Author Archives: Mexico Dave

Where to Stay in Tulum

Mexico › Tulum › Best Places to Stay
Updated: September 12, 2024

My Favorite Tulum Hotels

• 5-star: Jashita • Mezzanine
• 4-star: La Valise • La Zebra
• 3-star: Cabañas La Luna
• For families: La Zebra
• For couples: Jashita
• New Hotel: Bespoke

Four double-sized sunbeds under a pergola on the beach at Mezzanine hotel in Tulum

Sunbeds with an ocean view at Mezzanine, our favorite hotel in Tulum’s North Beach Zone.

Best Areas to Stay in Tulum

See Also

• Best Hotels in Tulum
• Best Family Hotels in Tulum
• Tulum Maps

White sand beaches, eclectic nightlife, and laid-back lifestyle make Tulum one of my favorite places to visit in Mexico. Formerly a sleepy fishing village, Tulum is now home to myriad luxury resorts, gourmet restaurants in the jungle, full moon parties and sunrise yoga on the beach, and after-hours dancing downtown. Tulum is the best town to stay in for visiting the Maya ruins, with the Tulum ruins right in the hotel zone, the Muyil ruins right outside town inside Sian Ka’an Biosphere, and the Cobá ruins about a 45-minute drive straight up the highway. Incredible Chichén Itzá and Ek’ Balam ruins are farther (two and three hours, respectively) but still closer to Tulum than Cancún or Playa del Carmen. Tulum is also home to several incredible cenotes, natural swimming holes fed by underground river systems. Cenotes can be open to the sky or covered inside a cave; either way, they make a fun, refreshing alternative to swimming in the ocean, especially during seaweed season.

My kids and I in Tulum.

My kids and I at a hotel pool in Tulum.

Tulum has one long beach with the occasional rocky patch but overall powdery soft, white, and wide with gentle waves in innumerable shades of blue. Instead of addresses, hotels and businesses are listed according to which kilometer marker they are located at. The Tulum ruins mark the beginning of the zone at km 0; head south to find Arco Maya (the entrance to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere) at km 10.5. Though the beach is one continuous stretch, the atmosphere and offerings change as you move up and down the coast. In this guide, we’ve divided the beach into four sections to help explain each area’s unique style and amenities. One thing to note: Tulum’s electrical grid does not serve the beach. Most hotels in all of the beach zones use a combination of solar power and (despite their eco-friendly claims) gas-powered generators. Although more and more hotels offer 24-hour air conditioning, many hotels only have A/C during certain hours or rely on fans to cool the rooms.

The North Beach Zone is all part of the new Parque del Jaguar, which combines the Tulum National Park (where the Maya ruins are) at the northernmost tip and Protection of Flora and Fauna Jaguar (a new nature preserve). This romantic, low-key area is home to a few hotels, restaurants (mostly inside the hotels), and beach clubs. At km 4, the beach road meets Avenida Cobá, the main road into town. Cross this road, and you’ll be in the area we call the Beach Town, a short stretch of hotels and restaurants, including Papaya Playa Project (the biggest beach party spot) and Azulik Hotel (known for its whimsical boho architecture, art museum, eco-boutique, and restaurant). Avenida Kukulkan at km 5.5 leads into town and separates the Beach Town from the Middle Beach Zone. The Middle Beach Zone is the heart of the beachfront action with many of Tulum’s most celebrated restaurants, high-end beach clubs, boutique hotels, and nightclubs set in the jungle. This neighborhood is also convenient and fun for family vacations. The South Beach Zone starts at km 8 and runs down to Sian Ka’an Biosphere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Because of its proximity to the nature preserve, this area is quieter and less developed than the beaches to the north. There are several wonderful hotels and restaurants here, but no late-night parties or extravagant buildings. Great for families and couples interested in taking it easy and enjoying nature.

My kids and me in Tulum.

My boys and I having some coffee in the Tulum Pueblo.

The Pueblo (also called downtown, Centro, or Tulum Town) is only about 3 km from the beaches. This vibrant area offers even more boutique hotels, lively nightlife, and excellent (more authentic) restaurants, as well as necessities like a supermarket, banks, gas stations, and pharmacies. Food, drinks, and lodging in town are typically more affordable than on the beach. The pueblo is also fully connected to the electrical grid, unlike the beach hotels which use a combination of solar power and (despite their eco-friendly claims) gas-powered generators. Hotels in the pueblo all have 24-hour air conditioning. Aldea Zama and La Veleta are two neighborhoods on the south side of the Pueblo. Aldea Zama offers a more private, luxury experience, while La Veleta has a more lively feel, popular with expats. Although accommodations and dining tend to be cheaper, getting to and from the beach zone can be expensive by taxi. Expect to pay at least 500 pesos (25 USD) one way to get from anywhere in town to the nearest beach, even more if you’re going down to the South Beach Zone. It’s best to rent a bicycle or scooter to get between town and the beach. Renting a car is another good option, especially for visiting some of the more distant ruins, nature preserves, or cenotes. Then again you can easily spend 300 pesos to park for a few hours in the beach zone. So, consider transportation costs when planning your trip; don’t just assume you’ll save money by staying in town.

Best Places to Stay in Tulum

Rustic wooden buildings on platforms above a cenote at Shibari hotel in the Middle Beach Zone of Tulum.

Dreamy Hotel Shibari is built around a natural cenote in the Middle Beach Zone of Tulum.

An infinity pool with a glass front in a jungle garden setting with sunbeds on all sides at Jashita Hotel on Soliman Bay near Tulum.

Jashita Hotel on Soliman Bay Beach is our choice for couples celebrating theor honeymoon or on a romantic getaway.

A pristine beach lined with palm-covered Bali beds at La Zebra hotel in the South Beach Zone of Tulum.

La Zebra in the South Beach Zone is our favorite pick for a family vacation in Tulum.

A stylish bedroom with an enormous bathtub and ocean view at Secrets Resort in Tulum.

Some of the most luxurious accommodations on the beach belong to Secrets Resort in the Middle Beach Zone. The resort has even more rooms, suites, and facilities in the Aldea Zama neighborhood.

Inside a spacious luxury tent with an ocean view at Our Habitas hotel in of Tulum.

Glamping at Our Habitas in the Beach Town is the furthest thing from “roughing it.” All luxury tents feature 24-hour air conditioning and refined furnishings, many with private plunge pools and ocean views.

An A-freame bedroom wth a thatched roof at La Valise hotel in the South Beach Zone of Tulum.

Rooms at La Valise in the South Beach Zone offer rustic yet refined vibes.

Inside a suite with a boho style, indoor pool, and view into the jungle at Milam hotel in the Tulum pueblo.

A swanky suite with an indoor plunge pool an jungle view at Hotel Milam in the La Veleta neighborhood.

Tulum Where To Stay Map and Where To Stay on Tulum Beach
Hotels on Map: 1. Jashita 2. Conrad 3. Hilton 4. O’ Tulum 5. Mereva 6. Alea 7. Nerea 8. Bespoke 9. Bardo 10. Una Vida 11. Casa Don Diego 12. Coco Hacienda 13. Milam 14. Holistika 15. Hotel Tiki Tiki 16. Naay 17. Secrets Resort 18. Kimpton Aluna 19. Villa Pescadores 20. Mezzanine 21. Diamante K 22. Mi Amor 23. Our Habitas 24. Azulik 25. Punta Piedra Beach Posada Hotel 26. Zamas 27. El Pez 28. Hotel Esencia 29. Coco Tulum 30. Cabañas La Luna 31. The Beach Hotel 32. Shibari 33. Ahau 34. Kanan 35. Lula 36. La Zebra 37. Casa Violeta 38. Sueños 39. Encantada 39. Xela 40. La Valise 41. Nest 42. Be Tulum 42. Nômade 43. Casa Malca

Best Areas in Tulum for…

Facing the colossal wooden statue, Ven a la Lux, a bust of a woman with a flower crown and her hands holding open her chest, which is filled with ferns and vines in the Middle Beach Zone of Tulum.

The famous “Ven a la Luz” sculpture is in Ahau Hotel in the Middle Beach Zone, but you don’t have to stay at the hotel to visit the sculpture.

  • Best Place in Tulum to Stay for First-Timers: Middle Beach Zone
    The Middle Beach Zone offers a great mix of small hotels, high-quality restaurants, famous nightlife, boutique shopping, and boho vibes – all within an easy walk or short bike ride. This area is the Tulum most people imagine: hut-like buildings made with woven sticks and thatched roofs, beachfront yoga and shamanic ceremonies, late-night dancing in the jungle, and sunny days spent on a white sand beach admiring all the shades of blue water. Other parts of the beach have these elements, but it’s most convenient to reach them all when making this area your home base.
  • Best Places in Tulum to Stay for Families: South, Middle, and South Riviera Maya
    Families will enjoy the wonderful beach, great food, cenotes, and kid-friendly hotels in the Middle and South Beach Zones. The Middle Beach Zone has a selfie-centric art park, where visitors will find the oversized “Ven a la Luz” sculpture, while the South Beach Zone sits at the entrance to Sian Ka’an Biosphere for nature adventures. South Riviera Maya has several adventure parks, water parks, cenotes, and all-inclusive hotels with kid-friendly restaurants for picky eaters.
Outside a two-floor bar and restaurant covered in vines and foliage with palm trees lit up with fairy lights at night in Tulum pueblo.

The Pueblo is our favorite area for nightlife in Tulum, chock full of incredible restaurants and vibrant bars and clubs.

  • Best Places in Tulum to Stay for Nightlife and Parties: Pueblo, Beach Town, Middle, and La Veleta
    The Pueblo is the center for nightlife in Tulum, anchored by perennial favorite Batey, known for its mojitos made with freshly squeezed sugar cane and nightly live music. Just steps away, La Guarida offers an eclectic music lineup most nights with multiple stages spread over two floors and outdoor terraces, a simple yet well-executed food and drink menu, and no cover charge. Nearby, Mistico offers handcrafted cocktails in a gorgeous setting, plus a host of “Black in Tulum” events Wednesdays through Sundays, catering to Black and Brown travelers. La Veleta, has a little nightlife, too, on and around 7th Street South. On the beach road, you’ll find the biggest all-night beach parties at Papaya Playa Project in the Beach Town area. The Middle Beach Zone hosts Casa Jaguar and Gitano, both known for their dance parties in the jungle on Friday and Saturday nights.
  • Best Places in Tulum to Stay for Couples/Honeymoons: North, Middle, South, Soliman and Tankah Bays
    There’s no wrong spot to choose for a honeymoon in Tulum, but some areas stand out above others. The North and South Beach Zones have some of the best adults-only boutique hotels in a quieter setting than other parts of the beach, yet just a short bike ride away from the action. Soliman and Tankah Bays, a few kilometers north of Tulum, offer more privacy and tranquility for romantic getaways. The Middle Zone, though less private, offers a celebratory atmosphere and plenty of restaurants for special occasion dinners.
Ancient ruins of a Maya temple set in a clearing on the edge of the jungle overlooking the ocean in the North Beach Zone of Tulum.

The Tulum Ruins are in Parque del Jaguar, which combines the archaeological zone with a new nature preserve in the North Beach Zone of Tulum.

  • Best Places in Tulum to Stay for Sightseeing: North, South, Pueblo
    Tulum has a wealth of natural and archaeological attractions awaiting curious travelers. The iconic Tulum ruins perched on a cliff above the ocean are located in the North Beach Zone, while a less visited Maya site, the Muyil ruins, are nestled in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere near the South Beach Zone. Staying in the Pueblo puts guests near the main road to easily drive to the Cobá ruins, dozens of cenotes and lagoons, and a few adventure parks.
  • Best Places in Tulum to Stay for the Beach: Middle, South, North, and South Riviera Maya
    In Tulum proper, the Middle and South Beach Zones have the widest swathes of sand, the fewest rocks, great beach clubs, and hotel beach spaces. The farther south you move, the sparser the crowds get. Stay in the Middle for a more lively atmosphere; stay in the South for more tranquility. The North Beach Zone has some rocks at its southern end, but lots of soft sand and beach clubs at the northern end. People visiting for the day must pay to access the North Beach Zone, but it’s free to enter for guests staying at the hotels here. During seaweed season (May through November), moving further north into South Riviera Maya is the best choice. This stretch of beach sits behind Cozumel Island, blocking much (but not all) of the seaweed from reaching the shore.
People swimming and relaxing on a dock at Cenote Corazón del Paraíso in the jungle in Tulum.

No matter where you stay in Tulum, you will always be a short drive or bike ride away from a cenote. This is the heart-shaped cenote, Corazón del Paraíso.

  • Best Places in Tulum to Stay for a Local Vibe: Pueblo, La Veleta, Aldea Zama
    Tulum is an incredible town for travelers, but there are practically no locals living near the beach and not very many in town. The town never had a large population, and in recent years, there has been an influx of international (mostly American) expats. The Pueblo is where you’ll find the most local markets and restaurants serving authentic, traditional food unique to the region. Many businesses here strongly engage with the local community, like La Guarida, which keeps their evening events free and offers daytime workshops aimed at the local population. La Veleta and Aldea Zama are residential neighborhoods on the south side of the Pueblo. These neighborhoods are popular with expats and digital nomads in Tulum for long-term stays. Though plenty of people live full-time in these neighborhoods, the atmosphere feels more distinctly American than the rest of the Pueblo.
  • Best Place in Tulum to Stay During Seaweed Season: South Riviera Maya
    Seaweed has increasingly become a problem on Tulum’s formerly beaches over the past few years. Although the beaches are fairly free of seaweed from December through February, each month after sees a little more seaweed washing ashore and piling up, peaking with the most seaweed in July and August. Cleaning crews work hard to keep up with the seaweed, but it’s a Herculean task. During the summer months, it’s best to head a little north of Tulum to the south end of the Riviera Maya. Because beaches here sit due west of Cozumel Island, most (but not all) of the seaweed gets blocked by the island before it gets a chance to wash ashore. If you are dead set on staying in Tulum proper during the summer, then plan on visiting some cenotes for a refreshing, seaweed-free swim. There are a couple of small cenotes set on the jungle side of the beach road, and dozens more just a short drive from town.
People swimming, wading, and sunbathing on Akumal Beach north of Tulum in the Riviera Maya.

To avoid the worst of the seaweed, visit Tulum in the cooler months and stay a little ways up the coast in the south end of the Riviera Maya. Seen here is Akumal Beach, about halfway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen.

People enjoying a sunny day at the beach despite a thick line of seaweed at the shore’s edge in the North Beach Zone.

This photo of Playa Paraiso in the North Beach Zone was taken just a few days before the above photo of Akumal and shows heavier seaweed on Tulum’s beaches versus those in the Riviera Maya. You can see that part of the beach in the foreground has been cleaned. The water is still overall clear and swimmable.

Staying in the North Beach Zone

A beach with a rocky patch in the foreground in the North Beach Zone of Tulum.

The North Beach Zone is the strip of beach running along the road from the Maya ruins at the northern tip down four km to the intersection with Avenida Cobá (the road to the Pueblo). The area is dominated by the brand new Parque del Jaguar, which combines the archaeological site with a new nature preserve. This eco-conscious neighborhood features bike trails, walking paths, birdwatching towers, and newly rehabbed beaches. The park connects directly to Tren Maya, the new train line connecting Tulum to the airport, Cancún, Chichen Itzá, and more (the whole train line covers 1500 kilometers across several states). Though it may seem like a lot is happening here (and it is), its main focus as a nature preserve makes it the quietest neighborhood in Tulum, with just a few boutique hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, and limited access to cars. Most hotels sit on white sandy beaches, though there are a few areas of rocky coastline. For visitors not staying in the hotels, it costs 60 pesos to enter; the fee is waived for hotel guests.

The Best Hotels in the North Beach Zone

Staying in Beach Town

A beach with some rocks inland away from the water in the Beach Town area of Tulum.

Beach Town is a cluster of hotels, restaurants, and shops immediately south of the North Beach Zone, from km 4 (at Avenida Cobá) to about km 5.5. The beach is sandy and swimmable in the north end but has some rocky patches for the southern 500 meters. In general, dining, drinking, and shopping are more affordable here than in the other beach areas. Most of the restaurants and shops are on the jungle side of the road, including Mateos, a fun three-story restaurant with hammocks, and Potheads, a fantastic breakfast spot. Beachside dining is best at Zamas and Mina. On the north end of Beach Town, you’ll find Kin Toh (a treetop restaurant/lounge), Zak Ik (fashion boutique), and Sfer Ik (an avant-garde museum space), all at the stylish Azulik Resort. North of Azulik is Papaya Playa Project, which hosts the wildest late-night beach parties and full-moon parties.

The Best Hotels in Beach Town

Staying in the Middle Beach Zone

A wide stretch of white, sandy beach and blue water in the Middle Beach Zone of Tulum.

The Middle Beach Zone is the heart of Tulum’s beach area, with upscale dining, high-end boutiques, and stylish open-air nightclubs, especially the chic Casa Jaguar and Gitano. Outside of the party scene, there is a plethora of ambitious restaurants serving fine-dining and creative menus. Among the best restaurants here are Hartwood and Arca. A few high-end beach clubs also dot the strip. The Middle Beach Zone sits roughly between kilometers 5.5 and 8 on the beach road, from the narrow, rocky Sunset Beach at the north end to just past Arca restaurant at the south end. The beach is long, wide, and mostly sandy though there are some rocky patches between km 5.5 and 6. There are no street lights, sidewalks, or bike paths. Still most people get around this area by walking or cycling, and it’s fairly easy to flag down a taxi here.

The Best Hotels in the Middle Beach Zone

Staying in the South Beach Zone

A sandy beach on a sunny day with people wading and palm trees in the South Beach Zone of Tulum.

The South Beach Zone is great for kids with a long, wide stretch of sandy beach with no rocky parts. Located near the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage site), hotels in the south end tend to be more eco-conscious than elsewhere in Tulum, which is reflected in the bohemian vibe here. The South Beach Zone is fairly quiet, away from the central party zone but still within walking/cycling distance to fantastic restaurants and a little nightlife. This is a great place to stay for active families and couples who want to explore more of Tulum’s natural wonders, from beaches to jungles to cenotes.

The Best Hotels in the South Beach Zone

Staying in the Pueblo

An elaborate, colorful mural featuring the winged serpent god, Kukulkan, an axolotl, and a jaguar woman on a street in Tulum Pueblo.

The Pueblo is the lively downtown area of Tulum, brimming with wonderful restaurants, bars, and clubs. Hotels tend to be in the budget or moderate range, though there are a few new luxury hotels at a fraction of the cost of the beach resorts. The Pueblo is easily walkable and bikeable with a grid layout, sidewalks, and street lamps in most parts. Food in the Pueblo is more authentic and affordable than what you’ll find at the beach; among the best are Negro Huitlacoxe, Antojitos la Chiapaneca, and La Gloria de Don Pepe, though there are many amazing spots to try. The nightlife is anchored by Batey Mojito Bar, with several great bars and clubs nearby, including La Guarida and Mistico. Though the Pueblo is a vibrant, urban area, it is completely surrounded by jungle, with lots of nature to explore just a short bike ride away. Several amazing cenotes are within a 5 to 25-minute bike ride north along Avenida Coba, including Cenote Calavera, Gran Cenote, Cenote Santa Cruz, and Cenote Zacil-Ha (with a zip line).

The Best Hotels in the Pueblo

Staying in Aldea Zama

A table made from an antique door at a sidewalk cafe in the Aldea Zama neighborhood of Tulum.
Aldea Zama is a new luxury development in between Centro and the Beach Zone. Here travelers will find high-end condos and luxury apartments, along with some amazing restaurants, yoga studios, and a playground, all connected by walking and cycling paths. There is even a tiny, free cenote hidden here, popular with locals but never crowded. Boutique hotels in Aldea Zama offer upscale amenities like rooftop lounges and chic suites with private jacuzzis/plunge pools. The new Secrets Resort is the biggest development in the neighborhood (at 300 rooms, it’s also the largest hotel in all of Tulum), but since it’s an all-inclusive, it doesn’t add to the crowds at the nearby restaurants. For now, Aldea Zama has a bit of a sterile feel, while awaiting more year-round residents and businesses to move into its beautifully designed spaces. However, the location is perfect, offering easy access to the Pueblo and beach, while remaining calm and quiet at night.

The Best Hotels in Aldea Zama

Staying in La Veleta

A sidwalk cafe with a latilla ceiling, hanging plants, an rattan egg-shaped chair, and a few tables in the La Veleta neighborhood of Tulum.
La Veleta is another new residential neighborhood in the Pueblo. More affordable than Aldea Zama immediately east, La Veleta has developed a more vibrant, organic feel despite its relative newness. Popular with expats and digital nomads staying for weeks or months at a time, this area has several great restaurants, a couple of bars, fun boutique shops and markets, coworking spaces, and galleries. Calle 7 Sur (7th Street South) and the surrounding area especially come alive at night, with music and dancing at many restaurants and bars, though it’s not the wild party scene you’ll find in Centro or Beach Town. Another advantage is the “new” road, Avenida Kukulkan, which connects La Veleta directly to the beach (at km 5.5, right where Beach Town meets the Middle Beach Zone), avoiding all the traffic of downtown.

The Best Hotels in La Veleta

Staying in Tankah and Soliman Bays

A view of Soliman Bay as seen from Jashita Hotel with a few people walking in the sand on the water’s edge.
About 10 km north of the pueblo, travelers will find two protected bays, first Tankah and then Soliman a little farther up the coast. While Tulum town has been developing at breakneck speed, these two beachfront neighborhoods remain almost unchanged. Both sit right behind the coral reef, and their beaches have a mix of sand and pulverized coral, so they’re not as silky as the southern beaches. Wear water shoes if you plan on wading in. However, having the reef so close to the shore makes both areas superb for kayaking, snorkeling, and diving, with green sea turtles and schools of colorful fish darting through stony corals and seagrass meadows. Tankah Bay is also home to Casa Cenote, an open-air cenote popular for scuba lessons, as well as a handful of laid-back, boutique hotels. Soliman Bay is a little quieter, just the occasional couple strolling along the water’s edge. In both neighborhoods, the only restaurants are inside hotels, except Oscar & Lalo on the highway before the entrance to Soliman Bay. Both neighborhoods are semi-private (Soliman is gated), only accessible to guests of the hotels, patrons of the restaurants, and visitors to the cenote.

The Best Hotels in Tankah and Soliman Bays

Staying in South Riviera Maya

Two men walking on an immaculate stretch of white sandy beach in the South Riviera Maya north of Tulum.
The Riviera Maya is a long stretch of coastline running from Puerto Morelos south through Playa del Carman and ending in Tulum’s Sian Ka’an Biosphere. South Riviera Maya is the closest part to Tulum (for info on North Riviera Maya, check out our article on Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen). Most hotels in this area are large all-inclusive resorts, so you don’t get the typical Tulum vibe. But the beaches here are incredible. Cozumel Island sits just off the coast and acts as a barrier, making the waves gentler and reducing the amount of seaweed that reaches the shore. For travel during the peak of summer/seaweed season, this is the best area to stay in near Tulum. All year long, this is a hotspot known for its adventure parks, especially Xel-Ha and Xcaret, with snorkeling, lazy rivers, ziplining, animal encounters, cultural activities, and more. The best thing to do in this area, though, is to explore the cenotes, natural swimming holes in the jungle fed by underground rivers with dazzling, gem-blue waters. Some are open to the sun, while others are partially or fully inside cave systems. Dos Ojos is the most famous (and most expensive) cenote to visit, made up of five cenotes linked together by the world’s second-largest cave system. Two wonderful, open-air cenotes here are Jardin del Eden and Cenote Azul.

The Best Hotels in South Riviera Maya

Read More

An ocean-view infinity pool with a wooden deck and palm trees at Xela hotel in the South Beach Zone.

The ocean-view infinity pool at Xela Hotel in the South Beach Zone.

Where to Stay in Los Cabos

Mexico › Best Places to Stay in Cabo
Updated: May 3, 2024

My Favorite Hotels in Cabo
• Cabo San Lucas: Hacienda • Casa Dorada
• San Jose del Cabo: Viceroy • Cabo Surf
• Corridor: Esperanza
• For families: Casa Dorada • Cabo Surf
• For couples: Esperanza

Best place to stay in Los Cabos.

One of the pools at the Viceroy in San Jose del Cabo.

Staying in Los Cabos – Tips & Info

  • Stretching for 20 miles from Cabo San Lucas to San José del Cabo, the Los Cabos Corridor is a stretch of coastline that’s still spectacular in places, though much of it has now been built up with all-inclusive resorts and golf courses. This entire area (including both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo) is commonly referred to as Los Cabos.
  • At the east end of the Los Cabos Corridor, San José de Cabo is Cabo San Lucas’ quieter, classier twin, with an attractive historic center, fantastic dining scene, and some excellent hotels lining the white-sand beaches of the Zona Hotelera.
My wife and I in Los Cabos.

My wife and I in San Jose del Cabo.

  • If heading north take the quieter coastal road. It’s some 60 miles from San José del Cabo to Cabo Pulmo, a tiny village that’s the gateway to the world-class marine park of the same name. The scuba diving and snorkeling is the best in Baja.
  • Northwest of Cabo Pulmo, the coastal road rejoins the Carretera Transpeninsular and passes through the appealing little town of Los Barriles, some 65 miles south of La Paz. It’s one of Baja Sur’s top spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
  • Rules of the road are similar to the U.S. Highways are well-maintained, and streets are well-mapped (though often not well-marked) and easy to follow via GPS. Two things that are different are topes and left turns. Topes (pronounced TOH-pays) are speed bumps, but there are no regulations on their height, steepness, or visibility; some are nearly impossible to see until it’s too late. Standard left turns are usually OK in downtown but not on highways. To make a left, drivers will often need to use a retorno, which is a U-turn overpass. To use a retorno, drive past the road you want to make a left onto, get into the far right lane to take the retorno exit, make the left onto the overpass, and finally merge with traffic going the opposite direction. You can then make a right at the desired street or destination.
  • Best Hotel for Families: Casa Dorada (Cabo San Lucas)
  • Best Hotel for Couples: Esperanza Resort (Los Cabos Corridor)

Best Places to Stay in Los Cabos

Best beach hotels in Cabo San Lucas.

Wonderful Medano beach in front of the Hacienda Beach Club & Residences and Casa Dorada Resort & Spa.

Our hotel room at Cabo Surf Hotel.

Our room at Cabo Surf Hotel.

My hotel room at Hotel El Ganzo.

Our room at Hotel El Ganzo.

My suite at the Viceroy.

Our suite at the Viceroy.

Our villa at Esperanza.

Our villa at Esperanza.

Staying in Baja California

Framed by the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortéz, and dotted with cordon cacti and boojum trees, the southern tip of Baja California is a place of considerable natural beauty. Arid landscapes aside, it’s been well and truly discovered by winter sun seekers, water sports enthusiasts, and spring breakers: Cabo San Lucas is renowned throughout Mexico for its spring break but sports fishing, scuba diving, and wind surfing off Baja’s southern shores is also world-class. Add some spectacular white-sand beaches, old-world colonial towns, breezy fishing villages, popular resorts, and a generous collection of hotels to suit every budget, and it’s easy to see why Baja California Sur is an all-round superb destination.

If you’re driving south from California via the Carretera Transpeninsular – the scenic highway that stretches the length of Baja – you will invariably pass through La Paz, the largest town in Baja Sur. A former colonial settlement with a beautiful historic center, waterfront malecón, and some excellent bars and restaurants, it warrants more than just a pit stop to fill up on gas. It makes a good base for visiting attractions in the surrounding area, too.

Facing Isla Ceralvo, a short detour southeast of La Paz along Route 286, La Ventana is a one-street village that draws kitesurfers from around the world between November and March with its steady winds. Other draws include scuba diving and wildlife watching.

If you drive the clockwise loop south of La Paz along the Carretera Transpeninsular, the first place you reach along the west coast is Todos Santos, Baja Sur’s most picturesque little town, some 50 miles farther south. Its cobblestone streets are dotted with galleries, good restaurants, and appealing adobe architecture, while the beaches and the surf breaks appeal to outdoor enthusiasts.

Boutique hotel with infinity pool in San Jose del Cabo.

The view from the rooftop pool and swim-up bar at the Hotel El Ganzo near San Jose del Cabo.

Continue south along the Carretera Transpeninsular for another 47 miles and you’ll get to Baja Sur’s premier party town, Cabo San Lucas. Here you can party all night at the raucous bars and clubs, hop on a cruise to the arching stone cliffs at Land’s End, sun yourself on one of the white-sand beaches, or partake in a huge array of water sports: banana boating, parasailing, and diving. At the other end of the Cabo Corridor is the hip and trendy town of San José del Cabo.

See Also

The Best of Los Cabos & Baja

My wife and I in Los Cabo.

My wife and I in the pool at the Viceroy.

Best Places for Sightseeing: Todos Santos, San José del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz
Let’s face it: few visitors come to Baja Sur primarily for sightseeing. But if you’re into colonial architecture, then the towns of San José del Cabo, Todos Santos, and La Paz all have plenty to offer: adobe houses, appealing centuries-old churches, and narrow cobbled streets that are a joy to wander. And while Cabo San Lucas may lack the colonial charm of its neighbor towns, it features Baja Sur’s biggest natural attraction: the natural stone arch at Land’s End, walkable from town and very popular at sunset.

Best Place for Nightlife: Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is Baja Sur’s undisputed party town, with bottomless margaritas fuelling the revelry all day (and all night) long. The nightlife kicks up a notch when the spring breakers get into town, with dancing on table tops, jello shooters, and tequila conga lines. Some of the most popular bars and nightspots include the legendary El Squid Roe, Cabo Wabo, The Giggling Marlin, and the Happy Ending Cantina, with many of the watering holes clustered near the marina.

Best hotel for Cabo San Lucas nightlife and party clubs.

The friendly and affordable Casa Bella Hotel in the heart of downtown Cabo San Lucas.

Best Places for Food and Restaurants: Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos, San José del Cabo
Baja Sur has come a long way as a foodie destination in recent years, with dining hotspots being Todos Santos, Cabo San Lucas, and San José del Cabo. In all 3 locations, you’ll find anything from Mexican standards and taco stands to superb fusion and international dining. Standout restaurants include Sur Beach House and Baja Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Flora’s Field Kitchen and La Lupita Taco & Mezcal in San José del Cabo, and Hierbabuena and Carnitas Machin Pescadero in Todos Santos.

Best Places for Families: Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos Corridor
Cabo San Lucas may be a party town, but it also has some excellent beaches on the its outskirts and a large number of family-friendly hotels. Hence, if traveling with kids, then all-inclusive options with kids’ clubs, plenty of water sports on offer, and other activities are an excellent bet. Los Cabos Corridor also features numerous high-end all-inclusive hotels, many with plenty to keep kids occupied and white-sand beaches out front.

Best Places to Stay for First Timers: Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos, San José Los Cabos, Los Cabos Corridor
First-time visitors to Cabo can’t go wrong with these 3 destinations. If you wish to combine a raucous nightlife with some quality beach time, then Cabo San Lucas would naturally be your first choice. If you’re looking for a hassle-free location away from Cabo San Lucas’ crowds but close enough to enjoy the nightlife and with access to world-class golfing, then Los Cabo Corridor is a good bet. Finally, if you’re after a more local vibe and excellent dining while staying within easy driving distance from Land’s End, then either Todos Santos or San José del Cabo make excellent bases.

Best place to stay for couples and honeymoon.

The Cape Hotel on the Los Cabos Corridor.

Best Honeymoon Destinations: Los Cabos Corridor, Todos Santos, Cabo Pulmo
It entirely depends on what you want from your honeymoon. If you’re looking for an exclusive, adults-only, high-end hotel with a world-class spa and private beach access, then there are several excellent options along the Los Cabos Corridor (Esperanza Resort and The Cape are particular standouts). If appealing colonial architecture and romantic dinners are more your thing, then Todos Santos is an excellent place to stay. And if you want to get away from the crowds and enjoy sunset strolls along wind-swept beaches, then you could do worse than tiny Cabo Pulmo.

Best Places for a Local Vibe: San José del Cabo, Todos Santos
Baja Sur has been well and truly discovered by visitors, and crowds of sun-seekers converge on the likes of Cabo San Lucas, particularly during the winter months and during spring break. However, both Todos Santos, and San José del Cabo have managed to retain a relatively low-key charm and feel like proper Mexican towns.

Best Places for Water Sports: La Ventana, Los Barriles, Todos Santos, Cabo Pulmo, Cabo San Lucas
Cabo Pulmo is a world-class diving destination, with excellent access to the only Pacific reef in the Sea of Cortez. Visibility is best in October and November, and sightings include whale sharks. La Ventana and Los Barriles both attract windsurfers and kitesurfers; conditions are best between November and March. El Pescadero, a small village just south of Todos Santos, is a surfing hotspot. As for sea kayaking, banana boating, parasailing, and other activities, hotels in Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos Corridor, Todos Santos, and other vacation hotspots can organize those. Cabo San Lucas is also renowned for its deep-see fishing charters.

Cabo beach resort.

The Cabo Surf Hotel just outside of San José del Cabo.

Best Places for Wildlife Watching: La Paz, Todos Santos, Cabo San Lucas
Baja California is particularly well-known for whale watching, with grey whales regularly sighted from December to April. While the 3 best spots to see whales – Laguna San Ignacio, Laguna Ojo de Liebre, and Bahía Magdalena – are all located farther north than Baja Sur’s holiday towns, numerous boat operators in Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, and Todos Los Santos organize day trips to the whale watching hotspots. Sea lions and dolphins are frequently spotted en route.

Safest Areas: Baja California Sur is generally safe for visitors, particularly compared to other parts of Mexico. Tourist hotspots such as Todos Santos, San José del Cabo, La Paz, etc. are generally safe to walk around at any time of day, though standard precautions apply.

Unsafe Areas: There are no specifically unsafe places in Baja California Sur, though driving outside the towns at night is generally not recommended. Bag snatching and pickpocketing does occasionally happen in the likes of La Paz and Cabo San Lucas, so be on guard. Alcohol-related misbehavior is fairly common in Cabo San Lucas.

The Best Places in Baja California for Tourists

Staying in Cabo San Lucas

Best beach hotel near Cabo nightlife.

The Casa Dorada Resort & Spa is great for families, couples, and beach lovers.

Sitting between a desert hinterland and a rugged cape after which it takes its name, Cabo San Lucas was a sleepy tuna canning village until tourism exploded in the 1980s. Now it feels more like part of the United States, with ‘snowbirds’ spending the winter here in their second homes, a popular cruise ship port, and spring breakers flocking here for the tequila-fuelled nightlife. Besides the natural stone arch at Land’s End, Cabo San Lucas is known for its beaches lined with luxury resorts, lively bars, and pretty much all water sports, including some excellent scuba diving.

Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas

Staying in Los Cabos Corridor

5-star resort near Cabo San Lucas.

The Esperanza on the Los Cabos Corridor – but just a 10-minute drive to Cabo San Lucas nightlife and restaurants.

The twenty-mile stretch of coastal highway between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo is lined with exclusive luxury resorts and features several golf courses. The former natural beauty of the area has been rather blighted by the uncontrolled development, but there are still some wonderful beaches here (though access to many can be tricky unless you’re staying at one of the beachfront resorts), including Playa El Médano near Cabo San Lucas and Playa Palmilla near San José del Cabo. Of the beaches, Bahía Santa María is best for snorkeling and diving, Bahía Chileno is great for families, while Costa Azul is the best surfing beach in the area.

Best Hotels in Los Cabos Corridor

Staying in San José del Cabo

Best place to stay in San Jose del Cabo.

The Viceroy has an amazing beachfront location and is a 5-minute drive or 30-minute walk from downtown San Jose del Cabo.

The quieter antidote to Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo is a former Jesuit mission turned port and agricultural center, centered on the attractive Plaza Mijares and dotted with some eye-catching 19th-century buildings. From the main square, Bulevar Mijares leads to the Zona Hotelera, where the majority of the town’s beach resorts are located. San José’s highlights include high-end boutiques and art galleries, an excellent dining scene, and a more low-key vibe than Cabo.

Best Hotels in San José del Cabo

Staying in Todos Santos

Downtown Todos Santos.

Halfway between La Paz and Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos is a beautiful colonial town with sensitively restored, centuries-old architecture. Its population is a lively mix of Mexicans and artistically-inclined expats, reflected in the relatively low-key vibe and a clutch of offbeat art galleries. Palm-fringed Plaza Todos Santos aside, attractions include the local cultural center and the white-sand beaches, though they tend to be better for surfing than for swimming. Todos Santos also features an excellent dining scene and some fine boutique hotels.

Best Hotels in Todos Santos

Staying in Cabo Pulmo

One of the highlights of the East Cape – some 80 miles of wild coastline, including some stunning, unpeopled beaches – is Cabo Pulmo, an off-the-grid village that’s the gateway to the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, renowned for its Pacific reef and excellent scuba diving. There is good snorkeling at Playa Los Arbolites near the village, but for even better marine life, head for the Playa Los Frailes cove, some 20 minutes’ drive south of the village.

Best Hotel in Cabo Pulmo

Staying in Los Barriles

5-Star Beach Resort in Los Cabos.

The Four Seasons Resort looking out on the Sea of Cortez, about 15 km south of Los Barriles.

The East Cape’s largest town, Los Barriles is renowned in windsurfing and kitesurfing circles (conditions are best for experienced surfers rather than beginners). There’s a low-key hotel scene and some decent local dining, ranging from taco joints to gourmet restaurants. Sport-fishing is another big attraction here.

Best Hotels near Los Barriles

Staying in La Ventana

A worthwhile detour to the east coast from La Paz, La Ventana is a blink-and-you-miss-it village. One of several windsurfing and kitesurfing hotspots in Baja Sur, it attracts visitors from all over the world between November and March.

Best Hotels in La Ventana

Staying in La Paz

The largest town in Baja California, La Paz boasts an attractive colonial center and a particularly attractive malecón (seafront promenade). It’s a busy working town, but there are enough attractions to keep visitors busy for a few days, from the cultural center and Museum of Anthropology to the string of beaches stretching to the port of Pichilingue, the best of which is Playa de Balandra, with calm, shallow waters suitable for kids. La Paz is also a jumping-off point for wildlife watching trips, from all-day whale watching to half-day trips to the nearby Isla Espírutu Santo, where one can spot manta rays, sea lions, and occasional whale sharks.

Best Hotels in La Paz

Read More

Where to Stay in Oaxaca

Mexico › Best Places to Stay in Oaxaca
Updated: October 17, 2024

My Favorite Hotels
• Centro/Zócalo: Casa Antonieta
• Santo Domingo: El Callejón
• Jalatlaco: Los Pilares
• 5-Star: Quinta Real
• 4-Star: Casa de Sierra Azul
• Budget: Santa Cecilia
• For families: El Callejón
• For couples: Casa Antonieta

The landmark Mexican Baroque church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán with it's two domed towers, ornate façade, and stone walls in the Santo Domingo neighborhood of Oaxaca.

The landmark Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán is a masterpiece of Mexican Baroque architecture. The church is also home to the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca and the Ethnobotanical Garden.

Best Areas to Stay in Oaxaca

We love Oaxaca. Its historical center is among the most beautiful in Mexico, its fiestas are exuberant, and its art and dining scenes are second to none. Most of its attractions are concentrated in central, very walkable neighborhoods. Outlying sights, like the Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán, can be reached by cheap and ubiquitous taxis.

Centro, Oaxaca’s historical heart, is where you’ll find the majority of Oaxaca’s best hotels in all budget ranges. The upscale ones mostly fall into the boutique category (only one or two hotels can be described as “luxury”), and are found inside former colonial mansions that dot the streets around the Zócalo (the main square, AKA Plaza de la Constitición) and the Santo Domingo cathedral, several blocks further north. Good midrange and budget options can also be found in the outlying barrios (neighborhoods) of Xochimilco, Jalatlaco, and La Noria, fanning out from Oaxaca’s center.

You’re likely to spend most of your time in Oaxaca’s historical center – a logical and easy-to-navigate grid of streets, lined with centuries-old architecture. Centro can roughly be divided into two halves. The blocks of streets around the Zócalo are centered on Oaxaca’s main plaza and its imposing Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption (more commonly called Oaxaca Cathedral). This is where you’ll find craft stalls, churches, numerous restaurants, markets, and a couple of museums. The other half of Centro, Santo Domingo, north of Calle Independencia and Zócalo, is centered on the imposing Santo Domingo church. The cobbled streets around the church are rich in attractions, from museums and art galleries to some of Oaxaca’s best dining and nightlife.

The ostentatious Art Nouveau facade of Teatro Macedonio Alcala with arches, Corinthian columns, busts, and a dome in the Centro neighborhood of Oaxaca.

The Teatro Macedonio Alcalá in Centro hosts tons of events, including concerts by the Oaxaca Symphony Orchestra, traditional dance, and live broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera from New York City.

North of Santo Domingo and across Hwy 190 is the compact neighborhood of Barrio de Xochimilco, Oaxaca’s oldest. There’s a sedate, village-like feel to it with its textile workshops, traditional eateries, and a handful of accommodations. Bordering Xochimilco to the east across the dry river bed is Reforma, a large, affluent neighborhood where you’ll find international dining and boutiques, though little in the way of sights.

South of Reforma and separated from Santo Domingo by Calzada de la Republica street, Barrio de Jalatlaco is a small, hip, and arty neighborhood with plenty of street murals, good coffee shops, some offbeat restaurants, and a good mix of budget and midrange digs. Quieter and more laidback than Santo Domingo, it’s a short walk from the Santo Domingo Church.

The compact grid of streets that makes up Barrio de la Noria borders Centro to the southeast. It’s the quietest neighborhood in central Oaxaca, mostly residential with colorful, single-story houses, a few family-run restaurants, and inexpensive places to stay. It’s a 10-15 minute walk to the Zócalo.

The Best Places to Stay in Oaxaca

An imposing Baroque cathedral as seen from the Zócalo in Oaxaca.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption (AKA Oaxaca Cathedral) as seen from the Zócalo in the Centro neighborhood.

A night market under rainbow papel picado in the Santo Domingo neighborhood of Oaxaca.

A night market at Labastida Park in the Santo Domingo neighborhood of Oaxaca. PAN:AM Bed & Breakfast is in the pink building across the street.

Best Places in Oaxaca for…

Massive ancient ruins of temples, pyramids, and stairs in Monte Albán outside of Oaxaca.

Monte Albán, a complex of ancient Zapotec ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most important archaeological zone near Oaxaca.

Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca for Sightseeing: Centro, Santo Domingo
Oaxaca’s entire historic core – Centro – has been a Unesco World Heritage site since 1987. Whether you base yourself near the Zócalo or in Santo Domingo, you’re ideally placed to check out several excellent museums, contemporary art galleries, street art, and historic churches. The heavyweight attractions are the Zócalo square itself, as well as the Santo Domingo church and the adjoining Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca – one of Mexico’s finest archaeological museums. There’s one other major attraction outside the city limits, the Pre-Columbian archaeological site of Monte Albán. To get there, join a tour group or take a taxi (most convenient) or shuttle (budget-friendly) there and back.

Best Neighborhood in Oaxaca for Nightlife: Santo Domingo

There are a handful of bars in Reforma and around the Zócalo, but you can’t beat Santo Domingo for the sheer variety and quality of its watering holes. There’s something for everyone, from dedicated mezcalerías (mezcal bars) for serious connoisseurs to high-end cocktail bars specializing in original drinks to craft beer breweries – and even a sports bar or two. Some stay open until the early hours of the morning.

Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca for Food and Restaurants: Santo Domingo, Centro, Barrio de Xochimilco, Barrio de Jalatlaco
Oaxaca’s dining scene is phenomenal; you won’t go hungry in any neighborhood. For the most creative fusion and Mexican fine dining, head for Santo Domingo; unmissable restaurants include Casa Oaxaca, Pitiona, and Los Danzantes. The streets surrounding the Zócalo feature a mix of international offerings, hip cafes serving single-origin coffees and hearty brunch, and locally renowned taco joints. You can also get super-cheap tacos and other street food at stalls on the fringes of Mercado 20 de Noviembre. If you’re brave, buy a bag of dried grasshoppers with chili and lime juice as a snack. Xochimilco is good for unpretentious local food and family-run eateries, while in Jalatlaco you’ll also find some excellent typical Oaxacan food, as well as good Italian restaurants, and coffee shops.

The ornate stone façade of San Matias Church in Oaxaca with colorful buildings in the background in the Jalatlaco neighborhood of Oaxaca.

Stunning little San Matías Church in the colorful Jalatlaco neighborhood.

Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca for Families: Centro, Barrio de Xochimilco, Barrio de la Noria

While none of Oaxaca’s neighborhoods specialize in family-friendly attractions, Centro is a good bet if you’re looking to explore the city’s main attractions, and don’t want to tire out little feet by having to walk too far. Older kids may appreciate the art galleries and colorful street art around Centro, as well as the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca in Santo Domingo. Zócalo is quieter at night than Santo Domingo, and Barrio de la Noria is even better in that respect, and not too far from Centro’s attractions. Barrio de Xochimilco is another good bet, being laidback and pretty quiet, though it’s farther away from Centro, and you’ll need to take taxis to and from.

Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca to Stay for First Timers: Centro, Santo Domingo
No doubt about it: you’ll want to base yourself either in the Zócalo or the Santo Domingo part of Centro. Both are within easy walking distance from Oaxaca’s many cultural attractions – museums, art galleries, markets, etc – so you just have to decide whether you want to be closer to the nightlife and upscale restaurants of Santo Domingo, or the more casual dining and quieter streets around Zócalo.

Most Romantic Neighborhood in Oaxaca: Santo Domingo
It’s hard to beat the subtly-lit cobbled streets, beautiful architecture, luxurious boutique hotels, and fine dining of Santo Domingo if you’re on a romantic vacation with your other half. Place yourselves on Calle Macedonio Alcalá just south of Santo Domingo Church on a weekend afternoon, and you’re almost guaranteed to be swept up into a calenda, a boisterous, traditional, wedding parade with a live band and folk dancing.

Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca for a Local Vibe: Barrio de Xochimilco, Barrio de Jalatlaco
The oldest part of Oaxaca, the former Pre-Columbian settlement of Xochimilco predates the present-day city by several millennia. Barrio de Xochimilco is a unique and attractive part of Oaxaca, with its colorful, hilly streets, low-key family restaurants serving typical Oaxacan cuisine, and textile and tin workshops. Barrio de Jalatlaco is another distinctive slice of Oaxaca. Long ago when the dry river bed separating it from Centro was a proper river, it was considered to be a separate village. It’s more trendy than Xochimilco, also with beautiful, hilly streets, and a good mix of traditional dining and hipster cafes, and a proliferation of street art.

Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca for Shopping: Barrio de Xochimilco, Reforma, Centro
Xochimilco is the place to check out traditional textile workshops, where fine weaving is often practiced by many generations of the same family. Reforma has some international stores that you won’t find elsewhere in Oaxaca, while around the Zócalo you’ll find craft stalls selling clothing and souvenirs. There are also three markets taking up several blocks south of the Zócalo: Mercado Benito Juárez is particularly good for cooking ingredients you’ll want to bring home, such as a bewildering collection of moles (“MO-lay” the sauce – not “mole” the animal). Mercado 20 de Noviembre is a bustling food market selling fresh produce, while the Mercado de Artesanias de Oaxaca sells a mix of mass-produced souvenirs and some quality regional crafts. Several specialty coffee shops in Centro sell bags of locally grown and roasted beans, and you can buy bottles of hard-to-find mezcal from small local producers both in stores around Centro and in bars such as Mezcaleria In Situ. Oaxaca is known for its unique ceramics, and you’ll find pieces made of black clay and red clay at stalls and craft markets (though for the best selection and fair prices, head for the Colectivo 1050° store in Santo Domingo).

Safest Areas of Oaxaca
Oaxaca has a relatively low crime rate. Neighborhoods frequented by visitors, such as Centro, Santo Domingo, Barrio de Xochimilco, Barrio de la Noria, Barrio de Jalatlaco, and Reforma are considered generally safe. That said, opportunistic pickpocketing does happen, so be aware of that while exploring the area around the Zócalo and the markets. Standard precautions apply: don’t flash lots of cash, expensive jewelry, or electronic gear, and avoid empty, poorly-lit streets at night. Take a taxi back to your hotel if you’ve stayed out late.

Unsafe Areas of Oaxaca
Visitors are advised not to wander off into the suburbs outside central Oaxaca. While much of the crime in Oaxaca (and Mexico in general) is confined to cartel-on-cartel violence, occasional violent robberies do take place.

Staying in Centro/Zócalo

A view of a street lined with colorful buildings and flowering trees in the Centro neighborhood of Oaxaca.

The heart of Oaxaca, a.k.a. Zócalo, is where all the action is. Downtown Oaxaca is centered on the large historic square, the Zócalo (officially, Plaza de la Constitución) overlooked by the massive Oaxaca Cathedral. If it happens in Oaxaca, it happens here: fiestas, peaceful protests, craft markets, and more. The square is lined with souvenir stalls, though if you’re serious about shopping, it’s worth checking out the three markets a few blocks south of the Zócalo. Centro is a regular grid of narrow streets (some pedestrianized), lined with typical, brightly-painted, one- and two-story houses. In between the Zócalo plaza and Santo Domingo, you’ll find several excellent museums (Museum of Regional Textiles, Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art, Contemporary Art Museum), a handful of small art galleries with local art for purchase, and many places to eat, from traditional to distinctly international. Some of Oaxaca’s best hotels are here, and visitors are likely to spend much of their time exploring Centro.

Best Hotels in Centro

Staying in Santo Domingo

A bride in white and women in vibrant, traditional skirts hold baskets on their heads while dancing in the Santo Domingo neighborhood of Oaxaca.

The northern half of Centro, Santo Domingo is arguably the most beautiful part of Oaxaca, with its cobbled streets and gorgeous architecture. This neighborhood has the best of everything: Oaxaca’s top sights (Santo Domingo Church, Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca in the cloisters attached to the church, the ethnobotanical garden filled with regional plants, etc), the city’s best bars, the most celebrated restaurants, and the best luxury and boutique hotels. Zócalo is just a few blocks south.

Best Hotels in Santo Domingo

Staying in Barrio de Jalatlaco

Colorful papel picado streamers hanging in over a street with floral murals on the sides of buildings in the Jalatlaco neighborhood of Oaxaca.

A compact, tranquil neighborhood that grew around the 18th-century church of San Matías Jalatlaco. Just east of Centro, across the dry river bed, Barrio de Jalatlaco is filled with charming, cobbled streets, colorful single-story houses, family-run restaurants serving traditional Oaxacan dishes, and popular taco stands. Several hip coffee shops are a nod to the neighborhood’s recent gentrification. It’s a bit of art enclave as well with tons of of colorful street murals. Apart from that, Jalatlaco is light on attractions but is a mere 10-15 minute walk from sights in Centro and Santo Domingo.

Best Hotels in Barrio de Jalatlaco

Staying in Barrio de Xochimilco

A mural showing a young girl in a floral dress with birds in a row of colorful buildings on a split-level street in the Xochimilco neighborhood of Oaxaca.

North across the highway from Santo Domingo, Xochimilco was the original pre-Hispanic settlement that eventually grew into present-day Oaxaca. Traditional crafts still thrive here, and walking around the hilly, colorful streets, you’re likely to see family-run textile workshops and artisans at work. It’s a quiet and low-key neighborhood, with small, wallet-friendly eateries serving traditional fare. You can also buy fried grasshoppers and tamales at the Mercado de Pochote. There’s one notable sight here: an 18th-century aqueduct that rises high above the dry river bed that separates Xochimilco from Reforma to the east. Santo Domingo and its attractions are a 15-20 minute walk. Consider taking a taxi, especially in the hotter months.

Best Hotels in Barrio de Xochimilco

Staying in Barrio de la Noria

A woman in a cobbler apron walks on the sidewalk past a vibrant mural in Barrio de la Noria in Oaxaca

There isn’t much to Barrio de la Noria, a compact, residential neighborhood just south of Centro, though if you’re looking for peace and quiet at night while being within an easy walk of Oaxaca’s main attractions, it makes a good base. There are a few low-key restaurants here, while the Zócalo is just a 10-15 minute walk away.

Best Hotel in Barrio de la Noria

Staying in Reforma

A typical, neutral-color, tree-lined street in the low-key Reforma neighborhood of Oaxaca.

If much of Oaxaca has a very distinctive vibe and look, Reforma could almost be anywhere. Younger than historic Oaxaca, this large, spread-out neighborhood north of the highway from Santo Domingo lacks Centro’s handsome architecture, though it does have the lion’s share of international restaurants and boutiques, wine stores, and other trappings of an affluent place to live. Some visitors prefer staying here, as it minimizes culture shock, while others feel it’s not ‘real Oaxaca’. Good dining, but no sights to speak of. Sights in Santo Domingo and Centro are a short taxi ride or 15-25 minute walk away.

Best Hotels in Reforma

19 Best Hotels in Oaxaca

1. El Callejón – Santo Domingo

The art-filled living room with a mix of antique and contemporary furniture in a room at El Callejon Boutique Hotel in Oaxaca.

Stunning boutique hotel with generous accommodations, an open-air Oaxacan restaurant in a courtyard garden, and thoughtfully curated art and handicrafts from local and regional artists and artisans. Rooms, suites, and the casa fuse contemporary design with pre-Hispanic techniques and materials, including cactus mucilage and natural pigment from the soil. All have king-sized beds, many with private balconies or rooftop terraces, some with kitchens; the largest spreads over two floors and sleeps up to five guests. A Oaxacan-American breakfast is always included. Delightful location on border of Santo Domingo and Barrio de Xochimilco, an equal walking distance from the Aqueduct in the heart of Xochimilco and the Santo Domingo Church and sights in Centro.

2. Casa Antonieta – Centro

A chic two-bed suite with a wall textile nude, neutral palette, and green accents at Casa Antonieta hotel in Oaxaca.

Romantic boutique hotel set in one of the oldest buildings in the city, a grand convent from the 16th century. Accommodations are arranged around a leafy, central courtyard with a café on the ground floor and a rooftop terrace serving light fare and drinks. Each room and suite is unique, but all offer king or queen-sized beds and locally-made textiles; two have private patios. Adults only. Pet friendly. Excellent location in Centro, just steps from the Zócalo, markets, and dining.

3. Pug Seal – Santo Domingo

In the atrium of Pug Seal boutique hotel with abstract murals on all walls of both floors, a fountain in the center, ceramic art, and wood beam ceilings in Oaxaca.

Art-forward boutique hotel set in a colonial heritage building from the early 1800s. The hotel is filled with colorful murals depicting legends and scenes from Zapotec culture, plus fun touches like a pair of swings in the open-air courtyard. Rooms and suites vary in size and layout, but all have king-sized beds and free minibars, some with dual vanities, and three with private balconies. Two rooms here are wheelchair accessible with roll-in showers. The complimentary, a la carte breakfast is a highlight with Oaxacan, Mexican, and international recipes and a host of vegan and vegetarian dishes. Beautifully situated in Santo Domingo, about a 5-minute walk north to Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church and or south to the Zócalo.

4. Hotel La Casona de Tita – Santo Domingo

Deep red exterior of the hotel Casona de Tita, built on an elevated stone walkway with wooded double doors in Oaxaca.

Intimate, upscale boutique hotel in a 19th-century hacienda with just six rooms, each decorated individually with antique and modern furniture, Oaxacan textiles, and original artwork. Rooms have one king or two double beds and sleep up to four guests. The Mezcal Room is wheelchair accessible. The hotel also has a two-bedroom apartment a short walk from the main building with a full kitchen, two patios, and a private parking garage. Service is friendly and attentive with staff waiting to organize tailor-made excursions and experiences. Complimentary breakfast is made fresh daily and is served in a sunny courtyard. Located in Santo Domingo, just a short walk from the church, gourmet restaurants, and delicious food stalls at La Cosecha Organic Market.

5. Quinta Real – Santo Domingo

The pale pink with red trim exterior of Quinta Real hotel, set in a 16th-century colonial building with a clock tower as a corner in Oaxaca.

Impeccable luxury hotel set in a 16th-century convent with carefully restored frescoes, well-tended gardens, and a pool. One restaurant and two bars serve a range of Mexican and international dishes, craft cocktails, and an extensive selection of mezcals. Rooms and suites have king or queen-size beds and colonial-style furniture fitting with the architecture. Rooms tend toward the cozy size; book a Gran Clase or Suite Gobernador for more space. With 91 rooms and suites, this is one of the largest hotels in the city center and a popular spot for weddings and events. Steps from Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church, photography exhibits at the Centro Fotografico, and Oaxaca’s best restaurants.

6. Hotel Hacienda Los Laureles – San Felipe del Agua

A formal dining room inside a greenhouse at Hacienda Los Laureles hotel in Oaxaca.

Polished boutique hotel nestled in the hills above Oaxaca, just five km from the city center. The early 1800s hacienda has a lush garden, pool, and a small spa with a temazcal. Its signature restaurant, Los Cipreses, serves a menu of Oaxacan, Mexican, and international favorites in a romantic setting. Rooms and suites have one king or two double beds and either a shared or private balcony or patio. The hotel operates as an adults-only property during high season (Day of the Dead through New Year’s and during the Guelaguetza Festival) and welcomes families the rest of the year. Tucked away in a residential neighborhood with a handful of restaurants within walking distance. Guests will need to rent a car or rely on taxis for stays here.

7. Grana B&B – Santo Domingo

A homey kitchen with a green tile backsplash, stenciled archway, comal, and long wooden breakfast table at Grana B & B in Oaxaca.

Stylish bed and breakfast. This 18th-century building still has its original tiles and windows, while all decor was sourced from within Oaxaca state. A buffet breakfast is always included, along with twice-weekly yoga on the rooftop. An all-day bar offers wine, mezcal, local beer, and non-alcoholic refreshments. Sunny rooms and suites all have ceiling fans (in addition to air conditioning). The Loft adds a kitchenette; one King Suite has a private balcony. Wonderful, walkable location in Santo Domingo at leafy Labastida Park, where you’ll find a weekend art market, and less than a five-minute walk to the church and Ethnobotanical Garden.

8. Boulenc Bed & Bread – Santo Domingo

A softly lit room with eclectic, romantic decor at Boulenc Bed and Bread in Oaxaca.

Cosmopolitan B&B that’s also one of Oaxaca’s culinary hotspots with an incredible artisanal bakery, a hip bar and restaurant, and a provisions shop. The complimentary breakfast is incredible, plus a tapas bar is included every evening on the rooftop. Curated gastronomy experiences include private mezcal tastings and jam-making workshops. Its seven adults-only rooms are on the smaller side, most with queen-sized beds, some with king beds, and some with balconies. Junior Suites are the largest (28 square meters) and have balconies. Ideal location in Centro, equidistant from Santo Domingo Church and the Zócalo.

9. NaNa Vida – Santo Domingo

The leafy, shaded courtyard of Nana Vida hotel with a stone patio, dining tables, and umbrellas in Oaxaca.

Cheerful boutique hotel filled with vibrant murals, handwoven and hand-dyed textiles, and original paintings in each room – all made by Oaxacan artists and artisans. Rooms have one king or two double beds, all centered around a green garden courtyard. A continental breakfast is included; a main course can be added for an additional price. Excellent central location surrounded by fantastic restaurants, near the food stalls of Mercado de la Merced and Santo Domingo Church.

10. Casa de Sierra Azul – Centro

A row of bicycles in the shaded arcade of a hacienda courtyard at hotel Casa de Sierra Azul in Oaxaca.

Sweet boutique hotel in the heart of the city. Set in a lovingly restored, colonial-era home, this hotel offers pet-friendly rooms for up to four guests with one king or two double beds, each with a private or shared terrace. Double-pane, soundproof windows are fitted in each room, a necessary step for a hotel this close to the Zócalo (just two blocks away, less than a 5-minute walk). Excellent, walkable location, but the hotel also offers free bicycles that make exploring the farther corners of the city a breeze.

11. Casa Carmen Morelos – Santo Domingo

Deep golden exterior of the single-story Casa Carmen Morelos hotel on a gentle hill in a row of colorful buildings in Oaxaca.

Romantic, cozy hotel with just four suites set around a courtyard. The minimalistic design and toned-down furniture help to spotlight the fine art collection scattered throughout the property. Suites all have king-sized beds; Deluxe and Superior Suites add sofabeds and sleep up to three guests. Breakfast is included and features wonderful versions of Oaxacan favorites like chilaquiles and memelitas. Wonderful location in a quieter part of the historic center, just steps from the ornate, Baroque-style Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude and about a 10-minute walk to either Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church or the Zócalo and Oaxaca Cathedral.

12. Hotel Palacio Borghese – Santo Domingo

A rooftop terrace with a white gazebo and a direct view of Santo Domingo de Guzmán church at the hotel Palacio Borghese in Oaxaca.

Refined, adults-only boutique hotel in a hacienda, home to an opulent courtyard and a rooftop sun terrace with spectacular city views. Spacious rooms and suites all have king-sized beds, jetted baths, and brocade tapestries; some add sofabeds. Thoughtful perks include free daily aguas frescas, welcome fruits, and complimentary wine on your last evening there. Continental breakfast is included with each booking, served to the courtyard, rooftop, or directly to the guest rooms. LGBT+-owned and friendly. Amazing spot just a block from Santo Domingo Church, surrounded by restaurants and fresh food markets.

13. AYOOK – Centro

A deep gold building with a rooftop terrace under a canopy at Ayook hotel in Oaxaca.

Chic, adults-only boutique hotel with a cafe tucked away in a residential area at the west end of Centro. The stunning, contemporary property was rebuilt from an 18th-century house that was abandoned for over a hundred years. Most rooms are small (about 17 square meters) with queen or double beds. Rooms 6 and 12 are the largest at 37 square meters, both with minibars; Room 6 also has a private interior courtyard with a hammock. An a la carte breakfast is included with different choices each day.

14. Hotel Parador de Alcalá – Santo Domingo

Stree view of Hotel Parador de Alcalá, an 18th-century mansion with a golden exterior, across from a red building with jaguar heads on the front and papel picado strung above the road in Oaxaca.

Gorgeous boutique hotel with a rooftop pool, sun terrace, and a fab Oaxacan restaurant and bar in a grand courtyard (breakfast always included). Rooms and suites have high ceilings, marble bathrooms, and either one king or two double beds. About as centrally located as possible, right in between Santo Domingo Church and the Zócalo, on Calle Macedonio Alcalá, a pedestrianized street lined with shops and dining, a popular spot for calendas (traditional wedding parades).

15. Casa Los Cántaros – Reforma

Exterior of Casa los Cantaros hotel, a low-slung, modern building in eggshell and brown, shaded by trees, with pedestrians passing by in Oaxaca.

Modern boutique hotel set in the understated Reforma neighborhood, near myriad restaurants and a handful of shopping malls. Facilities include a jewelry store and Oaxacan restaurant set in a leafy garden. Rooms and suites feature traditional terracotta floors and wrought iron and wood beds. Deluxe suites have two beds and more space.

16. Los Pilares – Barrio de Jalatlaco

View from the street of the colonial-style Los Pilares hotel with a shade tree in Oaxaca.

The best hotel in Jalatlaco, Los Pilares boasts a vibrant rooftop hangout spot with a pool, jacuzzi, and dining. Cuisine is phenomenal at the restaurant, Intercambio Terraza, with a fusion of local, Italian, and international fare, paired with natural wines and craft cocktails. Rooms are all decorated individually with one king, one double, or two double beds, but all are about the same size and sleep two guests maximum. Fantastic location in colorful Barrio de Jalatlaco, surrounded by murals, cafés, and boutiques, and just a short walk to San Matías Church.

17. Hotel Azul – Santo Domingo

Outside of a one-story blue building with bougainvilleas in different colors growing in all of its windows at Hotel Azul in Oaxaca.

Cosmopolitan boutique hotel with an art gallery, an all-day cafe, rooftop craft cocktail bar, and a courtyard Oaxacan restaurant. Each room and suite was styled by a different artist along with an interior designer. All are unique but feature light woods, mid-century-inspired furnishings, and colorful tiles. Some suites have soaking tubs. Wonderful location in Santo Domingo near the church, Ethnobotanical Gardens, and Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca.

18. Santa Cecilia – Barrio de Xochimilco

Bright red, two-story Hotel Santa Cecilia, set on a slight hill with a scooter zooming by in Oaxaca.

Affordable hotel in historic Xochimilco, just steps away from the aqueduct. Most rooms have king or queen-sized beds for two; Quadruple Rooms have two double beds for four guests. Suites and some Double Rooms have balconies. A simple breakfast (fruit, bread, coffee, and tea) is available each morning on the rooftop terrace, and there is a small bar open throughout the day. Quiet location in a residential neighborhood with a handful of restaurants and cafés nearby. The main attractions of Centro are about a 20-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride away.

19. PAN:AM Bed & Breakfast – Santo Domingo

A pink interior courtyard with lights strung overhead and a bell tower of the Baroque church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán visible in the background at Hotel Pan:AM in Oaxaca.

Charming bed and breakfast just around the corner from Santo Domingo Church. Cozy rooms have red brick ceilings, tile floors, and minimalistic decor and either a double or two single beds. Oaxacan breakfast is complimentary daily in their open-air courtyard or on the covered terrace. Centrally located at Labastida Park with the city’s best dining, nightlife, and sights right at your feet. The street in front is a main thoroughfare for taxis, making it incredibly convenient to get around even to farther destinations.

Where to Stay in Cancún

Mexico › Best Areas to Stay in Cancún
Updated: October 7, 2024

My Favorite Cancún Hotels
• 5-star: Atelier
• 4-star: Hyatt Ziva
• 3-star: Crown Paradise
• For families: Grand Residences
• For couples: Nizuc
• Best all-ages all-inclusive: Grand Fiesta Americana

A pool set behind the beach next to a golf course at Atelier resort in Playa Mujeres near Cancun.

The pool, beach, and golf course at Atelier in Playa Mujeres.

Map of where to stay in Cancun with neighborhoods, golf courses, ferries, things to do, and hotels.
Hotels on Map: 1. Atelier • 2. Grand Residences • 3. Grand Fiesta Americana • 4. Hyatt Ziva • 5. Crown Paradise • 6. Nizuc

Best Areas to Stay in Cancún

See Also

• Best Hotels in Cancún
• Best Family Hotels in Cancún

Cancún is a year-round hotspot with warm, sunny days; endless swathes of wide, white, powdery sand; sunrise sea views over the Caribbean, and a stunning location on the Mesoamerican Reef for snorkeling and diving. Even off the beach, entertainment abounds. Travelers will find thrilling adventure parks, lively nightclubs, and beautifully designed golf courses. Cancún also boasts a central location for exploring ancient Maya ruins, beautiful colonial villages, and lush tropical islands.

Over 10 million travelers flew into Cancún last year, making this feel-good oceanfront city the world’s most popular beach destination, offering a little something for everyone and every budget. Most beachfront resorts are luxury and midrange all-inclusive properties, although there are plenty of luxury resorts that operate on a European plan (room only, no food included) and some budget-priced self-catering condo hotels. Many of our favorite hotels in Cancún and our favorite family hotels in Cancún are located in the aptly named Hotel Zone or Puerto Juarez. Newer properties that we love tend to be a little farther from the city center in Riviera Cancún to the south or Playa Mujeres to the north. Hostels, budget hotels, and moderate hotels/condo hotels are mostly on the west-facing, lagoon side of the Hotel Zone, in El Centro (AKA Downtown), and in the inland parts of Puerto Juárez.

A two-tiered pool facing the ocean at Grand Residences in Riviera Cancun.

Grand Residences is our favorite luxury resort for families in Cancún.

The Hotel Zone or Zona Hotelera is our favorite place to stay. This is where visitors will find most of Cancún’s resorts and hotels. Set on Boulevard Kukulkan, the 22-km-long Hotel Zone is a strip of high-rise hotels, resorts, nightclubs, shops, and restaurants. The Hotel Zone is shaped like a number 7. The North Hotel Zone (the top, horizontal part of the 7) has the softest sand and gentlest surf and is near great dining and nightlife. The Middle Hotel Zone (the upper half of the vertical part of the 7) offers great beaches, family-friendly attractions, and Cancún’s best nightlife. The South Hotel Zone (the bottom half of the 7) is the most peaceful area with the quietest beaches and only a handful of restaurants and attractions.

From the North Hotel Zone, follow Boulevard Kukulkan westward to get to El Centro (AKA Downtown Cancún), the best place in Cancún for a local vibe, fantastic dining, and budget-friendly hotels and hostels. North along the coast is Puerto Juárez, where travelers will find the ferry to Isla Mujeres, a golf course, a smattering of beaches, and a handful of luxury and moderately priced hotels. Farther north, Playa Mujeres is the newest development in Cancún known for its pristine beaches and calm water (the strongest waves and much of the seaweed are blocked by the island of Isla Mujeres due east). Heading south from the Hotel Zone leads to Riviera Cancún, a long stretch of coastline where Cancún’s largest resorts are found, boasting white sand beaches, eco-adventure parks, and cenotes (natural swimming holes fed by underground rivers).

Best Places to Stay in Cancún

An elegant pool in an unusual shape facing the beach and ocean at Kempinski resort in the Middle Hotel Zone of Cancun.

One of two oceanfront pools at Kempinski Hotel Cancún, one of our favorite luxury resorts, excellent for couples or families.

A series of freeform pools fronted by a long, wide stretch of beach at the JW Marriott resort in the Middle Hotel Zone of Cancun.

The JW Marriott has one of the best and largest beachfront pools in Cancún.

Best Areas in Cancún for…

  • Best Area in Cancún for First Timers: North, Middle, and South Hotel Zone
    Anywhere in the Hotel Zone makes a great home base for first-time visitors to Cancún. This gorgeous beach expanse offers a little of everything for any traveler. This is where to find the bulk of Cancún’s restaurants, nightlife, attractions, and shopping, though most resorts here are like their own mini-cities with dining, nightclubs, and enormous pools – a few even have water parks. Many guests never leave their resorts. Within the Hotel Zone, the Middle is the busiest, with nightclubs, an aquarium, water sports centers, and a handful of malls. The North has gentler waves, softer sand, excellent nightlife, and easy access to the local flavor of El Centro. The South is the quietest stretch with less crowded beaches and the Maya ruins of El Rey.
  • Best Area in Cancún for Sightseeing: Middle Hotel Zone, El Centro
    The Middle Hotel Zone is the best spot for local sightseeing, including the aquarium, the Maya Museum, the San Miguelito and El Rey ruins, and snorkel/scuba tours. Everything in the Middle Hotel Zone is easily accessible by a quick bus ride or a short walk. For visiting local markets, seeing lucha libre (Mexican wrestling), or for self-guided tours of farther-flung destinations, like the Chichén Itzá ruins, colonial Valladolid, contemporary Playa del Carmen, or bohemian Tulum, staying in El Centro is best for easy access to bus routes connecting downtown Cancún to the region’s most visited destinations. However, if visiting Chichén Itzá or Valladolid on a guided tour, most tour operators offer free or cheap pickup from anywhere in Hotel Zone.
  • Best Area in Cancún for Partying and Nightlife: Middle Hotel Zone, El Centro
    Cancún’s main party spot is the Middle Hotel Zone where it meets the North Hotel Zone (the bend in the 7), known as Punta Cancún or Uptown. This 500-meter strip is lined on both sides of the road with lively bars and nightclubs including popular chains like Coco Bongo, Señor Frog’s, Mandala, and La Vaquita. The largest club here, The City, has a capacity of 5000. Most clubs here are multi-level mega-parties with live music and DJs. Some have acrobats, gogo dancers, showgirls, and more. These clubs get incredibly crowded, especially during American and Canadian Spring Break times, usually from mid-March to mid-April. Although some locals visit the Punta Cancún clubs, most of the partiers will be tourists. For a more local vibe, a wider range of music styles, and better cocktails, visit the casual bars and smaller dance clubs in El Centro, including Distrito Cavana, Estatus, and 11:11 Club.
  • Best Area in Cancún for Food and Restaurants: El Centro, Middle Hotel Zone
    The best restaurants in Cancún are mostly found in El Centro. Cancún’s busy downtown core is filled with outstanding dining options, from local Yucatecan fare to authentic Mexican favorites to fine French dining – all at a fraction of what you’ll pay in the Hotel Zone. And though the Hotel Zone is packed with overpriced, Americanized versions of Mexican foods, there are several high-quality restaurants outside of the resorts, mostly in the Middle and South Hotel Zones. Try El Galeón del Caribe, La Tia Juana, and La Bamba.
A group of modern, geometric-shaped pools, some with bars or lined with sunbeds, sits behind a beach with a smattering of palm trees at Riu Palace Peninsula in the North Hotel Zone of Cancun.

The amazing collection of pools at the luxurious Riu Palace Peninsula Hotel.

  • Best Area in Cancún for Families: North and Middle Hotel Zone, Riviera Cancún
    Cancún is a very family-friendly destination with entertainment for children of all ages; most resorts here have kids’ clubs and excellent pools, many with water slides or small water parks on site. Families with younger children just learning to swim should consider the North Hotel Zone; due to its geographic location, the beach here is partially protected from the winds, making for gentler waves and easier swimming. The Middle Hotel Zone is great for families with older kids and teens with its easy access to local attractions, water sports centers, snorkeling tours, and shopping malls. Riviera Cancún is great for active families; here you’ll find the largest resorts with the most kid-friendly amenities plus adventure parks, Croco Cun Zoo, and cenotes at the southern end.
  • Most Romantic Area in Cancún: South Hotel Zone, Riviera Cancún, Playa Mujeres
    Cancún is a top destination for honeymoons, weddings, and romantic getaways. Its long, white sand beaches are ideal for sunset strolls and toes-in-the-sand dining. Several luxury hotels are entirely adults-only and many others have adults-only wings and pools, or suites with private pools. The top romantic destinations are the South Hotel Zone, a quiet stretch of beach with easy access to Cancúns biggest attractions; Playa Mujeres, the newest development a little ways north of the Hotel Zone with the most contemporary hotels, pristine beaches, and gentle surf; and Riviera Cancún, the most natural area of Cancún with protected mangrove jungles, a botanical garden, and the relaxing beaches.
  • Best Area in Cancún for a Local Vibe: El Centro, Puerto Juárez, and Riviera Cancún
    There are no residential areas inside the Hotel Zone. Most locals live in El Centro or Puerto Juárez, where you’ll find the most authentic restaurants, nightlife, outdoor markets, and affordable shopping. The south end of Riviera Cancún is another great spot for a local feel, especially near the small village of Puerto Morelos. Though tourism has changed this village, there are still plenty of great, cheap restaurants and local bars, especially in the inland pueblo away from the beachfront resorts.
  • Safest Areas of Cancún
    On the whole, Cancún is a fairly safe city, and the safest parts are the beaches where the vast majority of resorts are located. Almost all resorts have gated entries staffed with guards around the clock; each hotel also employs guards to patrol their beaches. When outside the resorts, standard precautions apply as they do in all major tourist destinations: watch your bags, purses, and wallets; if clubbing, keep an eye on your drink; and stick to the main, well-lit roads when walking at night, preferably with a friend or group.
  • Unsafe Areas of Cancún
    Cancún is among Mexico’s safest cities. But crime does happen, especially in El Centro north of Avenida Chichén Itzá. If you are heading downtown for dinner, we recommend taking a taxi to and from the restaurant to avoid walking long distances in the dark and the small risk of petty crime.

Staying in the North Hotel Zone

Jet skis are followed by their swirling, white, sea foam wakes, plus two parasailers glide above the ocean in front of the beach in the North Hotel Zone of Cancun.

The North Hotel Zone makes up the top of the 7 east of El Centro and Puerto Juárez and north of the Middle Hotel Zone. Unlike the rest of the Hotel Zone, the beach here is partially shielded from hurricane winds by Isla Mujeres and the horn of Punta Cancún. Its unique geography gives it three perks: the gentlest waves in central Cancún, the least amount of seaweed in the Hotel Zone, and the softest sand (this is the original Cancún sand; the other beaches lost their sand in a hurricane and replaced it with slightly coarser sand). The North Hotel Zone is a great spot for relaxation, exploration, and nightlife with its sunny beach, proximity to El Centro, and easy access to the nightlife in Punta Cancún (AKA Uptown, the bend in the 7). There are also two small ferry ports with routes to Isla Mujeres. If opting for a European-plan hotel, this area offers a good selection of dining and bars within a short walk or bus ride.

Staying in the Middle Hotel Zone

A colorful sign spelling “Cancun” on the beach of the Wyndham Alltra resort in the Middle Hotel Zone.

The Middle is the busiest stretch of the Hotel Zone. Uptown is at its northernmost tip, jam-packed with nightclubs, bars, upscale restaurants, and casual cantinas. Heading southward leads past a string of beaches, beach clubs, restaurants, malls, and water sports centers. At its southern end, there are two sets of Maya ruins: San Miguelito (at the Maya Museum) and El Rey (where the South Hotel Zone begins). The sand is slightly coarser and the waves are bigger at this beach than in the North, but it is still very swimmable. Despite its lively atmosphere, sea turtles have made this strip of beach their nesting site, returning every year to lay eggs nightly from May through October. The babies hatch from July through December and make their way to the ocean under the moonlight. Most resorts here have cordoned off sections of their beaches for the eggs, and keep exterior lights low or off when the hatchlings head for the waves.

Staying in the South Hotel Zone

Sunbeds and cabanas line the beach at Crown Paradise Club in the South Hotel Zone of Cancun.

The South begins with the El Rey Archaeological Zone and ends at Punta Nizuc. This area is the best spot in the Hotel Zone for a quiet getaway with easy access to local attractions and a handful of excellent restaurants. Guests here are also not too far from the airport, making this a great spot for a quick, fuss-free trip. Tren Maya, the new railway connecting Cancún to farther-flung destinations like Chichén Itzá and Tulum, is also nearby. The beach is similar to that of the Middle (white sand, sea turtles, and moderate surf). The South is the best part of the Hotel Zone for snorkeling, especially at the far end near Punta Nizuc, where the reef is being revived by one of the three galleries of MUSA, the underwater sculpture museum designed to encourage coral growth.

Staying in Playa Mujeres/Costa Mujeres

A long beach with gentle waves, a little seaweed, and devoid of people in Playa Mujeres near Cancun.

The newest resort development, Playa Mujeres (AKA Costa Mujeres) sits north of the Hotel Zone, immediately west of the island Isla Mujeres. A contemporary, leisure retreat, this area is almost entirely made up of large, all-inclusive resorts and golf courses. On the main beach, there is a dolphinarium, while scuba and sailing excursions leave from the marina. The Punta Sam ferry to Isla Mujeres is here, offering several trips throughout the day. Since the area is so new and designed around the all-inclusives, there are few dining options outside the resorts. The beaches here have soft sand and gentle waves as Isla Mujeres shields Playa Mujeres from the strongest winds.

5. Staying in Riviera Cancún

Palm trees line the beach, along with sunbeds, Bali Beds and a pier at Hyatt Zilara in Riviera Cancun.

Part of the larger Riviera Maya, Riviera Cancún extends from Punta Nizuc (the end of the South Hotel Zone) south to the seaport village of Puerto Morelos. This area is home to some of Cancún’s largest all-inclusive resorts, several adventure parks, freshwater cenotes, the Croco Cun Zoo, and botanical gardens. Beaches here are a mix of mostly white sand with rocky patches. Waves are softened by the Mesoamerican Reef, which runs the entire length of the Riviera and continues down to Guatemala. The sandy beach areas offer great swimming and body surfing, while the rocky and coral-heavy areas offer spectacular snorkeling and diving with a huge variety of colorful fish. There is a Tren Maya station in Puerto Morelos, connecting the village with Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and more fantastic destinations for day trips.

Staying in Puerto Juárez

View from above Puerto Juarez showing the ferry port and two piers in front of a long beach.

Strategically located between El Centro and the North Hotel Zone, Puerto Juárez is a wonderful spot for independent travelers who want a mix of beachcombing and exploring the more authentic side of Cancún. Downtown is just a quick drive away, while laid-back Isla Mujeres is accessible via a short ferry ride. The luxury mall, Marina Puerto Cancún, is home to a swathe of shops, dining, and entertainment with both land and water access to its venues and shops. A golf course and a handful of marinas are here, and accommodations tend toward the expensive, luxury side. However, move inland away from the beaches, and you’ll find a range of affordable dining and lodging. The coastline here tends to be a little rockier and the water is a less vibrant blue than the Hotel Zone beaches.

7. Staying in El Centro

Graffiti murals depicting dolphins in a gumball machine on one building and another with a mix of Indigenous patterns, flora, and fauna on two apartment buildings in Centro, or Downtown, Cancun.

El Centro is the best spot in Cancún for living like a local, with outstanding restaurants, hole-in-the-wall taco shops, energetic nightclubs, trendy cocktail bars, shopping malls, and outdoor markets – all at a fraction of the cost you’ll pay anywhere else in the city. There are a couple of luxury resorts on the beach near Puerto Juárez, but most of El Centro’s lodging are midrange, boutique, and budget hotels and hostels. This is an excellent home base for adventurous travelers exploring the Yucatan beyond the beaches and clubs. The ADO bus station here offers routes to Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Chichén Itzá, and more.

Read More

The Best Cancún Hotels

Mexico › Cancún › Best Hotels
Updated: September 24, 2024

My Favorite Cancún Hotels
• 5-star: Atelier
• 4-star: Hyatt Ziva
• 3-star: Crown Paradise
• For families: Grand Residences
• For couples: Nizuc
• Best all-ages all-inclusive: Grand Fiesta Americana

A long view over the pool facing the ocean at Atelier resort in Playa Mujeres near Cancun.

Atelier is our pick for an all-inclusive resort for couples and honeymoons in Cancún.

Cancún Hotels – My Advice

  • Cancún has some wonderful 5-star resorts that we love. But for smaller boutique hotels, we prefer to stay in Tulum and Isla Mujeres – two of my favorite beach destinations in Mexico.
  • Booking.com – the best website (and best prices) for booking Cancún hotels.
  • Our Favorite Luxury Hotels in Cancún: Atelier • Nizuc • Kempinski
  • Our Favorite Boutique Hotel in Cancún: SLS Cancun
  • Our Favorite Hotels for Honeymoon: Nizuc • Le Blanc
  • Our Favorite Hotels for Families: Grand Residences • Grand Fiesta Americana • Garza Blanca
  • The best places to stay in Cancún are Playa Mujeres (newest resorts on pristine beaches), Riviera Cancún (great beaches, family attractions, and cenotes – located just south of Cancún), Puerto Juárez (has a luxury mall, golf courses, and marinas – set between downtown, the Hotel Zone, and the ferry to Isla Mujeres) and the Hotel Zone. The Hotel Zone is shaped like a number 7, running the length of Boulevard Kukulkan, and is divided into three areas: North (softest sand and gentlest surf, near nightlife), Middle (great beaches, near nightlife and aquatic activities), and South (quietest beaches, farthest from the nightlife and bars).
  • Most activities, attractions, and tour operators in Cancún are located in the Hotel Zone. The best way to get around within the Hotel Zone or to get into downtown from there is by bus. Two bus lines serve the Hotel Zone, the R-1 and R-2, both with buses running every 2-3 minutes all day, every day. Bus stops along the main drag are abundant and clearly marked. Catch the bus on the beach side of the road to head toward downtown, or take the bus on the lagoon side of the road to head toward the airport. To catch a bus, simply flag it down from the bus stop. Bus fare is 12 pesos (about $0.60 USD). Passengers are issued tickets for proof of purchase in the odd chance of inspection, but the tickets cannot be used to transfer to another bus. If you exit one bus and catch another, you must purchase an additional ticket. Bus drivers carry change for those paying in pesos. Passengers may also pay in US dollars, but the rate is higher at $1 per person, rather than $0.60, and no change is given. Bus stops do not have names and are not announced. Keep an eye out for your destination, or follow along on your phone’s GPS. To request a stop, move to the rear of the bus and press the red button near the exit or simply shout “Alto!”

    • A series of pools interspersed with palm trees set behind a beach at Garza Blanca resort in Playa Mujeres near Cancún.

    Garza Blanca is a wonderful all-inclusive resort for family vacations in Cancún.

Cancún Hotel Map

A map showing Cancun areas and best hotels.
Hotels on Map: Majestic Elegance • Secrets Playa Mujeres • Dreams Golf & Spa • Atelier • Garza Blanca • Moon Palace The Grand • Azul • Dreams Jade • Grand Residences • Dreams Vista • SLS • Breathless • Riu Palace • InterContinental • Dreams Sands • Grand Fiesta Americana • Hyatt Ziva • Le Blanc • Wyndham Alltra • Hyatt Zilara • Live Aqua • Kempinski • Sandos • Secrets the Vine • Hard Rock • JW Marriott • Marriott Resort • Fiesta Americana • Wyndham Grand • Iberostar • Crown Paradise • Sun Palace • Nizuc

The 33 Best Hotels in Cancún

1. Atelier – Playa Mujeres

An enormous pool next to a golf course in front of a beach at Atelier resort in Playa Mujeres near Cancun.
All-suite, all-inclusive resort with a romantic atmosphere set on a Blue Flag beach. Luxe facilities include a lavish spa with a hydrotherapy circuit, 13 excellent restaurants, and two pools (heated seasonally). Top-tier Inspira Suites include access to two additional pools, an exclusive serviced zone on the resort’s beach, butler service, and more. Complimentary, daily activities highlight Mexican traditions, like Huichol art classes, clay workshops, tequila tastings, and flower art. Suites are all spacious, beginning at 59 square meters, and include private balconies; some have private pools or access to a semi-private, sharing pool. The resort is open to guests 16 years and up.

2. Nizuc Resort and Spa – South Hotel Zone

A stylish room in warm woods, black accents, and a splash of turquoise at Nizuc resort in Cancun.
The most stylish resort in Cancún, Nizuc features five pools, sumptuous dining, and a Maya-inspired hydrotherapy spa. Rooms, suites, and villas are all generously-sized with private balconies; some add outdoor showers, soaking tubs, or private plunge pools. Ocean Junior Suites are adults-only (there’s also an adults-only pool and restaurant). Dining and drinks are top tier, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a wide range of cuisines from contemporary Mexican to Mediterranean to pan-Asian. La Havana features cigars hand-rolled onsite and paired with Caribbean rums. The kids’ club is well-loved with a caring staff, crafts, activities, beach toys, and its own pool. Located on Nizuc Beach, the quietest beach at the tail end of the Hotel Zone, with tame water, white sand, and a reef filled with colorful fish, perfect for first-time snorkelers.

3. Kempinski Hotel Cancún – Middle Hotel Zone

A kidney-shaped pool on a terracotta deck above the beach and ocean at Kempinski resort in Cancun.
Refined, family-friendly, beach resort boasting some of Cancún’s best restaurants, along with two oceanfront pools and a tranquil spa. Dining is at the forefront with a five-diamond restaurant serving sophisticated dishes with local flair, as well as romantic beachfront dining in private cabanas. An immersive kids clubs offer a range of cultural, crafty, and culinary activities all day, with night safari activities on Fridays and Saturdays. A teens club and game room serves older kids. Rooms and suites all include balconies, soaking tubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Some add private pools, outdoor Jacuzzis, or club-level perks. The Grand sits on a glorious stretch of white sand, with crystal blue waters perfect for swimming.

4. Grand Residences – Riviera Cancún

A direct view of a large pool facing the ocean at Grand Residences in Cancun.
Luxury, family-friendly, all-suite resort on a white sand beach with an oceanfront infinity pool, customized service, and thoughtful amenities, such as round-trip airport transfer included in the rates. Especially great for larger families, their spacious suites can have up to four bedrooms and sleep up to thirteen guests, with a combination of king, double, and Murphy beds. All units come with kitchenettes and whirlpool tubs, while many others add washers and dryers, outdoor Jacuzzis, private pools, and butler service. Family amenities include an amazing kids’ club with sports, activities, and crafts; plus bike tours, craft workshops, and adult amenities like mixology classes and a full-service spa. Guests can choose the all-inclusive, daily breakfast, or European plan to customize their stay. The beach is gorgeous, though rocky and coral-y in some spots, and swimmable, though surf is sometimes strong.

5. Le Blanc Spa Resort – Middle Hotel Zone

A freeform infinity pool with sunken sunbeds facing the ocean at Le Blanc resort in Cancun.
Wellness-focused, adults-only, all-inclusive Le Blanc offers three pools, indulgent suites, and exceptional dining. Its grand spa showcases a comprehensive hydrotherapy circuit (free for all guests), couples packages, and holistic body treatments. The relaxation theme continues with double whirlpool tubs, aromatherapy, pillow menus, and butler service included in all rooms and suites. Restaurants are superb with fine and casual dining spotlighting a variety of world cuisines, along with creative cocktails at the bars and onsite nightclub, and an extensive wine selection. Its resort credits program allows guests to customize their all-inclusive experience with excursions, romantic beach dinners, spa services, and more. Though only a ten-minute walk to Cancún’s famous nightlife, their particular stretch of beach is tranquil and well cared for, raked and cleaned daily, with ideal swimming and turquoise water.

6. JW Marriott Resort & Spa – Middle Hotel Zone

A freeform pool with jacuzzis, kids pools, and bridges on the beach at JW Marriott in Cancun.
Posh, family-friendly, beachfront resort with three interconnected pools, including a scuba pool with a built-in reef and dive lessons onsite. Rooms and one-bedroom suites are large and well-appointed, all with private balconies, soaking tubs, and dual vanities; connecting rooms are available. Their massive, three-story spa offers Mayan-inspired treatments for the whole family in a tranquil space. Dining is excellent, though not particularly adventurous, from their stellar, four-diamond Italian restaurant to their casual Southwestern grill. Guests also have access to the restaurants and kids’ club at their sister property, Marriott Cancun Resort, right next door. The beach here is wide, with plenty of loungers under shady palapas, attentive food and drink service, and the waves are just right for bobbing and body surfing.

7. Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach – North Hotel Zone

A freeform pool on the beach and a pier jutting into the ocean at Grand Fiesta Americana resort in Cancun.
Located on one of Cancún’s best beaches, this upscale, family-friendly, all-suite resort boasts an enormous, free-form pool, extensive spa, and award-winning dining. Most suites are junior or master suites, all with balconies and ocean views; masters add jetted tubs and more space. Presidential and Governor Suites are the largest, with one and two bedrooms; the Presidential suite features a rooftop plunge pool and full kitchen. Five-diamond Le Basilic and four-diamond La Joya, serving French and Mexican fine dining, are the culinary highlights, though all restaurants here are superb. The spa is a palatial, three-story haven with expert massage and a hydrocircuit that’s complimentary for hotel guests. Open for ages three through twelve, the kids club offers unique amenities like a water park, a theater with costumes, a game room, and a night camp. The Grand Fiesta sits in a protected cove just to the inside of Punta Cancún, with the finest white sand and calm, turquoise water nearly as flat as a pool.

8. Secrets the Vine – Middle Hotel Zone

Two side-by-side beachfront pools at Secrets the Vine resort in Cancun.
Beach-chic, adults-only, all-inclusive resort with four dazzling pools, a spa, and phenomenal foods. The Vine stands out for its unique wine concept, with a huge wine cellar (over 4500 to choose from!), wine-based spa treatments, and wine tastings three times a day guided by a knowledgeable sommelier. Rooms have private balconies and connecting options; suites range from junior to two bedrooms, many with soaking tubs. The club-level upgrade grants access to an additional infinity pool, private lounge, and rooms on the highest floors with the best views. Restaurants are exceptional, with a great variety of cuisines all with optional wine pairings. Located on a heavenly beach, clean and well-maintained, with shallow turquoise water.

9. Garza Blanca – Playa Mujeres

People enjoying a large infinity pool under palm trees facing the ocean at Garza Blanca resort in Playa Mujeres near Cancun.
Beachfront, kid-friendly resort with the option of booking an all-inclusive or European-plan stay. Families can enjoy connecting rooms with full kitchens and washer/dryer sets, plus a carousel, kids club with all-day activities, family packages with baby gear or kids amenities, and other fun perks; nanny service is on offer for a fee. Onsite, guests will find seven heated pools, a slew of international and Mexican restaurants, and a full-service spa with hydrotherapy. Suites, lofts, and residences are roomy, ranging from 54 to 495 square meters, many with semi-private sharing pools, private jacuzzis, or private plunge pools. Gorgeous beach setting in Playa Mujeres near Punta Sam and the ferry to Isla Mujeres.

10. Hyatt Ziva Cancún – North Hotel Zone

View from a sharing pool overlooking the beach at Hyatt Ziva in Cancun.
Contemporary, family-friendly, all-inclusive hotel with dolphins, three infinity pools, and a microbrewery. Hyatt Ziva has a range of room and suite types, whether oceanfront, dolphin view, or swim-up, some with soaking tubs or club-level perks. The new Turquoize wing is adults-only, with outdoor Jacuzzis, butler service, and free access to the spa hydrocircuit. Family amenities include a kids’ club with a mini-water park, a climbing pyramid in the ocean, and dolphin swims. Restaurants and bars offer international flavors and creative cocktails with a 24-hour lounge and room service. Located in a protected cove next to the Punta Cancún lighthouse, the sand is super soft here and the surf is particularly mild, ideal for beginning swimmers.

11. Sun Palace – South Hotel Zone

Two pools overlooking the beach with sunbeds and umbrellas at Sun Palace resort in Cancun.
Romantic, couples-only, all-inclusive on a quiet beach, with three infinity pools (one of them covered), a hydrotherapy spa, and incredible food and drinks. Décor is sleek and understated luxury with 96% of accommodations boasting ocean views. Rooms and suites all feature a double whirlpool tub, a private balcony, a liquor dispenser, and a welcome bottle of wine. Concierge-level upgrades add a candlelight dinner, couples’ massage, pillow menu, and aromatherapy. Restaurants are all on point, with the pan-Asian and steakhouse being the standouts. Their resort credits can be used for any number of things, from Maya ruins and colonial village excursions to spa days or dolphin encounters. Sun Palace is located on a relaxing beach in the south end with soft sand, clear water, and very few vendors.

12. Live Aqua Beach Resort – Middle Hotel Zone

One long pool with three round pools set inside the main pool behind the beach at Live Aqua resort in Cancun.
Lavish, adults-only, all-inclusive resort with a focus on re-awakening the senses through gorgeous views, bold dining, music, massage, and aromatherapy throughout the resort. Water has the spotlight here, with a tranquil beach, seven shimmering pools, and hydro-reflexology in the spa. Gastronomy is a close second, with regionally-inspired cocktails and indulgent dining in a range of styles and flavors, from molecular gastronomy served al fresco to Asian fusion served in a shady jungle garden. Guests are greeted with a welcome hand massage, and pool cabana rates include a foot massage. Daily live music is performed poolside and throughout the resort, with DJs every night at Egos Bar. Live Aqua sits on a broad stretch of white sand beach with warm, clear water and moderate waves.

13. Hyatt Zilara Cancún – Middle Hotel Zone

A freeform infinity pool on the beach at Hyatt Zilara in Cancun.
Hacienda-style, adults-only, all-inclusive resort on a broad, ivory beach with perfectly turquoise waters. Service is extraordinary here, with all staff consistently going above and beyond to create memorable experiences for guests. Rooms and suites all offer private balconies, double whirlpool tubs, a liquor dispenser, and a “magic box” for room service delivery. The grounds house an immaculate infinity pool overlooking the beach, plus a rooftop lap pool and a spa with a menu of Maya treatments, ceremonies, and a temazcal. Food and drinks are rich and flavorful; guests in oceanfront category rooms and above have access to exclusive dining at the Chef’s Plate, featuring a different menu every evening. With weekly pool parties, cocktail classes, wine and tequila tastings, and show cooking, guests have plenty of activities to indulge in, if they can bear to part from the beach.

14. Majestic Elegance – Playa Mujeres

A split level infinity pool lined with sunbeds and umbrellas behind the ocean at Majestic Elegance resort in Playa Mujeres near Cancun.
Stylish, all-suite, all-inclusive resort on a gorgeous beach in exclusive Playa Mujeres. 70% of accommodations are for adults only (18+), while the rest are family-friendly for all ages. Suites sleep two to four guests, all with private outdoor jacuzzis or private plunge pools. A few have outdoor jacuzzis plus swim-out access to the main pool or a semi-private sharing pool. The seven gourmet restaurants (six are a la carte) here serve everything from French to Japanese and are accompanied by 13 cocktail bars and 24-hour room service. Facility highlights include a total of twelve pools (some adults-only, one kids-only), a cenote-inspired spa, and both kids’ and teens’ clubs.

15. Riu Palace Peninsula – North Hotel Zone

A collection of pools with a strip of beach wrapping around them all at Riu Peninsula resort in Cancun.
Glitzy, family-friendly, all-inclusive resort with five pools (one exclusively for villa guests), a wide range of suites, plus phenomenal activities for kids and families. Suites all include private balconies, soaking tubs, and liquor dispensers; some add Jacuzzis, and others are adults-only. There is a small kids’ club for ages four through twelve, with supervised pool and beach activities; for families and older kids, they offer art workshops, with classes in painting and ceramics, a free scuba lesson in the pool, nightly theater and entertainment, and non-motorized watercraft like kayaks and catamarans. Food is delicious, with a good mix of a la carte restaurants (Mexican, French, Japanese, and more) along with high-end buffets serving lobster. Service at all restaurants and bars is prompt and attentive. The beach is just barely rockier than some of the other Cancún beaches, but it is still gorgeous with soft sand, turquoise water, and just enough gentle surf to keep it interesting.

16. SLS Cancun – Puerto Juárez

An infinity pool above the beach with a view toward the Cancun Hotel Zone at SLS hotel in Puerto Juarez, Cancun.
The best boutique hotel in Cancún. Each of the 45 spacious suites has a walk-in shower and dual vanities in the bathroom. Most have private balconies with ocean views; top-tier suites add soaking tubs. Onsite find an infinity pool, a lively beach club, an Argentine-Mexican fusion restaurant, and a spa with a hydrotherapy circuit. Free perks include weekly cocktail-making classes and a free shuttle to the main beach in Puerto Cancún. Cooking classes, wine/tequila tastings, and private yacht trips are on offer for a fee. Exclusive location inside a gated community in the luxury development of Puerto Cancún in the Puerto Juárez neighborhood. The luxury mall Marina Puerto Cancún is only 800 meters away, the nearest golf course is only 850 meters away, and the ferry to Isla Mujeres is less than two kilometers away.

17. Dreams Vista – Puerto Juárez

An ultra-long pool alongside a golf course, both facing the ocean, at Dreams Vista in Puerto Juarez, Cancun.
Family-friendly, all-inclusive resort with a water park, two surf pools, and three heated swimming pools set on a small, sandy beach. A whopping 80% of rooms and suites have connecting options. All have one king or two queen beds, ocean views, and a private, furnished balcony. Honeymoon Suites add deep soaking tubs; some Preferred Club Suites have private, outdoor, heated plunge pools. Club-level suites also grant access to two more pools and a private section of the beach, along with other perks. A kids club and a teen club keep younger guests entertained, while adults-only areas offer calm, romantic spaces for couples. Gourmet dining and a luxury spa complete the package here. Idyllic location in a gated community in Puerto Juárez, near the ferry to Isla Mujeres and less than two kilometers from a golf course and luxury mall.

18. InterContinental Presidente Resort – North Hotel Zone

A wide, white beach with a deck a sunbed-umbrella sets at the InterContinental Presidente resort in Cancun.
Sitting on the single best beach in Cancún, this classic luxury resort offers two pools (one adults-only) and a spa with hydrotherapy and Maya-inspired treatments. The beach is the main attraction here: wide and clean, no seaweed, powdery-fine sand, and water so blue it looks like it’s been dyed that way. Dining is exceptional, especially the breakfasts at Café Urbano and the beachside service at Le Cap Beach Club. Rooms and one-bedroom suites are contemporary and well-appointed; club-level upgrades add balconies, soaking tubs, and exclusive lounge access. Though this is a family-friendly hotel with a kids’ club and playground, the vibe here is very low-key and relaxed. Its location makes this resort a great home base for exploring downtown Cancún’s restaurants and attractions or for exploring the uptown nightlife district.

19. Marriott Resort – Middle Hotel Zone

A group of sunbeds next to a lifeguard stand with parasailing canopies in the air at the Marriott resort in Cancun.
A beachfront paradise, this family-friendly, luxury resort features a hacienda-style design blended with traditional and contemporary Mexican décor. Its large infinity pool features a whirlpool front and center, overlooking the brilliant blue sea. Rooms and one-bedroom suites vary by size and view, but all feature a private balcony; connecting rooms are available. The Presidential Suite adds a second balcony and an outdoor Jacuzzi. Their popular kids’ club hosts children ages four to twelve during daylight hours with a pool and plenty of activities. Dining and drinks are fantastic and varied, with restaurants specializing in Japanese, Polynesian, pizza, and more. Located on a wide, white stretch of swimmable beach with moderate waves, served by the attentive staff at Bahia.

20. Hard Rock Hotel – Middle Hotel Zone

An enormous pool running longways behind the beach with sunbeds and umbrellas at the Hard Rock resort in Cancun.
Flashy, all-inclusive, rock-themed resort with fun amenities for families and couples. This lively property shows off with a huge cascading infinity pools, three whirlpools, and a comprehensive spa. Their signature Sound of Your Stay experience offers loaner guitars, mixing stations, record players, and access to a recording studio – all complimentary. Anyone over 12 years has access to the Music Lab, with professional instrument, DJ, and vocal lessons; culminating in a live performance at the end of their stay. All rooms have a private balcony and two-person Jacuzzi tub; suites are all two-bedroom, and Family Suites add a kids’ minibar and Xbox. Couples should consider upgrading to Rock Royalty level to gain access to the adults-only pool on the third floor, complimentary couples’ massage, and a personal assistant. The beach here is gorgeous with brilliant blue water and attentive service.

21. Breathless Cancun Soul – North Hotel Zone

A whimsical pool with a swirl at one end and checkerboard pattern with bright umbrellas above the beach at Breathless Resort in Cancun.
Adults-only, all-inclusive hotel on the beach with two whimsical pools, all with swim-up bars. This playful party hotel offers a host of activities day and night, such as DJed pool parties, karaoke nights, beachfront white parties, tequila tastings, and more. All suites have one king or two double beds, a private balcony, and dual vanities in the bathrooms. Club-level suites add perks, including a private outdoor jacuzzi, complimentary use of the hydrotherapy circuit in the spa, an exclusive lounge, and access to a third swimming pool on the rooftop. Restaurants offer various menus, ranging from pan-Asian to Mediterranean/Middle Eastern and more. The beach here provides stunning blue water, soft sand, and gentle waves, but the hotel’s private area is small, and much of the public beach space gets taken over by outside families with children.

22. Fiesta Americana Condesa – Middle Hotel Zone

People playing volleyball in the pool at Fiesta Americana Condesa resort in Cancun.
With a focus on Mexican hospitality, this family-friendly, beachfront, all-inclusive offers an upscale experience paired with a uniquely local vibe. Over half of the restaurants offer delightful, regional, Mexican fare on their menus, alongside several international restaurants. The spa uses Mexican products in all of their treatments. Décor features Mexican embellished tile, stonework floors, and palapa roofs property-wide. The kids’ club offers creative activities all day, as well as a pirate-themed pool, while the teens’ club features video games, billiards, and outdoor sports. Onsite activities include Maya language classes, Maya astrology, and tequila tasting. Room options are varied, from standard up to a two-bedroom suite with attached studio; some suites feature sofa beds and terrace Jacuzzis; the Presidential adds a full kitchen. The beach is beautiful with perfect white sand and medium surf; it might be a little much for beginners, but it is swimmable for those more experienced.

23. Wyndham Grand – Middle Hotel Zone

A series of pools in a row behind the beach at Wyndham Grand in Cancun.
Located on a truly exceptional beach, the all-inclusive, family-friendly Wyndham Grand offers an impressive selection of accommodations and fantastic activities. Spacious rooms, one- and two-bedroom suites, and huge villas all feature private balconies, some with jetted tubs, Presidential with a full kitchen. Larger families will appreciate the villas with three bedrooms and three bathrooms spread over three stories, plus a full kitchen and direct pool access. The grounds boast three cascading pools (one for kids), one mega hot tub for up to 35 guests, several small hot tubs, and a full-service spa and salon. There is a small kids’ club here for ages five to twelve. Their perfectly swimmable beach showcases breathtaking turquoise waves, clean white sand, and an absence of rocks, reefs, and barriers.

24. Moon Palace The Grand – Riviera Cancun

Colorful striped waterslides at Moon Palace the Grand resort in Cancun.
Huge, all-inclusive, family-centric resort featuring an awesome water park, kids’ and teens’ clubs, and comprehensive kid and family amenities. All suites include a two-person jetted tub, private balcony, and hammock; Grand Family suites are double-sized with one king and two double beds, a kids’ minibar, and an Xbox 360. The grounds feature two pools, a lazy river, FlowRider, and a bowling alley. The kids’ club is expansive with a splash pad, black light mini-golf, bumper cars, and much more. Parents will find plenty of adults-only areas, including a nightclub, day club, pool, and a French restaurant. Their resort credits program covers amazing family excursions, dolphin swims, spa days, and more. The beach has recently been renovated with excellent views and service, but it is not swimmable; for a more traditional beach experience, guests may use their all-inclusive privileges at their sister property Beach Palace.

25. Wyndham Alltra – Middle Hotel Zone

People swimming in the pool behind the beach at Wyndham Alltra in Cancun.
With a water park, a splash zone, and kids’ and teens’ clubs, Wyndham Alltra is ideal for a carefree, family beach vacation. Family suites have one king-sized bed, bunk beds, and a trundle bed to sleep up to five (two adults and three children). One-Bedroom Master Suites and the Presidential Suite sleep up to four and offer more privacy with separate rooms. All suites offer private balconies, some with access to a semi-private sharing pool. Top-tier suites have private, outdoor jacuzzis. The culinary program centers on crowd-pleasing favorites, like Italian, pan-Asian, Mexican, and an international buffet; room service is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Guests will also find two pools, a wellness center, and fun activities onsite throughout the day. Great location in the heart of the Hotel Zone on a long, wide, sandy beach not too far from La Isla luxury mall.

26. Dreams Jade Resort & Spa – Riviera Cancun

People reclining in the partially submerged sunbed section next to the main pool at Dreams Jade resort in Cancun.
This five-star, family-friendly, all-inclusive offers large suites and excellent kids amenities on a gorgeous beach next to a dolphinarium. Light-filled suites come in several styles, beginning at 65 square meters, all with private balconies and either indoor or outdoor Jacuzzis. The resort houses two free-form infinity pools, with the adult pool accessible with club-level upgrades. Their kids’ club is open all day to children ages three to twelve, with a host of activities, arts, and adventures; the teens’ club features breakdancing lessons, video games, and more. Dining and drinks are fantastic and varied, with sixteen restaurants and bars to choose from. The beach is beautiful, albeit a little rocky and sometimes rough; walk just five minutes south along the beach, though, and you’ll find better swimming.

27. Sandos Cancun – Middle Hotel Zone

View looking down on three, tiered pools at Sandos resort in Cancun.
Beachfront, four-diamond, all-inclusive hotel with three infinity pools, delicious restaurants, and an amazing music program. Accommodations here are unique for Cancún with windows in every unit facing both the ocean and the lagoon, so that all guests may experience sunrise and sunset views from their rooms. Each room features a soaking tub, welcome wine, and floor-to-ceiling windows, most with one or two balconies; one- and two-bedroom suites add kitchenettes. Their Rhythm Experience music program offers live music and DJs, with a different genre featured daily; at night the music moves to the bars, with Bar One for a relaxing ambiance and Bar Two for a lively party. Food here is superbly prepared with fresh ingredients, with Gaijin Japanese and Zango international buffet the most popular of the restaurant options. Though there is no dedicated Mexican restaurant onsite, St. Trop has several Caribbean Mexican options on the menu. The beach is clean and well-maintained with crystal clear water, though waves can be a little rough at times.

28. Iberostar Selection – Middle Hotel Zone

A series of shallow pools with palm trees and thatched umbrellas facing the ocean at Iberostar Selection in Cancun.
Upscale, all-inclusive resort on a wide, sandy beach and directly across from a 150-acre competition golf course. Great for mixed groups with a romantic, adults-only wing as well as family-centric spaces with a kids club, kids pool, and playground. Rooms, suites, and villas offer a variety of layouts and amenities, many with private, furnished balconies and ocean views. Some have private jacuzzis, plunge pools, or access to semi-private sharing pools. Of course, there are several beachfront pools open to all guests, a full-service spa with a hydromassage pool, and a host of buffet and a la carte restaurants to suit all tastes.

29. Secrets Golf & Spa Resort – Playa Mujeres

View over a freeform pool with palm trees facing the ocean at Secrets resort in Playa Mujeres near Cancun.
This gem of a resort, located on a vast beach, offers an exquisite all-inclusive, adults-only experience. Amply-sized junior and one-bedroom suites include hydro-spa tubs and balconies, some with swim-up access or private plunge pools. Club-level upgrades add a day pass to the spa hydrotherapy circuit, lounge access, pillow menu, and an exclusive a la carte daily breakfast. Grounds include a huge free-form pool (actually three pools really close together), while the beach offers snorkel gear, catamarans, paddleboards, and a swing set bar. The beach itself is long, with soft sand, no rocks, calm water, and intense turquoise colors.

30. Dreams Golf & Spa Resort – Playa Mujeres

People enjoying a pool with an ocean view at Dreams resort in Playa Mujeres near Cancun.
New, family-friendly, all-inclusive resort with dolphins and exceptional kids’ and teens’ amenities on a quiet beach. Suites and villas are all large and feature private balconies and sofa beds; options include swim-ups, private pools, outdoor Jacuzzis, and two-person whirlpool tubs. Upgrade to Club Level for access to the lazy river, complimentary hydrotherapy, and access to a private lounge. The kids’ club hosts weekly camping, along with daily activities and a small water park; the teens’ club is open until 1 a.m. and features dance nights, video games, rock climbing, weekly bonfires, and more. Dolphin swims, a stellar full-service spa, and an 18-hole golf course are excellent add-on perks. The beach has soft sand and gentle waves, thanks to nearby Isla Mujeres acting as a buffer.

31. Dreams Sands – North Hotel Zone

Side-by-side pools with palm trees behind the beach at Dreams Sands in Cancun.
Luxury all-inclusive on a gorgeous beach with soft, white sand. Five-star facilities include a holistic spa and salon, fine and casual restaurants (plus 24-hour room service), and four sparkling pools – the main pool is heated in winter and has a swim-up bar. Rooms and suites have one king or two queen beds, some with private balconies. Families can enjoy spacious suites or connecting rooms, a kids club, and beachfront camping adventures. The entertainment program features nightly shows, outdoor movies, theme nights, and much more. Great location in the North Hotel Zone, just steps from many of Cancún’s best restaurants, nightlife, and shopping.

32. Azul Beach Resort – Riviera Cancun

A family in the pool and a statue of Patrick from Spongebob at Azul Beach Resort in Cancun.
High-end, family-friendly resort with six pools, a lazy river, excellent kids’ amenities, and private balconies and indoor Jacuzzis for every room type. Suites range from junior to two-bedroom, some with full kitchens and butler service; family suites have two sofa beds. Kids have a Nickelodeon-themed club with character visits, a splash pad and pool, gymnastics, and more. Teens have a designated lounge with a pool table, air hockey, and outdoor activities. Couples and honeymooners enjoy plenty of adults-only spaces in a dedicated wing with its own pool and swim-up suites, plus several bars, and Le Chique, their renowned five-diamond restaurant, serving Mexican molecular gastronomy. The beach here is beautiful and well-maintained, though not vivid turquoise of Cancún and further south in the Riviera Maya. Though a little rockier here, it is still swimmable with calm waves and good snorkeling.

33. Crown Paradise Club – South Hotel Zone

Overhead view of two beachfront pools at Crown Paradise resort in Cancun.
Beachfront, family-friendly, all-inclusive with kids amenities for all age groups and five pools, including one adults-only pool and one covered pool. Rooms and suites come with balconies, many with soaking tubs. Family Suites have king beds plus triple bunk beds. Club-level upgrades add Jacuzzis (indoor or outdoor) and a lagoon cruise. Their Baby Club hosts tots from eighteen months up to three years old, with story times and a playroom; a Kids’ Club for ages three to twelve has a pirate ship pool, a castle with nine waterslides, and plenty of activities. Older kids and families have access to a small waterpark, billiards, video games, and mini-golf. The beach here has plenty of shaded loungers, stunning white sand, and bright blue water with moderate surf.

Cancún’s Hotel Zone

Most hotels and resorts in Cancún are located in the Hotel Zone. The Hotel Zone is about a 22 km strip on Boulevard Kukulkan shaped like a number 7, jutting out into the water dues east of Downtown Cancún then turning south to rejoin the mainland. This long island strip of beach is bound to the north and east by the Caribbean, with the interior portion taken up by the Nichupte Lagoon. Resorts line the northern and eastern beaches, while the restaurants, malls, and attractions sit along the lagoon side of the road.

The Hotel Zone is roughly divided into three sections identified by their kilometer markers: The North (km 1-9, this is the horizontal portion making up the top of the 7, from the edge of Downtown in the west to Punta Cancún in the east), The Middle (km 9.5-17.5, beginning at the elbow of the 7, from Punta Cancún running south, just past Museo Maya), and the South (km 18-21.5, from El Rey archeological zone to Punta Nizuc at the southernmost tip).

Staying in the North Hotel Zone

A couple walking on the beach with a sailboat in the background in the North Hotel Zone of Cancun.
The North (also called the “beginning”) of the Hotel Zone has the softest sand and the most pristine beaches. Unlike the rest of the Hotel Zone, the northernmost portion is partially protected from hurricanes by Isla Mujeres to the northeast and the horn of Punta Cancún to the east. Because it is shielded in this way, it still has its original sand, worn smooth and powdery over the years. In contrast, the rest of the Hotel Zone has lost its sand to recent hurricanes and had to have new sand trucked in from afar to rebuild its beaches. The North Hotel Zone’s prized location also shields it from the seaweed that tends to collect in the Middle and South Hotel Zones. The North is the closest part of the Hotel Zone to downtown’s amazing restaurants and cultural attractions like Market 28 and lucha libre at the Cancún Arena. It’s also just a short distance from the Uptown Cancún nightlife in Punta Cancún. With such proximity to dining, bars, and attractions, the North Hotel Zone is ideal for guests who opt not to stay in an all-inclusive.

The Best Hotels in the North Hotel Zone

Staying in the Middle Hotel Zone

People wading and swimming in small ocean waves in the Middle Hotel Zone of Cancun.
The Middle of the Hotel Zone is where the action is. Uptown Cancún and its famous nightlife is located here in Punta Cancún. Travelers will find a cluster of nightclubs and bars, the best known being Coco Bongo, Mandala, and La Vaquita, though The City and Congo Bar are the best-loved night spots. Follow the main drag south to find Cancún’s most popular family attractions, including Aquaworld, Museo Maya, and MUSA, the underwater museum. Beaches here are not as soft as those in the North Hotel Zone, and the waves tend to be a little bigger. But this is the nesting spot for local sea turtles, which come ashore every night from May through October to lay eggs. Baby turtles hatch and are released into the ocean from July through December. Most hotels in the Middle Hotel Zone have designated areas to protect the eggs from predators. Guests are invited to watch the adult turtles making their nests every night or to watch as the babies are released later in the season.

The Best Hotels in the Middle Hotel Zone

Staying in the South Hotel Zone

A wide stretch of sand on the beach with a clear ocean and a few people walking in the South Hotel Zone of Cancun
The South Hotel Zone, sometimes called the End of the Hotel Zone, begins at El Rey Ruins in the north and ends at Punta Nizuc in the south. It’s much quieter than the North or Middle, while still being highly accessible to all that the city has to offer. Travelers here will find the most relaxed beaches with fewer vendors interrupting their tranquil moments. Beach quality here is similar to that of the Middle, with moderate surf, soft white sand (though slightly coarser than that of the North), and lots of sea turtle activity. There is generally better snorkeling in the South Hotel Zone, especially at the southernmost end toward Punta Nizuc. Most resorts in this area are all-inclusive, and the immediate area only has a handful of restaurants. This is an ideal spot for travelers who want a relaxed getaway without straying too far from the conveniences of the city.

The Best Hotels in the South Hotel Zone

Staying in Riviera Cancún

Thatched umbrellas shading some sunbeds on a beach in the Riviera Cancun.
The Riviera Cancún is the northernmost part of the Riviera Maya, just south of Cancún, down about as far as Puerto Morelos. It is fronted by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which follows the coastline from Cancún all the way down to Guatemala. The Riviera Cancún is home to some of the largest all-inclusive resorts. Most of these sit on long stretches of beach protected by the reef, making for mostly gentle waves. Beaches here tend to be a mix of mostly white sand, with some rocky and coral parts. The sandy areas are great for swimming and body surfing with moderate waves, while the rocky and coral areas usually have great conditions for snorkeling, with a variety of colorful fish. The resort beaches here are nearly private with no vendors because they’re not within walking distance to anything. Near Puerto Morales, travelers will find a botanical garden, Croco Cun Zoo, several refreshing cenotes just inland, and many adventure parks a little further south.

The Best Hotels in Riviera Cancún

Staying in Playa Mujeres/Costa Mujeres

A straight-on view of the ocean and beach with footprints in the sand at Playa Mujeres near Cancun.
Playa Mujeres, AKA Costa Mujeres, sits in the north end of Cancún, due west of Isla Mujeres and north of the main ferry terminals, Puerto Juárez and Gran Puerto. This is the newest resort development area in Cancún (the oldest hotel here opened in 2007). This area is designed expressly for leisure, mostly made up of resorts, beaches, and golf courses. Playa Mujeres is more accessible to the city and attractions than Riviera Cancún, but since it is so new, there are not many restaurants serving the area. This is the closest point in Cancún to Isla Mujeres; travelers wishing to visit the island can leave from the smaller Punta Sam ferry. The beaches of Playa Mujeres have soft white sand, vivid blue water, and gentle waves, thanks to Isla Mujeres acting as a shield. Isla Mujeres blocks much of the seaweed coming in from the ocean. Still, most resorts in the area hire sweepers to clean the beaches twice a day.

The Best Hotels in Playa Mujeres

Staying in Puerto Juárez

View over the ocean and a golf course toward the Cancun hotel zone at Puerto Juarez.
Once the main population center of the area before Cancún was established as a city, Puerto Juárez has a fantastic location. This neighborhood sits between downtown and the North Hotel Zone and is home to the ferry to Isla Mujeres. Visitors here will find a golf course, marinas, and a luxury mall, Puerto Cancún, with both land and water access to its shops. Hotels, condos, and restaurants on the beach mostly fall into the luxury category, but head just a tad inland to find affordable, traditional restaurants and places to stay. Though there is plenty of beachfront here, the sand isn’t as thick and white, and the water isn’t as radiantly blue as in the Hotel Zone. Still, this is a wonderful place to stay to see the more authentic side of Cancún, while still being close to the water.

The Best Hotels in Puerto Juárez

Read More

The Best Tulum Hotels

Mexico › Tulum › Best Hotels
Updated: September 3, 2024

My Favorite Tulum Hotels
• 5-star: Jashita • Mezzanine
• 4-star: La Valise • La Zebra
• 3-star: Cabañas La Luna
• For families: La Zebra
• For couples: Jashita
• New Hotel: Bespoke

Rooftop pool with a row of plush sunbeds and an ocean view at Jashita Hotel on Soliman Bay near Tulum.

The rooftop pool with an ocean view at from Jashita Hotel in Tulum. A second pool is on their private beach.

Tulum Hotels – Tips & Recommendations

  • Where to Stay in Tulum: The two main choices are staying on the beach or staying in the pueblo (town). For us, the beach is the main attraction. We prefer to stay at a hotel on the beach and travel into town some evenings for dinner and nightlife. The beach and the pueblo are only five kilometers apart, so staying in one place and enjoying the other is not difficult. But if you are relying on taxis to get around, it can be expensive. Expect to pay at least 500 pesos (25 USD) for a one-way ride between the pueblo and the nearest beach. To taxi from the south end of the beach to the north end, where the Maya ruins are, expect to pay anywhere from 500 to 1000 pesos one-way.
  • Best Luxury Hotels in Tulum
    Jashita • Mezzanine • La Valise • Shibari • Casa Malca
  • Best Hotels for Families in Tulum
    La Zebra (luxury) • Nômade (luxury) • Cabañas La Luna (midrange) • Sueños (midrange)
  • Best Hotels for Couples in Tulum
    Jashita • Mezzanine • La Valise • Shibari
  • Best Midrange Hotels in Tulum
    Sueños • Cabañas La Luna • Coco Tulum
  • Best Hotels in Tulum Pueblo
    Una Vida • Coco Hacienda • Bardo
  • Most hotels in Tulum are small – many have fewer than 10 rooms. We recommend booking hotels four to six months in advance for luxury accommodations in Tulum. December through March are the busiest months, so definitely reserve far in advance if traveling during the high season.
  • The past few years have seen a major increase in seaweed (sargassum) washing ashore in Tulum. Seaweed is worst during the hot summer months and during hurricane season. The best months for avoiding seaweed are December, January, and February. The worst months are July and August. Fortunately, there are plenty of cenotes (natural swimming holes fed by underground rivers) in and around Tulum for a unique, refreshing alternative to swimming at the beach. One hotel, Shibari even has its own private cenote onsite.
  • Don’t use a travel agency. You’ll get better rates at better hotels by booking on your own (through a booking website or by contacting the hotel directly).
  • Our favorite restaurants in Tulum: Arca (upscale Maya-Mexican, best restaurant in the beach zone) • Negro Huitlacoxe (Contemporary, creative Mexican menu, best in the Pueblo) • Raw Love (best vegan food on the beach) • Taqueria Honorio (best tacos in Tulum)

Tulum Hotel Map

Map of Tulum Mexico and the best hotel, restaurants, and things to do.
Hotels on Map: Jashita • O’ Tulum • Hotel Mereva • Alea • Nerea • Conrad • Hilton • Bespoke • Bardo • Una Vida • Coco Hacienda • Hotel Milam • Hotel Tiki Tiki • Holistika • Naay • Secrets • Kimpton Aluna • Mezzanine • Mi Amor • Our Habitas • El Pez • Tago • Coco Tulum • Dune • Cabañas La Luna • The Beach Tulum • Cabañas Tulum • Hotel Shibari • Ahau • Kanan • Lula Hotel • La Zebra • Alaya • Casa Violeta • Sueños • Hotel Panamera • Xela • Encantada • Radhoo • La Valise • Nest • Be Tulum • Nômade • Casa Malca • Casa Gitano

The 45 Best Hotels in Tulum

Most of these hotels are within walking distance to several restaurants and biking distance to town.

1. Jashita – Soliman Bay

Crisp white linens on a canopy bed with an ocean view through a floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall window at Jashita Hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 875 4158
Our favorite hotel in the Tulum area. Luxury boutique hotel with three pools (kids’, adults’, and rooftop adults’ pools), beachfront service, free daily yoga, and a spa with shaman ceremonies. All rooms and suites include one or two king-sized beds, welcome wine and chocolates, and private terraces; honeymoon suites and the penthouse suite add private pools. While the hotel offers some family rooms, they allow no more than four children on the property at any one time to ensure a tranquil atmosphere. Their all-day restaurant, Pandano, offers a delicious Mexican-Italian menu with especially great lobster and handmade pasta, along with creative and classic cocktails at their swing-seated beach bar. Located on a semi-private beach in Soliman Bay near several open and underground cenotes and about 10 km north of the Tulum ruins.

2. Mezzanine – North Beach Zone

A curved terrace overlooking a pool, palm trees, and beach at Mezzanine hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 131 1596
Oceanfront boutique hotel with just nine refined rooms and suites and a heated, freeform pool. Onsite, you’ll find an incredible Thai restaurant, serving authentic dishes for the past 20 years using many traditional Thai ingredients but grown locally. The bar menu is equally fascinating, with an award-winning mixologist crafting signature drinks from regional herbs and fruits. All nine rooms and suites at Mezzanine offer king-sized beds, mini-bars, yoga mats, and fresh coffee or tea delivered each morning to your door. The two master suites add soaking tubs, lounge areas, and large, private terraces with outdoor jacuzzis overlooking the beach. The hotel sits on a sandy stretch of beach in the new nature preserve, Parque del Jaguar, connected to the Tulum Ruins archaeological zone, crisscrossed with hiking and biking trails along with several beaches. Our favorite hotel in the North Beach Zone.

3. La Valise – South Beach Zone

Double-sized sunbeds on the beach near the ocean’s edge with one person wading into the water at La Valise hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +1 305 999 1540
This luxurious, boutique hotel is our pick in the South Beach Zone. La Valise features spacious rooms and a suite, 24-hour air conditioning, two heated plunge pools, and a gorgeous stretch of beach. Service is impeccable and highly personalized. Their onsite restaurant serves breakfast and lunch indoors or on the beach. Rooms spread across both sides of the road with some on the beach and some new suites in the jungle. Several room types have rolling king beds (beds on tracks that can be rolled outside onto the private terrace or balcony); a couple have private, outdoor plunge pools. Located on the southern end of the beach in a quiet beach stretch within walking distance of several fantastic restaurants.

4. Hotel Shibari – Middle Beach Zone

A multi-hued cenote with a wooden deck built around it with sunbeds and cabanas on the far side at Shibari hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 559 418 5190
Even though it’s not directly on the beach, this is the best hotel in the Middle Beach Zone and the best adults-only hotel in Tulum. Shibari boasts its very own natural cenote – a major perk if traveling during seaweed season – along with a heated pool and jacuzzi, and a sensory immersive spa. The culinary program features a “free cuisine” fine dining restaurant with a creative mix of ingredients and techniques, along with casual pool fare, a lounge bar, and a lobby cafe/bar with complimentary refreshments. Lavish suites are designed for two with king-sized beds and private balconies or terraces. Many suites have private, outdoor plunge pools or direct access to the cenote. Tucked away on the jungle side of the road in the Middle Beach Zone, the hotel is mere steps from the beach, beach clubs, and excellent restaurants. Plus guests of Shibari get free access to all Grupo RosaNegra beach clubs; three of these are less than a 10-minute walk away (RosaNegra, Taboo, and Tantra).

5. Casa Malca – South Beach Zone

A freeform pool surrounded by lush greenery with an ocean view at Casa Malca in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 167 7154
Stylish, art-focused hotel with three outstanding restaurants, a creative bar, a beach club, two pools (one is underground), complimentary bicycles, and free sunset yoga on the rooftop terrace. Each design-forward suite features an eclectic mix of antique and contemporary décor and original artwork from owner Lio Malca’s extensive private collection. The hotel is kid-friendly all year long, except for the weeks surrounding New Year’s Eve when it becomes an adults-only spot during Tulum’s EDM festivals. Located on a white, sandy beach near Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and within walking distance of several of Tulum’s best restaurants and bars.

6. La Zebra – Middle Beach Zone

A family sits on a bench swing between two palm trees on a beach with rows of cabana at La Zebra hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 115 4726
La Zebra is our favorite family-friendly hotel in Tulum. Beach-chic, luxury hotel on a wide stretch of white, sandy beach with a rooftop pool, playground, and themed dining events, like Street Food Sundays and Taco Tuesdays. All suites are family-friendly for up to four with a king-sized bed and a double twin trundle bed, a dual shower, and a private balcony or terrace. Many suites include private plunge pools (heated on request). Amazing gastronomy and friendly, attentive service round out the experience here.

7. Our Habitas – Beach Town

An infinity pool set in a wooden deck with palm trees facing the ocean at Our Habitas hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 554 163 0935
Adults-only, luxury glamping on the beach with an oceanfront infinity pool, globally inspired dining, and a slew of onsite activities, like temazcal ceremonies, yoga, beach boot camp, live music, and more. Canvas-walled, thatched-roof rooms are all air-conditioned and have king-sized beds and outdoor showers. Most have private terraces, and many have private plunge pools. Excellent location a short walk to restaurants and shopping. With the hotel’s free bicycles, guests can reach the Pueblo in less than 10 minutes and the Tulum Ruins archaeological zone in less than 15 minutes.

8. Nômade – South Beach Zone

Several people enjoying live music at a beach club with palm trees and macrame canopies at Nomade hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 803 2243
Family-friendly, wellness-centered hotel with a gorgeous pool, free daily yoga, and a well-kept beach about a 10-minute walk from Sian Ka’an biosphere. Luxury tents, suites, and villas fuse boho style with modern perks, including air conditioning in all units (even the tents), outdoor showers, and private pools in the Master Suites and the Two-Bedroom Villa. Dining is fantastic at their vegan/vegetarian restaurant, Japanese restaurant, and their seafood restaurant. What sets this hotel apart, though, is its focus on incorporating Mayan culture into all aspects of the hotel, including ceremonies, healing rituals, and an ever-changing events program.

9. Kanan – Middle Beach Zone

Two rows of sunbeds with boho-chic wooden umbrellas on a long stretch of beach with people walking and wading at Kanan hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 147 6510
Rustic-chic design and decor take center stage at this beachfront, adults-only getaway. Its treehouse-style architecture, indoor-outdoor spa, and cenote-inspired pool are highlights that give this hotel a strong sense of place. Atmospheric dining is always on offer at the beach club, the rooftop international restaurant, and the toes-in-the-sand Mexican restaurant. All rooms and suites are different, but each features an incredible wooden soaking tub, a separate rainfall shower, and a private, furnished terrace. Great location in the middle of the beach zone, just steps from some of Tulum’s best restaurants and beach clubs.

10. Ahau – Middle Beach Zone

Double-sized sunbeds on the beach in front of a hotel made of a group of A-frame buildings with thatched roofs at Ahau hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 147 5225
Wellness-focused, pet-friendly, beachfront hotel with outstanding food, eclectic rooms, and an extensive program of yoga, meditation, and healing rituals. Their onsite restaurants use fresh, organic, local ingredients in partnership with Mayan farmers and offer top-notch menus for vegans and meat-eaters alike. The beach here is amazing: sandy and swimmable, well-organized with beach beds and hammocks, well-served by the beach bar and grill, and with their own watersports school. Ahau is in the heart of Tulum’s beach zone, walking distance of amazing restaurants and nightlife.

11. Lula Hotel – Middle Beach Zone

A quiet beach with a few sunbeds, umbrellas, and picnic tables at Lula hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 115 4728
Amalfi meets Tulum in this charming little beachfront hotel with a Baja-Mediterranean kitchen (seafood and veggies, no meat), Italian Coast-inspired lemonade menu, and airy decor. The hotel straddles the main road with rooms and suites on both the beach side and the jungle side. The yoga shala and spa are on the beach, while the pool is in the jungle. Accommodations all have king or super-king beds and private balconies or patios; some ground-floor rooms have indoor or outdoor bathtubs. Vibrant location in the Middle Beach Zone, surrounded by restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries.

12. Una Vida – Pueblo

A contemporary pool lined with sunbeds in a jungle garden at Una Vida Hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 240 5231
Our favorite hotel in the Pueblo. Family-friendly, luxury hotel in the pueblo (downtown) offering rooms, studios, one-bedroom suites, and a three-bedroom house for up to eight guests. Most accommodations include stocked kitchenettes and outdoor showers, some with outdoor bathtubs. Some Tropical King Rooms and the three-bedroom house have private plunge pools. Facilities and amenities include a gorgeous pool, a wellness center, free bicycles, and a cozy Mexican-Italian restaurant. Private dinners and tequila and mezcal tastings are available on request. Great walking location in town near several wonderful restaurants and cafes and a handful of shops and galleries.

13. Bespoke – Tankah

Contemporary, multi-story building with an L-shaped pool on the beach facing the ocean at Bespoke hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 105 4007
Contemporary, design-forward hotel on the beach offering one to three-bedroom apartments and two to four-bedroom villas. Elegant facilities include an L-shaped infinity pool, a holistic spa, and a gourmet restaurant that fuses Maya and South American culinary traditions. Ideal for families, groups, and long stays, all spacious accommodations have full kitchens, separate living areas, and generous terraces, most with outdoor, private plunge pools. The beach itself is sandy, but there is a reef offshore, so wear water shoes to enter the ocean or walk ten minutes north to swim in Casa Cenote.

14. Mi Amor – North Beach Zone

A collection of wooden sun decks with cabanas and pink sunbeds perched on a rocky shore above the ocean at Mi Amor Hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 188 4273
Adults-only, luxury boutique hotel with an infinity pool, upscale restaurant and bar, and a cozy two-room spa. Rooms and suites are designed with couples in mind, all with king-sized beds, 24-hour air conditioning, and private terraces; ground-floor rooms feature private plunge pools. Mi Amor is located at the north end of the beach zone in the new bio-reserve, Parque Jaguar, which includes the Tulum Ruins archaeological zone plus a few excellent restaurants and beach clubs. The beach immediately in front of the hotel is rocky, but it’s just a five-minute walk to sandy Paraiso Beach at their sister property, Mezzanine.

15. Encantada – South Beach Zone

Thatched-roof cabanas and sunbeds on a quiet beach with palm trees at Encantada hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +1 650 212 6782
Romantic hotel with eight spacious rooms, all with king-sized canopy beds and private terraces with hammocks. Dining is exceptional at their onsite restaurant and bar and at their sister restaurant Nü across the street (they share the restaurant with La Valise). Encantada is located on a wide stretch of white sandy beach at the quiet, south end of the beach within walking distance of several amazing restaurants and bars.

16. Sueños – South Beach Zone

A freeform pool next to a restaurant in the sand near the beach at Sueños hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 119 3484
Chilled-out, beachfront, eco-hotel with Mayan-themed suites featuring hand-painted tiles, outdoor sitting decks, hammocks, porthole windows, and solar-powered electricity. The penthouse has sofa beds, a stone hydromassage jacuzzi, a terrace, and 360˚ views of the ocean, jungle, and lagoon of the Sian Kaan Biosphere. Sueños Tulum also offers complimentary breakfast, a yoga studio, fire pit, pool, and restaurant.

17. Be Tulum – South Beach Zone

View looking down at a busy beach club with palm trees, sand, and the ocean at Be hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +521 984 132 6215
Super-stylish, beachfront, spa resort with two pools having a lineup of fantastic designer suites with cowhide rugs, leather chairs, and private balconies. Depending on the type, suites may have private plunge pools, indoor copper tubs, rooftop solariums or terraces, private gardens, and small kitchens. Be Tulum also boasts two restaurants, a beach club, a stylish lounge, and a craft cocktail bar. Their wellness program is filled with complimentary activities like yoga and meditation, along with indulgent therapies at their jungle spa.

18. Secrets Resort & Beach Club – Aldea Zama and Middle Beach Zone

A freeform pool with three smaller pools set inside surrounded by a faux beach lounge and hotel rooms built in a semi-circle at Secrets resort in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 251 0230
Our favorite all-inclusive resort in Tulum. The main hotel sits in Aldea Zama with nine pools (some cenote-inspired, some on rooftops), an extravagant spa with a hydrotherapy circuit, five bars, and ten restaurants (bizarrely, there is no Mexican restaurant onsite). The resort also has a beach club in the Middle Beach Zone with a few more suites and villas, a restaurant, and a bar. A free shuttle connects the resort and beach club every half hour. All suites have one king or two double beds and a private balcony or terrace. Some have a private pool, an outdoor bathtub, or swim-out access to a shared pool. Activities onsite include mezcal tasting, barbecues, bike tours, and salsa nights. Adults only.

19. The Beach Tulum – Middle Beach Zone

A handful of double-sized sunbeds on a wide, sandy beach with palm trees and ocean at The Beach Hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 157 9645
Adults-only hotel with a river pool, jacuzzi, full-service spa, and two restaurants, including the beloved Ziggy’s Restaurant and Beach Club. Rooms are minimalistic yet elegant, and all include a private jacuzzi or plunge pool. Perks include 24-hour air conditioning, free bikes, free yoga, live music nightly, and tequila, mezcal, and wine tastings throughout the week. The beach here boasts powdery, soft, white sand, and there is a little cenote onsite, too.

20. Cabañas Tulum – Middle Beach Zone

Sand-color sunbeds blending into the beach under palm trees facing the ocean at Cabanas Hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 871 1132
Beachfront hotel offering a pool and a holistic spa. Its spacious rooms and suites feature up to three bedrooms; many include private jacuzzis. The sister property of The Beach Tulum, Cabañas Tulum shares the same fantastic swimming beach and Ziggy’s Restaurant and Beach Club, along with its own restaurant and beach bar Frescoes. The minimum age for hotel guests is 14.

21. Alaya – Middle Beach Zone

Two-story stone and wood buildings with thatched roofs on the sand with jungle greenery at Alaya hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 159 1696
Beautiful, oceanfront boutique hotel. Airy, light-filled beach cabanas, apartments, villas, and suites have wooden floors and terraces. Apartments add small kitchens. Alaya offers a Latin American restaurant, outdoor eco gym, yoga lessons, kitesurfing, and paddle surfing. The beach is a hotspot for sea turtles and their nesting sites (during the season).

22. Kimpton Aluna Resort – Aldea Zama

A freeform pool with an attached kids’ section set in the jungle at Kimpton Aluna hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 689 0430
Spirited, family-friendly boutique hotel with a wellness center and two pools (a cenote-inspired main pool and an adults-only rooftop pool). Its lively atmosphere is maintained by nightly social hours, twice-weekly yoga sessions, kids’ movie nights, tortilla-making classes, and more. Gastronomy is delightful at their all-day international restaurant, swim-up bar in the pool, and their Mexican-Asian fusion restaurant on the roof. Great location in upscale Aldea Zama, midway between downtown and the beach zone. The resort’s free bikes make it a breeze to get around, just ten minutes to the nearest beach or five minutes to nightlife and dining in the Pueblo.

23. Hotel Milam – La Veleta

A long, winding pool in a lush jungle setting with an A-frame building in the back at Milam hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 807 5233
Incredibly stylish, adults-only boutique hotel in La Veleta in a magical jungle setting. Villas feature indoor jacuzzis, while residences offer outdoor pools. Inspired facilities include a river-like pool with a Maya-Tibetan bar in the center, a signature restaurant serving regional dishes, and a wellness center with a spa, yoga, and soul-soothing experiences. Peaceful spot at the edge of La Veleta, walking distance to a handful of restaurants and bars.

24. Cabañas La Luna – Middle Beach Zone

Rustic beach bungalows painted in primary colors on the sand with lush greenery at Cabañas La Luna hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 146 7737
Rustic boutique hotel with spacious, family-friendly suites and a fantastic Mexican-Mediterranean fusion restaurant on a wide stretch of white sand beach. Spacious rooms offer up to two bedrooms and sleep four to six guests, while the villa features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a private pool.

25. El Pez – Beach Town

A row of sunbeds under thatched umbrellas on a long stretch of beach with palm trees in the distance at El Pez hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 116 3357
Family-friendly, luxury hotel with a pool, an excellent bar and restaurant, a shared kitchen area for guest use, and well-appointed rooms and suites on a small beach in a quiet bay. Most suites are one-bedroom units that sleep up to four guests with a king-sized bed, a sofa bed in the living room, and a private pool. The beach here is rocky and more popular for sunbathing than for swimming, but guests of El Pez enjoy access to the sandy beach at their sister property La Zebra.

26. Nest – South Beach Zone

Double-sized sunbeds, some under thatched canopies, on the sand with palm trees in front of a low-rise building at Nest hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 141 5433
Luxury and simplicity make this beachfront, all-suite hotel a perennial favorite. Each suite is unique but all have a private balcony or patio and a king-sized bed; some have ocean views, rooftop terraces, and indoor or outdoor hammocks. The onsite restaurant serves international comfort food, and breakfast is always included in the booking. Though it’s not strictly adults-only, there is a minimum age of 10 years for all guests. Beautiful location on the quiet south end of the beach zone, within walking distance of a handful of excellent restaurants and Cenote Encantado.

27. Naay – Aldea Zama

A rooftop pool with attached jacuzzi surrounded by thatched-roof Bali beds at Naay hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 231 1241
Stylish boutique hotel in the brand new Aldea Zama neighborhood, halfway between the Pueblo and the beach. Family-friendly one- and two-bedroom suites accommodate up to six guests. The main highlight is the hotel’s rooftop, which boasts an infinity pool, kids’ pool, infinity jacuzzi, and an outstanding bar and restaurant with sunset views over the jungle.

28. Dune – Middle Beach Zone

Two rows of sunbeds on the beach in front of a glass-fronted building and palm trees at Dune hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 238 9529
Adults-only, boutique hotel with an amazing Mexican-Mediterranean fusion restaurant, beach club, a pampering spa, and daily yoga. Romantic rooms and suites include 24-hour air conditioning and private terraces, some with private plunge pools. The beach here is one of the best in Tulum: sandy, swimmable, and protected by a reef, which makes for gentle waves.

29. Casa Violeta – South Beach Zone

A wide, sandy beach with sunbeds, picnic tables, and palm trees at Casa Violeta in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 271 0606
Family-owned, boutique hotel on the beach with just 16 cabanas, each with a dedicated, double-sized sunbed at the water’s edge. This holistic hotel offers daily yoga, temazcal and cacao ceremonies, and therapeutic massage. Organic produce and regional traditions feature heavily on the menu of their oceanfront, Mediterranean-Mexican restaurant; continental breakfast is always included. Accommodations are all unique, but each features breezy, rustic architecture and air conditioning. Most have private balconies or terraces, half have ocean views, and many have charming canopy beds. Located in the South Beach Zone, just steps from dining, shops, and art galleries.

30. Nerea – Tankah

A pair of black hammocks in front of a hotel and pool on the beach with sunbeds at Nerea hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 147 6515
Upscale, adults-only, boutique hotel on the beach with three interconnected pools, a wellness-focused Mexican restaurant, and a small spa. Swim-out suites connect guest rooms directly to the pool; other rooms have private outdoor plunge pools or indoor soaking tubs. All rooms have king-sized beds and private balconies or patios. The hotel’s private pier can be booked for romantic dinners, massage sessions, or as a pickup point for snorkel and diving tours. Since the beach sits right in front of a coral reef, the pier is also the best spot to enter the ocean for a swim. Breakfast is always included; full board is optional. Set in Tankah, just north of Tulum, with all the same new age-boho aesthetics as the town, but at a friendlier price point and without the traffic. Renting a car is recommended; besides Casa Cenote, there’s not much within walking distance.

31. Coco Tulum – Middle Beach Zone

A group of people talking on a white, wooden deck with white sails above and a white bamboo pergola in front facing the ocean at Coco hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 688 8592
Cozy cabanas, rooms/tower rooms with ocean/garden views in a laid-back, beachfront, eco-hotel. Coco offers a range of roome types to suit all budgets, great for traveling with a mixed group of friends. You’ll find budget cabanas with shared bathrooms, high-end tower rooms with terraces and ocean views, and one suite with jacuzzi. Facilities include a beach bar, temazcal, yoga classes, Mexican-Italian restaurant. Several great restaurants are within walking distance.

32. Coco Hacienda – La Veleta

An infinity pool divided into two sections set in a garden with a terra cotta tile terrace at Coco Hacienda hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 884 688 8592
Charming boutique hotel in La Veleta with two pools, a jacuzzi, a small spa, and a wonderful all-day Mexican restaurant serving an especially great brunch. Rooms all include 24-hour air conditioning and king-sized beds; casitas add jetted baths and private patios with hammocks. Guests here have access to free bikes and a discounted entrance to the beach club at their sister property Coco Tulum.

33. Bardo – Pueblo

A river-shaped pool in a jungle setting with sunbeds in front of a low, thatched-roof building at Bardo Hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 807 1433
Contemporary, boutique surrounded by lush greenery in the pueblo within a 10-minute walk of several restaurants. Facilities include a large pool, excellent bar and restaurant, plus wellness facilities that include a temazcal and yoga/meditation practice space. Villas are large and private with semi-outdoor showers and plunge pools.

34. Hotel Tiki Tiki – La Veleta

An infinity pool with a striped pattern with sunbeds on one side in a garden setting at Hotel Tiki Tiki in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 884 688 5005
Trendy boutique hotel with a pool, bar, and in-room massage. Tiki Tiki is located in La Veleta, walking distance to Tulum’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene. A design-forward hotel, the decor blends Art Deco, retro ’60s, and beach-chic styles in its 15 unique rooms. This hotel tends to attract a younger crowd, especially honeymooners, couples, and bachelorette parties.

35. Alea – Tankah

A boho style room with a bamboo wall and ceiling at Alea hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 147 6570
Cheerful, modern boutique hotel on the beach with a Yucatecan-Mexican restaurant, private pier, and an ocean-view pool, heated seasonally. All rooms and suites have king-sized beds, free minibars, and private balconies or patios; some add sofabeds, swim-out access to the pool, or private plunge pools. A la carte breakfast is always included, featuring regional favorites, American comfort food, and homemade breads and jams. The beach is sandy but narrow with a coral reef in front, ideal for snorkeling but do wear water shoes or enter from the pier.

36. Xela – South Beach Zone

An infinity pool set above the beach with beanbag lounge chairs under palm trees at Xela hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 806 2837
Boutique hotel with a beachfront infinity pool and an all-day, Mexican-international restaurant and bar. Suites and casas harmoniously blend indoor and outdoor living spaces, each with a king-sized bed, organic amenities, and earth-tone decor. Each room varies, but some have direct beach access, private plunge pools, or outdoor baths. Thoughtfully curated experience packages help travelers immerse themselves in the local culture, natural wonders, and well-being. Quiet location in the South Beach Zone, walking distance from some of Tulum’s best restaurants and beach clubs.

37. Hotel Panamera – South Beach Zone

A retros-style pool area with a yellow and red checkerboard terrace and striped umbrella and sunbed sets at Hotel Panamera in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 998 109 2540
Retro-glam, adults-only hotel with a La Dolce Vita-inspired beach club and central pool. Rooms and suites are more staid with a minimalist decor, some with private plunge pools. Onsite find a Mediterranean-Mexican fusion restaurant and a rooftop bar facing sunset over the jungle. On weekends, the hotel hosts indie movie nights, live music, and more fun events. Great walking location in the South Beach Zone near dining and beach clubs.

38. Hotel Mereva – Tankah

Sunbeds on the beach with a pier jutting into the ocean and a palm tree in the foreground at Mereva hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 147 6571
Family-friendly, beachfront hotel with two pools and a restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas set across from Casa Cenote, near a handful of restaurants. Families can enjoy the playground, free snorkel gear, free bicycles, paddleboards, and kayaks. All rooms and suites have private balconies or patios, free minibars, and walk-in showers. Most have king-sized beds; many have ocean views; some have double-sized showers with two showerheads. The largest suite has one king and two queen beds and sleeps up to six. Set on a beautiful beach, but there is a reef right in front. Use water shoes to wade in, or jump in the ocean from the hotel’s private pier.

39. Radhoo – South Beach Zone

An infinity pool in the jungle with a row of sunbeds and umbrellas on the far side at Radhoo hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 217 5090
Adults-only jungle hotel with a palm-fringed pool and comfort food restaurant. Rooms and suites incorporate the natural surroundings with woven fiber ceilings, artisan textiles, and king-sized, canopy beds. Most have private terraces; upper-floor rooms have nets built out from their balconies for lounging in the breeze. Nestled into the jungle in the South Beach Zone, travelers here have access to the beach from the hotel’s sister property, Encantada, right across the road.

40. O’ Tulum – Tankah

A swimming pool set in a wooden deck with a row of purple sunbeds in front of a two-story building with glass-front jacuzzis in on the balconies at O Tulum hotel.
Hotel phone: +52 984 231 1241
Adults-only hideaway north of Tulum with only 12 rooms sharing three pools, rooftop yoga, and a wonderful restaurant overlooking the beach. All rooms include king-size beds, 24-hour air conditioning, private terraces, and swim-outs or jetted plunge pools. Half of the rooms add indoor soaking tubs. The beach here is rocky, but the hotel is just a 10-minute walk (or a two-minute ride on one of their free bikes) to the gorgeous, sandy, swimmable beach at Soliman Bay and about a 20-minute walk (five-minute bike ride) to Casa Cenote, one of the best cenotes in the Tulum area.

41. Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya – Chemuyil

Rectangular stepping stones across an infinity pool facing the ocean and palm trees at Conrad resort in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 195 1050
Luxury, beachfront resort with five pools, a lavish spa with hydrotherapy, and eleven restaurants and bars. The beach is mostly sandy with some rocks at the water’s edge but great swimming and snorkeling once you get past. Spacious rooms and suites begin at 46 square meters, all with either one king or two queen beds, and most with ocean views. Upper-floor rooms feature balconies with outdoor jacuzzis for two, while ground-floor rooms have private plunge pools. Connecting rooms offer more space for families, who can also enjoy the kids’ club and teens’ zone. Ceiba Club-level rooms add complimentary minibar drinks and snacks, access to a private lounge with refreshments, and exclusive pool spaces. Quiet location about a 20-minute drive from central Tulum, the ruins, and the beach clubs. Renting a car makes exploring the area much easier; there’s free valet parking onsite.

42. Tago – Middle Beach Zone

A king-sized canopy bed in a stone-walled room under a thatched ceiling at Tago hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 871 1310
Stunning, beachfront luxury hotel. Rooms are huge with large glass sliding doors opening to their own private plunge pools. The onsite restaurant offers a Mexican-Mediterranean fusion menu with indoor or outdoor, beachfront dining. The beach is well-maintained with an abundance of sun chairs and fantastic beach service.

43. Casa Gitano – South Beach Zone

A busy beach club with people dining and drinking under palm trees with a disco ball at Casa Gitano in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 151 5715
Cosmopolitan beachfront hotel with a sleek, clubby vibe. All suites and villas sit on the beach with ocean views, king-sized beds, terraces, and private bars (stocked with healthy or party options – guests’ choice). Villas add outdoor showers; some have private plunge pools. The beach club cooks up a Mediterranean menu with Caribbean influences and local ingredients; continental breakfast is always included in the room rates. Set at the far south end of the beach zone, near the entrance to Sian Ka’an Biosphere, expect a quiet atmosphere, especially at night. A handful of restaurants and beach clubs lie about a 10-minute walk north along the beach.

44. Holistika – La Veleta

An infinity pool stretching out in front of a low, modern building with sunbeds and palm trees at Holistika Hotel in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 280 4128
Wellness-focused boutique hotel in the jungle with two pools, a vegan/vegetarian restaurant, and an open-air art museum. But the main draw is the thoughtfully curated selection of activities open to all guests: temazcal rituals, sound healing, cacao ceremonies, and several daily yoga sessions in different styles. Rooms for two feature private balconies and simple design with Art Deco touches. For groups and retreats, the hotel offers rooms for four with a private bathroom or Beehive bunk rooms for up to 12 with shared bathrooms. Quiet location in a patch of jungle on the edge of La Veleta, within a 10 to 15-minute walk of a handful of restaurants and shops and about a 20-minute bicycle ride to the beach.

45. Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya – Chemuyil

A boomerang-shaped pool in the foreground is separated from the ocean and beach by palm trees at the Hilton resort in Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 195 1100
Family-friendly resort with a private beach about 20 minutes drive north of the Pueblo. Hilton is one of only a handful of all-inclusive resorts (and one of only two that allow children). Guests can enjoy eight pools, an immersive spa (next door at Conrad), and a wide selection of buffet and a la carte restaurants with Mexican, Italian, pan-Asian cuisine, and more. Kid-centric facilities include a water park, playground, and both kids and teens clubs. Rooms and suites all feature private balconies, king-sized beds, and daily stocked minibars. Does the Hilton have a particularly Tulum vibe? Not really. But what sets the Hilton apart is that the beach, though small and pebbly in parts, is maintained daily to reduce the seaweed (reduce, not remove – it’s impossible to get rid of it all). Seaweed has been an increasing nuisance in Tulum over the past several years, and smaller resorts closer to the bio-reserve either aren’t permitted or just don’t have the means to clean their beaches. If you’re traveling during “seaweed season” (June to November), the Hilton is a great alternative to the main beach zone of Tulum.

A disco ball hanging over lounge chairs on the beach with palm trees and a calm ocean at Casa Gitano hotel in Tulum.

Early in the day at Casa Gitano’s beach club.

The Best Time to Visit Cabo

Mexico › Los Cabos › When to Go
Updated: March 12, 2024

See Also

Me and my family in Los Cabos.

My wife, my two sons, and I at the pool in Los Cabos.

What is the best time of year to visit Los Cabos?

I’ve visited Cabo in almost every season (and we’ve enjoyed every visit) but I think the best time to visit is from November to April. The weather during these months is typically sunny and warm, with temperatures ranging from 68°F (20°C) to 85°F (29°C).

The peak tourist season in Cabo San Lucas is from December to March, coinciding with winter breaks and holidays in North America. During this time, you can expect higher prices for accommodations, more crowded beaches, and a lively atmosphere. If you don’t mind the crowds and are looking for the best weather conditions, this is a great time to visit.

The shoulder season from April to June can also be an excellent time to visit Cabo San Lucas. During this period, the weather remains warm and pleasant, but the crowds start to thin out, and accommodation prices are generally lower. This is a good time to enjoy the beaches, attractions, and activities without the peak-season crowds. It’s also an ideal time for sport fishing, as various fishing tournaments take place during these months.

The low season, which runs from July to October, coincides with the rainy season and hurricane season in the region. Although there is a higher chance of rain and storms, you can still enjoy warm weather, and the crowds are thinner. Prices for accommodations and activities are usually lower during this time, making it a more budget-friendly option.

Cabo beach, surfing, and swimming.

The view from Cabo Surf, one of my favorite hotels in Los Cabos.

  • Best Time for Avoiding Crowds: The best time for avoiding crowds is during the rainy season in August and September. These two months see the most number of cloudy days and a slight chance of hurricanes. But with an average of only 18% chance of rain, there are still many sunny days to be had. Beaches will be nearly empty, bars and restaurants will be quieter, and hotels will often have discounts available. May and June are also good months will fewer people around, just after Spring Break and before the rainy season, but not quite as calm as during the August and September, as these are popular months for family travel. Do not visit during March or April, the height of Spring Break season, or during the winter months, December through February, which is the peak season for holidays and snowbirds.
  • Best Time for Good Deals: The best time to find travel deals in Cabo is from May through September, with the absolute best rates coming in May, August, and September. May through mid-July are the best weather months during the summer season, not as hot as late summer and just before the rain comes. August and September will offer the best discounts, even at the most luxe resorts, but there will be rain to consider and the rare possibility of a hurricane.
  • Best Time for Snorkeling and Diving: The best time for snorkeling and diving runs from early October and through early November. The water is warmest from late July through early November, visibility is highest from early October through the end of November, and waves are generally smaller September through November. October and November are some of the best months for encountering whale sharks that begin to flock to the area as winter approaches. Snorkeling and diving in Cabo is great any time of the year, if cooler temperatures are not a deterrent. Flying manta rays are here most in May; December through March is great for spotting whales, guitarfish, and octopuses. Colorful reef fish and sea turtles are here year-round.
  • Best Time for Whales and Whale Sharks: The best time to see whales and whale sharks is from early January through March. Whale Shark season runs from October through March. Most whale shark tour operators are based out of La Paz, around a two-hour drive from Los Cabos, so visitors will need to provide their own transportation there. Whale Shark tours offer freediving and snorkel opportunities to get very close to these huge fish, but scuba tanks are not allowed. Humpback whale season runs from mid-November through April, with most babies born from late December through January. The babies start getting more playful in February. Gray whales have the shortest season in Cabo, from early January through late March. They are less abundant than Humpbacks, though not uncommon. Schedule early morning tours for smaller waves and less chance of seasickness. Afternoon tours find whales at their most active, but the boat ride is usually choppy later in the day.
  • Best Time for Surfing:The best time for surfing in Los Cabos is from June through August. Thanks to Southern Hemisphere swells, waves are consistent at most beaches on both the Sea of Cortez and Pacific sides. Good surfing for Los Cabos’ Sea of Cortez beaches, including Old Man’s, Zippers, and The Rock, can be found anytime between April and October. On the Pacific beaches, such as Todos Santos or Cerritos, the best surf is found in the winter months, from December through February. Great winter surf here, but the water is definitely chilly.
  • Best Time for Sportfishing: Sportfishing is great all year long, with almost 100% chance of catching something, though different fish bite at different times. September through January is best for all types of marlin. Tuna is most common from June through January, while yellowtail bites from January through April. Grouper and snapper are most abundant from May through September. Several major competitions with huge cash prizes take place here, most notably Bisbee’s Black and Blue. Most tournaments take place in October and early November with a couple of smaller events in the summer months.
Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas.

Cabo is a great year-round destination, though I do find it hot in July and August.

Los Cabos Events and Festivals

Los Cabos in January

  • Feast Day of San Antonio de Abad: San Antonio de Abad is the patron saint of animals. On this day animals are allowed into churches to receive a blessing. Hundreds of people participate, dressing their pets or working animals in ribbons and bows, for the priest to bless. Expect all types of animals to be in attendance, but especially dogs, cats, horses, and chickens.
  • La Ventana Classic: Five days of competitive kitesurfing, windsurfing, and SUP racing, plus a variety of clinics where participants learn from the pros. Proceeds benefit schools in La Ventana, El Sargento, and Los Planes.

Los Cabos in February

  • San Jose Jazz Weekend: Two evenings of live jazz, featuring local, national, and international artists. This popular and growing concert series takes place at Plaza del Pescador in the San Jose Hotel Zone from 5-11pm. Admission is free.
  • Todos Santos Open Studios Tour: Todos Santos, one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos, is best known for its charming, boho style and art galleries. For two days every year, artists of all mediums open their studios to the public and invite them into their creative spaces. It is free to attend with any purchasing proceeds going to support Palapa Society’s Children’s Art Program.
  • Carnaval: This huge six-day celebration is traditionally the last hurrah before the fasting weeks of Lent. Unlike Brazil’s Carnaval or New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, this is a family-friendly event, featuring parade floats, dancing, food stalls, and cultural events. There is a small Carnaval event in downtown Cabo, but the largest celebration in the area is about two hours north in La Paz, attracting crowds in the hundreds of thousands.

Los Cabos in March

  • Festival of San Jose: An eleven day festival in honor of San José, the city’s patron saint. Festivities begin with parties and music, then increase to include parades, carnivals, and rodeos on weekends. Expect a fun street party with amazing food stalls, dancing, and rides.
  • Festival de Cine de Todos Santos: Since 2004, the Todos Santos Film Festival has screened the best new dramas, documentaries, and short films from Mexico and Latin America with a special focus on local, Baja filmmakers. Screening during this six-day event are held at Teatro Marquez de León.
  • Gala de Danza: This annual performing arts event brings together elite dancers, choreographers, and musicians from around the world. Artist collaborations showcase the best in classical ballet and ballroom styles, as well as contemporary Latin Dance. Get ticket early! Tickets have previously sold out in under an hour.

Los Cabos in April

  • Paws ‘n Claws Open Golf Tournament: Annual golf tournament and barbecue benefitting Los Cabos Humane Society. Teams may register to play 18-holes on the Palmilla Golf course, followed by barbecue at Acre, an upscale farm-to-table restaurant, or supporters may choose dining only.
  • Día de los Niños: Celebrated on April 30 every year, this holiday honors the importance of children in society. This is a fun day for kids, who get the day off from school, and are treated to special events, activities, and gifts. Events take place all over town, with music, shows, and magic. Many water parks and amusement parks offer discounts on this day.

Los Cabos in May

  • Cinco de Mayo: This is a celebration of Mexico’s victory over France during the Battle of Puebla – not Mexican Independence Day. Outside of Puebla itself, this holiday is not celebrated in Mexico. However, some hotels and bars in Cabo host fiestas aimed at American tourists with drink specials, music, and food.
  • GastroVino Food and Wine Festival: This annual, three-day festival in Todos Santos includes special events at the city’s best restaurants, working alongside Baja’s best wineries. Events include wine tastings, an elegant ball, tapas and wine pairing, and a silent auction benefitting a local charity.

Los Cabos in June

  • Los Cabos Open of Surf: The most prestigious men and women’s surfing competition in Mexico, drawing huge local and global crowds. The six-day event includes free concerts after sunset by major international bands, and an accompanying food festival.
  • Fiesta de la Música: This is a live music festival taking place every year on the solstice, June 21, in 120 countries worldwide. This free event takes place at various locations in San Jose’s Art District. All musical styles and experience levels are welcome to participate.
  • The Stars & Stripes Tournament: Annual deep sea fishing (striped marlin) and golfing tournament combined with music festival. Proceeds benefit seven chapters of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Mexico and California.

Los Cabos in July

  • Fiesta of the Virgin of Carmen: This day-long festival celebrates the Virgin Mary as protector of Mexico. The event begins with cultural craft vendors in the morning, followed by an afternoon parade of children, their mothers, and puppeteers. The Cabo San Lucas marina holds a fishing tournament, while bullfights are held near downtown (toned down versions, no animals harmed).
  • Festival of St. James: This festival celebrates St. James, the patron saint of Spain credited with bringing Catholicism to Mexico. The saint is often depicted in art riding a white horse. The festival begins with a parade, including riders on white horses, who reenact battles in the towns’ squares. Street parties continue late into the evening.

Los Cabos in August

  • Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament: A laid-back, five-day fishing competition out of Buenavista, an hour north of San Jose. The event includes three days of deep sea fishing for marlin, tuna, and dorado.
  • Los Cabos Open (Abierto Mexicano de Tenis): This is one of the most prestigious men’s tennis competitions in Mexico. It takes place over 6 days, on outdoor hard courts, with $800,000USD in prize money at stake.
  • Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: This holiday celebrates the ascension of the Virgin Mary to heaven, and is celebrated in both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose. Churches will be overflowing with flowers, and processions will wind through the downtown areas with floats and live music. There will be many street food stalls, plus buffet feasts at local restaurants. Festivities continue late into the evening.

Los Cabos in September

  • Charro Day: The morning begins with parades of charros, Mexican cowboys, wearing traditional clothing with their horses groomed and decked out, too. Festivities with great food continue throughout the day with rodeos, bullfighting, calf roping, and dancing into the night.
  • Mexican Independence Day: Beginning on September 15th at night, expect huge crowds in both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose. Cabo has a wilder party vibe, while San Jose has a more traditional fiesta. Celebrations at both locations will see the plazas decked out, mariachi, folk dancing, beer, fireworks, and street food. The “grito,” shout of independence, is called out around 11 that night. The following day is a national holiday with a giant parade and continuing celebrations.

Los Cabos in October

  • Los Cabos Billfish Tournament: A five-day event including three days of competitive deep sea fishing. Boats leave from both the Cabo San Lucas Marina and the Puerto Los Cabos Marina in San Jose.
  • Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament: This is the largest fishing tournament of the year with millions of dollars up for grabs and drawing huge crowds in Cabo San Lucas. Teams compete for three days, and spectators watching the enormous fish as they’re weighed in on the pier.
  • Fiesta de Cabo San Lucas: This holiday on October 18 celebrates St. Luke, patron saint of Cabo San Lucas. Downtown streets will be closed off to traffic to make way for the parade, food vendors, dancing, and musicians.

Los Cabos in November

  • Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): Celebrations are scattered around the Los Cabos area on November 1-2 in remembrance of deceased family and friends. Expect gatherings in the main town squares and in cemeteries, where altars are set up, plus costumes, face painting, music, marigolds, and special candy sugar skulls. Los Cabos’ celebration is not as large as in most central and southern areas; San Jose has more traditional festivities than Cabo San Lucas.
  • Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament: Four-day event with two days of competitive fishing. Evenings include cocktail parties, mariachi, and festivities. Big money jackpots for the winning teams.
  • Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución): Festivities on November 20 celebrate the start of the Mexican Revolution in 1910. Parades in the morning are followed by food, fiestas, and rodeos.

Los Cabos in December

  • Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe (Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe): This is an annual Mexican Catholic feast on December 12, celebrating an apparition of the Virgin Mary on Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City. The holiday is celebrated throughout Los Cabos with parades, masses, street fairs, and fireworks, and it marks the start of the Christmas Posadas.
  • Christmas Posadas: A nine-day period from December 16-24 commemorating the Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Candlelit processions and reenactments go from house to house each night with parties, food, and piñatas after guests are allowed entry to the “inn.” This culminates in the biggest celebration on Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) with the birth of Christ celebrated at midnight, followed by mass, food, and presents. Many hotels and restaurants will offer special dinners and events for travelers.
  • Sabor a Cabo Restaurant and Food Festival: The area’s largest food festival with over 50 restaurants involved. The annual celebration features local and international chefs, food, wine, music, tequila, and mezcal. Proceeds benefit several local charities.

Read More

Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido

Mexico › Best Places to Stay in Puerto Escondido
Updated: February 21, 2024

Our Favorite Puerto Escondido Hotels

• Best hotel: Villas Carrizalillo
• For families: Hotel Santa Fe
• For couples: Punta Zicatela

Where should I stay in Puerto Escondido?

Best luxury hotel in Puerto Escondido.

The fantastic Villas Carrizalillo overlooking Playa Carrizalillo.

The main areas to stay include the tourist areas of Puerto Escondido itself (along the beach, Playa Principal or around El Adoquín); along the main surf zone at Playa Zicatela; more rustic La Punta, 3km further south at the far end of Zicatela; and the more residential area of Rinconada, west of the city center, closer to the smaller beaches hemmed in by cliffs. We prefer the tranquility and beaches of Rinconada, but surfers will want to stay closer to the action in Zicatela.

Our favorite hotels close to the town center include the Hotel Paraíso Escondido at Unión 10, with fine views and great facilities, and the budget Paziflora Hostel at Primera Sur 309, run by an incredibly friendly family.

Along Zicatela beach we like the charming and family-friendly Hotel Santa Fe and trendy Punta Zicatela, farther south on La Punta beach where it’s a little quieter.

In and around Rinconada the best place to stay is the semi-luxurious Villas Carrizalillo (our favorite hotel in the Puerto Escondido area), perched above a glorious beach.

Staying in Puerto Escondido – Tips & Info

Best place to stay in Puerto Escondido.

The view from Villas Carrizalillo.

Puerto Escondido is a laid-back resort town on the Pacific coast of Mexico, and one of our absolute favorite places to go in the country. Puerto Escondido is best known for its wonderful beaches, tropical setting, surf scene (it’s the home of the “Mexican Pipeline”), and scuba diving.

Where is Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is a small resort city and port in the southeastern Mexican state of Oaxaca, facing the Pacific Ocean. Puerto Escondido lies about 250 km south of Oaxaca City, 380 km southeast of Acapulco, and around 650 km southeast of Mexico City. Non-stop flights to Puerto Escondido take 1 hour 35 minutes from Guadalajara, 1 hour 15 minutes from Mexico City and just 30 minutes from Oaxaca City.

How big is Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido has a population of around 45,000. The city center is quite small, with the primary tourist area focused on a small bay (“Bahía Principal”) and the adjacent strip along Avenida Alfonso Pérez Gasga (known simply as “El Adoquín”). The main business district (“Centro”) is clustered around Hwy-200 just to the north.

What is the history of Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is a relatively recent creation, though indigenous peoples such as the Mixtecs have populated the surrounding country for thousands of years. A small fishing community existed by the late 19th century, but the town didn’t start developing properly until the 1930s. It wasn’t until the 1960s that Highway 200 was completed, linking Escondido with the outside world by road for the first time (the highway ran along the coast of Oaxaca to Acapulco). In the 1970s Puerto Escondido started to develop as a low-key surfer and backpacker resort, and the population jumped from a few hundred to several thousand. Today the tourist facilities are far more developed, though Puerto Escondido remains relatively rustic and laid-back compared to big resorts such as Cancún, Acapulco and Los Cabos.

Beach hotel in Puerto Escondido, Mexico.

The Hotel Santa Fe on Zicatela beach.

How do I get to Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is connected to Oaxaca City, Mexico City and Guadalajara by non-stop flights; flights from elsewhere usually route through Mexico City. The daily flights from Oaxaca on Aerotucán, or with the plane piloted by the experienced Captain Vega (+52 954 588 0062), can save a lot of time, but are small Cessna aircraft, and a 15kg luggage limit is strictly enforced on Aerotucán (“Aero Vega” is cheaper and allows a little more, but you must call the Captain by phone to confirm flights). Puerto Escondido Airport lies around 4km northwest of Bahía Principal. Take a shared taxi (around 50 pesos) to the city center.

Until the new highway is complete in 2024, reducing the trip to just 2 hours 30 minutes, traveling by road between Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido will remain time-consuming and stomach-churning (it’s very windy). Small minibuses (“camionetas”) operated hourly during the day by Transportes Villa del Pacifico, usually take 7 hours, but are cramped, stuffy and only stop once or twice for food and bathroom breaks. First–class ADO/OCC buses are bigger and much more comfortable, and have bathrooms, but take at least 10 hours – most travellers take the night bus to save a night’s hotel cost. The modern ADO/OCC bus terminal is right on the Carretera Costera (Hwy-200), a short walk from El Adoquín – taxis also wait outside. Other buses run to and from the Terminal Turística on Avenida Oaxaca, near the airport (take a taxi from here). Buses from Acapulco take around 8 hours – it’s at least 18 hours from Mexico City. Buses also regularly run along the Oaxacan coast (2 hours 30 minutes to Huatulco).

Can I drive to Puerto Escondido?
Yes, though it’s not recommended currently. Plenty of Americans and Canadians used to drive along the entire Pacific coast of Mexico from California to Guatemala, stopping in at Puerto Escondido, but parts of the route can be quite dangerous today, thanks to drug cartels and highway robberies (especially at night). Driving solely to Puerto Escondido isn’t worth the effort – it’s 960 miles (1545 km) south of Brownsville (Texas), and the roads across the mountains of Oaxaca can be tough to navigate for first-timers.

Do I need a car in Puerto Escondido?
Not really. It’s relatively easy and cheap to get around on foot, by bus or taxi. It can be useful to have a vehicle to explore the coastline beyond the city – to Mazunte and Zipolite for example – but these resorts are also served by public bus and taxi. Fix taxi prices before getting in – most trips in town should be 35 to 40 pesos, with 50 to 60 pesos for longer trips to La Punta or Playa Bacocho. You can also take a lancha (small motor boat) from Playa Principal to the nearby beaches from around 100 pesos per person.

When is the best time to go to Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is at its best December to April, when the weather is hot and dry. It tends to be rainy and very humid June to October, with hurricanes possible through the summer into November – however, the peak surf season runs from May to early September. Hotel prices go up during surf competitions (the main one is normally in November) and during Mexican holidays, especially Christmas and Easter.

What are the best beaches in Puerto Escondido?

Best beach club in Puerto Escondido.

A bar-restaurant on Puerto Angelito beach.

One of our favorites is Playa Zicatela, south of the city center – it’s one of the best in Mexico for surfing, but it’s also a huge swathe of fine sand (it rarely feels crowded), backed by great beach bars and palapa restaurants. Beginning surfers should head for La Punta at the far southern end of the beach, which has slower waves. For swimming, head to the smaller beaches west of the city center, sheltered in a series of rocky coves. Our absolute favorite is Playa Carrizalillo (2km from Playa Principal), a beautiful gold-sand beach on a tiny, calm bay. It’s only accessible via a steep, 170-step staircase. A close second are the beaches on nearby Bahía Puerto Ángelito, a gorgeous bay with similarly warm, calm waters. Puerto Angelito itself is more sheltered and family-oriented, with Playa Manzanillo, on the other side of a rocky outcrop, slightly less crowded. Puerto Angelito can be accessed directly by car/taxi, while Manzanillo is a short walk from the road – both beaches can be reached after 20 minutes walk from Playa Principal, and feature plenty of bars and restaurants.

For more seclusion head further west to Playa Bacocho or Playa Punta Colorada, both huge stretches of sand that are rarely busy. Currents and waves can be strong here, so swimming isn’t safe, though bodyboarding and surfing is possible.

The main city beach, Playa Principal is too busy with families, boats and fishermen most of the time, but can be fun in the evenings – nearby Playa Marinero, just across Laguna Agua Dulce (and separated from Zicatela by the Mirador Romance de Verano, a rocky outcrop also known as “El Morro”), is a better place to lounge on the sands.

What are the best things to do in Puerto Escondido?
The best things to do in Puerto Escondido are connected with the beaches; swimming, surfing, sunbathing, diving and various watersports. There’s not much else to do here other than browsing the shops for surf and beach gear, and Mexican handicrafts. Ecoadventures is a recommended operator that offers paddle-boarding, kayaking and bioluminescence boat tours of nearby Laguna Manialtepec, as well as dolphin watching and the chance to take part in the release of baby sea turtles from local beaches. Robert’s Ecotours offers a similar line up. For scuba diving contact Deep Blue Dive or Aventura Submarina which has an office at Alfonso Pérez Gasga 609 on the main drag.

Surfers should check out locally-run website Central Surf TV, Puerto Surf and the Oasis Spanish & Surf School, which offers surfing lessons and Spanish classes. Skydive Puerto Escondido offers incredible parachute jumps right over Puerto Escondido’s beaches. Puerto Food Tours is a fun way to see the city, with walking tours focused on local food and snacks.

What are the restaurants like?
Extremely varied, international and cheap. Along all the main beaches are beach bars and restaurants, with especially fresh seafood. One of our favorites for breakfast (and Mexican staples for dinner) is El Cafecito on Playa Zicatela. A block inland, Dan’s Café Deluxe (Jacaranda 14) is equally good for breakfast and serves incredible fish tacos for lunch. We love Sativa, right on the beach at Playa Zicatela, for its contemporary Mexican menu, vegetarian choices, and seafood. For solid Italian food (pizza, pastas), La Galería is a good choice, in the city center at Alfonso Pérez Gasga 601. The best place for a splurge is Espadín, over looking Playa Carrizalillo, with modern Mexican food, and sensational views of the bay and the sunset.

What currency is used in Puerto Escondido?
The Mexican peso (often pre-fixed with a “$” sign) is the currency of Mexico and used in Puerto Escondido – businesses are unlikely to accept US dollars unless it’s an emergency. Most major shops and restaurants in Puerto Escondido now accept credit cards, but it is a good idea to have some pesos on hand for buses, taxis, and small purchases like bottled water and snacks. We recommend using ATMs attached to banks in the commercial center of town, rather than at standalone ATMs in bus stations and the like – these can be hacked by credit card fraudsters.

Is Puerto Escondido expensive?
No. Much of Puerto Escondido remains set up for budget travelers, and there is a wide range of low-cost hotels and rentals (airbnb also operates here). Food and transport is cheap – and all the beaches are open to the public and free.

Is Puerto Escondido safe?
Yes. Puerto Escondido has generally avoided the drug violence that has affected other parts of Mexico. Take the usual precautions, especially at night, and keep your valuables in room safes. Theft of personal items from beaches does happen – never leave anything of value unattended, even on seemingly empty stretches of sand.

Read More

Tulum Family Hotels

Mexico › Tulum › Kid-Friendly Hotels
Updated: February 20, 2024

See Also

The Tulum Beach.

Tulum is an awesome family destination. One of our favorites anywhere.

Tulum Family Hotels – Tips & Info

Tulum for kids and families.

My boys at the Gran Cenote near Tulum.

  • There are many great Cenotes near Tulum. All great for kids and families.
  • Tulum is a good year-round destination but the best months to visit are from December to April.
  • A note about Tulum hotels: Tulum’s hotels are simple and laid back. Don’t be expecting luxury amenities even if the price suggests that that’s what you’re getting. Service is on “Mexican Time” and might leave you disappointed if you’re expecting the sharp service of Cancun’s best resorts. That said, Tulum is my favorite beach spot along the coast (and has way better restaurants than Cancun or Playa del Carmen). Just be prepared for laid back, relaxed, and easy-going service and hotel staff.

The 12 Best Hotels for Families in Tulum, Mexico

Tulum hotel for family of 4 or 5.

Rooms for families – like this one at Sueños Tulum – get booked-up much sooner than regular rooms. Book early.

1. La Zebra Hotel

Tulum Family Hotels: La Zebra
Beach-chic, luxury hotel on a wide stretch of white, sandy beach with a rooftop infinity pool, playground, and free, weekly salsa dancing lessons. All open-plan suites are designed for 4 with a king-sized bed and a double twin trundle bed, a dual shower, and dual vanities; many suites include private plunge pools. Amazing food and drinks, a small spa, and friendly, attentive service round out the experience here.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 115 4726
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

2. Cabañas La Luna

Tulum Family Hotels: Cabanas Luna
Rustic boutique hotel with spacious, family-friendly suites and a fantastic Mexican-Mediterranean fusion restaurant on a wide stretch of white sand beach. Spacious rooms offer up to 2 bedrooms and sleep families of 4 to 6, while the villa features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a private pool.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 146 7737
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

3. Sueños Tulum

Tulum Family Hotels: Suenos
Located near the far end of the beach road. It’s quieter here but you can still walk to a few restaurants. Presidential suite is luxurious and perfect for family of 4. Small pool just back from the beach.
Hotel phone: +52 984 119 3484
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

4. Alaya Tulum

Tulum Family Hotels: Alaya
A beachfront hotel that is beautifully decorated and centrally located. Family villa has 2 bunkbeds and a queen bed (in separate rooms). Beach here is beautiful. Good restaurants nearby.
Hotel phone: +52 984 159 1696
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

5. Una Vida Tulum

Tulum Family Hotels: Una Vida
Luxury, all-villa hotel in the Pueblo offering 1 to 3-bedroom suites sleeping families of 4 to 8, all with stocked kitchenettes and outdoor showers, some with outdoor bathtubs. Facilities and amenities include a gorgeous pool, in-room yoga and massage, free bicycles, and a cozy breakfast and lunch restaurant. Private dinners and tequila and mezcal tastings are available on request.
Hotel phone: +52 984 240 5231
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

6. Las Palmas Maya

Tulum Family Hotels: Las Palmas Maya
The best budget hotel in the beach zone, offering air-conditioned, open-plan family suites with 2 king beds and 1 sofa bed or 1 king and 1 queen, sleeping up to 5 guests. Their tiny restaurant serves breakfast until 3:00 p.m., plus they have a large communal kitchen for guests’ use. The hotel is on the jungle side of the road, a 30-second walk to the beach with free beach access at partner beach clubs.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 214 8914
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

7. Coco Village

Tulum Family Hotels: Coco Village
Amazing, condo-style, boutique hotel with spacious 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, all with full kitchens and in-unit washers and dryers. There is a shared pool in the garden area, and guest have free access to the famous beach club at their sister property Coco Tulum. Located in the Pueblo (downtown), within walking or biking distance to several of Tulum’s best restaurants.
Hotel phone: +55 4169 2072
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

8. La Zebra Hotel

Tulum Family Hotels: La Zebra
Beach-chic, luxury hotel on a wide stretch of white, sandy beach with a rooftop infinity pool, playground, and free, weekly salsa dancing lessons. All open-plan suites are designed for 4 with a king-sized bed and a double twin trundle bed, a dual shower, and dual vanities; many suites include private plunge pools. Amazing food and drinks, a small spa, and friendly, attentive service round out the experience here.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 115 4726
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

9. Villas Geminis Boutique Condo Hotel

Tulum Family Hotels: Village Geminis
Affordable, upscale, pet-friendly studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom condos, most with full kitchens, some with outdoor soaking tubs. This gated hotel in the Pueblo offers a pool, garden, free bicycles, complimentary breakfasts, and discounts at nearby beach clubs. The hotel partners with a Mayan collective to arrange jungle retreats with Mayan healing rituals, cooking classes, tours of Sian Ka’an, and more.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 115 4726
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

10. Villa Las Estrellas

Tulum Family Hotels: Villa Las Estrellas
Rooms and suites are large, great for families, and steps from the sea. Centrally located on the beach road and an easy walk to several restaurants.
Hotel phone: +52 984 879 0772
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

11. Zamas

Tulum Family Hotels: Zamas
Large bungalows sleep a family of 5. Great location (closer to town than most hotels) with restaurants and ice cream shop steps away. The beach here is not great but it’s an easy bike ride to great sand.
Hotel phone: +52 984 145 2602
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

12. Naay Boutique Hotel

Naay Boutique Hotel in Tulum
Stylish boutique hotel in the brand new Aldea Zama neighborhood, halfway between the Pueblo and the beach. Spacious 1 and 2-bedroom suites sleep up to 6 guests. The main highlight is the hotel’s rooftop, which boasts an infinity pool, kids’ pool, infinity jacuzzi, and an outstanding bar and restaurant with jungle sunset views.
Hotel phone: +52 984 231 1241
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

Read More

Best Cenotes in the Yucatán

Mexico › Best Yucatán Cenotes
Updated: February 20, 2024

See Also

Samula cenote in Yucatan, Mexico

Samula cenote near Vallodolid, Mexico.

What are Cenotes?

The Yucatán is almost entirely composed of limestone. A cenote is a sinkhole, formed when the limestone bedrock collapses exposing the groundwater underneath (most cenotes are filled with freshwater). Cool and clear, they make ideal spots for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

The ancient Maya civilization used cenotes as key sources of drinking water – they were also regarded as sacred portals to the Maya underworld.

When to Visit the Yucatán

The best weather in the Yucatán is from December to April when there is lots of sun and little rain. The driest months are February, March, and April. The wettest, hottest, and most humid months are from May to October. The biggest crowds and highest prices are found in late December, January, and February. Cenotes near Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Tulum also tend to be busy during spring break for US students, so visit cenotes further inland for a more tranquil experience.

How to Visit the Cenotes

The best way to visit cenotes in the Yucatán is by rental car. Roads are generally good, and renting a car in any of the major resort towns – Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Tulum – is easy and relatively cheap, with plenty of local rental companies competing with the major international outfits. Try RentalCars.com, Easy Way, or Go Cheap.

If you don’t want to drive, there are several cenotes just off the main coastal highway between Tulum and Cancun, reachable via taxi or local bus: Dos Ojos Cenote, Cenote Xunaan-Ha, and Cenote Chaak Tun among them.

Guided Tours

Numerous outfits in Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cancun offer cenotes tours that can take the hassle out of arranging your own transport, though you will be stuck with a group and fixed times at the swimming holes. Most tours combine the Maya ruins at Coba or Chichén Itzá with visits to cenotes – Cenote Azul Tours is a safe bet as well as this one from Mérida: Yucatán Cenotes and Villages Full-Day Tour.

Costs and Money

Most cenotes charge for entry – unless you are on a guided tour, you’ll need Mexican pesos (cash), anything from 50 to 500 pesos for the major sites. Though US dollars are accepted closer to the “Riviera Maya” resorts, the exchange rate used is always poor. The more developed sites offer lockers (from 30 pesos) and snorkeling gear rentals (an extra 80 to 100 pesos).

What to Bring

The most obvious items to bring are swimming gear and towels, but it’s also important to remember biodegradable sunscreen – regular sunscreen damages the cenotes ecosystems and is officially forbidden, though in practice this rule is rarely enforced. Snorkels and masks are usually available to rent at the larger sites, but it can be handy to have your own; most locals also bring snacks for a picnic. Serious explorers will want to bring a waterproof camera and underwater flashlight.

The 20 Best Cenotes in the Yucatán

1. Cenotes Sac Actún – 22km north from Tulum

Vast underground cenote with interlinked caves that is perhaps the most beautiful in the Yucatán – swim in cool clear waters beneath incredible stalactite formations and swooping bats. The 45-minute guided tour is the only way inside.

Location: Off Hwy-307 (Cancun–Chetumal)
Details: Open daily 9am–5pm; entry 500 pesos (includes snorkel, mask, life jacket, and mandatory tour guide)
Best for: Snorkeling and stalactites

2. Cenote Xcanche – 27 km north of Valladolid

Atmospheric site next to the Ek Balam Maya ruins, featuring roots and waterfalls running down from the cave ceiling and a wooden walkway around the side of the cenote. It’s possible to zipline and rappel/abseil into the water here or just swim in the beautiful turquoise waters (small black catfish can be spied below).

Location: Near Ek Balam (Zona Arqueológica de Ek Balam)
Details: Open daily 9am–5pm; entry 80 pesos including 1.5 km walk along trail to the cenote (170 pesos with bike rental)
Best for: Swimming, rappelling, and ziplining

3. Cenote Ik-Kil – 4km southeast from Chichén Itzá

This deep cenote (26 metres/85 ft below ground level) near Chichén Itzá is open to the sky, with its walls smothered in ferns and verdant vines and roots hanging from the rim, making for a spectacular setting; it can get very busy with swimmers as a result so aim – as always – to be there early or late to avoid the crowds.

Location: Pisté, Hwy-180
Details: Open daily 9am–5pm; entry 80 pesos
Best for: Scenic location and photos

4. Cenote X’Keken & Cenote Samula – 7km southwest from central Valladolid

These adjacent cenotes are two of the most beautiful in the Yucatán, though as a result, they tend to attract a lot of tour groups and hordes of local vendors at the entrance. Go early to avoid the crowds and note that there is no obligation to hire one of the invariably pushy “guides”. Once inside X’Keken, steps descend into a huge cavern, where a perfectly circular pool of crystal-clear water is lit by a narrow shaft of light. Giant stalactites hang from the ceiling. Samula is even more dramatic: álamo tree roots hang down towards the dimly-lit pool at the bottom of a huge cavern, though many of these have been damaged in recent years.

Location: Camino a Dzitnup
Details: Open daily 9am–6pm; entry 80 pesos (or 125 pesos for both cenotes)
Best for: Photos and stunning cave scenery

5. Los Tres Cenotes de Cuzamá – 26 km east of Mérida

These three cenotes – Ucil, Chak-Zinik-Ché (or Chacsinicche), and Bolom-Chojol – make for one of the more exciting day-trips in the Yucatán, as the drive to the remote Maya village of Chunkanán is followed by a 45-minute ride on a truk (or carrito), a shaky, horse-drawn carriage along narrow-gauge rail tracks (operated by local villagers). The three cenotes are all are incredibly pristine and rarely busy (there are no restrooms here though). Ucil is the smallest, an underground waterhole illuminated by artificial light crammed with stalactites and stalagmites; Chak-Zinik-Ché is only semi-enclosed, with natural lighting, and accessed via a 10-meter wooden ladder; Bolom-Chojol is the largest, illuminated by several openings in the ceiling and with a wooden platform offering sensational views.

Location: Chunkanán, 1.5 km south of Cuzamá
Details: Open daily 8am–4pm; entry 400 pesos per “truk” (for up to 4 passengers; the last one departs around 3.30pm)
Best for: Adventure!

6. Dos Ojos Cenote – 22km north of Tulum

This site comprises two pools (or “eyes”) connected by underwater tunnels – it’s justly popular for scuba divers. Snorkeling is also excellent, with plenty of underwater rock formations and fish to spy. The other main attraction here are the guided tours through to the bat cave – hundreds can be seen crawling along the rocky ceiling or flying around.

Location: Cenote Jaguar Rd
Details: Open daily 8am–5pm; entry 350 pesos (500–650 pesos with guided snorkeling tour into the caves)
Best for: Bats (and snorkeling and cave diving)

7. Cenote Zaci – Valladolid

Right in the heart of Valladolid, this nevertheless feels like another world. It’s a vast, open cenote, with some terrifyingly high jumping/diving platforms and never seems that crowded (go early morning or late afternoon to be sure). It’s also one of the cheapest cenotes and a refreshing place to swim (not so much for snorkeling).

Location: Calle 36 (between calles 37 and 39)
Details: Open daily 8am–5.30pm; entry 30 pesos
Best for: Cheap entry and easy access

8. Cenotes Siete Bocas – 20km west from Puerto Morelos

Seven small but deep cenotes (up to 150 meters) in one site, though two are reserved solely for scuba divers – the other five are connected by underground tunnels with limited headroom (one cenote is open to the surface but the other four are underground). The open cenote features a fun jump some 4.5 meters (15 ft) above the surface.

Location: Ruta de Los Cenotes (Carretera Puerto Morelos–Leona Vicario)
Details: Open daily 9am–4.30pm; entry 400–500 pesos (lifejacket and flashlight included)
Best for: Cliff-jumping, diving and underground tunnels

9. Zacil-Há – 9km north from Tulum

This small, beautifully landscaped and azure blue pool is perfect for families – it’s open and sunny, has lots of tables and chairs around it, and you can see the sandy bottom. Older kids will enjoy the zipline instaled here, which allows riders to fly across the pool and jump off halfway. Eat at the on-site restaurant or bring your own food (50 pesos extra charged per family). There are also two man-made swimming pools.

Location: Hwy-109
Details: Open daily 10am–6pm; entry 100 pesos
Best for: Families and zip-liners

10. Cenote Chaak Tun – Playa del Carmen

Underground cenotes sprinkled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The water is usually icy cold, so be prepared! You can swim with catfish here, but you’ll need a flashlight to see them clearly. Admission includes a 1 hour 45-minute guided tour (the last tour leaves at 3pm).

Location: Av Benito Juárez km 4.7
Details: Open daily 9am–5pm; entry 500 pesos
Best for: Underground exploration

11. Cenote Azul

Located 25km south of Playa del Carmen and right on the main highway, this is one of the easiest cenotes to reach. Being open, sunny and in sections very shallow, it’s also ideal for small kids (there are a few deeper areas to swim for adults). Lots of small fish, tropical birds, and iguanas hang out here. Tends to get very busy, but there are five smaller pools scattered along the site’s jungle trail that can offer more privacy.

Location: Carretera Tulum–Cancun Km 266
Details: Open daily 8.30am–5pm; entry 140 pesos
Best for: Easy access and families with small children

12. Gran Cenote – 4.5 km north from Tulum

This popular, crystal-clear cenote is ideal for snorkeling (and diving); spot underwater stalagmites and stalactites as well as small freshwater turtles while floating peacefully on the surface. A red line with floats leads through a low-lying cavern full of bats. Go early to avoid the crowds.

Location: Hwy-109
Details: Open daily 8am–5pm; entry 300 pesos
Best for: Snorkeling and turtles

13. Cobá cenotes – 6km southwest from Cobá

These three closely-situated underground cenotes are usually experienced as part of a day-trip to the spectacular Maya ruins at Cobá. The first, Choo-Ha, has clean but very cold, shallow water (fine but not ideal for swimming), though its ancient stalactites are impressive. Tankah-Ha is the most spectacular, a vast subterranean dome with two platformed diving areas. Multún-Ha is deeper (18 meters underground), with only man-made lighting and blue-green crystalline waters perfect for swimming. Go early and you will almost certainly be alone here.

Location: Carretera Chanchen I
Details: Open daily 8am–6pm; entry 100 pesos each site
Best for: Stalactites, swimming, and solitude

14. Cenote Xunaan-Ha – 22km north of Tulum

Located in the small town of Chemuyil, between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, this pristine open cenote with lots of fish is ideal for diving (there are deep caves), snorkeling, and swimming. The pool is surrounded by dense jungle (which is pretty but attracts mosquitoes) and features two diving platforms for jumping into the water.

Location: Off Av Palmas, Chemuyil
Details: Open daily 8am–5pm; entry 100 pesos
Best for: Jungle scenery, scuba diving, and swimming

15. Cenote Xlacah – Dzibilchaltún

Vast open-air pool right next to the Dzibilchaltún Maya archaeological site, with the center almost entirely smothered with water lilies. Great place to swim (it’s warm) with tiny fish and ancient ruins all around.

Location: Zona Arqueológica de Dzibilchaltún
Details: Open daily 8am–3.30pm; entry 227 pesos (included with Dzibilchaltún ruins ticket)
Best for: Maya ruins and historic ambience

16. Cenote Yaxbacaltun – 58 km southeast from Mérida

Deep but open cenote, with gorgeous crystal-clear water perfect for swimming, with a fun rope swing and a couple of jump platforms, though it’s also known for a more unusual phenomenon; a colony of swallows lives here, and timing your visit to witness them leaving in the morning and returning before sunset is highly recommended.

Location: Calle 29, Homún
Details: Open daily 9am–6pm; entry 50–80 pesos (including mandatory life jacket)
Best for: Bird-watching, rope swing, and swimming

17. Cenote Suytun – 8km east from Valladolid

The principal feature of this massive underground sinkhole – illuminated by a narrow shaft of light – is the stone platform that juts out into the center of the pool. Standing here makes for one of the most spectacular photos in Mexico – but be prepared for long waits for your turn (get here at opening time if possible). There are also some spectacular stalactites. It’s possible to swim but the water is very cold.

Location: Carretera a Ticuch Km 8
Details: Open daily 9am–5pm; entry 120 pesos
Best for: Scenic photographs

18. Cenote Carwash (Aktun-Ha) – 8 km north of Tulum

Large, open cenote with cheap entry and plenty of space to swim – freshwater turtles often turn up here. Also popular with divers – it’s much deeper than it looks, and there’s lots of fish and underwater plant life to check-out.

Location: Hwy-109
Details: Open daily 10am–5.30pm; entry 50 pesos (including restrooms and showers, lockers 30 pesos)
Best for: Cheap entry, snorkeling, and swimming

19. Cenote Kankirixche – 50km south from Mérida

Beautiful, underground cenote with partial opening, hardly ever busy and perfect for a refreshing swim in the bright blue waters. Run by a cooperative of locals.

Location: Abalá
Details: Open daily 8am–5pm; entry 60–80 pesos
Best for: Isolated location, swimming, and solitude

20. Cenote Jardin del Edén – 24km south from Playa del Carmen

Right on the main coastal highway, this is a huge open-air cenote for swimming, with plenty of places to jump or dive into the water. Surrounded by shady forest, it’s a lovely location, though mosquitoes can be a problem. Bring a snorkel because there are plenty of fish here also.

Location: Hwy-307
Details: Open daily 8am–5pm; entry 200 pesos
Best for: Easy access, snorkeling, and swimming

Read More