Everything you need to know for your beach getaway!
Tulum is a beach town that is located on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is known for its famous beaches and in recent years, a popular spot for a tropical vacation. Tulum, meaning “walled city” in Yucatec, is the perfect getaway for lounging, eating good food, and exploring ancient ruins. The town is divided in two parts, the town, referred to as the pueblo, and the beachfront. Both offer great entertainment, accommodations, and delicious food, with plenty to do in between.
Activities in Tulum, Mexico
Despite being a small town, there is plenty to do in Tulum. From exploring the jungles to dancing, biking, and swimming – you won’t be let down in the Mayan city of Tulum.
Beach Bum
Tulum has many beautiful beaches, but the two that are drop-dead gorgeous are Playa Paraiso and Playa Ruinas. Playa Paraiso is vast with its white powdery sands and crystal-clear waters. It is one of the few uncrowded beaches in Tulum.
Playa Ruinas seems to be right out of a postcard with its tropical palm trees and bright blue waters. However, what is unique about this beach, is the rocky cliffs that meet the sands. Up high on the cliffs, old ruins of a civilization past loom over the beach and give it a gorgeous backdrop.
Explore Ruins of Tulum
Tulum was once a port city to the ancient Mayan civilization. Proof of this can be seen at Chichén Itzá- a World Heritage site. All throughout the surrounding land, and along the Yucatan Peninsula, ruins can still be seen today. Archeologists have learned so much from the jungle relics and they are a popular tourist spot and a must-see when in Tulum. The Mayan temples and pyramids at Chichen Itza are among the most popular in the area. Only about 3 hours from Tulum, it’s a well-worth trip. The best time to go is early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds.
If venturing out 3 hours from Tulum seems like a lot, check out the Coba Ruins- about 45 min by taxi from Tulum. Unlike the pyramids in Chichen Itza, the pyramids in Coba are actually climbable! Tour packages are available for both locations.
Cenotes
Another natural marvel in the Yucatan Peninsula, are the thousands of cenotes located throughout the land. Tulum is home to many of these underground water chambers and natural sinkholes. The Mayans used them both as a sacred place and as a fresh water source. Today, the cenotes in Tulum are a popular swimming spot to escape the heat. The popular cenotes are Gran Cenote, Cenote Calavera, and Dos Ojos cenotes. There are even cenotes near the Coba ruins- Cenotes Tamcach-Ha, Choo-Ha and Multum-Ha are a great way to relax after trekking through the jungle.
If the beach and cenotes weren’t enough, check out Kaan Lum Lagoon. This lagoon is pretty blue color and is unique because of the deep blue cenote at its center. The mud at the bottom of the lagoon is also said to be great for the skin and has healing properties. Did someone say a free mud bath?
Shopping
There are a ton of small shops that line the main road, Avenida Tulum, in the pueblo. Pop into these stores for local knick-knacks and souvenirs! Your purchase supports small businesses and you get to take a piece of Tulum home with you.
Shops like La Troupe, Naia, and Wanderlust offer one-of-a-kind textiles, clothing, and home goods. While other stores like Mixik, offer ceramics, souvenirs, and folk art.
Entertainment
If dancing and drinking are top priorities, Tulum is no stranger to a good party. In town, enjoy the best mojitos, live music, and dancing at El Batay. Try a mezcal tasting with live music at Encanto Cantina or dance like there’s no one watching at Pasito Tun Tun. There are plenty of clubs along the beach in Tulum, but Casa Jaguar is among the favorites. The restaurant, bar, and event space hosts “Jungle Parties” weekly and showcase international acts and DJs. The food and the drinks are stellar!
El Batay
- Address: Calle Centauro Sur, Tulum Centro, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
- Contact Number: +52 984 745 4571
Encanto Cantina
- Address: Av. Tulum 21, Tulum Centro, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
- Operating Hours: Everyday 8 AM to 1 AM
- Contact Number: +52 984 157 9218
Pasito Tun Tun
- Address: Calle Centauro, Av. Tulum esquina, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
- Operating Hours: Sun 7 PM- 2 AM Mon-Sat 9 AM- 6 PM, 7 PM- 2 AM
- Contact Number: +52 984 688 8550
Casa Jaguar
- Address: Carretera Boca Paila Km 7.5, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
- Operating Hours: Everyday 6:30- 11 PM
- Contact Number: +52 984 202 2464
Where to Eat in Tulum
There’s no shortage of great food in this beach town. Have tacos and local fare in town or head to the beachfront for fine dining, vegan food, and many more options.
Burrito Amor
Hands down probably the best burrito you will ever have. The eatery prides itself with clean eating, fresh ingredients, and delicious food. Make sure to try the hibiscus water ( jamaica ), too!
- Address: Av. Tulum Pte. entre Calle Sol Pte. y Calle Acuario, Mz. 3, Lt. 5. Col. Centro (On the main avenue) Tulum, Quintana Roo, CP 77760
- Operating Hours: Open Wednesday to Monday 8 AM to 10 PM
- Contact Number: +52 984-160-29 89
Ki’bok Coffee Tulum
If you are looking for strong, aromatic coffee and mouth-watering food, head to Ki’bok Coffee off of Tulum’s main road in town. The café is perfect for a Mexican breakfast or brunch and has patio seating.
- Address: Centauro Sur MZ05 LT11 Kibok AV. Tulum Y, Calle Andromeda, Centro, 77710 Tulum, Q.R.
- Operating Hours: Open 7 AM To 9 PM Monday – Saturday, Sundays 7 AM To 5 PM
- Contact: [email protected]
Taquerías El Ñero Tulum
You can’t really go wrong with tacos in Tulum. There are a lot of mom and pop eateries on the main avenue selling local dishes and Mexican favorites, too. Pick up some tacos or dine in-house at Taquerías El Ñero. Offering over 10 different taco fillings, the taco eatery is both inexpensive and tasty.
- Address: Tulum Centro, Centro, 77780 Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
- Operating Hours: Everyday 4-11 PM
- Contact: +52 984 169 1447
If vegan, healthy, and trendy foods are your favorite, check out these spots:
Raw Love
Smoothie bowls, salads, raw dishes, and more
- Address: Tulum Beach, 77500 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
- Operating Hours: Everyday 8 AM- 5 PM
- Contact Number: +52 984 130 2013
Be Tulum
The luxury hotel on the beach has a restaurant that is topnotch for breakfast or brunch (dinner also available).
- Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km.10, Tulum Beach, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
- Operating Hours: Breakfast 7:30 am – 11:00 am Lunch 12:00 pm – 6:30 pm Dinner 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Bar: 7:30 am – 10:30 pm - Contact Number: (800) 231 4683
Gitano
Dining in the jungle, sign us up!
- Address: GITANO Tulum, Beach Road Km. 7, 77710 Q.R., Mexico
- Operating Hours: Open Daily for Dinner From 6 PM
- Contact: [email protected]
Where to Stay in Tulum
There are two options for accommodations in Tulum and they really depend on what kind of trip you want to take. Opt for a hostel in town along the main road for easy access to the local bars, eateries, shops, and cafes. Beautiful boutique hostels, such as Lum Hostel, are budget-friendly, have daily activities, and have friendly English-speaking staff. Luxury hotels like Tiki Tiki and the charming Coco Hacienda are also available in town, for a more upscale stay.
Or if you want to treat yourself, head to the beachfront for a luxury stay. Places like Encantada Tulum offer private cabanas and are more on the quieter end. Wellness based hotels like Nômade Tulum and eco-friendly places such as Sueños Tulum are just some examples of the boutique luxury hotels available on the coast.
Day trips in Tulum
Tulum is conveniently located next to some great towns that are worthy of a day trip. Check out the towns below:
Mérida
Only 3 hours from Tulum is the town of Mérida. Take a carriage ride around the zocalo, town square, and view the pre-colonial architecture. Soak up Mayan culture at the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya. If you want to do some local shopping, head to the Santa Lucia neighborhood. Bus tickets from Tulum to Merida are available in Tulum on the main avenue.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen, about 61 km from Tulum, has plenty of attractions and can be a one- or two-day trip. Outdoor attractions such as the freshwater cenotes, the underground river and cave of Rio Secreto, archeological sites, and beaches are enough to keep busy. If shopping is on the itinerary, head to Fifth Avenue for shops and restaurants. Museums to visit include the Museo Frida Kahlo and the Gaston Charo Gallery. Bus tickets available in town.
Holbox Island
About3 hours away from Tulum, is the sleepy beach town of Holbox. Swim with whale sharks, lounge on the beach, have some yummy food, and watch the sunset over white sandy beaches and pink skies. Getting to Holbox requires a bus and ferry ticket. Bus tickets can be purchase in Tulum and the 15-minute ferry from Chiquila to the island runs hourly.
All in all, Tulum is a small beach town and now a destination spot on the Yucatan Peninsula. The small pueblo and beachfront pack is the perfect beach getaway. To get there, fly to Cancun’s International Airport and take a bus from the airport straight down to Tulum, where a tropical oasis awaits.
