Tulum Travel Guide
About Tulum
Tulum is a bohemian paradise with chic hotels, healthy restaurants, and spiritual activities. It’s the perfect place to unwind and slow down.
When I look back on our trip, I think of a few things that sum it up: being asleep by 8 p.m., eating healthy foods, guacamole and margaritas every day, swimming in the ocean for hours, and drinking Dos Equis with lime 😉.
Tulum used to be a secluded destination but has recently gained popularity. The city is admired for its white sand, blue water, cenotes, and Mayan Ruins. Additionally, the town is only a couple of hours south of Cancún, making it easy to take a shuttle from the Cancún International Airport.
Best Time to Go
Tulum has a tropical climate, meaning it rains a lot. Therefore, the best time to visit is between February and May because it is typically sunnier.
I went with my friend Sophia in June, and although it rained some mornings, it did not affect our trip. The water was clear, and the seaweed was not bad.
Where to Stay
There are many hotels to choose from. Click here to read Island Life Mexico’s Tulum Hotel Guide. Any of these hotels are good, but I do recommend staying at one on the beach. It is so lovely to wake up on the beach and not have to drive.
Ahau Tulum
Sophia and I stayed at Ahau Tulum, a luxurious hotel with a rustic style and calm ambiance. The units are on the beach, so you wake up to a gorgeous ocean view steps away from your room.
In addition to the calm atmosphere and location, there is also a rooftop yoga studio and a massage hut.
Additionally, there is a restaurant and bar on-site, where we ate most of our meals. The food is delicious, and the menu is diverse. Further, you can order drinks and snacks to be brought to you as you lounge by the water.
Other Places to Eat & Drink
There are many other good restaurants around Tulum, in addition to Ahau Tulum. I recommend Raw Love Café, Posada Margherita, Cenzontle, and Gitano.
Getting Around Tulum
There are three sections: Tulum Town, Tulum Beach, and Tulum Ruins. Because they are too far to walk to, it is best to rent a bike or get a taxi.
Taxi
You can get a taxi pretty easily. There are taxis everywhere in Tulum. Just look for the all-white cars and wave them down.
Tip: confirm the price before starting your ride
Bike
My favorite type of transportation was biking. Renting a bike is easy and costs only about $15 for the entire day.
What to Do in Tulum
Cenotes
Cenote (pronounced seh-NO-tay): a Spanish word for “sinkhole”; a pit formed by limestone collapsing and exposing water
Cenotes were once a major water source for Ancient Mayans but are now used as freshwater pools for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. They are quite popular in the Yucatán.
There are tour options, or you can go there on your own. Some even have snorkel gear available for rent.
Fun fact: there are about 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula
Some other cenotes to visit are El Gran Cenote, Cenote Calavera, Dos Ojos, and Escondido Cenote. Depending on which one you go to, the water may be frigid, so be prepared. Some cenotes are in caves, while others (shown in the pictures above) are above ground, getting more direct sunlight.
Day Trips
Another cool thing about Tulum is its proximity to other cities. If you have time, try to take a day trip to one or two nearby cities.
Akumal Bay (25 minutes)
I have never been to Akumal Bay but have wanted to go. Akumal Bay is known for its sea turtles. You can swim with them and other wildlife, such as eagle rays and colorful fish. I first recommend going there because it is close and easy to take a taxi.
Playa del Carmen (55 minutes)
Playa del Carmen is a bit further north, but worth the drive. Because it is a little further away, I suggest arranging transport from your hotel rather than a taxi.
This cute beach town is the perfect mix of Tulum’s bohemian vibe and Cancún’s party vibe. There are lots of good restaurants and streets full of unique shops. Additionally, there are casinos and cool bars.
Also, when I went, I experienced some of the best snorkeling and swimming alongside eagle rays.
Mayan Ruins
Our trip was amazing, but one thing I regret not doing is visiting the Tulum ruins. These Mayan ruins overlook the sea. You can purchase tickets in advance here, costing about $4 each.
In Conclusion…
Tulum is a bohemian paradise, offering a relaxing experience unlike any place I have traveled.
It’s been five years since I visited Tulum, so I am sure the city has more to offer now, and I would love to visit again.
Madison Marie
