Tulum Mexico Travel Guide
Last Updated on Sep 8, 2024
Tulum is a small town in the state of Quintana Roo in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Approximately 2 hours south of Cancun Airport. It can be a destination for luxury travelers, couples, solo travelers and even sometimes families (although many hotels are adult-only). It has much to offer for offbeat adventures and healthy enthusiasts as well.
Tulum is mostly known for its beaches and yoga retreats. It’s where idyllic white-sand beaches meet chic hotels and high-end resorts in addition to cute restaurants. There are also plenty of things to do in the area, such as visiting my favorite cenotes.
As I’ve been living nearby in Playa del Carmen for a few years, I got to know the area and Tulum quite well. This is my ultimate Tulum Mexico Guide. Here’s everything you need to know, but if you have any more questions post the comment and I’ll try to answer as soon as possible.
The Complete Tulum Mexico Travel Guide
What’s the Best Time to visit Tulum Mexico?
For the best weather: Mid-November to March are the ideal months to travel to Tulum, but it’s also the busiest times to visit, so expect higher price tags and larger crowds. Booking accommodation and a rental car is a must!
Tulum Shoulder Season: March to May is the shoulder season in Tulum. It’s a great time when the weather is still nice and warm, and the prices are still low and hoards of tourists leave.
For the best value: May to September will get you the most bang for your dollar, but it comes with a risk. Summers can be rainy, hot, humid and buggy and you might be hit with a hurricane. Personally, even when I lived in the area full time we tended to leave for at least a month around July or August.
How to Get to Tulum?
There are no direct flights to Tulum, as there’s no airport there. You can choose to fly to either Cancun (2 hours by car) or Cozumel (40 minutes by ferry & 1 hour by car). Check on Skyscanner which one is cheaper to fly to.
If you’re flying into Cozumel, you can simply take a taxi to the ferry terminal and take a ferry to Playa del Carmen. It will leave you directly next to the ADO bus station, from where you can take a bus to Tulum. There’s also a taxi stand if you prefer. There’s no need for pre-booking anything in advance.
If you’re flying into Cancun (which is the closest airport, even though it’s 90-120 minutes away), then you have a lot of options.
I don’t recommend renting a car at the airport, as it’s way more expensive than if you rent one once you arrive in Tulum. The best way to get to Tulum is by the ADO bus. These buses are safe, clean and nice – don’t think it’s like a Greyhound!
I recommend booking with Cancun Airport Transportation, especially if this is your first trip to Tulum. It’s faster and you won’t have to find someone to take you and haggle down. I used it myself every time I fly with the kids.
Read more on how to get to Tulum from Cancun Airport.
Is Tulum Safe?
Tulum is extremely safe, but it isn’t as safe to leave your belongings unattended. You can drive a rental car without any issues, you can walk around at night.
Despite what you probably heard about Mexico being dangerous, you’re probably safer in Tulum or anywhere in Riviera Maya, than you would be in New York City.
While scams happen occasionally, they can happen pretty much anywhere else in the world too. I would recommend following general safety precautions that you would take anywhere and have some common sense.
Is Tulum Expensive?
I don’t want to lie to you: Tulum isn’t cheap even for tourists. Because of many rich visitors, the place has become way overpriced so expect US and UK prices. Monthly rent is even more expensive than in the USA – it’s almost comparable with NYC ridiculous rents.
While U.S. Dollars are accepted at many restaurants and shops, I don’t recommend using it. You’ll overpay way more than if you paid in Mexican Pesos. Banks are plentiful in Tulum and the majority of them offer 24-hour ATMs as well.
For dinner, I’d usually prepare at least $35 if you’re eating in a hotel zone, or even $55 if you want a cocktail or wine with your meal.
If you decide to downtown (far from the beach) and try some street food or small local restaurants, you can get a meal for $5-7.
Where to Stay in Tulum
There are plenty of amazing hotel options, but I highly suggest choosing one along the hotel zone with beachfront cabanas. And by that, I don’t mean booking a resort, but direct access to the beach in Tulum is important.
While there’s a public beach, it’s pretty small and gets easily crowded. You’ll be better off with a beachfront hotel.
My Hotel Recommendations
I had a chance to stay at a few different places in Tulum. Here are my recommendations depending on your budget, expectations, and location preference. I stayed at all of these properties, so can tell you everything about them.
There are many fantastic AirBnBs in Tulum that can still cost less than hotels, but you can get the same amenities, more privacy and still go to beach clubs if you wish.
Best Beach Hotel
Nomade is a great beach hotel that doesn’t feel crowded like some of its neighboring properties. It has a great beach with cabanas, hammocks, and tents. You can decide if you want to stay in a suite, glamp, or get a room in the jungle.
Nomade – Check Prices On: Booking.com
If Nomade is fully booked, out of your budget, or you want to bring some kids with you I recommend La Zebra. Most rooms have adorable private pools. They have a fantastic beach club and unlike 90% of spots in Tulum, it’s kid-friendly. They even have a mini playground on the beach.
La Zebra – Check Prices On: Booking.com
Best Tree House in Tulum
Azulik is one of a kind. It’s a beachfront treehouse, with swings and a private pool on every balcony. If you want to feel like staying at Family Robinson’s house that’s the best place to go.
Last year the hotel expanded and it’s much bigger and fancier than when I visited it. Their prices for the newly opened restaurant and bar are slightly ridiculous, but many people still enjoy it, hence why I still recommend it.
Azulik – Check Prices On: Booking.com
Getting Around Tulum
Downtown Tulum is small and compact, but if you’re staying at the beachfront resort I’d not recommend you to walk back and forth. You can easily get a bike.
Taxis
Taxis are everywhere in Tulum, and they’re all easily recognizable white cars. They will charge you around 120 pesos from downtown to the beach, ruins and nearby cenotes, for a one-way journey (per car, not per person).
Renting a Car in Tulum
Don’t be afraid of renting a car in Mexico. The roads are wide and easy to navigate, especially with modern technology like Google Maps. Just watch out for wild drivers.
By renting a car you can avoid being on a giant tourist bus, and go to places in the area that aren’t easily accessible. You also don’t need an international driver’s license.
A car is also a great option for a road trip around the Yucatan, so I suggest you should at least consider it. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Be careful at gas stations as there’s no self-service. While it’s convenient, if you pay in cash, say the amount you are handing over! Some attendants will try to convince you it was a smaller denomination than it really was. It’s a common scam.
Read More About Renting a Car in Mexico
Colectivos
If you’re planning on getting between Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cancun, you can join the locals and hop on hop off colectivo – public taxi vans.
They can get a bit cramped sometimes, but they’re super cheap and reliable. They can drop you off anywhere along their set routes when you say ‘bajo aqui’.
However, I wouldn’t take my luggage on them as there’s simply no space for it.
Bicycles
There are numerous local shops in town on Avenida Tulum (the main street in town) where you can rent bicycles. In Tulum, everyone rides bikes all the time, as it’s a very eco place.
Best Yoga Classes in Tulum
Many travelers come to Tulum purely for yoga. Tulum is an oasis with many eco-travelers, so yoga is a must-do activity. Luckily, yoga classes are available without any extra charge at every hotel.
If you’re staying somewhere that doesn’t offer any yoga, you can visit any beachfront hotel and pay $25 to attend the class.
Things to Do in Tulum
Relax on the Beach
You probably came to Tulum for the beach. Enjoy it! The white sand beaches are gorgeous and perfect for relaxation, but full of seaweed so you won’t be able to go into the water most likely.
You can also experience some traditional Mayan spas called Temazcal, which are often located close to the beach. If you’re not staying at a beachfront hotel, you can also visit a beach club or eat at their restaurant.
Visit Sian Ka’an Reserve
Sian Ka’an is a Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located south of the town of Tulum. It’s a very unique and natural area along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
You can spot some crocodiles, birds, monkeys, coatis and other species. The reserve also contains approximately 23 known archeological sites and Mayan Ruins, including those of Muyil.
Stroll Around Town to Find Some Murals
The town’s streets are filled with lots of colorful and interesting murals. Street art is located in random places, so I can’t give you specific directions on where to go.
This, combined with colorful houses, make for perfect photos! You can also buy some crafts from local vendors.
See Tulum Ruins
This guide couldn’t exist without Tulum’s most famous attraction – its ruins. Considered one of the most spectacular in the Mayan world due to their location – on tall cliffs overlooking the sea. The Maya translation of Tulum was previously known as “Zama”, means – City of Dawn.
Tulum was used as a seaport, trading turquoise and jade. It is the 3rd most visited site in Mexico and the only Maya city built on a coast. It was one of the few sites protected by a wall made of limestone and varies between 3-5 meters in height. This wall is believed to have helped preserve the seaport.
There are two main theories regarding the reason for the wall. One, it was used to keep the Mayas protected from invaders. Another suggests only Priests and nobility were housed within the walls, while peasants remained on the outside.
There are five doorways in the wall allowing visitors to enter, greeted by a field of gently-rolling hills. Once inside, you will see The Castillo (The castle), which sits on the edge of a limestone cliff, overlooking the gorgeous turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
One of the better-preserved buildings sits right in front – The Temple of the Frescoes. Look inside the temple to catch a glimpse of a mural painted in three sections. The first level represents the Mayan world of the dead, the middle is of the living, and the final highest piece is the creator and rain gods.
Carved above the doorway is a figure of a bird’s wing and tail- representing a Mayan deity who protected the people. The perfect ending to this smaller location is heading down to the beach. Just north of The Castillo is a path that leads down, where you will find secluded areas perfect for swimming or lounging.
Go early in the morning (the gates open at 8 am) to avoid the midday heat and watch your step for giant iguanas everywhere. The beach opens at 9 am, so if you want to spend some time there you can save a spot earlier.
The regular entrance fee is around 60 pesos (USD are not accepted), but there’s also a secret option of enjoying the ruins after hours. You can purchase your special tickets after 3 PM.
Swim in Cenotes
There are many cenotes in the area for you to enjoy. Some are underground, others have some ziplines, some offer incredible diving and snorkeling adventures. You can visit my guide to cenotes here.
Best Tulum Tours
There are many great things to do in Riviera Maya that can be done as a day trip from Tulum. There are plenty of Mayan ruins to see, various cenotes to swim, or reefs to dive.
Tours in Tulum are a great way to see the town and its surrounding areas unless you’re planning to rent a car in Tulum. It’s the best way to get around because taxi fees add up, especially during high season when prices are inflated.
💡 If you do want to have a car in Tulum, the best way is to rent to Tulum instead of renting from the airport in Cancun.
It’s often cheaper and easier to bring your luggage with pre-booked transportation than enjoy a smaller more economical car for day trips.
What to Bring to Tulum
Mexican weather can be quite unpredictable. You should expect both very sunny and very rainy days or experience both occurrences on the same day. So definitely bring an umbrella or rain poncho, just in case!
Insect repellent – It’s a must! Tulum is very jungle-like and mosquitos are everywhere.
Biodegradable sunscreen – If you’re planning on visiting some cenotes or swimming with turtles in Akumal, do nature a favor and use biodegradable sunscreen. The regular one is harming fish, turtles, and plants.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE
Don’t forget to arrange health insurance before heading to Mexico. The easiest and the most reliable insurance is Safety Wing (it also covers the virus!).
Get it before your trip to skip unnecessary troubles that might ruin your holidays!
Suggested more extensive guides for Mexico:
– Lonely Planet Yucatan Guide
– The Rough Guide to Mexico
– Mexican Spanish Phrasebook
Did I miss something? Do you want to ask me anything about Tulum?
I can’t believe I haven’t been to Tulum yet or really so many amazing places in Mexico – hopefully 2017 will be a different scenario and I can travel more to this fabulous country
Great Stuff! It’s really awesome guide. In the early of July, I have decided to go for a long tour. your article helps me a lot. Thanks for sharing with us. I’m going to share your article with my social media friends and family. Looking forward to getting more guides about travel.
Cheers,
Steven Rocks.
What an inspiring guide! I love the Mayan culture so, I have always wanted to visit the Mayan Pyramid and the ruins. That tree house hotel looks dreamy and food also appealing. Thanks for sharing it!
Spent 6 weeks there last summer. I remember that we were going to go on a complimentary tour to Coba. When we arrived at the tour office they told us that we were going swimming first in the morning then lunch, then Coba. We were like that’s backwards & it will be too crowded. So we just left. I guess we burnt that bridge 🙁 Great guide!
What a great site with a lot of useful information (love all your photos too!). We have a three-night girls trip to Tulum in October (celebrating a birthday) and have a few questions.
1) Airport transfer: I read where you suggested taking the ADO from the airport. Based on what I have read, you have to take this bus from the airport to PCD; transfer to another bus from PCD to Tulum; then take a taxis in Tulum to your hotel. The airport is about two hours from Tulum. However, if you take the ADO, roughly how would it take since you have to transfer so often? Would you suggest a private, direct shuttle? If so, do you have any shuttle companies you would recommend?
2) We are staying at La Zebra. Do you have any information on this hotel (from a local’s perspective)?
3) We would also love to visit the Tulum Ruins and Chichen Itza. Since Chichen Itza is two hours away, what do you think is the best way to get there? We have heard every suggestion from booking a tour through the hotel or private tour company to renting a car or hiring a driver.
4) Swimming in a cenote is also high on our list. If you had to visit only one (or two) cenotes in or near Tulum, which do you think would be best. We were thinking Grand Cenote, Cenote Jardin Del Eden or Dos Ojos? I have also heard of two cenotes close to Chichen Itza — Ik Kil (maybe too touristy?) and Cenote Zaci).
5) Based on all these sites we’d like to explore and getting to and from Tulum from the airport, I think we are on the fence about whether we should use a taxi or rent a car or go with a tour group or hire a driver. So many options just want to make sure we pick the option for us.
I wish we had more time so we can explore more in Tulum (would have loved to see the pink lake), but with only three nights, we really want to maximize our time and explore the best of Tulum and still have a day relaxing by the water at our hotel (with drinks in our hands, of course!). Any tips and suggestions you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Apologies for bombarding you with all these questions!
1) It used to be easy to haggle for the price of shuttles, but over the last year it became impossible. Any shuttle works really and you can book it once you arrive at the airport.
2) I haven’t stayed at La Zebra, but the food is great there!
3) Renting a car is the best because you can get there early. Chichen Itza gets crowded when bus tours arrive, so it really depends if you mind crowded places or you want to get it for yourself and a few other early risers.
4) I’d say definitely not Ik Kil unless you go there right when they open. My favorite ones near Tulum would be the underground ones near Coba. But if you want to dive then Dos Ojo.
5) I’ll always advise going on your own vs the tour, as you can explore everything at your own pace.
Hope this helps and enjoy Tulum! 🙂
My husband and I are going to Tulum in Nov. The airbnb that we booked also has a rental car that we can book. It’s electric, automatic, includes all insurance, and a private taxi to and from the Cancun airport. They said it’s $500 for all of that for 4 days. Think that’s a pretty good deal? I really like the fact that they pick us up from the airport and take us directly to the airbnb in Tulum.
So it’s $500 for everything incl. the price of the AirBnB? If so, that’s awesome. The price of a taxi from the airport to Tulum is min. $55+ one way, so that’s good.
That sounds as a amazing AirBnB! Could you share the name of the place? Thank you!
Go to airbnb and search los amigos tulum
Happy new year Tulum. We are trying to find a place to rent this October 2020 to April 2021. Please where is the best place to start.
Hi Anna – Could you recommend a guide we could hire that is truly an expert on the ruins. We can meet them there early as we have a rental car and are staying in Playa Del Carmen. Thanks for your advice! Love the guide 🙂 We’ll be in the area over Thanksgiving 11/18-11/25.
Your best bet would be hiring a guide at the gate to the ruins. They spend a ton of time there so know everything about the place 🙂
You forgot about the Kan Luum reserve, which is the best thing about Tulum in my opinion. Tulum is a god damn tourist trap. It used to be a bohemian dream but to a local person living here its becoming a parasite. Want to stay on the beach?…..yeah right, prices so high that they make a Hilton look like a budget.
The ruins are easily the most packed I have seen in my time in Mexico. You want empty ruins? Go somewhere like Xochicalco in Morelos. The beach is … ok. You can find better in Mahahual, Cancun, PDC, Puerto Morelos etc. It is what I refer to as a poser town. Look at me with a 10 dollar cocktail in a 100 dollar a night eco hostel……A hammock and no air con does not mean ecohostel or hip. It just means that they are overcharging conmen who take advantage of people who dont know how it works in Mexico. My advice? Visit it for a couple of days max, tick it of the list and then go somehwere worthwile for the rest of your time in Mexico. Tepotzlan, Cuernavaca, Oaxaca, Puebla, San Cristobal, Veracruz, Tlyacapan, Bacalar, Mahaual, Xpujil, Coba, Tolatongo, San Luis, Izamal, Las Grutas, Las Estacas, Tequesquitengo, Rio Lagartos….
Also, on the safety front. I always say the same. Half of the issues can be solved by this – Dont be an idiot and walk around at 4am drunk with your passport and wallet. I wouldnt do it in the UK and expect not to get robbed. Same applies here. Muggings and bag snatchings are generally the worst things that happen to gueros in QR. A couple of German girls walked too far down la Quinta in PDC the other day and got robbed by 4 guys with weapons. They went past the tourist area and into the part where it is quite shady and people arent looking to be your friends. Lets remember the national minium wage is 5.28 USD a DAY in mexico so when you walk past the 2 storey house that has a family of 19 Mexicans scraping a living…your phone and ipad look veeerrryyy inviting. On the Cartel front, if you have nothing to do with drugs, they have nothing to do with you. If you listen to a “1st world” goverment advisal you should never leave your house. Do you know, they recently likened certain states of Mexico as to the same danger level of Syria, Afghan and Iraq?….I mean honestly, how ridiculous, they are countries at WAR!
I dont mean to sound negative but I just dont want people to waste thousands of hard earned money on an experience that you can enjoy in other parts of Mexico on a 1/6th of the budget! (I work as a Tour Agency Manager here in Central America and I always want to give a true experience that is worth the price paid by my clients). I just believe that people should be made aware of the bad and the good. For me – Tulum´s good is heavily outweighed by the bad.
Having re-read through this….it is most definitely a rant…Sorry :/
Thanks for your great insight! Are any of the other towns as chic as Tulum? I am totally guilty for liking the design, restaurants, shopping, and sleekness of many the resorts, but the prices can be outrageous! I live the Wellness / Gypset vibe of Tulum and wondering if any of this chicness has filtered into other areas of Mexico?
Good report. One note is that escamoles are ant eggs not worm eggs.
It says “ant eggs”…
Hi Anna!
I’m graduating this summer so I was planning to plan a trip with my best friend at the end of June/beginning of July. Do you have more hotel recommendations? Any all inclusive hotels? Safe night life area/bars? And any tips for two new college grads traveling to Tulum on a budget. Thank you so much for this post!! It’s helping me decide between Tulum, Cabo, or Cancun. Any advise is greatly appreciated! 🙂
Tulum isn’t really a place for good nightlife. It’s more of a bohemian There’s like one nightclub (a pretty small & dull one). Most people stay in bars at their hotels or next to them. For nightclubs, I recommend hopping into a colective or taxi and head to Playa del Carmen 🙂
All-inclusive resorts on a budget in Tulum are almost impossible to find. Typical all-inclusive resorts are also hard to find as they’re outside of Tulum (the closest ones will be in Akumal). Hotels are pretty pricey in Tulum I must say since it became trendy. Most resorts in Riviera Maya are actually pretty far off the towns of Playa del Carmen and Tulum, so if you wanna go out at night I’d advice against it because taxis from there will charge you a LOT.
Thanks for ruining my holidays with your great biodegradable suncream reccomendation. Used it every hour, absorbs poorly. My skin got so burned first day I wasn’t able to enjoy rest if my holidays.
I’m sorry you feel this way, but this sunscreen IS good. Biodegradable sunscreens aren’t meant to absorb quickly and the description of it clearly said that. Just look at Amazon reviews if you don’t believe me.
Gitano and Playa Banana Project often have very good bands. So not true about lack of night life. But depends on what you like. If into the Rave scene, then you are correct.
I started visiting Playa del Carmen in the mid-1980’s when it was a dusty little village of maybe 5ooo people. After years of visiting, we moved south to Tulum for our vacations seeking greater solitude and a different vibe. I’m not here as a member of the Chamber of Commerce or Tourist Board trying to paint a favorable picture. Would prefer an honest assessment from local people.
I’m more concerned about the violence which has occurred in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum over the last few years. Although often located in certain non-tourist areas, and directed at competing gang members, others sometimes get caught in a “wrong place, wrong time” scenario. What is the local perspective on drug cartel infiltration of this area? Some locals claim that the demand for drugs from tourists has created competition from drug cartels to supply them, and thus competition (and violence) between groups. What are you hearing.
Hi, I was planning to fly into Cancun with my husband and 2 teenage boys for 5 days. Could I stay in Cancun and spend a day in Tulum? Not sure if that’s practical. If so, where would be the best place to lunch or spend the day? Or, is it better to stay in Tulum the entire time? We definitely want to do the cenotes and my boys want to go to the nature water park as well.
You could do it, it’s about 2-2,5 hours away. But I’d recommend staying in Tulum – it has a better vibe than Cancun in my opinion.
Just want to point out to readers that the whole coast from Cancun all the way to probably Belize is covered in massive amounts of seaweed. The water is brown and the beaches are pretty much unusable. Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres is seaweed free, as are any cenotes of course.
Hi! Thanks for tour advise. We are going to Tulum in 2 weeks. We are renting with Cancun Car Rental through their own website for $100 for 3 days. It says that it includes Collission damage waiver and third party damages and taxes. Is this a good deal? Is there anything else that needs to be charge in your opinion? Thanks for your comments.
Yeah, this seems like a good deal!
Hello Anna, thanks for this great guide and your other on the cenotes, they’ve been super helpful. I wonder if you know anything about using the beach clubs, and if there were any you’d recommend? We’re staying in an airbnb in town as the beach front was too expensive for us (4 adults and 2 kids) and we were hoping to use some beach clubs a couple of days. Happy to pay for food and drinks etc, just not sure which ones to aim for. Thanks for any advice!
Hi Emma, while it’s possible it can be tricky. Some places call themselves a Hotel and Beach club but don’t allow outside guests, and others don’t call themselves a beach club but allow access to non-guests.
Villa Pescadores – about $20 per chair + consumption.
Papaya Playa Project – not sure about their minimum spend, but it used to be around $25 per person.
Villa las Estrellas & La Zebra – used to be $25 per person minimum spend.
Ziggy’s – not sure about their minimum spend, but it’s a nice place.
Wonderful, thanks so much. I really appreciate it!
Just want to highlight that a lot of cenotes actually put up signs that say “no sunscreen” and that includes biodegradable types. And I think that makes a lot of sense. As our dive instructor asked us “would you drink a cup of water with biodegradable sunscreen added?”. We didn’t use any sunscreen or put anything on our bodies/face during the entire time we spent in the many cenotes. Unfortunately, the operators at the cenotes do not follow the rules that are set and many tourists still slap on loads of sunscreen when they visit cenotes.
Love to read your post. Such a beautiful photo you have, actually that photos enough to visit Mexico.
Hey Anna,
Thank you for the detailed report, was really enjoyable to read, and as one who himself traveled to Tulum your tips and recommendations really helped me. The beach is full of seaweed, so thats a bit aggravating, i hung out most kf my time in the cenotes, they are just beautiful!
Also, if you keep Kosher, there is a chabad jewish center that offers Kosher food delivered to your hotel room.Their food is delicious.
Thanks Anna, i hope to be back in Tulum
Hi Anna,
Are costs still high? That’s not what I’m seeing online when I compare costs to US costs… so I’m a bit confused. It seems like it’s 30%-50% less there than in the US (I’m in Bend, Oregon). My husband and I are considering a trip next February 2021. Would love your perspective on how things are in Tulum these days. Thanks!
It really depends on what do you consider high I guess. If you compare prices to US prices then yes, it’s more or less similar. However, this isn’t normal for Mexico especially considering that prices for the same exact hotels went from $150 to $1500 over the course of 3-4 years. Remember that most people in Mexico make less than $500 per month and prices anywhere in Mexico are significantly cheaper. For the same tacos in a local part of town you’ll pay 50 Pesos, but at the hotel zone in Tulum 500 Pesos.
hello we are considering buying property in Tulum. What residential areas do you suggest? We were looking at Aldea Zama and are visiting in early July (hopefully). Any other tips for communities to consider?
Would you live there full-time or just use it as a holiday home?
Hi Ana, thank you for creating this guide to Tulum. In two weeks I will visit Tulum with my girlfriend and with the advice I have read I will surprise my girlfriend to enjoy the trip. Thank you!
Great pictures!
I went to Bacalar 2 years ago and it was majestic but I kept wanting to visit Tulum. People say is one of Mexico´s hidden gems.
Thanks for the guide, I hope I get to know it in the middle of the year or so.
Ps. I think aguachile became one of my favorites foods there. Nothing like enjoying it with a cold beer and de ocean in front of you.
Cheers!
Hi Anna,
Thanks for all the awesome info! My husband and I will be going to Tulum for the month of February. We will be working remotely so strong internet is a must, and we are considering renting a condo in the Aldea Zama area. We found some cool places that seem to back up to the nature area, but I have read that there is a lot of construction noise there. We are coming to explore the idea of spending 8 months a year there:), so we are looking for a nice, yet quiet, spot to call home base. Would you have any specific recommendations? Because the area is so new, there are very few reviews. Many thanks!
When it comes to Tulum and Playa del Carmen construction noise is always a possibility because there’s always something building somewhere. It’s been that way for years and Aldea Zama is especially always building something new. You do need a good scooter or vehicle in that area to get around. I’m not sure what kind of work you do, but if it involves being online during certain hours I’d advice against Tulum, because the internet is really not great in the area and it’s far from quiet – Tulum is a bit like Disneyworld when it comes to the number of people these days and traffic-wise it’s a real nightmare way worse than LA has even been especially in the winter months like December to April it’s pretty crazy. If you need to be on jumping on calls and don’t want to work from a cafe because it’s noisier there then I wouldn’t count on stable reliable internet.
Akumal or Puerto Morelos are much quieter and might be a good option for you, or even Playacar actually for a long-term stay, but February is pretty short notice for lots of good apartments (we booked ours for the upcoming winter half a year ago and it was all gone right after unless you pay triple) because it’s so busy, so you might want to go there first on see what you can find through local contacts and most importantly which area do you like the most.