Tulum Mexico Travel Guide

Tulum is a small town in the state of Quintana Roo in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Approximately 2 hours south of Cancun Airport. It can be a destination for luxury travelers, couples, solo travelers and even sometimes families (although many hotels are adult-only). It has much to offer for offbeat adventures and healthy enthusiasts as well.

Tulum is mostly known for its beaches and yoga retreats. It’s where idyllic white-sand beaches meet chic hotels and high-end resorts in addition to cute restaurants. There are also plenty of things to do in the area, such as visiting my favorite cenotes.

As I’ve been living nearby in Playa del Carmen for a few years, I got to know the area and Tulum quite well. This is my ultimate Tulum Mexico Guide. Here’s everything you need to know, but if you have any more questions post the comment and I’ll try to answer as soon as possible.

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The Complete Tulum Mexico Travel Guide

What’s the Best Time to visit Tulum Mexico?

For the best weather: Mid-November to March are the ideal months to travel to Tulum, but it’s also the busiest times to visit, so expect higher price tags and larger crowds. Booking accommodation and a rental car is a must!

Tulum Shoulder Season: March to May is the shoulder season in Tulum. It’s a great time when the weather is still nice and warm, and the prices are still low and hoards of tourists leave.

For the best value: May to September will get you the most bang for your dollar, but it comes with a risk. Summers can be rainy, hot, humid and buggy and you might be hit with a hurricane. Personally, even when I lived in the area full time we tended to leave for at least a month around July or August.

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How to Get to Tulum?

There are no direct flights to Tulum, as there’s no airport there. You can choose to fly to either Cancun (2 hours by car) or Cozumel (40 minutes by ferry & 1 hour by car). Check on Skyscanner which one is cheaper to fly to.

If you’re flying into Cozumel, you can simply take a taxi to the ferry terminal and take a ferry to Playa del Carmen. It will leave you directly next to the ADO bus station, from where you can take a bus to Tulum. There’s also a taxi stand if you prefer. There’s no need for pre-booking anything in advance.

If you’re flying into Cancun (which is the closest airport, even though it’s 90-120 minutes away), then you have a lot of options. 

I don’t recommend renting a car at the airport, as it’s way more expensive than if you rent one once you arrive in Tulum. The best way to get to Tulum is by the ADO bus. These buses are safe, clean and nice – don’t think it’s like a Greyhound!

I recommend booking with Cancun Airport Transportation, especially if this is your first trip to Tulum. It’s faster and you won’t have to find someone to take you and haggle down. I used it myself every time I fly with the kids.

Read more on how to get to Tulum from Cancun Airport. 

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Is Tulum Safe?

Tulum is extremely safe, but it isn’t as safe to leave your belongings unattended. You can drive a rental car without any issues, you can walk around at night.

Despite what you probably heard about Mexico being dangerous, you’re probably safer in Tulum or anywhere in Riviera Maya, than you would be in New York City.

While scams happen occasionally, they can happen pretty much anywhere else in the world too. I would recommend following general safety precautions that you would take anywhere and have some common sense.

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Is Tulum Expensive?

I don’t want to lie to you: Tulum isn’t cheap even for tourists. Because of many rich visitors, the place has become way overpriced so expect US and UK prices. Monthly rent is even more expensive than in the USA – it’s almost comparable with NYC ridiculous rents.

While U.S. Dollars are accepted at many restaurants and shops, I don’t recommend using it. You’ll overpay way more than if you paid in Mexican Pesos. Banks are plentiful in Tulum and the majority of them offer 24-hour ATMs as well.

For dinner, I’d usually prepare at least $35 if you’re eating in a hotel zone, or even $55 if you want a cocktail or wine with your meal.

If you decide to downtown (far from the beach) and try some street food or small local restaurants, you can get a meal for $5-7.

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Where to Stay in Tulum

There are plenty of amazing hotel options, but I highly suggest choosing one along the hotel zone with beachfront cabanas. And by that, I don’t mean booking a resort, but direct access to the beach in Tulum is important.

While there’s a public beach, it’s pretty small and gets easily crowded. You’ll be better off with a beachfront hotel.

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My Hotel Recommendations

I had a chance to stay at a few different places in Tulum. Here are my recommendations depending on your budget, expectations, and location preference. I stayed at all of these properties, so can tell you everything about them.

There are many fantastic AirBnBs in Tulum that can still cost less than hotels, but you can get the same amenities, more privacy and still go to beach clubs if you wish.

Best Beach Hotel

Nomade is a great beach hotel that doesn’t feel crowded like some of its neighboring properties. It has a great beach with cabanas, hammocks, and tents. You can decide if you want to stay in a suite, glamp, or get a room in the jungle.

Nomade   –   Check Prices On: Booking.com

If Nomade is fully booked, out of your budget, or you want to bring some kids with you I recommend La Zebra. Most rooms have adorable private pools. They have a fantastic beach club and unlike 90% of spots in Tulum, it’s kid-friendly. They even have a mini playground on the beach.

La Zebra   –   Check Prices On: Booking.com

Best Tree House in Tulum

Azulik is one of a kind. It’s a beachfront treehouse, with swings and a private pool on every balcony. If you want to feel like staying at Family Robinson’s house that’s the best place to go.

Last year the hotel expanded and it’s much bigger and fancier than when I visited it. Their prices for the newly opened restaurant and bar are slightly ridiculous, but many people still enjoy it, hence why I still recommend it. 

Azulik   –   Check Prices On: Booking.com

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Getting Around Tulum

Downtown Tulum is small and compact, but if you’re staying at the beachfront resort I’d not recommend you to walk back and forth. You can easily get a bike. 

Taxis

Taxis are everywhere in Tulum, and they’re all easily recognizable white cars. They will charge you around 120 pesos from downtown to the beach, ruins and nearby cenotes, for a one-way journey (per car, not per person).

Renting a Car in Tulum

Don’t be afraid of renting a car in Mexico. The roads are wide and easy to navigate, especially with modern technology like Google Maps. Just watch out for wild drivers.

By renting a car you can avoid being on a giant tourist bus, and go to places in the area that aren’t easily accessible. You also don’t need an international driver’s license.

A car is also a great option for a road trip around the Yucatan, so I suggest you should at least consider it. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Be careful at gas stations as there’s no self-service. While it’s convenient, if you pay in cash, say the amount you are handing over! Some attendants will try to convince you it was a smaller denomination than it really was. It’s a common scam.

Read More About Renting a Car in Mexico

Colectivos

If you’re planning on getting between Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cancun, you can join the locals and hop on hop off colectivo – public taxi vans.

They can get a bit cramped sometimes, but they’re super cheap and reliable. They can drop you off anywhere along their set routes when you say ‘bajo aqui’.

However, I wouldn’t take my luggage on them as there’s simply no space for it. 

Bicycles

There are numerous local shops in town on Avenida Tulum (the main street in town) where you can rent bicycles. In Tulum, everyone rides bikes all the time, as it’s a very eco place.

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Best Yoga Classes in Tulum

Many travelers come to Tulum purely for yoga. Tulum is an oasis with many eco-travelers, so yoga is a must-do activity. Luckily, yoga classes are available without any extra charge at every hotel.

If you’re staying somewhere that doesn’t offer any yoga, you can visit any beachfront hotel and pay $25 to attend the class.

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Things to Do in Tulum

Relax on the Beach

You probably came to Tulum for the beach. Enjoy it! The white sand beaches are gorgeous and perfect for relaxation, but full of seaweed so you won’t be able to go into the water most likely.

You can also experience some traditional Mayan spas called Temazcal, which are often located close to the beach. If you’re not staying at a beachfront hotel, you can also visit a beach club or eat at their restaurant.

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Visit Sian Ka’an Reserve

Sian Ka’an is a Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located south of the town of Tulum. It’s a very unique and natural area along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

You can spot some crocodiles, birds, monkeys, coatis and other species. The reserve also contains approximately 23 known archeological sites and Mayan Ruins, including those of Muyil.

Stroll Around Town to Find Some Murals

The town’s streets are filled with lots of colorful and interesting murals. Street art is located in random places, so I can’t give you specific directions on where to go.

This, combined with colorful houses, make for perfect photos! You can also buy some crafts from local vendors.

See Tulum Ruins

This guide couldn’t exist without Tulum’s most famous attraction – its ruins. Considered one of the most spectacular in the Mayan world due to their location – on tall cliffs overlooking the sea. The Maya translation of Tulum was previously known as “Zama”, means – City of Dawn.

Tulum was used as a seaport, trading turquoise and jade. It is the 3rd most visited site in Mexico and the only Maya city built on a coast. It was one of the few sites protected by a wall made of limestone and varies between 3-5 meters in height. This wall is believed to have helped preserve the seaport.

There are two main theories regarding the reason for the wall. One, it was used to keep the Mayas protected from invaders. Another suggests only Priests and nobility were housed within the walls, while peasants remained on the outside.

There are five doorways in the wall allowing visitors to enter, greeted by a field of gently-rolling hills. Once inside, you will see The Castillo (The castle), which sits on the edge of a limestone cliff, overlooking the gorgeous turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

One of the better-preserved buildings sits right in front – The Temple of the Frescoes. Look inside the temple to catch a glimpse of a mural painted in three sections. The first level represents the Mayan world of the dead, the middle is of the living, and the final highest piece is the creator and rain gods.

Carved above the doorway is a figure of a bird’s wing and tail- representing a Mayan deity who protected the people. The perfect ending to this smaller location is heading down to the beach. Just north of The Castillo is a path that leads down, where you will find secluded areas perfect for swimming or lounging.

Go early in the morning (the gates open at 8 am) to avoid the midday heat and watch your step for giant iguanas everywhere. The beach opens at 9 am, so if you want to spend some time there you can save a spot earlier.

The regular entrance fee is around 60 pesos (USD are not accepted), but there’s also a secret option of enjoying the ruins after hours. You can purchase your special tickets after 3 PM.

Swim in Cenotes

There are many cenotes in the area for you to enjoy. Some are underground, others have some ziplines, some offer incredible diving and snorkeling adventures. You can visit my guide to cenotes here.

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Best Tulum Tours

There are many great things to do in Riviera Maya that can be done as a day trip from Tulum. There are plenty of Mayan ruins to see, various cenotes to swim, or reefs to dive.

Tours in Tulum are a great way to see the town and its surrounding areas unless you’re planning to rent a car in Tulum. It’s the best way to get around because taxi fees add up, especially during high season when prices are inflated.

💡 If you do want to have a car in Tulum, the best way is to rent to Tulum instead of renting from the airport in Cancun.

It’s often cheaper and easier to bring your luggage with pre-booked transportation than enjoy a smaller more economical car for day trips.

Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour

Half-Day Luxury Sailing Experience in Tulum with Open Bar

Sian Ka’an Adventure in Small Group

Coba, Tulum, Cho-Ha Cenote and Paradise Beach

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What to Bring to Tulum

Mexican weather can be quite unpredictable. You should expect both very sunny and very rainy days or experience both occurrences on the same day. So definitely bring an umbrella or rain poncho, just in case!

Insect repellent – It’s a must! Tulum is very jungle-like and mosquitos are everywhere.

Biodegradable sunscreen – If you’re planning on visiting some cenotes or swimming with turtles in Akumal, do nature a favor and use biodegradable sunscreen. The regular one is harming fish, turtles, and plants.

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DON’T FORGET ABOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE

Don’t forget to arrange health insurance before heading to Mexico. The easiest and the most reliable insurance is Safety Wing (it also covers the virus!).

Get it before your trip to skip unnecessary troubles that might ruin your holidays!

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Suggested more extensive guides for Mexico:

– Lonely Planet Yucatan Guide
– The Rough Guide to Mexico
– Mexican Spanish Phrasebook

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Did I miss something? Do you want to ask me anything about Tulum?