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16 Best Hotels in Tulum, From Luxury Resorts to Beach Bungalows

By Michaela Trimble

Once awash with sand-floor smoothie bars and relaxed, palapa-style hotels spread amidst the palms, Tulum’s reputation as a sleepy seaside village no longer stands. Akin to the trajectory of its northern neighbor, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, located in Mexico's Quintana Roo state , has grown into a veritable town with development showing no signs of slowing. Now, its dirt paths are paved, and its beach entrance is flanked by side roads leading to all kinds of hospitality concepts, with properties extending their reaches into the jungle behind the town’s famed beach road.

Big, luxury hotel names have officially entered the space, with Conrad Tulum staking its claim with luxury suites situated around five pools and 11 on-site restaurants. Then there’s the more far-flung outpost by Mexican-owned hospitality group Chablé , a 10-suite boutique retreat at the end of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

Whether you're looking for a posh suite set on the bustling beach road or a tucked-away treehouse amidst the verdant jungle, Tulum offers an ideal stay for every type of traveler. No matter what type of stay you choose, expect to feel at once sedated and mesmerized by the balmy conditions, tropical foliage, and white sand beaches of this Yucatán Peninsula hotspot. Without further delay, these are the 16 best hotels in Tulum.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

La Valise Tulum

Ethereal, white-sand walkways lead to 11 beachfront suites with ocean views at this boutique hotel hideaway, all set within A-frame , palapa-style structures that blend seamlessly with the natural surrounds. In 2022, La Valise Tulum debuted its latest development: 11 additional jungle-facing suites, most with private jungle terraces and outdoor soaking tubs. During a stay, guests can enjoy taking dips in one of three pools, plus everything from cacao ceremonies to bee venom facials at the spa. Organic meals are offered at Nü, which sources many of its fair-trade ingredients from the regenerative farm Mestiza de Indias, designed to preserve ancient Mayan farming techniques.

Within the Tulum jungle, near the La Valeta residential development, this boutique hotel respite is barefoot sophistication realized. Although each of the property’s 26 villas can be booked as a standalone stay, the hotel is ideal for groups. Each villa offers extensive gardens with semi-outdoor showers immersed in nature, some with private plunge pools , and can be connected to adjacent villas to accommodate families or large groups of friends. At Gaudea, guests can enjoy poolside fresh fruit smoothies by morning and candlelit dinners and mezcal-based cocktails by evening, while the wellness offerings include yoga classes and holistic massages.

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya Arrow

Though this luxury resort is only located about 13 miles north of Tulum’s downtown near Akumal, it feels a world away. While most Tulum properties are boutique hotels by nature, mostly due to the limited availability of land, this hotel, with its 349 guest rooms, is sprawling. Withn the grounds, guests can spend their time at the cenote-inspired spa or lounging in one of five swimming pools . There are also 11 on-site restaurants and bars, ranging from a sushi bar to a Mediterranean restaurant with small plates inspired by the flavors of southern Spain and North Africa.

Shibari Tulum

Guests of this jungle-side property don’t even have to leave the grounds to immerse themselves in one of Tulum’s most precious natural resources—cenotes, which are natural pools with subterranean limestone cave systems. In fact, this 64-villa property is designed around its very-own cenote, known as Tuuch, which is lined with a swimming pool area replete with beach loungers and hammocks. Japanese and Mayan philosophies merge at this resort. Both Samurai culture and the sensual Japanese art of Shibari, a therapeutic rope-tying technique, are integral to the property, with workshops offered regularly. During a stay, guests are also privy to two on-site shopping boutiques, a cafe, a hot tub bar, as well as a restaurant exclusively open to hotel guests.

The Beach Tulum Arrow

The Beach Tulum is an intimate, adults-only oasis that combines a serene escape with easy access to local hot spots for a perfectly balanced Mexican getaway. Located just under two hours from Cancun International Airport, it is nestled snugly in the middle of Tulum’s main hotel zone with the beach and the main strip on either side of the hotel. A blissful retreat filled with private plunge pools and hot tubs—it’s almost as if the whole hotel were a spa—it’s a go-to for guests looking for a harmonious escape from the hotel’s party-centric and lively neighbors. —Taylor Mead

Be Tulum Arrow

A rare boutique property in this resort-heavy area, Be Tulum has a smaller feel and plenty of character. Guests love the outdoor showers and jungle-nestled feel that still keep the beachfront at their feet. Popular for honeymooners and cuisine lovers who enjoy the open-kitchen restaurant, it's a beach club-meets-hotel vibe that embodies Tulum well and has garnered repeat clients, including Traveler readers who landed it a spot on the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards.

Casa Chablé Arrow

Evoking the Tulum of yesteryear, Casa Chablé is stunning in its simplicity. Beyond the entrance of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, located about 22 miles south of Tulum, the property offers travelers the feeling of staying at a private home. Guests first enter through the main villa, which features five guest rooms, each with private balconies. Past a plunge pool shaded by palms, down a white-sand swath, are five standalone oceanfront suites with indoor-outdoor showers and terraces. While on property, guests can enjoy sunset cocktails on the lagoon or a Yucatecan-inspired menu crafted by chef Jorge Vallejo of Quintonil in Mexico City .

Sánara Arrow

This boutique property on the Tulum beach road is barefoot luxury at its finest. Though Sanará’s minimalist beachside suites and villas and jungle-pool compounds are idyllic (some even have private gardens and claw-foot tubs), the real reason most guests stay here is for the property’s Ayurveda-inspired wellness center. Immersive healing programs include massages rooted in Indian healing rituals, yoga classes taught at a beachfront studio, and clean cuisine served at its plant-focused kitchen, the Real Coconut.

Hotel Bardo Arrow

Nestled within the jungle, Hotel Bardo offers contemporary luxury rooted in wellness, with regular rituals like sound healing ceremonies and yoga classes on rotation. Though life at this adults-only hotel is centered around a thatched-roof bar and an outdoor pool lined with sun loungers—guests can meet here every evening, pre-sunset, for an intention-setting ceremony—the rooms steal the show. Each of the loft-style villas features its own private plunge pool and outdoor garden with a hammock made by artisans in the Yucatán Peninsula. Pair that with decorative cotton artworks and ceramics by the Mexican designer Caralarga and you have a contemporary lifestyle destination in the heart of the Mayan jungle.

Olas Tulum Arrow

This tucked-away beach bungalow borders the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve at the very end of the beach road, evoking the Tulum that existed when the property first debuted over a decade ago. There’s no pool or flashy beach club at Olas Tulum, and that’s exactly what makes it so charming. With only eight suites, arriving here feels like you’re visiting the home of a dear friend. Delightfully secluded away from the noise and crowds, the property’s meals are organic and served at a communal table. It’s the type of place where you make genuine connections, both with other guests and the staff.

Tulum Treehouse Arrow

Top creatives in their field gathered to create this secluded, five-room oasis on the jungle side of Tulum’s beach road. Something like a hotel-concept store hybrid, the Tulum Treehouse is a celebration of modern Mexican design. A sleek, minimalist respite, the concrete property is built with artists of all types in mind: Centered around a pool and open-air kitchen (run by Noma alum Edoardo Fiaschi), the guesthouse includes a working studio with an outdoor ceramics kiln for artists in residence and a shop by Xinú, the top Mexican perfumery. During a stay, guests are privy to the property’s diverse programming like weekly talks, live music performances, and craft workshops.

Casa Maya Kaan Arrow

Set within a 10-acre plot of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve along a long stretch of private, white-sand beach, Casa Maya Kaan rises from the jungle like an ancient, secluded paradise. Set well beyond the beach road’s recent developments, a stay here—in either a brick-and-mortar suite or one of nine outdoor bell tents—is centered around wellness. All bookings include a bespoke organic menu according to the group’s dietary preferences, and an extensive catalog of both spa treatments and excursions are available, from a temazcal sweat lodge ceremony to a private boat tour through the Boca Paila Lagoon.

Habitas Tulum Arrow

Upon arrival at Habitas Tulum, guests are whisked behind a stone façade and greeted with a copal cleansing ceremony. This sets the tone for a stay at this spiritual-chic hideout, located at the beginning of Tulum’s beach road. The heartbeat of the hotel is a central lounge area with low-slung seating in the sand and a bar and restaurant offering vegetable-forward Spanish cuisine. The space opens to an oceanfront pool and lounge with one of the only secluded beaches in the area thanks to two natural rock barriers. The safari-style, low-impact suites are simple yet functional, each with a nearly identical design, save some that offer plunge pools while others have jungle or ocean views.

Holistika Arrow

In the heart of the jungle, this boutique hotel and holistic center offer a respite rooted in transformation. Guests of Holistika often eschew the late-night parties on Tulum’s beach road in favor of the property’s vast wellness programming, from kundalini yoga and breathwork classes to cacao ceremonies and sound baths. Each of the 24 guest rooms is peaceful and minimalist, with an added option to stay in a communal bunkhouse known as the Beehive. A stay here is also about gathering, whether at the vegetarian restaurant, Tierra, or by the outdoor fire pit for live music in the evenings.

Hotel Panamera Arrow

If the terra-cotta-and-cream-checkered pool at Hotel Panamera looks familiar that’s because it is—this property was purchased by Mexican entrepreneurs and rebranded from the old Casa Pueblo into a brighter, chicer version of itself. Within the three-story, oceanfront structure are 14 sunlit rooms. With design touches inspired by historic estates of the Caribbean, each room is austere with polished floors, long white corridors, and minimalist furnishings, as the star of the show is the view of the sea. New to the property is a swanky rooftop terrace, known as The Roof, where craft cocktails are paired with seafood dishes categorized by their preparation: raw, grilled, or atop a crispy tostada.

Hotel Esencia Arrow

A luxurious hideaway for the international jet set, Hotel Escencia is set 30 minutes north of Tulum and feels a world away from it all. Once the former home of an Italian duchess, it’s now a thoughtful boutique hotel with three restaurants, two pools, and a spa that overlooks a cenote. Set within a secluded 50-acre estate with flourishing tropical gardens, the property’s focal point is the main house, a three-story building known as Casa Grande, set just steps from 45 suites and three private villas, all with private terraces and some with plunge pools and ocean views. The property borders the Xpu-Ha cove to the south, a haven for the area’s sea turtles.

Find more Mexico travel recommendations:

• Top 20 Resorts in Eastern Mexico: Readers’ Choice Awards 2023
• Top 20 Resorts in Western Mexico: Readers’ Choice Awards 2023
• Traveler Editors Favorite Hotels and Resorts in Mexico, Central, and South America: The Gold List 2024
• 34 Best Airbnbs in Mexico
• 16 Best Beaches in Mexico

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I've Been Visiting Tulum for Nearly 10 Years — Here Are the Best Things to Do in the Mexican Town

There are still some hidden gems in this popular Mexican destination.

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If there's one destination in Mexico that has had a dramatic global impact, it’s Tulum. Dancing on sugar-sand beaches until the wee hours of the morning, sipping fresh coconuts on hammocks in palm tree groves, and vibing to that earthy, boho aesthetic are now integral to the Tulum experience. There are few other places in Mexico where you’ll find such a high concentration of luxury boutique hotels, designer shopping, wellness centers, and natural beauty.

Tulum is far from off the radar these days. It’s a veritable brand in its own right, much like Brooklyn or Bali. The destination has grown so popular that it now has an international airport, along with a collection of luxurious all-inclusive resorts . Long gone are the days of dirt roads and cash-only seafood shacks. Still, not every secret has managed to escape, and if you know where to look, you can find some truly magical under-the-radar experiences.

We’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in Tulum, featuring a few of the classics, as well as a handful of insider-approved favorites. 

Hit the beach.

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Whether it’s your first visit to Tulum or you’ve been more times than you can count, the first stop should be the beach. The beaches of Tulum are what put the destination on the tourist map to begin with. These long, meandering stretches of stark white sand set the scene for dreamy color palettes of crystalline blues, jungle greens, and earthy clay and wood. It’s easy to see why the beaches here laid the foundation for Mexico’s current luxury aesthetic. Playa Paraiso is the main beach in Tulum, but seeing as one sandy stretch rolls into the next, it’s impossible to pick a bad spot.

Walk (or cycle) downtown.

While the beach is what draws visitors to Tulum, the town is what keeps them coming back. Tulum Centro is a buzzy, creative, colorful destination packed with fantastic restaurants, nightlife, boutiques, and art. One of the best ways to explore downtown is on two wheels, and many nearby hotels offer rentals or complimentary bikes as part of their perks. The oldest section of Tulum can be found along Highway 307, now lined with popular bars and restaurants. Sections like La Veleta and Aldea are newer and dominated by luxury-style apartments, restaurants, and boutiques. 

Book a beach club.

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All beaches in Mexico are public and you're welcome to bring everything you need for the day. Tulum, however, has a lengthy list of well-equipped beach clubs that provide everything from towels and cold drinks to elaborate menus, oceanfront pools, Bali beds, and sceney parties.

Everyone's favorite is Papaya Playa Project , one of the original beach clubs that began well before Tulum was the international superstar destination it is today. Papaya Playa Project sits within a sustainable boutique hotel right on the sand, blending jungle vibes with funky decor. The best way to experience this beach club is to book a room so you can be immersed in the experience.

Taboo is another dreamscape of a beach club, with an infinity pool that overlooks the Caribbean Sea and a crown of fluffy, cloud-like daybeds. The menu here offers a mix of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine, as well as fresh sushi. Reservations are a must, particularly if you're visiting during the high season.

Partake in water sports.

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The sea may be too calm for surfing, but there are plenty of water-based adventures for travelers who like to be active. Tulum's beaches can be notoriously windy, but for kitesurfers, it's an absolute dream. A quick stroll along the beach will reveal a wealth of operators who are eager to take visitors out to tackle their first wave. On calmer days, you'll find the water teeming with kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and Jet Skis.

Climb Coba.

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Everyone — and we mean everyone — comes to Tulum to visit the iconic oceanfront ruins. These are spectacular, without a doubt, but are often swarmed with tourists. For something a bit different and more low-key, head into the jungle to see the ruins at Coba. Not only is Coba an impressive archaeological site, but you can also climb its main pyramid for a gorgeous jungle view.

Coba is believed to be one of the most important sites of the Mayan world, where visitors can still see an impressive network of raised roads. Most people come to Coba to climb its main pyramid, which is 138 feet tall with 120 steps. Be sure to wear shoes with a good grip, as the stones can be quite slippery. The view from the top is certainly worth the effort.

Swim in a cenote.

Oleh_Slobodeniuk/Getty Images

Exploring a cenote is not just one of the best things to do in Tulum, but in Mexico overall. Fortunately, Tulum is surrounded by spectacular cenotes . The entire Yucatan Peninsula is built on porous limestone, which has a network of underground rivers. Where the limestone bedrock has collapsed, it has left natural caverns or sinkholes, called cenotes. The Maya people believed cenotes to be the entrance to the underworld, and it's easy to see why — they're dark, mysterious, and otherworldly. Draped with hanging vines, pierced with sunlight beams from openings to the sky, and hushed with stony silence, these natural wonders are a must-visit in Tulum.

Visit the Azulik Uh May.

Tulum has long been a center for creatives, who come to be inspired by the natural landscape and earthly energy. Azulik Uh May , also known as the City of Arts, is a jungle-shrouded museum just outside Tulum. This creative project, tucked deep within the Mayan jungle, is packed with sculptures and artwork. The space is dedicated to sustainability and eco-conscious design, with the goal of a zero-carbon footprint. It's the brainchild of Eduardo Neira, a.k.a. Roth, who is also the founder of the nearby Azulik resort . 

Visitors to Azulik Uh May can break the barrier between themselves and the art by creating as well. The community has many workshops and exhibitions that call for viewer participation. Learn ceramics and macramé, sculpture, architecture, and even alchemic dining. This is one space that flies below the radar in Tulum, but should not be missed.

Explore the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

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Tulum may have lost that off-the-grid vibe years ago, but you can still find it tucked within the jungle and on the sparkling beaches of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Less than an hour south of Tulum, this protected area spans 1.3 million acres of untouched natural beauty. Hire a guide for the most comprehensive experience, which can often lead to castaway-style beaches, or join a boat ride to cross an idyllic lagoon teeming with dolphins and turtles.

Check out the Muyil ruins.

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While visiting the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, you may want to stop at the Muyil ruins (also known as Chunyaxché). Tucked in the northwestern corner of the reserve, these small ruins are easily navigable and often devoid of visitors. One of the earliest settlements on the Caribbean coast, only a handful of the Muyil buildings have been excavated. It was once an important stop on maritime trade routes, and visitors can still travel the ancient canal systems dug up by the Maya through the lagoon to reach the sea. Its main pyramid, El Castillo, is 57 feet high and one of the tallest coastal pyramids in Mexico. 

Make your way to Laguna de Kaan Luum.

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Laguna de Kaan Luum, a secret among locals, is an open-air freshwater cenote located a quick drive from Tulum town. Brace yourself for some intoxicating shades of blue and the sounds of wind rustling through the surrounding mangrove forests. 

For full transparency, the lagoon is not completely off the tourist radar. It does have a cost of admission, as well as a price to rent equipment like paddleboards and kayaks. But with that cost of admission comes facilities like palapa-topped umbrellas, restrooms, and small cantinas to buy snacks. Remember to bring cash and leave the sunscreen at home, as the lagoon has a strict no-sunscreen policy to help preserve the wildlife.

Punta Allen

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You can still chase that barefoot, sleepy fishing village vibe in one of the many smaller towns surrounding Tulum, including Punta Allen. Unspoiled by the masses, Punta Allen moves at a snail's pace and has retained its original roots. 

One of the reasons it has remained relatively untouched is because it's somewhat hard to reach. It's only 35 miles south of Tulum, but don't underestimate the road — it's better to have a vehicle that can handle some rough terrain. The other option is to take a boat from the Sian Ka'an visitor center south of Tulum's Hotel Zone. 

Once you're there, however, you'll feel as though you've stepped back in time — sandy streets, questionable electricity, and coffee shops without Wi-Fi. This is where people go to escape the fray, disconnect, and listen to the waves with their toes in the sand.

Get PADI certified.

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Tulum is one of the best places in Mexico to get PADI certified. With warm water year-round and a quick speedboat trip out to the second-largest barrier reef system in the world, Tulum is an international diving hot spot. Be prepared to see turtles, lobsters, eels, reef fish, and a whale shark or two if it's the right season. You can dive inland as well, in the many cenotes, which set the scene for subterranean cavern dives. 

The best time to dive in Tulum is between May and November. For whale sharks, June through September is peak season.

Snorkel Yal-Ku lagoon.

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Of course, you don't need to commit to diving to enjoy Tulum's underwater treasures. Snorkeling is just as rewarding in the warm, crystal-clear water. One of the best spots for snorkeling in Tulum is the Yal-Ku lagoon. Located north of Tulum, near the village of Akumal, Yal-Ku is a brackish ecosystem brimming with tropical fish. There is an admission fee, but the lagoon comes with services like restrooms, showers, and life jacket rentals. Visitors can also access the lagoon through the Xcaret theme park, which has a higher admission, but access to a restaurant.

Take a day trip to Mahahual or Bacalar.

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For years, Tulum was the last stop for most travelers venturing down the coast of Quintana Roo. But now more than ever, visitors are pushing further south to explore other breezy, beachy gems along the Mexican Caribbean. Bacalar and Mahahual are two popular stops for travelers. These sun-kissed destinations are equidistant from Tulum, but each offers its own vibe.

Bacalar is a small Pueblo Mágico overlooking a giant freshwater lagoon. Known for its eco-chic accommodations, nonmotorized water sports, and laid-back lake clubs, it's one of the region's fastest-growing destinations. On the sea-facing side, Mahahual is a no-frills town with a string of beach bars and restaurants plus small hotels and guesthouses.

With the opening of Tulum's new airport, these areas are about to see a big uptick in tourism, so your best bet is to go now before they get too popular.

Experience Mystika Immersive.

At its core, Tulum is a center for the arts — a haven for the quirky and offbeat. Get back to Tulum's roots at Mystika Immersive . This sensory museum experience takes travelers on an adventure through Mayan cosmology. The venue brings visitors across Mexico to experience its natural and indigenous wonders using large-format photography and multisensory installations. Discover the monarch butterfly migration in Michoacán, the firefly sanctuary in Tlaxcala, and the Mayan ruins around the Yucatan — all from the museum’s 360-degree dome and exhibition halls.

Have a wellness encounter.

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With so much creative energy and natural beauty surrounding Tulum, it's no wonder the destination has become an epicenter for wellness and spirituality. From luxury spas and beachfront yoga to cacao rituals, sound baths, reiki, and energy healing, Tulum has every wellness service imaginable — and probably a few you've never heard of, too.

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15 of the best things to do in Tulum

Nov 7, 2022 • 5 min read

From the ruins to the beach and the best activities in between, here are the top things to do in Tulum © Mauricio Handler / Getty Images

Tulum  is one of Mexico ’s crown jewels, a place of picture-perfect beaches and ancient seaside ruins, where nature and art intertwine, and a boho-chic vibe permeates.

It’s also a city with two souls – beach and town – and offers easy access to nightlife and good food plus magnificent outdoor adventure. To help you enjoy the diversity and breadth of what Tulum has to offer, here are the top things to do while you're there.

1. Snorkel or dive in a cavern

Floating through a cenote , you’ll pass yawning caverns and narrow passages, illuminated stalactites and stalagmites, with eyeless fish swimming alongside you. It’s otherworldly – no wonder the ancient Maya considered cenotes entrances to the underworld. Part of the world's largest underwater cave systems, Cenote Dos Ojos is run by a local Maya community project. Snorkel guides lead you through the labyrinth of water-filled caverns, an eerie and unforgettable wonderland, and qualified divers can visit too.

2. Spend time on the beaches

Walking onto Tulum’s beaches is like stepping into a postcard – soft white sand between your toes and vast views of turquoise water, towering palm trees and bungalows behind you. This is why you came to Tulum.

Local Tip:  If your hotel isn’t on the beach, no worries! Head north along the beach road, where two public entry points lead straight there.

3. Leap into swimming holes in the jungle

Tulum is dotted with open-air cenotes, sublime swimming holes surrounded by dense forest, their waters cool and clear, home to schools of tiny fish. Many cenotes, including Carwash, Cristal and Escondido, have simple rope swings and jumping platforms, their surfaces, like mirrored glass, hiding the wondrous caverns below.

4. Soak up the views at the remarkable Tulum ruins

Tulum ruins are an archaeological site like no other, an ancient walled city with ornate stone structures perched on a seaside cliff, high above the brilliant Caribbean waters. True, the structures are modest compared to other sites, but those temples and those views… they can’t be beat. And there’s even a beach!

Planning Tip:  Arrive early to avoid the midday crush, and don’t forget your bathing suit.

5. Take a guided tour of the glorious Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Directly south of Tulum,  Reserva de la Biósfera de Sian Ka’an is a vast and magnificent reserve of tropical forests and untouched beaches, coral reefs and impossibly blue lagoons. Having a guide is the only way to really explore and appreciate the reserve; the Maya-run  Community Tours Sian Ka’an is a good option with snorkeling and kayaking tours, bird-watching trips and even swimming through ancient Maya canals.

6. Settle in for a night of live music at El Batey

El Batey ’s live music will pull you in, Latin beats filling the night air, the crowd spilling into the street. This is a longtime fave in town and the go-to for mojitos, sweetened with freshly pressed sugar cane and prepped on the bar’s iconic VW bug.

Planning Tip:  Arrive early to nab a seat – most nights, it’s standing room only.

7. Bike the beach road

There’s something about riding a bike that evokes a feeling of freedom and belonging. In Tulum, it means pedaling past stop-and-go traffic, a sense of liberation as you explore the beachfront from the ruins to Sian Ka’an, a canopy of leaves lining the way.

Planning Tip:  Hotels often offer complimentary bikes, and affordable rentals are easy to find. 

8. Party (or peace out) at Papaya Playa Project

The artful hotel and beach club  Papaya Playa Project draws crowds for its full-moon parties and Saturday DJ nights on the beach – an extension of the nightlife in town. Midweek is quieter; come for sunset yoga and oh-so-Tulum workshops on topics like "ecstatic movement" and "love immersion."

9. Experience the thrill of kiteboarding

When nortes (northerly winds) blow in during the winter season, kiteboarders come out like muscly butterflies, skimming the water’s surface before lifting, flipping and flying above the waves. Join the crowd! Book lessons or rent gear from water sports operators on Tulum’s southern beaches –  Mexican Caribbean Kitesurf is a top choice.

10. Walk barefoot through SFER IK art museum

Wandering barefoot through the surreal  SFER IK art museum pronounced "spheric"), its circular windows peeking into Tulum’s dense tropical forest, you feel like you’re in a giant cocoon made of bejuco (vine-like wood) and undulating cement. All your senses take over, the contemporary works of art becoming part of this place as much as you, which is exactly the point of this architectural beauty. Located just steps from the beach, a visit here is dreamy, unique and unmissable.

11. Steam and cleanse yourself in a temescal

There’s no better place than hippie-chic Tulum to experience a temescal. Dating to pre-Colombian times, these spiritual cleansings involve sweat – lots of it, with participants sitting in a windowless structure heated with steaming volcanic rocks. At  Yaax Healing Sanctuary , a Maya healer leads the ritual. You emerge with a renewed sense of balance and calm (and gratitude for the cooler air). Isn’t that what vacation is all about?

12. Soak in mud at Laguna Kaan Luum

Slather yourself in the restorative muds of Laguna Kaan Luum, a stunning circular lagoon with waters that alternate between blue and green, depending on the day. Fed by a deep cenote that’s visible from the lookout tower, the waters are warm and shallow – perfect for washing off the mud!

13. Dine at low-impact restaurant Hartwood

If you’re lucky enough to nab a seat, eating at this  off-the-grid restaurant is a classic Tulum experience. The chalkboard menu changes daily, and the ingredients are always fresh and locally sourced. Expect simple yet sophisticated meals – nouvelle-cuisine at its best – cooked over a wood fire and served in an open-air dining room. Buen provecho!

14. Eat street tacos

As the sun sets, Tulum’s street-side grills light up. Hungry customers order platefuls of tacos al pastor – pint-size tortillas topped with sizzling spit-roasted pork, bright red with achiote seasoning and topped with pineapple.

Planning Tip:  Get your fill at Taquería El Carboncíto, with plastic tables on the sidewalk. It's the sort of place you pine for long after you’ve gone home.

15. Tour Tulum’s vibrant murals

Walking through Tulum town, there’s an explosion of art. Dozens of murals brighten the streets: swimming sea turtles and Maya jaguars, psychedelic flowers and fish-headed people. And more appear each year.

Planning Tip:  Get a map of the murals at the tourist information booth, or simply wander along Calle Sol Oriente – the heart of the street gallery.

This article was first published Aug 3, 2021 and updated Nov 7, 2022.

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Your Trip to Tulum: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto

Tulum attracts visitors searching for fun in the sun, relaxation, and proximity to nature. The destination got its start as an off-the-grid beach spot for backpackers and hippie types. Back in the 1990s, it had dirt roads, mostly barren beaches with hammocks hanging in a few rustic cabanas. Now, Tulum’s eco-friendly, boho-chic vibe attracts travelers from all over the world. It has rustic-chic boutique hotels, hip beach bars, and trendy restaurants that are frequented by hipsters, Instagram influencers, and celebrities. It’s a hot spot for yoga retreats, dining, boutique shopping, and even nightlife and electronic music festivals.

This Tulum travel guide will give you an introduction to this beautiful destination and the information you need to plan your stay.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Tulum is in the late fall and early winter when the weather is pleasant and before the crowds of tourists descend in late December until March. 
• Language: Spanish is the most commonly spoken language, although there are many Maya speakers in the area (16,000 speakers of Maya in the municipality of Tulum  ) and many people who work in the tourism industry speak English. It’s a good idea to learn some Spanish phrases before you go.
• Currency: The currency is the Mexican peso (MXN). Tour companies, activities, and hotels may list prices in U.S. dollars but will accept either dollars or pesos. For purchases in shops, restaurants, and street stands, use pesos for the best deals.
• Getting Around: There are plentiful taxis, but Uber does not operate in Tulum. You can rent a bike for a convenient way to get around town and to the beach; many establishments in Tulum pueblo offer them for hire and some hotels provide them for their guests free of charge.
• Travel Tip: Most restaurants and bars, even upscale establishments, are cash only, so be sure to carry enough cash with you for what you need. There are ATMs around town where you can withdraw pesos directly from your bank account, and this is usually the most convenient way to exchange funds, and this method offers the best rate.

Things to Do

You may be tempted to spend your whole vacation at the beach, but don’t miss a visit to Tulum's archaeological site ; it’s the only Maya walled city located right on the coast  . If you’re into health and wellness, check out the yoga, meditation, and holistic wellness offerings at Yäan Healing Sanctuary or Sanará . Nature lovers shouldn’t miss a day trip south to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve , which has tropical forests, mangroves, and marshes, and a barrier reef just offshore  . If you enjoy swaying to tropical rhythms or dancing to the beats of EDM, you’ll also find your bliss in Tulum.

Here are a few activities to enjoy: 

• Take a walk or a swim on one of Tulum’s beautiful beaches .
• See sea turtles in their natural habitat. Mama turtles come up on the beach to lay their eggs and then the babies hatch and return to the ocean between May and October.
• Take a refreshing dip in a cenote . 
• Go on a day trip to visit Cobá archaeological site . 
• Find your zen with a sunrise yoga class.

What to Eat and Drink

The food in Tulum is fresh, inventive, and delicious. This is a great destination for food lovers and there’s something to suit all tastes and palates. There are upscale restaurants like Hartwood , which offers a changing menu based on locally sourced foods, or Bal Nak , which serves creative takes on classic Yucatecan dishes. If you love seafood, head to El Camello Jr . for ceviche and Baja-style fish tacos. For vegan and vegetarian options, check out Raw Love or El Vegetariano Mar y Tierra . You can also find simple tacos and other cheap eats at Antojitos El Chiapaneco or Mexican-Italian comfort food at La Querida . 

When the sun goes down, there are plenty of options for sipping cocktails or dancing under the stars. If you’re looking for great mezcal, don’t miss the underrated Pasito Tun Tun, or perhaps you’d prefer to sample some inventive cocktails on a jungle terrace at Gitano . There are monthly full moon beach parties at Papaya Playa Project , and mojitos made with freshly squeezed fruit juice and sugar cane at Batey , a popular bar in Tulum pueblo.

Explore our articles on the best restaurants in Tulum, and explore Tulum’s nightlife options.

Where to Stay

Your main choice is whether you will stay in the beach area or Tulum pueblo. Most of the hotels on the beach are rustic chic, peaceful jungle-beach boutique hotels. You can expect to pay premium prices for a stay right by the beach, but in keeping with the eco-conscious vibe of the destination, many of the beachfront hotels don’t have air-conditioning, the power may be shut off during the night, and shower water is brackish (somewhat salty). The beach is gorgeous, though! If you opt to stay in Tulum Pueblo, there are economical hotels and Airbnbs to choose from, which may have more of the modern comforts and generally better value. 

Unlike in Cancun and Playa del Carmen, you won’t find many all-inclusive resorts in Tulum. The Dreams Tulum is about a 15-minute drive north of Tulum, and  Kore Tulum is all-inclusive but not directly on the beach. When considering your options, be sure to check the location of your accommodation; many hotels in the surrounding areas add Tulum to their name but aren’t actually in Tulum. 

Check out our picks for the best Tulum hotels, best beachfront hotels in Tulum , and the best boutique hotels in Tulum.

Getting There

The closest international airport is the Cancun Airport , which is located 73 miles north of Tulum. From there, you can arrange transportation with your hotel, rent a car, or take a bus. The ADO bus line offers service from Cancun airport to Tulum a few times a day. It’s about an hour and a half drive to Tulum from the Cancun airport or two hours by direct bus. If the timing of your arrival isn't right for a direct bus, you can catch one to Playa del Carmen and from there get a bus to Tulum.

Money Saving Tips

• Travel during the low season: avoid late December through March and the summer, when there are lots of European visitors. If you book when there are fewer people, the weather may not be as nice, but you can find some great deals.
• Pay with cash and in Mexican pesos to avoid paying extra; the exchange rate offered by local businesses isn't good. 
• Stay in Tulum town (pueblo) and go to a beach club for fun in the sun. Taqueria La Eufemia is a good and fun option where you can enjoy the beach, drinks, and food without breaking the bank. 
• Find accommodation with a kitchen or at least a mini fridge so you can save on food and drinks.
• Eat at local spots. There are lots of street food places and local taco restaurants that offer tasty food for cheap.

Instituto Nacional de los Pueblos Indígenas, " Atlas de los pueblos indígenas de México ," 2020

Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia, " Zona Arqueologica de Tulum ." 2020

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, "Sian Ka'an."

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The perfect 3 to 10 days Tulum Itinerary + practical tips

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Looking for the perfect Tulum Itinerary?

Look no further! I live near Tulum and went there more times than I can count. Let me help you design the perfect Tulum Itinerary for your next trip. No matter how many days you have this post will help you sort your travel planning out.

White-sand beaches, azure waters, and a dazzling coastline on this breezy, magical town are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the beauty of Tulum.

For a vacation, it’s the perfect blend of nature, adventure, and luxury with its wealth of cenotes, lagoons, jungles, archaeological sites, bars, beach clubs, world-class restaurants, quaint boutique hotels and

But so many options also make it quite tricky to fit in all of Tulum’s best places in one vacation, and only a well-planned itinerary will help you make the most of your visit. But don’t worry if you don’t know Tulum well enough to plan an itinerary, I have you covered.

If you have a small budget, also check out the top 13 cheap hotels in Tulum

Tulum Itinerary for first-timers

I’ve included everything on this itinerary to cover you for at least two weeks. But if your stay is shorter, the days are arranged in the order of importance. After the first 3-5 days, you can pick and choose depending on the length of your trip.

Tulum Itinerary Day 1 – Pueblo Tulum + Tulum Beach

On your first day, which will be your arrival day (and hopefully you make it as early in the day as possible), you can choose from two options: Downtown in Tulum or the beach. If you get there early enough, you can even do both.

If you get there before 4 pm, you may want to hit the beach first for a post-flight unwinding time. Spend the rest of your day on Tulum beach, where you can take a swim in the cobalt waters, chill on the white-sand beach, or take a walk on the road running alongside the beach strip. There are plenty of shops and restaurants here as well.

In the late afternoon or early evening, you can stroll in the downtown area to soak in the town.

You will be greeted with shops, restaurants, cafes, and everything else the local life of Tulum revolves around. You can also rent a bike (some hotels in Tulum provide this service).

Downtown is very bicycle-friendly, so you will get plenty of delight watching its street art while you go down these lanes.

At night, Tulum downtown becomes a different world, with a street food market lighting up the place.

You can go around tasting food, looking at the murals anew, and purchase local art at the shops.

Tulum Itinerary Day 2 – Maya ruins

Ready to begin your second day? Today, we’ll be hitting another hotspot of Tulum tourism—the Tulum Mayan Ruins. If you didn’t go for the bicycle rental yesterday, you might want to do it today.

A car or bicycle rental is needed to get to the ruins, or else it will be too long a trip. Even if you make it there before 4 pm (closing entry), you won’t have the energy or time left to enjoy your surroundings after going there on foot.

Perched atop a cliff looking over the strip of sugar-white sand beaches, these ruins offer spectacular views of the turquoise waters from the Maya ruins site. You can either go for a guided tour of these well-preserved remnants of the Mayan Civilization or just look around for yourself.

Make sure you bring water and mosquito repellent.

If you didn’t have enough of the day left on your first day to fit both downtown and Tulum beach into it, now is your time to make one of those trips. You can either head to the Pueblo or visit one of the beaches in Tulum after the trip to Tulum ruins.

You can visit the beach directly below the ruins, or you can go to the more luxurious beaches like Playa Paraiso, Santa Fe, and Cinco Tulum to relax and dine in one of the famous Tulum beach clubs .

Tulum Itinerary Day 3 – Tulum Cenotes

If you thought you were done with the hottest tourist attractions of Tulum after visiting the beaches and ruins, you thought wrong; there’s way more coming your way! Just as important as the ruins and beaches on your itinerary are the cenotes that Tulum (and most of the Yucatán Peninsula) is famous for.

These natural limestone sinkholes are filled with crystal-clear water, and so many of them can be found around Tulum. Try to include more than one cenote on your third day, because each of Tulum’s cenotes is unique one and offers an incredible experience.

You can snorkel, swim, and diving in these cenotes, which is especially enjoyable during the hotter days that Tulum sees from May through October.

Some of the cenotes that I really recommend are Gran Cenote, Cenote Cristalino, Cenote Escondido, Kaan Luum Lagoon, and Cenote Corazon .

All of them are very easy to reach if you have a car or bike, but, due to their popularity, chances are good that you will meet crowds there.

To avoid that, you will have to make sure you reach there by 8 am when they open and there are not many people around, and you get to have the entire place to yourself. Absolutely avoid weekends if you can.

For further reading

• The Best Mexico Overwater Bungalows are on The Caribbean Coast
• 33 Exciting Things to do in Playa Del Carmen
• The Best Airbnb in Playa del Carmen + VRBO and Other Gorgeous Vacation Rentals
• 15 Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen for All Budgets
• The 14 Best Beach Clubs in Playa del Carmen 
• The 9 Best Hotels on the Riviera Maya
• 23 Unmissable Things to Do in the Riviera Maya
• Cenote Cristalino Playa del Carmen, Prices and Info

Tulum Itinerary Day 4 – Mexican cuisine

Now that you’ve covered the first three days going around the best places to visit on your Tulum visit, you can go easy on yourself and enjoy the best, yet not often mentioned, part of the trip.

The Mexican food culture is absolutely one of the most important features of your Mexican trip. And whether you are a foodie or not, you will be mesmerized by the local cuisine.

I know you have already tried plenty of places (and likely loved each one), but Day 4 of your trip is all about savoring the tastes of Mexican cuisine. You can spend it on the beach where there are plenty of beach clubs, restaurants, and bars with mouth-watering menus that will last you the whole day.

I recommend Papaya Playa Project, Hartwood, Ziggy, and Cenzontle as some of the best Restaurants in Tulum .

Apart from the beach zone, you can find just as unique a culinary experience in the pueblo of Tulum, where you will have many choices of restaurants and amazingly delicious street food as well. The colorful streets add to the overall ambiance of downtown, making your experience an even more enjoyable one.

Tulum Itinerary Day 5 – Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Enjoyed your day unwinding? That’s great! But get ready, because now we’re back in action. You’ve seen the cenotes, beaches, and ruins, but Sian Ka’an is a separate experience of its own.

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, it’s a complex environment known for its natural beauty and abundance of both flora and fauna.

The name of this reserve means “Origin of the Sky”, where an intricate web of freshwater lagoons, marshes, and Mayan-built canals run from the lush green Yucatán jungle to the barrier reef of the Caribbean.

In fact, it’s the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean, which means you can find lots of tours for it from within Tulum very easily. A relaxing visit with your whole family, a romantic excursion with your loved one, or a solo trip on your own to the Sian Ka’an reserve will take you on a memorable excursion.

Apart from the organized jeep tours, you can go through the Muyil route and make your trip even more pleasurable by the added scenery. Muyil is extremely easy to reach on your own, has plenty of things to offer like boat tours by local fishermen, and has lots of opportunities where you can just float in the lagoons! If you fancy marine life more, you can opt for the Punta Allen route instead, by booking an organized tour.

Tulum Itinerary Day 6 – Coba Archaeological Site (more cenotes too!)

Another trip to the ruins! Tulum Ruins are quite famous and almost everyone visits them on their visit, but the relatively less crowded Coba ruins, along with their stunning surroundings, make for an amazing half-day trip from Tulum . The area with these ruins is known as the Coba Archaeological Site , which encompasses several cenotes as well.

Situated in a small village by the same name, the ruins offer a completely different experience as compared to the ones in Tulum. The ancient Mayan city that existed here back in 600-900 A.D., was one of the largest Mayan cities, and only a few of its ruins have been unearthed so far.

But the few ruins (from more than 5000 mounds) that have been uncovered suffice for an adventure and then some.

The name of Coba means “waters stirred by wind”, which can be attributed to the four lakes surrounding the village. The central pyramid, called Nohoch Mul, is one of the ruins in Mexico you can still climb. The view from its top is a breathtaking one, with the jungle blanketing the entire area in a refreshing green.

Afterward, three of the most astonishing cave cenotes await you just about 20 minutes drive from the ruins. Mind you, these cave cenotes are quite deep underground and you will have to take some steep stairs to get down there. So if you are claustrophobic you may not like it.

The Cenote Choo Ha and Cenote Multum-Ha would be the first you will see while driving, while Cenote Tankach Ha is a little farther down the road.

For all of them, you must climb deep down mother earth womb, where you will see a small platform and surrounding stalagmites, stalactites, and enough room for jumping! It goes without saying that visiting these is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so make sure to take a trip to all three (they’re very close to each other)!

Tulum Itinerary Day 7 – Snorkeling/Scuba diving

Missing out on snorkeling and scuba diving while visiting one of the world’s most spectacular coastlines is simply a no-go, so if you missed out on these on your beach day and during your cenote visits, now is the time to fix that. With the world’s second-largest reef barrier close by and wonderful underground cenotes, Tulum’s scuba diving experience is one-of-a-kind.

Just off the shore, you will find the Mesoamerican Reef brimming with lots of marine life like reef fish, crabs, lobsters, turtles, stingrays, and even bull sharks! You can try any of the various diving sites in Tulum to get started, with options available. You can check out any of the diving centers scattered around town.

Apart from the reef, you can go diving in the cenotes of Tulum that are famous for it as well. Your options for the cenotes include Gran Cenote, Casa Cenote , Cenote Carwash, Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote Escondido, and many more.

I can’t emphasize this enough, but you have to give snorkeling and diving a try if you’re vacationing in Tulum . The experience is simply amazing and you wouldn’t want to miss out on the opportunity.

If your stay isn’t this long, you can give it a try on one of your beach visits. But do yourself this favor and make some unforgettable memories to bring back with you.

Tulum Itinerary Day 8 – Valladolid and Chichen Itza

After your first week in town, you will pretty much be familiar with the amazing experiences it has to offer. But now it’s time to explore further out in the Yucatan peninsula , so we’ll be delving even deeper into the Mexican charms to explore its hidden gems.

You’ve probably heard of Chichen Itza, the popular Mayan Site, and claimed one of the world’s seven wonders, so it’s about time you go take a look for yourself. Located at only 30 minutes drive from Valladolid, you can also use this pretty colonial town as a base and explore its spectacular natural wonders . (More about it soon)

Chichen Itza and its Temple of Kukulcan, specifically, is one of the most impressive ruins of the Mayan Civilization reason why it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico.

And as such it gets way too crowded, especially during the peak season. I recommend getting thereby opening hours (8 am) to get some peaceful time exploring these ruins. The guides here are slightly more expensive but worth it unless of course, you want to enjoy the ruins at your own pace.

Once you finish the visit, don’t miss out on Cenote Ik-Kil and Grand Cenote nearby, both of which used to be sacred places for the Mayan civilization. If you arrive early enough, you will have enjoyed all of these activities without large crowds spoiling the fun.

Once you’ve explored the ruins and cenotes at Chichen Itza , and crowds have taken over the place, you can move on to Valladolid. The small town is filled with authentic Mexican vibes and makes for a pleasant excursion from the hustle and bustle of the bigger tourist cities.

The place has been a secret destination for some of the more seasoned Mexican travelers, but now it’s getting more and more recognition. Nevertheless, it’s an enjoyable respite with all the colorful houses dating back to the colonial era, shops, museums, and many more cenotes as well.

The enchanting colonial architecture of Valladolid and refreshing cenotes (one is located just a couple of blocks away from the main plaza) are perfect to top off your day before you head back to your hotel.

Tulum Itinerary Day 9 – Playa Paraiso and Playa Pescadores + Boat tour

Ready for more beaches? Today, we’ll be going to Pescadores Beach, where local fishermen organize boat tours. But before we get there, a stop at Paradise Beach or Cinco Tulum, close by is just the thing to get the mood set.

You can grab a breakfast/brunch in either of those places and soak in the refreshing views from any of the beachfront restaurants before heading on ahead.

When you are ready just approach the fisherman desk and book your boat tour. It’s only 1-hour tour where they take you right in front of the Mayan ruins where you can have spectacular views of the Mayan Temples towering over the turquoise waters.

Then you will be taken by a barrier reef where you will be snorkeling and will have the chance to see a wealth of underwater life. Finish the day basking in the sun and watch the sunset which creates an impressive sky color and light even if the sun doesn’t disappear beyond the sea.

Tulum Itinerary Day 10 – Isla Mujeres

If you are up for an adventure today you can move to Cancun and take a tour to Isla Mujeres. The tiny island is full of pleasant surprises and things to do, most of which you can cover in one full day.

You can either go on your own by Isla Mujeres ferry or join a catamaran tour. In any case, the trip itself makes it worth it as the water is of an unimaginable turquoise color.

Depending what are your plans, you may want to spend your last night in Cancun before your departure. If this is not your last day, you can continue exploring. There is so much to see!

Tulum Itinerary FAQs

When is the best time to visit tulum.

You can visit Tulum any time of the year and it’ll be just as unique an experience. The only difference is in the seasons that Tulum sees during the year. May through November is the time when there are more rains, humidity is a little higher, and the Hurricane Season is ongoing, although hurricanes are a rare find. If you’re on a budget, these are the months you can visit because it’s when you will find the best deals.

If you want to go for a short vacation and enjoy the best possible weather, anytime between December and May will be perfect for it. But keep in mind that it’s also the High Season in Tulum, so prices will be at a peak, and chances of crowds are also higher during this time of the year.

Read more about the best time to visit Tulum

What’s the fastest way to get to Tulum?

Since the town has no airport of its own, you can’t fly directly to Tulum. But that doesn’t change much, because Cancun has an international airport that you can fly to from anywhere in the world. Once in Cancun, you can take a registered transport service to Tulum.

Those are the safest and cheapest options. The taxis that go from Cancun to Tulum can be a bit of work because they tend to overcharge most of the time and the drivers aren’t easy to deal with (most of them).

The second option you have (and the one I prefer) is renting a car . You won’t have to worry about any issues, because driving in Tulum is quite safe and easy. A car will give you all the freedom you need to visit the places on your itinerary as well.

You can also use the pickup services offered by many of the lodging services in Tulum. Check to see if the place you’ve booked for your trip offers airport pickup to make the easiest trip to Tulum.

Discover Cars Mexico Review

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✔︎ straight forward information ✔︎ full coverage add-on ✔︎ listing of different companies with reviews

What are some things I shouldn’t miss at any cost during my Tulum trip?

Almost all the things Tulum has to offer are incredible, and I recommend trying each one of them. But if your stay in Tulum is just for a few days, the beaches, ruins, cenotes, and Sian Ka’an reserve are definitely unmissable.

That’s the reason those come first on my Tulum itinerary, so make sure not to miss out on all the beach clubs, watersport activities, delicious food, enchanting nature, and rich history of Tulum.

Is Tulum safe?

The short answer is yes, Tulum is relatively safe, but you still need to use some common sense. In my post on Tulum Safety , I will explain more in detail what I mean.

Where to stay in Tulum

Where to stay in Tulum depends on the kind of activities you’d like to do (and your budget), so I’m going to tell you about four of the best areas for tourists in Tulum to help you decide.

Tulum Beach Zone

The Hotel Zone on Tulum’s beach zone is a favorite among the majority of tourists visiting here, so this is where you will find the most luxurious stays in town. The white-sand beaches are just a few steps away from your lodgings and views of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean are simply mesmerizing.

But, apart from being an expensive option, the traffic in the beach zone gets a little heavy at times, so you will have a tough time getting to and fro during peak hours.

But that’s just a small price to pay if you want to enjoy Tulum at its best and make the most of your trip. I recommend Nomade, Be Tulum, and Casa Malca if you decide to make your stay in the beach zone of Tulum.

Tulum Downtown

The other side of Tulum, Pueblo is a few miles from the beach zone where everything is different yet just as authentic. Lodgings in downtown Tulum are way more affordable and offer a more authentic view of Tulum’s local life. It’s also close to the other activities mentioned on our itinerary, which means quick access to the beach zone, cenotes, ruins, and everywhere else while also saving up.

If you want to make your stay nestled in the colorful streets of downtown Tulum, Zenses Wellness, and Wish Tulum are some of my recommended options. Zenses Wellness is simply gorgeous, so you won’t regret missing out on the luxuries of Hotel Zone lodgings, because they’re all available here.

Wish Tulum is another magical place to stay in downtown Tulum where roomy, comfortable stays come to life with art and creativity.

If you’re looking for the trendiest Airbnb to make your stay in, Aldea Zama is just the place for it. It’s a residential area between the beach zone and Tulum downtown, which is a pleasant new addition to the lodgings of the town. The Airbnb and apartments here are new and gorgeously designed, which sweetens the deal further when coupled with the wonderful location and good prices.

Zereno Studio and Casa Mulix are the ones I like the most there.

La Veleta Tulum

Just like Aldea Zama, La Veleta is also a new residential area in Tulum. It’s located a little closer to Pueblo Tulum and is famous for the condo-hotels, restaurants, and bars that are growing in numbers every day there.

Panacea, Harmony Glamping and Boutique Hotel, Holistika, and Era Hotel & Spa are among my favorites in Aldea Zama. Nestled in the middle of natural beauty, these apartments make for a sublime stay while also being affordable.

Read more about the best Airbnb in Tulum

How to move around in Tulum

Moving around in Tulum is fun on its own. For the most part, you can take long walks and, depending on the area you’re lodging in, explore the town at a leisurely pace. But if you want to cover more ground, I suggest using one of the below-mentioned options.

Rent a bike

A bike would be one of the best things you can move around on in Tulum. Going around the busy roads of Tulum on a bike is super easy, something which you can’t do with a car rental or a cab because things get crowded. Your hotel will likely have bike rentals, but if it doesn’t, you can get one from any of the shops nearby.

Car rentals are my go-to option when it comes to moving around in Tulum, or anywhere else in the Riviera Maya .

If you’re planning to cover the entire itinerary, you can’t go wrong with renting your own car, because most of the places around Tulum will be easy to get to if you have a car . It’s also the safest option and saves you a lot of trouble, money, and you reach your destinations without getting tired beforehand.

Take the cab

Taxi rides are another one of the options when it comes to getting around in Tulum. But it’s also the most expensive option of the three I have mentioned. You will have to agree on a price with the driver before you get into the cab, and even then it’ll be quite costly. If you can, I recommend getting either a bike or a car rental to make your trips more enjoyable and hassle-free (not to mention economical).

With that, our Tulum itinerary comes to an end. I hope you have all the info you need for your visit to Tulum. If you’re visiting for the first time and have any questions left unanswered, feel free to hit me up, I’ll try to help you to the best of my ability. I wish you the best of luck on your trip, have fun!

Isabella is traveler and animal lover, a former tourism professional with an multinational background that lead her to Mexico, that she can proudly call home. After seven years in Cancun where she's still a resident, she took a bold leap, leaving her fancy job to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. She traveled all over Mexico, from Baja California to Ciudad Juarez, Oaxaca, Chiapas Hidalgo exploring and living like a local. Isabella founded Let's Travel to Mexico to help travelers plan their own trip on and off the beaten path in this beautiful land that she loves so dearly.

Tulum, Mexico: A Complete Travel Guide & Tips

Welcome to Tulum – a tropical, bohemian paradise located along Mexico’s highly sought-after Caribbean coastline with plenty of things to see. Featuring pristine, white sandy beaches, dense jungle landscapes, and ancient Mayan ruins, Tulum offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

In this complete guide, you’ll discover the best things to see in Tulum including the jungle restaurants, boho beach clubs and the amazing boutique hotels that make Tulum an alluring destination for travellers from around the world.

Start planning your own trip to Tulum, Mexico!

Why is Tulum so popular?

Tulum captivates travellers from all corners of the globe, including movie stars looking for their fill of glorious white sand beaches coupled with magical restaurants and hotels that are created around the jungle landscape – the designs are truly next level!

You’ll find bohemian luxury on every turn, stunning yoga studios, 5-star beachfront boutiques , striking sculptures made from natural resources and a strong emphasis towards wellness and sustainability, there is really little not to like about Tulum Mexico !

Where is Tulum?

Tulum is located on the southeastern edge of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico . It’s two hours from Cancun and in the other direction 3 hours from Bacalar. A perfect beach escape between Mexican adventures!

When to visit Tulum?

November is the overall best month to visit Tulum, the weather is warm, sunny and stable, there’s minimal seaweed and more things to see and do! December and January are the busiest and most expensive months and the heaviest rain falls June to October. But be mindful that Tulum is a tropical destination and it can rain at any time of the year!

How many days in Tulum?

Tulum is a great place to visit for anywhere from four days to a full week. Not only does it have a stunning beach, but you’ll also find plenty of things to do right in Tulum and nearby. For example, you can take a day trip to see Chichen Itza, one of the most famous spots in Mexico. Check out World Discovery Tours for an exciting day out and read below for the complete review.

BEST THINGS TO SEE IN TULUM

Tulum has had somewhat of a makeover in the last decade, what used to be a rustic and relaxed beach escape has now transformed into the boho-chic destination of the world – with two completely new zones to explore. But don’t worry there’s still plenty of jungle to go around, you only need to view Tulum from a rooftop terrace to see how surrounded you are!

More than ever you can find unique things to see in Tulum that are so incredible whether you’re into bohemian restaurants, natural designs, Mayan ritual experiences or magical Cenotes deep underground.

Here are the best things to see in Tulum :

The incredible beaches are the main attraction of Tulum – and for good reason, once you enter the beach you will understand why! Turquoise waters, miles of white sand fringed with swaying palms and scattered amongst them are the most luxurious boutique hotels and boho beach clubs you ever laid eyes on!

One of the most popular beaches in Tulum is Playa Paraíso, known for its pristine sands and stunning views, here you can relax and throw your towel anywhere as it’s also public beach. For a more pampered experience head to South Beach, along the private section and spend the day at one of the best beach spots in Tulum at the beautiful Nomad , or even better stay here for a couple of days!

Read: Best Beach Hotels In Tulum & Tips

MAYAN RUINS

One of the best things to see in Tulum is undoubtedly the Mayan Ruins , they are no Chichen Itza, but what makes the experience special are the beautiful grounds and epic coastal backdrop, it is a marvellous sight to behold! A visit to the ruins is a must if you’re staying in Tulum, not only is it one of the top things to do in Tulum, but in the whole of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

A great option for visiting the Mayan Ruins in Tulum is this highly-rated half-day private experience , which includes a morning walking tour of Tulum’s Ruins, (away from the busy afternoon crowds) a local guide, snacks and water.

Tip! It’s possible to cycle to Tulum’s Mayan Ruins, head towards the public beach road and aim to arrive before 10am and avoid super busy weekends!

Cenotes are plentiful in Tulum, take a refreshing dip in a “cenote,” jungle swimming holes formed when underground springs cut into the limestone rock – it’s one of the best things to see in Tulum! They’ve been around for thousands of years and are incredible places to swim and explore the crystal-clear turquoise water.

The Yucatan Peninsula is home to over 6,000 cenotes, which means you’ve got plenty to choose from during your trip to Tulum. The best way to explore them is with a local guide, especially if it’s your first visit. On this authentic small group cycle experience you will discover three amazing cenotes and enjoy a Mexican lunch in a secret jungle lodge, the cenotes are not to be missed.

Book: Tulum, Cenote Trail Bike Tour

Tulum has attracted the art world by storm, there are several towering sculptures and art installations made by famous artists and designers dotted all around Tulum, sometimes it feels as though you are walking around an art museum when entering a hotel lobby!

You can find a few of them in the Hotel Zone such as the iconic Ven a La Luz (pictured above) at Boutique Ahau and for a more epic experience, you can book a meal or photo shoot at The Hand eco symbol within jungle hotel Hun Tulum. The costs are between $10 and $250 depending on the activity, visit at least one, they are truly unique things to see in Tulum!

Here ‘ a selection of the most iconic sculptures:

• Ven a La Luz – Hotel Zone at Ahau Hotel
• Azulik Uh May – Mayan jungle art installation
• The Hand – Eco symbol at Hun Tulum
• Sfer Ik – Azulik Resort

Hire a photographer, take a look at the details here

SIAN KA’AN BIOSPHERE

Just along from South Beach lies the enormous Sian Ka’an Biosphere, a protected UNESCO area full of fauna and flora, a lagoon and around 23 Mayan archaeological sights. Inside the park, you’ll find dolphins, turtles, and more fish and birds than you can count, the area is one of the most beautiful and natural things to see in Tulum.

There are many different types of tours to get there, but the most popular activity is the Sian Ka’an boat tour to explore the jungle mangroves and saltwater lagoons, it makes for a great day trip without the hassle of hiring a 4×4 (the roads are pretty rough!) and pick-up is from your Tulum hotel.

MORE ACTIVITIES IN TULUM

Here’s a selection of activities you can’t miss!

Hire a Bike

Cycling around is a fun way of getting to know Tulum and reaching all the different beach clubs, restaurants and attractions quickly and cheaply (almost everyone cycles). Find all the best things to see in Tulum on two wheels!

Indulge in a beachfront yoga class with probably the most scenic views in Tulum! Yoga is everywhere in Tulum, so why not get into the spirit? Lula a Colibri and The Beach Tulum have wonderful sea-facing studios, it’s one of the best things to do in Tulum.

Beach Clubs

The beautiful boho beach club scene is plentiful in Tulum, it would be remiss not to explore one or two! Be Tulum and Nomade are my favourites and offer the most relaxed bohemian experience along South Beach while the central Hotel Zone is for partygoers and you can find your fix at Vagalume !

Wellness and Tulum go hand in hand, what sets Tulum apart are the unique experiences on offer from Temazcal to sound healing and flower baths, Yaan Healing Sanctuary is the most authentic wellness centre and Azulik and Encantada hotels both offer wellness with an unbelievable dreamy setting.

Read: 9 Wonderful Experiences In Tulum

BEST DAY TRIP FROM TULUM

World wonder discovery.

Chichen Itza is by far one of the most popular and spectacular attractions in Mexico, a must-visit for those interested in seeing one of the Wonders of the World!

Explore Chichen Itza , discover the colonial town of Valladolid, have lunch in a beautifully restored mansion and cool off in a cenote with this highly rated small group tour . It was one of the highlights of my week-long stay in Tulum!

Learn More: World Wonder Discovery

WHERE TO EAT IN TULUM

In Tulum, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking good places to eat and drink, from humble vans serving incredible coconut lattes to high-end restaurants twinkling in the jungle. 

BREAKFAST & LUNCH

Raw love cafe.

Raw Love is a fun rustic shack situated directly on the beach, a lovely breakfast spot for fresh juices, acai bowls and iced coffee. There’s also a second terrace in the jungle serving raw salads in a natural leafy shaded area. You’ll find it next to the Ahau Hotel and the Sculpture Park.

Matcha Mama

Matcha Mama is an iconic landmark for photographers and also for eating decorative acai bowls while sitting on a swing! It’s a good casual stop-off point if you are cycling along the Beach Road, if this isn’t your cup of tea there are plenty more places in the area.

Eat At Liefs

Eat At Liefs is a cute little green vegan van set along the Coba Av, it’s the best spot for iced coconut lattes and there’s a little garden area to sit in! They also serve vegan snacks such as banana bread with sustainable local ingredients.

An attractive place to have brunch, Alma Verde is part of the Hunab Lifestyle Centre – a fab upmarket spot in Aldea Zama – one of the best new things to see in Tulum. The menu is creative and healthy, which is matched only by the pretty surroundings – the garden and interior design are unreal!

DINNER & DRINKS

Mezzannine thai.

A vibey beach-side Thai restaurant near the Mayan Ruins with sweeping sea views and fab cocktails (try the gin gin mule)! Mezzanine restaurant is a must-visit, a pleasant change of scene and tasty food, particularly the Queen Salad! Lunchtime or sunset are the best times to visit.

Nu Restaurant

Nu is in the middle of the most happening part of the Beach Road,located at Nest Hotel. It’s one of the top restaurants in Tulum to indulge in a luxury jungle dining experience with locally sourced ingredients and bespoke cocktails. Evenings are best, so make sure to reserve your table here .

Casa Banana

Casa Banana is a popular choice for atmospheric evening meals with a warm and rustic setting thanks to the jungle surrounds and candle lights. It offers an Argentinean menu where almost all of it is grilled – and unusual for Tulum, this one is less vegan-friendly.

Gitano Tulum

Set in the jungle, Gitano Tulum offers a modern twist on Mexican food and lighter meze dishes to have alongside a cocktail or two! Gitano is best visited in the evening when the ambiance is truly amazing, at some point the restaurant transforms into a cool club!

FOR A DRINK OR TWO…

Whether you’re looking for a candle-lit oasis, a stylish cocktail place, live music or a jungle club, you can find it in Tulum! Some of the best spots are located within the beach road/jungle area, these are:

• Casa Jaguar best Thursday evening
• Gitano best Friday evening
• Habitas best Saturday afternoon
• Nana’s Roof Top in Tulum Peublo

WHERE TO STAY IN TULUM

Wondering where to stay in Tulum? There are plenty of options from five-star hotels with all the bells and whistles to beautiful boutiques, tree houses and beach cabins, all decorated in the Tulum boho style.

The most important thing to be aware of is that Tulum is not walkable and there are 4 main neighbourhoods to consider when booking your hotel:

TULUM NEIGHBOURHOODS

Tulum pueblo.

The bustling town centre of Tulum with a local flavour, authentic restaurants and more affordable luxury accommodation than anywhere else in Tulum. You will need a car or a bike to get around as it’s the furthest away from the beach – a 30 minute bike ride along Av. Coba to the beginning of the Beach Road.

La Valeta is an up-and-coming area filled with luxurious hotels, long-term rentals and villas, you can find many beautiful small restaurants and cafés here as well as a community of mostly American ex-pats. One of the benefits of this area is that it’s brand new, up-market and closer to the beach than the town (just a 15-minute bike ride via Av. Kukulkan – avoiding the main road).

Aldea Zama is another new development area between Tulum Pueblo and the beginning of the Hotel Zone, set into the jungle area from Av. Coba. Luxury Airbnb’s and condos are plentiful as well as amazing restaurants and the popular Hunab Lifestyle Centre. Aldea Zama is one of the poshest and most private areas in Tulum, the higher prices also reflect that.

Hotel Zone (beach)

The Hotel Zone is the most popular and convenient spot in all of Tulum, it features the famous white strip of sand with luxury hotels, boutiques and restaurants at either side of the very long and busy Beach Road. It is the prime area of Tulum and if you pick the right beachfront hotel , the idyllic beach escape – you could easily spend a week with your feet in the sand without venturing further!

ACCOMMODATION IN TULUM

When it comes to accommodation in Tulum, there’s an abundance of choices and experiences. It will all depend on your budget and the neighbourhood that you would like to stay in.

Here are my top picks for where to stay in Tulum

Tulum Beach

• Nest check prices
• La Valise check prices
• Encantada check prices
• Una Vida check prices
• Hotel Bardo check prices
• Casa Agape check prices
• Hotel Muara & Spa Tulum, check prices
• Hotel Boutique TerraNova check prices
• Kan Tulum check prices
• Naj Tulum check prices

TULUM TRANSPORT GUIDE

Getting to tulum.

Cancun International is the nearest airport to Tulum and the duration is 10-12 hours direct from the UK then a further 2-hour transfer to Tulum – assuming you’re travelling directly in a transfer car.

Note: Cancun Airport is always extremely busy, on my last arrival it took 2 hours to check through, collect luggage and depart the building!

Getting from Cancun Airport to Tulum:

• Pre-book a direct hotel transfer £70-£100
• Book a shuttle Cancun Airport Transportations
• Reserve a seat on the Ado bus (arrives Tulum Pueblo)

To conveniently rent a car for a trip to Tulum, Mexico, consider using Discover Cars . They provide a comparison of car rental prices from various vendors at Cancun Airport, ensuring you find a great rate. It’s an effective and straightforward way to secure a rental car without hassle – and you can start exploring those off-the-beaten-path places and amazing attractions straight away!

GET AROUND TULUM

Bike: Cycling is common and a cheap mode of transport, there’s bike racks, car parks and bikes to hire everywhere. Note, the best hotels have free bike hire.

Taxi: Taxis are plentiful in Tulum, just flag one down and agree on a price as they are very expensive, even short distances! The cost is also higher at night.

Uber: Unfortunately, there’s isn’t an Uber service or anything like it in the Yucatan.

ADO Bus: The public bus in centred in Tulum Pueblo, book all tickets in advance online for travelling out of Tulum, the station is very busy.

TULUM TRAVEL TIPS

The currency in Tulum is Mexican Pesos, but most places accept US Dollars. Cash is best for, local places, transport and attraction entrance fees. It’s better to have Pesos before you enter Mexico and try and pay in advance for hotels with a credit card! (It’s not uncommon to see ‘cash on arrival’).

TIP! If you need an ATM, use a proper bank ATM located in Tulum’s town.

Spanish is the official language of Tulum, but American English is the most commonly spoken within the Hotel Zone of Tulum. Tulum is pretty touristic except for the town, however, a few keywords – hello, please and thank you would be useful.

Is Tulum expensive? There’s no shying away from it, Tulum is an expensive destination. You will pay top Dollars for hotels, restaurants, drinks and taxis. An iced coffee will set you back $12 and a meal $35, the beachfront is highly priced for everything, and Tulum Pueblo is the most affordable.

Is Tulum safe? While there have been reports on crime in recent years, they are mainly gang-related over ownership, not directly aimed at tourists. As a precaution, you may want to stay clear of illegal jungle raves and troublesome nightclubs, but on the whole, it is safe to stay in Tulum for tourists.

Tulum is a one-of-a-kind tropical boho beach escape, there’s really nothing like it, if you plan right you could have the tropical trip of your dreams. Now you know what the best things to see in Tulum are and where to eat, drink and stay, you can start planning with confidence!

Plan your Tulum trip!

Here’s my go-to list of resources for booking flights, accommodation, tours and more:

• Booking.com : For the best accommodation rates
• Trip Advisor : Check out the latest reviews & trips
• Get Your Guide : For incredible day trips
• Discover Cars : Best car hire price comparison
• Discover Hidden Gems: Best Hotels In Tulum Pueblo
• Paradise Found: Best Beach Hotels In Tulum
• 9 Unmissable Experiences In Tulum

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• 10 Things To Know Before...

Tips To Know Before Traveling to Tulum, Mexico

With immaculate white-sand beaches and turquoise water, Tulum in Mexico is an ideal beach vacation destination and has hotels, shops and restaurants to suit all budgets. Read on to learn everything you need to know before you plan your first, or next, Tulum getaway – including transportation tips, when to go and what to see.

For a hassle-free trip to Mexico, book Culture Trip’s nine-day, small-group Yucatán peninsula tour to experience the region’s top highlights with a Local Insider.

Stay in town if you’re on a budget

Staying on the beach in Tulum is far more expensive than staying in town, and luckily the center is also where many of the hostels are found. Most of the accommodation options on the beach can cost hundreds of dollars per night, whereas downtown hostel dorms, Airbnbs or hotels are much less expensive.

Visit during low season for the best deals

It’s best to plan your trip to Tulum during the low season, which means avoiding late December, February to April and the summer high season. Instead, head over sometime between late August and early December to avoid the crowds and high-season prices.

Hire a bike to explore the area

Tulum town is just a few kilometers from the beach, making it an easy cycle ride to the coast. What’s more, there are plenty of independent bike-hire shops, and hotels and other accommodation often rent bicycles too, or even offer them to guests for free. Hiring a bike in Tulum is a great way to get around cheaply and efficiently, although you might want to take a taxi if you plan on having a drink – or four.

Use pesos not dollars

Many businesses in Tulum accept US dollars as well as Mexican pesos, which seems incredibly convenient, especially for those visiting from the US. However, if you take a look at the exchange rates, you’ll realize that using dollars means you’re paying a massive premium for the same product or service, so stick to pesos – wait until you arrive in Tulum to withdraw pesos from your account at a bank ATM, and you’ll get the best exchange rate.

Choose your cenotes wisely

Most people who come to Tulum want to visit one of the area’s natural limestone sinkholes, which are known as cenotes. There are many of them around, and they vary widely in terms of size, price and attractiveness. If you want to save money, visit an off-the-beaten-path cenote, such as Zacil-Ha, as the well-known cenotes such as Dos Ojos are much more expensive, and often crowded as well.

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Cut down on your waste and use biodegradable supplies

Tulum has grown so quickly that it struggles to deal with the amount of waste produced by locals and visitors, and now faces various environmental challenges. Do your part by bringing or buying a reusable water container and asking to have it filled in bars and restaurants that you are visiting – don’t worry, they’ll fill it from 20-liter bottles of purified water. Alternatively, you can buy a large water bottle that you keep in your room and refill a smaller reusable bottle to take out with you each day, which will cut down on the number of plastic bottles you use. Other good practices to remember are refusing plastic straws in bars and restaurants, and considering using biodegradable insect repellent and sunscreen. Maya Solar is a great Mexican brand of sunscreen, or purchase some at home before your trip.

Don’t miss the ruins

It might be tempting just to hang out on the beach in Tulum, but it would be a shame to miss out on the Mayan ruins. They’re some of the only Mayan ruins located right on the water – the Mayans obviously knew good real estate when they saw it. A visit is an interesting cultural experience – and makes for great vacation photos.

Visit Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

It’s a bit of an effort to get there, but it’s worth arranging an outing to Sian Ka’an. It’s at the end of the road after you pass all the beach hotels, and as soon as the buildings end you enter the virgin Mayan jungle. Set up a tour to see all of Sian Ka’an’s treasures.

Take a yoga class

Tulum has developed into an eco-chic destination in recent years, and a huge number of yoga places have sprung up. Whether you are a practiced yogi or a beginner, capitalize on the plentiful opportunities to stretch and relax, either at a one-off class or by embarking on a retreat for a few days.

Explore more of the area with an easy day trip

Whether you want to swim with the sea turtles in Akumal or dance the night away in Playa del Carmen, it’s easy to get up and down the Riviera Maya and visit nearby attractions. Don’t worry if you can’t afford a pricey taxi, as there are regular colectivo minibuses that shuttle passengers up and down the coast.

Shop early or late

Tulum’s tropical sun is relentless, but you don’t want to miss out on exploring its many shops and boutiques , which carry everything from curated home goods to souvenirs. Plan your shopping trips right after breakfast or dinner, when the temperature is cooler, and spend the hottest times of the day at the pool or beach. Luckily, most shops open early and close late.

Buy a local SIM card

If your cellular service provider charges high out-of-country rates, buy a local SIM card. You’ll get free calls within Mexico and usually to the US and Canada, and look for a package with some data for unlimited use of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and WhatsApp.

Look for off-the-beaten-path places to eat

Dining out in Tulum can be expensive, but some of the best, cheapest and most authentic places are downtown, just a couple of blocks off the main strip. How will you know if the place is any good? Look out for the taco restaurants or stands with the most customers or the longest line. But if you want to dine at some of Tulum’s most famous eateries, such as Hartwood, you’ll need to make reservations way ahead of time. Many places will accept reservations a month or more in advance, either online or by email.

Use bank ATMs

While it might be tempting to use any ATM you come across, especially if you see your country’s flag on it, it’s probably best to avoid the majority. There have been some cases of ATM skimming in Tulum, which almost always happens on machines that are not located in banks. Look for a bank downtown and get your cash from their ATM instead.

Experience what Tulum used to be like

To experience the Tulum of old, stay farther down the beach road, where you’ll run into fewer people and less traffic. Soak up the atmosphere and don’t worry about missing out on the buzz of the center – it will only take a few minutes to bike or taxi to the busier areas where more boutiques, bars, restaurants and beach clubs are located.

Be extra careful crossing the road

It is very important to know that pedestrians do not have the right of way in Mexico. Some drivers may stop and wave at you to go ahead and cross the road, but be extra vigilant, even on crosswalks, and pay close attention to buses and combis (small transport vans), because they are seemingly always in a hurry.

Check for seaweed before planning your stay

In recent years seaweed (or sargassum) has been a seasonal issue on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. There are times of the year when there isn’t any at all, and other times, such as between late spring and early summer, when there may be a lot washing up on the beach daily. So unless you don’t mind sunbathing in – or next to – a huge pile of seaweed, do your research before you book. Live webcams are a great resource.

Purchase travel insurance

Travel insurance may be the most important thing to consider before booking a trip to Tulum. All the good hospitals in the Tulum area are private, which means that you’ll have to pay to use their facilities. In fact, they won’t let you leave until you do. These hospitals are businesses and just like any other business, they need income to remain open and running. Hopefully you won’t need it, but it’s always worth spending the money on travel insurance to be prepared for all eventualities.

This article is an updated version of a story originally created by Jack Guy .

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These are the best hotels in Tulum, sorted by price from low to high.

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• Tulum is a design and gastronomy mecca on a turquoise beach overseen by ancient Mayan ruins.
• Tulum hotels push the limits of beauty and design but some come with astonishingly high prices.
• We compiled highly-rated Tulum hotels that are also affordable, ranging from $128 to $669 per night.

Two hours south of Cancun, Tulum is one of Mexico's hottest destinations. Nestled in the stunning Riviera Maya, this jungle-embedded city offers gentle Caribbean waters, lush jungles, ancient ruins, standout design, and plentiful hotels to showcase it all. 

I spent three months living in Tulum and the best hotels range from spiritual centers and hostels to luxury and boutique hideaways. All proudly boast the Tulum aesthetic of natural wood and leafy palms and make it easy to soak up the sun, admire the ruins of Coba, or go cenote-hopping in swimming holes scattered within the jungle. 

While most Tulum hotel prices can reach astronomical levels, we found beautiful and accessible Tulum hotels that don't skimp on comfort, beauty, or amenities.

Browse all the best Tulum hotels below or jump to a specific area here:

• The best hotels in Tulum, Mexico

Book Aloft Tulum

The Aloft Tulum is one of the largest hotels in Tulum that offers the signature style of a Marriott hotel from their hip, colorful Aloft brand. It also offers many comforts that are hard to come by in Tulum, like industrial-strength air-conditioning and contemporary hotel rooms (that won't cost a fortune). The hotel is located halfway between the city center and the beach zone, which means it's a slightly shorter ride to the beach than from other hotels in town, but you can get there by bicycle or cab.

The Aloft has a bar space designed for live music, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a restaurant, and two pools. There's a family-friendly pool on the ground level, but the adults-only rooftop infinity pool is the highlight with stunning views over the jungle canopy.

Rooms are modern and spacious with bright colors, natural textures, and amenities like smart TVs and Marshall speakers. The polished style may not suit all types of Tulum-bound travelers, but for anyone dreading bugs and humidity, it's a comfortable, affordable place to stay.

COVID-19 procedures are available here . 

Book Copal Tulum

In a quiet section of Aldea Zama, tucked between the beach and city center, Copal has apartment-style accommodations that are great for families and large groups.

The hotel has a polished jungle-inspired design with bamboo and natural wood finishes. Rooms feel new and modern with stainless steel appliances and smart TVs, and the most basic offering is similar to a standard hotel room but with a kitchenette. Larger rooms like the Studio Jungle Terrace have living spaces and kitchens, and there are also multi-bedroom suites with a private rooftop and ground-floor pool. 

Behind the hotel and through the restaurant, you'll find a pathway to a small public cenote. It's not as large as others in the area, and can sometimes get crowded, but it's nice to visit for a quick and easy dip.

COVID-19 procedures are available here .

Book Orchid House Tulum

In Tulum's super-polished Aldea Zama neighborhood, Orchid House is a quiet hotel with a serene nature-inspired design. As you enter the lobby, you'll first notice the interior garden with tropical plants and a small footbridge for a photo opportunity. Upstairs, the pool bar is the hotel's main attraction, with a classy take on in-pool seating so you can sip on a juice or cocktail without ever getting out of the pool.

Throughout the hotel, a light and airy color scheme reflect the natural environment, while intricate details and antique furniture add a touch of luxury to this bohemian chic 10-room hotel.

Each room features a wood-carved door, a plush King-sized bed, and a private terrace with a small plunge pool. For more space, Jungle Suites have terraces large enough for a hammock, and the Master Suites, which also have two additional twin-sized beds, have plunge pools that overlook the jungle.

Make sure to have at least one meal in the signature nest, a dining booth on top of the hotel with an interrupted view across the treetops all the way out into the horizon.

Book Nativus Glamping Tulum

There are a lot of glamping options in Tulum, but Nativus offers premium accommodations with access to a natural crystalline cenote.

From the main area of the hotel, you'll find tents, a small restaurant, and a winding jungle path that will take you to the huge El Cenote Encantada, an open cenote where you can swim, kayak, and paddleboard. The cenote is not private, but it's hard to reach and find if you're not accessing it through a local business, so it doesn't get very crowded.

Every tent has a plush bed and its own outdoor bathroom, which is beautifully decorated with natural materials and has a private outdoor rainfall shower.

This hotel is located at the end of the beach road, right before the entrance to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve National Reserve, so you can indulge in more adventurous jungle experiences without compromising on proximity to the beach.

Book Ikal Tulum Boutique Hotel

Located on the north end of Tulum's beach road, which is closest to the entrance of the ruins, Ikal is a lively, hip spot that offers community events like Brazilian capoeira lessons, yoga, spiritual lectures, and eclectic live music. It is also an extremely kid-friendly hotel with weekly events designed especially for children relating to yoga, music, and art. 

Although restaurant visitors are welcome to use the day beds on the beach, the pool is for guests only. There are a large variety of accommodation types from spacious and air-conditioned glamping tents with shared bathrooms to beautiful jungle suites with private plunge pools, outdoor showers, thatched walls, and eye-catching furniture that look like they were magically summoned from the depths of the jungle.

All rooms are unique but Cabaña 8 stands out with its huge macrame entryway that really tells you everything you need to know about Ikal's dedication to a bohemian aesthetic.

Book La Zebra Colibri Boutique Hotel

La Zebra has a top-rated reputation for a fun ambiance, great service, chic rooms, and great beach access.

The hotel has six different categories of rooms from basic Garden Rooms to beachfront suites with balconies and plunge pools. Rooms offer a harmony of natural beach tones and traditional textures that skips the flashy or industrial touches of other Tulum hotels. However, all rooms are still sophisticated and families will appreciate the suites, which come with one King-sized bed and two single beds.

The beach area offers plenty of space to spread out on shaded daybeds. There is also a small spa and a restaurant with unique tabletops that pay homage to famous works of Mexican art.

For epicurean guests, the restaurant also serves an eight-course Chef's Table experience that pairs artisanal cocktails, beers, and wine with Mexican gastronomy in a special dining room decorated with Mexican antiques.

Book Hotel Bardo

Hidden in the less busy part of the Tulum city center, this adults-only hotel has loft-style villas with living rooms and private plunge pools. The lofts are beautiful, filled with natural textures and a dark color scheme, all in what feels like your own private corner of the jungle.

The shared hotel space is also sophisticated and calming with Mexican culture woven into every element of the hotel's design. Special features include an agave garden and an ofrenda, or altar, decorated with black and white photographs and skulls.

The location is far from the beach, but parking is free if you rent a car. The common areas are lively, thanks to the inviting restaurant and bar with billiards and a stone fire pit. The main pool has a fantastic design, fringed with lounge areas that have been sectioned off so you can enjoy a bit of privacy with your toes just inches from the water.

Hotel Bardo also offers many immersive experiences, like sunset intention-setting rituals, temezcal ceremonies, sound healing, and yoga. It may be a long journey to the ocean, but you'll enjoy a rejuvenating and aesthetically pleasing stay that encompasses all the reasons why people come to Tulum.

Book Nômade Tulum

Located on the south end of the beach, Nômade is a dreamy resort where meandering pathways lead you through a jungle with thatched roof villas, treehouses, a yoga shala, a gathering nest, and a meditation tent. Each week the hotel offers a variety of programming from spiritual seminars, live music, tea and cacao ceremonies, and yoga. On the beach, there is a restaurant with seating areas, daybeds, and scattered hammocks shaded by swaying palm trees.

Accommodations range from boho-chic suites to deluxe glamping tents and whimsical treehouses. Perched up in the jungle canopy, those treehouses are artistic and intimate with bathrooms and air conditioning. As you walk up the winding staircase, you'll feel like you're stepping into your own private oasis, far away from any disturbances. 

Though from the city center, there are plenty of posh places to eat and shop nearby while avoiding the more boisterous bars and party hotspots, and the beachfront location can't be beaten.

Book Be Tulum

At Be Tulum, a lush entry includes tall leafy palms and meandering paths that lead to a stunning oceanfront, for what feels like a remote island oasis.

Rooms are modern but embrace natural elements and colors with a variety of jungle suites and oceanfront villas with multiple bedrooms, rooftop terraces, and private pools. Rooms at Be Tulum feature so many stand-out design pieces, you'll want to take them home with you, like the cubical tree log nightstand or embroidered pillows.

The hotel's spa, the Yaän Healing Sanctuary, is one of the main reasons to stay here. It offers a variety of indigenous-inspired treatments from healing rituals to more traditional body treatments like massages, facials, and herbal baths. You can also arrange to join a temezcal ceremony and there is daily yoga in the treetop studio.

Not every room has a private pool, but all guests can enjoy the beach club with two great restaurants, one which is dedicated to seafood and the other that serves elevated Mexican cuisine using ingredients from a sustainable garden.

Book Encantada Tulum

On what's normally considered a busy strip, this small luxury boutique hotel offers a calm peaceful atmosphere with just eight rooms and one restaurant dedicated to its guests.

Although it does not offer the wide range of amenities or "scene" you'll find on other beachside hotels, it has plenty of space on the beach with inviting chairs and umbrellas, and great service from the front desk and restaurant staff. Ordering a drink or plate of guacamole to your beach chair is as easy as sending a text.

Each room has air conditioning, luscious beds, and a spacious bathroom with an open shower. When you're not lounging on the beach, relax on the front porch with a hammock and two chairs, and rinse off sandy feet in the seashell water basin. Not all rooms have ocean views, but they're just steps from the beach no matter which room you get.

Encantada's design scheme is nowhere near as flashy as other Tulum hotels but is still rich in beautiful details like the large macrame wall-hanging in the entrance or the blue stained glass windows in the hallway between the bedroom and bathroom.

How do you get to Tulum from Cancun?

Tulum is about 80 miles from the Cancun airport and it takes about two hours to drive there along the main highway. If you don't rent your own car, you can either take a cab or car service to Tulum, or you can take the ADO bus for a more affordable option.

What is the best way to get around Tulum?

There are many taxis in Tulum, but prices can be quite high especially on a busy night. Alternatively, bicycles are very popular and there is a safe bike path that connects the city center to the hotel zone.

How far is the city center from the beach?

Because much of Tulum is still protected land, there is a lot of jungle between the hotel zone on the beach and the city center. The road from the center to the beach is 2.5 miles long. Without traffic, it takes about eight minutes to drive and 15 to 20 minutes to bike. If you're considering walking, that will take you at least 45 minutes.

Which is the best side of the beach to visit?

When you reach the beach, you'll notice that you can go left or right. It is easy to visit both sides in one trip, but you'll find that it will be difficult to access the beach on the south side without paying an entry fee to one of the pricey beach clubs or having a meal at one of the hotel restaurants. Meanwhile, the north side of the beach has public access and is also closer to the Mayan ruins.

Where should I stay when visiting Tulum?

If you want to make the most of your time in the water, you should select a hotel on the main beach road but be aware that this will also come with a hefty price tag unless you choose glamping accommodations. There are many places to stay in the main town, but you will need to take a cab or rent a bike to get to the beach.

What are the best hotels in Tulum?

Our list is a 50/50 split between the best Tulum hotels near the beach and non-beach options since the beach hotels can be very expensive and there are other attractions that lure visitors beyond just the sand.

We picked the best hotels that represent a variety of lodging styles, budgets, and experiences. Additionally, we looked for strict COVID policies to protect the health and safety of guests, and not every well-regarded hotel in Tulum takes these measures seriously. We also considered amenities such as yoga shalas, beach clubs, spas, and special access to well-hidden cenotes, which are natural swimming holes that are a defining characteristic of the Yucatan region of Mexico.

Tulum also has many hotels that are famous around the world that we did not include, such as Casa Malca , which was also the former home of Pablo Escobar, and Azulik , which is known for its beautiful rooms that are more like works of art, and is the most expensive hotel in Tulum. However, we opted to not include these hotels in our list of the best hotels in Tulum because they are prohibitively expensive for most people.

To see the famous "Come to the Light" sculpture that depicts a towering female figure ripping open her chest, which is filled with lush green plants, you can visit Ahau Tulum . The Papaya Playa Project is another popular hotel that is well-known for its restaurant and community events, and one we considered.

Tulum hotels are also among the best wellness resorts in the Caribbean .

Are hotels in Tulum expensive?

Tulum is one of the most expensive destinations in Mexico and travelers will pay premium prices for hotels right on the beach since that is the best location to be in Tulum. In the city center, there are more budget-friendly options, as well as Airbnb vacation rentals, and hostels, but you will be far from the beach.

During the low season, between late spring and fall, you can expect to pay at least $130 per night on a hotel in the city center or at least $200 for a hotel on the beach (unless you're glamping). During the high season, which starts in November and lasts until March, hotels in town will likely raise their rates above $200 per night, and hotels on the beach can charge as much as $1,000 per night. The most expensive time of year is around Christmas and New Year's.

What is a temezcal ceremony?

Many hotels may offer a temezcal ceremony on-site. This traditional Mexican ceremony is a cleansing ritual purported to have many health benefits. It requires sitting in a small domelike structure in which rocks are heated to raise the temperature and cause you to sweat. It is usually combined with some kind of meditation and is followed by a cold shower. Because it takes some time to prepare, the ceremony is usually only offered a few times per week.

Is Tulum beach swimmable?

The water in Tulum beach is very clear and the waves are extremely gentle. It's very swimmable, however, the beach occasionally suffers from sargasso seaweed invasions. Most hotels employ teams to clean up the seaweed in the morning, but you still might encounter it as you swim. It can be very unpleasant, but the problem is an issue all along the Riviera Maya and throughout the Caribbean.

What are the different neighborhoods in Tulum?

Aside from the beach zone, which is split into the north and south side, there are many neighborhoods in Tulum.

The city center is where most locals live and where you'll find lively restaurants and a shopping scene. Aldea Zama is a highly-polished gated community, which is more like a small suburb within Tulum. La Veleta is another community slightly further from the beach than Aldea Zama, where there are luxury apartments but there is still a lot of construction. Villas is a very small local neighborhood that is quiet and although there are no hotels here, you might be able to find a vacation rental.

Is it better to stay in Tulum Town or the beach?

It depends on your budget and what you plan to do. The beach is beautiful, but on top of the high nightly hotel rates, you will spend a lot of money at pricey bars and restaurants. However, if you want to spend every day at the beach, you're better off staying in the beach zone since high taxi prices from the center of town will end up being just as expensive.

If you're more set on visiting ruins, exploring cenotes, and taking day trips, you'll save money on lodging and dining by staying in town, away from the beach.

• I'm personally familiar with many of the hotels on this list and researched all extensively.
• All hotels are highly rated by past guests on trusted travel sites such as Trip Advisor and Booking.com
• To keep things reasonable but also call out some stand-out properties, I looked for a variety of price points under $700 per night to start. During the high season, between December and February, nightly rates are likely to rise way above this number.
• I looked for hotels with standout amenities and impressive design, from quiet beaches and cenotes to wellness offerings and community events.
• Hotels were chosen in a variety of neighborhoods including and beyond the main beach road.
• All hotels have new COVID-19 policies in place to prioritize the health and safety of guests.

• The best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico
• The best hotels in Cancun
• 8 of our favorite hotels in Mexico that aren't in tourist hot spots
• The best hotels in Puerto Vallarta
• The best hotels in Mexico City

• Main content

2024 Best Hotels in Tulum

Hotels ranked on industry awards, guest reviews and hotel class ratings

Unbiased content created by U.S. News editors

Photo tours of select hotels by local expert  Bel Woodhouse

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Discover the best hotel for you:

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya

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Hotel Bardo

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Travel Guide

• # 1 in Best Cheap Couples Getaways for 2024

In the past decade, Tulum has grown into a coveted vacation for luxury travelers; however, it still tempts bargain hunters who remember when this tucked-away jewel of Mexico's east coast was more of a secluded getaway. When the sun goes down, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in the city's mixology scene and explore its sprawling nightlife. However, it's during daylight that Tulum truly shines. Here, you'll find some of the region’s best-preserved Mayan archaeological sites – sites that have the cerulean waters of the Caribbean Sea as a backdrop – and out-of-this-world wonders, including several cenotes (or underground water-filled caverns) and bioreserves. 

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Tulum airport opens to U.S. flights, helping tourists skip Cancún crowds

Traveling to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico is about to get easier.

Starting this week, visitors to the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula can say goodbye to the crowded halls of the Cancún airport and potentially hours-long drive south; U.S.-based flights to recently opened Tulum International Airport start Wednesday.

American Airlines and Delta Air Lines begin flights on March 28, followed by United Airlines on March 31. The new routes will connect Tulum to major hubs like Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Miami, and Newark.

Air Canada starts flying to Tulum in May, and JetBlue Airways and Panama’s Copa Airline s in June.

“Imagine taking a morning flight from the United States, and by lunchtime, you’re sipping margaritas on our beautiful beach,” said Laura Diver, the marketing manager for Colibri Boutique Hotels , which manages several properties in Tulum.

A bumpy start

The Tulum airport, like many of the big recently opened infrastructure projects championed by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, remains a work in progress.

Construction continues despite some domestic flights beginning in December. Karla Cayetano, a reservations manager at the Kanan Tulum resort, said workers were still “finishing some details” to the terminal and access road. Despite this, she said some of the resort’s guests are already arriving there rather than to Cancún.

Ground transportation options are limited and costs are high. David Ortiz Mena, the president of the Tulum Hotel Association, highlighted this as a “great concern” in a December statement . Talks with the airport and government authorities over lowering the ground transportation tax were still underway in mid-March.

And protesters have blocked the access road to the airport, and adjacent Tren Maya station, over land rights.

The issues are not unlike those that have plagued the Tren Maya since it opened in December. Trains are limited and delays are frequent on the ambitious and controversial 947-mile passenger rail loop pushed by the Mexican president. The booking system has been unreliable . Much of the track that will eventually encircle the Yucatán has yet to open.

But the Tulum airport, like the Tren Maya, is widely expected to significantly improve access to the Mayan Riviera once the kinks are worked out.

Alternative to Cancún

The Mayan Riviera is one of the most popular beach destinations in Mexico. It stretches from north of the all-inclusive resorts of Playa del Carmen to south of chic Tulum, with its beachside Mayan ruins.

Last year, the Riviera Maya boasted the most available hotel rooms — and occupied rooms — in the country, beating nearby Cancún and Los Cabos on the Pacific coast, according to data from the government of Mexico’s tourism secretary.

The Cancún airport is the main gateway for visitors to the region. In fact, last year the airport was the main gateway to all foreign visitors to Mexico, and the most popular among American tourists. A presentation from Mexico’s tourism secretary shows nearly 4.8 million American visitors to Mexico passed through the Cancún airport last year, representing more than a third of all the Americans who visited the country.

That’s why airlines are clamoring to fly to Tulum, even with its early issues. The new airport gives travelers an alternative to the busy Cancún airport.

“We’re pretty excited about some of the [travel] demand we’re seeing,” said Amy Martin, vice president of North America network planning at Delta.

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JetBlue Just Started Its First Nonstop Flights to Tulum

The beach shacks. The organic eateries. The Maya history. The spas. Yes, the all-inclusive resorts, too. Talk to anyone in the travel industry, and they’ll tell you Tulum is just about the hottest thing going right now, a once-quiet Mexican Caribbean beach village that has turned into a sizzling, sought-after getaway. 

And now it’s easier than ever before to get to Tulum, with the debut of its brand-new international airport, with the first flights from the United States kicking off in March. 

Now, another major carrier has gotten into the action: JetBlue, which just kicked off its first-ever flights between New York-John F Kennedy Airport and Tulum. 

The new flights are operating daily, with a flight time of about four hours. 

More importantly, it’s the only nonstop service right now now between JFK and Tulum. 

Andres Reynoso, the tourism board for the Mexican Caribbean state of Quintana Roo, said in a statement that Tulum “will now be more accessible to travelers, in addition to points of interest further south along the Grand Costa Maya.”

The move makes it dramatically easier for travelers to get to Tulum, with the alternative being flying to Cancun and taking a two-hour drive.

So what does the new service cost? Right now, it’s decidedly affordable. JetBlue’s Blue Basic fare (which doesn’t allow a carry-on bag) starts at $118 one-way for the trip. Blue fares, which include a free carry-on bag, are $158 one-way. 

A round-trip fare on Blue Extra is just $378.34 for a sample itinerary in early July — a very good price for a New York-Caribbean flight.

Are you planning a vacation to Tulum? You can choose from an array of different accommodations options, from sparkling new all-inclusive resorts like the Secrets Tulum to tiny beach hotels like the new Lula. 

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