Tulum Travel Guide
My local 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 my friends 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, heavenly white-sand beaches, and life-changing atmosphere.
This guide to Tulum offers advice if you wish to visit Tulum, with specific tips for travellers from Europe. When travelling, I seek authenticity, natural beauty, and those special feelings which make you reshuffle priorities. It helps me connect with places and people on a deeper level. I hope that Tulum feels as magical for you as it did for me.
Keep reading for a complete guide of my favourite piece of heaven!
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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 (zona hotelera) 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:
Condos & Villas ⎻ Aldea Zama
One of the most modern neighbourhoods of Tulum, it features luxury villas, condos, cafes (check out Campanella), restaurants (the best suchi in Tulum are at Kokoro), boutiques (get your mani-pedi at Kilem), and small shops (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.
Affordable Apartments and Unique Villas ⎻ 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.
Beachfront hotels ⎻ Zona Hotelera:
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 on Booking.
If you are interested in Real Estate Investment in Tulum, check out Tulum Land & Property.
Mobility
How to get to Tulum?
How to get to Tulum?
The best way to reach Tulum is by flying to its closest airport, Cancun International Airport (the second most frequented airport in the world!). There are plans to build Tulum Airport, as well as a train from Cancun (the Mayan Train), which were announced to be finalised in 2024.
Which airlines go to Tulum?
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 at least a month 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 to Tulum from Cancun Airport?
From Cancun Airport, you can choose between a taxi (± 100€), a private shuttle (± 70€), or a bus ride (± 15€) to get to Tulum. The bus ride has the best value for money (it is very comfortable, with AC and wifi). 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 airline is best?
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 town. 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 endless possibilities for unforgettable 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. The region’s cenotes, natural swimming holes formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, are guaranteed to offer surreal and refreshing experiences. Other natural excursions will allow you to explore Mayan ruins, mangrove forests, and hidden secrets of the jungle. For those interested in history, the nearby ancient cities of Chichen Itza and Coba are both incredible sites that offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Mexico.
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.
My favourite activities and places to visit in Tulum
I select my favourite places based on my personal experience with their authenticity, service quality, and value for price.
Join the Tulumx Society for local updates on parties 
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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.