The Ultimate One-Week Guide to Tulum, Mexico

There’s a lot to love about Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. The Caribbean coast is famous for its postcard-perfect white, sandy beaches and warm, turquoise water, and the thick, tropical jungle in between. While some beach destinations offer nothing but, well, beach time, a trip here will promise you all that and so much more, if you’re the kind of person that likes to have a little adventure along the way!

About two hours south of Cancun, Tulum trades big, all-inclusive resort ambiance for more boutique properties and bohemian design. The destination often stirs up mixed reviews from visitors, with some saying Tulum is the most beautiful, exotic, spiritual getaway there is (because of this, it’s often compared to Bali). I’ve heard others refer to Tulum as overrated, because it’s admittedly quite different from the rest of Mexico and its popularity has exploded significantly in the last decade, leading to growing pains and a whole slew of new opportunities and challenges. 

I spent nearly a month with Tulum as a home base on a recent workation, and I can honestly say that I found truth in both opinions. Tulum is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. From the beach, to the jungle, to the cenotes and Mayan ruins, I was completely captivated by this special place. But I wasn’t blind to the traffic, the New York-priced restaurants (delicious as they were), and the Instagram-focused designs that, while extremely cool, sometimes seemed a little annoying. 

All that said, I do think that there is a right way to do Tulum, and that its allure is undeniably cool and worth a visit. After spending months and months here over the past 5+ years, I compiled some of my favorite activities and experiences into an adventure- and relaxation-filled itinerary for your first visit. 

Read on for my one-week guide to Tulum and beyond!

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Yucatán

The Ultimate One-Week Guide to Tulum, Mexico

DAY ONE: Get Acclimated By Enjoying Tulum Beach

Tulum is consistently ranked among the top beaches in Mexico, thanks to its white sand, palm tree-lined coast, and pastel, calm waters. Dedicate your first day in Tulum to getting acclimated and relaxing on the sand with a cocktail or cerveza in hand! 

There are generally three ways to enjoy the beach in Tulum: 

1. Stay in a Tulum Beach Hotel 

The beach area of Tulum is dotted with hotels and resorts that offer “private” access to the ocean. These hotels are generally much pricier than the rest of Tulum’s accommodations, but if you can swing it even if only for a night or two, it’s worth it to be able to wake up just steps from the water.

My recommendations on places to stay can be found at the bottom of this post! 

2. Visit a Tulum Beach Club

If you aren’t staying on a beachfront property, you can visit a beach club for a day instead. Beach clubs in Tulum range widely, from wild day party energy, to chic ambient beats, to family-friendly oases. No matter how you slice it, expect to spend a bit of money on a beach club day in Tulum – it’s not cheap, but it can be a really good time!

Some beach clubs I’ve experienced, or heard great word-of-mouth recommendations about, include: 

• Taboo Tulum: Taboo is known as one of the most lively beach club party spots in Tulum.
• Papaya Playa Project: Picture hatched roofs covering open-air seating right on the beach. At Papaya Playa, you can chill out in a more secluded part of the Tulum beach strip.
• Mia Restaurant & Beach Club: At Mia, you can relax by the pool or on the beach depending on your vibe. This spot is casual but can quickly come to life with its day parties and DJ parties into the night.
• Nomade Tulum: “La Popular” is their beach restaurant under the palm trees. It’s entirely open-air and serves Caribbean-inspired dishes. The Nomade also has a Japanese restaurant, Kuu, and Mediterranean restaurant, Macando, onsite, so you can rest assured you’ll eat well as this beach club.
• Habitas Tulum: A modern, glass-walled indoor/outdoor building with low seating in the coastal jungle. Moro serves latin cuisine with Middle-Eastern inspiration.
• Ziggy Beach: This is your classic, casual hotel beach bar complete with sun loungers and easy bites & cocktails. Ziggy is known as one of the more chill, family-friendly beach clubs you can bring a book and be unbothered.
• Coco Tulum: The contrast of the all-white driftwood beach shack-like structure and the striking turquoise waters is magical at this relaxing, bachelorette party-friendly beach club.
• Ahau Tulum: You can choose to enjoy Kapok’s Mexican seafood cuisine in their restaurant or at the Ahau beach grill. Or, if you’re feeling something lighter, their Raw Love cafe onsite serves smoothies, soups, bowls and other plant-based dishes. Ahau Tulum is also the location of the famous Ven a La Luz art installation you may have seen on social media.
• Diamante K: A chill beach club with its own private, rocky beach outcrop. This is a nice place to get away from crowds and simply enjoy the Caribbean sea.
• Gitano Beach: Another popular party spot with a chic vibe, Gitano Beach is considered one of the most popular beach clubs in Tulum along with Taboo and Bagatelle.
• Bagatelle Tulum: An upscale, French Riviera-inspired beach club that’s very much a scene.
• Vagalume: A nice balance of party and chill, Vagalume has a really fun energy to it. It’s also known for its iconic open palms pool bridge (which is, yes, a really cool photo opp!).
• Distrito Panamera: Distrito Panamera is a newer addition to the Tulum beach scene, but quickly becoming one of my favorites if you’re seeking a chilled out beach day. It’s a beautiful hotel with a stunning pool (see below!) and a rooftop bar you can grab sunset cocktails at when the beach club closes for the day.

Tulum’s Public Beaches (North Playa) 

For a more low key atmosphere, you can bring your own towel and drinks and head to one of Tulum’s true public-access beaches, which are equally beautiful. Just keep in mind that there is no shade unless you pay for a lounge chair and umbrella at a beach club nearby!

The most easily accessible public beaches in Tulum include:

• Las Palmas
• Playa Paraiso

• Playa Ruinas 

DAY TWO: Visit A Cenote And Explore Tulum Town 

Now that you’re acclimated with the beach, spend day two getting to know one of the other great ways to swim in Tulum – in a cenote! 

Cenotes in Tulum

This guide to Tulum would not be complete without mentioning the Yucatán Peninsula’s awe-inspiring cenotes.

There are tons of super cool cenotes near Tulum and I encourage you to visit at least one or two while you’re here! I personally visited Dos Ojos (my favorite), Zacil-Ha (great for swimming and lounging around in the sun), and Calavera (super fun sunken cenote that you can jump into!), but here are all of the cenotes near Tulum I’ve heard great things about:

• Dos Ojos (one of my favorites): This massive underwater cave system is an epic introduction to the world of cenotes. It’s hard to even imagine the scale of these caves until you see the flashlight from a scuba diver beaming up from a hidden cavern beneath the surface. Dos Ojos is a very popular cenote and you can swim, float with a life jacket, and snorkel around to explore.
• Cenote Escondido y Cenote Cristal (my other favorite!): These two cenotes are across the highway from one another, so you’ll have so dart across the road in order to get from one to the other – be sure to look both ways! I love these cenotes because they offer incredible snorkeling (better than Dos Ojos, in my opinion), and a wooden jumping platform. You may see turtles here!
• Zacil-Ha: A more developed property built around an open-air cenote, which is fully exposed to the sun. Essentially, it’s like visiting a natural swimming pool, with a restaurant, lounge areas, a zip line, and a jumping platform!
• Cenote Calavera: This sunken cenote is a really cool photo opp that you may have seen online. You can only enter by jumping down into the water, and to get back up, you climb a fixed ladder.
• Gran Cenote: A stunning cenote with wooden platforms built around it for easy access in and out.
• Carwash Cenote: Another open-air cenote that’s popular and quickly accessible from Tulum town.
• Casa Cenote: This cenote is about 30 minutes outside of Tulum town, but it’s worth the drive! Beautiful snorkeling with lots of baby tarpon and crabs to see. If you don’t want to swim, you can rent a clear kayak to float through the mangroves.

Whichever cenote(s) you choose, keep in mind that more often than not, you are visiting private property maintained by local families. Plan to pay an entrance fee plus an additional fee for any camera or drones you plan on bringing in with you. In general, I found myself spending between 45 minutes to two hours at each cenote I visited, depending on how big it was. Don’t forget to bring goggles!

Pro Tip: If you visit cenotes, please ONLY wear mineral-based / reef-safe sunscreen. Or, better yet, opt for no sunscreen at all. Every little bit of mindful action helps preserve these sacred natural pools and the communities that call them home!

Cenote Day Clubs in Tulum

While visiting cenotes in Tulum, you’ll find that in general, the amenities – if any – are pretty sparse. So, if you want to spend the day at a cenote, you may want to head to a cenote club instead. Unlike naturally kept cenotes which typically offer no more than some chairs and life jackets, cenote clubs offer a more luxe option, complete with music, food and drinks, and even spa services.

I spent the day at Vesica Cenote Club on my most recent visit to Tulum, and I absolutely loved it! The ambiance was that of a chilled day party, the food was much better than any food I’ve eaten at any of Tulum’s beach clubs, and they even had masseuses onsite. You don’t need to reserve a massage ahead of time, but make sure you reserve a time slot earlier in the day when you arrive because they can fill up!

Explore Tulum Town

Now that you’ve explored Tulum beach, you can head to Tulum town! The beach and town areas are distinctly different and about 20 – 45 minutes apart by car or bike, give or take. While the beach area is more glamorous, bohemian, and expensive, town is comparably more chill, local, and affordable. This is a great place to spend some time walking around, shopping, and grabbing a bite or a cocktail at a much more reasonable price than you’ll find near the water. 

While here, I really enjoyed eating at Bonita, Burrito Amor, and Palma Central!

PRO TIP: Many people will actually divide their hotel time between staying at the beach and staying in town in order to experience the best of both worlds and make their vacation a bit more affordable overall.

DAY THREE: Go on a Sian Ka’an Biosphere Expedition

One of the most unique natural attractions in Tulum is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, a 2,000+ square-mile reserve that protects a network of freshwater marshes, mangroves, lagoons, and barrier reef, serving as the home base for tons of magnificent wildlife. 

Because of how massive this reserve is, you’ll need to choose between one of the two main areas that can be explored in Sian Ka’an: Punta Allen or Muyil. Regardless of which area you choose to explore, plan to dedicate an entire day to this experience!

• Sian Ka’an via Punta Allen: This section of the reserve takes you through mangroves and open ocean, where your odds of having a wildlife encounter are high! It’s common to spot manatees, crocodiles, dolphins, birds, turtles, and more. The only drawback to Punta Allen is that it’s virtually impossible to do on your own, unless you plan on spending one or two nights in Punta Allen. The roads leading to Punta Allen are just too poorly maintained for anyone with a rental car to try and endure. If you want to do a day trip to Punta Allen, you’ll need to book a tour (see below!).
• Sian Ka’an via Muyil: This section of the reserve is doable either on your own or as part of a tour. While you won’t really see any wildlife in this part of Sian Ka’an, you will get to see Mayan ruins and float down ancient river canals!

I chose to visit Punta Allen, and I cannot recommend the experience enough for anyone visiting Tulum. It was my first time seeing manatees and crocodiles out in the wild, and it blew my mind! I took a tour with Mexico Kan Tours, who I chose because of their commitment to responsible tourism and nature conservation (quick disclosure! I received a media discount on this tour).

• Click here for day-long tours of Sian Ka’an via Punta Allen
• Click here for day-long tours of Sian Ka’an via Muyil

RELATED: The Top Things You Must Do When Visiting Tulum, Mexico

DAY FOUR: Bike Around the Coba Ruins

Another great day trip from Tulum is to Coba, which is just 45 minutes to an hour outside of town, depending on where you’re staying. I highly recommend taking the time to visit these lesser-known ruins and the surrounding cenotes if you’re spending a week in Tulum. 

Coba Ruins

Coba is an ancient Mayan city that is known as the intersection of the largest network of raised pathways (sacbe in Mayan) in the ancient Mayan world. Here, you can visit a huge connected archeological area dotted with structures, engraved stones, and pyramids, the most well-known of which is the Nohoch Mul Pyramid. In order to see all of the sites here, you can rent bikes or have a local Mayan guide take you around on a bicycle carriage. Being able to bike through the jungle from pyramid to pyramid is a unique highlight of visiting these particular ruins! 

Cenotes Near Coba

After visiting the Coba archaeological site, you have to stop at at least one cenote here before heading back to Tulum. There are three well-known cenotes located in close proximity to one another, and you can buy an entrance pass for all three, or just one, depending on how much time you have to spare. The one I visited, which is pictured above, is Choo-Ha!

• Choo-Ha and Tamcach-Ha Cenotes: These underground cenotes feel like entering another world.
• Multum-Ha: Another underground cenote with a wooden platform and easy access.

DAY FIVE: Enjoy Some Yoga, Try a Temazcal, and Indulge in Tulum’s Foodie Scene

After a big day out exploring Coba, spend day five enjoying the wellness, spiritual, and culinary offerings Tulum is so famous for. You’ll feel relaxed and rejuvenated just in time for day six! 

Yoga in Tulum

Tulum is a haven for yogis, and it seems like the scene has only continued to grow and expand in recent years. You can find everything from more laidback studios to luxury beachfront shalas offering everything from vinyasa to breathing techniques.

If you’re staying at a hotel in Tulum, it’s likely your hotel will offer yoga classes onsite for free or by donation. Otherwise, it’s not hard to find a studio near you to sweat it out in the jungle heat. 

Some highly recommended places to practice yoga in Tulum include: 

• Holistika Tulum
• Sanara Tulum
• Yaan Wellness Energy Healing Spa Tulum
• Yoga Shala Tulum
• Amansala

Temazcal Ceremonies

Temazcales are essentially Mayan sweat lodges, and the ceremonies are led by a shaman and said to purify your mind and body. This ancient Mesoamerican ceremony can actually be found all over Tulum (in some cases, your hotel may even have a Temazcal onsite), and is a popular spiritual experience to undertake while here. The Temazcal kind of looks like a giant pizza oven, and in addition to sweating it out, you can expect chanting, singing, and intention-setting throughout the ritual. 

I’ve heard others be skeptical of their effectiveness, but I personally think that ceremonies like this have a lot to do with the mindset you have going into it. I attended a temazcal ceremony at Holistika with my friend who was going through a difficult time, and not only did I watch her experience a cathartic reckoning with her emotions, I myself also felt a bit lighter after the entrancing few hours we spent sweating together to the sound of drums.

If you try a Temazcal ceremony, approach it with an open mind and who knows, you might walk away pleasantly surprised. And, if you do try it, let me know in the comments how it went! 

Tulum Dining

By now, you’ve probably already gotten a good idea of Tulum’s culinary scene, but if you haven’t taken an evening to experience one of Tulum’s more upscale dining options, let tonight be the night! Along the hotel zone, you’ll find a pretty significant selection of restaurants to choose from, each offering its own spin on international cuisine or modern Mexican flavors. Make a reservation in advance if you can, and expect to pay a decent amount (estimate $100+ per person, depending on whether you’re getting drinks). It’s a bit of a splurge but worth it for at least one evening of getting dressed up and heading out to experience Tulum after dark. 

I have a full list of restaurants I recommend at the bottom of this post, but in general my favorite meals on the beach in Tulum have included dinner at Mezzanine, Rosa Negra, MEZE, and Hartwood!

DAY SIX: Visit The Famous Chichen-Itza Archeological Site

No trip to this part of Mexico would be complete without a visit to Chichen-Itza. If you haven’t been, be sure to dedicate some time for a day trip to see one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, just two hours from Tulum!

Chichen-Itza

Driving to the archeological site is easy and there is a parking lot at the entrance. Once here, you’ll notice that if you’d like a private guide to show you around, you will have two opportunities to obtain one – the first will be before the entrance to the parking lot, and the second will be once you’ve parked.

The guides you see first, before entering the parking lot, are a local Mayan cooperative that essentially get first access to visitors. The second group, I’ve been told, are government-employed tour guides. We spoke to and decided to go with a Mayan guide from the first group, and he got in our car with us and rode to the parking lot to enter the site with us, which I thought was odd at first but ended up being standard procedure. Our tour was great! If you decide to take a guided tour too, it’ll last you between 60 – 90 minutes and can be offered in English or Spanish, but English will cost a bit more. 

Of course, you can walk around the ruins on your own, but in my opinion, if there’s anywhere to let a local Mayan guide show you around and teach you a little bit more than what you’ll observe on the surface, it’s here! 

If you care about visiting this site when there are less crowds, know that the early bird gets the worm – showing up right around opening time will provide you with the best chance of beating tour busses and having more of the grounds to yourself. 

Cenotes Near Chichen-Itza

Like Coba, there are some pretty epic cenotes near Chichen-Itza. Try to visit at least one! 

• Ik Kil Cenote: This stunning cenote is a must-see. To enter, you walk through a tunnel that, at times, can be flooded up to your waist. I promise, it’s worth it!
• Suytun Cenote: This famous cenote has a picturesque ‘catwalk’ leading out to a small stream of sunlight filtering through the limestone above. It looks as if it comes straight out of Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire!
• Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman: This cenote is a very popular local watering hole because of a rope swing you can use to jump into the water. Be prepared to take turns with local kids!

DAY SEVEN: Take It All In on Tulum’s Beach Before Leaving

On your last day in Tulum, take it easy and spend some time back on the beach to soak up all the beautiful views, warm water, and tropical breeze you’re bound to miss once you leave. On day seven, if you haven’t visited yet, now is the perfect time to check out the Tulum ruins which overlook the ocean. Towards the end of the day, get a good view of the sunset over the jungle and toast to your unforgettable, adventure-filled week in Tulum! 

Tulum Ruins 

While Coba and Chichen-Itza are epic, incredible sites in their own right, the Tulum Ruins are also worth a visit. In ancient times, Tulum was a trading hub, explaining the significance of the old structures found here. What makes the Tulum ruins so significant is that these structures are located on high cliffs overlooking the water, making for a visually stunning sight that other ruins can’t offer. Be sure to bring your swimsuit, because during your visit you can take a staircase down to the sand and swim at the beach directly below the ruins!

Sunset Viewing

To wrap up your week in Tulum, end your trip with a sunset view of the magnificent jungle and coastal surrounds. 

While a bit pricey, making a reservation for the AZULIK Sunset Experience is said to offer great views from a cool, boho “nest-like” terrace. Here, you can get dressed up and enjoy a cocktail on the terrace while mingling with others just before the sun sets on the jungle behind you. If you prefer to sit and enjoy a meal, Azulik’s Kin Toh and Tseen Ja restaurants will require a reservation but will also offer similar views. 

The Roof Sunset Bar at Distrito Panamera is an amazing alternative that doesn’t charge an exorbitant cover. It’s a tiny space, but it’s a great sunset spot.

Mateo’s is another well-known, albeit much more casual, Mexican spot for a rooftop drink overlooking the jungle at sunset.

Or, if you just want to admire the ocean and be as close as possible, sunset drinks at Mezzanine are truly where it’s at.

Other Things to Do If You Have More Time

• Visit Kaan Luum: If you have a drone, paying a visit to Kaan Luum Lagoon is a worthwhile half-day trip. Here, you can get an amazing aerial view of a giant, circular cenote nestled within a large, shallow lagoon. On a clear day with no rain, the color contrast between the lagoon and the cenote is super impressive! 
• Explore More Cenotes: Of course, any extra time in Tulum could easily be filled with more cenotes. If you can, visit more of these natural freshwater swimming holes in the area. Each one offers its own unique experience and ambiance! 
• Snorkel in Akumal: Akumal is a popular day trip for snorkeling. Here, next to the coral reef, you have great odds of being able to swim with sea turtles and other marine life. 
• Day Trip to Valladolid: Next to Quintana Roo, the state of Yucatán is home to a slew of charming, colorful, colonial towns, with Valladolid being one of the closest. While many skip over Valladolid to head straight to Chichen-Itza, this city is well worth a stop in its own right. 
• Spend the Weekend in Merida: A bit further than Valladolid but with similar charm, Merida is a beautiful, vibrant colonial city with a colorful historic center. This city is known for its salsa dancing, lively nightlife, and cultural displays in the form of parades, dancing, museums, and street performances. 
• Get Lost in Izamal: Located not far from Merida, Izamal is one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos, or “magical towns.” This magic town is painted bright yellow and is a visual feast that’s well worth the longer drive!
• Take the Ferry to Cozumel: A ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen, Cozumel is an island revered for its beautiful, lazy beaches and world-class diving. Spend the day, or stay overnight in Cozumel to enjoy the island in the evening and early morning, when cruise shippers are gone and the small town center is yours to enjoy alongside the locals. 

RELATED: A 3-Day Guide to Cozumel, Mexico

Where to Stay in Tulum

• Hotel Bardo (Tulum town): Bardo is a secluded masterpiece of beautiful modern-meets-bohemian design. Each independent villa offers its own plunge pool, hammock, and garden. It was my favorite place to stay while I was in town, hands down!
  • Compare prices and book on: Booking.com | Expedia.com | Hotels.com
• Hotel Tiki Tiki (Tulum town): For an affordable hotel with lots of personality, Tiki Tiki is a crowd favorite for visitors and locals alike. I loved the retro pool and bar. Plus, free continental breakfast is included daily! 
  • Compare prices and book on: Booking.com | Expedia.com | Hotels.com
• Ahau Tulum (Tulum beach): While I didn’t stay here personally, I loved the vibe of Ahau Tulum when I worked remotely from their onsite restaurant during the day. I’ve heard their rooms are great, too. 
  • Compare prices and book on: Booking.com | Expedia.com | Hotels.com
• Delek Tulum (Tulum beach): While I didn’t stay here personally, my friends who did had nothing but good things to say about their time at Delek Tulum. 
  • Compare prices and book on: Booking.com | Expedia.com | Hotels.com
• Coco Tulum (Tulum beach): This hotel was high on my list, but fully booked during my time in Tulum. 
  • Compare prices and book on: Booking.com | Expedia.com | Hotels.com
• Hun Tulum (Tulum beach): Another hotel on my list, Hotel Hun Tulum offers beautiful rooms with private terraces or pools.
  • Compare prices and book on: Booking.com | Tripadvisor
• Papaya Playa Project (Tulum beach): A bit costly, but if you can swing it, the suites here with private plunge pools are insanely beautiful.
  • Compare prices and book on: Booking.com | Expedia.com | Hotels.com
• Distrito Panamera (Tulum beach): A chic, breezy vibe without feeling over the top (like some Tulum beach hotels do). Distrito Panamera has a stunning pool, relaxing beach club, and a fantastic sunset rooftop view.
  • Compare prices and book on: Booking.com | Expedia.com | Hotels.com

Find More Places to Stay in Tulum:

• Tulum hotels on Booking.com
• Tulum hotels on Expedia.com
• Tulum hotels on Hotels.com
• Tulum hotels on Tripadvisor
• Tulum hostels on Hostelworld
• Tulum vacation homes on VRBO

Where to Eat and Drink in Tulum

• Rosa Negra (Tulum beach): a chic bohemian-spirited Latin-American restaurant.
• Hartwood (Tulum beach): a minimalistic & sustainable open-air kitchen on the side of a Tulum jungle road.
• MEZE (Tulum beach): a cute, white hacienda indoor-outdoor restaurant inspired by the cities & fare found along the Aegean sea.
• Mezzanine (Tulum beach): find a seat at the bar at this adults-only hotel, sip on some margaritas and savor the Thai cuisine.
• I Scream Bar (Tulum beach): a super fun photo-worthy (mint colored car parts on the ceiling and matching seating) beach bar vibe serving vegan ice cream, beer & wine.
• Mulata Tulum (Tulum beach): cigars from all around the world plus craft cocktails and jazz music.
• La Taqueria (Tulum beach): a casual yet totally cute taco shop serving lunch/brunch, dinner and drinks.
• Ilios (Tulum beach): a fun Greek restaurant with delicious food and drinks. Make a reservation between 8 and 9 pm so you can be seated for the nightly fire show.
• Uno Japanese Noodles (Tulum town): if you’re needing a break from Mexican food, head here for Japanese noodles and sushi.
• Taqueria Honorio (Tulum town): a quick-casual local’s spot – grab street tacos and a bevy.
• El Camello (Tulum town): another low-key local’s seafood spot.
• Burrito Amor (Tulum town): this spot prioritizes clean-eating and sustainability, and they also serve the best burritos in Tulum.
• Palma Central (Tulum town): if you’re traveling in a group or you just can’t decide on one spot, check out this colorful food truck park. Choose between pizza, tacos, barbecue, cocktails and more.
• Bonita (Tulum town): what started as a small burger joint turned into an all-out American food restaurant and tiki-cocktail bar.
• Raum Gallery (Tulum town): asian fusion cuisine and delicious cocktails in a funky art gallery setting.
• Vereda del Abasto (Tulum town): unbelievably delicious deli sandwiches and coffee in a cozy neighborhood setting.
• Todo Pita (Tulum town): tasty Mediterranean and Mexican inspired pitas and sides.
• Ma Cherie (Tulum town): a ridiculously good French breakfast and lunch spot. Don’t miss the fresh carrot and orange juice (and snag a ginger shot to mix into it for an extra kick).
• Boccanera Pizzeria (Tulum town & beach): authentic Italian pizza and sides. An easy place to buy a bottle of wine and stay for hours.
• Ukami (Tulum town & beach): One of my favorites – Ukami serves up Mayan and Japanese fusion.
• El Agavero (Tulum town): A Oaxacan restaurant with a very cool ambiance. Service can be super slow depending on the night you go.
• Vaivén (Tulum town): A neighborhood coffee shop with food and cocktails. This place is my go-to whenever I’m in town.

Tulum Travel FAQ: Tips to Know Before You Go

What Is the Best Currency to Use in Tulum?

Tulum uses the Mexican Peso (check your currency conversion). However, carry cash with you as often as possible, because not all restaurants will take card, and ATMs can be hard to find. 

What Language is Spoken in Tulum?

The official language spoken in Tulum is Spanish, but in both Playa and Town you should have no problem getting by with English. 

What Airport Do I Fly Into for Tulum?

At the end of 2023, Tulum got its own international airport. So, you now have two options to get to Tulum! Fly into the Cancun International Airport (CUN) for easier and likely cheaper flights from the USA and Europe, and fly into the brand-new Tulum International Airport (TQO) for quicker access to Tulum. Keep in mind that the Cancun airport is about two hours from Tulum, whereas the Tulum airport is about 30 minutes away.

Airport transfer are abundant from both airports and can easily be booked on the spot. However, if you want some peace of mind and prefer to book in advance, I have used Happy Shuttle Cancun to get to and from Cancun with no complaints.

Otherwise, I always recommend the ADO Bus when getting to and from either airport. These buses are incredibly affordable, very reliable, and the seats are comfortable!

How Do You Get Around in Tulum?

If you’re staying exclusively in Tulum beach or Tulum town, you should be fine getting around on foot or by bike. Otherwise, you’ll need to rely on a car rental or public transportation.

Renting a Car in Tulum

Use Kayak or Expedia to compare rental car rates in Tulum, and keep in mind that some of the best deals may be at the Cancun International Airport (2 hours away).

Rideshare Apps and Taxis in Tulum

Uber and other rideshare apps do not exist in Tulum. However, taxis are everywhere and easy to find all over the hotel zone. If you don’t see a taxi in your area, have your hotel call one for you.

It’s part of the culture to negotiate prices for taxis, especially if you’re going far (like, from Town to Playa). Some taxi drivers are known to overcharge tourists. However, don’t lowball your taxi driver over 20 pesos ($1 USD) if you can afford to pay their asking price.

I like to start taking stock of the going rate for different distances when I’m in Tulum so I can use them as my baseline for what a fair price may to negotiate for. 500 pesos to the beach, maybe 70 pesos to the bus station, and so on.

Public Transportation in Tulum

In Tulum, public transportation typically involves either a colectivo or the bus.

Colectivos are a shared mini-van ride that’ll get you from point A to point B as cheaply as possible. You can pick them up on the main roads and see which direction they’re headed.

The ADO bus station in Tulum is widely used by locals and can get you further distances easily and affordably, with more comfort than a colectivo. You can even use the bus to take you to the Cancun International Airport.

Bikeshare in Tulum

Bikes are everywhere in Tulum and pretty easy to rent. Your hotel might even lend you bikes during your stay! Otherwise, I have personally used Ola Bike Tulum and found them fairly priced.

What’s the Weather Like in Tulum?

The weather in Tulum is warm, humid, and tropical year-round, with temperatures averaging 75 – 90 degrees F during the day and 60 – 75 degrees F in the evening. While there technically isn’t a bad time to go to Tulum, June – October (and sometimes into November) are the rainy / hurricane season in the region. 

What Should I Pack for Tulum?

Pack a good selection of lightweight, loose, breathable clothing so you can be comfortable throughout Tulum’s hot days and warm, humid evenings. You’ll also want a good selection of swimwear and beach cover-ups, plus waterproof footwear and good walking shoes you don’t mind getting dirty (in the event of rain, which can make Tulum’s beach road quite muddy). 

Make sure you bring reef-safe or mineral-based sunscreen to use exclusively while you’re here, both in cenotes and in the Caribbean. Also, don’t forget bug spray and/or bug repellent bracelets for when you are out and about!

What Else Should I Know Before Visiting Tulum?

Check out my list of everything you need to know before visiting the Yucatán peninsula next!

Ready to go to Tulum? 

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Read This Next:

• Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Yucatán
• The Top Things You Must Do On Your First Trip to Tulum, Mexico
• Where to Stay in Tulum: Hotel Bardo
• A 3-Day Guide to Merida, Mexico
• The Top Things to Do in Merida, Mexico
• A 3-Day Guide to Cozumel, Mexico
• Where to Stay in Cozumel: Villas El Encanto
• Things to Do in Mexico City for Solo Female Travelers
• The Coolest Woman-Owned Boutique Hotels Mexico City
• 6 Incredible Places to Visit in Mexico for First-Timers

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