Discover Tulum’s Best Kept Secrets With This Local Travel Guide

Planning your next getaway to the Riviera Maya? This complete Tulum travel guide will walk you through the very best things to do in Tulum, Mexico.

Additionally, you will find all the travel tips you need for an amazing trip. From exploring ancient Mayan ruins and swimming in crystal-clear Tulum cenotes to relaxing on the soft sands of Tulum Beach, there’s something here for every type of traveler.

You’ll also find advice on Tulum vacation outfits, the best beach clubs, top Tulum restaurants, and where to stay for every budget.

I’ve been living in the Yucatan Peninsula for over a decade, so this guide is packed with firsthand recommendations and insider tips.

Whether you’re mapping out a detailed Tulum, Mexico itinerary or just looking for inspiration, this guide covers the highlights, hidden gems, and essential Tulum travel tips to make your Tulum, Mexico vacation unforgettable.

Let’s start.

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Know before you go: Tulum Essential Information

How much money do I need in Tulum?

This is a good question, and yet difficult to answer because it really depends on your lifestyle. Hotel costs range from 15 USD for a hostel bed to 600+ USD in a Luxury beach hotel in Tulum.

To eat, you can find cheap tacos on the street at 2 USD each, to fine dining on the beach for 100 USD (wine included).

If you like to party, it adds up. So I guess I can say Tulum is for everyone, but if you like to have a luxury or semi-luxury vacation, I am afraid it is expensive. Keep in mind that, although it’s been changing lately, many places still don’t accept credit cards, so always have some Mexican Pesos in cash with you.

On the contrary, others, like car rentals, won’t take cash, only credit cards—more about renting a car in Tulum later on, in this post.

How many days do you need in Tulum?

It depends on what you like to do. Two days are enough if you just want to enjoy the beach, but if you love to explore, I would recommend a week so that you can enjoy both the unspoiled white sand beach and also explore the spectacular surroundings.

Don’t miss the Sian Kaan biosphere, Tulum Mayan Ruins, a couple of Cenotes and a full day in Coba, one of my favorite places in the area. The newly opened Jaguar Park and hidden gems such as Punta Laguna, for example.

But I am sure you will want to spend some time basking in the sun in one of the trendy Tulum Beach Clubs or in your own hotel if you booked one on the beach (totally recommended!).

More about it later. Keep reading. 🙂

What is the best time to go to Tulum?

My favorite time of the year to visit Tulum is the low season, which is after Easter until the end of June and September through November. However, remember that September through November is hurricane season, so there is more risk of rain, leaving May the absolute best month for many reasons.

In these months, prices are low, and the beach is less crowded, which is why I love it the most. But if you love to party, you might want to check out Christmas time until Easter, which is the most crowded and expensive time.

Mind that if you wish to travel to Tulum for Christmas, it is advisable to book your hotel and flights way in advance.

For the last few years, we have had a few issues with the Sargasso weeds infesting the beach, but it’s impossible to predict when it’s going to come. I recommend checking this facebook group where people post updates in real time.

Is Tulum safe for travelers?

It is relatively safe if you stay away from drugs. But you still need to look after your belongings and use the safe in your hotel room. According to the US government travel advisory, Tulum has seen an increase in crime recently, and you should avoid walking or biking on isolated roads at night, including the road to the beach, which is ok to walk during the day, but I would avoid that during dark hours.

Tulum vs Cancun

I prefer Tulum, but it’s an entirely different location and not comparable. In Cancun, you will see huge all-inclusive hotels on a 20-km stretch of beach. The downtown is not particularly charming, except for a couple of spots separated from the tourist area.

In Tulum, locals and tourists share the same space, and downtown is as charming as the beach area where locals and tourists alike hang out.

Tulum vs Playa del Carmen

I prefer Tulum beach because it’s less busy, and despite the overdevelopment, the beach hotels of Tulum have kept their laid-back feel, with palapas and low-rise buildings. However, what i love about playa del Carment is that the beach is close to downtown and the popular Quinta Avenida so everything is at a walking distance or a few minutes away by car or scooters.

Also, another important difference is that Tulum now has a huge problem with privatization of beach access, so even if the beaches in Mexico are a federal territory and therefore public, if there is no public access, they basically become private.

So in Tulum, you either stay in a beach hotel, or you pay for a beach club, which is not a bad idea. As I explain my dedicated post

Is Tulum, Mexico, expensive?

Tulum used to be one of the most expensive destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula, but I realized that in the past couple of years the rental prices have decreased, and so have the hotels’.

There are still expensive high-end hotels on the beach and luxurious condos, but now you can find a wider range of prices and cute places to stay that are affordable, even on the beach side.

At Casa Coyote, for exampl,e where you can find a suite for 130 USD in the high season (or even lower if you check last minute), which is quite a low rate for a beach hotel in Tulum.

Is Tulum worth visiting?

Yes, it is if you love the beach but also want to explore the surrounding natural attractions, such as the cenotes and biosphere, Mayan sites, good food, and the fine Tulum boutique hotels. Especially if you have never been there, I believe it’s worth spending a few days.

Can you swim in the ocean in Tulum?

Yes, you can if there is no Sargasso, which has become a recurring problem. Before booking, check out the Sargasso Alert Facebook Group for real-time information.

Is Tulum overrated?

Honestly… a little. Tulum has gotten super busy, and in some ways, it’s starting to feel a bit overrated. Besides the prices that are now not higher than Playa or Cancun, crowds are everywhere, and that chill, off-the-grid vibe it used to have? It’s fading. But even with all of that, I still love it.

What keeps me coming back is the beach—it’s still stunning. That mix of powdery white sand and turquoise water is hard to beat. Plus, Tulum is perfectly located for day trips to some of the most beautiful cenotes in the region and iconic archaeological sites like the Tulum ruins or even Coba and even Ek Balam further east, if you’re up for a drive.

If the town feels too much for you, you can still stay in the quieter areas or just visit for the day and explore the nature around it. The magic is still there—you just have to look a little harder for it now.

Why is Tulum so popular?

Tulum blew up because of its boho-chic vibe—simple as that. Over the years, it turned from a sleepy beach town into a trendy hotspot packed with boutique hotels, design-forward restaurants, and shops that feel more like art galleries than retail spaces.

It’s the kind of place where every corner is curated, every smoothie bowl is photogenic, and every beachfront suite is straight out of a magazine. Check out my friend’s shops WanderlusTulum and IntheMiddle to have an idea of what I mean.

That dreamy aesthetic—raw wood, woven lamps, jungle backdrops, and beachfront beds—put Tulum on the map, especially on social media. Influencers came first, then wellness retreats, then digital nomads. The whole “eco-luxury” thing became the norm, even if the “eco” part was a bit questionable and deliberately used.

But here’s the flip side: nature is paying the price. Mangroves have been cleared for construction, the jungle is shrinking, cenotes are getting polluted, and the infrastructure hasn’t kept up with the growth. What used to be rustic and quiet is now congested and commercial in parts. Tulum’s popularity brought in investment and beauty, but also strain and overdevelopment.

So yeah, Tulum is still beautiful and full of charm—but it’s also a place caught in the tension between paradise and profit.

Do people speak English in Tulum?

Yes, they do. Although the main language is Spanish, many American expatriates live here, and because Americans are the strongest tourists, many locals have learned English.

Are there good Airbnbs in Tulum?

Tulum Airbnb options are endless and spectacular. Check out my guide linked above. You can also check it out directly on the Airbnb site through the search box below.

Where is Tulum located, and how to get there

Tulum is located about 131 km south of Cancun and 65 km from Playa del Carmen. 

How to get to Tulum from Cancun

By car: There is one road that connects Cancun with Tulum, the coastal road (Carretera Federal – Road 307), you cannot go wrong.

By bus: If you are not driving, there are comfortable buses from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and both the Cancun and Tulum airports. You can check the local bus company on the ADO website. The buses are very clean and comfortable but insanely cold, so be equipped. 

By minivan ( combi): Right in front of the ADO in Cancun and on the Calle 1 con Avenida 2 in Playa del Carmen, there are combis and minivans, which leave more frequently.

When I arrive in Tulum, where do I go?

If you arrive in Tulum by bus

The area is so small that you cannot get lost.

Tulum is divided into two areas: the downtown (pueblo) and the beach area (Boca Paila direction).

If you get to Tulum by car, at the first set of traffic lights if you go straight on, you enter the ‘’Pueblo’’, or downtown; turn left and you reach the beach area.

You will meet at a roundabout at a T-junction, where both exits will take you to the beach area. It is right in front of you; you just don’t see it because you are separated by either hotels or the jungle.

Don’t worry; there are no 10-story hotels, or 9 or 8. I believe the maximum height is 2 or 3 floors (including the ground floor).

This is one of the things that makes this place so special. All the properties are built with an ecological mindset, using local materials, white stones, wood, and palm-leaf rooftops. Unfortunately, there has been a misuse of the word “green” or “eco,” and unfortunately, not all that is called green is indeed sustainable.

So be mindful of that and do not hesitate to ask. You are a paying customer, and you have all the right to know about the place you intend to stay. The long stretch of beach is interrupted only a couple of times, so you can walk nonstop for miles; my favorite part, however, is all the way down southwards by the last hotels.

Taking the left-hand exit at the roundabout, the road ends at the gate to the Tulum archeological site, where I would suggest leaving the car and walking to the entrance, just 400 m.

Taking the right-hand exit at the roundabout brings you to my favorite part of Tulum, where you will find a display of great shops and restaurants; the clothing stores, in particular, are works of art and labs for creativity. 

If you arrive in Tulum by bus or combi (MINI VANS)

The combi can leave you anywhere you want on the main road.

The big ADO buses will take you to the bus station in the town center. From there, you would need either a taxi or a bike to get to the beach zone, which is about 12 km away. Taxi are overpriced, so make sure you ask the fare before getting in the car.

How to get around in Tulum

In the hotel zone, parking spaces are very limited, and the roads are narrow. However, there are parking lots where you can leave your car.

If you wish to try the Tulum experience, check with your hotel if they have bikes to lend or rent, otherwise, you can find one in town.

It is very convenient and during the day you might want to leave the car behind and move around like a local, watching the passers-by and exploring every corner, lingering in a particular clothing shop, or getting an organic vegan ice cream at the bar around the corner.

The road in the hotel zone is very narrow, and there is no street lighting at night unless you are close to a restaurant. There is also not much space for those on foot or bike, so just bring a torch with you and be careful.

 However, I wouldn’t recommend using a bike at night.

The pueblo, or downtown, has also become very popular in the past few years, with lots of bars and fancy restaurants to hang out in at night, and very creative artistically- decorated coffee shops where you can hang out alone, reading your book or writing your own things (like me), hanging out with friends or holding a meeting, day or night!  As a coffee shop freak, those are my favorite spots.

TAXI—Taxis are available at a stand at the main traffic light, where the turn to the hotel zone is, or you can ask your hotel to call one.

Public transportation to the hotel zone is not reliable and is not very frequent.

Is Tulum Safe?

Local police intensively patrol the area and is quite safe during the day, but of course, common sense is advisable (don’t leave your bag unattended on the beach or anywhere, for example). Avoid dark and isolated streets at night. I would recommend reading my safety tips in my dedicated post, though, for more detailed info on such a delicate and important topic.

Money exchange in Tulum and other money-related tips

In Tulum, they love cash!

The majority of restaurants, hotels, and shops don’t accept credit cards, so bring enough cash (Euros, USD, CAN$, Pounds), and you can change it at the Casa de Cambio.

Although they accept USD, it is always convenient to have cash in pesos because the exchange rate you will receive by paying in dollars is ridiculous.

ATMs are located throughout the hotel zone and at the huge supermarket Chedraui at the beginning of the road to the beach zone.

The banks are downtown, and you can cash in Pesos or USD. However, you should know that the US ATM machine charges a commission of 50 USD for every cash withdrawal, which is not really convenient.

You would be much better off by cashing pesos.

When is the best time to travel to Tulum?

Tulum Weather

Tulum’s weather is typical Caribbean tropical weather, that is to say, very hot and humid in the summer, especially from June through September, with temperatures up to 95 ºF (35 ºC).

Winters usually are drier, and temperatures are still around 80ºF (28 ºC) – the nights are always cooler in winter.

If you come to Tulum around January through February, you might want to bring a shawl or a light jacket for the evenings, although you might not need it. However, these months are considered the best time to visit Tulum, although they are also the most expensive and crowded.

Summer is also the rainy season in Tulum, which means that you might wake up in the shining sun and get soaked with rain in the afternoon—or the other way around. It’s unpredictable.

I always give and use the suggestion that if you plan a trip somewhere, don’t give up on it if you see a cloudy sky. Chances are that it will clear up in the next few hours or not. You never know.

This doesn’t mean that the dry season will never rain at all. It’s crazy weather in Tulum and all the Riviera Maya. Therefore, expect the worst and hope for the best, but be merry always and enjoy the Tulum happy vibes!

Winters are also the busiest months and are more expensive.

For Christmas and New Year, you should book way in advance as you risk not finding space.

Shoulder seasons like April to June and October to December are the best times of the year to travel to Tulum or the Riviera Maya.

Top things to do in Tulum, Mexico

Besides basking in the sun on the spectacular beach and enjoying the views from your trendy beach hotel, trying the exceptional food, or shopping in the Boho Tulum, there are so many daily activities that you can do in Tulum and discover the spectacular places that made Tulum one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.

Below, I am listing all the amazing visits that you can make while vacationing in Tulum.

1. Tulum Archeological Site

The only archeological site right on the beach offers fantastic views and fascinating history. You can reach the site either by bike or taxi through the main entrance of the Parque Jaguar, where you can leave your car for free.

Read more about the Tulum Mayan Ruins in a dedicated blog that I have created with a friend, focused explicitly on ruins and cenotes.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 17:00 hrs
Last Access: 15:30 hrs
Official INAH entry fee: $100 MXN

You can also find certified local guides to hire at the entrance if you want to learn more about the history and symbology of this Mayan Archaeological Site.

2. Visit Akumal beach and swim with the turtle (free in the ocean)

Akumal is a beautiful beach about 30 30-minute drive from Tulum, where you can swim in the sea and casually meet turtles that are naturally hanging out close to the shore. It got a little overcrowded in the past couple of years, but it’s still a good spot to visit.

On the beach, you can also pay for a beach club which includes the use of chairs and sunshades, or enjoy the beach and choose your preferred restaurant for lunch or a snack.

As you can read in my dedicated post, now if you want to swim with the turtles in the designated area, it’s mandatory to join a tour. However, since the turtles are free and not enclosed, you can see them while they swim nearby. I would recommend bringing your own mask and fins.

3. Visit a cenote

They have estimated that around 6,000 cenotes are scattered around the Yucatan Peninsula. Cenotes are natural sinkholes created by water and other natural elements corroding limestone rock.

As I explain in detail in my post about the Cenotes near Tulum, there are many beautiful cenotes just 30 minutes away. Some of them, such as Cenote Cristal and Escondido are reachable via bike, or scooter. Others are a bit far away but worth the trip.

4. Take a tour of the biosphere of Sian Ka’an

The spectacular biosphere of Sian K’an is home to a wealth of wildlife, including bird colonies and dolphins. There are several ways to visit the Biosphere of Sian Ka’an.

5. Visit Coba’s archaeological site

Even more interesting are the Coba archeological site and the 3 nearby cenotes. In only one hour, you can reach the tiny village of Coba by car or local bus. In the two posts I have linked to above, you will find all the necessary information.

My personal tip is to spend a few nights in Coba. Nobody does that, but it gives you the opportunity to enjoy the site and the cenotes early morning on two different days when nobody is there, and chill in your beautiful hotel for the rest of the day. If you are happy to splurge, you can stay in the spectacular Coqui Coqui Coba. Otherwise, I stayed at Itzal Coba and it was exquisite.

6. Enjoy a day trip to the lesser-known Muyil and the floating river

Very few people know about this archaeological site with access to the Sian Ka’an biosphere. At the moment it’s closed because they are doing some reconstruction works at the entrance and fixing the interpretation trails. It will be even more beautiful when they finish. I can’t wait to go back.

You can combine the visit to the archeological site with the boat tours across the old Mayan canal that runs through the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. If you are anything like me and love to rent a car to go on your own you can visit the Mayan site by yourself and then book a tour directly with the boat company on their official site. Otherwise, if you don’t want to bother with renting a car, you can purchase a combined tour with a local guide that takes you to both the ruins and then on the boat.

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7. Visit Punta Laguna

While going towards Coba, you can plan a stop in Punta Laguna, where a group of local families manage this beautiful area and will take you on a short hike around the jungle to find out about the spider monkeys and other animals. You can also enjoy a boat ride on the lagoon. It’s a unique and authentic experience.

Where to stay in Tulum

I  wrote a complete guide on how to decide where to stay in Tulum, which includes the main differences between hotels and downtown, but also my favorite hotels.

Here I am giving you just a brief consideration of the accommodation options in Tulum.

✔ Tulum’s all-inclusive offer is very scarce, just because there are so many restaurant options in Tulum, both downtown and on the beach, that you wouldn’t want to dine all the time in your hotel, but try all the unrivaled culinary experiences in the different top-notch restaurants throughout the town.

✔ Tulum beach hotels are the most expensive but also the most romantic hotels in Tulum for couples, and definitely the best option if you wish to live the Tulum “boho life” to the fullest.

✔ If you are on a strict budget, downtown Tulum offers a variety of beautiful, cozy accommodations that suit your needs.

✔Jungle hotels are the new trend, and you will also find many options in the tranquillity of the overwhelming nature.

✔ VRBO – Another way to live the Tulum life is to rent a villa or an apartment on VRBO. Tulum has various choices, from the trendiest and most expensive beach house to a simple apartment in town or in the Jungle.

Tulum Restaurants

The culinary ambiance of Tulum also plays a great part in the general appeal of the swanky town.

The delicious variety of food offers the most incredible and unimaginable combinations of flavors. The restaurant layouts represent a showcase of the most unique and creative architecture, where mayonnaise jars become fancy lamps, old sewing machines become in-demand ornaments, Home Depot water pipes become elegant hooks for clothes, and old doors become the headboard of your comfortable bed… and I could go on.

Tulum Beaches

The beach in Tulum is just one long stretch that might get different names at times, but it’s just one.

And it will leave you speechless; endless and vast, the soft white sand is what any beach lover and paradise seeker is looking forward to.

Even if it is sometimes sprinkled with seaweed, it doesn’t matter; it’s still beautiful and dreamy.

The contrast between the pristine water, which is 50 shades of blue, and the green jungle as a background makes it one of the top destinations in the world.

To enjoy Tulum Beach even better, you should try one of the Tulum beach clubs. They are available at many prices and in many locations, and are totally worth the money.

Another great advantage is that the water is not deep and the current doesn’t tend to be strong, so you can easily walk and swim stress-free, unlike Cancun’s beaches, for instance.

Everywhere in Tulum, you will have free access to the beach, and most hotels will rent you beach chairs and umbrellas if you need them. In most cases, they will give you a discount on the meal cost if you eat there, which is always very convenient.

Always ask at reception.

Is Tulum tourism indeed as sustainable as they want us to believe?

Tulum is no doubt one of the most popular destinations in Mexico.

Its popularity comes from different elements; it’s the hip town, the cool place to go for the jet-setters and their followers, fashionistas and modern/vintage art lovers, eco-chic fans, or last but not least, those simply attracted by the unique and pretty Mayan site, the only one situated on the water, offering you not only an exciting historical meaning but also a very picturesque subject for your pictures.

Not to mention the amazing natural wonders that you can visit in the surroundings.

I love both worlds, and for all these reasons, I have grown particularly fond of this quaint and multifaceted little town.

However, all this fancy movement also shows its dark side. 

Greediness has led to unsustainable overdevelopment, which is slowly destroying the natural environment, which is why Tulum was so appealing in the first place.

We love Tulum and want tourists to continue to visit, but we do believe there is a more sustainable way to grow, and it’s important that whoever comes is aware of the present situation.

So please follow eco-friendly practices and help conserve Tulum’s natural beauty as outstanding as they are.

Final Thoughts

Tulum is one of those places that captures your heart with its mix of stunning beaches, fascinating history, and laid-back charm.

After living in the Yucatan Peninsula for over a decade, I can say there’s always something new to discover—whether it’s a hidden cenote, a trendy new restaurant, or a quiet stretch of sand far from the crowds.

I hope this Tulum travel guide has helped you plan your trip and inspired you to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. With the right balance of adventure and relaxation, your Tulum, Mexico vacation can be as unforgettable as the turquoise waters that make this destination so special.