11 Best Things to do in Tulum, Mexico
If Tulum, Mexico, isn’t already on your bucket list, it needs to be! It is one of my favorite destinations that I continue to return to every year. Tulum is so unique from other beach destinations due to its secluded location in the jungle, beach clubs, upscale restaurants, and boutique-style beach resorts with some of the most unique art and architecture!
I have now been to Tulum three times, and I still haven’t seen everything there is to see here. Another reason to love Tulum is that you’re not stuck to just lying on the beach; there are many more activities to do! Whether you want to hang out at a beach club, swim in a cenote, or explore the history of Mexico at the Mayan Ruins, Tulum has options for everyone!
What to know before you go?
When planning a trip to Tulum, it’s important to do all your research. Tulum is not a destination I would recommend traveling to without any knowledge of the destination. Tulum is not a cheap place to visit, and it’s easy to get scammed or overcharged if you don’t do it right!
Luckily for you, I’ve been enough times to know all the tips and tricks which I will share below!
How to get to Tulum?
There are several ways you can get to Tulum. The most popular is to fly into the Cancun airport and take a taxi, shuttle, or bus from Cancun to Tulum. It is just under a 2 hour drive from Cancun to Tulum which can make for a long travel day depending on where you’re coming from.
A private ride from Cancun to Tulum is not cheap and can run up to $400 USD round-trip. If you want to get from Cancun to Tulum on a budget, I recommend taking the ADO Bus. This bus is probably the cheapest way to travel around the Riviera Maya. It costs around $15 USD each way. I have personally taken the bus on my way back from Cancun to Tulum, and it was comfortable and easy!
CLICK HERE to search options for the ADO Bus!
The easiest way to get to Tulum is by flying directly into the Tulum airport! This is definitely the most convenient way to get to Tulum; however, this airport is BRAND NEW and there are not a ton of flight options just yet and they can be more expensive than flying into Cancun. If you’re lucky enough to find a flight right into Tulum, definitely go with that option! Once you land at the airport in Tulum, you will need to grab a taxi to your hotel!
Search flights to Tulum here:
Should you rent a car in Tulum?
NO! I would not recommend renting a car in Tulum for two main reasons, and I am someone who typically always wants a rental car when I travel.
The biggest reason to avoid renting a car in Tulum is that this is usually where people run into issues with getting scammed. It is not uncommon for tourists in rental cars to get pulled over by police and be expected to pay them large amounts of money.
The second reason not to rent a car is that there is not a lot of parking available near the beach in the hotel zone. The traffic can also be very bad especially on the weekends, so the safer bet is to just stick with taxis.
If you do want your own form of transportation, almost every hotel offers bike rentals. It’s also common to rent scooters or ATVs to get around Tulum since it is such a small town.
When is the best time to visit Tulum?
The best time to visit Tulum is from November to April. The most popular months for tourism are December to March, as this is considered the best time of year for the weather. When planning a trip to Tulum, it is best to avoid the summer months (June-October) for several reasons. These tend to be the hottest and more humid months of the year and also falls during the Caribbean hurricane season. The other downside to visiting during this time is the seaweed that takes over the beaches. This typically clears up in November when you can then enjoy the white sand and clear waters of Tulum!
Where to stay in Tulum?
There are many options for accommodations when looking in Tulum. The most important thing to understand is that there are actually two separate areas in Tulum: Tulum Town and the Hotel Zone. The two are very different and have very different hotel options.
If you are staying in Downtown Tulum, it is going to be much more affordable and more of a local feel. I have stayed in Downtown twice out of my 3 trips to Tulum and love how it is walking distance to so many affordable shops and restaurants. Tons of Airbnbs in Downtown Tulum are affordable and great for groups! The only downside to staying in town is that you have to take a taxi to the beach which can be costly.
Best places to stay in Downtown Tulum:
Aloft Tulum: This is a great and affordable option for a stay in Downtown Tulum. Both times I’ve stayed in town, I have stayed at this hotel! It is within walking distance to tons of shops and restaurants. It also has a rooftop infinity pool with a rooftop bar and restaurant!
Downtown Tulum Hotel: This is a boutique hotel right in the middle of downtown Tulum! I have not personally stayed here but I have been to their rooftop restaurant which has great food, drinks, and even has a DJ!
The hotel zone is the best-known area to stay in Tulum. This is where you will find all the Instagram-famous boutique hotels and popular beach clubs. The best part of staying in the hotel zone is that you will be right on the beach and close to a lot of main attractions in Tulum, such as the Mayan Ruins, beach clubs, and lively restaurants. The downside is that the hotel zone is much more expensive than downtown. Some hotels in the hotel zone can be around $500 per night or more during the high season. With that said, these are some very unique hotels you won’t get to experience anywhere else!
Best places to stay on Tulum Beach:
Kanan Resort & Spa: Probably one of the most unique hotels on Tulum Beach is Kanan Resort & Spa. This hotel resembles a treehouse and has a beach club where you can rent nests on the beach. It also has a rooftop restaurant where you can reserve their nest experience and dine in a nest at sunset!
Also Read: Where to stay in Tulum
Best Things to do in Tulum, Mexico
Now that you know the basics of what to expect and how to plan the perfect trip to Tulum, let’s go over all the things you cannot miss on your trip!
1. Cenote Calavera
Mexico’s Riviera Maya is full of it’s famous cenotes. The cenotes were once considered sacred to the Mayans and called portals to the underworld. Today, they are a popular tourist attraction throughout the YucatĆ”n Peninsula and are a must if visiting Tulum!
My favorite cenote near Tulum is Cenote Calavera. Also known as the “Temple of Doom”. This cenote is one of the closest to downtown Tulum. The easiest way to access Cenote Calavera is by bike or taxi and is a 5-10 minute ride.
To enter Cenote Calavera, it is $250 pesos per person, or around $15 USD, and is cash only.
Cenote Calavera resembles a skull and has a large opening with a ladder and a swing. There are also two smaller holes where you jump in to enter the cenote.
Cenote Calavera also has a bar where you can purchase drinks with card or cash!
2. Grand Cenote
Another popular cenote near Tulum is Grand Cenote. This cenote is MUCH larger than Cenote Calavera and is slightly further from town, about 3 miles. The best way to reach this cenote is by taxi, atv, scooter, or rental car.
Grand Cenote is popular so I recommend coming right when they open at 10 AM to beat the crowds if you are coming during the high season. Grand Cenote is large and has a few cave areas you can swim into.
It is required to wear a life jacket when swimming at Grand Cenote. They also have snorkel masks so you can explore the unique underwater landscapes at this cenote.
Before you’re allowed to swim here, you do have to shower off and wet your hair. Sunscreen is NOT allowed at Grand Cenote due to the chemicals contaminating the water.
One fun thing about this cenote is the wildlife. There are many turtles and bats that call this cenote home. Remember to keep your distance from them and don’t touch them!
3. Mia Beach Club
Visiting a beach club is something you have to do at least once when visiting Tulum. Tulum Beach is famous for its upscale, luxurious beach clubs so it’s only right you spend a day at one!
Some beach clubs in Tulum can be extremely overpriced and crowded, which is why Mia is one of my personal favorites. Mia is connected to the Selina Hostel and has a pool, DJ, and great food and drinks!
Like most of the beach clubs in Tulum, Mia does have a minimum spend but does NOT take part of the minimum as a cover charge like some of the more expensive beach clubs. I feel like you really get your moneys worth here since the minimum all goes towards your food and drink!
4. Visit the Mayan Ruins
Aside from the cenotes, the Mayan Ruins are a pretty popular attraction in Tulum! If you love history, then I highly recommend going to the Mayan Ruins when visiting Tulum.
The Tulum Ruins are close to the hotel zone and are open from 8 AM to 3 PM daily. I highly recommend getting there right when they open to avoid the heat. The ruins sit at the top of a cliff overlooking a stunning beach, but have no shade and get a ton of sun. Once the sun is fully out, it can get really hot especially in the summer months.
Once you’ve seen the ruins, you can take the stairs down the cliff to enjoy the secluded beach and crystal clear water! Don’t forget to bring a beach towel & reef-safe sunscreen!
5. Gitano Jungle Disco Night
One of my favorite restaurants that I’ve been to in Tulum is Gitano Jungle. Not only is the food here amazing, but every Friday night they have their Disco Night! This is when you can go straight from a 5 star meal for dinner to a disco party!
There is a DJ, dance floor, performers, sparklers, etc.! The restaurant is Mexican cuisine and really feels like dining in the middle of the jungle. I definitely recommend planning for a late dinner and going around 8:30 PM so you can have your dinner then join the disco!
Gitano Jungle is also famous for their mezcal, so make sure to try one of their famous mezcal cocktails or punchbowls!
Also Read: The Best Restaurants in Tulum
6. Day Trip to Chichen Itza
If you want to get away from Tulum for the day, consider taking a day trip to Chichen Itza! Did you know that Chichen Itza is one of the seven world wonders?!
Chichen Itza is located in the town of Valladolid which is about a 2 hour drive from Tulum. You have several options to get here which include booking a tour, taxi, or the ADO Bus.
If you do decide to visit Chichen Itza, you’ll want to block off the whole day to make sure you have plenty of time for this adventure! Chichen Itza opens everyday at 8 AM so you’ll want to leave Tulum bright and early if you want to beat the crowds and get there right when it opens!
7. Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park
One of the most famous photo spots in Tulum is the Ven A La Luz statue located in the sculpture park at the Ahau Tulum hotel on Tulum Beach.
This statue actually used to be the entrance to the hotel but it became so famous for photos that they had to move it to a separate location. It is now just around the corner from the hotel entrance in the art park with a few other art installations.
The entrance fee to the park is $8 USD and it is open from 9 AM to 10 PM. I personally think it is worth visiting both during the day and at night. The daytime is great for photos but at night the sculptures are all lit up with colorful lights!
8. Kaan Luum Lagoon
If you want to escape the crazy hotel zone and crowded cenotes for a day, try checking out Kaan Luum Lagoon. This lagoon is a lake area near Tulum that has a giant cenote in the middle. This is a great place to relax for the day with turquoise waters, hammocks, and paddle board rentals available.
The entrance fee to the lagoon is $15 USD, and it is open from 9 AM to 4 PM. The best way to get here is by taking a quick taxi from Downtown Tulum or Tulum Beach. You can also bring your own snacks and drinks so you can spend the whole day here!
9. Have Breakfast at Raw Love
One of my favorite things about Tulum is the wellness scene. There are tons of healthy restaurants and one of my favorites is Raw Love! This is a vegan restaurant with two locations one on Tulum Beach and the other in Tulum Town.
Raw Love has an all-vegan menu and is the perfect breakfast spot with avocado toast, smoothies, coffee, smoothie bowls, and more! This is an absolute must visit breakfast spot on any trip to Tulum, or grab a smoothie after a long day in the sun!
10. Enjoy the Nightlife
Nightlife in Tulum is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been! I would say it is most similar to Mykonos, Greece, as it is focused on house music, beach clubs, and dinner party shows.
If you’re visiting Tulum, spending at least one night of your trip enjoying the nightlife is a must. If you’re looking for things to do in Tulum at night, some of the best restaurants for nightlife and dinner shows are Bagatelle, Ilios, and Gitano Jungle (Friday Nights).
You can also check the beach clubs to see what nighttime parties they have going on during your trip. Some beach clubs to check out at night include Papaya Playa Project, Vagalume, and Mia.
11. Enjoy Tulum Beach for Free
You do NOT have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars at a beach club to enjoy the beach in Tulum! Tulum Beach is actually a free public beach, and you only need to spend money if you want to rent a bed at a beach club.
I love Tulum Beach because of its soft white sand, crystal clear waters, and tropical jungle feel with all the palm trees lining the beach. With that said, there is not much shade here so make sure you come prepared! Other than that, all you need is some sunscreen and a beach towel to enjoy a day on one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches!
FAQ
What are some free things to do in Tulum, Mexico?
If you’re looking for some free things to do in Tulum, head to the beach! You can enjoy Tulum Beach for free, as long as you don’t pay for a bed at a beach club. Some other fun free things to do in Tulum are to walk around the Hotel Zone and look at all the art and shops or go window shopping in Downtown Tulum.
You can also snorkel for free right off of Tulum Beach! Just make sure to pack your own snorkel gear! I bought my snorkel gear for cheap on Amazon and take it with me every time I go somewhere tropical!
Is it safe to visit Tulum?
Yes! It is perfectly safe to visit Tulum. I have been to Tulum 3 times and never had any issues. My biggest tips for safety in Tulum are to never rent a car or drive yourself and stay away from beach clubs and restaurants that have been known for scamming tourists (a quick Google search will tell you which ones)! Lastly, if you are a solo traveler, never wander around alone at night!
Is Tulum expensive?
Tulum is a bit more expensive than other destinations in Mexico, however, I don’t think it is more expensive than your average US city. For example, I live in Denver, Colorado and I feel like the food and drink prices are comparable.
With that said, it is totally possible to do Tulum on a budget! Airbnb’s are affordable and you can go to local grocery stores and cook at your airbnb instead of going to restaurants. You can also skip the beach clubs and just bring your own town or chair to sit on the beach for free!
My last tip to enjoy Tulum for less is to stay at hotel in town instead of the beach or stay at a hostel! My hotel in Tulum town was $85 USD per night where staying on the beach would’ve been a minimum of $250 USD per night!
What to pack for a trip to Tulum?
Snorkel Gear: I always bring my own snorkel gear! This will come in handy whether you are at the beach, a cenote, or decide to book a snorkel tour.
Bug Spray: Mosquitos in Tulum can be an annoyance, especially if you are visiting during the humid months. I always travel with bug spray especially if you are planning on venturing out at night!
Water Shoes: Some of the cenotes can be really rocky to walk on, so I always have a pair of water shoes in my bag just in case!
Probiotics: It’s not uncommon to have bad reactions to the water or food when visiting Tulum. On my first trip, I ended up really sick by the end of my trip. Since then, I’ve started taking probiotics a few days before my trip all the way up until I return home and have not had issues since!
Reef-Safe Sunscreen: When visiting Tulum, it is important to travel with reef-safe sunscreen to protect the reefs and the cenotes! I always travel with Sun Bum which is my favorite reef-safe sunscreen brand!
Comfortable shoes: One thing about Tulum is you will probably do A LOT of walking! The roads and streets here can also be uneven, so I recommend always bringing a pair of comfortable shoes.
Aloe Vera: The sun and heat in Tulum can be intense! Especially when you are out exploring all day. Make sure to pack some aloe vera in case you accidentally get too much sun exposure on your trip!
You can find my full Tulum, Mexico pack list HERE
Conclusion
Tulum is truly one of those unique destinations that you can continue to return to and never run out of things to do. After three trips of my own, I can confidently say that Tulum is a place where every type of traveller should visit at least once. Whether you want to relax on the beaches, explore ancient ruins, experience the culture and history of the YucatĆ”n, or snorkel in the cenotes tucked away in the jungle, you’ll be able to find something fun to do in Tulum. What makes Tulum so special is its balance of adventure and luxury. You can spend one day swimming in a cenote and the next dancing to house music at a jungle disco. You can stay in a boutique beach hotel that feels like a treehouse, or keep things simple and local in downtown Tulum. You can splurge on a beach club experience or enjoy the same white sand beach entirely for free. No matter your travel style or budget, Tulum can give you exactly what youāre looking for.
With all of that said, Tulum is also a destination that requires research and preparation. Doing your research ahead of time ensures youāll be less likely to experience scams, overpriced transportation, or crowded tourist traps, and more time enjoying everything that makes Tulum a unique destination. Knowing how to get there, understanding the difference between Downtown and the Hotel Zone, choosing the right activities, and planning around the weather can completely change your experience for the better. And after multiple visits, these tips and insights are exactly what I wish someone had told me my first time, because Tulum is too incredible to risk having your trip overshadowed by surprises that couldāve been avoided. The more you know before you go, the more likely you are to enjoy Tulum to the fullest!
If you are currently planning your first trip to Tulum, I hope this guide has given you some insight into planning a perfect trip and helps you feel better about visiting Tulum. So pack your bags and get ready to have a bucket list adventure in one of Mexico’s most unique destinations.
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