Planning a vacation to Tulum, Mexico? You’re in for an absolutely gorgeous trip, complete with white sand beaches, sparkling blue swimming holes, and bohemian eco-luxury, well, everything. Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico is about as iconic a tropical paradise as you can get.
Located about 80 miles south of the more famous and touristy Cancun, Tulum is also part of the Riviera Maya. This region is famous for its biodiversity, beautiful cenotes, and ancient Mayan heritage. Historically, Tulum was an important Mayan port city during the 13th and 15th centuries. It was a hub for trade and religious ceremonies, protected by its strategic location on a cliff overlooking the sea and a surrounding limestone wall.
In terms of modern travel and tourism, Tulum started out as a low-key destination to get away from the ultra-developed and almost industrial resorts of Cancun. These days, it’s a bustling destination in its own right, but Tulum has held onto its natural and environmentally-conscious roots (and aesthetic).
If you’re planning a vacation to Tulum, you’re in the right place! I’ve gathered everything you need to know to make your trip a smashing success.
How to Get to Tulum
Getting to Tulum is easier than ever! The recently opened Tulum International Airport (TQO) opened in late 2024 and is shiny, clean, and beautiful. It’s just 40 minutes down the road from central Tulum and a taxi to the main town will cost around $50 USD.
If you can’t get a flight into TQO, plenty of travelers fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN), about a 1.5-2 hour drive from Tulum. You can rent a car, book a shuttle or private transfer, or even take a collectivo or bus. This is a very popular route so you have plenty of options!
How Long to Stay in Tulum
When planning a vacation to Tulum, Mexico, the length of your stay depends on your goals. For most people, I would recommend a stay of 3-5 days in order to see the main sights. This is enough time to check out what central Tulum has to offer and most of the iconic spots!
However, you can easily stay a week or more if you want to take it chill or explore at a more relaxed pace. I mean, plenty of people in Tulum are digital nomads who stay here for months or even years! With extra time, you can expand your trip to other parts of the Mexican Caribbean or explore off-the-beaten-path spots.
Where to Stay in Tulum
There are two major areas that I would recommend staying in Tulum. The hotel strip, or zona hotelera, is located along the beachfront and is the heart of Tulum’s touristic and luxury sector. Here, you can find the high-end boutique hotels and eco-chic resorts that Tulum is famous for. The hotel strip tends to be on the more expensive side but has great location in the middle of all the most popular activities and sights.
Alternatively, consider staying in La Veleta. La Veleta is a neighborhood about 15 minutes inland from the hotel strip, but it’s much more affordable and authentic in comparison. This area is popular among long-term visitors, expats, and digital nomads. There are lots of local and cheap eats, grocery stores, and services. I prefer this area myself, but you’ll need a car for sure as you will have to take the highway to access the rest of Tulum.
🌴 Read more: The Best Hotels in Tulum, Mexico From All-Inclusive to Boutique!
How to Get Around Tulum
Speaking of needing a car, this is an important consideration when planning a vacation to Tulum, Mexico. The #1 best way to get around is by renting a car and this is the only method I would consider.
While you might see biking as a popular suggestion on other blogs or travel guides, Tulum’s main roads can be unsafe for cyclists. Unless you’re strictly sticking to the hotel strip, you’ll need to navigate highways and broad roads where people drive fast and cause traffic. Plus, the weather in Tulum can be unpredictable and it’s nice to have air conditioning and a roof in case of strong sun or rain. Rental cars in Tulum are reasonably priced and make it easy to reach cenotes, ruins, and other sites outside of the hotel strip on your own.
⚠️ While I hate to have to bring this up, police racketeering is a significant issue in Tulum. Make sure to strictly follow all driving laws to avoid being targeted and scammed by police. I also recommend not driving as a tourist after 8 PM. If you do get pulled over for a nonsense reason, consider politely haggling down the ticket fee with the police officer as they often charge absurd prices.
Do You Need Cash in Tulum?
Yes, cash is essential when planning a vacation to Tulum, Mexico! While some upscale hotels, restaurants, and shops accept credit cards, most businesses are still cash-based. Lots of cenotes will only take cash, and local family restaurants and street vendors don’t own credit card machines. You can also bargain at shops if you have cash on hand.
ATMs are available around Tulum, but they get surprisingly busy (every single ATM had a line whenever we went to grab cash). I recommend drawing about 1000-1600 MXN for each day you’re in Tulum to cover meals, entry fees, and discretionary spending. (As well as if you have a run-in with the police like I mentioned before…)
What To Do in Tulum
Well, I’m glad you asked! New amazing spots are popping up in Tulum seemingly every single day. Here are some items that I think are a must on the itinerary when planning a vacation to Tulum, Mexico.
Spend a Day at Tulum’s Famous Beach Clubs
Let’s be honest: did you even go to Tulum if you didn’t visit one of the legendary beach clubs? Adding in a beach club is a must when planning a vacation to Tulum, Mexico. Two of my favorite beach clubs are Vagalume and Mia Beach Club. Both of these are located on the soft white sands of Tulum’s coastline!
Vagalume has an artistic and laid-back vibe. It fits the bohemian aesthetic that’s all the rage in Tulum, with stylish Mediterranean food and handcrafted cocktails. They’re also known for their Instagrammable hand statues, which I have to admit make Vagalume one of the prettiest beach clubs in the area. The service here is excellent and I love this place because they don’t charge a cover fee or spending minimum in the low season, making Vagalume honestly a steal!
In contrast, Mia Beach Club is lively and upscale. It’s located in the Selina property, where digital nomads love to cowork and mingle. Also, you can’t miss the hostel and club entrance—it’s so gorgeous!
Explore Activities on the Hotel Strip
The zona hotelera, or hotel zone, is the most popular area of Tulum. Aside from the hotels themselves, you can see lots of interesting activities and sights here!
Ahau Sculpture Park and Ven a la Luz Sculpture
One can’t-miss stop on the Tulum hotel strip is Ahau Sculpture Park. The park is home to the iconic “Ven a la Luz” (”Come into the Light”) sculpture by Daniel Popper. You might see some articles saying it’s just on the side of the road—the staff moved the sculpture a few years back, so now you have to pay a small fee of around $5 USD to enter the art park and see the sculpture along with some other art pieces.
Ven a la Luz has become a symbol of Tulum. As in, you have to have seen it at least once! Queues can get pretty long here, so I recommend coming at opening time—the art park is pretty small, and you can expect to spend less than an hour here if you don’t have to wait in line. Finding parking in this area is the hardest part—be prepared to shell out 200 MXN an hour at any of the parking lots.
Azulik, Sfer Ik Tulum, and Kin Toh
If you’re into Tulum’s eco-natural and bohemian aesthetic, you need to stop by one of the Azulik properties. The Azulik ecosystem and brand is a collection of experiences and spaces that emphasize sustainability, creativity, and community, the most famous being the luxurious Azulik Tulum eco-resort. The resort also offers the Kin Toh restaurant, which is famous for its dining “nests” in the sky.
My favorite property is Sfer Ik Tulum, an interdisciplinary art space located right next to Azulik (but is somehow still hidden and largely undiscovered). The curved architecture, suspended bridges, and organic shapes make it feel like you’re exploring the inside of a living organism! I really enjoyed roving the beautiful space, checking out all the artwork, and appreciating the sensory stimulation. You can check out my detailed review and thoughts on Sfer Ik here.
Tulum Boutique Shops
Tulum’s hotel strip is packed full of super-cute, boho-aesthetic boutiques and shops. If you’re interested in anything bohemian or tropical vibe, make sure to stop by and check them out! You can get clothing, accessories, home goods, aromatherapy oils, swimwear, and so much more just on this one little road. Many of the stores here feature handmade, sustainable clothing and artisan goods, so you can feel confident about supporting small businesses.
Follow That Dream Sign
You might have seen pictures of the iconic “Follow That Dream” green road sign. Unfortunately, as of fall 2024, the sign is gone. I asked a few locals where it went and they said it was knocked down and washed out during a flash flood, and there are no plans to reinstate it. 😟
Swim in Sparkling Cenotes and Lagoons
One of the must-do activities if you’re hitting the Riviera Maya is to swim in cenotes. Cenotes are natural sinkholes formed when limestone bedrock collapses, exposing underground rivers and freshwater pools. They only exist in the Yucatan Peninsula and were considered sacred by the ancient Mayan societies that lived there.
If you’ve never swam in a cenote, you’re missing out—it’s all the sparkling water and refreshing fun of the beach, but without the sticky salty water or sand to bother you afterward! After swimming in cenotes for days, I made a list of the 7 best cenotes in Tulum that you need to visit. Here are a couple to get you started:
- Cenote Calavera: Cenote Calavera is named as such (”skull cenote”) because of its interesting shape. All 3 holes are connected and the water is warm and refreshing, with swarms of tiny fish. The rope swing and wooden ladder also make this spot super Instagrammable!
- Cenote Nicte-Ha: A hidden gem that not many people know about. It’s an open cenote with gorgeous water lilies and a surrounding patch of jungle and you’re likely to have the place entirely to yourself!
- Cenote Atik: Cenote Atik is a new and little-known cenote that’s just jaw-dropping. The bright teal waters have an almost milky and opaque quality that looks like Photoshop in real life. Plus, it’s surrounded by lush vegetation, vines, and waterfalls.
If you like the look of these cenotes, make sure to check out the full list!
👙 Read more: The 7 Best Cenotes in Tulum Still Worth Visiting
Lounge on Tulum Beaches
There’s a reason why the Riviera Maya is famous for its beaches! Tulum’s beaches are among the most beautiful in the world. I can’t describe how soft and white the sand is, and the mysterious milky teal color of the water is otherworldly.
Playa Paraiso is the best beach in Tulum because it’s completely free to access! Most of the best stretches of beach in the area are gobbled up by expensive beach clubs (which are pricey in the high season), but it won’t cost you a penny to stroll along the gorgeous Playa Paraiso.
See if you can find the iconic leaning palm tree for a cute photo! We didn’t have to walk long to find it. (As a tip—it’s closer to the south end of the beach, far from the Tulum Ruins!)
Explore the Cultural Tulum Ruins
Speaking of the Tulum Ruins, this is a must-see historical part of Tulum. With Tulum’s rapid development, I have to say there’s not much local culture left in the city. However, these ruins perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean are full of rich history and beautiful views. This ancient Mayan port city once served as a center for trade and astronomy.
Highlights include El Castillo, the site’s largest structure, and the Temple of the Frescoes, known for its well-preserved murals. The Tulum Ruins are one spot that I would definitely consider hiring a guide, because they can tell you more about the history of the structures, their uses, and Mayan cultural traditions. Otherwise, the placards here are pretty limited and it’s hard to see what’s impressive about these crumbling stones.
If you’re really into Mayan culture and history, check out the Coba Ruins as well! They have a different experience and much fewer crowds. Unlike Tulum, Coba is nestled in the jungle and features Nohoch Mul, the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula. Amazingly, the site is still open for people to climb, so you can challenge yourself to hike to the top!
Chase Thrills With Xcaret
This is a little more on the touristy side of Tulum, but the Xcaret parks aren’t to be missed if you love thrill chasing. The Xcaret brand has multiple eco-parks that all offer different experiences and tons of excitement. Xel-Há is perfect for snorkeling and watersliding, while Xplor caters to adrenaline junkies with zip-lining, underground river swims, and ATV trails.
At the namesake park Xcaret, you can check out Mayan ruins, swim in underground rivers, and watch cultural performances. Meanwhile, Xenses focuses on interactive sensory experiences.
While these parks aren’t that cheap to visit, most of them offer all-inclusive packages with meals and transportation. If you’re planning on hitting one or more of the Xcaret parks, it’s worth making it a whole day’s worth of fun!
See the Real Tulum in La Veleta
If you’re planning a vacation to Tulum, Mexico, I urge you to not skip out on La Veleta. La Veleta is a town located west of the hotel strip, further inland. And it’s where the real Tulum is! This neighborhood has real local restaurants, fruit and food stands, businesses, and more affordable stays.
The food here is much better and much cheaper than you can find on the hotel strip. I love El Camello Jr., which serves up incredible seafood (and a massive raw shrimp ceviche that you can’t miss). Instagrammable fave Burrito Amor also offers healthy and hearty food in a pretty environment for a reasonable price. And stop at one of the many taco restaurants or stands to snag 5 tacos for 60 MXN!
This isn’t to say that La Veleta doesn’t have its share of nice places. One hidden gem I love is Holistika Tulum, a wellness-focused retreat and hotel with a gorgeous pool and free art walk! The art pieces are unique and beautiful, set in the lovely forest. Just make sure to spray some mosquito repellent before setting out.
Take a Day Trip to Chichen Itza
Yes, it’s incredibly popular and quite touristy, but you can’t be planning a vacation to Tulum, Mexico without including a day trip to Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and located about two hours’ drive from Tulum. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and truly breathtaking, both in terms of sheer size and cultural and historical significance.
The most iconic part of Chichen Itza has to be the Kukulcan Pyramid, which you’ve doubtless seen in tons of photos. It’s famous for its precise alignment with the equinox sun—which is crazy that the Mayan civilization over 1500 years ago had astronomy down to a science! Other highlights include the Temple of the Warriors and the Great Ball Court, which is the largest of its kind in Mesoamerica.
Since Chichen Itza is slightly out of the way from Tulum, most tours will include stops at nearby cenotes like the iconic Cenote Ik Kil, or the colonial and charming town of Valladolid. While it’s possible to do a trip to Chichen Itza on your own, I highly recommend a guided tour so you can learn more about the area’s history, geography, and culture!
💡 Chichen Itza is located roughly equidistant from Tulum and Cancun. It’s a slightly shorter drive (about 1 hour and 45 minutes) from Merida! If you’re visiting any of these other cities and don’t have enough time in Tulum, you can make the trip to Chichen Itza from one of them instead.
Ready for Tulum?
I hope this travel guide has helped with planning your vacation to Tulum, Mexico! Tulum is really a special and beautiful place that is perfect for a tropical getaway. Lay out on the sandy beach, splash around in a cenote, check out some culture and history, and eat and shop to your heart’s content!
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