We may be biased, but for us, Tulum is one of the most gorgeous places in the world. Not only you have the amazing Caribbean Sea with its famous turquoise waters and white sand, in Tulum you can also find a town full of ancient culture, the second longest coral reef system in the world, food to die for, wellness and parties. Literally, Tulum is the perfect beach to vacation for everyone!

LOCATION

Tulum is located about 90 mins from the Cancun airport and 45 mins from Playa del Carmen by car.

WEATHER

Can you imagine a place with warm weather all year long? Well, that’s Tulum.  The temperature typically varies from 62°F to 94°F and is rarely below 53°F.

Tulum is in the jungle so during summer it rains, but don’t worry, you will still see a lot of sunshine to get the perfect tan.

You should keep in mind that the hurricane season is around September/October.

TRANSPORTATION

Well, this is a tricky question because it depends 100% on the kind of trip you are planning.

If your plan to come to Tulum and enjoy the beach, the nightclubs, the ruins, and the local restaurants, we recommend you take a shuttle from the Cancun airport or the new Tulum airport. Once you are in Tulum, bicycle is the most convenient way to cruise around Tulum, you will not have to deal with traffic or parking, plus you will feel like a local.

If you want to enjoy Tulum, but also take advantage of its amazing location and visit the nearby towns like Akumal, Sian Kan, Playa del Carmen, Coba, the many (many) cenotes etc. We would recommend renting a car. Just make sure your stay includes parking.

Here are 10 things we thing we think you need to know before booking your trip to Tulum

1. Cash is King: Bring pesos! Yeah, many spots take USD, but paying in pesos gets you better deals (trust us on this one). A lot of the best taquerías and roadside shops are cash-only. Also, use ATMs inside banks, not the random ones on the street, they’ll rip you off.
2. Biking is Best: You can rent a car, but honestly, a bike is way better. It’s very easy to cruise between the town and beach, plus it saves you the headache of parking.
3. Environmental Awareness: Tulum is very eco-conscious. Some hotels, specially in the beach zone operate off the grid, so electricity is limited. Make sure when you book your stay, you know if the hotel is off the grid as some places may even restrict air conditioning to nighttime only.
4. For budget friendly stays, check Aldea Zama or Tulum Pueblo: Beachfront hotels are gorgeous, but they can drain your wallet. Stay in Aldea Zama or Tulum Pueblo if you’re on a budget, and just bike or take a cab to the beach. Book well in advance for high season (December–April).
5. Cenotes Are Magical (and Everywhere): Don’t miss the cenotes, these are natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water. Of course, hit up the famous ones like Gran Cenote, but the real gems are less crowded ones like Cenote Cristal or Cenote Escondido. Check our cenotes post for more info.
6. Airport Transfers: Book your transport in advance. The ADO bus is super affordable, but if you want to go straight to your spot, share a shuttle or splurge on a private ride. Taxis from the airport? They’ll usually charge you an arm and a leg.
7. Don’t Skip the Tacos: Yes, the beachside restaurants are amazing but don’t forget about the smaller restaurants like “Antojitos La Chiapaneca” in town for tacos al pastor. Pro tip: They’re cheap, so order extra…you’ll want more. Oh, and churros from the street carts? A must.
8. Wi-Fi Is Hit or Miss: Be ready to unplug. Wi-Fi at beach hotels is slow. If you need a connection, head to a café in town. Burrito Amor has great Wi-Fi (and even better burritos.)
9. Mosquitoes Are Brutal: These little guys don’t mess around. Get a good repellent (preferably natural to keep the cenotes clean) and wear it religiously, especially near the jungle or cenotes at dawn and dusk.
10. Respect Nature and Culture: Tulum is a sacred place with a rich Mayan history. Visit the Tulum Ruins and other archaeological sites respectfully and support eco-friendly and sustainable practices wherever possible. You’ll see locals picking up trash, it’s a small community, and we all try to keep it beautiful.