A Complete Travel Guide To Tulum: Mexico’s Beautiful Beach Destination

Last updated on March 21st, 2025 at 02:27 pm

Planning a vacation to Tulum Mexico and wondering what to do? This complete travel guide to Tulum will show you why Tulum is the perfect luxurious beach destination!

Tulum is truly one of a kind. It offers a magical blend of beach and jungle with a little luxury, spiritual charm and eco-friendliness. After spending nearly a month there, I can tell you there’s a lot to love about the place!

In this post, I’ll share a complete list of everything you need to know in advance to plan a trip to Tulum including, where to eat, stay and what to do!

At first glance, Tulum can be confusing, but don’t worry this Complete Travel Guide To Tulum has you covered!

Planning your trip to Tulum last minute?

Here’s a few activities and top hotel recommendations to book before you get to Vis Croatia, so you don’t miss out!!

Top Experiences & Excursions

• Sailing the Riviera Maya – top experience!
• Explore Tulum’s Cenotes – incredible cenote tour!!

Top 3 Hotels In Tulum

• La Valise South Beach, top boutique hotel
• Hotel Ma’xanab South Beach, luxurious hotel
• The Beach Tulum Middle Beach, 5-star hotel

COMPLETE TULUM TRAVEL GUIDE

Is Tulum worth visiting?

Tulum is an incredible beach destination worth visiting – it all depends on how you choose to experience it and where you stay!

You can spend your days relaxing, joining wellness programmes – or late-night beach parties and jungle dining, that’s one of the things I love most about Tulum! You can really make it your own trip, the atmosphere is just incredible no matter what you do!

WHERE IS TULUM

You might wonder, where is Tulum exactly? For those who don’t know, this bohemian capital of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is located on the Caribbean coast of the stunning Riviera Maya, a 10-mile area of dense jungle and powdery white sand that runs from the Tulum Ruins to the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve.

This hotpot in Central America is 2 hours from Cancun, at the top and in the other direction 2 hours from Bacalar, an area of natural beauty!

AROUND TULUM

One other important thing to know about Tulum is that there are many natural and mystical wonders all around and opportunities to discover something new, from Ancient Mayan Ruins to Cenotes (freshwater pools).

You’ll definitely one to include one or two things to your Tulum itinerary – keep reading this Tulum travel guide to find out more!

WHERE TO STAY IN TULUM

Tulum is a beach destination and to make the most of your vacation time, you’ll want to stay as close to the beach as possible, if not ON THE BEACH!

If you stay at a hotel with beach access you’ll have Caribbean sea views, luxurious sunbeds, fantastic beachfront dining and boutique shopping all at your disposal! Tulum Beach is the best area to stay in Tulum by far!

As mentioned above, the beach in Tulum is 10-miles long and the main part of it is called the ‘Hotel Zone’ any property within it will be close to the best attractions in Tulum.

TULUM BEACH OVERVIEW

You can split the Hotel Zone into three areas, here’s what to expect in each!

Middle Beach – the most happening developed part of the beach with access to many restaurants, luxury beachclubs and nightlife.

South Beach – towards Sian Kaan national park, a bohemian- luxe area with a focus on yoga, wellness, healthy cafes and jungle restaurants.

North Beach – a peaceful area nearby Tulum Ruins, luxury hotels with privacy in mind between the jungle and the beach, with a few rocky outcrops!

BEST HOTELS IN TULUM

Now you know which is the best area to stay in Tulum, you’ll want to pick the perfect hotel, it’s the most important factor of your trip!

Luckily in Tulum there’s a tonne of great accommodation options, from barefoot luxury five-star hotels to intimate eco-boutique hotels and private cabins with plunge pools, perfect for any kind of chic stay!

Here’s my top 3 hotel picks for Tulum!

THE BEACH TULUM

The Beach – a gorgeous 5-star adult-only hotel in the centre of Tulum’s Hotel Zone, near the best restaurants and attractions. There’s beachfront suites with private plunge pools, free access to Ziggi’s Beach Club, an outdoor pool and yoga studio. I stayed here on my first visit and always recommend it!

LA VALISE

La Valise – one of the top three beach hotels in Tulum serene South Beach and one of the most bohemian! Some of the best features of this 5-star small luxury beachfront hotel include pools, a top restaurant, wellness suite and thatched rooftops!

HOTEL MA’XANAB

The beautiful Ma’xanab Hotel is a luxurious place, a 5-star oasis with private beach and quality facilities including a very attractive outdoor swimming pool facing the sea. Hotel Ma’xanab boasts luxury suites with private pools, serene artesian-made decor and beachside dining.

Tip! Book in advance – as much as 6 months out as many hotels are boutique with few rooms – and Tulum is a sort-after destination!

For more accommodation suggestions, be sure to check out my detailed guides on the very best beach hotels In Tulum and the 3 best areas to stay in Tulum for quiet luxury!

WHAT TO DO IN TULUM

You can find many things to do in Tulum, whether you’re into yoga, beach clubs bohemian or Mayan rituals! I recommend planning ahead and reserving for things like day trips and top restaurants.

Here’s my list of the top things to see and do in Tulum – the very best Tulum attractions!

RELAX ON THE BEACH

As soon as you set foot in Tulum you’ll want to head over to the beach and get acclimatised! Tulum is well-known for its incredible white sand and turquoise waters – go for a swim or relax with a cocktail in hand, you can’t beat it!

While in Tulum, visit Playa Ruinas, this beach has the most attractive natural setting, directly below the Tulum ruins. Head there in the morning before the day trippers arrive and you will have it all to yourself, do not miss it!

LUXURY SAILING

Something I always enjoy in a beach destination is the opportunity to sail across the water! There’s lots of yacht experiences in Tulum, but sailing the Riviera Maya is the best – the Caribbean colours are amazing!

On this luxury sailing experience, you’ll get to stop at the best reef in the area for snorkelling, try your hand at paddle boarding and enjoy lunch and drinks alongside stunning views!

Reserve your spot on this luxury sailing trip around the Riviera Maya today!!

EXPLORE THE TULUM RUINS

One of the best things to do in Tulum is walk around the Mayan Ruins, it’s not a huge site like Chichen Itza, but what makes the experience special are the beautifully manicured grounds and sea view! It is stunning and something none of the other ruins have to offer.

You’ll want to avoid the midday sun and opt for a morning visit to explore the ruins without the crowds and queue to get in! I recommend this 5-star rated Tulum Mayan Ruins Tour and experience it properly with a private guide!

Book this private guided 2hr Tulum Ruins Tour, and enjoy a crowd-free morning walk through the ruins!!

ENJOY TULUM BEACH CLUBS

Tulum’s beach clubs are fantastic, some of the best I’ve ever experienced, they are well-organised and equipped with everything you need for a luxurious day at the beach.

Tantra Tulum is my favourite and offers daybeds, hammocks, great aesthetics and delicious food along a very lovely section of the beach, but there are many more!

Here’s a list of the best beach clubs in Tulum – I recommend arriving early to get the most out of it as they are pretty pricey at $50-100 a pop for sunbed hire.

• Ziggy Beach, friendly, casual & light bites
• Coco Tulum, beachy white, cocktails, party
• Gitano Beach Club, Tulum, cool, luxury, party
• Bagatelle, luxury, good vibes, world-renowned
• Mia Beach Club, aesthetics, vibrant, party

SWIM IN LOCAL CENOTES

Cenotes are natural swimming holes underground that have been around for thousands of years and are incredible and mysterious (the Mayans believe Cenotes are linked to the underworld), a Tulum MUST SEE!

Explore at least 2-3 as each one is different, Grand Cenote, Dos Ajos, Calavera and Casa Cenote are the best Tulum cenotes to visit.

I booked a half-day morning tour with this group, to explore three of the best cenotes which included hassle-free transport, excellent guide and snorkel gear! It is expertly timed to avoid big crowds and you have the whole afternoon to relax at the beach!

Book this incredible tour of the cenotes today!

YOGA & WELLNESS RETREATS

Yoga and wellness is super popular in Tulum and the places to practice are stunning! You can find every type of yoga class here, but you’ll want to book one with an epic sea view!

Many of the hotels in Tulum like La Valise and Azulik offer traditional Mayan ceremonies, from sound baths to cacao ceremonies – alongside some top spas and treatments.

For yoga on the beach I highly recommend Lula a Colibri or The Beach Tulum, two quality hotels with amazing studios.

SEE AHAU TULUM SCULPTURE PARK

Ven a La Luz or more commonly referred to as the Ahau Tulum statue is the most well-known sculpture in Tulum! You may have already seen a few images of the iconic sculpture, it’s striking and attracts a lot of attention (see my first photo above)!

You’ll find it at the Ahau Hotel in the middle of the Tulum hotel zone, it’s free to look at, but to photograph, there’s a $10 fee. Many visitors stop by to pose in front of the Ahau Tulum sculpture, there’s no denying, it does make a cool photo!

VISIT SIAN KA’AN BIOSPHERE

One of the best outdoor activities in Tulum Mexico is a boat trip around the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. A UNESCO 2000-mile reserve protecting freshwater marshes, mangroves, lagoons, wildlife and around 23 Mayan archaeological sights.

You’ll see lots of interesting wildlife along the way, turtles, manatees and more birds than you can count, if you’re a nature lover this trip is for you!

It’s a popular excursion from Tulum. If you want to explore the area, I recommend going with the tour company below. I’ve booked with them twice before, and they’re excellent!!

This tour of Sian Ka’an is highly rated, it includes 4×4 transport and a knowledgeable guide who expertly navigates the water for a more relaxing trip – plus you’ll get a fantastic beach lunch!

EXPLORE TULUM BEACH ROAD

A simple activity in Tulum, that’s probably a given but cycling or walking along the 6-mile dusty Beach Road is a must do in Tulum!

It’s a great way of getting to know Tulum and exploring all the great cafes, boutiques, restaurants, beach clubs and shopping, this is where you’ll end up with a ‘Tulum’ wardrobe!

DAY TRIPS FROM TULUM

CHICHEN ITZA & VALLADOLID

If you have not seen Chichen Itza before and are dying to cross off the 7th Wonder of the World – then this is your opportunity to do so!

Chichen Itza is easily visited as a day trip from Tulum, it’s the best day trip from Tulum, incredibly impressive! You can see two iconic sights in one trip, the Mayan’s most sacred City, followed by lunch in the beautiful Colonial City of Valladolid and a swim in a local cenote.

I selected this full-day tour from Mexico Kan Tours, who I chose because of their high ratings and small group numbers (maximum 10). It was so rewarding all you have to do is show up, and all the logistics are taken care of including pick-up from your hotel! You don’t want to miss this trip, it’s seriously good!

Check availability and book the best tour to Chichen-Itza HERE

WHERE TO EAT IN TULUM

Eating and drinking in all the cool and atmospheric restaurants in Tulum is one of the highlights of visiting Tulum! Here’s a selection of my favourite places!

FOOD IN TULUM

While not strictly authentic Mexican, the food in Tulum is mainly fusion, innovative and high-end – even down to the tacos! You can enjoy vegan, Italian and Asian dishes by the sea or in the jungle with twinkling lights.

You can also find oodles of healthy brunches and have an indulgent breakfast in Tulum on every corner – acai bowl, avocado and coffee lovers will be happy! Here are my top picks for where to eat in Tulum. 

TULUM RESTAURANTS

NU RESTAURANT

Nu Restaurant is a gorgeous place, located at Nest Hotel with dreamy aesthetics and ambience for a romantic couples dinner. It’s one of the top restaurants in Tulum to indulge in luxury jungle dining with locally sourced ingredients and bespoke cocktails.

MEZZANNINE THAI

A beautiful beach-side Thai restaurant near the Mayan Ruins with sweeping sea views, amazing food and a good selection of cocktails. Mezzanine is a favourite of mine, I love the atmosphere, it’s so friendly and vibrant!

CASA BANANA

Casa Banana is a great choice for evening meals with a warm and rustic setting among the jungle surroundings and candle lights. It offers an Argentinean menu where almost all of the mains are grilled – if you want a nice steak, this is the place.

WILD

If you’re looking for a high-end restaurant in Tulum Wild is your place, it serves some of the best food along the Hotel Zone’s jungle. With a laid-back atmosphere, cool music, fantastic service and cosy lighting Wild is a great choice!

ARCA

Another fantastic choice for a romantic and intimate dinner, located in a cosy jungle setting and like most places in Tulum the food is fresh, specialising in seafood with locally sourced ingredients. Arca has a lovely outdoor terrace, cool bar and a romantic atmosphere.

If you want to explore more amazing restaurant options, check out my foodie’s guide to the best restaurants in Tulum!

BRUNCH IN TULUM

LA POPULAR

La Popular is a sprawling beach front restaurant in Tulum with tables and chairs right on the sand, it’s one of the best places to eat in Tulum for beautiful lunches and surroundings! You will find it at Nomade Hotel, I loved the avocado salad here and wasn’t in any rush to leave, it has a wonderful ambience.

LULAS KITCHEN

Lula’s Kitchen offers a healthy breakfast or brunch with a wonderful sea view! It’s is also one of the best beachfront hotels in Tulum, it offers inside or outside seating – I’ve always sat on the pretty terrace! They do everything from acai bowls to green omelettes and juices.

ALMA VERDE

Alma Verde serves one of the best breakfasts in Tulum – see the below picture, I had a hard time deciding between all the healthy things on the menu! It’s part of the gorgeous Hunab Lifestyle Centre – one of the latest luxury attractions in Tulum.

ZIGGY’S

Ziggy’s is located right on the beachfront, it’s one of the first places I visited for breakfast in Tulum. With a beachy bohemian vibe, stunning sea views and a delicious healthy breakfast menu, you can’t go wrong!

If you’re looking for more stunning breakfast places in Tulum, read my complete guide to the top places for an indulgent breakfast in Tulum!

THINGS TO DO IN TULUM AT NIGHT

Tulum transforms at night! The jungle becomes more mystical and restaurants atmospheric with dim lighting and cool music! From full-moon parties to the best bars in Tulum, here are a few of my favourite nighttime spots.

TSEEN JA BY AZULIK

A lavish culinary experience, book a nest at Tseen-ja by Azulik and enjoy a private dinner in a natural setting from high up in the treetops! Reserve your spot in advance for sunset. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Tulum!

PAPAYA PLAYA PROJECT

Saturday nights at Papaya Playa Project are unmissable, they host world-known Saturday night parties to honour the moon stages – the best parties in Tulum on the beach!

GITANOS

Gitanos, is a stylish restaurant and a cool bar with an extensive mezcal and cocktail menu hosting lively DJ nights. Enjoy a lively atmosphere and a night of drinking and dancing under the jungle canopy!

MATEY MOJITO BAR

Batey Mojito bar, a Cuban-themed bar in Tulum Pueblo known for its live music and fun crowd, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are best. Batey’s is one of the most popular bars in Tulum.

CASA JAGUAR

Another vibey spot along the Hotel Zone, Casa Jaguar is rustic, but the atmosphere is amazing! You can eat here then head into the back jungle terrace for cool music and cocktails!

MIA BEACH CLUB

Join Mia Beach Club for lively weekends at their luxury beach club, you can enjoy the music, cocktails, delicious food, pool or beach well in to the evening.

TULUM PACKING ADVICE

Tulum is a beach destination, but be prepared for the jungle! There are a few extra items I recommend packing for Tulum.

If you’re staying in one of the beach hotels in Tulum, my advice is to pack a good jungle formula spray so you can relax at sunset on your balcony much better! And to accompany that, bite and sting relief!

You’ll also want to pack comfortable trainers for walking along the beach road and for any activities such as Chichen Itza, which involves a lot of walking!

SPF50 is a must for any type of beach holiday and as Tulum is big on eco, don’t forget your re-usable water bottle!

I also recommend a beach shirt, polarised sunglasses and a fedora beach hat, remember the dress code here is boho-luxe – if you wanted to blend in!

Read More: Take a look at my full beach bag packing guide – 10 Summer Beach Bag Essentials

TULUM TRAVEL TIPS

Now you know what things to see and do in Tulum, here’s some important planning information.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Tulum is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico. I highly recommend booking your favourite hotel months in advance for the best rates and availability.

Tulum’s boutique hotels typically have fewer rooms (as little as 8) and fill up fast. Especially beachfront hotels in Tulum with pools and yoga, don’t sleep on it – book at least 6 months out.

TRUSTED BOOKING APPS

Use official platforms for reservations and bookings in Tulum, websites that I use are Expedia  booking.com for hotels Viator for best day trips and experiences. Each have their own flexible booking options, offers and dedicated customer service line!

Also, I recommend choosing the slightly higher-priced refundable options for all, this way if your plans change you won’t lose money!

ADVANCE TICKETS

Book one of the top experiences in Tulum online before you arrive to elevate your trip and so you don’t miss out!

Here’s a few of the best activities in Tulum to book in advance including day trips.

To book in advance:

• Chichen Itza, best day trip from Tulum
• Tulum Ruins, top private guide tour
• Cenote, see 3 top cenotes in a morning
• Tseen-ja by Azulik, best sunset drinks

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO TULUM, MEXICO!

WHEN TO VISIT TULUM

Weather is important when planning any trip, especially for Tulum! You will get a warm and tropical temperature all year round, but you’ll want to avoid the hurricane season June-Oct! (If you travel in these months the beach will be full of unsightly seaweed and there’ll be black-outs).

Ideally, November and February to April are great times to visit, the sand quality is at its best, the weather is great and it’s low season, which means fewer crowds!

Tip! Avoid the busy and extremely expensive high season December to January, unless you are specifically there for the festive period!

HOW MANY DAYS IN TULUM

Tulum is a great place to visit for a longer relaxing beach holiday, I recommend staying for a minimum of 7 days in Tulum – I stayed for two weeks on my first visit and didn’t run out of things to see and do!

Seven days give you enough time to visit all the main attractions in Tulum, fill your itinerary with amazing restaurants, a couple of cenotes and include an incredible day trip! (Also getting into the Tulum spirit will take a few days, especially if travelling from Europe!)

HOW TO GET TO TULUM

The most convenient and main airport closest to Tulum is Cancun International Airport which serves many airlines. You will then transfer from Cancun to Tulum by car, taxi or bus – the journey time is around two hours.

Which airlines go to Tulum?

If you’re travelling from the UK you can take a 12-hour direct flight with Tui, British Airways or Virgin. Direct flights from North America take as little as 4 hours and there are loads of options such as Delta or American Airlines – New York to Tulum is the shortest flight.

How to get to Tulum from Cancun Airport?

Getting to Tulum from Cancun Airport takes two hours by car, the shortest and simplest route is booking an airport transfer from Cancun to Tulum in advance with your hotel or private transfer, this is best for first-time visitors and groups less familiar with the layout.

Airport transfer Cancun to Tulum links

• Welcome Pick-ups: Cancun Airport Transfer
• Hire a rental car with Discover Cars

What is the best time to travel to Tulum?

Ideally, you will want to visit Tulum in the warm and dry low season, between October and November or late February to April and aim to arrive in daylight -it’s much less stressful – trust me!

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

GETTING AROUND TULUM

Cycling: For easy commutes to restaurants, beach clubs etc cycling is the best way to go (or walking). Most hotels provide bikes if not you can easily rent one with Ola Bike Tulum – for convenience your bike will delivered to you!

Walking: Of course you can walk along the beachfront of the Hotel Zone and find beach bars, beach clubs and restaurants this way!

Taxis: Book a taxi or private driver if you’re heading out in the evening or exploring further afield. Just agree on a price beforehand as they can be expensive.

Note: If you are visiting places further away you’ll need to rent a car in Tulum or use the ADO buses (which are more like comfortable coaches) from Tulum Town. But first, consider a day trip from Tulum – you can see lots of attractions without the hassle!

Looking to stay on the beach? In my latest article 11 Very Best Beach Hotels In Tulum, you’ll discover the best boutique and luxury hotels with top amenities, beautiful sea views and decor!

GUIDE TO TULUM FAQ

What is the weather like in Tulum?

The weather is tropical, warm and humid all year round, with temperatures averaging 76-90 degrees, I would avoid the wet season, June to October!

What is the best currency for Tulum?

The currency in Tulum is Mexican Pesos, but most places accept US Dollars. It’s better to have Pesos before you enter Mexico and pay in advance for hotels with a credit card! (It’s not uncommon to see ‘cash on arrival’ and over-the-top exchange rates – be aware!).

Where to exchange money in Tulum?

If you need to exchange money in Tulum the best and most secure way is through an official bank in Tulum Town like Santander. Also, use the ATM in Tulum Town and not random cash points along Beach Road.

Is Tulum expensive?

Tulum is expensive compared to the rest of Mexico. You will pay top Dollars for beach hotels, restaurants, drinks and taxis. An iced coffee will set you back $12 and a evening meal $50 pp. The beachfront is highly priced for everything, and Tulum Pueblo is the most affordable area.

How safe is Tulum?

As a precaution, you may want to stay clear of illegal jungle raves – or anything else illegal, being alone at night, but on the whole, yes it is safe to stay in Tulum for tourists.

Is Tulum better than Cancun?

Tulum and Cancun are two totally different vibes, so it really depends on your style. Cancun is flashy, with large white 5 star resorts on the beach and lively. Tulum’s is bohemian and rustic with smaller boutique hotels and a focus on wellness, natural materials yoga and nature.

Is Tulum a good place for couples?

Tulum offers tonnes of luxurious experiences for couples looking to indulge in romance and relaxation. From private beachfront dinners to couples spa treatments, there is no shortage of romantic things to do in Tulum.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Well, that’s a wrap on my Complete Travel Guide To Tulum post, as you can see, there’s really nowhere like it! I’ve visited a few times and always discover something new, there’s plenty of things to see and do in Tulum that goes beyond a beach holiday, you will not get bored!

Be sure to include one or two Tulum activities I’ve written about in this complete Tulum travel guide to elevate your trip!

After reading this travel guide I hope you feel ready to go to Tulum! Whether that’s a beach break or a great addition to a trip around the Riviera Maya.

Liked this post? Please leave a comment in the box below – or you can BUY ME A COFFEE!

Plan a trip to Tulum!

Here’s my go-to list of resources and best travel guides to Tulum to plan your own Tulum Trip

• Booking.com: For the best hotel rates
• Trip Advisor: The latest reviews & trips
• Viator: For incredible day trips
• Welcome Pickups: Airport Transfers
• Discover Cars: Best rental car hire

Read Next:

• 7 Very Best Hotels In Tulum Pueblo
• 11 Very Best Beach Hotels In Tulum
• 3 Best Areas To Stay In Tulum For Quiet Luxury
• 9 Best Luxury Experiences In Tulum
• 7 Indulgent Breakfast In Tulum
• A Foodies Guide To The Best Restaurants In Tulum
• 7 Romantic Things To Do In Tulum

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