My highly-requested Tulum travel guide is live! Tulum is truly one of the most magical places I’ve ever visited and is the perfect trip for getting your feet wet with international travel (I’d never been out of the country before my visit!). Read on for details about the best time of year to visit, what to do, where to eat, getting around, the best photography spots, packing essentials and outfit inspiration.
For an even more in-depth look at Tulum, visit my Tulum Travel Diaries here:
Akumal Turtles Snorkeling Adventure | Gran Cenote | Exploring Coba Mayan Ruins in Mexico | Sunset Photoshoot on Tulum Beach
Tulum Travel Guide in a Nutshell
Tulum is split up into three distinct areas: Tulum Playa (the beach), Tulum Pueblo (the town) and the Tulum Ruins. The posh Tulum Beach strip is a boho lover’s paradise with extravagant eco-resorts, designer shopping and morning yoga sessions on the beach. But on the other hand, they come at an exorbitantly expensive price tag.
Tulum Town offers a more immersive feel to the local culture as well as cheap, luxury accommodations and street tacos that are out of this world. In contrast to the rest of Tulum, the Tulum Ruins lack accommodations and are mainly a destination for beautiful views and a taste of archaeology.
Best Time of Year to Visit
Tulum travel guide tip: prime time for visiting Tulum is during its dry season (January—April). Temperatures range from 70 to 90 degrees with abundant sunshine. The rainy season (June—October) is very humid and stormy, but it’s a great time to plan your visit to save money on accommodations in the off season. This is also the only time of year when you can swim with whale sharks near Cancun (a true bucket list moment!). Lastly, shoulder season (November—December) is the best choice for low crowds, cheaper prices and dry, temperate weather.
How to Get to Tulum
To get to Tulum, you should fly into Cancun International Airport in Quintana Roo. Many major airports have direct flights from the U.S. to Cancun for fairly affordable prices, so this leg of the trip is fairly simple. Depending on traffic, Tulum is about a 1.5—2 hour drive south of Cancun.
Additionally, there are a few different ways to reach Tulum depending on your budget and schedule. For the cheapest option, take an ADO bus from the airport to Tulum. This route definitely takes more time, but it’s very economical at around 15 dollars each way.
Private Transportation
The fastest and most expensive option is to take a direct private transfer or taxi from the airport to your accommodation. Rides usually range between $70-$80 each way, but if you’re splitting it amongst a group, it can be a lot more affordable. I arranged private transportation with my AirBnB host which was a little cheaper. Additionally, most hotels offer their own private shuttles from Cancun directly to their resorts.
Getting Around Tulum
There are a few different ways to get around Tulum depending on which area you’re staying in. For Tulum Beach, bikes are a great option for coasting from beach clubs to shops and restaurants. Bike rides are a little more strenuous for those staying in Tulum Town—it’s about a 45 minute ride in the heat from Tulum Pueblo to Tulum Beach. As a result, most travelers take taxis or colectivos (shared taxis) to reach the cenotes and ruins.
Taxis in Tulum
Before you set out to explore, it’s usually easiest to hire private transportation for any day trips to Coba, Chichen Itza and Akumal. Luckily for me, one of my AirBnB hosts was my driver for excursions that were a little off the beaten path. Most resorts can also arrange any taxi rides for you as well. It can get a little complicated flagging down taxis on the street if you don’t speak much Spanish, so it’s nice to have someone on your side to take the stress off and arrange your transportation in advance.
You can also rent a car from the Cancun Airport which gives you a lot more freedom to explore, but from my experience, driving in this part of Mexico is kind of a free-for-all. So, I would definitely recommend biking or using taxis as the easier (and safer) alternative.
Tulum FAQs
Is Tulum Safe?
Before I headed to Tulum, I researched a ton to make sure it was safe for solo female travelers. Mexico can kind of get a bad reputation when it comes to safety, but Tulum is quite safe. Overall, the Yucutan is one of the safest places you can visit in Mexico. Tulum is usually far removed from any drug cartels and organized crime.
The people that warn against visiting Mexico usually haven’t been there before, so you can make your own judgment call. Surprisingly, I found out Cancun has more crime than Tulum even though it has more tourists.
Ideal Destination for Solo Female Travelers
Tulum is actually a popular destination for solo female travelers because of its safety, abundance of things to do, beautiful beaches and welcoming locals. My AirBnB hosts and locals I encountered during my travels were very welcoming and eager to help me if I ever had a question about anything. I never once felt unsafe during my visit. If a little blonde girl can feel safe traveling to Mexico by herself, you can too! As long as you use common sense, like not staying out late by yourself or drinking too much, you should be perfectly fine.
What to Pack
What to Wear
- Maxi dresses
- Sundresses
- Rompers
- Cotton tees
- Denim shorts
- One-piece
- Bikinis
- Coverup
- Sandals
- Tennis shoes (for ruins/hiking)
- Sunhat
- Jewelry
- Bras + Underwear
Toiletries
- Travel-size shampoo and conditioner
- Dry shampoo
- Hair brush + hair ties
- Heat protectant
- Straightener + curling iron
- Blowdryer
- Makeup + brushes
- Makeup remover wipes
- Face wash + moisturizer
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Mouthwash + floss
- Deodorant + perfume
- Shaving razor
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Bug spray (you won’t survive the trip without this lol)
Essentials
- Passport + pen
- Bottled water (Tulum travel guide tip: the best way to avoid getting sick in Tulum—this goes for ice too!)
- Beach towel
- Snorkeling mask
- Underwater camera
Where to Stay
Tulum Beach vs. Tulum Town
First of all, where you should stay in Tulum is very dependent upon your budget and what you want your vacation to look like. Tulum Beach and Tulum Town definitely have their own unique advantages depending on where you choose to stay.
Tulum Beach
Palm trees sway over the turquoise ocean. Wooden eco-resorts and treehouses hover near the shoreline. Yogis practice vinyasa at sunrise on the beach. Travelers capture the perfect shot in front of beach huts with their matcha and açaí bowls with dreamcatchers swaying in the wind. If you want a vacation straight out of a beachy, boho Instagram dream, Tulum Beach is the place for you.
Tulum Beach is by far the most popular area to stay in Tulum (for good reason) and the price tag definitely reflects that. This trendy beach strip is the perfect place to stay if money is no object—during the peak season when I visited, some prices for eco-resorts started at over $2,000 a night. Tulum travel guide tip: you can usually find a more affordable deal if you visit during the rainy season or opt for more modest accommodations near the beach (like a hostel or budget hotel).
The Truth About Tulum’s Eco-Hotels
It’s worth noting that since a lot of the luxury resorts along Tulum Beach are “eco-chic,” they don’t come with the modern amenities that you would normally expect from five-star hotels. Many of them are constructed like treehouses and are open-air, meaning that they don’t have electricity, air conditioning, doors, showers or even decent plumbing as a result.
Instead, you get private plunge pools, stunning architecture, ocean views and an experience that allows you to connect with nature. You’re basically “glamping” at a lot of these resorts—which some travelers don’t realize until they get to Tulum.
Just something to keep in mind—if you prefer a room with AC and a toilet that flushes, you’re probably better off staying in Tulum Town. I’m not saying this to scare you away, it’s just good to know what you’re paying for ahead of time to avoid any unwelcome surprises! Nevertheless, all of the resorts along Tulum Beach are beautiful and definitely memorable places to stay. Read on for a few resort recommendations depending on your budget:
Luxury ($$$)
Azulik—arguably the most famous of Tulum’s resorts. Completely eco-chic and open air treehouse rooms connected by bridges. Also, the restaurant features incredible hammocks and a bird nest table overlooking the jungle.
Nomade—very bohemian and home to a Moroccan-inspired restaurant where you can dine on poufs. This resort also features a lot of beautiful huts and artwork pieces along the beach that make for a beautiful photo op.
Casa Malca—formerly Pablo Escobar’s mansion. This hotel is very airy and open, and a lot more secluded than other resorts in Tulum. Tulum travel guide tip: if I could stay at any resort along Tulum Beach, it would be this one.
Moderate ($$)
Coco Tulum—beautiful beachfront property and very affordable rooms for being right on the beach. In addition, their beach club is one of Tulum’s best and has delicious tacos and guac.
Papaya Playa Project—the perfect option if you’re wanting a low-key vacation where you can lay out all day. Plus, Papaya Playa is one of Tulum’s most popular beach resorts.
My AirBnB Experience in Tulum Town
Tulum travel guide tip: I highly recommend staying in an AirBnB in Tulum Pueblo for the best experience. The luxury condo I stayed in with a rooftop pool was only $60/night! You save so much money by staying in town and still get a pretty glam stay. Plus, if you’re more adventurous or want to spend a lot of time at the beach, you can still visit the beach clubs and save hundreds of dollars on where you stay. A tour of my AirBnB is saved in my Tulum story highlight on Instagram here.
I can’t say enough good things about my AirBnB rental and my hosts, two cousins who are both named Gabriel! They truly made my stay in Tulum so much less stressful while traveling alone. Gabriel drove me to and from the airport and all the places I wanted to visit, helped me buy tickets and toured the ruins at Coba with me, and even shared some meals together so that I could get a more authentic experience in Tulum. Plus he translated a ton of Spanish for me. Even though I’ve taken a few years of Spanish, it can still be a little difficult to get used to speaking it in another country.
$$$ Off Your First AirBnB Booking
I honestly can’t recommend them enough—they have several properties in Tulum to choose from and truly made my stay in Tulum incredible. Shoot me an email if you’d like to book with them, and I’d be happy to connect you! In addition, you can get $40 off your first booking with AirBnB by clicking here.
Things to Do
Explore Mayan Ruins
The Yucatan Peninsula is home to many ancient ruins sites that remain from when the Mayans ruled this land. Tulum has two major ruins sites, and if you want to venture north, you can make a road trip out of exploring several different ruins.
Best Mayan Ruins in Tulum
Tulum Ruins—famous for overlooking the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea. In fact, these are the only ruins you can visit that are directly on the beach, and are definitely a must-do on any trip to Tulum. Unfortunately, this was one thing I had to skip since I already visited the ruins in Coba and had limited time from falling ill during my trip. Always an excuse for a trip back, right?
Chemuyil—located in the heart of Sian Ka’an, a biosphere and UNESCO World Heritage Site. These ruins are found deep in the jungle near the water and are practically untouched. As a result, this site is the least crowded out of all the ruins you can visit. You can also take a scenic float trip through the mangroves from the pyramid out to the lagoon. It’s absolutely beautiful and one thing I really wish I had time to experience on my trip. Tulum travel guide tip: the whole biosphere is worth its own day trip—you can swim with wild turtles and dolphins as well as seeing a lot of tropical birds. Definitely paradise if you’re a nature lover like myself!
Best Mayan Ruins in the Yucatan
Coba—about an hour north of Tulum and one of the most authentic Mayan ruins sites you can experience in Mexico. An Indiana Jones-like adventure leads you deep into the jungle to climb the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan. Undoubtedly, this was one of the highlights of my trip and a must-see! For more details on Coba, check out my guide to exploring the Coba Ruins here.
Chichen Itza—the most famous Mayan Ruins and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. The ruins are about a two hour drive from Tulum and as a result take up a full day for travel and exploration. Definitely worth seeing, but only if you have enough time on your trip (probably better suited for a 5-7 day itinerary).
Go Swimming in Cenotes
Cenotes are the one thing you must see to believe on your trip to Tulum. These limestone sinkholes with crystal clear water are absolutely beautiful and the perfect spot to cool off during a hot afternoon. Cenotes are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula and hold spiritual significance to the Mayan people—you can definitely make a fun day out of going cenote hopping! For an in-depth look at which cenote may be right for you, visit my Cenote Guide here. I also listed a few of my favorites below for easy access:
My Favorite Cenotes in Tulum
Gran Cenote—one of the most famous cenotes in Tulum. Gran Cenote is absolutely gorgeous and one of the more popular cenotes. As a result, make sure to visit at opening time for a more tranquil experience. Additionally, you’ll be able to get all your photo ops without people in the background!
Cenote Dos Ojos—more of an underground cave swimming experience. Dos Ojos is also quite popular like Gran Cenote, and has stunning dark blue water.
Cenote Calavera—forms the shape of a skull from above. One of the only cenotes you can jump straight down into and has a rope swing that’s perfect for the ‘gram! Tulum travel guide tip: also significantly less crowded than Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos.
Snorkel with Turtles in Akumal Bay
This was the ultimate highlight for my Tulum trip—you can snorkel with endangered sea turtles just north of Tulum. Akumal looks like something straight out of a postcard, and the locals are so friendly. Additionally, I booked my first AirBnB experience for this tour and it was absolutely fantastic! For more details on the best time of year to snorkel with the turtles, how you can help turtle conservation in Mexico and the highlights of my experience, visit my blog post here.
Golden Hour Photoshoot on the Beach
If you’re traveling to Tulum solo, this is the number #1 thing I recommend doing—your own private photo shoot on the beach. As a photographer, I rarely ever get any pictures professionally taken since I’m always the one behind the camera. This was also such a fun way to capture my trip to Tulum and the memories of my first solo international trip that can only be described as transformative. Stepping outside your comfort zone (in both solo travel and trying new things) is so worth the risk. Tulum Beach is absolutely stunning and the perfect backdrop for a shoot. You can see all the photos from my session to inspire your own beach shoot in Tulum here.
Where to Eat
Breakfast
Raw Love Tulum—the perfect stop for a healthy breakfast. Everything on the menu is vegan and they serve the yummiest açaí bowls. Bonus points because you get to eat in a hammock!
Matcha Mama—where to grab yummy smoothies or a quick bite to eat. Their little huts with swings set up in front also make for the cutest Insta pic of sipping on some matcha on a sunny Tulum morning.
Lunch
Cerveceria Chapultepec—everything is 21 pesos here! Great local atmosphere and fish tacos for an even better price. Above all, this was one of my favorite taco places I tried in Tulum Town.
Burrito Amor—delicious tacos and burritos in the heart of Tulum Town. Also, this is a great option if you want to eat on a beautiful patio for a fraction of the price of tacos on Tulum Beach.
Nomade Tulum restaurant—probably the trendiest lunch spot in Tulum. The whole restaurant looks like something straight out of Morocco with poufs and low tables set up on colorful rugs. Definitely make advanced reservations if you want to try this place out!
Dinner
Nu Tulum—hands down the best place I ate at in Tulum. Above all, incredible food, breathtaking atmosphere and some of the best service I’ve ever had. The setting is absolutely stunning with candles illuminating tables under a jungle canopy and the stars. I still dream about those tacos.
Gitano—another gorgeous restaurant in the jungle. Without a doubt, this is the place to see and be seen. Also, the disco jungle vibes and incredible Mexican cuisine are to die for. Did I mention it’s amazing?
Posada Margherita—the best pasta in Tulum. You might be thinking, “Italian food in Mexico???” But trust me, it’s worth it. You also can’t beat that beachfront view either.
El Nero—amazing tacos as well as a local, authentic feel. Additionally, the place has a great mariachi band. If that doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will.
Instagram/Photography Spots
Tulum Beach
Read on for some of my favorite Instagram spots in Tulum:
- Tulum Beach
- Casa Mia
- Coco Tulum
- Casa Malca
- Be Tulum
- Azulik
- Riding a bike down the Tulum Beach Strip
- “Follow that dream” sign
- Matcha Mama
- Dreamcatcher shops
- Tulum Ruins
- Cenotes
- Playa Paraiso leaning palm tree
- Sian Ka’an
- Akumal Bay
- Views from Coba’s pyramid
I think that just about wraps up my Tulum Travel Guide! I hope you find this travel guide helpful and pin it for your next trip to Mexico. Do you have a question you didn’t see answered in the post? Let me know in the comments 😊
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