If you’re thinking about visiting Tulum, this guide is for you!
We’ve spent a lot of time in Tulum over the years and love to share our travel tips.
We’ll share the best things to do in Tulum, where to stay, where to eat, nightlife, day trips, and many other tips for a perfect visit to Tulum.
Tulum Travel Guide
Quick Summary:
- Where is it: Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
- Difficulty Getting There: Very Easy
- Time Needed: 4+ days
- Best Time to Visit: January/February
- Top Food/Drink: Fried Shrimp Tacos, Tepache
- Our Favourite Gem: Dos Ojos Cenote
Also Read: Things to Know Before Going to Mexico
Visiting Tulum
Once an off-the-beaten-path paradise few people visited, Tulum has since grown exponentially and has become one of the most popular destinations in all of Mexico.
Tulum is a coastal town known for its white sand beaches, Mayan ruins, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s still a staple for anyone heading to the Caribbean coast of Mexico.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you’ll need to know about visiting Tulum. We’ll look at how to get there, where to stay, how to stay safe, the best things to do, when to visit, and much more.
Where is Tulum?
Tulum is located in the southeast of Mexico, along the Caribbean coast of Quintana Roo.
You may have heard of the Riviera Maya, which is another term that bunches this region together with the nearby state of Yucatán.
Tulum is located south of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, two other popular destinations in this part of Mexico.
But how far is Tulum from Cancun? Tulum is roughly 120km (75 miles) south of Cancun’s international airport.
Is Tulum Safe for Tourists?
Like any destination in Mexico, there are certainly some very safe areas as well as some areas that are best avoided.
Tulum is on the main Mexico backpacking route and in general, is much safer than other parts of the country. For example, the touristy strip (along the 307 that cuts through the town) is known as one of the safest parts of Tulum.
Walking into the town is also fine during the day, just be careful not to wander alone too far at night.
There have recently been issues with drug trafficking, with incidents mostly happening in the nearby jungle. But if you don’t get involved, this will have zero effect on you.
It is also worth mentioning that Tulum is safe for solo female travelers and a popular choice for travelers looking to visit safer, easier to travel parts of Mexico.
However, taking out insurance before you leave is extremely important to cover you in case of any accidents.
Also Read: What to Look for in Travel Insurance
Is Tulum Worth Visiting?
Why is Tulum so popular when compared with other Mexican beach towns? Well, there are a ton of reasons to visit Tulum, and it’s no surprise most keep coming back for more!
The beaches here really are stunning and have a much more tropical and natural feel than the modern beaches found in Cancun and further north.
It’s also home to other natural spectacles such as the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, and many incredible cenotes (sinkholes).
As well as its legendary Mayan ruins, the center of Tulum has a feel-good factor, with a tonne of entertainment and food options on offer.
How to Get To Tulum
In most cases, you’ll first need to fly into the country to get here, so you’ll want to head to Cancún’s international airport. Or, Tulum has an international airport as well. It doesn’t have as many flight options as Cancun, but it’s worth checking and comparing prices.
Cancun airport is extremely well connected, and from here the driving distance to Tulum is around 2 to 3 hours. There’s a direct ADO bus that leaves straight from the airport, or you can get a taxi or private transport directly to your accommodation.
If you’re already within the Riviera Maya, most major destinations have direct buses to Tulum.
For example, the bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum takes 1 hour, whilst a bus from Bacalar will take around 3 hours. The ADO and AU buses are your best friends here, serving these routes many times a day.
Other ways are to come from Palenque in neighboring Chiapas, with the overnight bus taking around 12 hours.
If you are backpacking Central America and find yourself in Belize, you can cross over by bus from the border town of Chetumal taking roughly 4 hours to reach Tulum.
If you are wondering how to get to Tulum from Mexico City, you can fly directly to either Tulum International Airport or Canun.
Many travelers visiting Tulum choose to rent a car. Whether it’s for convenience, safety reasons, or for the freedom to move around the region easily, you’ll find some great deals online.
Where to Stay in Tulum
There are two major areas to stay within Tulum.
First, we have the Hotel Zone, which is actually quite ambiguous since many of the hotels are more remote, located in the jungle or on private beaches.
If you ask us for one of the best hotels in Tulum, our top pick is the Maria Del Mar. It’s an adults-only hotel that has private penthouses, swimming pools, and its own stretch of tropical coastline.
The other area to stay is in town, which is a better fit for those looking to get out and explore the very best that the Riviera Maya has to offer.
We recommend staying in Villas Geminis Boutique Condohotel, which is virtually on the main strip and just a few blocks from the well-connected bus terminal.
What to Do in Tulum
Now let’s explore the best things to do in Tulum.
There are plenty of unique things to do that you won’t find in other parts of the region. Here are some of the things not to miss when you’re visiting Tulum.
1. Tulum Ruins
These ruins are unlike any other in Mexico, thanks to their unreal setting on a cliff overlooking the bright blue hues of the Caribbean.
There are many stone temples and landmarks to be explored, in what was one of the most important Mayan sites.
2. Playa Paraíso
Whilst there are many beaches to choose from near Tulum, Playa Paraiso (Paradise Beach) is our favorite.
Swing back in a hammock sipping on coconuts or a piña colada, and enjoy the long stretch of white sands on offer here!
Also Read: Why You Shouldn’t Take Seashells From the Beach or Buy Seashell Souvenirs
3. Dos Ojos Cenote
The Riviera Maya region is full of these stunning caverns, however, Dos Ojos may be one of the best.
You can explore the dual caves and their turquoise waters, snorkeling amongst the many different exotic fishes that live here.
If you’re into diving, you can head deep into the large maze of underwater caverns that connect underneath the Riviera Maya.
The Best Day Trips from Tulum
Here we’ll take a look at the best day trips and tours from Tulum you can do.
1. Akumal
This small town is around half an hour north of Tulum, and can easily be reached by taking the local colectivos (small vans used as public transport), or by car if you’ve rented a car.
Akumal is perfect for spotting turtles, as well as for its more tranquil beaches. Your best bet for getting up and close with them is around Half Moon Bay, and after you’re done there are many authentic restaurants and bars to relax on that line of the beach.
2. Chichén Itzá
It’s impossible to miss these legendary, sprawling pyramids when in the Riviera Maya.
Once the beating heart of the Mayan empire, here you can visit the large temples and structures that look like something straight out of an ancient warrior film.
The ruins are one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chichén Itza is about a 2-hour drive from Tulum, making it a perfect day trip.
If you don’t have a rental car it’s best to book an organized tour to Chichén Itza.
Also Read: A Day Trip to Isla Mujeres – Everything You Need to Know
Where to Eat in Tulum
For traditional Mexican food and an authentic experience, your best bet is in town.
Taqueria Honorio is a local favorite, serving many tasty Yucatán foods such as Cochinita Pibil.
One of the best restaurants in Tulum for birthday dinner or to celebrate with friends is Taqueria Don Beto where you can have some of the best tacos in town.
Since Tulum has become a popular tourist destination, you can now find pretty much any cuisine you want here.
The Hotel Zone is full of pretty much everything for everyone, with many of the hotels offering large buffets covering foods from every corner of the world.
Tulum Nightlife
Tulum has a real mix of scenes when it hits dusk.
The town is full of contemporary clubs and popular bars, mostly around the 307 road in the heart of Tulum.
Some of our favorites include Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar, as well as Caribe Swing.
Venture further into Tulum town and you’ll find a wide range of places, including salsa clubs for those looking to strut their stuff.
The Hotel Zone is also full of bars and clubs, aimed more at foreigners, and there’s something on most nights of the week.
There’s also a thriving Techno scene in and around Tulum.
When looking for the best nightclubs in Tulum, know that most parties are held in the jungle, and it really is an unforgettable experience you need to try at least once whilst here.
What You Need to Know About Tulum
1. The Best Time to Visit Tulum
Like most Mexican destinations, Tulum has a pretty distinct dry and wet season, with each bringing something different to the table.
We’ll be the first to say it – a visit in the wet season is actually a great time to come here.
The dry season runs from December until April when average temperatures hover between 72-78°F (22-26ºC). Highs during this time can reach up to 90°F (32ºC), with lows dropping to 62°F (17ºC).
Rainfall is at its lowest this time of the year, with between 1-1.5 inches falling throughout each month.
March is the overall driest month of the year to visit Tulum. This is the best time to come for clear blue skies and consistent beach weather.
The wet season begins around late May and runs up until November. Average temperatures increase to between 74-80°F (23-27ºC), with highs of up to a toasty 92°F (33ºC) and lows of 65°F (18ºC).
Rainfall is much heavier, ranging from between 3-6.5 inches each month.
September is the wettest month to visit Tulum.
Whilst the wet period puts many off, you’ll find of course that prices are much lower. And to be honest, it’s not even that bad – most of the rain is quickly lived and actually helps to cool you down, not to mention bringing out much more stunning green colors from the jungle.
2. Is Tulum Expensive?
There’s no beating around the bush; Tulum is definitely among the more expensive destinations you can visit in Mexico.
This is especially true if you stay within the Hotel Zone along the beach.
The most expensive times to visit Tulum will be from late December until mid-January, which of course coincides with the popular Christmas holidays.
In summer prices tend to go up somewhat as well, during international school holidays.
You can find the best deals during the wet season, and also during off-peak months throughout the year.
We’ve found February and March to be perfect times to visit Tulum, as less tourism makes it cheaper, and the weather is good.
You can also find cheaper prices in Tulum from August until October.
And even though Tulum is a more expensive destination in Mexico, that doesn’t mean you can’t visit on a budget. There is a cheap side to Tulum as well and you can find some of Mexico’s top-rated hostels here offering budget rooms.
Also Read: The Pros & Cons of Staying in Hostels and How to Find the Cheapest Flights
3. Tulum Events and Festivals
When it comes to music events you’ll find Tulum really is full of a wide range of festivals and events throughout the year.
Whilst there are many music festivals hosted here (including some large ones such as Zamna), Day Zero is hands down one of the best. A must for electronic music lovers, it’s held annually in January and celebrates Day Zero of the Mayan Calendar. It’s also held deep within the jungle, offering an experience really unlike no other.
The Tulum Food, Spirit, and Wine Festival is another must-visit if in town around the time. Held every November, here you can try some of the best Yucatán and Mexican dishes, prepared by some of the most renowned chefs in Latin America.
As well as sampling lots of Mezcal and Tequila, there are live bands and other events during this week-long festival.
Our Top Recommendations for Visiting Tulum
1. The overall best month to visit Tulum is February.
Whilst technically one of the “coolest months” of the year, it’s still pretty hot, but without overbearing temperatures.
It falls well within the dry season, so you’ll avoid showers and there are fewer mosquitoes.
February is also off-peak season, so as well as quieter beaches, you’ll also enjoy lower costs!
2. Beaches in Tulum can be hit or miss, and we really recommend taking the colectivos from the town to smaller villages along the coast.
Beaches like Akumal and Xpu-Ha are great options to start exploring.
3. Whilst Tulum is definitely more expensive than most other areas of Mexico, it doesn’t mean your trip needs to break the bank!
Consider eating at more local restaurants. You’ll find the food is a fraction of the prices of those found in hotels, and tastes (dare we say) better.
4. We suggest you carry a water bottle that you can refill and that will stay ice cold for hours so you can stay hydrated.
Final Words: Tulum Travel Guide
That’s all for our guide to Tulum.
A popular town located on Mexico’s Caribbean Coast, Tulum is always a good idea. With white sand beaches, ancient ruins, and a bustling center to explore, you’ll have a hard time leaving!
In this guide, we’ve explored Tulum, including the best areas to visit. We’ve covered important information such as how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and how to stay safe. We’ve also included our top recommendations based on all our own time spent here.
We hope you enjoy your time in Tulum!
Note: the first picture of this travel guide shows the ‘Ven a la Luz’ sculpture which is a popular tourist attraction in Tulum. You can find its location on Google Maps.
Also Read:
- Important Travel Tips for Mexico
- Planning a Trip to Isla Mujeres, Mexico
- Day Trips From Cancun (most can be done from Tulum as well)
- A Digital Nomad Guide to Playa del Carmen
- Things to Do in Tijuana
- How to Snorkel – Practical Tips
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