What is Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Learn more
Tulum
Tulum
Hotels
All Tulum HotelsTulum Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in TulumBy Hotel Type
By Hotel Class
By Hotel Brand
Popular Amenities
Popular Tulum Categories
More Tulum Categories
Near Landmarks
Near Airports
Near Colleges
Popular Hotel Categories
Things to DoRestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental CarsTripadvisor PlusMore

Tulum, Mexico Tourism: Best of Tulum

About Tulum
Yes, Tulum may well be one of the most Instagrammed spots in Mexico, with plenty of smoothie stands and yoga retreats, but the Caribbean beach town is so much more. In between dips in the cerulean waters, you can hike through dense jungle and explore a subterranean river at LabnaHa Eco Park. Or tour the ancient Mayan ruins that tower over town. (Tulum was the last city inhabited by the indigenous group.) Or hop on an ATV for an off-roading adventure across the sugary sand dunes. And after all that heart-pumping activity, eat your heart out at the authentic mezcalerias, low-key beach shacks, and celeb-chef, fine-dining spots.

Travel Advice

Essential Tulum

More to explore

Tulum Is Known For...

Crystal-clear cenotes

Breezy beach bars and clubs

Spectacular water activities

Tulum Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Tulum

Vanessa Z
Enjoy the outdoors safely: Always carry sunblock and water with you, as well as insect repellent for the mosquitoes. Wear comfortable shoes, boots, or trainers and light clothing, a swimsuit, and hat. To avoid crowded trips, plan your excursions on weekdays before 3pm — the earlier the better!
Ivette C
If you are staying at the Hotel Zone of Tulum, it is a good idea to rent a car to explore the area easily. Have a map on hand to calculate distances and know exactly where the interesting places are. If you are thinking about getting around by taxi, be sure to establish a rate for the day with your driver.

In the words of those who've been there before ...

Ivette C
Tulúm is a little place that has a real magical charm all of its own. Surrounded by lush jungles, the best beaches, as well as plenty of intimate, romantic dining spots, and nice places to stay, it has all the right ingredients for a romantic vacation together.
Fernanda C
Tulum is one of the most beautiful and most laid back places in the world. Not only because of its great beaches and rich biodiversity, but also because of the town's overall eco-friendly concept. To me, Tulum is a magical place, surrounded by mystery, and I hope you'll experience plenty of this in the three days you spend here.
Vanessa Z
From the famous Mayan ruins — considered an outdoor museum of the INAH (National institute of Anthropology and History) — to the beautiful beaches and incredible cenotes; Tulum is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. Combine sunbathing with ancient archaeological sights in this unique destination, on the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula.

What is the best way to get there?

Flying:

Cancun International Airport serves Tulum and the wider Yucatan region. It’s around a 1.5-hour drive away.

Bus:

Buses from popular Yucatan destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Laguna Bacalar, and Merida all arrive into the main ADO bus station in the town centre. There’s also an ADO terminal close to the ruins.

Driving:

If arriving by car, travelers usually approach Tulum from the Carretera Cancun-Tulum/Chetumal road.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting Tulum from overseas, see if you need a visa.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Tulum is between October and December, when the weather is warm but not oppressively hot and hurricane season is over. Average daily temperatures this time of year are highs of 30 C/87 F and lows around 19 C/67 F.

Peak tourist season is January through March, and the rainiest months in Tulum are June, September and October.

Bicycle

Bicycles are a popular way to explore Tulum and are available to rent from plenty of places on the main drag. Avoid cycling during the peak hours of sunshine.

Taxis

Taxis are available to hail from the street or at two dedicated taxi stands in the town center, from which fares are fixed.

Colectivo

Colectivos are shared taxis that run frequently between the town centre and the beach. Jump into a cost-effective colectivo at the stop between Venus Oriente and Orion Sur.

On the ground
What is the timezone?
Eastern Standard Time (EST), GMT-5
What are the voltage/plug types?
The standard voltage in Mexico is 127V and the standard frequency is 60Hz. Mexico has two associated plug types: type A, which has two parallel pins, and type B, which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.
What is the currency?
Mexican pesos (MXN)
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes
Is it easy to find a bank?
Yes
How much do I tip?
Tipping in Mexico is expected; etiquette is similar to that of the United States and Canada.
How much do I tip?
Bartender
10-20 pesos per drink
Restaurant
10-15%
Bellhop
10-20 pesos per bag
Taxis/rideshare
Not expected unless extra service is provided.
Tour guide
15-20%

Are there local customs I should know?

Drinking
The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.
Walking
Walk to the right of the sidewalk and step off to the side of the sidewalk if you want to stop to check your phone, look up directions, or want to take in a view.
Always greet people
An informal greeting in Spanish—“Hola”—is always appreciated — this includes shop attendants, wait staff, hotel staff, drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tulum


Some of the most popular restaurants in Tulum include:

Tulum is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:


If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Tulum between September and November, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between June and August.