Tulum Travel Guide

[last updated in February 2026]

My experience in Tulum, Mexico

Tulum is a growing international hotspot. I am very lucky to spend most of my Winters 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 holds unique lessons 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). It is also home to some of the oldest forms of civilisation on earth (Mayan), with pyramids built about 1,500 years ago. For these reasons, many believe it has a special energy. With its extraordinary Mayan history and 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 experiences that will make you feel more present and grateful. Every recommendation below is based on my own personal experiences and trips I paid for entirely myself. I make small commissions for any booking you place with the links below, while it’s the same price for you. Think of it as a thank you gift!

Living in Tulum has helped me live more slowly, reconnect with nature, and feel more grounded in a community of like-minded individuals from all over the world. Tulum has been the ideal haven to find peace and purpose. I hope it feels as magical for you!

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Where is Tulum?

Mexico is very big. It covers just under 2,000,000 km², making it roughly four times larger than Spain and one of the top 15 largest countries in the world by land area. Tulum is a very small slice of paradise nestled along the Caribbean coast of Mexico, within the Yucatan Peninsula that also includes parts of Belize and Guatemala.

It’s a stunning location that’s becoming increasingly popular with tourists and travellers looking for an awe-inspiring vacation. Tulum is located approximately 130 km south of Cancun and about 65 km south of Playa del Carmen, an area together known as the Riviera Maya. The administrative region of Tulum is Quintana Roo, which capital is Chetumal, near Bacalar.

The details below will help you explore and move around Tulum.

Tulum is part of the state of the Rivera Maya in the state of Quintana Roo and of the wider Peninsula of Yucatan along the Caribbean Sea.

Tulum Starter Pack

This starter pack is your shortcut to feeling at home in Tulum: no guesswork, all the essentials. Inside, you’ll find my favourite food stops, handy transport tips, grocery hacks, and clear guidance on beach access and the Jaguar Park. It’s designed to help you settle in fast and enjoy Tulum like a pro from day one.

The different areas of Tulum

Tulum is made of 8 main areas:

the town called Tulum Centro with a large variety of shops, hotels, bars, and restaurants;
the holistic and calm neighbourhood of Holistika, with residences and wellness-oriented businesses;
the chic and pretty neighbourhood of Aldea Zama, with selected brands, cafes, restaurants, and residences;
the lively and trendy neighbourhood of La Veleta, with fun hotels, shops, bars, and restaurants;
the developing areas of Region 15, Region 8, Selva Zama, and Tulum 101 with new roads and condos;
the Jaguar Park with the ruins and eco-chic hotels along the beach;
the hotel zone along the southern beach strands with lots of resorts and beach clubs; and
the natural reserve of Sian Ka’an, with untouched nature and exclusive residences.

Below is a short description of each area, and a few recommendations on what to do there!

Tulum Centro

Downtown Tulum or Tulum pueblo, called tulum centro since its growth from a village into a small town, is also worth exploring. It is quaint and picturesque, the perfect place to experience Mexican food, discover local culture, shop souvenirs, or just watch the slow rhythm of the Caribbean lifestyle. Here you’ll find a mix of modern amenities and classic Mexican architecture, with affordable prices.

Must-see: La Guarida, Burrito Amor, Cara Feliz and nearby street art

Holistika

Holistika is a tranquil, jungle-filled neighbourhood in Tulum known for its wellness-focused atmosphere and creative, bohemian vibe. Revolving around the hotel of the same name, Holistika is home to yoga studios, art installations, boutique eco-stays, and vegan or vegetarian cafés tucked among leafy paths. The area feels peaceful and secluded, yet remains just a short drive from downtown Tulum and the beach.

Must-see: yoga at Holistika and food at its restaurant Tierra, Italdo Café

Aldea Zama

Aldea Zama is the polished, modern heart of Tulum, lush with greenery yet full of stylish condos, cafés, and boutique shops that make everyday life feel easy. Walking its quiet streets, you get a sense of calm mixed with just enough buzz to feel connected. It’s a neighbourhood where you can enjoy a balance of nature, convenience, and that distinctly Tulum slow-living energy.

Must-see: Rossina, Taqueria La 86, Afrodita, wellness at Aflora

La Veleta

La Veleta has an adventurous, up-and-coming feel, where new cafés, wellness spots, and boutique stays sit alongside quiet pockets of jungle and unfinished roads. It’s a neighbourhood that feels creative and a bit wild, perfect if you enjoy meeting and connecting with people. La Veleta offers a generous sense of community and is close enough to downtown to stay connected while still feeling a little tucked away.

Must-see: Calle 7 Sur, Nimeño, events at Bacab, Xingular concept store

Jaguar Park

The ruins of Tulum (Tulum Ruins or Ruinas) located just a few miles from downtown in the Jaguar Park (Parque del Jaguar), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an archeological site that dates back to the Mayan civilization. To enter inside the Jaguar Park, where you’ll also find boutique hotels, restaurants, and beach bars, an entrance fee is required except on Sundays. The fee varies between MXN 150 and 400. Download my Starter Pack to read the latest updates:

Hotel Zone

The main attraction in Tulum is the beach area, often referred to as 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, exclusive guest experiences, and restaurants with the finest service. There are also budget accommodation options, such as bungalows, available for those who are looking for a more simple way to enjoy this stunning location.

Must-see: Delek, Nômade, Ahau, parties at Umi, Habitas, and Gitano

Sian Ka'an

Sian Ka’an is a breathtaking UNESCO-protected biosphere where extensive jungle, lagoons, and untouched Caribbean coastline create one of the most magical landscapes in the Riviera Maya. Its original Mayan name, Sian Kiil, means “Origin of the Sky” capturing the way the horizon seems to blur into sea and sky. Staying or visiting here feels like stepping into a sacred world where nature sets the tone. Expect to see colourful birds, crocodiles, and manatees if you’re lucky!

Nearby...

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, where you can snorkel with turtles and exotic fish, as well as archeological sites with Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza and Coba. Tulum really is the perfect destination to experience the natural beauty and culture of Mexico’s most southern region.

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

☔️ Wet Season (May–Sept)

The weather is at its warmest (32° to 38° most days) and very humid. It is relatively quiet but there’s still year-round tourism and expats, so there are some busy bars and restaurants. Prices are average for Tulum. 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 swim and 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.

🌤️ Mid-Season (March–April and Oct–Nov)

Mildly warm weather (28°-32°). It can get chilly at night and there might be occasional rain, but it’s generally dry and the beaches are at their best: clean and quiet. This off-season period is very relaxed. 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 and wildlife.

☀️ High Season (December – April)

The high season of Tulum features nice temperatures (27°-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, and trendsetters, this is your moment.

The residence KI Tulum in Aldea Zama.

Where to stay in Tulum?

Tulum extends from town to the beach, from the Jaguar Park to the hotel zone and Sian Ka’an. From town, two 3km-roads lead to the beach (Avenida Coba and Avenida Kukulkan), 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. For the cheapest rates, with full transparency, I recommend Expedia.

Here are my favourite spots to stay at when visiting Tulum:

Aldea Zama

One of the most chic and 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 can highly recommend Copal and K’uyen Boutique Hotel.

La Veleta

A flourishing neighbourhood in the centre of town where new trendy cafes, restaurants, and bars are regularly opening. The atmosphere is lively, with lots of expats choosing to settle in this area because of its many amenities yet accessible prices, and for the proximity to social events. The central road (Calle 7) can be a bit noisy, 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 near Holistika.

Beach Zone

The beach zone is the most lively area of Tulum around high season. The road along the beach can get hectic at times due to traffic and weather conditions. Key spots: Habitas, Azulik, Papaya Playa Project, Vagalume. If you want the beach view without the chaos, I recommend the less frequented area of SoTu (South Tulum) which features gorgeous hotels, villas, cabanas, and beach clubs. The classics include: Nômade, Casa Gitano, and Hotel Panamera.

New areas are constantly emerging in Tulum, for example Region 8, Region 15, Selva Zama, and Tulum 101, which have brand new roads and condos. They are usually a little more quiet and empty, with ongoing construction.

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 and Transport in 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).

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.

The Best Mexican Restaurants in Tulum

Since living part-time in Tulum, I have been looking for the best local culinary experiences. In this blog post, I highlight my favourite restaurants in Tulum that offer the finest, most authentic Mexican meals.

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?

How to access Internet in Tulum?

Most hotels and restaurants in Tulum have free wifi. Digital nomads are increasingly choosing its idyllic town as a place to live and work remotely, so work cafés are common.

If you like to explore and have internet on the go, for example to consult Google Maps or listen to podcasts, it’s essential to have mobile internet. I always use Holafly to purchase an eSim (get a 5% discount here) before I reach my destination. It’s super easy and quick to set up, and incredibly reliable. This way, you get unlimited and fast internet anywhere, without having to spend time buying a new physical sim card. Ideal!

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?

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).