So you want to stay in Tulum? Great choice! It’s one of the top paradise beach towns in Mexico, and for good reason. It has all the right ingredients for a dream getaway in the sun. Its crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and lush jungles make it the ultimate traveller’s paradise. Whether it’s adventure, leisure, or cultural exploration, there is something for everyone.
Tulum is situated on the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Its name, which essentially translates to “wall,” describes an impenetrable metropolis that would go on to fend off Spanish rule for seven decades. A stay here still leaves visitors starstruck centuries later. Not only are the Mayan ruins amazingly well-kept, but Tulum is also home to some of South America’s most picturesque beaches.
What to do in paradise beach Tulum:
The Mayan Ruins
These ruins are one of the most well-preserved coastal Mayan artefacts in Mexico and are what have been calling tourists here for years. They were built some 800 years ago and are incredibly picturesque. You’ll definitely want to take photos here, especially with the beach in the background. Even those with no interest in native history will be enchanted by this place. They are in a stunning location close to Tulum Centro, perched over the water.
The ruins open at 8am and get busy from 10am onwards as tourists arrive with their coaches from other nearby locations. But if you’re staying in Tulum itself and are able to wake up early, you’ll have the advantage of cycling through the beach in 15-20 mins and having the place to yourself! Guides are offered upon entry if you’re intrigued by the area’s rich history, but exploring solo is always nice too.
Located further inland, you’ll find Coba, an ancient site from the same period. It’s a magnificent Mayan pyramid encased in the lush Yucatan jungle.
These ruins are an absolute must-see. The beauty and location couldn’t be more perfect, so go on and experience it for yourself!
Cenotes
The area is blessed with a vast and diverse network of incredible cenotes, making it a true paradise for travellers looking for natural beauty. These freshwater pools are found underground, creating a unique diving or snorkelling experience where you can see enchanting aquatic life and mineral caves.
The cenote selection is quite extensive. Dos Ojos, Gran Cenote, and Laguna Kaan Luum are some of the biggest cenotes. Cenote Calavera and Cenote Dos Palmas are great too, smaller, but looked after by locals of the Maya community.
The Adventure Parks
North of Tulum is a collection of renowned adventure parks that are absolutely essential if you’re looking for family fun or a day out with friends. The top-rated park is Xcaret, offering a jungle experience, lagoons to swim in, snorkelling, night shows, and more. It’s an experience like no other. Other favourite parks include Xplor, where you can drive around the jungle in ATVs, go ziplining, and rafting. Xel-Ha; snorkel, join in on water activities in a natural aquarium, and have fun on the waterslides. Xplor Fuego; an adrenaline-fuelled jungle experience after dawn. Xenotes for kayaking, abseiling, ziplining and swimming in the cenotes. And there’s much more. We advise securing tickets in advance.
Beaches
Given the picture-perfect coastline, it’s not hard to understand why these beaches are known worldwide. Enjoy the sun, rest under palm trees, and take a cool dip in the Caribbean Sea. With so many captivating paradise beaches to choose from, there’s no doubt you’ll find a spot you’ll fall in love with.
Playa Paraiso is known as one of the most stunning beaches in the area. It’s huge, so you’ll be sure to find a good spot. Playa Pescadores is also spectacular, and the Mayan Ruins in the background will add that extra something to any photos you take. Playa Ruinas offers a more intimate beach experience at the base of a cliff where El Castillo resides – Tulum’s largest ruin and a fantastic spot for hiking. Then there are less crowded beaches like Las Palmas and Akumal Beach, where you can also arrange to swim with sea turtles.
Don’t forget to explore the neighbouring cenotes for a swimming experience you won’t forget.
Nightlife
Tulum may be known for its nature and beaches, but did you know it offers a great nightlife scene that is notorious among tourists and locals alike? Although the clubs in Cancun are more popular, Tulum transforms when the sun sets and offers a unique night worth going out for. The nightlife doesn’t fall short, no matter what you’re after. With jungle raves, nightclubs, beach clubs, hostel parties, and exclusive Tuluminati parties, Tulum has it all.
Most of the nightlife can be found in the main town and the Middle Beach Zone. The town offers spots that are more humble and generally cheaper, whereas the beach on the jungle side of the road has fancier locations that are, in turn, much more expensive. Here’s an overview of some of the choices you have when discovering the nightlife:
Beach Clubs: An significant feature of Tulum’s nightlife is its beach clubs. These chic locations provide a mix of music, cocktails, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Have a tasty cocktail, groove to the beats of renowned DJs, and take in the alluring seaside wind. The Papaya Playa Project, Casa Malca, and La Zebra are a few well-known beach clubs.
Rooftop Bars: Tulum is blessed with an increasing number of rooftop bars that offer expansive views of the town and nearby jungle. Try catch the sunset while you’re there, and relax with a drink observing the tropical panorama. Rooftop bars like Gitano, Mur Mur, and Mateos offer a casual and trendy atmosphere to spend the night, ranging from cosy lounges to energetic gathering places.
Nightclubs: Although Tulum is not primarily known for its clubs, there are still spots to choose from if you want to dance the night away. These nightclubs deliver energised music and a buzzing environment, ideal for people looking for a night of fun. For a night out in the club scene, try Casa Jaguar, Gitano, or Taboo Tulum.
Live Music Venues: Visit one of the live music establishments to fully delve into the local music culture. Enjoy performances by bands and exceptional musicians, from regional performers to worldwide acts. Live music nights are frequently held at establishments like Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar and Ziggy’s Beach Club, bringing a lively rhythm to your trip.
Tulum Pueblo: Explore Tulum Pueblo, the centre of the community, where you will find a range of bars and lounges. These local hangouts frequently offer live music performances, karaoke nights, and a chilled atmosphere where you can meet locals and other tourists.
It’s important to bear in mind that the nighttime scene here typically follows a more laid-back approach than in other places. The emphasis is frequently on embracing good company, good music, and the area’s beauty. Furthermore, the working hours of some clubs may vary seasonally, with the high season (December to April) offering a more lively nightlife experience. Please also remember to respect the neighbourhood and the town’s dedication to a sustainable and environmentally friendly way of life.
Cycle around
The most common and by far the best way to get around is by bike, especially down the lengthy beach road, which would take at least two hours to cover walking. Renting a bicycle is simple; most accommodations offer them for around 150 pesos a day. Make sure to rent a bike as soon as you arrive; you’ll get a lot of use from it!
The main bike routes are along the town, the beach road, and the ruins. It’s easy to navigate, and the ground is flat, but be mindful that cars may drive along the road in some parts of your route. Since there are no street lights after dark, it’s best to avoid cycling far at night. And a life hack for when you’re visiting the beach during the day, leave your bike at the beach clubs’ bike racks.
Food and drink
Tulum Pueblo – the town centre – has a magic of its own with great vibes and even better food; it’s home to local artisans, busy marketplaces, and authentic restaurants, and you can try real Yucutean dishes while you’re there. The cuisine is a combination of traditional Mexican food with cuisines from around the world. Enjoy farm-to-table dining, mouthwatering street cuisine, and fresh seafood.
We always stress to first-time visitors the importance of experiencing a new area’s culture, and a great way of doing this is with food. Check out the hip beach clubs and popups that sell all kinds of marinated and slow-cooked meat, eaten with rice or in tacos. There is no doubt that you should try conchita (pulled pork) and relleno negro (shredded turkey stew). Keep an eye out for places that sell grilled Dorado (dolphin fish / Mahi-mahi), and don’t miss out on the seafood tacos. Get a mezcal cocktail whilst you’re at it.
There are still great options for Mexican cuisine when it comes to hotels. They’re also more likely to cater towards dietary needs or preferences. In both the town centre and the hotels, you’ll, of course, have the option of going with cuisines you’re more familiar with, including American-influenced Tex-Mex.
Key events:
January: Día de los Reyes Magos, Zamna Festival, Arena Festival.
February: Carnaval.
March: Alborada Maya Festival, Tres Cruces.
April: Semana Santa.
May: Cinco de Mayo.
September: Independence Day.
November: Día de Muertos, Día de los Inocentes, Art with Me, Festival de Cultura del Caribe
December: Día de Virgen de Guadalupe, Christmas, New Year’s Eve.
The best times to stay
Tulum boasts a tropical climate with warm weather and high humidity all year round. The best time to stay will depend on where your priorities lie. Here’s an overview of Tulum throughout the year:
The peak season for tourism is December through April. This is when people escape the winter months for a hot break. You can enjoy beautiful temperatures of 24°C – 30°C / mid 70°F – mid 80°F. It’s a great time for festivals and celebrations such as Carnaval, The Arena Festival, and Semana Santa. Please note that this is the busiest period; you should account for bigger crowds and more expensive accommodation. We advise booking in advance.
May, June and November bring shoulder season to Tulum. Tourism slows down, but the weather is still great, warm but not too hot, with occasional rainfall. If you want to take advantage of cheap hotels and quieter beaches, this is a great time to do so.
July to October are deemed as the low-season months. This time of year is typically renowned for higher humidity levels and higher probabilities of rainfall, which includes the potential for tropical storms and hurricanes, especially in September. Tulum in October is the rainiest month of the year. The benefits of travelling during this time are the budget-friendly accommodation offers and fewer tourists.
Side note: The chances of a hurricane hitting Tulum are slim – less than half a dozen have hit the Yucatan in the last 40 years. However, hurricanes passing close by can still result in unpleasant weather. We advise checking the weather forecast in advance, and it may also be handy to get travel insurance during the hurricane season, just in case.
Where to stay
Tulum is made up of a jungle, a town, and beaches. The most common spot to stay in is the beach and hotel part, or as close to it as possible. The accommodation selection is pretty vast, ranging from lavish resorts, to romantic boutique hotels, staggering haciendas, and eco-lodges. If you want to go all out, you can book something exceptional, like a stay at a tropical thatched cabin, yoga sessions overlooking breathtaking sunrises, and even a private beach. The hotel area is the main part of Tulum; it’s the hub for tourism. You’ll find extensive nightlife, cafes, fancy restaurants, boutique shops, and fiestas.
In comparison, the town, 20-40 minutes over by bike, is a more culturally authentic experience. It’s less glamorous but not any less beautiful. It also has more affordable places to stay. Tulum is continuously expanding its network of neighbourhoods. A few new developments include Valise and Zama; these will soon be filled with hospitality and more places to stay.
Further up the coast, you’ll find the city of Playa Del Carmen and Cancun. These are notorious tourist hotspots in Mexico and feature larger resort-style hotels and beach clubs that accommodate those who seek holiday hedonism and a more city atmosphere. The island of Cozumel, situated directly across the water, is also popular among tourists and offers everything from fishing experiences to diving lessons and kiteboarding.
FAQs
Do I need to know Spanish?
English is widely spoken in the area, but knowing a bit of Spanish is appreciated and may also be helpful. You can be polite and say “Hola” to shopkeepers, waiting staff, hotel staff, drivers, etc.
Where should I fly to?
Tulum doesn’t have its own airport as of yet, but there are plans for one to open at the end of 2023. Most of the Yucatan Peninsula is served by Cancun International Airport, 75 miles and a 90-minute trip to Tulum. Cancun International Airport (CUN) is the biggest in the region and welcomes over 20 million visitors on an annual basis. Please check the passport and visa requirements for travelling to Mexico from your country.
What is the currency?
Pesos are used in Mexico. We recommend always carrying them around because some smaller venues, bars, restaurants, etc., may only accept cash. However, credit cards are still widely accepted.
What’s the etiquette for tipping?
Always tip, this is expected in Mexico. The standard rate is 10-15% and is usually not included unless there’s a stated ‘propina’ on the bill.
More guidance on tipping:
Bartenders, 10-20 pesos per drink
Restaurant, 10-15%
Bellhop, 10-20 pesos per bag
Tour guide, 15-20%
What is the age for drinking?
The legal age for buying and drinking alcohol in Mexico is 18.
Bonus tip:
Bring repellent for the mosquitoes!
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