Kaan Luum Lagoon: Nature’s Masterpiece with a Cenote Twist
The Kaan Luum Lagoon is probably one of the best-kept secrets of the Riviera Maya. I’ll tell you why this place is unique and a must-visit.
Conveniently located about 11 km from the Magical Town of Tulum, it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Quintana Roo!
Laguna Kaan Luum is a somewhat unknown place; far from crowded tourist areas and ideal for those looking to enjoy peaceful moments with nature.
To get there you have to take the Mexico 307 Highway that goes to Felipe Carrillo Puerto and the access is very close to the entrance to the Sian Ka’an reserve.
The lagoon houses an 85 mt deep Cenote, it is quite an experience to observe the change of water hues; from a beautiful emerald green around the Cenote to an intense blue.
The color change is due to the different depths between the lagoon and the cenote.
Visiting this site is ideal for families with children, as the lagoon waters are calm and shallow, barely 1.50 meters deep; perfect for swimming and snorkeling (bring your own equipment).
***It is important to note that it is forbidden to swim in the Cenote, as it is an area designated for divers only.
Things to do in Kaan Luum Lagoon
1. Swim in the Laguna!
The adventure begins at the entrance where you’ll walk a wooden path of about 1 km, surrounded by mangroves and other jungle trees to reach the lagoon.
The incredible thing about this “laguna” is that it is like a giant pool because it is shallow, the water is crystal clear and there is no current, ideal for children.
Other attractions are its wooden docks, the swings, and hammocks inside the water.
From the dock you can see a difference in the shades of the water, this is due to the change in depth.
The Cenote I told you about earlier is in the middle of the lagoon. Again, it is forbidden to swim there.
Kaan Luum Lagoon comes from the Mayan language: “Kan” for yellow and “Luum” for earth = yellow earth.
Another thing I love about this place is that it is managed by ejidatarios (native landowners) who take great care of the lagoon.
Please don’t use sunscreen or any other cream to avoid water contamination. There is always the option of wearing long-sleeved waterproof clothing.
What is the entrance fee to the lagoon?
- Entrance fee: 300 pesos per adult
- Children: 100 pesos
- Cost to fly drone: 150 pesos
- Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
2. Visit the Muyil Archaeological Zone
The Archaeological Zone of Muyil is also a small site with a lot of charm.
The most important pyramid of this site is the Castillo, 17 mt tall, and its architecture dates to the classic period, which is why it resembles other Mayan pyramids of the time like Coba or Tikal.
- Entrance fee: 65 pesos per person
- Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Muyil Lagoon
Inside the Archaeological Zone of Muyil, there is a trail that leads to the Muyil Lagoon, it takes about 20 minutes.
This entire area is part of the Sian Ka’an Reserve and it’s a beautiful tour since the only thing you can breathe is nature.
I recommend you wear comfortable shoes and insect repellent.
Halfway there is a viewpoint, where you can appreciate the vast jungle and the huge body of water in the background.
- Entrance fee: 70 pesos per person
- Boat tour: about 1,000 pesos per person
- Hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Best time to visit Kaan Luum Lagoon
Any time of the year: Kaan Luum Lagoon is ideal to visit any time of the year, although I prefer the winter, the coolest time in the Riviera Maya.
Sargassum season (summertime): Since this lagoon is not connected to the ocean, one of the biggest advantages is that sargassum doesn’t arrive.
You may want to read: Tulum Bound? Get Ready with Our Expert Travel Guide and Tricks
Summertime (June-Sept): If you happen to go to the Riviera Maya during the summer, which is when there is the most sargassum, this is an ideal place to go.
High season (Nov-Apr): Try to go during weekdays and avoid national holiday weekends, as it can get very crowded with locals.
How to get to Kaan Luum Lagoon
By car: I always recommend renting a car, as it is the most economical and comfortable way to get around the Riviera Maya. It allows you to explore more for less.
If you use GPS to search for “Laguna Kaan Luum” or “Zona Arqueológica de Muyil,” you can’t miss it.
It takes about 15 minutes from Tulum, 2 hours from Cancun, and 1 hour from Playa del Carmen.
By public transportation: If you are in Tulum and driving is not your thing, you can catch one of the many public vans called “colectivo” to Felipe Carrillo Puerto, just tell the driver you want to get off at Kaan Luum.
Once you’re at the entrance, you will walk about 750 meters.
Each way costs about 100 pesos per person. The colectivos leave every 10 minutes from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, you can catch them on the federal highway.
If you’re in Cancun, you will take 3 different colectivos, the first to Playa del Carmen, the second to Tulum, and the third to Felipe Carrillo Puerto.
You can also get a cab, of course, but they are very expensive around here.
Kaan Luum Lagoon: Tips and Rules
It is best to go on weekdays and arrive as early as possible to avoid the crowds.
Take your bathing suit with you, because there are no changing rooms, only bathrooms and they are at the entrance, before the path.
There are no lockers, but it is safe to leave your things on the pier, just keep an eye on them from time to time. There are also attendants on watch.
It is forbidden to use sunscreen, suntan lotion, or any other product that could contaminate the lagoon. Even biodegradable products are not allowed.
Bring water and snacks, they don’t sell anything inside but coconuts for over 65 pesos. If you bring a cooler there is an additional 50 pesos fee.
You are not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages or loud music. It is also not pet-friendly.
Archaeological Zone tips
Bring a hat, comfortable shoes, and cool clothes, because it can get hot even in winter.
Bring a big bottle of water, you’ll need to stay hydrated and they don’t sell any inside.
It is well worth the walk along the trail, it is about 20 minutes one way and another 20 minutes back. The viewpoint is also worth it, although the stairs are very steep.
Lodging in Tulum
On a budget: In town, you find the cheapest options. You can reserve low-cost accommodations through Airbnb or Booking Tulum.
Look for a place with air conditioning and preferably that includes bikes, most of the accommodations in Tulum include them.
Beachfront: The closer to the beach, the more expensive the lodging, but it is also worth it.
Within the Hotel Zone, the nightly rate costs a minimum of 1,600 pesos in low season.
I stayed at Posada Lamar and loved it. The cheapest room here is 2,000 pesos per night, including parking, breakfast, and bikes. Well worth it.
Where to eat in Tulum
La Barracuda: This is my favorite place in Tulum. The food is delicious and not so expensive. The large shrimp ceviche for 2 people was 260 pesos.
Camello Jr: Also very tasty. A large shrimp cocktail costs around 200 pesos, fried fish 150 pesos, and 45 pesos for an ice-cold beer.
Tacos Honorio: In the mornings they sell cochinita pibil, lechon and relleno negro. The tacos are 18 pesos each and the torta is 38 pesos.
Kaan Luum Lagoon: Final thoughts
In conclusion, Kaan Luum Lagoon stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, showcasing its mastery through the captivating blend of crystal-clear waters and lush greenery.
With the added allure of cenotes, this hidden gem will provide you with a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquility and magic of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply yearning for a moment of serenity, Kaan Luum Lagoon promises an unforgettable experience, inviting you to explore its depths and discover the secrets it holds within.
I hope you have a wonderful experience here! don’t forget to share your comments below.
