Tulum gives you ancient history, paradise beaches and a bohemian vibe that wins over pretty much everyone. Still, there are a few things you should know before you go. They’ll save you some unpleasant surprises and help you get the most out of your trip.
Tulum: Between the past and the present
When people talk about Tulum, they can mean two very different things: the ancient Mayan ruins or the modern town. It helps to keep them apart.
The Tulum ruins don’t have the gigantic pyramids you’ll find at other Mayan archaeological sites. What they do have is the sea right next to them, and that makes them one of a kind. They’re also so close to the town of Tulum that getting there on your own is easy. You don’t need an organized tour. Just rent a car, grab a taxi or call an Uber.
My tip: add a boat tour to your ticket. You get to see the ruins from the water and snorkel with manta rays on the same trip. It’s affordable, and it’s a great way to cool off after walking around the archaeological site. From the boat you’ll also see the small, secluded beach below the ruins, which is the Caribbean at its best. The area can get crowded, especially the snorkeling spot. Even so, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
The town of Tulum is a different story. It has changed dramatically in recent years. It started out as an off-the-beaten-path spot for travelers who wanted to escape the crowds in Cancun. Back then it had an exclusive, bohemian feel, and artists and celebrities came for the peace and quiet of the Riviera Maya. Over time it turned into one of Mexico’s top destinations. That brought progress, and it brought problems too.
The town now has a huge selection of hotels, restaurants and activities. Its infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with the tourist boom, though, and you’ll notice it in the traffic and the congestion in some areas. With a bit of planning, it’s still an incredible place to visit.
Where to stay in Tulum
Tulum has no shortage of places to stay. There’s something for every budget and every travel style.
The beachfront hotels are the most exclusive, built for people who want luxury and every amenity on hand. The catch is the single road that connects the hotel zone to the town center. It’s narrow and often gridlocked, so leaving your hotel to explore can turn into a hassle.
If you want something more affordable and flexible, stay in Tulum town. You’ll find everything from budget hostels to modern apartments with pools. On my last visit, I rented a three-person apartment with an infinity pool and a private dipping pool for just $70 USD a night. Plenty of comfort without breaking the bank.
There’s also a middle ground: boutique hotels, eco-lodges and cabins in the hotel zone that put you close to nature in a more laid-back setting. They tend to focus on sustainability, and staying in one feels very different from a big resort.
Whatever you pick, book well in advance. That goes double for high season, when prices soar and availability disappears fast.
What to do in Tulum: Must-do activities
Tulum has it all: history, dreamy beaches, jaw-dropping nature and an energy that pulls travelers in. If you’re planning a visit, these are the experiences I wouldn’t skip.
Explore the Mayan ruins of Tulum
The Tulum archaeological site is one of the Riviera Maya’s star attractions. If you’ve been to Chichén Itzá or Uxmal, don’t expect massive pyramids here. What makes this site special is where it sits, perched above the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
The best part is how easy it is to visit, since it’s right next to town. You don’t need to book a tour. Rent a car, take a taxi or, if you’re staying nearby, just bike over. If you can, add a boat tour to your visit. The ruins look even more impressive from the sea, and the trip often includes snorkeling with manta rays, which adds a little extra adventure.
Once you’ve explored the site, head down to the small beach just below the ruins and cool off with a swim in the Caribbean. It gets busy sometimes, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Enjoy the paradise beaches
If Tulum is famous for one thing, it’s the white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise water. One of the most popular is Playa Paraíso (Paradise Beach), and the name fits. It’s the perfect spot to spend the day sunbathing, swimming or just kicking back with an ice-cold beer.
If you’d rather have something quieter, go to Playa Pescadores. It’s usually less crowded, and there are a few local restaurants where you can eat fresh seafood with the sea breeze on your face.
I’d set aside at least one day of your trip for a beach club. You rent a lounge chair, order a cocktail and spend the afternoon somewhere a little more exclusive.
Take a dip in one of the cenotes
The cenotes (natural limestone sinkholes) are another one of the region’s wonders, and Tulum is surrounded by some of the best. Gran Cenote is one of the most famous. It’s easy to get to and the water is clear, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. For something even more impressive, especially if you dive, go to Cenote Dos Ojos.
In these cenotes you swim surrounded by amazing rock formations, and it really feels like you’ve stepped into another world. If you’ve never been to one, trust me, you won’t forget it. Just remember to use biodegradable sunscreen so you don’t damage the delicate ecosystem.
Enjoy the nightlife in the jungle
Nights in Tulum have their own charm. In Cancun or Playa del Carmen, the party happens in massive nightclubs. Here it’s more bohemian and intimate, with bars and clubs tucked away in the jungle, international DJs, bonfires and craft cocktails.
If you’re after something more low-key, have dinner at a restaurant overlooking the sea and then grab a drink at one of the beach clubs that stay open at night. Soft lights, hammocks and chill music in the background. It’s hard to beat.
The sargassum problem
In recent years Tulum has had a real headache with sargassum, a type of seaweed that washes up on the beaches during certain times of the year. Depending on the season, some beaches can be heavily covered, and that takes a lot away from your visit.
Many hotels and beach clubs clean their beachfronts constantly, but they can’t always keep them completely clear. To keep it from ruining your trip, you should:
- Check sargassum reports before your trip, since conditions change with the seasons.
- Have a backup plan to visit cenotes and lagoons if the beaches are affected.
- Go for beaches that tend to be cleaner, like those in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
When the beaches are clear, Tulum is still a spectacular destination, with some of the most beautiful views in the Mexican Caribbean.
Tulum is a fascinating destination, but you need to know its pros and cons to really enjoy it. If you’re looking for a mix of history, gorgeous beaches and a laid-back vibe, this is your place. Plan ahead, choose where you stay carefully and keep an eye on the sargassum situation. That way, nothing catches you off guard.
