Tulum Travel Guide

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

Tulum Articles

Travel guide to Tulum, Mexico.

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. 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. 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

11. 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 nightly; reservations recommended. Map +52 984 177 2231.

12. 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 via their website. Map [email protected].

13. Cetli Pueblo $$$

Serving elevated, traditional Mexican cuisine in an art-filled hacienda, Cetli is the best restaurant in the Pueblo. Mole is the specialty here, with several varieties all prepared in pre-Hispanic style with fresh, local ingredients ground with a metate stone. Reservations are highly recommended for dinner. Map +52 984 108 0681.

14. La Gloria de Don Pepe Pueblo $$

Cozy tapas restaurant serving Spanish-Mediterranean fare and excellent wines. La Gloria is best loved for their paella, 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.

15. 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.

16. 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, 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.

17. Safari Middle Beach Zone and Aldea Zama $$

Campfire cuisine with an innovative, rustic menu and open-air seating. Safari serves Yucatecan-Mexican dishes all prepared in an airstream trailer kitchen and cooked over a fire pit. The food pairs perfectly with their signature cocktails and Mexican craft beers. The Aldea Zama spot is indoors but the food is still fire-cooked. Beach Map Aldea Zama Map +52 984 745 2340.

18. 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. 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 late. Map +52 984 169 5353.

19. WILD South Beach Zone $$$

Stylish jungle restaurant serving creative Mexican-international cuisine cooked over an open flame. WILD’s sophisticated cocktail menu blends cosmopolitan and regional tastes. Ideal for weddings and special events. Reservations recommended. Map +52 984 130 8295.

20. El Asadero Pueblo $$

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

21. 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 smoky, mezcal-based cocktails. The restaurant is open for dinner from 6:00 PM. Map +52 984 806 2871.

Tulum Tacos

22. Taqueria Honorio Pueblo $

Famous family-run spot serving tacos and tortas stuffed with Yucatecan specialties, including cochinita pibil and poc chuc. Seating is at long tables under a tent. Honorio’s is in high demand, so expect to wait. Open from 6:00 a.m. until they run out of food, usually around 1:30 p.m. Cash only. Map +52 998 102 0523.

23. Taqueria El Carboncito Pueblo $

The best pastor tacos in Tulum. Order the tacos con piña with a glass of jamaica or horchata. This casual, affordable, open-air restaurant is popular with locals and travelers, so there is often a wait for a table. Map +52 984 256 6451.

24. Los Antojitos la Chiapaneca Pueblo $

Amazing street tacos for a great price, plus killer empanadas, panuchos, and salbutes. This bustling snack shack is always packed, so be ready for a wait. Generally open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM; closed Mondays. Cash only. Map +52 984 112 3249.

25. Tacos y Tortas El Tio Pueblo $

Fantastic street vendor with cheap, delicious tacos, tortas, and gringas. The cart parks in front of the Oxxo at Avenida Tulum and Calle Geminis Sur. Cash only. Nights only, usually on the weekend. Map

26. Burrito Amor Pueblo $$

Burrito Amor offers an outstanding menu of healthy burritos with homemade tortillas. With a focus on clean eating, this restaurant serves fresh, flavorful meals. There is also a full bar and fresh juices. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Map +52 984 129 2625.

Tulum Cafes, Bakeries, and Sweets

27. Ki’bok Coffee Pueblo $$

The best coffee in Tulum. For breakfast, try the huevos rancheros or the divorced eggs. Ki’bok has a walk-up bar and a covered garden. At night the rooftop bar opens with wonderful cocktails and music. Map +52 984 135 9509.

28. Del Cielo Pueblo $$

The best brunch spot in the Pueblo. Del Cielo serves local, organic Mexican and international dishes with beautiful presentation. Famous for their breakfast (especially the French toast), they also offer a dinner service with handcrafted cocktails. Map +52 984 160 0770.

29. Potheads / Tunich Beach Town $$

Great breakfast and brunch on the beach road. Tunich offers a solid menu of Mexican favorites, like chilaquiles, alongside eggs benedict and pancakes. Hearty portions are served in a friendly atmosphere from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Note: The Potheads beach location is closed, but the Pueblo location remains open. Map +52 984 112 1335.

30. El Gourmet Pueblo $$

A charming cafe with fantastic paninis, fresh juice, and rich desserts. El Gourmet bakes their bread fresh daily. The dining patio sits in a cheerful garden with rainbow umbrellas overhead. Map +52 984 202 7048.

31. Panna e Cioccolato Pueblo $

Gelato shop with traditional Italian and Mexican flavors, served in handmade waffle cones. Two locations in the Pueblo on Avenida Tulum, open until late. Map +52 984 140 9531.

32. Raw Love Middle Beach Zone $$

Raw vegan restaurant serving a gourmet menu of gluten-free superfoods in a boho setting with hammocks. Menu standouts include the açai bowl and raw pad thai. Located inside Ahau Tulum. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Map +52 984 130 2013.

33. La Fourneé Pueblo $

The best bakery in Tulum, offering French pastries, breads, and cakes. They offer all-day dining on their back patio with an especially great brunch menu. Located next to the ADO bus station. Map +52 984 130 9928.

Tulum Bars and Clubs

34. Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar Pueblo $$

Batey is the heart of the Pueblo’s nightlife, famous for mojitos made with fresh sugarcane juice pressed in a converted VW bug. Live music most nights. It gets packed at night but is more relaxed during the day. Map +52 984 745 4571.

35. Casa Jaguar Middle Beach Zone $$$

Chic Caribbean restaurant and bar. Casa Jaguar is Tulum’s hot spot on Thursday nights with jungle parties on their candlelit terrace, featuring international DJs. Map +52 984 202 2464.

36. Gitano Middle Beach Zone $$$

Contemporary Mexican restaurant and mezcal bar. Gitano is the place to be on Friday nights for DJ sets and dancing. Reservations strongly recommended for dinner. Map [email protected].

37. Papaya Playa Project Beach Town $$$

Hosts the biggest parties in Tulum every Saturday. Full Moon Parties are legendary, held monthly with top-name DJs. Cover charges vary, but expect to pay at least $25. Book tickets in advance for peak season. Map +52 984 179 8516.

38. Sunday Salsa Night at La Zebra South Beach Zone $

Every week La Zebra hosts a salsa dance party. Free lessons are held from 6:30 to 7:30, followed by a live band. The Mulberry Project beach bar serves excellent mezcal cocktails. No cover charge; family friendly. Map +52 1 984 115 4726.

39. Kin Toh Beach Town $$$$

Stunning treehouse design with sunset views over the jungle. The bar and lounge feature catamaran nets suspended in the air for lounging. Reservations recommended for sunsets. Map +52 984 980 0640.

40. Kiki Pueblo $

Tulum’s main nightclub attracting locals and travelers. Doors open at midnight, and the party continues until sunrise. Generally open Wednesdays through Saturdays. Map

41. Pasito Tun Tun Pueblo $

Mezcal bar with classic cocktails and light bites. Laid back early on, then hosting live bands and DJs spinning deep house. Popular with locals and expats. Map +52 984 688 8550.

42. I Scream Bar Middle Beach Zone $

Eclectic bar and vegan ice cream shop. Known for ice cream shots (tequila or mezcal over ice cream). Located in a shack made of recycled VW parts. Map +52 984 169 5353.

Tulum Shopping

43. Caravana Middle Beach Zone $$$$

Chic clothing and accessories handcrafted by Mexican artisans in Valladolid. Map +52 985 119 0361.

44. Zak Ik Beach Town $$$$

Handmade designer clothing in a stunning jungle-inspired boutique at Azulik. Note: No children allowed. Map +52 984 236 0935.

45. Josa Tulum Middle Beach Zone $$$

Elegant caftan-inspired dresses and accessories. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Map +52 984 115 8441

46. La Llorona Middle Beach Zone $$

Artisan boutique with locally made clothing, crafts, and decor. Features bright colors and bold patterns. Map +52 984 116 3048.

47. Mixik Pueblo and Beach Town $$

Souvenir shops with authentic Mexican-made crafts and trinkets. The Pueblo location is the larger of the two. Pueblo Map +52 984 871 2136.

48. Mr. Blackbird South Beach Zone $$$

Handmade jewelry, sandals, and accessories created by local artisans. Map +52 984 114 3796.

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

Open-air shops lining Avenida Coba selling rustic-chic home decor and art. Most shops accept cash only. Map

Tulum Beaches

50. Playa Paraíso North Beach Zone

White sandy beach with palm trees and beach clubs. Affordable snorkel tours depart from here daily. Map

51. Tankah Beach Soliman Bay, north of Tulum

Quiet beach with gentle surf, perfect for snorkeling. Accessible via a private road; mention “Chamico’s” at the entrance. Map

52. Akumal Beach Akumal, north of Tulum

Famous for sea turtles. Go before 9:00 AM to avoid crowds and scams. Entrance is free if you eat at a restaurant or pay a nominal fee at the visitors center. Map

53. South Beach South Beach Zone

Powdery sand and moderate waves. Access via beach clubs or hotels. For luxury, visit Casa Malca or Nest. Map

54. Ruins Beach and Santa Fe Beach North Beach Zone

Ruins Beach is located at the base of the Tulum Ruins. Access is via the archaeological site or by swimming from Santa Fe Beach. Map

55. Ziggy’s Beach Middle Beach Zone

Lively beach area with top-notch food and drinks. Ziggy’s is great for families and groups. Map

Tulum Cenotes and Lagoons

56. Cenote Dos Ojos Tankah, northeast of Tulum $$$

A must-visit. Part of the world’s longest underwater cave system. Entrance is roughly 400 pesos for the public cenotes. Map

57. Cenote Zacil Ha Avenida Coba, northwest of Tulum $

Family-centric cenote with a zip line and diving platforms. Roughly 300 pesos to enter. Map

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

Large open-air cenote with diving platforms and tiny caves. Roughly 200-250 pesos to enter. Map

59. Cenotes Cristal y Escondido West of the Pueblo $

Two quiet, open-air cenotes. Admission for both is roughly 300 pesos. Map

60. Cenote Azul Xpu Ha, northeast of Tulum $

Sprawling open-air cenote with shallow and deep pools. Roughly 150 pesos to enter. Map

61. Casa Cenote Tankah, northeast of Tulum $

Open-air cenote moving like a lazy river. Popular for snorkeling and diving. Roughly 150-200 pesos to enter. Map

62. Cenotes Choo-Ha, Tamcach-Ha, and Multum-Ha Cobá $

Underground cenotes near the Cobá ruins. Each costs roughly 100 pesos to enter. Map

63. Yal Ku Lagoon and Cenote Akumal $$

Freshwater/saltwater lagoon teeming with fish. Roughly 300 pesos to enter. Map

64. Cenote Chaak Tun Playa del Carmen $$$

Cave system only available with a guide. Includes snorkeling in low-lit caverns. Roughly 550 pesos covers the tour and gear. Map

65. Kaan Luum Lagoon and Cenote West of Tulum $

Large lagoon with a deep cenote in the center. Roughly 100-150 pesos to enter. Map

Map of cenotes near Tulum.

Tulum Yoga

66. Yoga Dicha Pueblo $

Top studio in the Pueblo offering vinyasa and yin classes. Map +52 984 165 9800.

67. Tribal Yoga Pueblo $

Wide range of styles including hatha and iyengar. Map +52 984 871 2508.

68. Yäan Wellness Energy Healing Spa South Beach Zone $$$$

Luxury wellness center in a jungle setting. Reservations recommended. Map 52 984 980 0676.

69. Sanará South Beach Zone $$$

Beachfront studio with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. Map 52 984 134 9721.

70. SUP Yoga Tulum Sian Ka’an and Muyil $$$$

Standup paddleboard yoga excursions. Map

Tulum Things to Do

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

Tulum is home to stunning seaside ruins. Total entry for the Tulum Ruins is roughly 515 MXN, which includes the INAH ticket, CONANP bracelet, and Jaguar National Park fee. Hiring a guide at the entrance is recommended. Map

72. Rivera’s Kitchen Pueblo $$

Outstanding cooking class exploring Maya and Yucatecan traditions. Map +52 984 129 2690.

73. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve South Beach Zone $-$$

UNESCO World Heritage Site with incredible biodiversity. Private tours are best for seeing wildlife and ancient canals. Map

74. Punta Laguna Nuevo Durango $$

Nature reserve home to spider and howler monkeys. Map

75. Mesoamerican Reef Coastline $-$$

The world’s second-largest reef. Snorkel tours leave daily from Playa Paraíso.

Tulum Neighborhoods

76. North Beach Zone

Quiet area near the ruins with boutique hotels and gourmet restaurants.

77. Beach Town

Cluster of hotels and shops between North and Middle zones. More affordable than other beach areas.

78. Middle Beach Zone

The heart of Tulum’s beach scene with upscale dining and nightlife.

79. South Beach Zone

Family-friendly area near Sian Ka’an with a bohemian vibe and wellness focus.

80. Pueblo

Downtown area with authentic restaurants and budget-friendly lodging.

81. Aldea Zama

Luxury development between Pueblo and Beach Zone with high-end condos and homes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tulum

Where is Tulum?

Tulum is on Mexico’s Caribbean coast in Quintana Roo. It is now home to the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO), which opened in late 2023 and receives direct flights from major US cities.

What are the main neighborhoods of Tulum?

Tulum is divided into the Pueblo (downtown) and the Playa (beach), about 5 km apart. The beach is split into the North, Beach Town, Middle, and South zones. Aldea Zama sits between the two main areas.

Is Tulum safe?

Yes, Tulum is safe for travelers who exercise standard common sense. Be mindful of your belongings and aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.

Is it worth it to go to Tulum?

Absolutely. With the new airport and the Tren Maya, it is easier than ever to explore the ruins, cenotes, and biosphere.

When is the best time to visit Tulum?

The best weather is from December to April. High season is December through February. June through October is off-season, with potential rain in September and October.

How do I get to Tulum?

You can fly directly into Tulum International Airport (TQO) or fly to Cancun and take a private transfer, ADO bus, or the Tren Maya. The train station in Tulum is now operational and connects to the ADO terminal in the Pueblo.

What is the best way to get around in Tulum?

Biking is the top choice. Renting a car is great for cenotes, but the beach road is narrow and congested. Taxis are available but charge fixed rates between zones.

Where should I stay in Tulum?

Stay in the Pueblo for authentic food and better value, or on the beach for luxury and direct ocean access.

What are the best beaches in Tulum?

Playa Paraíso, Ruins Beach, and the South Beach Zone are the highlights.

What’s up with the seaweed in Tulum?

Sargassum is seasonal, arriving mostly in summer. Barriers are in place, but cenotes and lagoons are excellent alternatives if the beach is affected.

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