Tulum Travel Guide
[last updated in March 2025]
My experience in Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is a growing international hotspot. I am very lucky to spend half my time in this beautiful Caribbean haven and have gathered many tips in this Tulum Travel Guide for anyone seeking relaxation, breathtaking nature, and unique experiences.
My interest when visiting touristic destinations such as Tulum is to encounter their true spirit, the hidden gems, the original spaces which built their reputation. I believe every place in the world has unique lessons to share and a special energy built on their environment and history. The Yucatan Peninsula was hit 66 million years ago by the asteroid collision which extinguished 75% of plant and animal species on Earth (see Chicxulub Crater on Wikipedia). With its Mayan history and developing wellness industry, Tulum has driven many soul-searching travellers to visit its mystifying jungle, white-sand beaches, and life-changing holistic community.
This guide to Tulum offers advice if you wish to visit this jewel of Southern Mexico, with specific tips for travellers from Europe. It focuses on authenticity, natural beauty, and special experiences that make you feel more present and grateful. Living in Tulum helps me connect with places and people on a deeper level. It helps me reconnect with myself and my purpose. I hope that it feels as magical for you!
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Where is Tulum?
Tulum is a slice of paradise nestled along the beautiful Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It’s a stunning location that’s becoming increasingly popular with tourists and travelers looking for a laid-back vacation experience. Tulum is located approximately 80 miles south of Cancun Airport and 40 miles south of Playa del Carmen in the region known as the Riviera Maya.
The main attraction in Tulum is the beach area, often referred to as Tulum beach or zona hotelera. This beautiful Caribbean beach is the perfect spot for soaking up the sun, relaxing, and enjoying the crystal-clear waters. The beach area is lined with luxury hotels, boutique shops, and restaurants that offer fresh seafood and authentic Mexican cuisine. However, there are also budget accommodation options available for those who are looking for a more affordable way to enjoy this stunning location.
Downtown Tulum, called Tulum pueblo, is also worth exploring. This quaint and picturesque town is the perfect place to explore traditional food, local culture and history. Here you’ll find a mix of modern amenities and classic Mexican architecture. Tulum ruins, located just a few miles from downtown, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an archeological site that dates back to the Mayan civilization. It’s an incredible place to learn about the ancient history of the region and to take in the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
Tulum’s location is also a great base to explore nearby cenotes (natural pools of fresh water), beach towns such as Akumal and Tankah Bay, and archeological sites with Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza and Coba. Tulum is also neighbouring the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, home to an array of stunning natural beauty including mangrove forests, lagoons, and coral reefs. The reserve is the perfect place for nature lovers and adventure seekers, with opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, and wildlife watching. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled getaway, Tulum is the perfect destination to experience the natural beauty and culture of Mexico’s Quintana Roo region.
Tulum is part of the state of Quintana Roo and of the wider Yucatan Peninsula
When to go to Tulum?
There are, generally, three periods to visit Tulum. Depending on your preferences and budget, you may want to visit at different times of the year
Mid-Season (May – July)
The weather is at its warmest (32° to 38° most days) and very humid. It is relatively quiet but there’s still enough tourism to have some busy bars and restaurants. Prices are average for Tulum (similar to what you would encounter in a European city). At this time of the year, there is sometimes a large quantity of seaweed on the sea shore also called sargazo, which may make tourism and prices lower. If you want to explore water spots other than the beach, there are plenty. Check out my favourite hidden cenotes. This period is best if you have a budget but still want to have a full Tulum experience.
Low Season (October – November)
The height of the tropical season just finished to reveal milder warmth (27°-32°). It starts getting chilly at night but the beaches are at their best: clean and quiet. This off-season period is very relaxed: prices may drop and visitors are less abundant. It is the perfect time to explore the beautiful surrounding nature. There are a few good hidden spots around Tulum: see my favourite excursions here. This period is best if you don’t like crowds and enjoy quiet tropical landscapes.
High Season (December – April)
The high season of Tulum features nice temperatures (25°-30°) with a cold breeze at night and turquoise sea waters. It is the liveliest time in Tulum: festivals and busy restaurants (as well as busy roads) are on the menu, especially around the New Year and the following few weeks. High season is also the most expensive time to stay on the Riviera Maya. Check out my top tacos restaurants for an authentic experience without breaking your budget. If you like unique large-scale experiences, electronic music hotspots, and hippie trendsetters, this is your moment.
The residence KI Tulum in Aldea Zama.
Where to stay in Tulum?
Tulum extends from the beach (divided between Zona Hotelera and Parque Nacional del Jaguar) to the town (pueblo). A 3km-road connects the two (Avenida Coba), with residential areas in between. In general, the most luxurious accommodations are close to the beach shore while the more affordable ones are towards town.
Here are my favourite spots to stay at when visiting Tulum:
Aldea Zama
One of the most modern neighbourhoods of Tulum, it features luxury villas, condos, cafes (check out Campanella), restaurants (the best sushi in Tulum are at Kokoro), and boutiques (check out Afrodita). It is a mainly residential area located between the beach and the town, thus very quiet, safe, and spacious. Personally, this is my favourite area for long-term stays. I have previously stayed in Agua de Mar and Ki Tulum and recommend them both highly.
La Veleta
A flourishing neighbourhood in the centre of town where new trendy cafes, restaurants, and bars are regularly opening. The atmosphere is more lively, with lots of expats choosing to settle in this area because of its many amenities yet accessible prices. The central road (Calle 7) can be a bit noisy at times, but the surrounding areas are pretty quiet if there are not construction sites. Check out Casa Tira for an architectural villa nested in the jungle.
Beach Zone
The beach zone is the most lively area of Tulum, especially around high season. The road along the beach can get hectic at times due to traffic and weather conditions. If you want the beach view without the chaos, I recommend the less frequented area along the public beach (towards the Zona Arqueológica) which features gorgeous hotels, villas, and beach clubs. Some of our favourites hotels along the beach are Ikal and Hotel Panamera.
The easiest way to find holiday rentals is on Booking.
If you are interested in investing in real estate in Tulum, check out Tulum Land & Property.
The Best Places to Stay in Tulum
The accommodation options are endless in the Rivera Maya, especially in Tulum. It’s a rapidly growing coastal town, with new hotels, apartments, and villas appearing on the market daily. Faced with so many possibilities, it can be difficult to choose. For this reason, I have selected the 12 best places to stay in Tulum based on my own personal experience.
My selection includes boutique hotels, beachfront properties, long-term apartment rentals, as well as peaceful sanctuaries nested in the jungle ⏤ for all budgets.
Mobility
How to get to Tulum?
How to get to Tulum?
The best way to reach Tulum is by flying into Tulum International Airport (Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport), which officially opened in late 2023 and offers direct flights from several major cities (e.g. New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, Miami, Toronto, Panama City,…). Find all the airlines flying directly to Tulum’s new airport here.
Alternatively, you can fly into Cancun International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, and continue their journey to Tulum. The newly launched Mayan Train (Tren Maya) now connects Cancun to Tulum, providing a scenic and efficient transportation option. Additionally, private shuttles, rental cars, and buses remain available for those traveling between the two cities.
How to get to Tulum from Cancun Airport?
Which airline is best?
From Cancun Airport, you can choose between a taxi (± 100€), a shared shuttle (± 70€), or a coach ride (± 15€) to get to Tulum. The coach ride has the best value for money (it is very comfortable, with AC). Ideally, book your ticket in advance online via the Autobuses ADO website. Sometimes, busy times mean that you will be unable to buy a ticket on the spot.
Which airlines go to Tulum from Europe?
Departing from Brussels and Amsterdam, TUI Airlines has direct flights to Cancun (about 10-12 hours) on two or three occasions per week. The flights start around 300-400 EUR if booking about two months in advance.
If you don’t have flexible dates or if you are far from Brussels/Amsterdam, I recommend checking Sky Scanner.
In terms of comfort, I recommend Aeromexico the most. I think the prices may sometimes be a little higher than, let’s say, KLM or Lufthansa but they offer more dates throughout the year and the quality of their services is impeccable. I was on an Aeromexico Boeing 787 Dreamliner in my last flight between Amsterdam and Mexico City, which was the most comfortable flight I have ever been on.
How far is Tulum from Cancun ?
Tulum is about two hours away from Cancun by car (approximately 130 km).
A dirt road on the way to Sian Ka’an
How to get around Tulum?
There are four main options available to get around Tulum: using taxis, renting a car, renting a scooter, or renting a bicycle. The best option overall is renting a scooter or motorbike for several reasons:
First, taxis are extremely expensive in Tulum and often get stuck in traffic jam, depending on how busy the period is. Expect to pay minimum 30€ for a trip between the beach and Aldea Zama during the high season. Second, cars are not always suited for the roads of Tulum. Depending on the area, the quality of the roads varies highly, from smooth to non-existent. In La Veleta, many new paths aren’t equipped with roads and are very quickly filled with holes, which makes circulating in cars an absolute nightmare.
Bicycles are a cheap and eco-friendly way to get around for short distances; however, bear in mind that during the hottest months, it becomes unbearable to cycle in the sun. In addition, most roads don’t have lights and only a few are equipped with cycling lanes (Avenida Coba is one of them). If you plan to commute late at night, cycling is not ideal and can be dangerous.
If you plan to organise day trips outside of Tulum, you can easily rent a car in Playa del Carmen or Tulum for a much cheaper price than at the airport in Cancun.
Tulum Travel Tips
Where to exchange money in Tulum?
If you can, I recommend exchanging a small amount of money in advance in your home country or at the airport, so that you have enough money to pay for the bus and a meal upon arriving in Tulum. Most currency exchanges close at 20:00 and it always takes longer than expected to get to Tulum from Cancun.
Once in Tulum, I recommend the currency exchange offices “San Jorge”. They have the best exchange rates and are super safe (make sure to bring your passport). There are two in town: one on Avenida Coba and one on Avenida Tulum. Avoid exchanging money in the hotel zone, where rates are far less advantageous.
What should I bring with me?
What should I pack for my trip to Tulum ?
Shoes ● My personal advice would be to pack for adventurous landscapes as well as more chic occasions. In general, Tulum’s roads and sidewalks are not so polished, therefore I recommend flat shoes over heels. Most places on the sea shore are outdoor and many others are directly in the sand or the jungle dirt, which is important to consider when packing.
Clothes ● Between May and August, Tulum gets extremely humid and warm – forget anything long-sleeved. If you visit during the hottest months, prioritise breathable clothes and swimsuits. Between November and February, Tulum can get quite fresh at night. You should pack at least one jacket for those evenings spent outdoor. In terms of style, Tulum is famous for its boho-chic apparel. Think mysterious hats, funky sunglasses, neutral tones, lots of jewellery, flowy beachwear and kimonos. Most places don’t require formal wear and the atmosphere is overall very relaxed.
Other ● Mosquito Spray is essential. Some people (like me) will attract local mosquitos a lot and they leave itchy marks for days, if not weeks. I highly recommend bringing a spray with you. You can also find some in any supermarket/pharmacy in Tulum. If it’s already too late and you have many bites, don’t let it ruin your time: head to the pharmacy for a relief cream!
How safe is Tulum?
How safe is Tulum?
Recent data shows that the crime index is in fact lower in Tulum than in many major cities of the United States, such as Miami (see here). Occasional violent incidents usually do not involve foreigners and tourists, but are mostly disputes between cartels. Be however careful when walking in the evening or at night, especially if you’re walking alone. As much as possible, avoid isolated areas and dark streets without much activity and stay instead in streets that are lively and with open shops and guarded hotels and condos. Driving around is relatively safe, by car or scooter.
Like most tourist destinations, Tulum is subject to scams and theft. The usual caution applies when it comes to displaying wealth and negotiating purchases. In addition, corruption and organised crime is still very common in Mexico. The local authorities are also regularly on the lookout for tourists and residents making any sort of breach of rules, especially on the road, to give excessive fines. Make sure to be extremely cautious when driving around Tulum, especially in the evening. To avoid getting scammed by corrupted police officers, keeping eye-catching behaviour to a minimum, especially at night.
You should report any crime you see or experience in Tulum to the police by calling 911. As much as possible, avoid engaging with corrupted and illegal practices in Tulum, as those are often the source of violence.
Many tips are available on forums for first-time travellers to Mexico on how to avoid scams and theft in Tulum (example here).
What to do in Tulum?
Tulum is filled with unforgettable venues and adventures.
For those seeking to explore the natural beauty of the region, there are many exciting activities to choose from. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular options, either in cenotes’ fresh water or in the Caribbean Sea. I particularly like cenotes because they truly amaze me and help me reconnect with nature, the earth, and myself.
Visit Cenotes
The region’s cenotes, natural swimming holes formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, are guaranteed to offer surreal and refreshing experiences. Surrounding natural excursions will allow you to explore Mayan ruins, mangrove forests, and hidden secrets of the jungle.
I select my favourite places based on my personal experience with their authenticity, service quality, and value for price and earn a small commission, while it’s the same price for you.
For those seeking relaxation and entertainment, Tulum is also known for its many beach clubs, covering a wide range of atmospheres from laid-back cabañas to disco beach. It is home to some of the finest restaurants of the region, with unparalleled views and services. Tulum is also famous for its holistic and wellness centres, offering yoga classes, breath work, sound healing, and ceremonies inspired by traditional rituals such as the temazcal.
Find out all my favourite places, itineraries, and nearby towns you must visit in the articles below:
The Most Breathtaking Places in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
I’ve spent over two years living in Mexico and these are my absolute favourite places to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula!
Where to soak up the Tulum vibes: A guide to the hottest (and coolest) drinking spots
This guide will navigate you through Tulum’s vibrant drinking scene, with the best spots to quench your thirst from the jungle to the beach!
The 12 Best Places to Stay in Tulum
Explore the best places to stay in Tulum, Mexico, offering idyllic experiences for couples, solo travellers, and families for any budget.
The 6 Best Beauty & Wellness Spots in Tulum
Explore Tulum’s top wellness and beauty spots for a relaxing spa treatment, immaculate manicure, refreshing yoga class, and more!
The Best Restaurants in Tulum for Mexican Food
My top five restaurants in Tulum that offer the best authentic Mexican food – no frills, cheap prices, but plenty of luscious flavours.
7-Day Itinerary to Discover the Mexican Caribbean
A travel itinerary of the Mexican Caribbean to experience the magic of Mexico’s most beautiful shores, including Tulum, Holbox, and Bacalar.
The Best Cenotes in Tulum for Breathtaking Views
Discover the best cenotes in Tulum: natural pools of fresh water guaranteed to take your breath away with fantastic views. Bring a swimsuit!
A Local Expat’s Guide to the Best Tacos in Tulum
Discover the best tacos in Tulum based on my experience as a local expat. These restaurants are guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds!
Unforgettable Excursions in Tulum with Unique Wildlife
These are, by far, my favourite excursions and day trips to do when in Tulum for unforgettable memories in nature with unique wildlife!
Hi! I’m Sophie
I was born in Belgium, educated in Europe, and now exploring the world with the objective to understand how we can make it a better place.
I currently work as a doctoral researcher (PhD candidate) in The Hague. I hold a Masters degree (MPhil) from the University of Oxford and have 7+ years of experience as a consultant in public diplomacy, strategic communication, and global peace and security.
I believe travel can be an experience for personal growth and transformative connections.