Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide In Mexico – The Only One You Need!

Tulum, Mexico is a beach town that has attracted thousands of travellers every year both from local and abroad. 

From its gorgeous beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and beautiful cenotes, to its chic restaurants and hotels, yoga retreats, and bohemian and chill vibe – couples, families, and solo travellers will find tons of amazing things to see and do in this coastal town.

This Tulum travel guide is packed with practical tips and recommendations that’ll help you for your next trip to Tulum.

After our stint in Cancun, Merida, and Cozumel, we finally decided to head to the famed beach town of Tulum, Mexico. After being tired of the busy and loud party city of Cancun, soaking up local culture in Merida and snorkelling in Cozumel, we wanted to chill at Tulum where we were told there’s a laidback atmosphere filled with eclectic health-conscious people who’re doing yoga retreats and spiritual journeys weekly. 

But of course, there’s more to Tulum that even non-yogis can enjoy. There are luxury resort hotels along Tulum Beach that usually are adults-only but there are also plenty that caters to families. Some of these hotels offer all-inclusive. 

Things to do in and around Tulum are plentiful; visiting the Mayan Ruins and swimming in cenotes were one of our favourites. The popular cenotes of Dos Ojos are nearby along with the famous Akumal snorkelling spot just a few kilometres from the cenote.

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Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide In Mexico – The Only One You Need!

Tulum Quick Facts

Location:
Quintana Roo State in Yucatan Peninsula Mexico

Population:
46,721

Currency:
Mexican Pesos (MXN)

Credit Card:
Upmarket establishments accept Visa and Mastercard

Language:
Spanish, but the majority of the locals speak considerable English

Best Time To Visit:
November, December, January

Nearest Airport:
Cancun International Airport 

Getting Around:
By taxi, bicycle, bus, colectivo, motorbike, rental car

Tulum History

Tulum became the only major city that was built and inhabited by Mayan people during the 13th to the 15th centuries. Its temple is dedicated to the great descended god, whose image is displayed within all the temples. 

Tulum is an important site of sea trade – particularly concerning the trading of obsidians. Native people of Mexico and Central America were based here for commerce. A wall around the city was erected as protection against envious traders and pirates. 

Tulum actually means Wall in the local Mayan language.

Tulum Today

Tulum has changed significantly since its popularity increased. Ancient Mayans’ energy combined with natural and historical wonders have brought spiritual tourism to the town. The city has shifted towards a more eco-friendly and spiritual haven.

 Once regarded as a serene beach village, with slowly growing affluent yoga and arts, Tulum became a tourist hotspot. Modern hotel services are now available but there’s a great deal of Maya culture that’s worth discovering. 

Tulum pictures are sometimes a little less than realistic. While you’ll find tons of dreamy pictures of Tulum on Instagram, they’re mostly taken from expensive resorts or exclusive areas. 

The Instagram-able Ven a Luz statue is hidden in an upscale resort and you’ll have to line up and pay to have your photo taken on it, among other things. Having said that, Tulum has so much more to offer than what Instagram shows us.

Where Is Tulum?

Tulum is located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, within the centre of Riviera Maya in the Caribbean Sea. 

Tulum is about 45 minutes drive from the beach and a 90-minute drive from Cancun. 

Tulum and all surrounding cities are situated in Mesoamerica, which holds the second largest coral reef in the world. Tulum and its surrounding communities offer perfect beaches, white sand and world-class snorkels and dives. It’s island living at its finest!

Best Time To Visit Tulum

Although Tulum enjoys an average of 28ºC/ 83ºF all year round, the months you visit could be the difference between a fun vacation and a less enjoyable staycation. 

The best time to visit Tulum is from December to April when the weather is mostly sunny with a bit of rain. 

The months to avoid are from May to October when it’s mostly hot, humid and wet. Those months are also known as hurricane season. 

The driest months are from February through April. 

The highest season for tourists is January and February. These months see hotels and flights at their most expensive. 

For travellers who want to experience cheaper prices and relatively good weather, the shoulder months of November and December are your best bets. 

If you want to travel to Tulum on a low budget, I recommend going to Tulum during shoulder seasons. This option’s cheaper, has fewer crowds and may have lots of seaweed on the beach and in the water.

Having said the information above, the Riviera Maya where Tulum is a part of, along with Cancun and Playa del Carmen, is notorious for having unpredictable weather that you can’t even trust the weather forecast! 

We once got out of the house and walked to Tulum under the hot Mexican sun. I went to a clothes shop for less than 10 minutes, and when I came out, the rain was pouring hard. We ended up soaking wet and running to our hotel. 

Even during the summer months (July to August), the days can be hot and the nights chill. 

Best Things To Do In Tulum, Mexico

Tulum has a lot more to offer than being merely a resort. Of course, the beaches are an important attraction, but Tulum has plenty of other activities too. So if you want to know how to go to Tulum, this is the right place. Continue reading this blog for some fun activities!

1. Hang Out At The Beaches Of Tulum

Tulum Beach is a gorgeous and inviting white sand beach with a warm, turquoise Caribbean lined with beach bars, restaurants, yoga retreats, and hotels. 

Their beaches on Tulum are generally located on North Tulum and South Tulum beaches. 

Tulum north beaches on the Archeological site are more accessible to the public and personally, more fun and laidback than the beaches on the South Tulum on the Zona Hotelera where access can be difficult because of the high-end resorts blocking the access to the beaches. 

You’ll find plenty of people on the beach but it’s big enough for even topless beachgoers to enjoy their tans without hassle. The beach bars offer good music and drinks. It’s where my friends and I would usually hang out after a whole day of exploring (or doing nothing), swimming in its warm waters, sometimes playing volleyball with strangers and then chill at one of the beach bars.

2. Snorkel In Akumal

Akumal beach lies about 30 minutes outside of Tulum and is one of the best places to snorkel near Tulum. 

Go early in the morning and your guide will take you to where the turtles usually feed. There are also plenty of fish and corals to see underwater. The beach with the usual white sand and Caribbean waters is a nice place to relax from the usually crowded Tulum beaches. 

You can do a day trip to Akumal and then follow it up with a trip to Dos Ojos Cenote nearby.

3. Visit The Cenotes

There are plenty of Cenotes around Tulum but we recommend visiting at least a few of them if you’re short on time. Cenotes are water-filled sinkholes that dot Yucatan Peninsula. 

We recommend the following cenotes for their clear, unsalty, fresh, cool to warm waters and the gorgeous formations of the Cenote which are unique from each other. 

The Dos Ojos Cenote which is 30 minutes outside of Tulum on the way to Playa del Carmen is one of the best diving cenotes in Yucatan. For a price of MXN 430/ USD 20, you’ll be able to visit 2 other cenotes – Nicte-ha and Sac Actun – by hiking to them or by car. 

Gran Cenote on the way to Coba town is made up of caverns, caves and open-air cenote that’s perfect for snorkelling, swimming under the hot Mexican sun, and lounging around when you’re surrounded by lush greeneries.

Alternatively, there’s also an option to book a tour that takes you to 4 cenotes, zipline, canoe and even visit a Mayan village to taste traditional Mayan food. How fun!

4. Visit The Mayan Ruins At The Tulum Archeological Site

Luckily, you won’t have to go far to search for Mayan ruins when you’re in Tulum. Tulum Archeological site is a 15-minute bicycle ride from the Centro and it’s also right at the North Tulum Beach. 

If you’re planning to visit the ruins from Cozumel, you can easily book a tour from Cozumel that’ll take you to visit the Mayan ruins without having to make a stop at Tulum altogether.

You’ll find beautifully preserved Mayan architecture on top of the cliff overlooking the white sand beaches and turquoise waters. You can even head down the wooden stairs and swim while having a view of the ruins. 

The entrance fee to the ruins is MXN 70/ USD 3.50 and it’s open from 8 am to 5 pm. 

5. Join Yoga Retreats

Tulum has become popular with yogis for its strong Mayan spiritualism, closeness to nature such as the beaches and tropical greens, and the relaxed atmosphere. There are a lot of wellness centres and yoga retreats in Tulum and most of them are located along the beaches of Tulum. 

Book a 7 days wellness retreat in Tulum here.

Where To Stay In Tulum?

The accommodations in Tulum are varied such as all-inclusive resorts, private villages, and boutique hotels.

There are two main areas in Tulum where you’re likely to stay depending on the budget and activities you want to do – the Centro or Downtown Tulum and the beach hotel area or the Zona Hotelera.

The most popular place to stay in Tulum is located on the front beach area of Zona Hotelera where many mid-range and high-end hotels and resorts, restaurants and yoga retreats line the beach. It’s also the place for many Instagrammable spots like the famous Ven a la Luz structure located in Ahau Hotel. 

If you’re on a tighter budget, the Centro is an ideal location and it’s also only 5 minutes away from the beach by taxi. Plus, you’ll have access to more food stalls and local restaurants and other establishments like shopping centres, banks and cheaper shops. It’s also easier and cheaper to get transport to the cenotes and Mayan ruins from the Centro.

Tulum offers a wide range of accommodations such as all-inclusive hotels for families or adults-only, eco-retreats, private villages, boutique hotels, hostels for budget backpackers, private accommodations on Airbnb, homestays, and many more. There’s something for everyone.

Best Hotels In Tulum, Mexico

1. Mezzanine, a Colibri Boutique Hotel-Adults Only

A luxury hotel on the beach near the Tulum Archeological Zone or the ruins

2. Una Vida

The best luxury hotel you’ll find in Tulum Centro; is great for families.

3. Las Palmas Maya

Best budget hotel on the beach.

4. Casa Don Diego

Best budget hotel in Tulum Centro

5. Ostel Smart Hostel

Best hostel in Tulum Centro; great for the budget backpacker who also works online because of their co-working space.

Where To Eat And Drink In Tulum

With a huge range available in Tulum, you can find plenty to choose from. Restaurants and bars near the beach mostly cater to tourist clientele and so prices can also be over the top. Restaurants and bars here usually serve a variety of local cuisines with international twists, and vegan and vegetarian options. They are also usually highly stylish with most of the structures elaborately designed to tease their customers.

If you’re looking for cheap eats in Tulum or authentic Mexican food, then explore the restaurants in Tulum Center. You can buy tacos for just USD 1 from this site if you follow the locals. 

If you walk on the less touristic alleyways and streets, you’ll find more food stalls and restaurants with many locals. That’s where you’ll find the cheapest foods in Tulum. 

With that said, you’ll find some mid-range to luxury restaurants in Tulum Centro as well that offer Mexican and International dishes so there’s no need to venture out to the beach area if you’re looking for a fancy dinner at the Centro.

Best Restaurants In Tulum

Antojitos La Chiapaneca.

Eat where the locals eat for authentic Mexican food in Tulum Centro. Tr their variety of cheap tacos.

Mateos

Restaurant with a treehouse close to the beach serving Mexican food and cocktails. Great for lunch but be sure to come by for happy hour from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Posada Margherita

Front beach Italian restaurant. They serve the best pizza and focaccia but they also have gluten-free options.

El Asadero

An upscale Argentinian restaurant is known for its steaks. It’s one of the best restaurants in Tulum.

Matcha Mama

Best acai bowls and very near to the beach.

Getting to Tulum, Mexico

How can I get to Tulum?

There are no direct flights to Tulum, as Tulum doesn’t have an airport nearby. 

You can take a flight to Cancun International Airport. From there, you have 3 options: drive, get a private transfer or take the ADO bus directly to Tulum which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. 

If you’re arriving from Cozumel, take a ferry from the island to the city of Playa Del Carmen (takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes). 

From Playa del Carmen, there’s an ADO bus station right on the tourist street. 

Or you can also hire a taxi or rent a car to Tulum. Check Skyscanner for the cheapest flight from wherever you’re to Mexico. 

By Car

Renting an SUV might be the easiest option for a little excursion. You can rent a car right from the airport or from anywhere in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and other major cities. 

Check Expedia for available car rental deals. Travelling by car will take you about 45 minutes to get to Tulum on a well-maintained road. The drive’s easy with a straight road to the south all the way to Tulum.

By Taxis

You can rent a taxi in Tulum from anywhere in Cancun & Playa del Carmen. Please discuss the price before taking a tour to avoid overcharges. Taxis between Tulum and Cancun are convenient and are quite costly too. Taxis can be easily transported from Tulum. Tell them on the phone or ask your hotel to send you. 

By Shuttle

It seems that a quick and easy travel option to Tulum can be taken with a private shuttle. The company sends an operator to take you straight to your hotel in Tulum. It’s simple for travellers to book transportation to and from the airport of Cancun.

By Colectivo

Colectivos are van-like local transportation that’s probably the cheapest option to go to Tulum from Playa del Carmen at MXN 60/ USD 3 per person. 

However, we don’t recommend this if you’re travelling with big bags and luggage as Colectivos are usually packed with passengers. It also takes longer because they pick up and drop off passengers along the way.

By Bus

The bus system in the region is very efficient and cheap and certainly very recommended. From Cancun International Airport, go to the ADO bus stop where you can buy a ticket to Tulum. If that’s not available at your desired time, you can take the ADO bus to Playa del Carmen and then change the bus to Tulum once in Playa. 

ADO Bus Company is the biggest bus company in Mexico and they guarantee clean, safe, and efficient buses. The Bus can take you to Tulum in 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can also book their tickets online.

Getting Around Tulum, Mexico

How to get around Tulum?

Tulum’s pretty small. If you’re staying in the city centre, you can easily go to the beaches or the expensive Zona Hotelera. 

Bicycles and motorbikes are available for rent for between MXN 300-600/ USD 15-30 and most beaches, ruins and other points of interest can be easily reached. 

Taxis can be found all around Tulum. It costs around MXN 120/ USD 6 from downtown to the beaches, ruins in the area or cenotes one way. 

Colectivos are cheap and fun ways to get to the cenotes and Mayan ruins found outside of Tulum. It’s also a great way to interact with the locals.

If you prefer the ease of travel, you can also rent a car in Tulum to get around. These routes are wide and very easily navigable especially with modern technology such as Google Maps. 

Is Tulum Expensive?

As budget travellers, we were surprised at how expensive things are in Tulum. 

The cheapest hotel was USD 40, and staying in a hostel will cost USD 20 per person in a 10-bed dormitory. Those are located at the Centro. 

Even a burrito served from a small sidewalk stall can cost USD 3! I know, it doesn’t sound like a lot but after visiting the local towns of Merida and Valladolid where we got meals for less than a dollar, Tulum shocked us. Granted, we went during the high tourist season in February. 

For budget travellers, USD 30 per day might be enough for a hostel bed, self-prepared meals and a dinner out, a bike rental, and a few beers at the beach. 

If you want to stay along the Zona Hotelera, the cheapest accommodation is usually around USD 100 to USD 500 per night. Meals can run on average USD 20 to USD 30 at restaurants. 

For the fancy, Instagrammable, beachfront hotels in Tulum, get ready to shell out upwards of USD 1000 per night.

If you feel like renting a car, we were quoted MXN 1000/ USD 50 per day including the insurance at a local car rental company. They’ll ask you to give a deposit of about 300USD that you’ll get back when you return the car. You can also check Expedia for cars for rent in Tulum.

Safety In Tulum

Is Tulum safe for travel in 2022?

Tulum is highly secure. If you’re a student, you have the option of renting an automobile for free. Even though most people have heard of Mexico’s dangers, you probably have safer options in Mexico in Tulum or Riviera Maya than you have in Manhattan. 

Despite scams occurring occasionally, they can take place virtually everywhere. I would recommend taking precautions and common sense.

Mexico Travel Advisories states that Tulum has moderately safe travel potential and travellers are encouraged to be cautious about the city if possible. They have also warned of cartel activity, COVID-19, water contamination, and natural disasters.

Note that tap water is not drinkable in Mexico.

What Should I Bring To Tulum?

The weather is extremely unpredictable. You may have very sunny days or very rainy days or you may experience both at the time. Bring an umbrella or a waterproof jacket if you can! 

Tulum is an amazingly jungle-like environment with mosquitoes everywhere. Be sure to bring insect repellent everywhere. 

If you want to go to a cenote or swim with turtles at Akumal, you need biodegradable sunscreen. Normal ones harm fish, turtles and plant life.

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Tulum is an amazing beach destination in Mexico and should be on everyone’s bucket list. If you’re into beautiful beaches and nature, Mayan Ruins, yoga retreats, and a relaxed travel experience, then Tulum is for you. It’s easy to get to with tons of things to do and see, great restaurants, and definitely safe for tourists. 

So what’s the next step? Bookmark this Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide and book your ticket to Tulum!