Tulum has rapidly become Mexico’s most trendy beach destination, attracting travellers from all over the globe, and after visiting recently, it is easy to understand why.
Charmed by the most delicate stretches of white-sand beach, inviting crystal clear waters, and a tranquil ambience that will effortlessly make you feel at ease, Tulum is easily one of Mexico’s best destinations for those looking to kick back and relax.
While I normally prefer to explore lesser-known destinations, I didn’t want to miss out on this one, so I went to see what Tulum had to offer.
Quite frankly, I was positively surprised after spending several days in the most popular and photogenic town of Mexico’s famous Riviera Maya.
In fact, Tulum is a town that makes a perfect base for some of the best experiences in Yucatán.
Think of impressive Mayan ruins, a wide array of picturesque cenotes, as well as a great selection of good restaurants and bars – not to mention that Tulum is home to some of the most innovative hotels and resorts in the whole of Mexico.
That said, here’s my traveller’s guide to Tulum, where I cover all the nifty details to have a wonderful time, including the best things to do in Tulum, where to stay, as well as some insider tips that make your stay unique.
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Where is Tulum
Tulum is located in the state of Quintana Roo on Mexico’s popular Yucatán peninsula, about two hours drive from Cancun.
With its white-sand beaches, densely forested jungle, and some of the most stunning sunset points in Yucatán, Tulum is considered one of the best beach destinations in Mexico.
Where to stay in Tulum
When it comes to accommodation in Tulum, there are heaps of brilliant options to choose from.
Whether you’re after a pillow in an affordable hostel, an upscale eco-friendly resort, a boutique hotel next to the sea, or something in between, I’m pretty sure you’ll find an option that suits your travel preferences and budget.
To help you out, I’ve listed a couple of my absolute favourites below, some of which are marked – these are the ones where I stayed myself.
+ Una Vida | Tucked away in the lush jungle of Tulum is Una Vida, an outstanding set of luxurious villas that are marked by the most incredible bohemian-style design – you should definitely click the link to see how awesome this place is. Adjacent to these elegant villas is a serene garden that features two incredible zen-like pools, and a spacious common area. And though it sounds like you’re in a remote paradise, you’re still at only a stone’s throw away from the trendy bars and restaurants of Tulum.
Elements Tulum Boutique Hotel | Located within a short walk of Tulum’s lively city centre, Elements is a charming boutique hotel that provides elegant rooms that are unrivalled in terms of comfort. A large outdoor pool, various breakfast spreads, and a set of complimentary bicycles to take around town, make Elements one of the best options in Tulum.
+ Turquoise Petit Hotel Tulum | Set in the heart of Tulum, this charming boutique hotel offers exceptional value for the money, with luxurious suites starting at just $95 a night. The rustic-style rooms (the artwork is awesome) are spacious, air-conditioned and utterly comfortable. There are also two outdoor pools and a lush garden – something that’s always appreciated.
Habitas Tulum | Internationally known as one of the best Eco-resorts in Tulum, Habitas grants travellers a once in a lifetime experience, by combining the magical environment of Tulum Beach with world-class facilities and hospitality. It also features a large ocean-facing pool, a private stretch of beach, and a high-end wellness centre. Do keep in mind that this luxury comes at a price – Habitas is an absolute splurge.
Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel | Unquestionably the best hostel in Tulum, Mayan Monkey provides semi-private bunk beds, a large outdoor pool, and an in-house restaurant and bar. All rooms come with air-conditioning, and a great breakfast spread is presented every morning. Throw in the fact that it’s just $35 a night, and Mayan Monkey is an absolute champ.
Tubo Tulum Hostel | An excellent option for those after something a little different, Tubo offers tube-like rooms based on a unique eco-friendly concept. Alongside the characteristic tubes, you’ll have a cosy common area, making it a perfect place to meet up with fellow travellers. Tube rooms start at around $38 per night.
If the above accommodations do not resonate with your travel preferences, search accommodations in Tulum on booking.com.
10 Awesome things to do in Tulum, Mexico
1. Behold the aesthetic IK Lab Art Gallery
Established within the renowned Azulik ecological resort, IK Lab is an impressive art gallery that is, without doubt, the most aesthetically pleasing museum I’ve ever stepped foot in.
Designed by Jorge Eduardo Neira Serkel on behalf of the great-grandson of famous art collector Peggy Guggenheim, this distinctive gallery became a huge success from the moment it opened its doors at the beginning of 2018.
Upon entering, you’re asked to take off your shoes, which brings the experience to a whole nother level.
Cool concrete floors alternate with rough curved bejuco vines, that are crafted in wave-like shapes. Those traditional vines have been used since ancient times by Mayan artisans, which piqued the interest of the designer.
The changing texture underneath your feet, an aromatic breeze of incense, and IK Lab’s incredible aesthetic design elements further increase the gallery’s mystical ambience.
With its design inspired by nature, the IK Lab art gallery is not just your typical museum, and for that reason, I highly believe it is one of the more unique things to do in Tulum.
2. Visit the paradisiac Tulum Ruins
Perched atop the edge of a steep cliff, overlooking the Caribbean Sea are the picturesque Tulum ruins, a site that should be high on your list of things to do in Tulum.
The ancient Mayan town of Tulum was once of significant importance, as it functioned as one of the major trading hubs of the Mayan civilization. Goods that were traded often here include cacao beans, turquoise, cotton and jade.
In comparison to other archaeological sites in Yucatán – Chichen Itza, Coba and Uxmal to name a few, the Tulum ruins are rather unique, and roaming around the complex feels as though you’ve stepped straight into a scene of Pirates of the Caribbean.
The reason for this is a phenomenal tropical ambience, acquired by picture-perfect ocean views, steep rugged cliffs, and heaps of lush palm trees.
However, with Tulum still rising in popularity, the ruins can be a bit overrun at times – therefore I can’t stress it enough to visit the Tulum ruins first thing in the morning. For those who want to learn more about its history, I highly recommend this guided tour of the Tulum Ruins.
3. Take a swim at the Gran Cenote
The incredibly scenic Gran Cenote is among the most attractive cenotes in the Riviera Maya, and luckily for you, it is situated only a stone’s throw away from the town centre of Tulum.
Gran cenote is a large open-air cenote with an idyllic cave-like ambience. The cenote is well-known for its crystal clear groundwater, which is supplied from the many underground rivers that lead to the centrally positioned basin.
The marvellous cenote is home to an abundance of small fish and freshwater turtles. The Gran cenote is unquestionably the most popular cenote when it comes to snorkelling, diving and cave-diving, therefore it is extremely busy throughout the day.
What many people don’t know, including ourselves, is the fact that there is a second cenote. This smaller cenote is way more peaceful and just as beautiful.
The less-crowded cenote is easily accessed by swimming through a natural tunnel full of exquisite stalagmites and stalactites. If this option sounds too adventurous, opt for the easy way and take the stairs.
Although it is quite busy throughout the day, I liked my time at Gran Cenote. Still, I recommend visiting right after the doors open.
4. Stop by the famous ‘Follow that Dream’ sign
While cruising along the dusty roads alongside Tulum Beach, you’ll most likely notice a broad spectrum of inspiring road signs.
The best known of these signs is the ‘Follow That Dream’ sign, an uplifting road sign that has rapidly become one of the most popular Instagram hotspots in Tulum.
And I must admit, I deeply admire the creative and conscious approach that Olivia Steele manifested with her ‘Public Display Of Awareness’ street art project.
Other signs that are part of this powerful project in Tulum, state the following insightful mantras; Stay Present, If Not Now, When?, Know Thyself and Be Here Now.
It doesn’t matter if you’re into serious photography or just trying to nail your next Instagram shot, Tulum has an endless amount of creative photography possibilities, and those inspiring signs are definitely one of them.
5. Admire Ven a La Luz Tulum
As you might have noticed throughout this guide, it is clear that Tulum is a breeding place for progressive contemporary artists and their inspiring art installations.
One of the best-known installations is the towering wooden sculpture that is positioned at the entrance of Raw Love and AHAU Tulum.
The picturesque Ven a La Luz sculpture, created by Cape Town artist Daniel Popper, symbolises the deep-rooted connection between human beings and nature.
The 10-meter high sculpture was originally designed to raise awareness for the sensitive ecosystem in Tulum before it was placed as decoration at AHAU Tulum.
We can assure you that this elegant sculpture attracts people from dawn till dusk, so if you’re looking to have some photography freedom, head there as early as possible.
6. Relax at La Eufemia Beach Club
With so many luxurious resorts established at Tulum Beach, it can be quite a challenge to find your slice of paradise while travelling on a budget.
Luckily, it is La Eufemia that secured a stretch of sand at Tulum’s popular Beach.
La Eufemia Beach Club is, without a doubt, our happy place when it comes to relaxing after a full day of exploring in and around Tulum.
A well-balanced mix of affordable prices and a laidback vibe, make the beach club extremely beloved among locals and travellers.
We’d spend numerous afternoons at La Eufemia and recommend checking it out if you’re in for some well-deserved relaxing time, a badass sunset and a few cold drinks supplemented by delicious local bites.
7. Have a nutritious lunch at Raw Love Cafe
Nestled between the beach and dense jungle is Raw Love Café, a trendy café that is deemed to be one of the best places to energize your body in Tulum.
At Raw Love, they serve a bunch of healthy vegan dishes that are primarily based on superfoods, making it an excellent café to have breakfast and lunch.
The trendy café is best known for its nutritious smoothie bowls, which we can say are pretty yum. However, they serve so much more nourishing dishes and bites.
Think of traditional dishes served as a healthy vegan alternative, including raw pad thai, zucchini pasta and portobello burgers. Not to mention the boosting healing shots, fresh smoothies and lovely organic coffee.
All this gets enhanced by Raw Love’s laidback ambience, a garden full of palm shade and a glimpse of the best stretch of beach you’ll find along the coast of Tulum.
8. Explore the incredible ruins of Chichén Itzá
Once the bustling epicentre of Mayan civilization, Chichén Itzá is nowadays acknowledged as Mexico’s number one historical landmark, and that’s no wonder – it is a new wonder of the world after all.
The phenomenal Chichén Itzá is a vast complex that holds a bundle of imposing structures, with the magnificent El Castillo pyramid as one of the main reasons travellers flock to Mexico.
The Mayan people were extremely diligent when it came to mathematics and astronomy, which clearly reflected in the consciously designed structures you’ll see at Chichén Itzá today.
Now you’re reading this Tulum guide, I assume you most likely have a wonderful trip to Tulum planned. If that’s the case, I highly recommend you visit the ruins of Chichén Itzá too.
Though it’s totally possible to visit independently from Tulum, I believe the best way to visit is by joining a guided tour of Chichén Itzá.
9. Jump in Cenote Calavera
Cenote Calavera is relatively undiscovered compared to other more popular cenotes in the Riviera Maya. That doesn’t mean the cenote isn’t impressive, it is in fact, quite an adventurous one.
The appealing cenote is entered by jumping into a perfectly round sinkhole, if this sounds scary, opt for the wooden ladder.
If you’re adventurous, like me, this most likely sounds interesting to you. Next to the cenote’s main opening are two small cracks where you could drop through.
Like many other activities in Tulum, I think it is best to visit early morning or late afternoon.
With so many cool features, including a rope swing, you won’t be disappointed – I genuinely think it is one of the best cenote’s you could visit in Tulum.
10. Grab a burger at Bonita Tulum
Despite the fact that I have an affection for local cuisine, I every now and then crave a good burger.
This is where Bonita Burger Bar came and saved the day. A wide variety of creatively composed burgers, including delicious vegan options, made it kind of difficult to choose at first.
Luckily, you can’t go wrong here. Bonita Burger Bar is excellent when it comes to flavour and seasoning, which results in unique, juicy, yet crispy burgers. It is even possible to customize your burger with extra toppings as you wish.
Additionally, I’d recommend grabbing some self-cut fries on the side, which come with four amazing homemade dips.
The venue itself has a charming outdoor terrace, where you’ll be able to play a handful of games, including one of my favourites: Jenga. That and the sincere staff make the trendy burger bar perfect to hang out while enjoying the best burgers and signature-crafted beers.
Things to do in Tulum | The essentials
The best time to visit Tulum
Situated at the heart of the attractive Caribbean, Tulum enjoys a pleasant tropical climate year-round, making it a top-notch destination for travellers from all over the world.
Whereas it’s basically possible to visit Tulum at any time of year, I believe the best time to visit Tulum is during the peak season that runs from November to April.
During this time of year, the weather is warm and pleasant, while there’s also barely any rainfall, making it the perfect period for both relaxing and exploring.
Additionally, I would recommend planning your trip in the off-season months of October and May. I visited Tulum in late October and had the fortune to enjoy excellent weather my entire trip, as well as the advantage of fewer people around.
One word of caution though, as with most tropical destinations, it isn’t guaranteed that you’ll get to experience good weather during the off-season.
How to get to Tulum
FLIGHTS | HOW TO GET TO TULUM
If you’re planning to visit Tulum, you most likely enter Mexico by plane through the Cancun International Airport, which is located around 1,5 hours drive north of Tulum.
For flights to Cancun, I would suggest the use of Skyscanner. Not only is their website easy to use, but they also offer a large variety of airlines – plus the possibility to find good rates.
After arriving in Cancun, it is pretty straightforward to get to Tulum, especially if you consider making use of one of the options I listed below.
CAR | HOW TO GET TO TULUM
The popular Yucatán Penisula is one of the safest areas in Mexico, making it the perfect destination for an adventurous road trip – which obviously, also includes a few days in Tulum.
When sorting out car rentals in Yucatán, I would advise checking out Rentalcars.com.
With excellent service, additional insurance, and a wide selection of cars to choose from, Rentalcars is in my opinion easily the most convenient pick – ooh, and rates are pretty good too!
BUS | HOW TO GET TO TULUM
Public transport is one of the most popular means of transport, if not the best option to travel around Yucatán.
ADO, Mexico’s main bus company is an excellent company where I travelled with on several occasions. I can say from first-hand experience, that their services are of great quality.
Not only are their busses comfortable, airconditioned and clean, but they also service the major cities in Mexico, including Cancun, Tulum, Playa Del Carmen and Valladolid.
For more information, departure times and online reservations, visit the ADO website.
Stay safe in Mexico | Travel insurance
While Mexico is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.
Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full COVID-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.
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