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Cancun Hotels

Mexico › Cancun › Best Hotels
Updated: February 20, 2024

My Favorite Cancun Hotels
• 5-star: Kempinski
• 4-star: Hard Rock • Hyatt Ziva
• 3-star: Beachscape Kin Ha
• For families: Grand Fiesta • JW Marriott
• For couples: Nizuc
• Best all-inclusive: Riu Palace

The Riu Palace Peninsula is the best all-inclusive resort in Cancun.

Cancun Hotels – Tips & Advice

Cancun has some wonderful 5-star resorts. For smaller boutique hotels check out Tulum and Isla Mujeres – two of my favorite beach destinations in Mexico.

Booking.com – the best website (and best prices) for booking Cancun hotels.

Best Luxury Hotel in Cancun: Kempinski Hotel Cancun (best food of any Cancun resort)

Best Boutique Hotel in Cancun: Nizuc – not a true boutique hotel, more like a boutique resort, but very luxurious and as intimate as any Cancun hotel.

Best Cancun Hotels for Honeymoon: Le Blanc • Nizuc

Best Cancun Hotels for Families: Grand Fiesta Americana • Hard Rock Hotel • JW Marriott

The best places to stay in Cancun are the Playa Mujeres (newest resorts on pristine beaches), Riviera Cancun (great beaches, family attractions, and cenotes – located just south of Cancun), 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, furthest from the nightlife and bars).

Most activities, attractions, and tour operators in Cancun 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. There are two bus lines serving the Hotel Zone, the R-1 and R-2, both with buses running every 1-2 minutes all day every day. Bus stops along the main drag are abundant and clearly marked. 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!”

The 24 Best Hotels in Cancun

1. Nizuc Resort and Spa – South Hotel Zone

The most stylish resort in Cancun, 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.
Hotel phone: +52 998 891 5700
• Hotel website • Check prices for Nizuc Resort & Spa

2. Kempinski Hotel Cancun – Middle Hotel Zone

Refined, family-friendly, beach resort boasting some of Cancun’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.
Hotel phone: +52 998 881 0808
• Hotel website • Check prices for the Kempinski Hotel

3. Hyatt Ziva – North Hotel Zone

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, 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 Cancun lighthouse, the sand is super soft here and the surf is particularly mild, ideal for beginning swimmers.
Hotel phone: +52 998 848 7000
• Hotel website • Check prices for Hyatt Ziva

4. Grand Residences – Riviera 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 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.
Hotel phone: +52 998 872 8148
• Hotel website • Check prices for Grand Residences Riviera Cancun

5. JW Marriott Resort & Spa – Middle of Hotel Zone

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.
Hotel phone: +52 998 848 9600
• Hotel website • Check prices for JW Marriott Resort & Spa

6. Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach – North Hotel Zone

Located on one of Cancun’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 here offers unique amenities like a water park, theater with costumes, a game room, and a night camp. The Grand Fiesta sits in a protected cove just to the inside of Punta Cancun, with the finest white sand and calm, turquoise water nearly as flat as a pool.
Hotel phone: +52 998 881 3200
• Hotel website • Check prices for Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach

7. Secrets the Vine – Middle Hotel Zone

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.
Hotel phone: (866) 467-3273
• Hotel website • Check prices for Secrets the Vine

8. Live Aqua Beach Resort – Middle Hotel Zone

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.
Hotel phone: +52 998 881 7600
• Hotel website • Check prices for Live Aqua Beach Resort

9. Hard Rock Hotel – Middle Hotel Zone

Flashy, all-inclusive, rock-themed resort with fun amenities for families and couples. This lively property shows off with 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.
Hotel phone: +52 998 881 3600
• Hotel website • Check prices for Hard Rock Hotel

10. Azul Beach Resort – Riviera 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 their own 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 Cancun and further south in the Riviera Maya. Though a little rockier here, it is still swimmable with calm waves and good snorkeling.
Hotel phone: +52 998 872 8080
• Hotel website • Check prices for Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun

11. Hyatt Zilara – Middle Hotel Zone

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, cocktails 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.
Hotel phone: +52 998 881 5600
• Hotel website • Check prices for Hyatt Zilara

12. Riu Palace Peninsula – North Hotel Zone

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, 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, boogieboards, 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 Cancun beaches, but it is still gorgeous with soft sand, turquoise water, and just enough gentle surf to keep it interesting.
Hotel phone: +52 998 848 8090
• Hotel website • Check prices for Riu Palace Peninsula

13. Presidente InterContinental Resort – North Hotel Zone

Sitting on the single best beach in Cancun, 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 Cancun’s restaurants and attractions or for exploring the uptown nightlife district.
Hotel phone: +52 998 848 8700
• Hotel website • Check prices for Presidente InterContinental Resort

14. Sun Palace – South Hotel Zone

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, private balcony, 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.
Hotel phone: +52 800 262 9008
• Hotel website • Check prices for Sun Palace

15. Fiesta Americana Condesa – Middle Hotel Zone

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 absolutely beautiful with perfect white sand and medium surf; it might be a little much for beginners, but it is swimmable for those more experienced.
Hotel phone: +52 998 881 4200
• Hotel website • Check prices for Fiesta Americana Condesa

16. Crown Paradise Club – South Hotel Zone

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 with 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.
Hotel phone: +52 998 848 9000
• Hotel website • Check prices for Crown Paradise Club

17. Le Blanc Spa Resort – Middle Hotel Zone

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 truly 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 Cancun’s famous nightlife, their particular stretch of beach is tranquil and well cared for, raked and cleaned daily, with ideal swimming and turquoise water.
Hotel phone: +52 800 262 9008
• Hotel website • Check prices for Le Blanc Spa Resort

18. Moon Palace The Grand – Riviera 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. Grounds feature two pools, a lazy river, flowrider, and 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, too, 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.
Hotel phone: +52 998 193 2010
• Hotel website • Check prices for Moon Palace The Grand

19. Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort – Playa Mujeres

This gem of a resort, located on a vast beach in Cancun’s newest development, 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 hydrocircuit, 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.
Hotel phone: (866) 467-3273
• Hotel website • Check prices for Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort

20. Dreams Jade Resort & Spa – Riviera 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; Mercure and Spice, the French and pan-Asian restaurants, lead the pack. The beach is beautiful, serviced by Mix Bar with stellar cocktails. However, it is a little rocky and sometimes rough; walk just five minutes south along the beach, though, and you’ll find better swimming.
Hotel phone: +52 998 872 8888
• Hotel website • Check prices for Dreams Jade Resort & Spa

21. Marriott Resort – Middle Hotel Zone

A beachfront paradise, this family-friendly, luxury resort features 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 Argentine, Japanese, and Thai, among others, but there is no Mexican restaurant onsite. (There is a southwestern restaurant at their sister property, JW Marriott, right next door, and of course plenty of Mexican food within walking distance.) Located on a wide, white stretch of swimmable beach with moderate waves, served by the attentive staff at Bahia.
Hotel phone: +52 998 881 2000
• Hotel website • Check prices for Marriott Resort

22. Dreams Golf & Spa Resort – Playa Mujeres

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.
Hotel phone: +52 998 283 3600
• Hotel website • Check prices for Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort

23. Sandos Cancun – Middle Hotel Zone

Beachfront, four-diamond, all-inclusive hotel with three infinity pools, delicious restaurants, and an amazing music program. Accommodations here are unique for Cancun 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.
Hotel phone: +52 998 881 2200
• Hotel website • Check prices for Sandos Cancun

24. Wyndham Grand – Middle Hotel Zone

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 with breathtaking turquoise waves, clean white sand, and an absence of rocks, reefs, and barriers.
Hotel phone: +52 998 881 0600
• Hotel website • Check prices for Wyndham Grand

Cancun’s Hotel Zone

The vast majority of hotels and resorts in Cancun are located in the Hotel Zone. The Hotel Zone is shaped like a number 7, beginning due east of Downtown Cancun and running for about 22 kilometers along Boulevard Kukulkan. 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. Most of the resorts line the northern and eastern beaches, while the restaurants, malls, and attractions face the lagoon side.

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 Cancun in the east), The Middle (km 9.5-17.5, beginning at the elbow of the 7, from Punta Cancun 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 Hotel Zone, North

The North (sometimes called the “beginning”) of the Hotel Zone has the softest sand and the most pristine beaches. This is due to its geography; 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 Cancun in to the east. Because it is shielded in this way, it still has its original sand, worn smooth and powdery over the years, contrasting with the rest of the Hotel Zone, which lost its sand to a hurricane a few years ago and had to have the sand replaced. Its prized location also shields it from the seaweed that tends to collect in the Middle and End Zones. This is the closest portion to Downtown’s amazing restaurants and cultural attractions like Market 28 and lucha libre at the Cancun Arena. It’s also just a short distance from the Uptown Cancun nightlife on the south end of Punta Cancun. With such proximity to dining, bars, and attractions, the Beginning of the Hotel Zone is ideal for guests who opt not to stay in an all-inclusive.

The Best Hotels in the North Hotel Zone

Hyatt Ziva • Hotel phone: +52 998 848 7000

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach • Hotel phone: +52 998 881 3200

Presidente InterContinental Resort • Hotel phone: +52 998 848 8700

Riu Palace Peninsula • Hotel phone: +52 998 848 8090

Staying in the Middle of the Hotel Zone

The Middle of the Hotel Zone is where the action is. Uptown Cancun, with its famous nightlife, is located at the elbow on the south end of Punta Cancun. Travelers will find a cluster of nightclubs and bars here, the best known being Coco Bongo, Mandala, and La Vaquita, though The City and Congo Bar are the best-loved night spots. Following the main drag south, you’ll find Cancun’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. However, this is the nesting spot for local sea turtles! Huge turtles come ashore every night to lay eggs from May through October. Baby turtles hatch and are released to the ocean from July through December. Most hotels in the Middle of the 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 of the Hotel Zone

Kempinski Hotel Cancun • Hotel phone: +52 998 881 0808

Live Aqua Beach Resort • Hotel phone: +52 998 881 7600

Hard Rock Hotel • Hotel phone: +52 998 881 3600

JW Marriott Resort & Spa • Hotel phone: +52 998 848 9600

Secrets the Vine • Hotel phone: (866) 467-3273

Hyatt Zilara • Hotel phone: +52 998 881 5600

Fiesta Americana Condesa • Hotel phone: +52 998 881 4200

Le Blanc Spa Resort • Hotel phone: +52 800 262 9008

Marriott Resort • Hotel phone: +52 998 881 2000

Sandos Cancun • Hotel phone: +52 998 881 2200

Wyndham Grand • Hotel phone: +52 998 881 0600

Staying in the Hotel Zone, South

The South Hotel Zone, sometimes referred to as “the end,” 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 those 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, as the immediate area only has a handful of restaurants. This is an ideal spot for travelers who want a true getaway, without straying too far from the conveniences of the city.

The Best Hotels in the South Hotel Zone

Nizuc Resort and Spa • Hotel phone: +52 998 891 5700

Sun Palace • Hotel phone: +52 800 262 9008

Crown Paradise Club • Hotel phone: +52 998 848 9000

Staying in Riviera Cancun

The Riviera Cancun is the northernmost part of the Riviera Maya, just south of Cancun down about as far as Puerto Morelos. It is fronted by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which follows the coastline from Cancun all the way down to Guatemala. The Riviera Cancun is home to some of the largest all-inclusive resorts. Most of these sit in mangrove jungles 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-y parts 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 walking distance to anything. Near Puerto Morales, travelers will find a botanical garden and Croco Cun Zoo, with several refreshing cenotes just inland and lots of adventure parks just a little further south.

The Best Hotels in Riviera Cancun

Moon Palace The Grand • Hotel phone: +52 998 193 2010

Grand Residences Riviera Cancun • Hotel phone: +52 998 872 8148

Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun • Hotel phone: +52 998 872 8080

Dreams Jade Resort & Spa • Hotel phone: +52 998 872 8888

Staying in Playa Mujeres

Playa Mujeres sits in the north end of Cancun, due west of Isla Mujeres and north of the main ferry terminals, Puerto Juarez and Gran Puerto. This is the newest resort development area in Cancun, with the oldest hotel here built in 2007. This area is designed expressly for leisure, mostly made up of resorts, beaches, and golf courses, with one dolphinarium on the main beach and campgrounds further north. Playa Mujeres is more accessible to the city and attractions than Riviera Cancun, but since it is so new, there are not many restaurants serving the area. This is the closest point in Cancun 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 the island acting as a buffer. However, there tends to be more seaweed than the more southerly beaches, especially when the wind is coming in from the east. To combat this, every resort in the area hires sweepers to clean the beaches twice a day.

The Best Hotels in Playa Mujeres

Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort • Hotel phone: (866) 467-3273

Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort • Hotel phone: +52 998 283 3600

Where to Go in Mexico

Mexico Travel Guide › Mexico Best Destinations
Updated: February 20, 2024

The 11 Best Places to Visit in Mexico

1. Mexico City

Mexico City is a world class destination, a vibrant metropolis teaming with humanity. There is a rich and varied cultural scene, with 185 museums, 9 archaeological sites and 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites, plus fabulous food from fine dining restaurants to abundant street food. There is something for absolutely every kind of traveler.

2. Guadalajara

Guadalajara is Mexico’s second biggest city, and the capital of the state of Jalisco. A less frenetic metropolis than Mexico City, it’s full of tree-lined boulevards, and home to both the Mexican institutions of mariachi music and tequilla.

3. San Miguel de Allende

Located in Mexico’s central highlands, San Miguel de Allende is known for its thriving arts scene and cultural festivals, gastronomy, and baroque architecture. Once known for catering mostly to backpackers and budget travelers, the city now features many luxury and boutique hotels and high-end shopping, with a plethora of quaint bougainvillea filled alleyways to explore.

4. Los Cabos

Situated at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos is the coastal area encompassing the two popular resort destinations of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. The beautiful waters and beaches offer a variety of water sport adventures and marine life, and the surrounding dessert more natural wonders to explore. There’s a pervasive party atmosphere spread out across endless bars and night clubs. Despite its natural beauty, the area is built up with look-alike resorts and all-inclusive hotels, large chain stores and restaurants.

5. Puerto Vallarta

Surrounded by lush mountains and stretching around the beautiful Bahía de Banderas, Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most popular coastal destinations. The malecón promenade runs along the beach downtown, with loads of waterfront restaurants and bars, and a collection of iconic sculptures. Puerto Vallarta is also popular with families and LGBTQ travelers. There are a number of smaller resort towns both north (Punta de Mita, Sayulita, San Francisco) and south (Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlan, Yelapa) of PV.

6. Zihuatanejo

Zihuatanejo is a small resort area on the coast of the state of Guerrero, north of Acapulco. The city is slow and quiet but becomes quite touristy when cruise ships are in town. There are narrow cobblestone streets with small restaurants, boutiques and artisan studios, and a romantic waterfront sidewalk. Nearby Ixtapa is also attractive but has larger resorts and less of a local vibe.

7. Oaxaca

Oaxaca City is the gastronomic capitol of Mexico, also known for it’s architecture and natural beauty. The city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Handicrafts, ceramics, and rugs are popular with visitors.

8. Merida

Merida is the quiet capital of the state of Yucatan, with a large Mayan population and robust cultural scene. There’s lots to see in the city and plenty of pleasant day trips to ancient ruins and natural beauty in the surrounding area.

9. Tulum

Tulum is a small city on Yucatan’s Caribbean coast, known for its amazing beaches and well preserved Mayan ruins on a cliffside above the beach. A hip scene full of boutique shopping, small luxury hotels, and fusion cuisine blending modern techniques with traditional Mexican ingredients. Yoga, bike riding, and visits to cenotes in the surrounding jungle are popular activities, as are large electronic dance music festivals.

10. Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a small Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea off the Yucatan Coast near Cancun. It’s known for beaches, resort hotels, snorkeling, and scuba diving on the surrounding coral reefs. Golf carts are the main form of transportation around the island – which gives a pretty good approximation of the relaxed vibe on the island.

11. Cancun

Cancun is known for its gorgeous powdery white sand beaches, large luxury resorts, and nightlife. A major tourist destination for decades, the city is divided into the Zona Hoteleria along the beach and Cancun Centro (the city) inland that has more local flavor and flare. Golf, shopping, and day trips to surrounding cenotes, water parks, and cultural sites are easily accomplished.

Where to Stay in Isla Mujeres

Mexico › Isla Mujeres Best Places to Stay
Updated: February 20, 2024

Isla Mujeres – Best Places to Stay

The idyllic stretch of sand on Playa Norte (North Beach) in Isla Mujeres. Directly in front of Ixchel Beach Hotel and Nautibeach Beach Front Condos. The Mia Reef is just visible in the distance.

Isla Hotels – Tips & Info

Best hotels on Playa Norte (the best beach and swimming on Isla Mujeres): Ixchel Beach Hotel • Nautibeach Beach Front Condos

The best areas of Isla Mujeres for visitors are the North End (busy and walkable, with stunning Playa Norte beach and plenty of restaurants, bars, and markets) and South End (great family attractions and quiet beaches). The middle of the island also has some nice areas, including Mar Caribe and Bahia (the western and eastern coasts, respectively, near the old airport and walking distance to downtown).

Getting to Isla Mujeres from Cancun takes only 25 minutes on the Ultramar ferry. If coming from the Cancun Airport, take a pre-paid shuttle or taxi to Puerto Juárez terminal (I’ve used Happy Shuttle and can recommend them. They also sell ferry tickets so you don’t have to queue at the terminal). Ferries depart from here every 30 minutes from 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. There are also three ferry terminals in the Hotel Zone, though ferries here operate on a limited schedule, running hourly-ish from around 9:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. depending on the terminal. Fares are higher at all of the Hotel Zone ports. Children taller than 1.2 meters (3’11”) pay adult rates. Children under 1 year ride free.

Getting around Isla Mujeres: The easiest and most fun way to get around on Isla Mujeres is by golf cart. There are several golf cart rental shops directly across the street from the Ultramar terminal. Travelers staying in Sac Bajo or Punta Sur should consider renting a golf cart for the duration of their stay. For guests staying in Centro or Playa Norte, a golf cart is unnecessary for daily use; almost everything is within a 5 to 10-minute walk. Rent a cart for a day to do a circle island tour of the south end attractions like Garrafon Natural Reef Park, Tortugranja (the turtle farm!), and Ixchel Temple. Travelers staying in Mar Caribe or Bahia are 20 minutes walking distance from Centro and North Beach but a little too far to easily walk to the south end.

Taxis on Isla Mujeres are all red sedans. The main taxi stand is next to the ferry terminal on the same side of the street. Taxis are not metered here. Instead, there is a list of fixed rates to various island destinations posted on the inside wall of the taxi stand. Always verify the rate before entering the taxi itself! Taxis can also be flagged down from the side of the road just about anywhere on the island. In this case, the taxis operate as rideshares and will pick up and drop off other passengers along the way. If using the taxi as a rideshare (versus calling ahead to hire a private taxi), rates are about 20 pesos per person to anywhere on the island.

Pay in pesos whenever possible. Many hotels, restaurants, and tour operators accept payment in U.S. dollars. However, travelers will almost always overpay if using dollars, as the exchange rate for tourists favors the peso.

The 13 Best Hotels on Isla Mujeres

1. Zoëtry Villa Rolandi – Sac Bajo, South End

Luxurious, all-inclusive, family-friendly resort on a quiet beach. Zoëtry boasts two gorgeous pools and a huge saltwater Jacuzzi plus spacious, sea-facing suites with private whirlpools or direct pool access, the island’s best restaurant, and a soothing thalasso spa with free salt water-based therapy for all guests. Unique services and activities include sunset yacht cruises, cooking classes, ceramics painting, and wine tastings. Rates are always inclusive of round-trip yacht transfer from Cancun directly to their private pier. Located in Sac Bajo, near Tortugranja and next to Dolphin Discovery (guests get free admission here).
Hotel phone: +52 998 999 2000
Hotel website • Check prices for Zoëtry Villa Rolandi

2. Isla Mujeres Palace – Sac Bajo, South End

Romantic, adults-only resort specifically designed for couples on a long stretch of sandy beach with an exceptional spa, top-notch service, fantastic dining, and a swim up bar in the pool. All suites come with double-sized whirlpool tubs and private balconies; services include couples’ massages, candlelit dinners on the beach, and in-room dining. Their generous resort credits program can be used toward offsite excursions, like dolphin swims, scuba or snorkel tours of MUSA, or for entry to their water park at The Grand in Cancun. Round-trip yacht transfer to and from Cancun is included in all room rates. Located at the base of Sac Bajo, a five minute walk to the turtle farm, a few local restaurants, and Hacienda Mundaca, the ruins of a retired pirate’s home.
Hotel phone: +52 998 999 2020
Hotel website • Check prices for Isla Mujeres Palace

3. Casa de los Sueños – Punta Sur, South End

All-suite, family hotel with amazing kids’ amenities, including a zipline, an infinity pool, and a pint-sized water park with another pool. The hotel’s quiet suites sit on a little hill overlooking the ocean, most with private balconies or patios, some with Jacuzzis, and all with daily breakfast included. The water park offers a two-tiered pool with a swim up bar, slides that end in the ocean, a rock climbing wall, and a private pier, plus kayaks, snorkel gear, and paddleboards. The hotel sits at the south end of the island, near other family attractions including Garrafon Reef Park, the turtle farm and sanctuary at Tortugranja, and Dolphin Discovery.
Hotel phone: +52 998 888 0370
Hotel website • Check prices for Casa de los Sueños

4. Ixchel Beach Hotel – Playa Norte, North End

Sweet, family-friendly hotel with twin pools, complimentary beach gear, and a fantastic bar and restaurant that also offers beachside service. Staff throughout the hotel is super friendly and attentive to guests’ needs. Rooms are comfortable, minimalistic, and sunny. Spring for a suite to add a balcony and kitchenette. Penthouse suites upgrade to full kitchens and private garden terraces or rooftop garden access. Situated right on Playa Norte, near Hidalgo Street shopping, dining, and nightlife.
Hotel phone: +52 998 999 2010
Hotel website • Check prices for Ixchel Beach Hotel

5. Hotel Secreto – Playa Norte, North End

This sleek, elegant, boutique hotel offers an infinity lap pool and an intimate spa. An all-suite property, each room features an enormous balcony with a queen-sized day bed, dramatic ocean view, and luxurious décor and amenities. Executive junior suites on the top floor include peekaboo glass showers, recommended especially for couples. Continental breakfast is included in the room rate and delivered daily to each room. Though children are allowed here, the vibe is more adult-oriented. Located on a tiny beach (not swimmable) at the northern edge of downtown, walking distance to Playa Norte and Hidalgo Street restaurants and shops.
Hotel phone: +52 998 877 1039
Hotel website • Check prices for Hotel Secreto

6. Privilege Aluxes – North End

This contemporary, adults-only hotel offers a stellar beach club, two pools, and a spa. Rooms and suites are spacious with up to two bedrooms. All have a private balcony or terrace, some with jetted tubs or outdoor Jacuzzis. This is the only hotel on the island boasting suites with private plunge pools. Though they offer all-inclusive packages, the hotel is walking distance to so many great restaurants and bars; it’s really best to book the room only to take advantage of the excellent local flavors nearby.
Hotel phone: +52 998 848 8470
Hotel website • Check prices for Privilege Aluxes

7. Casa Coco – Sac Bajo, South End

Upscale, family-friendly boutique hotel with an infinity pool and rooftop palapa for massage and yoga. This rustic-chic property overlooks a small, secluded beach accessible by a little pathway. Décor is all locally made Yucatan art inspired by Spanish and Italian design. All suites come with a private balcony, while the Family Suite adds a kitchenette and sofabed. This gorgeous spot is in the middle of Sac Bajo, near Tortugranja and Dolphin Discovery, but its lush grounds make it feel more remote than it is.
Hotel phone: +52 998 220 2571
Hotel website • Check prices for Casa Coco

8. Icaco Island Village – Mar Caribe, Middle

This stylish and cozy, adults-only boutique features a rooftop sun terrace with an infinity plunge pool, Bali beds, and stunning ocean views. Their four suites have bespoke, handmade décor, such as conch shell showerheads, salvaged wood doors, and artisanal textiles. The owners live on site and take pride in offering impeccable hospitality and presentation. Complimentary bicycles and daily Italian breakfast round out the experience. Fresh, contemporary, and tranquil ambiance, fifteen minutes walking to downtown and Playa Norte.
Hotel phone: +52 984 100 5070
Hotel website • Check prices for Icaco Island Village

9. Hotel Paradise Suites – Centro, North End

This brand new, boutique hotel offers bright, boho suites and a fantastic restaurant, a couple hundred meters from Playa Norte and their beach club. Standard and junior suites are amply sized and decked out in colorful Mexican textiles, all with fully equipped kitchens, small dining areas, and private terraces. Other onsite amenities include a Jacuzzi, golf carts, and a boutique shop – with a pool and spa coming soon. In the heart of the North End, steps away from downtown shopping and dining, walking distance to several beaches.
Hotel phone: +52 998 688 4154
Hotel website • Check prices for Hotel Paradise Suites

10. Villa Encantada – Sac Bajo, South End

Hacienda-style boutique hotel with an infinity pool, located on a small swimmable beach with a private dock. Suites are family friendly and most include balconies. The Encantada Suite adds a soaking tub, while the Penthouse Suite has a private rooftop terrace. Décor is breezy, fresh, and locally-made, with woven lanterns, custom Mediterranean-inspired tile, and a poolside palapa roof. Daily breakfast is included in the room rate, and a well-stocked honor bar is available to guests throughout the day. Surrounded by a lush, jungle garden, this gem in Sac Bajo feels very private, while still being very accessible. Walking distance to Dolphin Discovery and a few bars and restaurants and within ten minutes ride to all of the island’s attractions.
Hotel phone: +52 998 220 2571
Hotel website • Check prices for Villa Encantada

11. Nautibeach Beach Front Condos – Playa Norte, North End

Exceptional condos with a beachfront pool, direct beach access, and all day dining and drinks at their own beach club. Apartments can be studios, one to two bedrooms, or penthouse suites with three bedrooms. All come with a full kitchen and balcony; some of the two bedroom units have bunkbeds in the guest room. Nautibeach sits on the sunny southwestern edge of Playa Norte, near the downtown beach at Playa Sol, walking distance to great beach bars and Hidalgo Street shopping.
Hotel phone: +52 998 877 0606
Hotel website • Check prices for Nautibeach Beach Front Condos

12. El Milagro Beach Hotel and Marina – Bahia, Middle

Eclectic, family-friendly boutique hotel with its own marina in a former fish processing facility. Its charming little beach has tables and chairs in the ocean, swings by the bar, a small pool, and a community kitchen with a grill for guest use. Studio, one, and two bedroom suites are decorated in a blend of authentic Mexican and hippie styles, with colorful mismatched tiles, bright textiles, and fully equipped kitchens; one (The Beach Cabana) even has a tin roof! Common areas are equally wild with rainbow colors everywhere, two shady palapas, and a jungle garden filled with local plants, iguanas, and singing birds. Located on the western coast, about twenty minutes’ walk to Centro, Playa Sol, and Playa Norte, near several local restaurants and a minimart.
Hotel phone: +52 998 877 1708
Hotel website • Check prices for El Milagro Beach Hotel and Marina

13. Mia Reef – Playa Norte, North End

This all-inclusive, family-friendly resort boasts a supreme location, floating on its own little island off the coast of the main island and connected by a long wooden bridge. With almost 360° of powdery white beach and pale turquoise water, this is far and away the most breathtaking spot on Isla. Rooms and suites all offer ocean views and private balconies, some with outdoor Jacuzzis and hammocks. This is the only hotel on the island with a kids’ club. It also houses a pool, spa, salon, and several restaurants and bars.
Hotel phone: +52 998 999 2050
Hotel website • Check prices for Mia Reef

Staying in the North End: Centro and Playa Norte

Centro (downtown) and its main beach Playa Norte make up the broad upper portion of Isla Mujeres. Renowned for its long stretch of soft white sand, gentle surf, and turquoise waters, Playa Norte was named one of the top ten beaches in the world by TripAdvisor in 2017. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for beginning swimmers, while tons of marine life and high visibility makes this an excellent spot for snorkeling. Several beach clubs, bars, and restaurants line the beach, interspersed with some of the island’s larger hotels and condos. Just inland, visitors will find even more dining options plus street vendors and markets, especially on Hidalgo Street. Though this is the liveliest part of the island, it is much more relaxed, safer, and friendlier than nearby Cancun. Most people get around on foot or bicycle here, though golf cart and moped rentals are everywhere, and taxis are easy to flag down.

The Best Hotels in Centro and North Beach

Privilege Aluxes • Hotel phone: +52 998 848 8470

Ixchel Beach Hotel • Hotel phone: +52 998 999 2010

Hotel Secreto • Hotel phone: +52 998 877 1039

Hotel Paradise Suites • Hotel phone: +52 998 688 4154

Nautibeach Beach Front Condos • Hotel phone: +52 998 877 0606

Mia Reef • Hotel phone: +52 998 999 2050

The Best Restaurants in Centro and North Beach

Rooster Café • $$-$$$ • The island’s best brunch spot, specializing in local spins on eggs benedict.

Ruben’s Restaurant • $ • Casual Mexican favorites all day. Known for their chimichangas, tacos, and lobster bennies.

Abuelos • $$-$$$ • Authentic, family-run seafood restaurant; amazing ceviche, whole red snapper, and fish tacos.

Staying in the South End: Sac Bajo and Punta Sur

The South End is made up of two segments: Punta Sur, the general name for the southern one third of the island, and Sac Bajo, the small strip of beach jutting upward alongside the middle portion of the island. This area is less densely populated than the North End but has most of the island’s attractions. Punta Sur, at the southernmost tip of the island, is also the easternmost point in all of Mexico, the first place in the nation to see the sunrise. The park grounds also house the ruins of Ixchel’s Temple and a metal sculpture garden. Right next door to Punta Sur is Garrafon Natural Reef Park, with snorkeling, kayaking, ziplining, and more. Dolphin Discovery interactive water park and the turtle sanctuary at Tortugranja are both located just north in Sac Bajo.

Beaches in the South End tend to be quieter and smaller than those in the North End. Several hotels and restaurants can be found here, but things are a little more spread out. A golf cart or moped is recommended for getting around to each of the attractions, though taxis are fairly easy to come by in the daytime.

The Best Hotels in Sac Bajo and Punta Sur

Zoëtry Villa Rolandi • Hotel phone: +52 998 999 2000

Isla Mujeres Palace • Hotel phone: +52 998 999 2020

Casa de los Sueños • Hotel phone: +52 998 888 0370

Casa Coco • Hotel phone: +52 998 220 2571

Villa Encantada • Hotel phone: +52 998 220 2571

The Best Restaurants in Sac Bajo and Punta Sur

Casa Rolandi • $$$$ • Northern Italian and Yucatan fusion fine dining with gorgeous ocean views.

Zama Beach Club • $$-$$$ • Upscale, unique seafood menu featuring local ingredients like conch and chaya, alongside more familiar flavors.

Staying in the Middle of the Island: Bahia and Mar Caribe

The middle of island is made up of one narrow strip of land, divided in half by the old airport and a lagoon. On the western side is Bahia, with a gentle coastline and secluded beaches. On the eastern half is Mar Caribe, with dramatic rocky beaches – beautiful to look at but too rough to swim. Both Bahia and Mar Caribe areas are about twenty minutes walking distance to downtown, making them very accessible to dining, beach clubs, and shopping but calm and quiet for a restful sleep. Visitors here can completely get by without renting a golf cart. Walking or cycling is easy in the day, and taxis are cheap for night travel. Staying in the middle of the island offers visitors a more authentic experience, as the island’s residential neighborhoods are nearby, with several local-style restaurants and markets in its southern edge.

The Best Hotels in Bahia and Mar Caribe

Icaco Island Village • Hotel phone: +52 984 100 5070

El Milagro Beach Hotel and Marina • Hotel phone: +52 998 877 1708

The Best Restaurants in Bahia and Mar Caribe

Polo’s Mango Café • $$-$$$ • Insanely great food with Mexican and American flavors. Don’t miss their watermelon mimosas and stuffed poblano pepper for breakfast!

GreenVerde • $$-$$$ • Amazing and simple local food all day at this family-run restaurant.

Caribbean Brisas • $$-$$$ • Best spot for the local fish specialty tikin xic.

Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen

Mexico › Best Areas to Stay in Playa del Carmen
Updated: February 20, 2024

Los Cabos Family Hotels

Mexico › Los Cabos › Hotels for Families
Updated: February 20, 2024

Tulum Nightlife

Mexico › Tulum › Bars & Clubs
Updated: February 20, 2024

Los Cabos Hotels

Mexico › Los Cabos › Best Hotels
Updated: February 20, 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

The wonderful Hacienda Beach Club & Residences and Casa Dorada Resort & Spa in Cabo San Lucas.

Hotels in Cabo Area

I love the Cabo area. When visiting I usually split my time between the beaches near Cabo San Lucas and the downtown area of trendy San Jose del Cabo.
Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas: Hacienda Beach Club & Residences • Casa Dorada Resort & Spa • Villa La Estancia • Bahia Hotel & Beach House • Sandos Finisterra • Montecristo Villas • Pueblo Bonito Pacifica • Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach
Best Hotel for Families in Cabo San Lucas: Casa Dorada
Best Hotel for Couples in Cabo Area: Esperanza Resort (Corridor)
Los Cabos means “the capes,” and is made up of two towns, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, along with the coral reef marine park, Cabo Pulmo. Most of the hotels and attractions are in Cabo San Lucas, San Jose, and the Corridor (the stretch of Highway 1 linking the two towns). Cabo and San Jose are close in distance, about 30 km apart, but each town has its own distinct feel. Cabo is the livelier town, known for its nightlife, while San Jose is a more tranquil area, known for its Arts District. The Corridor is home to several golf courses and many of the area’s swimmable beaches.
The Cabo area can be divided into 4 distinct areas: Cabo San Lucas (beaches and nightlife) • San Jose del Cabo (famous art district) • San Jose Puerto Los Cabos (private and tranquil with the only swimmable beach in San Jose) • The Corridor (golf, surfing, snorkeling)
Best Resorts in Cabo: Esperanza Resort (most romantic and best spa) • Cabo Surf Hotel (best family boutique) • Hilton Beach & Golf Resort (best family resort).
Los Cabos is known for beautiful beaches, all of which are public, but few of which are swimmable due to a dangerous undertow. Those beaches that are swimmable also have some of the best snorkeling in the world; Jacques Cousteau has called the Sea of Cortez “The Aquarium of the World”. The best beaches for swimming or snorkeling are: Medano Beach, Playa Empacadora, and Lovers & Divorce Beaches in Cabo; La Playita in San Jose; and Chileno Bay, Playa Monumentos, Old Man’s Beach (aka Playa Acupulquito), Tequila Cove, Santa Maria Beach, and Palmilla Beach in the Corridor.
Taxis are expensive in Los Cabos, costing around $50USD one-way from the airport to the hotels. Round trip fare from Cabo to San Jose is usually between $80 and $100USD. Car rentals are fairly cheap here, while tours and some hotels offer their own transportation.
Pay in pesos whenever possible. Many hotels, restaurants, and tour operators accept payment in U.S. dollars. However, travelers will almost always overpay if using dollars, as the exchange rate for tourists favors the peso.

The Esperanza hotel on the Cabo Corridor.

The 18 Best Hotels in Los Cabos

1. Hacienda Beach Club & Residences – Cabo San Lucas

Awesome location on Medano Beach and a short walk to downtown Cabo San Lucas. Two heated pools, three hot tubs, top notch fitness center, spa, pool bar, and one of the best restaurants in town. One-bedroom units are great for couples. Two and three-bedroom apartments are great for families. This is a fantastic place to stay.
Hotel phone: +52 624 163 3100
Hotel website • Check prices for Hacienda

2. Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa – Cabo San Lucas

On the beach just down from the Hacienda is the four-star Casa Dorada. Not quite as lux but still a super hotel and one of my favorites. Great value with a gorgeous beachfront pool. Swimming on the beach is wonderful and town is an easy walk along the sand or through the backstreets. One and two-bedroom suites are available.
Hotel phone: +52 624 163 5700
Hotel website • Check prices for Casa Dorada

3. Esperanza – Corridor, Cabo del Sol

Romantic, ocean view suites front a virgin beach in this luxury, boutique resort. Their award-winning spa features hand-made, indigenous treatments and is complemented by cascading infinity pools and a beachfront whirlpool. Breezy casitas, suites, and villas all feature local, artisanal furnishings, hammocks, and soaking tubs. Along with plenty of adults-only spaces (it’s a great honeymoon resort), amenities for children here include a kids’ club with cooking classes, mini-golf, and games. Though the beach here is rocky, the resort is only a short drive to several sandy, swimmable beaches. Located southeast of the Cabo del Sol complex in the Corridor.
Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6400
Hotel website • Check prices for Esperanza

4. Viceroy Los Cabos – San Jose, Hotel Zone

The most visually striking hotel in Los Cabos, the Viceroy’s architecture resembles a futuristic pueblo on a gorgeous golden sand beach. Its interior courtyard paths are set amid reflecting pools, meeting up at a pod-like restaurant designed like an inverted bird nest, before continuing on toward a chic swimming pool and further to the beach club. Rooms are spacious with minimalist décor, electronic lighting, and shades, and all feature large terraces with oversized soaking tubs, daybeds, and a breakfast table. Dining is remarkable here, with organic produce and local seafood served daily in Nido (the bird nest) and Casero, their contemporary Mexican fine dining restaurant. Their spa offers massage and body treatments with a special focus on aromatherapy and music. Located in the San Jose Hotel Zone, a fifteen-minute bike ride (complimentary bikes) or short taxi to the Downtown Art District.
Hotel phone: +52 624 104 9999
Hotel website • Check prices for Viceroy

5. Cabo Surf Hotel – Corridor, Palmilla

This upscale yet casual, family-friendly boutique sits on a long, sandy beach in a cove with the best surf break in Los Cabos. Ideal for families, the hotel offers connecting rooms, and the largest suite has three bedrooms and a full kitchen. The attached surf school offers classes for ages six and up; peak surf lasts from March through November, but there are gentle waves all year long for beginning surfers or swimmers. With a cozy spa, all-day dining, two pools and two hot tubs, there is something for everyone here. Located on Old Man’s Beach in the Corridor, just north of Palmilla Beach, about five minutes’ drive to dining, shopping, and art in downtown San Jose.
Hotel phone: +52 624 142 2666
Hotel website • Check prices for Cabo Surf Hotel

6. Marquis Los Cabos – Corridor, Tequila Cove

This five-star resort, a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World consortium, is one of the few adults-only, all-inclusive properties in Los Cabos. All suites offer sweeping ocean views, Jacuzzi tubs, and private balconies; master suites and casitas include private pools, some with rooftop terraces and gardens. Superb restaurants feature local, seasonal menus in a variety of cuisines, including French, pan-Asian, and Baja, alongside local tequilas and artful cocktails. Three divine pools, a holistic spa, and direct beach access ensure an unparalleled guest experience. Located in the Corridor on Tequila Cove, a short walk to a calmer beach, and near golf courses.
Hotel phone: +52 624 144 2000
Hotel website • Check prices for Marquis Los Cabos

7. Hotel El Ganzo – San Jose, Puerto Los Cabos

Stylish, adults-only boutique with a rooftop pool, glass Jacuzzi, and a private beach club accessed by boat. With picturesque views of the marina and Sea of Cortez, along with chic décor, original murals, and live music by visiting artists and musicians-in-residence, El Ganzo offers a creative alternative to the usual beach getaway. Exceptional restaurants and bars feature ingredients grown onsite in the hotel’s culinary garden. Local elements feature heavily in their spa menu, with Baja flowers, mezcal, and agave incorporated into traditions from Bali, India, and Thailand. Located in Puerto Los Cabos near the San Jose Estuary, a fifteen-minute ride on one of their loaner bikes to the downtown arts district.
Hotel phone: +52 624 104 9000
Hotel website • Check prices for Hotel El Ganzo

8. The Cape – Corridor, Cabo Bello

Mexico Moderno architecture lends an urban vibe to this intimate hotel, featuring an infinity pool, saltwater pool, and Cabo San Lucas’ only rooftop lounge. Contemporary rooms all boast views of the ocean and El Arco, along with copper soaking tubs and craft cocktail bars. Spacious one- to three-bedroom villas add full kitchens, while penthouse villas include private, rooftop plunge pools. Its spa is carved into the stone cliffs with a signature massage matching the sound and intensity of the ocean waves in real time. Fantastic dining options include Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) and Baja-American cuisine, as well as poolside and beachfront bar service. Located in Cabo Bello on Monuments Beach, a popular surf break in the Corridor, just fifteen minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas.
Hotel phone: +52 624 163 0000
Hotel website • Check prices for The Cape

9. Montecristo Villas – Cabo San Lucas, Sunset Beach

A collection of spacious villas, each with its own private pool and hot tub, in a gated community overlooking the Sea of Cortez and Sunset Beach. Elegantly appointed units all have three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a full kitchen, two living rooms, and sleep up to ten people. Butler service and grocery shopping service are both complimentary. The common area features a free form infinity pool, tranquil spa, and a sports bar. Rates include shuttle service to Quivira Golf Club and all sister properties, offering access to twenty more restaurants and a private area on Sunset Beach. Located in the hills just above Downtown Cabo San Lucas.
Hotel phone: +52 624 142 9971
Hotel website • Check prices for Montecristo Villas

10. Hilton Beach & Golf Resort – Corridor, Tequila Cove

A contemporary, family-centric resort, the Hilton offers exceptional pools, rooms, and plenty of activities for kids, families, and adults. The kids’ club for ages 4-12 hosts piñata parties and Mexican craft activities, while adults can take up mixology and cooking classes. Two fantastic, 24-hour pools overlook the only swimmable beach in the area; swim-up bars in the pools, swing bar on the beach. Rooms are spacious, beginning at 50 square meters, all with private balconies and some with outdoor Jacuzzis. Located in the Corridor next to Tequila Cove, exactly in between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose.
Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6500
Hotel website • Check prices for Hilton Beach & Golf Resort

11. Hyatt Ziva – San Jose, Hotel Zone

Luxury all-inclusive resort with four pools surrounded by shady cabanas, a kids’ splash playground, a teen game room, and nightly entertainment. Spacious rooms and suites all include a private balcony or terrace; connecting, swim up, or club level options available, the latter with access to an exclusive lounge and upgraded room amenities. Sixteen unique restaurants and bars offer flavors from around the world, including Mexican, French, and Japanese, along with a tequila bar and 24-hour cantina. Its Zen Spa features peaceful massage palapas surrounded by water. Located in the San Jose Hotel Zone, near an amazing swimming beach, Palmilla.
Hotel phone: +52 624 163 7730
Hotel website • Check prices for Hyatt Ziva

12. Grand Fiesta Americana – Corridor, Cabo del Sol

Family-friendly, all-inclusive resort, boasting six pools, four whirlpools, and fifteen bars and restaurants; truly something for everyone! Its unique spa specializes in “vinotherapy,” wine-based massage and therapeutic treatments. The resort offers a variety of rooms and suites, all with balconies, and some with private pools or gardens. Direct beach access fronted by a reef makes this an ideal spot for snorkeling. The Grand Fiesta sits in the Corridor, right next to the Cabo del Sol Ocean and Desert golf courses.
Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6200
Hotel website • Check prices for Grand Fiesta Americana

13. Hacienda del Mar – Corridor, Cabo del Sol

Elegant colonial-style resort with five pools, located between two golf courses in the Cabo del Sol complex. Its “Old Mexico” vibe is its most distinctive attribute, with ornamental cupolas, Catholic artwork, antique gold, red tile roof, and hand-painted tiles. Enormous suites from one to four bedrooms and two floors can sleep up to ten. Their amazing kids’ club features time in the kids’ pool with waterfalls and slides, Spanish lessons, and even camping. Spa days and romantic dining round out the experience.
Hotel phone: +52 624 145 8000
Hotel website • Check prices for Hacienda del Mar

14. Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Cabo San Lucas, Sunset Beach

Exquisite adults-only, all-inclusive resort with two dazzling pools, an award-winning spa, and a private golf course. Sophisticated rooms and suites all include private terraces, some with personal plunge pools. Tower rooms and suites add 24-hour butler service, upgraded amenities, and access to an exclusive lounge. Sumptuous dining here focuses on contemporary Baja flavors using local, organic produce, fresh seafood, and fine meat cuts. The Pacifica’s design and style celebrate its desert surroundings with sand-colored buildings, cactus gardens, and raked sand landscaping. Located on Sunset Beach on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas, about ten minutes’ drive to the marina and downtown nightlife.
Hotel phone: +52 624 142 9696
Hotel website • Check prices for Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort

15. Bahia Hotel & Beach House – Cabo San Lucas, Downtown

Fashionable boutique hotel with a free-form pool and beach club on the edge of downtown Cabo San Lucas. This chic hotel is home to two of the top restaurants in Cabo San Lucas: Bar Esquina, known for its seasonal Mexican-Mediterranean menus, and SUR Beach House, with its craft cocktails and Asian-Peruvian-Mexican flavor fusions. Newly renovated rooms feature modern Mexican décor with rich woods, tree stump tables, and lots of natural light. Bahia Hotel is only one block from Medano Beach and walking distance to nearly every bar and restaurant in town.
Hotel phone: +52 624 143 1890
Hotel website • Check prices for Bahia Hotel & Beach House

16. Casa Natalia – San Jose, Downtown

This sunny boutique hotel with creative flair and a fountain-fed pool is home to one of the city’s best restaurants, Mi Cocina. Casa Natalia embodies the artistic vibe of San Jose, with colorful rooms featuring Mexican textiles, original artworks, and bold accent walls and furnishings. All rooms feature bright terraces with hammocks, while spa suites add outdoor whirlpools. Superior suites and above include complimentary, private breakfast delivered to your terrace. Complimentary transfer to the Beach Club at El Ganzo. Located in Downtown San Jose on the main square, walking distance to the town’s famous Art Walk, historic church, and restaurants.
Hotel phone: +52 624 146 7101
Hotel website • Check prices for Casa Natalia

17. Villa La Estancia – Cabo San Lucas, Downtown

Gorgeous resort on sandy, swimmable Medano Beach, with cascading, sea-facing pools and five Jacuzzis. This hacienda-style resort with Spanish colonial décor is home to well-appointed rooms and spacious suites that include up to three bedrooms. An oversized spa offers a wide menu: from romantic, couples massage and hydrotherapy packages to kids’ services in the Mini Spa. Guests may dine at the casual, poolside grill and upscale, Italian restaurant onsite, or choose one of the many restaurant options at the sister properties next door. Full meal plans are available here, or guest may take the short walk to Downtown Cabo San Lucas to check out the local gastronomy scene. Located on Cabo’s most popular beach, near nightlife, dining, and shops.
Hotel phone: +1 877-897-1951
Hotel website • Check prices for Villa la Estancia Beach Resort & Spa

18. Sandos Finisterra – Cabo San Lucas, Downtown

Gorgeous all-inclusive, family-friendly resort carved into a cliffside boasting three pools, a kids club with activities, a nightclub, and a spa with hydrotherapy. Rooms feature contemporary décor with balconies, some with private Jacuzzis. The common areas are decked out in a retro style, and take the rugged landscape into consideration, using the natural rocks as interior walls. Its high vantage point offers unsurpassed, panoramic views of the Pacific, Sea of Cortez, and Cabo. The resort is walking distance to the Cabo marina, bars, and restaurants, but guests will want to drive back up.
Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6700
Hotel website • Check prices for Sandos Finisterra

Staying in Cabo San Lucas, Downtown

The main beach in Cabo San Lucas, a short walk from the Marina and downtown.

Cabo San Lucas, usually shortened to Cabo, was a tiny fishing village only forty years ago. But this sleepy town has been experiencing a tourism boom since the late ’70s, fast becoming one of the top beach destinations in the world. Downtown Cabo is best known for its lively bars and nightclubs, golden sand beaches, and relaxed attitude. The town is laid out in a C-shape, following the contours of the coast, beginning with Medano Beach to the northeast, the marina in the center, and wrapping around to Land’s End and the famous El Arco rock formation at the southeastern tip. All of the beaches in this area front the Sea of Cortez and are swimmable, including Medano (the most popular), Playa Empacadora (mostly locals), and Lovers Beach (accessible by water taxi). Beaches on the south side face the Pacific, such as Sunset Beach; these are closed to swimming due to the deadly current.

Just inland from the beaches, Downtown Cabo is home to casual and fine dining restaurants, and wild nightclubs and bars. The marina area includes Puerto Paraíso mall, water taxis to Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach, tour and fishing boats, plus more bars and restaurants, some that will cook any fish that travelers catch. A small main plaza with a historic church, local natural history museum, and souvenir shops sits to the southwest of the Marina. Everything is close; in fact, you can walk the length of Madero Beach, all the way around the marina, and to Land’s End in about thirty minutes.

Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas, Downtown & Beach

Hacienda Beach Club & Residences • Hotel phone: +52 624 163 3100

Casa Dorada Resort & Spa • Hotel phone: +52 800 823 4282

Bahia Hotel & Beach House • Hotel phone: +52 624 143 1890

Villa La Estancia • Hotel phone: +1 877-897-1951

Sandos Finisterra • Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6700

Casa Bella Hotel • Hotel phone: +52 624 143 6400

Staying in Cabo San Lucas, Sunset Beach

The beach at the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort.

The Sunset Beach area sits on the southern edge of Cabo, overlooking the Pacific. This is the latest area to be developed in Cabo, so the beach itself is fairly secluded and unspoiled. Though not swimmable, Sunset Beach is the perfect spot to unwind in the sun or hit the links; away from the raucous partying of downtown, but still accessible to its dining, marina, and conveniences. This area is home to a few luxury resorts, high-end residences, and Jack Nicklaus-designed Quivira Golf Club.

Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas, Sunset Beach

Montecristo Villas • Hotel phone: +52 624 142 9971

Pueblo Bonito Pacifica • Hotel phone: +52 624 142 9696

Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach • Hotel phone: +52 624 142 9999

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal • Hotel phone: +52 624 163 4300

Staying in San Jose del Cabo, Downtown and Hotel Zone

Best beach resort near San Jose del Cabo.

The Viceroy Hotel in San Jose del Cabo.

San Jose is a relaxed town with a boho vibe. Romantic colonial architecture, fine restaurants, low-key cantinas, and its famous Art Walk are the town’s biggest draws. San Jose is greener than Cabo and the surrounding area because of an underwater river that flows through here, eventually surfacing to create a lush estuary. The wetlands here are home to a bird sanctuary with walking trails, a small beach, and observation platforms, and it’s a popular spot for bicycling or horseback riding. The nineteenth-century Spanish church, Parroquia San José del Cabo, is the historic heart of downtown, with the Art District’s main galleries just one block away on Alvaro Obregon.

Most of the activities are in downtown, but most hotels are just southwest in the Hotel Zone. This is a 3.5 km strip of beach beginning at Costa Azul beach to the southwest and ending at the far northeast of Playa Hotelera (Hotel Beach). This long stretch of golden sand is popular for sunning and beach sports, but is not swimmable. The only swimmable beach in San Jose is further northeast in Puerto Los Cabos.

Best Hotels in San Jose, Downtown and Hotel Zone

Viceroy • Hotel phone: +52 624 104 9999

Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos • Hotel phone: +52 624 163 7730

Casa Natalia • Hotel phone: +52 624 146 7101

Staying in San Jose, Puerto Los Cabos

The waterfront pool at Hotel El Ganzo.

Puerto Los Cabos is on the opposite side of the estuary from Downtown and is home to the Marina, the swimmable beach La Playita, and some of the newest hotels in San Jose. This area is generally quieter than downtown, though there are a few attractions here, including the Dolphin Discovery at the marina and the Wirikuta Cactus Garden, filled with sculptures, local flora, and hosting a nightly theater show. Puerto Los Cabos is less than ten minutes from Downtown by bike or car.

Best Hotels in San Jose, Puerto Los Cabos

Hotel El Ganzo • Hotel phone: +52 624 104 9000

JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa • Hotel phone: +52 624 163 7600

Zadun (Ritz Carlton) • (Hotel phone: +52 624 172 9000)

Staying in The Corridor

The Cabo Surf Hotel on the Cabo Corridor but sill close to San Jose del Cabo.

“The Corridor” is a roughly 30 km stretch of Highway 1, connecting Cabo and San Jose del Cabo. Many of the area’s largest resorts are here, alongside a few golf courses, swimmable beaches, and adventure parks. Resorts and attractions here are spread out, so those who plan on exploring much outside their resort grounds will need to rent a car or arrange for other transportation; there is nothing within walking distance of most hotels here.

The best surf breaks on the Corridor are at Old Man’s Beach and Playa Monumentos. The best snorkeling is at Santa Maria Beach and Chileno Bay. The best beaches for swimming are Palmilla and Tequila Cove.

Best Hotels in the Corridor

Esperanza • Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6400

Cabo Surf Hotel • Hotel phone: +52 624 142 2666

Hilton Beach & Golf Resort • Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6500

The Cape • Hotel phone: +52 624 163 0000

Marquis • Hotel phone: +52 624 144 2000

Grand Fiesta Americana • Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6200

Hacienda del Mar • Hotel phone: +52 624 145 8000

Grand Velas Los Cabos Luxury All Inclusive • Hotel phone: +52 322 226 8917

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Tulum Travel Guide

Mexico › Tulum
Updated: February 20, 2024

The 85 best hotels, restaurants, shops, nightlife, cenotes, beaches, tours, neighborhoods, and things to do in Tulum, Mexico.

Tulum Articles

Tulum Hotels

1. Mezzanine • North Beach Zone • $$$$

Luxe, oceanfront, boutique hotel with a pool and Thai restaurant. Rooms and suites all come with yoga mats, minibars, and daily delivery of coffee and tea; master suites add soaking tubs and large private terraces overlooking the beach. Located just a few steps from one of Tulum’s best beaches and a short bike ride from the ruins. • Hotel phone: +52 984 131 1596 • Review

2. Jashita • Soliman Bay, north of North Beach Zone • $$$$

Family-friendly, luxury boutique hotel on a semi-private beach. Jashita Hotel features 3 pools, beachfront service, a Mexican-Italian fusion restaurant, and a spa with shaman ceremonies. All rooms have king-sized beds and private terraces; top tier suites add private pools. The hotel sits on Soliman Bay near Casa Cenote and about 10 km north of the Tulum ruins. • Hotel phone: +52 984 875 4158 • Review

3. Casa Malca • South Beach Zone • $$$$

Stylish hotel with 2 pools, 3 restaurants, and an upscale beach club. Junior and master suites are all spacious and private, while the entire property is filled with contemporary art and eclectic decor. The hotel is family-friendly throughout the year, except for the weeks surrounding New Year’s Eve when it becomes adults-only during Tulum’s EDM festivals. Located on a sandy beach just a 10-minute walk to amazing restaurants and Sian Ka’an Biosphere.
• Hotel phone: +52 984 167 7154 • Review

4. La Valise • South Beach Zone • $$$$

An upscale beachfront hotel with 2 plunge pools and 24-hour air conditioning (a rare luxury in the beach zone). La Valise’s onsite restaurant serves breakfast and lunch on the beach, while their sister restaurant serves Mexican fine dining in the evening under the jungle canopy. The hotel sits on a quiet stretch of wide, sandy beach just a short walk to amazing restaurants, nightlife, yoga studios, and spas.
• Hotel phone: +1 305 999 1540 • Review

5. La Zebra • South Beach Zone • $$$$

Perfect for families, this beachfront boutique hotel offers a rooftop infinity pool, luxury spa, and a playground. Suites are designed for up to 4 with a king bed and twin trundle beds; the best suites add private plunge pools. Every Sunday, La Zebra hosts a kid-friendly salsa night with free lessons, an open dancefloor, and a live band.
• Hotel phone: (+52) 984-115-4728 • Review

6. Tago • Middle Beach Zone • $$$$

Luxury beach hotel with huge rooms, all featuring private plunge pools. Tago’s all-day restaurant serves Mexican dishes crafted with local ingredients and Mediterranean influences. Great restaurants are just a short walk or bike ride away. • Hotel phone: +52 998 880 5629.

7. Ahau • Middle Beach Zone • $$$$

Ahau offers the quintessential Tulum experience: an outstanding wellness and yoga program, funky-chic rooms, and a sandy beach with a kitesurfing school. The hotel’s restaurants offer fantastic vegan and meat menus with fresh ingredients grown by local, Maya farmers. Located near many of Tulum’s best restaurants and nightlife. • Hotel phone: +52 984 147 5225 • Review

8. Nômade • South Beach Zone • $$$$

Eclectic, Bohemian, boutique hotel with air-conditioned tents, suites, and villas, many with private pools and outdoor showers. Their yoga and wellness program is steeped in Maya traditions with healing rituals and shaman ceremonies. Food is healthy and delicious at both Macondo (vegan/vegetarian) and La Popular (seafood) restaurants. Nômade sits right on the beach about a 10-minute walk to Sian Ka’an Biosphere. • Hotel phone: +52 984 803 2243 • Review

9. Una Vida • Pueblo • $$$

The most luxurious hotel in the Pueblo, Una Vida features a refreshing pool, daytime restaurant, and free bicycles. Large suites offer up to 3 bedrooms and sleep up to 8 guests; all studios and suites have kitchenettes and outdoor showers or bathtubs. Private dining, tequila/mezcal tastings, and in-room yoga/massage sessions are available on request. • Hotel phone: +52 984 240 5231 • Review

10. Cabañas La Luna • Middle Beach Zone • $$$

Rustic, Robinson Crusoe-style boutique hotel right on the beach. Family-friendly suites offer up to 2 bedrooms, while the villa features 4 bedrooms, a kitchen, and a private pool. Dining is wonderful at their Mexican-Mediterranean fusion restaurant Las Estrellas. Great spot near restaurants, beach clubs, and 2 kiteboarding schools. • Hotel phone: +52 984 146 7737 • Review

11. Sueños • South Beach Zone • $$$

Maya-themed, eco-friendly hotel with a pool, yoga studio, and restaurant. All suites feature private decks with hammocks, while the penthouse adds a stone jacuzzi. Sueños sits on a quiet stretch of beach, surrounded by beach clubs and restaurants, just a short bike-ride to Sian Ka’an. • Hotel phone: +52 984 119 3484 • Review

Tulum Restaurants

12. Arca • Middle Beach Zone • $$$$

An upscale, farm-to-table restaurant on the jungle side of Tulum’s beach road, Arca offers an ever-changing selection of local meat, seafood, and produce all cooked over a fire. Recipes draw from local Maya traditions and contemporary techniques. Dinner only; open Tuesdays through Sundays; reservations recommended. • Map • +52 984 111 5379.

13. Hartwood • Middle Beach Zone • $$$$

Hartwood is Tulum’s premier, fine dining restaurant. Each evening a new dinner menu highlights seasonal produce from local, Maya farms along with sustainably caught seafood cooked over an open flame. This off-grid restaurant offers open air seating and is lit by candlelight only. Dinner only; open Wednesdays through Sundays. Reservations are accepted one month in advance by email ([email protected]). • Map • +52 555 202 0030.

14. Cetli • Pueblo • $$$

Serving elevated, traditional Mexican cuisine in an art-filled hacienda, Cetli is the best restaurant in the Pueblo. Mole (the sauce, not the animal) is the specialty here, with several varieties all prepared in pre-Hispanic style with fresh, local ingredients ground with a metate stone. The restaurant is open all day, but dinner service is when the restaurant shines. Reservations are recommended for dinner but are not necessary during the day. • Map • +52 984 108 0681.

15. La Gloria de Don Pepe • Pueblo • $$

Cozy tapas restaurant serving Spanish-Mediterranean fare and excellent wines. La Gloria is best loved for their paella (takes about 30 minutes, so order appetizers for the wait), though their fideuà (seafood pasta), chistorra sausage, and various tapas are all amazing. Lively atmosphere in the evenings. Open for lunch and dinner; cash only. • Map • +52 984 152 4471.

16. NÜ Restaurant • South Beach Zone • $$$$

Contemporary, upscale Mexican restaurant in a stylish, jungle setting. The menu focuses on traditional ingredients with a modern spin; all dishes are prepared with care and artistry. NÜ is ideal for romantic occasions and special celebrations. Dinner only; reservations strongly recommended. • Map • +52 558 060 2747.

17. Posada Margherita • Middle Beach Zone • $$$$

Posada Margherita is a picturesque, beachfront Italian restaurant. All pasta is made to order by hand, the pizza is a family recipe passed on through the generations, and the well-curated wine list changes regularly. The restaurant is open all day, though the lunch/dinner menu is best. Cash only; no reservations. • Map • +52 786 472 3438.

18. Safari • Middle Beach Zone and Aldea Zama • $$

Campfire cuisine with an innovative, rustic menu and open-air seating in the jungle. Safari serves Yucatecan-Mexican dishes all prepared in an airstream trailer kitchen and cooked outside over a fire pit. The food pairs perfectly with their signature cocktails, Mexican craft beers, and aguas frescas. The beach location is the original restaurant, but they have recently opened a second spot in Aldea Zama. The Aldea Zama spot is indoors, but the food is still fire-cooked. The beach location is open for lunch and dinner, cash only. Aldea Zama adds a breakfast service and accepts credit cards. • Beach Map • Aldea Zama Map • +52 984 745 2340.

19. Clan-Destino • Middle Beach Zone • $

Great little bar and burger restaurant set in the jungle with a private cenote. The simple menu offers meat or veggie burgers, strong cocktails, and beer. Virgin Cenote at the restaurant’s heart is illuminated at night by a chandelier and supposedly restores the virginity of anyone who swims in it. Offering a jukebox, karaoke, and live music, this casual spot offers a fantastic break from the chichi restaurants lining the beach. Open from noon until 5:00 in the morning. • Map • +52 984 169 5353.

20. WILD • South Beach Zone • $$$

Stylish, jungle restaurant serving creative Mexican-international cuisine cooked over an open flame and highlighting local ingredients. WILD’s sophisticated cocktail menu was designed by the French/Ibezan celeb mixologist Nicolas Baptiste, blending cosmopolitan and regional tastes. Ideal for weddings and special events. Reservations recommended. • Map • +52 984 130 8295.

21. El Asadero • Pueblo • $$

El Asadero is the best steakhouse in Tulum, offering perfectly cooked cuts, a romantic ambiance, and live music nightly. The house specialty is arrachera (marinated skirt steak) served with chorizo, potatoes, and grilled cactus. Open for dinner only; reservations recommended. • Map • +52 984 157 8998.

22. Casa Banana • South Beach Zone • $$$

This upscale, Argentine restaurant is the best steakhouse in the beach zone. The stars of the menu are the flame-grilled steaks and homemade chorizo along with a selection of smoky, mezcal-based cocktails and local beer. The restaurant is open all day, though dinner is their strong point. • Map • +52 984 806 2871.

Tulum Tacos

23. Taqueria Honorio • Pueblo • $

Semi-famous, family-run taco stand serving tacos and tortas stuffed with Yucatecan specialties, including conchinita pibil, lechón al horno, poc chuc, relleno negro, and more. Seating is at the small bar in front of the cart, plus there are a few long tables and plastic chairs under a tent. Honorio’s tacos are in high demand, so expect to wait and to pay a little more than at other taquerias in the Pueblo. Open from 6:00 a.m. until they run out of food, usually around 1:00 or 1:30 p.m. Cash only. • Map • +52 998 102 0523.

24. Taqueria El Carboncito • Pueblo • $

The best pastor tacos in Tulum, though their chorizo and beef tacos and tortas are also stellar. Order the tacos con piña (with pineapple) and with a glass of jamaica (sweet hibiscus tea) or horchata (sweet cinnamon rice drink). This super casual, affordable, open-air restaurant is popular with locals and travelers alike, so there is often a wait for a table. Ordering to go is often faster. • Map • +52 984 256 6451.

25. Los Antojitos la Chiapaneca • Pueblo • $

Amazing street tacos for only 10 pesos each (15 pesos with cheese), plus killer empanadas, panuchos, and salbutes. This bustling little snack shack offers covered or outdoor seating, but it’s always packed, so be ready for a wait or order to go. Hours vary, but Los Antojitos la Chiapaneca is usually open after 5:00 p.m. Cash only. • Map • +52 984 112 3249.

26. Tacos y Tortas El Tio • Pueblo • $

Fantastic little street vendor with cheap, delicious tacos, tortas, and gringas. There are only 5 chairs around the countertop at this popular spot, so plan on taking everything to go. The cart parks in front of the Oxxo at the intersection of Avenida Tulum and Calle Geminis Sur. Cash only. Nights only, usually on the weekend. • Map

27. Burrito Amor • Pueblo • $$

OK, burritos aren’t tacos, but Burrito Amor offers an outstanding menu featuring homemade tortillas (flour, gluten-free, or grain-free) filled with delicious stuffings (meat, vegetarian, vegan, egg-free, dairy-free, or paleo-friendly fillings). With a focus on clean eating, this restaurant serves fresh, healthy meals that still deliver a ton of flavor. There is also a full bar boasting a variety of signature cocktails, plus aguas frescas, coffee, and fresh juices. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. • Map • +52 984 160 2989.

28. Charly’s Vegan Tacos • South Beach Zone • $

Outstanding taco shop on the jungle side of the beach road serving a mouthwatering range of 100% vegan tacos and snacks. The mock meats are especially well-done – hearty and flavorful enough to satisfy meat-eaters (especially the porkless cracklings), while their spin on guacamole, Guaca-Mango, is legendary. Charly’s charming setting with hanging lights and candles under a canopy of palm trees give this the best atmosphere of any taco shop in Tulum. • Map • +52 998 102 0523.

Tulum Cafes, Bakeries, and Sweets

29. Ki’bok Coffee • Pueblo • $$

The best coffee in Tulum. Ki’bok’s signature espresso drink, the Hemingway, is their version of a cortado, though the iced latte is their most popular order. For breakfast, try the huevos rancheros or the divorced eggs (cooked in two different salsas). Ki’bok has a walk-up bar under a thatched awning and a covered garden out back open all day. At night the rooftop bar opens with wonderful cocktails, music, and a chilled out vibe. • Map • +52 984 135 9509.

30. Campanella Creamerie • Pueblo • $

Outstanding gelateria and cafe known for their gelato-topped Belgian waffles. The gelato itself is top-notch, on par with the best in Italy – ask for the hazlenut or pineapple basil. Great coffee and sandwiches, too. Open until 11:00 p.m., but arrive early before they start running out of flavors. • Map • +52 984 871 2992.

31. Del Cielo • Pueblo • $$

The best brunch spot in the Pueblo. Del Cielo serves up a full menu of local, organic Mexican, Caribbean, and international dishes all with picture-perfect presentation. Famous for their breakfast and brunches (especially the tartine and French toast), Del Cielo has recently added a dinner service with handcrafted cocktails and a Mexican-Mediterranean menu. • Map • +52 984 160 0770.

32. Potheads • Beach Town • $$

The best breakfast and brunch on the beach road. Tunich boasts a solid menu of brunch and lunch items all day, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The menu features Mexican favorites, like chilaquiles and breakfast burritos, alongside stellar eggs benedict, pancakes, and French toast. Hearty portions are served up in a friendly, casual atmosphere. • Map • +52 984 112 1335.

33. El Gourmet • Pueblo • $$

A charming little cafe with fantastic veggie and meat paninis, great coffee, fresh juice, and rich desserts. El Gourmet bakes their bread fresh daily, and all paninis can be made with focaccia on request (you can also order bread on its own to go). Salads are made with high-quality, fresh, local produce and cheeses. The dining patio sits in a cheerful garden with rows of rainbow umbrellas overhead. • Map • +52 984 202 7048.

34. Panna e Cioccolato • Pueblo • $

Sweet little gelato shop with a range of traditional Italian and signature Mexican flavors, served in fresh, handmade waffle cones. Not much seating, so plan to take it for a stroll. Two locations in the Pueblo, both on Avenida Tulum, open all day until 11:30 p.m. • Map of the western location • Map of the eastern location • +52 984 140 9531.

35. Raw Love • Middle Beach Zone • $$

Stylish, raw vegan restaurant serving a gourmet menu of gluten-free superfoods in a boho setting with a rope swing, hammocks, and a sandy floor. Menu standouts include the açai bowl and raw pad thai. The restaurant is located inside Ahau Tulum’s property where the jungle and beach meet. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. • Map • +52 984 130 2013.

36. La Fourneé • Pueblo • $

The best bakery in Tulum. La Fournee offers a wide selection of French pastries, breads, and cakes. They also offer all-day dining on their back patio with an especially great brunch and lunch menu of crepes, sammies, salads, and great espresso drinks. Open all day, usually into the late evening. • Map • +52 984 130 9928.

Tulum Bars and Clubs

37. Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar • Pueblo • $$

Batey is the heart of the Pueblo’s nightlife. The bar is known for their hand-crafted mojitos made with fresh sugarcane juice pressed in a converted VW bug. Live music most nights. Tacos and tapas are on the trendy/expensive side. The bar gets packed at night but is more relaxed during the day. On Tulum’s weekly party rotation, Batey is the place to be on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. • Map • +52 984 745 4571.

38. Casa Jaguar • Middle Beach Zone • $$$

Chic Caribbean restaurant and bar with a boutique and chai house attached. Casa Jaguar is Tulum’s hot spot on Thursday nights with jungle parties on their sexy, candlelit back terrace, featuring local and international DJs with dancing from 11:00 p.m. into the wee hours. Thursday is the main party night here, but they also host jungle parties on Tuesdays and select Saturdays. • Map • +52 984 202 2464.

39. Gitano • Middle Beach Zone • $$$

Contemporary Mexican restaurant in the front and mezcal bar in the back, located on the jungle side of the beach road. Gitano is the place to be on Friday nights, with DJ sets, dancing, and drinks – the signature cocktails are slow to make but worth the wait. Gitano opens for dinner nightly at 6:00; reservations strongly recommended. Fridays and Saturdays are lively DJed dance nights starting at 11:00; Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays Gitano hosts live music starting earlier in the evening with a more chilled out vibe. • Map • [email protected].

40. Papaya Playa Project • Beach Town • $$$

Papaya Playa Project hosts the biggest, wildest parties in Tulum every Saturday, but their Full Moon Parties are totally over the top, held monthly on the Saturday closest to the full moon with top-name DJs and dancing until 3:00 a.m. or later. Cover charges vary, but expect to pay at least $25 to get in. Parties usually start around 11:00 p.m. but don’t really get going until after midnight. For the major parties (usually in December and January and especially on New Year’s Eve), there can be 1000 to 3000 attendees easily, so buy tickets in advance and arrive early to avoid the line, which can be up to 3 hours long. Groups should consider reserving a table. • Map • WhatsApp: +52 1 984 179 8516.

41. Sunday Salsa Night at La Zebra • South Beach Zone • $

Every week La Zebra Hotel hosts a salsa dance party. Free salsa lessons are held from 6:30 to 7:30, after which a live band takes over and guests can enjoy over 3 hours of dancing. The main restaurant and bar remain open for drinks during the party, but the best drinks are found at their beach bar The Mulberry Project, serving handcrafted signature cocktails with mezcal, tequila, and rum. No cover charge; family friendly. • Map • +52 1 984 115 4726.

42. Kin Toh • Beach Town • $$$$

Kin Toh is by far the best looking restaurant in Tulum, but the food is for adventurous eaters only. However, the bar/shisha lounge is amazingly cool: outstanding mixology, sultry ambiance, treehouse design, and sunset views over the jungle canopy. The layout features outdoor “nests” above the treeline and indoor islands of oversized papasan-like tables. Between the tables are catamaran nets suspended in the air and covered in pillows for lounging. Reservations recommended for sunsets, dining, or groups but not necessary for visiting the bar. • Map • +52 984 980 0640.

43. Kiki • Pueblo • $

Kiki is the one and only nightclub in Tulum and attracts a good mix of locals and travelers alike, with a crowd that skews young thanks to the nearby hostels. Drinks are strong and affordably priced and the DJs are fantastic. Doors open at midnight, and the party gets going around 1:00ish until 6 or 7 in the morning. Kiki is always open Wednesdays through Saturdays and is sometimes open other days, too (check their Facebook page for updates). Usually no cover charge and often 2 for 1 drinks from midnight until 2:00 a.m. • Map

44. Pasito Tun Tun • Pueblo • $

Awesome little bar specializing in mezcal cocktails plus plenty of well-made classics and a great menu of light bites. The atmosphere is friendly and laid back in the early evenings. After 10:00, Pasito Tun Tun hosts live bands and DJs spinning deep house and electro-cumbia. A popular hangout for locals, expats, and travelers alike. • Map • +52 984 688 8550.

45. I Scream Bar • Middle Beach Zone • $

Combination bar, vegan/gluten-free/sugar-free ice cream shop, and meat and seafood-based taco shop. The specialty of the house are ice cream shots: scoops of their handmade ice cream with tequila or mezcal poured over the top. I Scream Bar is located in a beach-chic shack made of recycled VW bus parts complete with working headlights. Quiet in the day, spirited at night, good vibes anytime. • Map • +52 984 169 5353.

Tulum Shopping

46. Caravana • Middle Beach Zone • $$$$

Chic, Maya-inspired clothing and accessories with dramatic flair. All items are handcrafted by Mexican artisans in Vallodolid using traditional methods and materials. • Map • +52 985 119 0361.

47. Zak Ik • Beach Town • $$$$

Handmade, jungle-inspired designer clothing and accessories made with fair trade practices and eco-sourced materials. Attached to Azulik Hotel, the boutique features stunning design with footpaths over shallow pools, walls made of woven branches, and soft lighting – more like an art installation than a shop. Definitely worth a look, but be advised they do not allow children at all, no exceptions. • Map • +52 984 236 0935.

48.Josa Tulum • Middle Beach Zone • $$$

Well-known women’s clothing boutique for simple, elegant dresses and accessories. The dresses are all long with caftan-inspired cuts, one-size-fits-all, made of either jersey or chiffon, and designed to effortlessly move from day to evening. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. • Map • +52 984 115 8441

49. La Llorona • Middle Beach Zone • $$

Wonderful artisan boutique jam-packed with clothing, crafts, and decor, all locally made, a lot handmade, and all carefully curated by the artist owners. The traditional Maya and contemporary Mexican designs feature bright colors and bold patterns. The shop also offers local antiques upstairs. • Map • +52 984 116 3048.

50. Mixik • Pueblo and Beach Town • $$

Fantastic little gift and souvenir shops offering authentic, affordable crafts and trinkets that are 100% made in Mexico. Plenty of beadwork, glass art, embroidery, jewelry, and more. The Pueblo location is the larger of the two with a broader selection. • Pueblo Shop Map • Beach Town Shop Map • +52 984 871 2136.

51. Mr. Blackbird • South Beach Zone • $$$

This small shop offers handmade jewelry (for men and women), sandals, accessories, and home goods. Small production runs and one-of-a-kind pieces are all created by the owners and local artisans in an eclectic, graceful style.
• Map • +52 984 114 3796.

52. teepee • Middle Beach Zone • $$$

In the busy mid-section of the beach road across from Ahau Hotel, there’s a charming boutique in a white teepee. Inside, there is a spare selection of handmade clothing and accessories: caftans and dresses made from re-purposed vintage fabrics, eclectic jewelry, and rustic slippers and sandals. The shop has no name, no phone, and no website. Hours vary, but the boutique is generally open at least from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. • Map

53. Northeast Tulum Shops • Avenida Coba, northeast of the Pueblo • $-$$

Several open-air shops line Avenida Coba on the way to the Cobá ruins, selling rustic-chic home decor, garden furnishing, and art – everything from rough-hewn tables to hanging nest chairs and from brightly painted bathroom sinks and toilets to life-sized Day of the Dead statues. The first of the shops sits about 21 km from the Pueblo in the village Macario Gómez running northeast along the road for about 3 km, ending just outside of the village Franciso Uh May. Most shops here accept cash only. • Map of Starting Point • Map of Ending Point

Tulum Beaches

54. Playa Paraíso • North Beach Zone

Playa Paraíso aka Playa Maya is a white, sandy beach lined with palm trees and a few beach clubs scattered around. Several affordable snorkel tours depart from here throughout the day, no advanced reservations necessary. One of the quieter beaches in Tulum. • Map

55. Tankah Beach • Soliman Bay, north of Tulum

Quiet, well-maintained, white sand beach off the beaten path north of Tulum. Protected by its proximity to the reef and Cozumel Island, Tankah Beach has gentle surf with hardly any waves, perfect for beginning swimmers. The clear waters, coral reef, and native sea turtles make this a popular spot for snorkeling and kayaking. The beach sits on a private road, and even though all beaches in Mexico public, the security team at the entrance may ask where you plan on visiting. Tell them “Chamico’s,” the name of the only beachfront restaurant there. Supposedly 50 pesos for parking, but payment is not always enforced. • Map

56. Akumal Beach • Akumal, north of Tulum

Akumal Beach is a long, wide stretch of white sand fronted by a coral reef and teeming with sea turtles. But this beach has become super popular with tourists and dishonest tour guides trying to scam travelers. For the best chance of seeing the turtles, go before 9:00; the tourist hordes have not arrived yet to kick up sand and scare away the turtles and the tour guides have not shown up yet to try their scams. If arriving later in the day, here’s how it goes down: the guides will say that you have to snorkel in a designated area where they say all the turtles are (not true – the turtles roam free all throughout the bay), that everyone has to wear a life jacket (also not true – that’s only for the corralled area), and they will ask $35 per person for access to this special area (not true – entrance is free if you order anything from one of the restaurants or it’s 50 pesos to enter from the visitors center). The guides will also try to flag cars down at the front parking lot and overcharge for parking. Just ignore them; drive straight past them down the road. Parking here is only 20 pesos per hour, 50 pesos for the day, or free if you eat at a restaurant and use their parking. This all sounds like a hassle, but it’s really not; just ignore anyone trying to sell anything at the entrance. Once on the beach, it’s nice and calm. • Map

57. South Beach • South Beach Zone

The southern end of the South Beach Zone (from about km 8.5 to km 10) offers long, wide stretches of powdery sand and moderate waves. This area has a more relaxed atmosphere and fewer beach vendors than the North and Middle Beach Zones, because, though the South Beach is public, there are no public access points to reach it. Access is gained through the beach clubs and hotels there or by entering from farther north and walking down. For a truly luxurious beach experience, rent a cabana at Casa Malca or Nest’s beach clubs (reservations recommended). For a more low key beach experience, visit Om or Maalix’s Beach Clubs. • Map (starting point) • Map (ending point)

58. Ruins Beach and Santa Fe Beach • North Beach Zone

Just below the Tulum Ruins archaeological zone is a small beach with white sand and crystal blue water (sometimes a little choppy). Though located at the base of Tulum’s most popular attraction, Ruins Beach is surprisingly relaxed. The occasional tour group comes through, but most people just see the beach from the cliffs above. Access to Ruins Beach is gained by entering the archaeological site and taking a wooden stairway down, or strong swimmers can reach it by swimming up from Santa Fe Beach, about 500 meters south. Santa Fe Beach was one of Tulum’s original hangout spots before the tourism boom. Along with soft sand and turquoise water, there are a handful of casual beach clubs and affordable snorkel tours here. • Ruins Beach Map • Santa Fe Beach Map

59. Ziggy’s Beach and Coco Tulum Beach • Middle Beach Zone

The Middle Beach Zone is the liveliest part of Tulum’s beachfront, lined with hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, and bars. This long, uninterrupted stretch of sugary white sand with turquoise water and moderate waves is considered one beach with no particular name. The best 2 spots to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea in the Middle Beach Zone are Ziggy’s Beach and Coco Tulum, both fantastic all-day beach clubs serving top-notch food and drinks with plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas. Ziggy’s is better for families and groups, offering quiet days and live music nightly, while Coco is better for couples and singles, with a more lively vibe and EDM music all day. • Ziggy’s Beach Map • Coco Tulum Map

Tulum Cenotes and Lagoons

60. Cenotes Dos Ojos • Tankah, northeast of Tulum • $$$

A visit to Dos Ojos (Two Eyes) is a must when in Tulum. The cenote group is named for its 2 largest cenotes, the Blue Eye (open-air, crystal blue water, great for snorkeling) and the Black Eye (a pitch black cave, no visibility, dive with flashlights and a guide). These cenotes are part of Sac Actun, the world’s longest underwater cave system. Dos Ojos offers public access to 2 of the 5 total cenotes; a guide is required to visit the other 3. Dos Ojos is expensive compared to other cenotes (350 pesos for the 2 public cenotes; rates vary for snorkeling or diving tours), but it is well worth the cost. • Map

61. Cenote Zacil Ha • Avenida Coba, northwest of Tulum • $

Wonderful, family-centric cenote with a zip line running above it, a snack bar, and 2 pools. This open air cenote is small and only about 3 meters deep, but its zip line and diving platforms make it incredibly fun, popular for local and traveling families alike. There is a small snack bar, though guests may opt to bring their own food. 80 pesos to enter and 10 pesos for a turn on the zip line. • Map

62. Jardin del Eden Cenote • Xpu Ha, northeast of Tulum • $$

Large, gorgeous, open-air cenote surrounded by jungle with blue and turquoise water, some tiny underwater caves, diving platforms, and a few different hangout spots. Popular for diving lessons and snorkeling, though there are not a ton of fish to see. This cenote offers few services, just a small snack bar (or guests can bring food) and restrooms. 200 pesos to enter. • Map

63. Cenotes Cristal y Escondido • West of the Pueblo • $

These 2 open-air cenotes are not as well known as others nearby, so they’re usually pretty quiet. The water is unbelievably clear, since fewer people visit to kick up the sediment. Cenote Cristal is round and wide with a high diving platform; Cenote Escondido is long and skinny, with a rope swing and lots of fish. The 120 peso price includes admission to both cenotes. The main entrance and pay point for both are at Cristal; Escondido is right across the street. Parking is available at either spot. • Map

64. Cenote Azul • Xpu Ha, northeast of Tulum • $

Sprawling open-air cenote with sparkling blue water surrounded by lush jungle. Cenote Azul offers shallow and deep pools all connected by little walkways with a few diving platforms scattered around. Most people congregate at the main pool in the center. Several smaller, quieter pools branch out along the pathways, many with shady grottos and tiny fish that nibble people’s toes. Great for snorkeling and swimming for all skill levels. Popular with families. Small store with snacks or BYO. 120 pesos to enter. • Map

65. Casa Cenote (formerly Cenote Manatí) • Tankah, northeast of Tulum • $

A wonderful, open-air cenote with turquoise water, Casa Cenote is popular for swimming, snorkeling and scuba training. This saltwater/freshwater cenote has a current, so it moves like a lazy river, and it’s surrounded by wildlife, including coati, birds, and butterflies. Colorful fish and blue crabs hang out near the mangrove roots. Lucky swimmers may meet Panchito, a small crocodile who lives near the back end of the cenote. Don’t worry; Panchito keeps to himself. 120 pesos to enter, no guide required. There is a security checkpoint on the road in; tell them you are headed to Casa Cenote, and they will let you pass. • Map

66. Cenotes Choo-Ha, Tamcach-Ha, and Multum-Ha • Cobá, northwest of Tulum • $

About 6 km from the Cobá ruins, there are 3 underground cenotes with refreshingly chilly water: Choo-Ha, Tamcach-Ha, and Multum-Ha. Choo-Ha is the most dramatic-looking, filled with stalagmites and stalactites and shallow blue waters. Tamcach-Ha is the deepest and has 2 diving platforms at 5 and 10 meters high; this is the largest and most popular of the 3. Multum-Ha sits farther into the jungle than the others, so it tends to be the quietest with the clearest water. Multum-Ha is an almost perfect dome with a small opening up top that lets hanging vines and a little sunlight through. Each cenote costs 100 pesos to enter. • Choo-Ha Map • Tamcach-Ha Map • Multum-Ha Map

67. Yal Ku Lagoon and Cenote • Akumal, northeast of Tulum • $$

Gorgeous freshwater/saltwater lagoon teeming with parrotfish, angelfish, rays, sea turtles, barracudas, and more. The larger fish, rays, and turtles tend to hang out closer to where the lagoon meets the ocean, while the small, colorful fish stay toward the opposite side of the lagoon in the mangrove roots near the cenote. There are 2 entrances to Yal Ku run by 2 different companies. The entrance near the cenote (with blue and white signs) has less shade and fewer facilities, but they do not require life jacket rentals, so its best point of entry for snorkeling. The second entrance (with pink signs) is at the ocean end of the lagoon and has more upgraded facilities with palapa rentals, but they do require life jackets even for certified divers. Once in the lagoon, you can swim to any part regardless of where you entered. Both companies charge 280 pesos to enter. • Map

68. Cenote Chaak Tun • Playa del Carmen • $$$

Spectacular cave system with 2 underground cenotes filled with ancient stalagmites and stalactites. Chaak Tun is only available to visit with a guide. The excursion includes snorkeling in low-lit caverns and pitch-black caves (underwater flashlights provided), a shaman’s blessing at a Maya altar, and a light meal topped off with tequila. The whole tour takes about 2 hours with more than one hour spent in the water. Tours are available in English and Spanish and leave every 30 minutes between 8:00 and 2:30 (the park closes at 4:30). 550 pesos covers the tour, wetsuit, snorkel equipment, and food. • Map

69. Kaan Luum Lagoon and Cenote • West of Tulum • $

Kaan Luum is a family-friendly lagoon popular with locals and off the tourist track (though getting more popular every day). The lagoon has a unique pale turquoise color in the shallows with an abruptly dark blue circle where a deep cenote begins. Most of the lagoon is less than 1.5 meters deep, perfect for beginning swimmers and even non-swimmers, while the cenote is much deeper with access for scuba diving only. Facilities are minimal here with just a pier, a palapa, and an outhouse. Entrance is 100 pesos; if you bring a drone it’s an extra 150 pesos. • Map

Hotels on Map: Jashita • Una Vida • Mezzanine • Ahau

Tulum Yoga

70. Yoga Dicha • Pueblo • $

The top yoga studio in Tulum, Yoga Dicha offers classes 7 days a week, teacher trainings, workshops, and yoga retreats. Private and group beach yoga sessions are available on request. Offerings vary, but most classes are rooted in vinyasa, yin, or their signature Aligned Flow. Partnering with Help Tulum Dogs, a dog welfare non-profit, Yoga Dicha regularly offers donation-based yoga sessions with rescue puppies. • Map • +52 984 165 9800.

71. Tribal Yoga • Pueblo • $

Top-notch yoga studio boasting a wide range of styles, including vinyasa, hatha, yin, iyengar with wall ropes, and more. Tribal regularly offers single-day workshops and multi-day retreats as well as combo yoga and diving retreats in partnership with the adjacent dive shop and lofts. Classes are available 7 days a week. • Map • +52 984 871 2508.

72. Yäan Wellness Energy Healing Spa • South Beach Zone • $$$$

Luxury yoga and wellness center in a jungle setting. Yoga and meditation sessions are held in their open-air, tree-top shala with hatha and vinyasa yoga offered 7 days a week and Himalayan meditation sessions available 3 days a week. Yäan Wellness also offers temazcal ceremonies, healing water therapies, and a full-service spa featuring handmade, organic treatments made daily from herbs harvested from their rooftop garden. Amazing boutique onsite, too, with eclectic clothing, accessories, and gifts. Reservations recommended – classes fill up fast. • Map • 52 984 980 0676.

73. Sanará • South Beach Zone • $$$

Renowned beachfront yoga studio offering a wide variety of yoga styles (vinyasa, hatha, jivamukti, kundalini, and more) and meditation. Regular sessions are offered 3 times a day, 7 days a week. Special events include full moon yoga, new moon meditation, weekly sound healing, weekly gong bath, and wellness workshops. The studio is a covered, indoor space with floor to ceiling windows that open entirely and face over the ocean. • Map • 52 984 134 9721.

74. SUP Yoga Tulum • Sian Ka’an and Muyil, south of the South Beach Zone • $$$

Fun and challenging standup paddleboard yoga excursions. Classes meet in the morning at Del Cielo bistro in the Pueblo then ride together to that day’s location, either a lagoon in Muyil or Sian Ka’an or a private cenote at the edge of the biosphere. SUP Yoga sessions include round-trip transportation, equipment, 1.5 hours of yoga on the water, a photo session, and light, vegan refreshments. SUP Yoga retreats are also offered semi-regularly. • Map • 52 984 134 9721.

Tulum Things to Do

75. Maya Ruins • Tulum, Cobá, Chichén Itzá, and Ek Balam • $$

Tulum is home to the ruins of a Maya walled city and is near 3 other significant Maya sites: Chichén Itzá, Cobá, and Ek Balam. The Tulum Ruins date back to the 13th century A.D. when it served as a trading hub and the main port for nearby Cobá. Cobá (a 45-minute drive from the Pueblo) is a much older site, dating to the 1st or 2nd century A.D., known for having the largest road network of the ancient Maya world. Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam are about 2 hours’ drive from Tulum near Valladolid. Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates back to the 5th century A.D. and was once the most influential spiritual, economic, and scientific center of the Maya region, revered for its refined architecture. Ek Balam is the oldest of these Maya sites, established in the 1st century B.C., and is known for its intricate sculptures, massive main tower, and its incredible El Trono temple with a doorway shaped like a monster’s mouth, believed to be a gateway to the underworld. Hiring a guide is strongly recommended for these sites, but you don’t need to book in advance; just hire one at the entrance. • Tulum Ruins Map • Cobá Ruins Map • Chichén Itzá Map • Ek Balam Map

76. Rivera’s Kitchen • Pueblo • $$

The best cooking class in Tulum. Hosted by the charismatic, talented Lily in her own home kitchen, the class explores Maya, Yucatecan, and Oaxacan cooking traditions, including her family’s recipes. Lessons begin with a brief introduction to Mexican ingredients, food history, and food culture. The menu changes with the seasons, but classes always include tortilla-making, mezcal-tasting, and finish with a hearty, delicious meal. • Map • +52 984 129 2690.

77. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve • South of the South Beach Zone • $-$$

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sian Ka’an boasts 120 km of coastline and beaches, 300+ bird species, 100+ mammal species (including monkeys, jaguars, manatees, and tapirs), Maya ruins and ancient canals, tropical rainforest, a coral reef, hundreds of forested islands, and much more. Though anyone may enter on their own through the visitors’ centers in Punta Allen (the beach side) or Muyil (the jungle side), it is best to take a private or small group tour to see all the highlights. The best tour operator is Community Tours Sian Ka’an, a Maya-run co-op with knowledgeable, local guides and nature experts. • Map

78. Punta Laguna • Nuevo Durango, near Cobá • $$

Wonderful nature reserve off the beaten track. Punta Laguna is home to a few hundred spider monkeys, a few dozen howler monkeys, and a couple of hundred bird species. Guided excursions include a jungle walk (monkey-watching, botanical tour, and a dip in the lagoon), birdwatching (and exploring caves, Maya ruins, and the lagoon), or the full package (Maya ritual, jungle walk with monkeys, canoe ride and zip line over the lagoon, and rappelling and swimming in an underground cenote. Reservations strongly recommended. • Map • WhatsApp: +52 1 984 145 9347.

79. Mesoamerican Reef • All of the coastline – from the Yucatan to Guatemala • $-$$

The world’s second-largest coral reef runs right past Tulum, just a few hundred meters from the beach. Expect to find parrotfish, sergeant majors, surgeonfish, butterflyfish, barracudas, and (if you’re lucky) sea turtles and rays. Cheap, hour-long snorkel tours leave all day from Playa Paraíso in the North Beach Zone, no reservations necessary. Tankah Beach at Soliman Bay a little farther north offers a shallow entry point, making it possible for strong swimmers to reach the reef without hiring a boat. Another great option is to take the ferry to Cozumel and do a snorkel tour of El Cielo (the sky), named because of the starfish covering the seabed like a second sky.

Tulum Neighborhoods

80. North Beach Zone

The North Beach Zone is the strip of beach running along the edge of Tulum National Park, where the Maya ruins are. This generally means from the ruins in the north down 4 km south along the beach road to its intersection with Avenida Coba (the road to the Pueblo). Unofficially, the North Beach Zone extends a little farther north to the Tankah neighborhood. The North Beach Zone is the quietest beach area in Tulum, with just a few boutique hotels, restaurants, and beach clubs. Most hotels are on white sandy beaches, though there are a few areas of rocky coastline. Just north of the beach zone, there are several gorgeous cenotes, most notably Dos Ojos.

Best stuff: Mezzanine • Jashita • Mi Amor • Kitchen Table (gourmet Mexican restaurant in the jungle) • Loyal Order Beach (refined Turkish-Mediterranean restaurant) • Playa Paraíso (sandy beach with cheap snorkel tours) • Tankah Beach (semi-private beach, shallow water, great snorkeling) • Tulum Ruins (13th-century Maya ruins) • Mesoamerican Reef (hire a snorkel or dive tour or swim to the reef) • Cenote Dos Ojos (spectacular cenote and enormous cave system) • Casa Cenote (open-air cenote with fish and wildlife).

81. Beach Town

Beach Town is a cluster of hotels, restaurants, and shops from kilometer 4 to about kilometer 5.5 between the North and Middle Beach Zones. The beach is sandy and swimmable in the north end, with rocky patches for the southern 500 or so meters. In general, dining, drinking, and shopping are more affordable here than in the other beach areas. A little bit north of the Beach Town, you’ll find Kin Toh (a treetop restaurant/lounge) and Zak Ik (fashion boutique), both at stylish Azulik Resort. North of Azulik is Papaya Playa Project, which hosts wild, late-night beach parties every Saturday and full moon.

Best stuff: Zamas • Azulik • Mateo’s (Fun restaurant and bar with sunset views) • Tunich (best breakfast and brunch on the beach road) • Papaya Playa Project (crazy weekly beach parties) • Kin Toh (upscale bar and restaurant with sunset views and creative design) • Zak Ik (design-forward clothing boutique) • Mixik (wonderful gift shop with local and handmade crafts).

82. Middle Beach Zone

The Middle Beach Zone is the heart of Tulum’s beach area, with upscale dining, high-end boutiques, and stylish open-air nightclubs. Outside of the party scene, there are tons of ambitious restaurants serving fine-dining and creative menus. Plenty of yoga studios and casual 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 in the south end. The beach is long, wide, and mostly sandy though there are some rocky patches between km 5.5 and 6. Though there are no street lights, sidewalks, or bike paths, most people get around this area by walking or cycling, though it’s also fairly easy to flag down a taxi here.

Best stuff: Tago • Ahau • Cabañas La Luna • Hartwood (renowned, fine-dining restaurant in the jungle) • Arca (upscale farm-to-table restaurant) • Safari (creative campfire cuisine) • Clan-Destino (bar and burger restaurant with a private cenote) • Casa Jaguar (stylish bar and restaurant; jungle parties on Thursday nights) • Gitano (hip mezcal bar and restaurant with jungle parties on Friday and Saturday nights) • Caravana (chic, Maya-inspired clothes and accessories) • La Llorona (local, handmade clothing, art, and gifts) • Ziggy’s Beach (laid-back, family-friendly beach club with great food) • Coco Tulum Beach (trendy bar and beach club with daily DJs).

83. South Beach Zone

The South Beach Zone is great for kids and offers a long, wide stretch of sandy beach with no rocky parts. Located near the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, hotels in the south end tend to be more eco-conscious than hotels to the north, which is reflected in the bohemian vibe and abundance of yoga and wellness studios here. The South Beach Zone tends to be quiet, away from the central party zone but still within walking/cycling distance to fantastic restaurants and 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.

Best stuff: Casa Malca • La Valise • La Zebra • Nômade • Casa Banana (best steakhouse in the beach zone) • NÜ Tulum (inspired, Mexican dining in the jungle) • Charly’s Vegan Tacos (vegan taco shop with great mock meats) • Sunday Salsa Night at La Zebra (free salsa lessons and dancing with a live band) • Mr. Blackbird (handmade jewelry, sandals, and accessories) • Yäan Wellness (luxury wellness center and yoga studio) • SUP Yoga Tulum (standup paddleboard yoga in Sian Ka’an) • Sanará (beachfront yoga studio in a luxury hotel) • Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (nature reserve with beaches, lagoons, Maya ruins, and hundreds of species of birds and mammals).

84. Pueblo

The Pueblo is the vibrant 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 handful of luxury hotels here, too, at a fraction of the cost of the beach resorts. The Pueblo is easily walkable and bikable with a grid layout, sidewalks, bike lanes, and street lamps in most parts. Food in the Pueblo is more authentic and affordable than what you’ll find at the beach. 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.

Best stuff: Una Vida • Coco Hacienda • Hotel Tiki Tiki • Cetli (art-filled spot serving traditional Mexican food) • La Gloria de Don Pepe (Spanish-Mediterranean tapas restaurant) • El Asadero (best steakhouse in the Pueblo) • El Vegetariano Mar y Tierra (vegan/vegetarian restaurant) • Taqueria El Carboncito (best pastor tacos) • Antojitos la Chiapaneca (awesome tacos, panuchos, and empanadas) • Taqueria Honorio (rich tacos with Yucatecan fillings) • Ki’bok Coffee (best coffee shop) • Campanella Cremeria (waffles with gelato on top) • Del Cielo (best brunch in the Pueblo) • El Gourmet (best sandwich shop) • Batey Mojito and Guarapo Bar (best bar, best drinks, live music nightly) • Kiki Tulum (the only nightclub in Tulum, dance ’til the sun comes up) • Pasito Tun Tun (fun mezcal bar, DJs and live music late) • Mixik (gift shop with local, handmade crafts) • Cenote Zacil Ha (tiny cenote with a zipline) • Cenotes Cristal y Escondido (beautiful, quiet, open-air cenotes) • Yoga Dicha (best yoga studio, someimes has puppy yoga sessions) • Tribal Yoga (great variety of styles and combined yoga/scuba experiences) • Rivera’s Kitchen Tulum (best, funnest, most delicious cooking class)

85. Aldea Zama

Aldea Zama is a new luxury development in between the Pueblo and the Beach Zone. This neighborhood is primarily high-end homes and condos, though there are a couple of boutique hotels, restaurants, and a playground connected by walking and cycling paths. Much of the development is still under construction, but there are plans to add luxury boutiques, restaurants, and bars. At the moment, this area has a bit of a sterile feel and hasn’t found its own personality yet. However, the location is perfect, offering easy access to the Pueblo and beach, while remaining calm and quiet at night.

Best stuff: Naay • Safari Comedor Zama (flame-cooked meats and seafood, stellar drinks) • La Pebeta (Argentine-Mexican breakfast and brunch spot).

Frequently Asked Questions about Tulum

Where is Tulum?

Tulum is a small but fast-growing town on Mexico’s Caribbean coast in the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, the same state that Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel all belong to. Tulum sits about 130 km southwest of Cancun, about 65 km southwest of Playa del Carmen, and about 30 km from Cozumel (though you’d have to drive to Playa del Carmen and take the ferry to the island, which ends up being about a 75 km journey). There is no airport in Tulum, so most people fly into the Cancun or Cozumel airport, then drive, bus, taxi, or shuttle down to the town (if arriving from Cozumel, there will also be a ferry ride involved).

What are the main neighborhoods of Tulum?

Tulum is roughly divided into 2 main areas: the pueblo (downtown) and the playa (beach), about 5 km apart from one another. The town sits inland along the main road from Cancun, Carretera Tulum-Cancun, which runs all the way through the center of the pueblo. Intersecting this road is Avenida Cobá, which leads northwest to the Cobá ruins or southeast to the beach, which is the main Hotel Zone of Tulum. The pueblo is the heart of Tulum, where most locals live and where you’ll find the best and cheapest restaurants and bars, a mix of luxury and budget hotels, the supermarket, and the ADO bus station with routes to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Bacalar. Heading down Avenida Cobá toward the playa, you’ll pass Aldea Zama, a luxury development with mostly high-end residences and condos, plus a few hotels and restaurants. Avenida Cobá dead-ends at the beach road (Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila). The beach is further divided into about 4 areas. Turn left to reach the north beach zone (a quiet, romantic area with great hotels and restaurants near the ancient Maya ruins). Turn right to reach the beach town (busy beach area with shops, restaurants, and hotels), the middle beach zone (luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants, nightlife – the most expensive part of the beach), and the south beach zone (near Sian Ka’an Bio Reserve, with luxury and family-friendly hotels, great food, and lots of yoga).

Is Tulum safe?

Yes, Tulum is one of the safest places to travel in all of Mexico, and it is much safer than many other destinations worldwide. However, as with traveling anywhere, be aware of your surroundings, and use common sense. Scams do happen, just as they do anywhere else, from time to time so just pay attention to the little things. The most common scams are to be given incorrect change or getting overcharged for an item. Pay attention to where you go after dark, as there are not many street lights in the pueblo and even fewer along the beach; in fact, most beach hotels keep flashlights in their guest rooms for just this purpose.

Mexico as a whole is under a U.S. State Department Level 2 Travel Advisory, which means “exercise increased caution.” Other Level 2 countries include Belgium, France, Italy, Denmark, and the U.K., so Mexico is in great company. Though there are some dangerous areas in Mexico, like Sinaloa, Juarez, and Chihuahua, these areas are thousands of kilometers away from Tulum. In fact, the Yucatan peninsula is 10 times safer than the national average, and Tulum is the safest of Quintana Roo’s top destinations, including Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Is it worth it to go to Tulum?

Yes, Tulum is absolutely incredible. With spectacular beaches, hundreds of cenotes (freshwater swimming holes), the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Maya ruins, the second largest coral reef in the world (great snorkeling and diving), gourmet restaurants, delicious street food, world-renowned nightlife, boho-chic hotels, and excellent shopping (local crafts and high-end boutiques), this small town packs a lot of punch in a small space.

You need to go, and you need to go now. Tulum is growing fast. As of today, there is no electrical grid reaching the beach zone, which means there are no boring, all-inclusive mega-resort and no tacky Señor Frog bars. All hotels, restaurants, and bars here are independently owned or belong to small, high-quality, local chains – cozy by necessity because they are all solar-powered or run by small generators. This is why most restaurants cook here over an open fire, and why many hotels are completely candlelit by night. If and when the electrical grid reaches the beach, this will change. So, visit Tulum now.

When is the best time to visit Tulum?

Tulum is a tropical paradise and year-round destination. The best weather is from December to April, when it’s sunny and dry, especially from February through April. December through February is considered high-season, where you’ll find the largest crowds and pay the highest room rates, but this is also when the best jungle and beach parties are held, as well as a few EDM festivals. June through October is the off-season when you’ll find the best deals, but avoid September and October, the rainiest months. April and May are the best months for family vacations, after the spring break crowds have gone and before the rainy season begins. Avid divers and snorkelers should visit from January through March, when visibility is highest, or visit in late May to see the whale sharks. November through April is the best time to explore the jungles, ruins, and nature preserves when it’s generally dry and not too hot in the afternoons.

How do I get to Tulum?

There is no airport in Tulum, travelers from abroad must fly into Cancun or Cozumel and drive down. Though Cozumel is geographically closer to Tulum than Cancun, it is an island, so you’ll have to add a taxi to the ferry port, then a ferry ride to Playa del Carmen, then take a bus or taxi down. All in all, it takes about the same amount of time to get to Tulum (around 90 minutes to 2.5 hours depending on your travel method) whether you leave from Cancun or Cozumel. But the trip from Cancun to Tulum is a more direct route, so there are fewer opportunities for delays versus the route from Cozumel.

The easiest way to get to Tulum is to drive south from Cancun. Renting a car and driving is safe and simple; the roads in Quintana Roo are wide, straight, and well-maintained. If you have an American or EU driver’s license, an international driver’s license is not required for driving or renting a car in Mexico, though it can be handy to have. Renting a car will give you a lot of freedom and most people find the process safe and simple. Many of the rental companies are the same ones that you may be familiar with (Hertz, Enterprise, etc). Renting a car is cheap but be sure to do your homework on the mandatory insurance coverages before you get to the counter as it can get overwhelming going through things right then. Some coverage will be required through the rental company, while others are often provided by your credit card, but make sure you have verified all of those things ahead of time. It is a straight shot driving on the freeway from the airport to Tulum. The speed limit changes frequently and people drive very fast but… just stay in the right lane, stick to the speed limit and you’ll be fine. There is one permanent police checkpoint on the highway between Cancun and Tulum where officers may conduct random stops and searches of vehicles. Most of the time, you can just drive right through. In town people (especially taxi drivers) drive erratically and fast, but with a little defensive driving, you won’t have a problem.

Private transfers, taxis, and buses are also available from the Cancun airport. You can pre-book a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation (there are other companies, but that’s who I use) before you arrive. Pre-booked transfers cost about $110 USD and you have a car waiting for you as you get through customs. Transfers include a private air-conditioned van – no one will share the van with you. Complimentary children’s seats are available upon request. The cheapest option to get from Cancun to Tulum is the ADO Bus.Tickets are about 280 pesos (12 USD) each for adults and 140 pesos (5 USD) for children ages 5 to 12. There are only a few direct buses from Cancun to Tulum, so most likely you’ll need to book a bus to Playa del Carmen, then another bus to Tulum. Buses to Playa del Carmen run about every 30 minutes. The direct bus from Cancun to Tulum takes about 2.5 hours. Tickets are sold for particular time slots, so it’s best to buy them at the airport rather than booking ahead online, in case of unexpected delays. Update: Due to COVID-19, the Cancun Airport to Tulum ADO Bus route has been temporarily suspended. Direct buses to Tulum still depart 6 times daily from the downtown Cancun bus terminal. From the Cancun Airport, there are still buses to Playa del Carmen about every 30 minutes, where riders can then transfer to a Tulum-bound bus.

Taxis are the most expensive option and less convenient than hiring a private transfer ahead of time. To get a taxi at the Cancun airport walk out the doors on the arrivals level and book with the transfer desk just to the left (can’t miss it, very easy to find). It’ll be a 10-minute to 1-hour wait for a car or van (it won’t be an actual taxi as they’re not allowed to pick up from the airport). It costs between 124 USD to 175 USD for a one-way taxi from Cancun to Tulum, depending on whether your destination is the pueblo or playa.

What is the best way to get around in Tulum?

The Tulum pueblo and the beach are about 5 km apart. Walking around town and walking around the beach zone is easy to do, but it can take an hour or two to walk between these two areas, depending on your exact starting and stopping points. Renting a car is a great option for exploring the cenotes, ruins, and nature preserves near Tulum, but a car can be burdensome for traveling along the beach since there is not much parking and the narrow beach road gets super congested with taxis and oversized work trucks. Taxis are a popular option. For a taxi from the pueblo to the ruins up north or as far south as Zamas Hotel, the price should be around 100 pesos, while a taxi between the pueblo and Casa Malca at the far south end of the beach (almost into Sian Ka’an) will be around 180 pesos. Not too bad for an occasional expense, but for multiple trips, it adds up fast. There is no Uber in Tulum to compete with taxi rates.

The best way to get around in Tulum is by bike. Bicycles are everywhere in Tulum. They’re easy to rent and cost about 150 pesos a day (less if you rent for multiple days); many hotels offer free bikes for guest use. There’s a bike path from the pueblo all the way out to the beach town area, near Azulik Resort. From Azulik there is no dedicated bike path along the beach road, but traffic moves slowly – it always feels safe to be on your bike as long as it’s not dark (there are no street lights along the beach road, so it is pitch dark at night). The road along the beach is flat. There’s a slight incline as you start into town (from the beach, as the bike path starts) but most of that route is flat as well. Along the beach road, car traffic can stop for 5 to 15-minutes for seemingly no reason at all. On a bike, you sail right by all the traffic and are happy for not being in a car. The bike ride from the beach to town takes 20 to 35 minutes depending on where you’re staying along the beach road. The best bike rental shop is Ola Bike Tulum in the Pueblo on Avenida Cobá. There are many rental shops nearby, but Ola has the most well-maintained bikes in all sizes, plus accessories like baby carriers. If you book in advance, they’ll even deliver the bikes to you at your hotel. Be advised that there are no street lamps on the beach road; it is not advised to ride your bike along the beach road after dark, as car and taxi drivers will not see you on the road until it’s too late.

Where should I stay in Tulum?

The two main areas in Tulum are the town (pueblo) and the beach (playa). Both the pueblo and the playa have excellent nightlife, dining, and hotels. The pueblo tends to have more affordable hotels and more casual restaurants and bars (though there are several luxury properties and trendy clubs/restaurants here, too), while the beach tends to have more luxury resorts, gourmet restaurants, and stylish jungle parties at night (though there are a handful of budget hotels and cheap beach clubs here, too).

Tulum town is further divided into two areas, the pueblo itself and Aldea Zama, a luxury development between the pueblo and the beach. The pueblo is known for its lively atmosphere, authentic dining, Tulum’s best tacos, and casually cool nightlife scene. Design-forward luxury hotels can be booked for a fraction of the cost of a beachfront room, and two of Tulum’s top yoga studios are here. The pueblo is entirely walkable and within a short biking distance of the beach and several of the area’s best cenotes (natural, freshwater swimming holes). Aldea Zama is a new, luxury complex on Avenida Cobá between the pueblo and the beach. Mostly a high-end residential area, Aldea Zama has a few boutique hotels, private villas, and wonderful restaurants popping up. Though not as authentic as the pueblo, its great location right in between the beach and town and its relatively affordable hotels (compared to similar beachfront rooms) more than make up for it.

The beach (aka the Hotel Zone) is divided into four main areas: the North (quiet, romantic, near the ruins), the Beach Town (affordable, lots of restaurants and shops), the Middle (expensive restaurants and nightlife), and the South (family-friendly, hippie area near the nature preserve). The North Beach Zone is where the Tulum ruins sit overlooking the sea, the best-preserved seaside Maya ruins anywhere. This is the most tranquil beach area with only a handful of resorts and restaurants along with a string of sandy beaches. South of the Avenida Cobá intersection you’ll find the Beach Town, the most affordable on the beach, with the notable exception of high-end Azulik Resort. Beach Town is a charming cluster of moderate hotels, friendly beach clubs, sweet boutiques, and souvenir shops. Continuing farther down the road is the Middle Beach Zone, where you’ll find the highest concentration of luxury resorts on the beach side of the road and swanky, open-air restaurants and so-cool-it-hurts clubs on the jungle side of the road. At the far end of the beach road is the South Beach Zone, which runs all the way down to the entrance of Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Resorts here are the most eco-conscious due to their proximity to the nature preserve. You’ll find the most pristine beach, yoga studios, and family-friendly lodging on the beach in this area.

Where do celebrities stay in Tulum?

Celebrities tend to stay in the luxe boutique hotels of Tulum’s beach zone, with many flocking to the yoga retreats at Amansala Resort, including Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, and Reese Witherspoon. The art-centric getaway Casa Malca at the south end of the beach is a favorite of Cara Delevinge, while Paris Hilton has opted for the Bohemian-style hotel Habitas farther north. Orlando Bloom has stayed in a thatched-roof, beachfront bungalow at Casa Violeta. Some A-listers have been spotted at the all-inclusive Dreams Tulum (about 5 km north of Tulum), including Eva Longoria, Jude Law, and Mick Jagger.

What are the best beaches in Tulum?

Tulum’s beach zone (playa) is a long strip of powdery white sand, interrupted by a few rocky patches mostly in the northern half. The best beaches here include Playa Paraíso, Ruins Beach, Santa Fe Beach, and the Middle and South Beach Zones. Playa Paraíso (aka Playa Maya) is a relaxed beach in the North Beach Zone with a few chilled-out beach clubs, fishing boats, and several cheap snorkel tour operators (no pre-booking required). Farther north is Ruins Beach, a small, unorganized beach immediately below the Tulum Archaeological Site; most people just see the beach looking down from the ruins above, but there is an access stairway leading down from the ruins; strong swimmers can also reach it by swimming 500 meters north from Santa Fe Beach, Tulum’s original hippie hangout. The Middle Beach Zone is the liveliest beach area, with plenty of trendy beach clubs offering excellent food, cocktails, and ice-cold beer, served directly to your sunbed. The South Beach Zone offers large swathes of wide sand and some of the most luxurious beach clubs. This tends to be the quietest beach area because even though all beaches in Mexico are open to the public, there are no public access points here; you have to enter through a hotel, beach club, or walk down from the Middle Beach Zone.

Can you swim in the ocean in Tulum?

The beaches of Tulum offer good swimming year-round. Waves are moderate in size, but conditions change daily with some rough and some gentle days. Off the coast is the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world, which helps to soften some of the larger waves. The reef is one of the biggest draws here, with many travelers coming to snorkel or dive here. Calmer seas are generally found a little farther north of Tulum proper, near Tulsayab which has two natural bays and clean, well-kept beaches at the hotels and beach clubs. On days when the beach is seaweedy or particularly rough, visit on of Tulum’s many cenotes, freshwater swimming holes open to the sky or in caves connected to underground river systems.

What’s up with the seaweed in Tulum?

Seaweed, in particular sargassum, has been an increasing problem in Tulum and all of the Caribbean since around 2011 with larger blooms arriving every year. The increase in seaweed is due to a combination of far-flung variables including deforestation in Africa and freshwater runoff from the Amazon River. Recently Caribbean governments, including the government of Mexico, have enlisted the help of their navies in combatting the seaweed with a variety of methods, such as installing huge nets off the coast to catch the sargassum before it reaches the shore. In June 2020, a 1.2 km long barrier was put in place along Tulum’s beach to keep the seaweed in check. Sargassum shows up the heaviest in summer, especially in July and August, and less in the winter. In Tulum, the seaweed tends to collect in more at the north end, especially in the little bay in front of Zamas Hotel. The beaches farther south generally have less seaweed. The great thing about staying in Tulum versus other resort areas is that Tulum has hundreds of nearby cenotes and lagoons that are great for swimming if there’s too much seaweed at the beach.

What is a cenote?

If you do only one thing during your time in Tulum visit a cenote. Cenotes are collapsed sinkholes that expose freshwater below, and there are thousands of them around the Yucatan. Some are open to the sky, while others are inside caves connected to underground river systems. The best is Dos Ojos (two eyes), named for its two largest cenotes, the Blue Eye (an open cenote with sparkling blue water) and the Black Eye (an underground cave cenote that is completely dark; a guide is required; they’ll give you a waterproof flashlight). Dos Ojos has three smaller cenotes onsite and connects with Sac Actun, the second largest underground river system in the world. Open-air cenotes don’t require a guide and are cheaper to enter than cave-style cenotes. The best near Tulum are Casa Cenote (great snorkeling here and diving lessons), Cenote Azul (with one large, central cenote and several smaller branches), and Zacil Ha (a small cenote with a zip line over it, only 10 pesos per ride, fun for kids). And then there’s Yal-ku Lagoon – though not a real cenote, it offers spectacular snorkeling with an array of colorful fish and unlike the reef, no waves to contend with – perfect for beginning swimmers to explore. Most cenotes have a charge of 80 to 150 pesos to enter and offer lockers, restrooms, and snack bars. Just take a towel, taxi money, and snorkel-mask (optional), and you’ll have an amazing time at any of these cenotes. You can easily visit cenotes on your own but if you’re really keen (or don’t want to worry about arranging transportation there and back) I highly recommend this cenote snorkeling tour (with hotel pickup and drop off).

What is the history of Tulum?

Originally called Zamas (a Mayan word meaning Dawn), east-facing Tulum is the site of an important Maya trading port originally settled in the 6th century A.D. and reaching its peak of prosperity between the 11th and 16th centuries. Connected to both land routes to the Yucatan and interior Mexico and water routes to what is now Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras, Tulum was an important trade hub for valuable obsidian and jade as well as daily goods, such as cotton, food, cacao, copper, ceramics, and more. The ruins site has one side built on the steep cliffs facing over the sea with the other three sides fortified by 4 to 8m-thick limestone walls (the name Tulum is the Mayan word for “wall” and was retroactively applied during the colonial era). The archaeological site has several structures exhibiting Maya and Toltec design, the largest being the temple pyramid El Castillo (the castle), along with the Temple of the Frescoes (filled with wall paintings of various gods), the Temple of the Descending God (a winged god associated with the planet Venus), and the Temple of the God of Winds (the most photographed structure, dedicated to the god of the winds, who guided sailors safely through the reef). Its remote location surrounded by jungle on three sides and the sea on the other helped the city survive the first 70 years of Spanish occupation before many of its original inhabitants eventually succumbed to the diseases brought by the settlers and the city was abandoned.

The area outside the archaeological zone was quiet for centuries after. The pueblo was a Maya-majority fishing village until as recently as the 1990s. Most people who lived in Tulum pre-’90s did not speak Spanish but instead spoke Mayan. The tourism boom has caused Tulum’s population to increase by almost tenfold since 1995, mostly attributed to people moving from other parts of Spanish-speaking Mexico to Tulum to work in the hotels, restaurants, and travel industry. You can still hear the Mayan language spoken when visiting some of the smaller, off-the-beaten-path restaurants and at attractions that focus on Maya traditions, including many Sian Ka’an Bioreserve tours and family-friendly Kaan Luum Lagoon.

What is the currency in Tulum? Can I pay for things in U.S. dollars?

The currency in Tulum is the Mexican peso. Many but not all businesses will accept U.S. dollars in cash (change will be in pesos) or allow you to make a credit card purchase in USD. Don’t do this; you will always end up overpaying. Always pay in pesos, whether in cash or charged to your card. Many small businesses accept cash only or require a minimum purchase to run a credit card, so it’s a good idea to have a few pesos for small purchases, like water or tacos.

Currency exchange businesses are always a rip-off. To get pesos in cash, use an ATM. ATMs are found everywhere in Tulum, both at the beach and in town. There are bank machines at the ADO bus station and at the Chedraui supermarket. Often there are two ATMs side by side, one dispensing Mexican pesos and one dispensing U.S. dollars; less often one bank machine will dispense both pesos and dollars. Only use ATMs associated with banks to get the best exchange rate; privately-owned ATMs always charge more. To get the most bang for your buck, make all withdrawals in pesos, so you only pay for the exchange rate once. If you withdraw in dollars, you’ll pay the ATMs exchange rate, plus you’ll get charged an additional exchange rate wherever you spend your dollars. Most ATMs also charge a withdrawal fee of 25 to 45 pesos per transaction; to avoid these fees make larger but less frequent withdrawals. Check with your personal bank ahead of your vacation, too, as most banks charge a foreign transaction fee for international ATM withdrawals (usually around 5 USD). Many banks and credit unions will waive or reimburse the fees for a set dollar amount or number of withdrawals per statement period, so staying under the limit can earn you several taco dinners.

What are the best things to do in Tulum?

Spend a day exploring the Tulum ruins, the massive ruin complex of nearby Cobá, or take a day trip to famous Chichén Itzá or the lesser-known and much less crowded El Balam. Visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and do a float down the 1000-year-old Maya canal. The best tours for Sian Ka’an are Community Tours Sian Ka’an, and Yucatan Outdoors. Both do small guided tours of the reserve. Visit through Punta Laguna Nature Preserve for birdwatching, monkey-watching, rappel into and swim in the cenote, and canoe across the lagoon. Swim in the open-air cenotes or take a guided trip through the cave cenotes connected by underground rivers. Snorkel at Del Cielo, where starfish cover the seafloor like a second sky, or dive in the Mesoamerican reef, the second largest coral reef in the world. Day trip out to the picturesque colonial village of Valladolid or the pueblo magico of Bacalar. Take a yoga class with puppies, on the beach, in the treetops, or on a standup paddleboard. Take a local cooking class and discover how to mix the flavors of the Yucatan and Mexico. Laze on the beach, take a walking tour of the pueblo’s murals, go to an all-night jungle dance party, fill up on tacos for lunch and contemporary, enjoy farm-to-table fare for dinner. Visit the adventure parks north of town to zipline, rappel, and swim in underground rivers. Shop the stylish boutiques of the beach zone, the colorful souvenir shops of the pueblo, or hit up the home goods wholesalers on Avenida Cobá north of Tulum. There is no excuse for boredom in Tulum.

How many days should I spend in Tulum?

Despite its small size, there is way more to do in Tulum than the nearby hotspots of Cancun or Playa del Carmen. You could easily spend a week in Tulum and never do the same thing twice. Of course, you can pack a lot into a 5-day trip, but go much shorter than that, and you’ll miss out on a lot of what makes Tulum so special.

Cancun Hotels – Tips & Advice

The 24 Best Hotels in Cancun

1. Nizuc Resort and Spa – South Hotel Zone

2. Kempinski Hotel Cancun – Middle Hotel Zone

3. Hyatt Ziva – North Hotel Zone

4. Grand Residences – Riviera Cancun

5. JW Marriott Resort & Spa – Middle of Hotel Zone

6. Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach – North Hotel Zone

7. Secrets the Vine – Middle Hotel Zone

8. Live Aqua Beach Resort – Middle Hotel Zone

9. Hard Rock Hotel – Middle Hotel Zone

10. Azul Beach Resort – Riviera Cancun

11. Hyatt Zilara – Middle Hotel Zone

12. Riu Palace Peninsula – North Hotel Zone

13. Presidente InterContinental Resort – North Hotel Zone

14. Sun Palace – South Hotel Zone

15. Fiesta Americana Condesa – Middle Hotel Zone

16. Crown Paradise Club – South Hotel Zone

17. Le Blanc Spa Resort – Middle Hotel Zone

18. Moon Palace The Grand – Riviera Cancun

19. Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort – Playa Mujeres

20. Dreams Jade Resort & Spa – Riviera Cancun

21. Marriott Resort – Middle Hotel Zone

22. Dreams Golf & Spa Resort – Playa Mujeres

23. Sandos Cancun – Middle Hotel Zone

24. Wyndham Grand – Middle Hotel Zone

Cancun’s Hotel Zone

Staying in the Hotel Zone, North

The Best Hotels in the North Hotel Zone

Staying in the Middle of the Hotel Zone

The Best Hotels in the Middle of the Hotel Zone

Staying in the Hotel Zone, South

The Best Hotels in the South Hotel Zone

Staying in Riviera Cancun

The Best Hotels in Riviera Cancun

Staying in Playa Mujeres

The Best Hotels in Playa Mujeres

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The 11 Best Places to Visit in Mexico

1. Mexico City

2. Guadalajara

3. San Miguel de Allende

4. Los Cabos

5. Puerto Vallarta

6. Zihuatanejo

7. Oaxaca

8. Merida

9. Tulum

10. Isla Mujeres

11. Cancun

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Isla Mujeres – Best Places to Stay

Isla Hotels – Tips & Info

The 13 Best Hotels on Isla Mujeres

1. Zoëtry Villa Rolandi – Sac Bajo, South End

2. Isla Mujeres Palace – Sac Bajo, South End

3. Casa de los Sueños – Punta Sur, South End

4. Ixchel Beach Hotel – Playa Norte, North End

5. Hotel Secreto – Playa Norte, North End

6. Privilege Aluxes – North End

7. Casa Coco – Sac Bajo, South End

8. Icaco Island Village – Mar Caribe, Middle

9. Hotel Paradise Suites – Centro, North End

10. Villa Encantada – Sac Bajo, South End

11. Nautibeach Beach Front Condos – Playa Norte, North End

12. El Milagro Beach Hotel and Marina – Bahia, Middle

13. Mia Reef – Playa Norte, North End

Staying in the North End: Centro and Playa Norte

The Best Hotels in Centro and North Beach

The Best Restaurants in Centro and North Beach

Staying in the South End: Sac Bajo and Punta Sur

The Best Hotels in Sac Bajo and Punta Sur

The Best Restaurants in Sac Bajo and Punta Sur

Staying in the Middle of the Island: Bahia and Mar Caribe

The Best Hotels in Bahia and Mar Caribe

The Best Restaurants in Bahia and Mar Caribe

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