Everything you need to know before visiting Tulum, including where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and insider tips from someone who has visited multiple times.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend hotels, tours and experiences I genuinely love.
Table of Contents:
- Why We Love Tulum
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Get There
- Transportation
- Where to Stay
- Things to Do
- Restaurants
- Nightlife
- What We Spent as 2 Adult Travelers
- Travel Tips
- FAQs
Last Updated: June 2026
Why We Love Tulum
After visiting multiple beach destinations throughout Mexico, Tulum remains my favorite.
Located along Mexico’s beautiful Riviera Maya coastline, Tulum offers a unique blend of white sand beaches, turquoise Caribbean water, ancient Mayan history, jungle landscapes, incredible food, boutique shopping, and vibrant nightlife.
Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary trip, bachelorette party (I have done and OMG no future bachs will ever compare), romantic getaway, or simply a relaxing beach vacation, Tulum truly has something for everyone.
From exploring ancient ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea to swimming in crystal-clear cenotes and ending the evening with rooftop cocktails, it’s easy to understand why travelers fall in love with this destination.
Planning a Trip to Tulum?
Book your trip here-
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya: Secrets Akumal Riveria Maya. 🏨
Flights: Check Current Prices for Flights to Tulum 🛩️
Airport Transfer: Private Transfer to Tulum From Airport 🚐
Tulum Ruins Tour: Tulum Ruins Tour 📷
Cenote Excursion: Casa Tortuga Cenote Excursion 🐢
(These links are found throughout the article, please read in entirety to ensure you have the best recommendations for your stay!)
Quick Facts About Tulum
- Location: Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico
- Currency: Mexican Peso
- Language: Spanish
- Airport Options: Cancun International Airport (CUN) or Tulum International Airport (TQO)
| Who this trip is perfect for: | Who this trip may not be ideal for: |
| Couples | Travelers looking for super cheap vacation |
| Honeymooners | Families (a great family destination, just not the hotel recommended as it is adult’s only) |
| Girl’s Trips | People who dislike heat/humidity |
| Food Lovers | People looking for a quiet mountain vacation |
Best Time to Visit Tulum
My personal recommendation is to visit during the dry season.
Best Months
- November
- December
- January
- February
- March
During these months you’ll typically experience:
- Less rainfall (in my experiences the rain comes and goes quickly)
- Lower humidity
- Comfortable temperatures
- Beautiful beach weather
Peak Tourist Season
December and January are the busiest months of the year.
While the weather is nearly perfect, expect:
- Higher hotel prices
- More crowded beaches
- Reservations needed for popular restaurants
If possible, I recommend November or February for a balance of great weather and slightly smaller crowds.
Depending on the time of year, Tulum can experience sargassum (seaweed) along the beaches. Resorts work hard to remove it, but something worth researching before booking.
How to Get to Tulum
Option 1: Fly Into Cancun
For most travelers, flying into Cancun remains the easiest and often most affordable option.
The drive from Cancun International Airport to Tulum typically takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
Option 2: Fly Into Tulum International Airport
Tulum now has its own airport, which can be incredibly convenient. However, flight options may be more limited depending on where you’re traveling from. (I have never done this, Cancun has always been the best choice for us).
I recommend comparing flight prices before booking.
Flight options: Check Current Prices for Flights to Tulum
Airport Transportation
My husband and I typically book a private transfer from the airport.
Why We Prefer Private Transfers
- Comfortable after a long flight
- Direct transportation
- No waiting on other passengers
- Stress-free arrival
- Typically provide beer/water
- My husband is BOUJIE
If you’re traveling on a budget, shared shuttle services are also a great option.
Prívate Transfer: Cancun Airport to Cancun, Playa or Tulum:
Private Transfer to Tulum From Airport
Typically they will be outside of airport holding a sign with your name on it!
Getting Around Tulum
One of my favorite things about Tulum is how easy it is to explore.
Transportation Options
- Bicycle Rentals
- Walking
- Taxis (front desk at hotel can assist with scheduling)
Figure 1- Follow That Dream Sign in Tulum- Instragram Worthy!
Many visitors rent bicycles because the town is relatively flat and easy to navigate.
The main shopping and restaurant areas are very walkable. If you plan on exploring farther outside town, I recommend taking a taxi.
Bike Rental in Tulum downtown:
Figure 2- a view of the pool at Secrets Akumal
Where We Stay: Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
If you’re looking for a romantic all-inclusive resort, this is my personal favorite. This picture does not do this resort justice.
The first morning at Secrets Akumal I opened the curtains and genuinely thought the water looked fake. It was every shade of blue imaginable!
Why We Love It
- Adults Only (as DINKS, we appreciate the no kid aspect)
- All Inclusive
- Beautiful Beach
- Exceptional Service
- Multiple Pools (13 to be exact)
- Great Dining Options
One of the highlights is the variety of restaurants available on-site.
Favorite Restaurant
Bordeaux
If you enjoy French cuisine, I highly recommend dining here at least once during your stay. The Pan-Asian restaurant, Himitsu is also amazing. Make sure to call and reserve a table in advance to ensure space especially during peak season (for Himitsu, I would call 2 days or so before wanting to go as it is very popular).
Ps- Try the Shrimp Pizza from the Seaside Grill!
Room Recommendation
We stayed in a Junior Suite Ocean Front room. Pictured is the view from our room. The best view I have ever had at a resort! Did I mention this particular suite has a balcony with a stone hot tub on it (big enough for 2)? SOOOO romantic.
Figure 3- The View from our room
The private balcony and soaking tub overlooking the Caribbean Sea made for unforgettable evenings watching the sunset together.
One of my favorite parts of this resort is that they have 24 hour room service. They have built in these small wooden boxes that have openings outside the room and inside the room. When you order room service, the waitstaff will place your food in the box and give a quick knock on the door. You don’t have to speak to anyone if you do not want to!
Is Preferred Club Worth It?
For us personally, no.
While Preferred Club includes additional perks and lounge access, we found ourselves using very few of the benefits.
However, everyone’s travel style is different, so review the current benefits before booking.
Link to book this amazing resort (you can thank me later):
Best Things to Do in Tulum
1. Visit the Tulum Ruins
The Tulum Ruins are one of the most iconic attractions in Mexico.
Built between approximately 1200 and 1450 AD, they were among the last cities inhabited by the Maya civilization.
What makes these ruins truly special is their location.
Perched on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the views are absolutely breathtaking.
Options:
Tulum Ruins Guided Tour from Cancun and Riviera Maya (2 hours)
Tulum Ruins, Cenote Cave and Swimming with Turtles From Tulum (8 hours):
My Tip
Book a guided tour if possible. Understanding the history makes the experience significantly more meaningful.
Figure 4- Mayan Ruins of Tulum
2. Swim in a Cenote
Swimming in a cenote is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Mexico.
A cenote is a natural swimming hole formed when limestone collapses and exposes underground freshwater.
Figure 5-Casa Tortuga Cenote (HUGE active beehive right above me as I took this pic– worth it)
My Favorite Cenote
Cenote Tortuga
The water is crystal clear and incredibly refreshing on a hot day.
There are dozens of cenotes around Tulum, so you can easily visit multiple during your trip. To be honest, my husband and I skipped the tour and just walked around and swam. It was amazing. We ended up finding a private party that invited us to come and join them in swimming!
Cenotes Casa Tortuga: 5 Cenotes Day Pass
Other Options:
(You can always book excursions at the resort you choose to stay at—however I recommend booking in advance for cheaper prices and not risking the chance of your favorite activity being booked up.)
3. Spend a Day at a Beach Club
If you aren’t staying directly on the beach, spending a day at a beach club is a must.
My Favorite Beach Clubs
- La Eufemia- 14 minute drive from town center
- Paraiso Beach Club- 17 minute drive from town center
- Coco Unlimited- 15 minute drive from town center
Expect beautiful ocean views, food and drink service, beach loungers, and a relaxing atmosphere.
4. Explore Tulum’s Shopping Scene
Tulum’s main avenue offers a wonderful mix of:
- Boutique shops
- Artisan goods
- Clothing stores
- Home decor
- Souvenirs
You could easily spend an entire afternoon shopping here.
Best Restaurants in Tulum
La Popular
Beachfront Mexican and seafood restaurant.
Must Try:
Hamburguesa de Camarón (Shrimp Burger)
Figure 6- Shrimp Burger similar to the one served at La Popular
Negro Huitlacoxe
One of my favorite authentic Mexican restaurants in the area.
Must Try:
Grilled Corn
Kin Toh by Azulik
A truly unforgettable dining experience.
Known for its incredible architecture and elevated cuisine, this is the perfect special occasion restaurant.
Recommendation
Try the tasting menu for the full experience.
Best Bars and Nightlife
If you’re looking for a fun night out, I recommend:
- Todo Santos
- Batey
- Swan Rooftop
Each offers a different atmosphere and makes for a great evening in Tulum.
What We Spent (for 2 adults-varies on experiences/group size/season)
| Item: | Cost: |
| Flights: | $450-$550 per person |
| Resort: | Depends on time you go- around $850 a night (before you gasp, remember it is adult’s only, all inclusive and one of the PRETTIEST beaches I have ever seen) |
| Transfers: | $60-$100 one way (cheaper if you do shared) |
| Excursions: | $200 |
| Eating: | $100-$200 (unless eating most meals at resort which I recommend- don’t forget to bring tip money) |
| Other: (shopping,etc) | Up to you! |
| Total Trip: | $4,210-$4,450 |
Please remember this is a very rough estimate. If you decide to get out on the town and explore—you will spend more money. However, if you decide to stay at the resort the whole time, you will save as it is all inclusive. There is no right or wrong way to do it!
Travel Tips for Tulum
Bring Cash
Many places accept credit cards, but cash is still useful for:
- Taxis
- Small vendors
- Tips
Currency Exchange- it is recommended to exchange your money in Tulum at local banks or reputable Casa de Cambio offices. Do NOT use airport kiosks/tourist-zone atms as they often charge higher fees and give poor rates.
Avoid Drinking Tap Water
Stick to bottled or filtered water throughout your trip.
Pack These Essentials
- Comfortable Walking Shoes
- Lightweight Clothing
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Mosquito Repellent
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Trust me—you do not want to buy sunscreen at resort prices.
Is Tulum Safe?
In my experience, Tulum feels safe in tourist areas when using normal travel precautions.
My Recommendations
- Stay aware of your surroundings
- Keep valuables secure
- Use reputable transportation
- Avoid isolated areas late at night
We’ve always felt comfortable during our visits while exercising common sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should you spend in Tulum?
I recommend 4–7 days.
This gives you enough time to relax, explore the ruins, visit cenotes, enjoy the beach, and experience local restaurants.
Is Tulum expensive?
Tulum can be as budget-friendly or luxurious as you make it.
Luxury beach clubs and boutique hotels can be expensive, but there are also affordable accommodations and dining options available.
Do you need a rental car?
Not necessarily. (We have never done this)
Most visitors can get around using bikes, taxis, and airport transfers.
Final Thoughts
Tulum holds a special place in my heart.
I’ve visited multiple beach towns throughout Mexico, yet I still find myself recommending Tulum first.
Between the beaches, cenotes, food, culture, shopping, nightlife, and unforgettable Caribbean views, it’s easy to understand why so many travelers return again and again.
If you’re planning a couple’s getaway, Tulum deserves a spot at the very top of your list.
Have questions about visiting Tulum? Leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help!
Happy Travels,
Sara
Travel Notes Co.
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