Tulum, Mexico— everything you need to know to go
Tulum, Mexico is a true dream— from the beaches to the food, and the endless Instagram opportunities. Everywhere you turn there are jaw dropping art installments, trendy restaurants and beautiful scenery with a boho-chic vibe. It is no wonder it is a hottest destination in Mexico.
Tulum is actually a town about 3 miles from the beach but most people think of the Beach Strip as “Tulum”. This is where you will find the iconic pieces in Tulum, the best restaurants and beach front boutique hotels. Tulum is located on the coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo.
HOW TO GET THERE
Tulum is about a 1.5-2 hour drive from the Cancun International Airport, the closest airport to Tulum. There are many options to get from the airport to Tulum. We used a private transfer service as we had a large party and this was a great deal. If you do not have a large party there are many options that offer economical pricing.
Fly into Cancun— first things first, book a flight to Cancun (CUN). The CUN airport serves Cancun, Riviera Maya, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and many more. There are an abundance of flights in and out per day. Nashville International Airport (BNA) is now offering direct flights to Cancun on Jet Blue and Spirit Airlines. This is a great option as the travel day can be long and there is truly no better convenience than a direct flight.
When you leave CUN there are lots of transportation companies vying for your attention. They will attempt to offer you a ride. I prefer to have a reservation in place before I arrive so I do not have to deal with haggling a price on the spot.
Rental Car— you can rent a car at the airport and make the drive yourself. Although I wouldn’t personally recommend this as there is little parking available in Tulum and the main beach front road is very narrow and crowded with tourists, bikes and motorcycles. Also— many hotels offer free bikes. We used the bikes when we wanted to go somewhere that was a little too far to walk. The main advantage to having a rental car IMO would be to see the ruins and cenotes without having to hire a driver.
Transport—we used Etransfers for round trip transportation. This was $169 round trip for up to 8 passengers and by far the best deal I could find. There are many transportation companies you can choose from. We had 7 people, so this was perfect for a large group. They were waiting for us when we landed and arrived early for an on-time departure back to the airport. We even were able to stop for a bathroom break on the way home. I highly recommend this service as they are reliable and a great price.
Luxury Transport— you can use a luxury transportation service, many transportation services offer this. If you are interested in a fancier ride these prices start around $315 for round trip transportation. They offer suburbans and more at Tulum Transportation.
Shuttle— group shuttles are also a cheaper way to get to Tulum. Of course this depends on how many people are in your party. This is where you pay a flat fee per person. There are many options such as this one for $26 per person each way. As you can see this easily adds up, so be sure to get a quote from a private transfer company if you have more than 2 passengers.
Uber— Uber is available in Cancun but there is a long standing hostile environment surrounding the use of it and therefore it is often hard to get one. For instance certain properties will not allow Uber on their property to pick up passengers, including resorts, hotels, and other private properties. They will not pick you up near other taxi drivers. I have not personally taken an Uber in Cancun but I have in Cabo San Lucas and the resort I was staying at would not allow them on the property. The biggest problem is the property gate was about 4-5 miles from the resort. They are allowed to drop you off! So we usually used a taxi to get to the gate of the property or the whole way there and then would Uber back. From reading it seems this is similar in Cancun. You will have to walk from the airport to meet them. Uber is typically much cheaper than a taxi in Mexico.
Taxi— you can hail a taxi at the airport. This will probably cost the most of these options, except for the luxury transportation option. Be prepared with the typical price to pay before approaching so you are familiar with a fair price. Typically this costs around $100 USD or 2000 pesos. As warned this rate can be up to 5 times higher than a prearranged ride.
WHERE TO STAY
There are many areas of Tulum to choose from with the main question being do you want to stay on the beach front or in the town which is referred to as Pueblo. The beach can be further broken down into North Beach Zone, Beach Town, Middle Beach Zone, and South Beach Zone. We wanted the classic Tulum feel with a boutique style hotel. Ultimately, we landed on Dune Boutique Hotel, a quaint 21 bed boutique hotel located in Middle Beach Zone. This was truly my first experience at a boutique hotel and I am so obsessed.
Here is quick lay out of the area to help you decide what is best for you!
In Town: located about 20 minutes from beach front by car, bike path to beach, authentic + affordable restaurants, excellent nightlife, price— luxury to budget.
North Beach: quiet, romantic, located near the ruins and cenotes, price— luxury to moderate.
Beach Town: all-night beach parties, easy to relax, bike path to Pueblo starts here, rocky beaches, price— moderate to budget.
Middle Beach: beach clubs, incredible restaurants, high end boutique shopping, everything walking distance, price— luxury.
South Beach: quiet, family friendly, yoga studios, low key night life, price— luxury to budget.
Dune Boutique Hotel—located on the beachfront in middle beach, Dune Boutique hotel offers quaint feelings of luxury all within the best location in Tulum. I cannot say enough good things about this hotel. The staff was phenomenal. They went above and beyond to assist us in any way possible. They decorated my friends room because it was her birthday and the owner gifted her a dream catcher— when do you even get to talk to the owner, let alone receive a birthday gift from them?! In addition the location was the very best. We were able to walk or bike to everything. We did take 1 taxi to dinner at Kin Toh, because we didn’t want to walk this cost $15 per car.
Instagram: @papayaplayaproject
Papaya Playa Project— located in Beach Town, this places offers something unique “Casitas” with relaxing ocean views and private dipping pools! They offer locally sourced construction materials and adopted a technique used by the Maya “Chukum”. This place is truly barefoot luxury. Not to mention they have one of the best weekend night clubs in Tulum!
Instagram: @lazebratulum
La Zebra— located in the South Beach area, this trendy beach front resort is a popular choice for first time visitors. They even won the “Travelors’ Choice Award— Best of the Best” in 2020. Fun, vibrant and joyful La Zebra offers a luxurious escape to Tulum.
Instagram: @miamortulum
Mi Amor— located in the North Beach Zone, Mi Amor was recently rated by Trip Advisor one of the Most Romantic Hotels in the World. This boutique hotel offers 17 rooms and is one of the few Adults Only resorts in Tulum! Escape here to “fall in love all over again”.
Instagram: @azulik
Azulik— located in Beach Town, Azulik offers an experience unlike any other. They invite you to find peace in a space blessed with magical surroundings where nature, art, and ancestral wisdom coexist. This may be one of the coolest places I’ve seen— I mean how often do you get to stay in a luxury tree house?! They are also home to the highly coveted restaurant Kin Toh. The villas here are truly a piece of art.
WHERE TO EAT
Tulum is nothing short of a foodie’s dream. From açai bowls to seafood and everything in between we did not eat one bad thing. In fact, I wanted to stay more days because there were so many great restaurants I wanted to try. Tulum is known for world renowned restaurants and these are the hottest on the list right now.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH + SNACKS
Matcha Mama— this HANDS down has to be on your list. If you have googled Tulum I know you have seen a picture of the adorable roadside açai and smoothie hut. We went here twice because we enjoyed it so much.
Coati Café— a cute and picture perfect coffee shop offering coffee, tea, light breakfast options. We stopped in for a coffee!
I Scream Bar— so fun! We actually happened upon this bar after leaving dinner one night. One reason why I loved staying in the Middle Beach area is you can walk to everything— so you won’t miss something you didn’t know of! This place was packed, it is all outdoors and the party was even spilling onto the road. They also do in fact sell ice cream here! Open 2pm-12am daily.
La Taquería— this is found in a little area that has food truck style options! I had chicken tacos and they were bomb! If you are looking for something quick and on the cheaper end this is the place!
Raw Love Cafe— cute breakfast/lunch restaurant located at the Ahau Hotel home to the iconic art installation. This restaurant offers vegan options, fruit bowls and more.
DINNER
I have a detailed blog post on my Top 5 Dinner Spots in Tulum you can find here! These are the most recommended dinner spots in Tulum!
Cenzotle— great to grab drinks before dinner, it is located right beside Gitano and Rosa Negra.
Rosa Negra— such a vibe— this came highly recommended. We enjoyed the atmosphere.
Kitchen Table— locally sourced food, this gives me farm to table vibes. They do take reservations 1 week in advance or walk ins.
Ilios— if you can only pick 1 place make it this!!! We didn’t even have this on our list but it was recommended by so many people in Tulum we decided we had to go. YALL— hands down the best dinner from the food, to the top notch service, the music, sparklers, and the most fun part— they pass out plates and you get to smash them OPAH style!!! I promise you will walk away from here with the best experience.
Kin Toh— located in the tree house at Azulik. Very neat experience— we were sat at a table over the netting. Make a reservation here before it gets dark for the best experience.
Gitano— very good, they have a mezcal bar!!
Ukami— the best sushi!!!!
WHAT TO DO IN TULUM
Cenote—cenotes are natural water holes in the ground. Tulum is known for these hot spots. We went to 3 of them during our time there. We hired a taxi that picked us up at the hotel and drove us around all day. This cost about $200, but the car was big enough for our group of 7. Don’t forget if you are going to visit a cenote— shower before entering and use reef safe sunscreen to help preserve the habitat.
Gran Cenote
This is the classic cenote that most tourists visit in the area. It is by far the most touristy of the cenotes we went to. It cost $20 USD to get in here and there were A LOT of people. This cenote features crystal clear shallow water you can wade and swim in— some parts are deeper. They also rent/sell snorkels and life jackets here.
Calavera Cenote
This was my favorite cenote we went to! It was pretty busy arounnd midday and I would recommend going early here. It is what you think of in a classic cenote— a hole in the ground. It is approximately 9 feet deep and safe enough to jump in. There is a swing hanging in the water and a ladder to get out. We had so much fun swimming here! This cost about 350 pesos or about $18 USD.
Laguna de Kaan Luum
This was recommended by the hotel staff and I am so glad we went! The water here is crystal clear and very calm, except for the actual cenote in the very middle— you cannot swim in it due to dangerous currents. We spent about 45 minutes here swimming, swinging on the swings in the water and exploring! It is open from 9-5pm daily and costs 300 pesos about $15 USD to enter. You need cash to pay!
Beach Club— Tulum is also known for it’s party scene. There are a variety of different beach clubs offering day and night time parties! We went to Taboo Tulum and had soooo much fun! We made reservations for a cabana as we were celebrating 2 birthdays. We did bottle service. The way their reservations worked, you paid $100 per person and then could use $70 on food or drinks. Of course this is not a budget friendly experience but the atmosphere cannot be beat. They have a pool you can use, a DJ, a body painter, a saxophone player around 4pm and a champagne shower over the whole beach club!!!!
Beach Day— how can you not want to spend a day or 2 at the beach with the immaculate white sand beaches and crystal blue water? We were able to sneak in a little time at our hotel beach and it was perfect! Most resorts offer beach service. Dune Boutique Hotel offered food, drinks and snacks deliverable to you from any place on the beach— pool, lounger or on the beach.
Shop— There are endless boutiques along the main road in the beach town. These are open during the day and into the evening. You can stroll or bike along the main road to shop! You will find an array of luxury to budget friendly hand made items.
PICTURE STOPS
You cannot simply go to Tulum and not stop for some of the iconic pictures! Seriously this whole town is so dreamy and such a vibe you will take a million pictures but here are some of the top places you don’t want to miss.
This is located in the front of Ahua Hotel— where Raw Love is! This is a hot spot for pictures. Go early or you will wait in a long line. We went around 8am and there was 1 person in front of us.
Follow That Dream Sign— You can find this sign in front of Lolita Boutique. When we were there was not a line. Once you past Matcha Mama going away from town this will be on the right side of the road. It is easy to miss!
This is the entrance to Mia Restaurant and Beach Club! You will also find this on the main strip in Tulum— so fun and such a VIBE!
Gran Cenote— while you may easily know where this is, this classic photo op is harder to find. When you enter the cenote everyone gravitates to the main entrance on the left. This is where you can rent a snorkel and it is swarming with tourists. We discovered this side after swimming through the tunnel but you can actually access this side by stairs. The stairs are to the right when you enter, but most people, including me were drawn to the main entrance I didn’t even see any other stairs!
I Love Tulum So Matcha— this is at Matcha Mama on the main road. Be sure to get here early and stake a spot. There are actually swings here but people are aggressive about getting them— and then sit for a while.
This fabulous art piece is located at the entrance of Conestesia— an art beach club offering good food, drinks + lots of rabbits.
Isn’t this such a fun neon sign?! This is located at Chamboa Grillhouse. You will see this before you enter the restaurant.
SHOP MY LOOKS FROM TULUM
FINAL THOUGHTS
First, WOW I cannot get over this ~not so~ hidden gem in Mexico! I am so glad I got to enjoy everything Tulum had to offer with a fun group of friends! It is seriously the best girls trip location!!
Tulum is not a budget friendly location— be prepared to spend $50-$100 per person on dinner. I wish someone had told me this. When I think of Mexico I was not thinking it would be this pricey. Also watch your receipts, as gas station, stores and restaurants will over charge you. This happened to us unfortunately. To prevent this ALWAYS ask for a receipt before paying. I got charged 3x the price I should’ve been charged for waters and snacks at the market and they wouldn’t show me the receipt until I paid— I should’ve been alarmed by this.
At one of the restaurants they attempted to charge us for 10 water bottles totaling over $100 for water when we had 4— I don’t say this to scare you but just so you are aware and can ensure this doesn’t happen to you! Of course there are plenty of well established places that billed us correctly and we had a fabulous time.
If you need to hail a taxi ask someone at your hotel what the going rate of a trip you’re requesting would cost. This way you can be prepared when you meet them and be knowledgeable. Also ALWAYS prearrange the price before getting in the car.
COVID-19 Testing was still required to return to the US when I went. There were a plethora of testing options all up and down the strip. Many hotels offer free or reduced pricing to test right at your room! This is what we did. It was so convenient and we had results in about 2 hours. There is even testing at the airport if you get there with plenty of time.
Bring BUG SPRAY— the first night we went to dinner we got eaten up. Everywhere you go is outdoors and there are a lot of mosquitos, daily. After all you are in the jungle! There are pharmacies along the beach to purchase bug spray but it is very over priced.
Be sure to make reservations to all restaurants before going! Some places can be found on Open Table and Resy while others you need to email them directly.
Cash— some places are cash only but we found that this was really only true with taxis and cenote entrance fees. While cash is definitely preferred, they will take card with a 3-4% additional fee. We did not bring a lot of cash so we paid with card just about every where.
