Pueblo (Parque Tankah)?
Admission is roughly MXN 250 per person (around US$12–13) (cenotes.net ). That ticket covers park entry, zip-lines, canoes, swimming in the cenotes and the on-site buffet. Children and students pay a junior rate (valid photo ID required for discounts) (www.tankah.com.mx ). Note the park accepts cash or credit cards (Visa/MasterCard/AmEx) but there’s about a 5% surcharge on cards (www.tankah.com.mx ).
How do I purchase tickets or make a reservation?
Tickets can be bought at the park reception when you arrive, or in advance through the official website or authorized tour operators. Walk-ins are common and generally work fine unless it’s a busy holiday. Tourists staying in Tulum often reserve through hotel desks or travel agencies. Keep in mind that if you pay by credit card at the park desk, a ~5% fee is applied (www.tankah.com.mx ). No physical box office exists elsewhere – just show up or book online.
Is there a discount for children or groups?
Yes. Children, students and seniors receive a reduced admission rate, but you must show a valid ID for each discounted ticket (www.tankah.com.mx ). While there’s no formal “group rate” listed, large families or tour groups can organize bookings together. Often a local tour company will offer a group package. In any case, mention any special rates when you check in and have IDs ready.
Where is Tankah Pueblo located and how do I get there?
Tankah Pueblo is on Federal Highway 307 (Cancún–Tulum road), about 11 km north of downtown Tulum (xplorariviera.com ). The park entrance is on the east side of the highway, near Tankah Bay. By car or taxi from Tulum center it takes roughly 15–20 minutes. By public transit, take an ADO bus or colectivo to Tulum first, then a taxi or local colectivo van heading north on Hwy 307. As a reference, a taxi from Tulum to Tankah costs about MXN 300–360 (www.rome2rio.com ). There’s free parking on-site behind the reception hut.
Are restrooms and changing facilities available?
Yes. Basic restrooms and changing rooms are located near the park entrance and next to the cenotes. They are simple (cold water showers, concrete floors, communal stalls), but sufficient for rinsing off after swimming. There are mirrors and sinks, and staff usually provide towels if needed (some guests bring their own to be safe). Just remember most areas are rustic – don’t expect resort-style amenities, but the essentials are covered.
Is there parking available, and is it free?
Yes, Tankah Pueblo has a small parking lot immediately outside the park entrance. Parking is free of charge for visitors. The gravel lot can fit a few dozen cars or vans. If you’re arriving by bus or shuttle, they will usually drop you at the reception area; any shuttle driver can park nearby.
Can I take public transportation to Tankah Pueblo?
There’s no direct city bus line to Tankah Pueblo itself. The typical route is to first reach Tulum (by ADO bus or colectivo from Cancún/Playa del Carmen) and then hail a taxi or colectivo the remaining distance. Local “colectivo” minibuses run along the coastal highway 307; just ask drivers if they stop at Tankah (many do). As a guide, the best option is often a taxi from Tulum for convenience (www.rome2rio.com ). Ridesharing apps (Uber) can sometimes be used to get to or from Tankah, but coverage is spotty once you’re off the main highway, so have cash handy for a taxi just in case.
What kind of seating or resting spots are available?
The park provides rustic seating. There are palm-thatched palapa areas with picnic tables. Around the beach lagoon you’ll find lounge chairs and hammocks for sunbathing (tankah.com.mx ). Benches or wooden chairs are placed near each cenote entry. You won’t find formal theater seating – instead, rest wherever you like (hammocks on the beach, benches by the ponds, or the covered dining area). Shade is found under the trees and palapas; if a spot is full, feel free to move to an open area. In general, any viewing is “first-come, first-served”.
Are food and drinks available on-site?
Yes. A homemade Mexican buffet lunch is included with the admission. Guests are typically served dishes like Pollo Pibil, Poc Chuc pork, fresh tortillas, beans and rice under a large palapa (xplorariviera.com ). Beyond that, there is a small snack bar selling bottled water, soft drinks and light snacks throughout the day. You are not allowed to bring alcohol into the park (and it isn’t stocked), so plan to buy all snacks and drinks there. If you have dietary needs, bring what you require, but store it in your bag or locker because outside food is discouraged.
What items should I bring (or not bring) to Tankah Pueblo?
Bring: Swimwear, a towel, water shoes (for walking on wooden decks and rocks), reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent. Cash in small bills is useful for souvenirs or a tip – credit cards are accepted but only with a fee (www.tankah.com.mx ). You may also want a camera or phone in a waterproof case since you’ll be in water. Don’t bring: Large glass containers, alcohol (not allowed), any single-use plastics you don’t need. The park provides life vests for swimming so you don’t need special floaties (cenotes.net ). Avoid muddy shoes in bath areas as you’ll have to leave them outside the cenotes.
Is Tankah Pueblo family-friendly? Can children participate?
Yes, Tankah Pueblo is very family-friendly. Children are welcome to swim in the cenotes and try hands-on activities. Life jackets are provided for kids and adults alike (cenotes.net ). Many families with young children visit safely (younger kids stay in the shallow areas). That said, the zip-line and some bridges have height or age restrictions (usually around 4–5 years old and up for the smaller zip-line). Parents should closely supervise kids around deep water. The buffalo bread and communal play area keep kids entertained, and lunch includes kid-friendly foods. In short, it’s a great adventure spot for families as long as you plan breaks for young ones.
Is the park wheelchair or disability accessible?
Not really. Tankah Pueblo’s terrain is natural and rugged. Visitors move by hiking on dirt paths and climbing stairs down into cenotes. The walkways can be uneven and slippery. There are no ADA ramps or elevators. Wheelchair access and mobility-impaired visits are extremely difficult. A sturdy wheelchair could potentially navigate the main parking and restaurant area, but not the cenote platforms or trails. If someone in your group has limited mobility, it’s best to call the park and inquire about the easiest route or possible accommodations.
Can I use my own snorkel/dive gear?
Yes. You are welcome to bring your own mask/snorkel or even a small drysuit if you wish. The park also rents snorkel equipment for about MXN 200–300 per set (cenotes.net ). All blueprint fees (snorkel or dive fees) in their price list. Dive tours might have separate pricing (~MXN 1500 for certified divers (cenotes.net )). However, most casual visitors stick to wearing provided life vests and simple masks. Renting on-site ensures your gear fits properly if you don’t want to carry it with you.
Can I visit the ancient Maya ruins at Tankah?
Not at this time. There are documented Maya ruins (structures and murals) in the broader Tankah area, but they remain under archaeological study. The site has not officially opened to tourism (access is restricted for preservation) (noticaribe.com.mx ). So while Parque Tankah highlights Mayan culture through meals and local guides, there is no public trail to ancient temples on the property. If the archaeological zone opens in the future, it will be a separate attraction (one of the few Maya sites older than Tulum).
What are Tankah Pueblo’s opening hours and days?
The park is generally open Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (xplorariviera.com ). (It is usually closed on Sundays.) Within those hours, tours often start in the morning and in the early afternoon. It’s wise to arrive by 9 AM for the full experience. For holidays and special dates, hours can vary; some days may close for maintenance or local events. If traveling during rainy season, call ahead to confirm as severe weather might cause temporary closures of ziplines.
