Laguna Kaan Luum is a spectacular natural wonder a short distance from Tulum that until recently has seen very few visitors.
But now more travelers are discovering this paradise-like lagoon where shallow emerald edges frame the dark inner part, creating a stunning sight.
Why you should Laguna Kaan Luum
This lagoon is one of the best places to visit near Tulum and is a perfect spot to relax when you need to break from the beach and a little bit a change of scenery.
Although it’s getting more attention now, many travelers still end up missing it, as it’s still not quite as famous as Tulum ruins or some of the most popular cenotes near Tulum.
The lagoon sits in the jungle and has an incredible rustic charm to it. When you get here, it’s almost hard to believe that you are less than 20 minutes from Tulum, one of the most popular places to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Where is Laguna Ka’an Luum located?
The lagoon sits 10.8 kilometers (or 6.7 miles) south of Tulum along Highway 307, the main travel corridor in Mexico’s Rivera Maya. It takes less than 15 minutes to reach it from downtown Tulum.
If you are traveling here from Tulum, the entrance to the lagoon is on the left side right off Highway 307. Since there’s no clear sign marking it, you should put directions in your GPS, so you don’t miss it.
When you turn on the dirt road from the lagoon, you will drive along the road before arriving toward the parking area.
Is there phone service in Laguna Ka’an Luum?
There’s no cell phone service in Kaan Luum, and depending on your carrier, you could lose a connection even before you get to the lagoon since it sits in the jungle.
Download an offline map ahead of your trip.
Laguna Ka’an Luum Hours
Laguna Kaan Luum is open every day from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For a better experience, arrive by the opening time. The lagoon tends to be the busiest from 11 a.m. until about 2 p.m., when most people arrive, or around 3 p.m., when a lot of visitors head out.
Plus, if you want to take photos, the light is better in the morning.
How to get to Laguna Ka’an Luum?
Guided tour
If you don’t have a car rental, book a tour of Kaan Luum! Some of the tours also include stops at several cenotes which can help you save you a lot of time and money.
Car
Visiting by car rental is the best option in my opinion because it will allow you to enjoy your time without having to worry about catching public transportation or a taxi.
You can rent a car in Tulum or Cancun, which will give you a ton flexibility. I recommend DiscoverCars as one of the best options as it offers great inventory and flexible rates.
PRO TIP: Make sure to read my guide on renting a car in Mexico to avoid some of the most common tourist mistakes.
Colectivo
If you are traveling on a budget, it’s possible to reach the lagoon by public transportation. To do that, you will need to catch a colectivo (a small shared van) toward Felipe Carillo Puerto in Tulum and ask to drop you off at the entrance of the lagoon.
Keep in mind that it could be a bit of a challenge to catch a colectivo on the way back to Tulum, as they don’t run as often, so bring some extra cash, in case you need to pay for a taxi on the way back.
Taxi
Taxi is the most expensive way to get to the lagoon from Tulum. A taxi Can cost you about 200 Pesos one way and you will have to find a way to contact your driver when you need to head back.
If you decide to take a taxi to the lagoon, download WhatsApp, which is widely used in Mexico for all forms of communication. You will be able to get your driver’s contact information and get in touch when you are ready to do.
PRO TIP: Want to learn more tips for your trip to Mexico? Check my top travel tips for visiting Mexico that will allow you to stay safe on the road and save tons of money.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit this place is on weekdays because weekends here can get busy, especially during the high season. If you are visiting on a weekend, arrive as early as you can. You will have a better experience, and, if you are taking photos, you will also be able to take shots of the uncrowded lagoon
Entrance fees
You have to pay an entrance fee in cash. Since the lagoon has been getting more popular in recent years, prices have increased. As of 2021, a regular entrance ticket to the lagoon costs 300 Pesos and has to be paid in cash.
There also could be additional charges, depending on what you would like to do.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Cooler – 50 Pesos
- Drone – 150 Pesos – When you start flying your drone, you will be approached by staff at the lagoon who will ask for your permit. It’s easier to buy it at the entrance.
- Kayak -150 Pespos per person
Facilities at Laguna Kaan Luum
The area has basic facilities including bathrooms and a small stand where you can grand a fresh coconut.
There are no stores or restaurants near the lagoon, and you can’t bring food or drinks in the water or on the deck near the lagoon.
Things to know before visiting Laguna Kaan Luum
- Sunscreen is not allowed
- No pets are allowed in the lagoon. Sorry guys!
- No food or drinks are allowed while you are in the water. There’s a small shaded area at the beginning of the deck where you can enjoy your food and drinks.
- The lagoon is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. every day
This lagoon is a small lake with a cenote in the middle surrounded by the lush jungle, but it’s also often (incorrectly) called a cenote. Unlike other cenotes near Tulum, you have a lot more space here, which means even when it gets busy, it never feels too crowded!
Things to do in Laguna Kaan Luum near Tulum
Visiting this place is a very special experience, and there’s a good chance you will spend a couple of hours here because there are quite a few things you can do.
Catch some sun on the pier
There are several wooden piers stretching into the lagoon, which are great for catching some sun. Grab a spot on the edge of the pier, dip your feet in the water and enjoy the view!
Swim in the lagoon
Kaan Luum is a huge pool of water, almost perfectly circular in shape, and while swimming in the middle of the lagoon is prohibited, you can swim around the edges where the water is emerald green and the depth ranges from knees to shoulders.
Jump on the swing
There are several swings around the lagoon and they are super fun to chill on. You can thread the shallow water from one swing to another to take awesome vacation photos that make for great memories!
Relax in a hammock
Chilling in a hammock was by far one of my favorite things to do in Laguna Kaan Luum. There’s nothing like lounging in a hammock right above (or below) the water. There are about a dozen of colorful hammocks here which means there are enough hammocks for everyone!
Speaking from personal experience, it’s a great idea to bring a book or something to entertain yourself if you are looking to spend a lazy afternoon in one of these hammocks.
Rent a kayak
Kayaking around Laguna Kaan Luum is pure joy! You can rent a kayak on-site, or book one of the tours online ahead of your visit.
… Or paddleboard
Paddleboarding along the smooth waters of the lagoon is a fun adventure. The water in the lagoon is nice and warm and the depth and shallow, which means this is a perfect place to learn how to paddleboard.
You can rent a paddleboard at the reception for 150 pesos and enjoy exploring all the lagoon.
Make your way to the mirador
If you don’t have a drone, the best place to get a panoramic view of the lagoon is a wooden deck (or mirador) located on the top of the wooden tower. It’s a perfect spot to take some panoramic shots of the area.
Other places to visit in Tulum
Although it might seem like this lagoon is located in the middle of nowhere, this is not true. There are several places nearby that make for a perfect combo if you are looking to continue your adventures after visiting Ka’an Luum
Cenote Escondido
Cenote Escondido is a hidden gem of the area and one of the best cenotes near Tulum if you are looking to escape the crowds. Located along Highway 307, this open cenote is popular for swimming and diving and makes for a perfect stop along the way.
Check my complete guide to some of the best cenotes in Tulum
Cenote Corazón
Cenote Corazón is located just a couple of minutes north of the entrance to Laguna Kaan Luum. This heart-shaped cenote is most popular for drone photography, however, this Cenote never feels crowded because it is like a small lake in the middle of the lush Mayan jungle.
Muyil
Muyil is one of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico off the beaten track, that sits near Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
Muyil is a smaller archaeological area, but it’s believed to be one of the most important sites in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Muyil has several temples that are connected by white routes (or Sac-be in the Mayan language). The ruins that you will find here are very impressive and you can also walk along the boardwalk surrounded by the lagoons and mangroves before you arrive at the tall observation tower.
For the best experience, combine a stop at Muyil with a stop at Sian Ka’an.
Bacalar
Home to the lagoon of Seven Colors, Bacalar is one of the best places to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula, if you want a combination of nature and adventure. It’s one of the best Pueblos Magicos in Mexico and a popular stop for many travelers who come to this part of Mexico.
To get to Bacalar from Tulum, continúe along Highway 307 for about two hours.
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