Tulum has been one of the hottest travel destinations in the world for the past decade. This once-sleepy fishing town on the Riviera Maya—just two hours south of Cancun—has transformed into a boho-luxe retreat where people come to unwind, explore, party, and soak up paradise. Here’s my ultimate Tulum travel guide, covering where to stay, what to do, how to get around, and the best ways to enjoy this beachside town without blowing your budget.
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When to Visit Tulum
Intrigued by this jungle-meets-sea destination that so many of my fellow Angelinos rave about, I finally booked a girls trip to Tulum with one of my oldest friends. We went during the low season in June. While planning the trip, I read a ton of blogs—most of which were geared toward high-season travelers visiting between November and February, when the town fills with international crowds chasing music festivals like Day Zero and Zamna.
Tulum is a completely different experience during the off-season, so if you’re trying to figure out the best time to go, check out my full post on when to visit Tulum depending on your vibe.
Where to Stay in Tulum
Tulum has three main areas to choose from: Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone), Tulum Centro (Downtown), and La Veleta. Each offers something different depending on your budget, style, and travel goals.
Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone)
If you want the full luxury experience, Zona Hotelera is where it’s at. This 6 mile strip of beachside boutique hotels is home to some of Tulum’s most iconic beach clubs, trendy restaurants, and spas. It’s divided into three sections: North, Downtown, and South.
- North End: Quieter, romantic, and near the Tulum Ruins. Just know that some hotels are located within Jaguar National Park, and you’ll need to pay a separate park fee (about $22 USD per night) in addition to your hotel rate.
- Downtown Zona Hotelera: This is the party zone. Think beach clubs, DJs, and high-energy restaurants all within walking distance. We stayed at Kanan Tulum—check out my full review!
- South End: More relaxed and bohemian, family-friendly, and quieter the farther south you go. It’s a bit removed from downtown and Tulum Centro, so you’ll definitely want a car or ATV rental if you stay here.
Tulum Centro (Downtown)
Perfect for budget travelers and longer stays. You’ll find hostels, apartments, and some boutique hotels for a fraction of the cost of beachfront spots. Although you’ll be a 15-minute drive (or a 25-minute bike ride) from the beach, Tulum Centro is packed with authentic restaurants, local shops, and lively energy. We stayed in Zona Hotelera, but found ourselves driving to Centro almost every day for tacos and shopping.
La Veleta
Tulum’s fastest-growing neighborhood, La Veleta is where you’ll find modern apartments and villas—perfect for digital nomads, long-term stays, or travelers who want a quieter vibe. You’ll need your own wheels, but the beach is still only a 10–15 minute drive away.
How to Get to Tulum
Great news—Tulum now has its own airport! The brand-new Tulum International Airport (TQO) opened in December 2023. It’s just 45 minutes from the Hotel Zone and 30 minutes from Tulum Centro. It’s super convenient, but direct flights are limited due to its smaller size.
If you’re flying from a major city, you’ll likely find more direct options into Cancun International Airport (CUN). From there, it’s about a two-hour drive south to Tulum.
Transportation Tips
I highly recommend renting a car. It was a game-changer for us, especially with all the back-and-forth between our hotel, downtown Tulum, cenotes, and day trips like Chichén Itzá.
💡 Keep in mind:
- Roads can be bumpy, and speed bumps (aka topes) are massive and often unmarked. You have to drive 3 mph to go over them otherwise you’ll scrap the bottom of your car and go flying. I honestly was surprised that I got my car rental security deposit back, since I hit way too many speed bumps the first few days.
- Mexico has mandatory Third-Party Liability Insurance, which your credit card policy won’t cover. Expect your car rental to cost more than quoted online. Our TPL insurance cost double the car rental base price we paid online!
- There are police officers and national guards everywhere in Tulum, so always drive the speed limit and do not drink and drink.
- Despite the surprise fees, having a car saved us tons on taxis. Rideshare apps are illegal in Tulum thanks to the “taxi mafia,” and taxis are some of the priciest I’ve seen anywhere in the world.
We only used a taxi once—for a night out when we knew we’d be drinking. Always agree on a price before getting in. One driver quoted us $40 USD for a 2.3-mile ride! We walked five minutes down the road, offered another driver $15, and he accepted after a bit of haggling.
Other ways to get around:
- ATVs or bikes: Great if you’re sticking to Zona Hotelera or Tulum Centro.
- Colectivos: These shared vans are super cheap and popular with locals. A great option if you’re traveling light and on a budget.
What to Do in Tulum
You’ve made it—now let the adventures begin. Here are some of the best things to do in Tulum:
Cenotes
Exploring the cenotes of Tulum was my favorite activity and one of the reasons I chose to visit Tulum. These natural sinkholes result when limestone bedrock collapses, exposing groundwater. There are an estimated 10,000 cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula and have geographical, historical, and cultural significance.
I ended up swimming in seven cenotes, all different from each other. You absolutely have to visit at least one during your Tulum trip, but the more you can check out, the better.
Visiting during seaweed season mean the beaches were less than to be desired, but it was a silver lining since it gave me more reason to go cenote-hopping. And although I adore the ocean, there are plenty of beach destinations around the world, and so few that offer the unique experience that is a cenote.
💦 Check out my Ultimate Cenote Guide post for reviews, photos, and tips!
Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá is the largest pre-Columbian city built by the Mayan People and is one of the most visited archeological sites in Mexico. It’s also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World according to UNESCO, if you needed more reasons check it out.
There are many ways to get there including driving 2 hours, or taking an all day tour with one of the numerous tour companies. We planned on taking a guided tour but ended up driving ourselves after a booking snafu—and I’m so glad we did.
The drive is easy if you leave early and try to be back before nightfall. There are several gnarly speed bumps and potholes, especially when you go through the small towns along the way, so driving during the day helps you to spot them more easily and avoid them.
Avoid off-site parking and tour guides trying to stop you before the entrance—they’re persistent, but there’s on-site parking and official guides at the gate if you want one. We skipped the guide and did our own thing, reading the signs and Googling as we went.
In Chichén Itzá, there are more ruins to check out than just the iconic pyramid everyone associates with the archeological site. It does get brutally hot in the sun, but there are a couple of cafes where you can stop and buy drinks, ice creams and even fresh, whole coconuts to cool down!
If you need souvenirs, there are countless stands, which I was not a fan of, as the vendors can be annoying in trying to get your attention. That being said, I did buy a pretty cool magnet that I love, although it was probably overpriced.
All in all, plan on spending several hours here. Because the drive is so long, a lot of bookable excursions will also include a nearby cenote or two, which is a great option to add to your road trip to Chichén Itzá. Or you can explore the nearby “Pueblo Magico” of Valladolid, which is what we ended up doing.
Valladolid
This charming Pueblo Mágico is about 45 minutes from Chichén Itzá. “Pueblo Mágico” is a designation given by the Mexican government to towns that possess unique cultural, historical, or natural attributes, offering a distinctive and enchanting experience for visitors. With colorful buildings, tasty food, and souvenir shopping, it’s the perfect stop for a late lunch or a scenic stroll before heading back to Tulum.
Tulum Ruins
One of the most iconic spots in Tulum—and for good reason. In fact, if you Google Tulum, one of the first photos you’ll see is of the Castillo in the Tulum Ruins. These seaside ruins overlook the Caribbean and offer a peek into the region’s ancient past.
Located in Jaguar National Park, you’ll need to pay two entry fees: 100 pesos for the ruins and 415 pesos for the park (~$28 USD total). There are shuttle services within the park and tons to explore, including public beaches and even beachfront hotels.
Plan on spending at least 2.5 hours here.
Beach Clubs
Beach clubs in Tulum are a whole vibe. Think daybeds, DJs, fancy cocktails, and Instagram-worthy views. Most require a cover charge or minimum spend. If there’s one you’ve got your heart set on, consider staying at the hotel it’s attached to—guests usually get in free.
We visited during seaweed season, so the beach clubs weren’t at their peak, but normally they’re a Tulum must.
Where to Eat in Tulum
Food in Tulum surprised me—especially the prices. And I live in LA. 😅 But if you know where to go, you can find everything from high-end dining experiences to authentic tacos on a budget.
🌮 Check out my Tulum Restaurant Guide for full reviews of where we ate, what we loved, and what we’d skip.
Tulum really is one of those places that lives up to the hype—if you do it right. Whether you’re lounging in luxury at a beachfront hotel, swimming in cenotes, or dancing under the stars at a jungle disco, there’s truly something for everyone. With the right mix of adventure, relaxation, and incredible food, Tulum has a way of recharging your soul while still making you feel alive and buzzing.
I hope this guide helps you plan your perfect Tulum getaway and makes navigating this gorgeous, sometimes chaotic, town just a little bit easier. And if you end up sipping an agua fresca at Taquería Honorio or watching the sunset from a rooftop nest—drop a comment! I’d love to hear about your own Tulum adventures. 🌴✨
