ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO TULUM MEXICO

Tulum has quickly become the hottest destination in the last few years and I can see why. With so many Insta-worthy locations I also wrote a blog post on the Most Instagrammable Places in Tulum. With warm Caribbean clear blue water, amazing food, and lush greenery everywhere you turn it truly felt like paradise.

Tulum is a very small town in the state of Quintana Roo in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is roughly 2 hours south of Cancun. I’ve been to Tulum twice and I always find myself wanting to go back. If you have plans to visit, here is an ultimate travel guide to Tulum, Mexico.

 HELPFUL TIPS

• No direct flights to Tulum. You will fly into Cancun and will need to either rent a car, book a private shuttle, or use public transportation. Here’s a great post on how to get to Tulum from Cancun.
• Always have cash! ATMs have high fees and many of them were broken when we tried to use them. Most places do not accept credit cards!
• U.S. Dollars are accepted at many restaurants and shops
• I used tour guides for adventures and taxi’s but you may want to rent a car if you like exploring on your own
• Best time to go is from October-December as weather is still nice but hotel prices are low
• I had my share of mosquito bites so don’t forget to bring Insect Repellent!

WHERE TO STAY

There are plenty of amazing hotel options but I highly suggest choosing one along the hotel zone with beachfront cabanas! You will not regret it one bit! I stayed at Rosa del Viento & Coco Limited. Coco Limited is a sister property to Coco Tulum, both are great options. There are plenty of taxis so you will not have an issue getting around. Tulum is also bike-friendly so you can always rent a bike at the hotel and explore the town.

A few other Insta-worthy hotels: Nomade Tulum, Nest Tulum, Casa Malca, La Valise Hotels, Kanan Hotel, Ahau Hotel

Looking for a unique jungle experience? Check out Azulik and Papaya Playa Project.

WHAT TO DO

1. GO SWIMMING IN CENOTES

Cenotes are natural swimming holes that are worth a visit when in Tulum! The water is not as cold as you would think, the water is extremely clear and if you’re a dive enthusiast, exploring the cenotes is a magical experience! You can explore them on your own by purchasing entrance fees which are only a few pesos. I opted for a tour with Adventure Tour Center where snorkeled and I visited 3 cenotes in 4 hours: Gran Cenote (top-rated cenote), Cenote Calavera & Casa Cenote. A few other cenotes closest to Tulum include Cenote Zazil-ha & Cenote Dos Ojos (top-rated cenote).

2. TULUM RUINS

I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of photos of the Tulum ruins perched on high cliffs facing the Caribbean Sea so this is a no-brainer. I suggest visiting this site on your own, you don’t need a tour guide. We spent roughly 20 minutes to walk the entire place.

Travel Tip: Go early!! We arrived around 10 am and it was already getting crowded so I suggest going between 8-9 am. Don’t forget to bring pesos for the entrance fee and a taxi ride is roughly 200 pesos

3. COBA RUINS

I wish I had time to visit the Coba Ruins but I didn’t. If you have time, I suggest booking a tour and visiting cenotes nearby, it is roughly 45 minutes from Tulum.

4. WALK ALONG THE BEACH AND VISIT OTHER HOTELS

All of the beachfront hotels are connected so you are able to walk for miles and explore other hotels!

5. DAY TRIP TO AKUMAL

Take a day trip to Akumal and snorkel with the turtles. Akumal is roughly 25 minutes from Tulum, you can swim with large sea turtles or visit the Monkey Sanctuary.

6. VISIT BACALAR

If you have a few extra days you may want to spend time in Bacalar, a small town 3 hours from Tulum or Playa del Carmen which is an hour.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

Posada Margherita – Obsessed with this place! They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and they have the freshest seafood/pasta and juices! The owners take great pride in the look and feel of the place and it really shows! The beachfront restaurant serves a great view for any meal.

Hartwood – Probably my favorite meal in Tulum. It’s very popular so make sure you make reservations for dinner.

Nu Tulum – An absolute must after Hartwood!

Gitano – Come here for mezcal drinks and delicious dinner under the stars and live music and sometimes they even have live performances!

Mur Mur – I’ve heard amazing things but have not tried it yet. There are also cute swings for photos here.

Taqueria La Eufemia & Antojitos La Chiapaneca – For the best tacos in Tulum!

Raw Love – Best organic raw food and smoothie bowls (think Acai bowls). It is located inside the Ahau Hotel.

Kin Toh – is located at Azulik Hotel. If you want to visit this treehouse property guests can dine at the restaurants. The food is pricey but it was also really good!

MORE MEXICO TRAVEL POSTS:

Most Instagrammable Places in Tulum

7 Awesome Things to do in Acapulco

Where to Stay in Acapulco

Exploring Best Cenotes in Tulum

Chichen Itza & Ik Kil Cenote Day Trip from Cancun

Ultimate Bachelorette Destination: Puerto Vallarta

Shop my Tulum favorites: 

Have you been to Tulum? Tell me what you loved most about it below!