Tulum
AN ANCIENT WONDER
Tulum’s spectacular coastline – with all its confectioner-sugar sands, cobalt water and balmy breezes – makes it one of the top beaches in Mexico. Where else can you get all that and a dramatically situated Maya ruin? There’s also excellent cave and cavern diving, fun cenotes, spas and yoga centers. Something for everyone in this beautiful piece of paradise.
COBA RUINS
Venture an hour northwest of Tulum to the Cobá Ruins, considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico. The ruins include the tallest pyramid in Quintana Roo, and the second tallest in the Yucatán, making these ancient site more than worthy of a road trip. Stroll or cycle the ancient limestone walkways, known as sacbes, to the main pyramid of Nohoch Mul. The climb is worth the effort for the unmatched view at the top. Bask in the sun and enjoy views of the jungle, where the site’s estimated 6,500 structures remain unexcavated.
DIVE INTO A CENOTE
No trip to Tulum is complete without a dive into the turquoise waters of a cenote. These freshwater pools were once regarded as spiritual passageways to the underworld; but today, they’re the perfect place to beat the Tulum heat. Towards the end of Tulum’s beach road, visit Cenote Escondido for an introductory dip. But if you wish to swim where seldom travel, drive 40 minutes northwest to Cenote Isla Alamos, one of the finest in the area. Snorkel on the surface or dive deep into the cenote’s cave system.
VISIT IK LAB AT AZULIK
In this mind-bending contemporary art gallery at Azulik resort, guests enter barefoot to interact with floors of polished cement and bejuco (vine-like wood) as living organisms. Opened by the great-grandson of art collector Peggy Guggenheim, the dreamlike exhibition space of meandering expanses was conceived so viewers could experience art alongside Tulum’s natural elements, all under geometrically patterned wood domes.
EXPLORE SIAN KA’AN BIOSPHERE RESERVE
A visit to Tulum grants travelers intimate access to the Yucatán jungle, and there’s no area more striking than the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a coastal wetland rife with shimmering lagoons, rare wildlife, and hidden Mayan ruins. Translating to “Origin of the Sky” in Mayan, Sian Ka’an’s tropical forests, mangroves, and coral reef prove to be an ideal locale for hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking.
SAIL A PRIVATE CATAMARAN AT SUNSET
To see areas of the Yucatán only accessible by boat, book an adventure with Sailing Tulum Tours. With the company, you can depart on a private catamaran expedition to Tulum National Park, setting sail through the protected waters of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve before arriving to the city’s protected archaeological zone. Stroll the Tulum Ruins, a 13th-century Mayan archaeological site that overlooks the sea, and before returning to town, enjoy sunset cocktails on the waters of the Riviera Maya.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Tulum is situated on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, in the Riviera Maya district.
GETTING THERE
There are no direct flights to Tulum. You have to fly to Cancun and take a private transfer, bus or rent a car. We recommend a private transfer organized by the hotel you are staying with – Tulum is about an 1 hour and 40 minute drive from the Cancun Airport.
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the main language spoken by the locals, although most working in the tourism industry will also speak English relatively well.
CURRENCY
The Mexican Peso is the local currency in Tulum.
CREDIT CARDS + BANKS
Upmarket restaurants and hotels will take Visa and Mastercard payments, but your best bet is to always carry cash. While US Dollars are accepted at some restaurants and shops, you’ll typically end up paying more than if you pay with Pesos, so take advantage of the local ATM’s around.
SAFETY
Tulum is extremely safe, but like any destination, don’t leave your belongings unattended. You are fine to walk around at night, just use your street smarts and be aware of your surroundings.
CLIMATE
The average high temperatures in Tulum remain about 80 °F (30°C) throughout the year
GETTING AROUND
Tulum is a relatively small town, but it is divided into three main areas. Most things are a little far to walk between, so consider renting a bicycle or hailing a local taxi!
TULUM TOWN
The main town area is located right by Highway 307, while the beach is a little further away, and is home to several upmarket spas and hotels. This is where the banks, shops, cafes and the small nightlife district is located, and is the first part of Tulum you will see when you arrive.
TULUM BEACH
This beautiful Caribbean beach is where those looking to relax and unwind will head. It’s home to a superb white sand beach, some lovely restaurants, and a few boutique spas and hotels.
TULUM RUINS
The ruins are a short distance away from Tulum Town. There are plenty of taxis that can be found in all three areas of Tulum, but you can also rent a bicycle if you would rather get around by yourself. This is where you can explore the Mayan ruins that date from between the 13th and 15th centuries.
WHERE TO EAT
Tulum has many delicious dining options. These are just a few of our favorites.
www.facebook.com/TaqueriaEufemia
Best beach tacos + it’s always poppin’ with great music and a fun social scene.
ARCA
A hip jungle restaurant with stylish setting and amazing food. We love their cocktails.
NU
Modern Mexican restaurant in jungle setting. Delicious, original menu with great ambience.
GITANO
groupgitano.com
Mezcal bar with good food and nightlife scene.
CASA JAGUAR
Cocktail bar with great food and nightlife scene.
HARTWOOD
Popular with the NYC crowd. Excellent grilled food and ambience.
LA ZEBRA
A good beach hangout. They have a pop-up cocktail bar called The Mulberry Project on the beach and decent food. Great place to camp out for the day.
POSADA MARGHERITA
Great Italian food on the beach. Greg and I went here the first time we came to Tulum and loved the pasta and vibes.
WHERE TO STAY
Greg and I have rented rooms at Zorba, where the wedding is taking place. We have limited availability, so we highly recommend staying next door at Chiringuito or Nest Hotel. Both are beautiful and located right on the beach. Please find info below about these hotels and other places we love in Tulum on the beach.
CHIRINGUITO
www.chiringuito-tulum.com
*next door to Zorba, where we are staying – recommended
NEST TULUM
www.nesttulum.com
*next door to Zorba, where we are staying – recommended
NOMADE
www.nomadetulum.com
*beautiful property, hip, great food – luxury
CASA MALCA
www.casamalca.com
*Pablo Escobar’s old hacienda – luxury
CASA VIOLETA
www.casavioletatulum.com
*boutique chic with great food – moderate
NUEVA VIDA DE RAMIRO
view more details
*quiet, intimate getaway on the beach – budget