8 Best Beach Clubs in Tulum, Mexico + Free Public Beaches

Tulum, Mexico is one of the BEST travel destinations in the world, especially if all you’re planning to do is lay on the beach, catch some sun and sip a cocktail at a beach club! If this sounds like heaven to you, in the article below I will tell you all about my favourite 8 best beach clubs in Tulum, as well as some other useful info.

At the beginning of the year I spent two entire weeks in Tulum and I never got bored of the beaches and beach clubs there. There’s something for everyone and beach clubs are a great way to spend the day in Tulum! Most of them have restaurants and bars (and swings!), where you can stay all day and soak up the sun. Many of them also have pools, so you can take a dip when the ocean is too hot or rough.

Okay, let’s get into it!

Practical info about beach clubs in Tulum

Practical info about the best beach clubs in Tulum

Before sharing my list of the best beach clubs in Tulum with you, here are some practical things you need to know before visiting:

The beach clubs in Tulum are all run by hotels, and generally supply loungers, towels, live music, table service, pool access and a general good vibe. You simply need to purchase a “day pass” or fulfil a minimum spend per person;
Speaking of the minimum spend… the concept is simple: you just need to buy enough food and drinks to cover this charge. If not, you’ll still be charged with this minimum amount. Depending on your chosen beach club, the minimum spend can be anything from 50 to 150 US$ per person;
Pricing will vary massively. Sometimes the price of the day pass will go towards costs of food and beverages – other times it’s just a standard fee that goes on top. Plus, some places might have a service or cover charge (around 15% to 20% of your check), which is something they won’t tell you until you receive your bill, so it’s best to ask this once you arrive;
If you’re one of the hotel guests at the accommodation that owns the beach club, there’ll usually be no minimum spend for you;
Places differ in vibe – some are family-friendly while others are not, some have a real party vibe while others are more chill and tranquil – so keep this in mind before you go;
If you’re planning on going to one of the most popular beach clubs in Tulum, you may find that the spots fill up quickly, so I recommend making a reservation beforehand if you can;
Dress code: while some beach clubs are super casual, others are posh and require a certain dress code; be sure to check this beforehand.

8 Best beach clubs in Tulum, Mexico

Here are my favourite 8 beach clubs in Tulum that I have personally been to:

1 – Papaya Playa Beach Club

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNEA3KEDJSx/

Papaya Playa Project is DEFINITELY one of the most famous beach clubs in Tulum – and it’s gotten even bigger and better after they were closed during COVID-19 for redevelopment and upgrades. Now, this place looks like a piece of paradise and it offers anything you can think of: world-class design, famous DJs, a full moon party once per month, incredible food and cocktails, as well as a great location in the northern beach strip, close to Tulum Ruins.

As with most beach clubs in Tulum, Papaya Playa Project also has an incredible eco-hotel; here, you can stay in luxurious beach huts, cottages and cabins with unforgettable views of the Caribbean Sea or the surrounding jungle!

Reservations are recommended, especially during weekends when everybody wants to attend the Papaya Playa Project parties with live DJs and bands!

ENTRANCE FEE: 30 US$

MINIMUM SPEND: 50 US$ per person during the week and 100 US$ on weekends

RESERVATION REQUIRED: yes

ADDRESS: Find it on Google Maps here.

2 – Coco Tulum Beach Club

https://www.instagram.com/p/COQptr8Hzhg/

MY TAKE: I actually stayed at Coco Tulum during my last trip to Tulum, which means I got to chill at their beach club daily – and I enjoyed it a lot!

Coco Tulum is another gorgeous place on my list of the busiest beach clubs in Tulum – and with good reason! This great beach club is hands-down one of the most Instagrammable spots in Tulum with a boho-chic, white-washed design, scattered with pretty rope swings and hammocks too.

And when the night comes, that’s when the parties start, with electronic music and lots of dancing and the ocean as your backdrop. Did I mention this is also one of the most elite beach clubs around?

One thing to know from the start: everybody that has been to Coco Tulum is talking about their fish and seafood tacos! They’re absolutely incredible and they alone are worth the trip to this place. Plus, you can literally never get bored at Coco Tulum, as they offer plenty of activities such as sauna, yoga and guided tours as well.

By the way, I also recommend arriving early, as this place gets full really fast!

ENTRANCE FEE: no

MINIMUM SPEND: 25 US$ per person, making it one of the most budget-friendly beach clubs in Tulum

RESERVATION REQUIRED: yes

ADDRESS: Find it on Google Maps here.

3 – Cinco Tulum Beach Club

If you’re a fan of boho-chic decor and laid-back vibes, Cinco Tulum must be right up your alley! With great food and comfy beanbags, lounge chairs, sunbeds and even canvas tents right on the beach, Cinco is the perfect spot to spend a relaxing day right on the beach.

Make sure to not expect much, though, as Cinco Tulum has a pretty basic set-up with beach chairs and no pool. In case you’re looking for luxury and sophistication, it may be best to check out one of the other places on this list instead, such as Taboo or Nomade. I went to Cinco for lunch and I enjoyed it!

One of the best things about Cinco is that it’s pretty affordable, especially if you compare it to the classic Tulum prices or the rates charged by other beach clubs in this list. And if you want to linger for longer and you’re a glamping fan, you can also spend the night in one of their luxury tents!

ENTRANCE FEE: no

MINIMUM SPEND: 50 US$ per person on weekends

RESERVATION REQUIRED: yes

ADDRESS: Find it on Google Maps here.

4 – Taboo Tulum Beach Club

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd4QTVBrhVc/

If you’re craving some good ol’ Mediterranean cuisine after tons of tacos and margaritas, Taboo is here for a change of scenery! Besides their incredibly delicious and good-looking menu (they take food to the start of art, quite literally), Taboo also has a glamorous design and fairytale-like atmosphere.

Taboo Tulum also has a pool and lounge chairs and everything else you might desire for a real luxury experience – this means, of course, that the prices will match.

And, most importantly, if you want to spend the day here, you must make a reservation on their website beforehand, otherwise this place will be fully booked, especially if you’re visiting during high season.

ENTRANCE FEE: Taboo has a different payment system – a sunbed here is 120 US$, but you’ll get to spend 71 US$ of them for food and drinks

MINIMUM SPEND: no

RESERVATION REQUIRED: yes

ADDRESS: Find it on Google Maps here.

5 – Vagalume Tulum Beach Club

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRWXcS-JYtU/

Vagalume is one of the newest places around and definitely one of the best beach clubs in Tulum! This place simply looks amazing, with a beautiful little bridge held by a cement hand that connects the lounge area to the pool. Speaking of the lounge area, Vagalume has a beautiful Moroccan decor with wooden chairs, macrame and colourful rugs.

As for parties, this beach club is definitely the place to be. They have live shows, DJs and bands all week long, so no chance to get bored here, as you’ll be experiencing something new every day.

NOTE: Unfortunately, Vagalume has quite a reputation of adding extra drinks to your bill or making money-related mistakes. We don’t know why, maybe they do it on purpose or maybe it happens by mistake when the beach club gets really crowded, but it never hurts to pay a little extra caution when you receive the bill at the end of the day!

ENTRANCE FEE: no

MINIMUM SPEND: 150 US$ per person

RESERVATION REQUIRED: yes

ADDRESS: Find it on Google Maps here.

6 – Nomade Tulum Beach Club

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYeQxXEL1c7/

Nomade is really famous as being one of the most gorgeous boutique hotels in Tulum – and their beach club doesn’t disappoint either! So if you’re looking for an upscale place to spend the day without a care in the world, this beach club is definitely the place to be.

Some of the highlights at Nomade Beach Club include their incredible cocktails, the food (especially the fish and seafood at La Popular, their on-site beachfront restaurant – definitely a must-try!), the private beach, outdoor tents, swings and more. Although it looks REALLY sophisticated, Nomade has mid-range prices, which is also a plus.

NOTE: Nomade is a cashless hotel/place, so make sure you don’t forget your credit card at home.

ENTRANCE FEE: no

MINIMUM SPEND: 100 US$ per person

RESERVATION REQUIRED: yes

ADDRESS: Find it on Google Maps here.

7 – Casa Malca

https://www.instagram.com/p/CfWjyvsOyhD/

Casa Malca is quite different from all the beach clubs I’ve mentioned in this list. In fact, Casa Malca is not just a place where you can sit in a sunbed with a cocktail in your hand, but one of the unmissable tourist attractions in Tulum with historical importance!

Casa Malca was once Pablo Escobar’s mansion, now transformed into a real work of art. You’ll find impressive art installations and artworks here, as well as Instagrammable corners, swings and a beach club section as well. They also have a rooftop terrace and no less than three pools and three restaurants… Do I need to say more?!

Casa Malca Beach Club also has comfy beach beds, hammocks, and a tropical vibe that you’ll surely love, making it perfect for a full day of laying in the sun.

ENTRANCE FEE: 160 US$ for a day pass, out of which 110 US$ can be used as a food and drink credit

MINIMUM SPEND: no

RESERVATION REQUIRED: yes

ADDRESS: Find it on Google Maps here

8 – Ziggy’s Beach Club

https://www.instagram.com/p/CeUH9VhuJLr/

Last but definitely not least on my list, Ziggy’s Beach Club is another cool place and one of the best beach clubs in Tulum in my experience! Another cool thing that I loved here is that they open at 7 AM, way before all the other beach clubs on my list, making it the perfect spot to drink your coffee before jumping on one of their sun loungers with a coconut cocktail in your hand. Their special breakfast menu is simply delicious as well!

What makes Ziggy such an amazing place is their eclectic schedule of events (starting at 7.30 PM daily) that differ everyday. Activities may include dancing, tequila or Mexican wine tasting, traditional live music, live seafood cooking – it’s literally impossible to get bored here, regardless of how long you’re staying! One small thing to note, though – there’s going to be a small fee if you want to join these special events.

FUN FACT: Ziggy’s Beach Club also offers solar chargers for your phone, which I think is super nice!

ENTRANCE FEE: no

MINIMUM SPEND: 50 US$ per person

RESERVATION REQUIRED: yes

ADDRESS: Find it on Google Maps here

8 Other notable Tulum beach clubs worth checking out

Okay, now that you know all about the 8 best beach clubs in Tulum where I used to spend my days, it’s time for a little extra list of places that I didn’t get to visit, but I’d surely love to on my next trip to this destination:

1 – LA EUFEMIA

La Eufemia is one of the top Tulum beach clubs for many people and I’ve heard a lot of good things about this place. First of all, they don’t have a minimum spend, which is absolutely amazing, making it one of the best places for people on a tight budget. One of the most interesting things here is their celebrity-inspired furniture, as in… you can sit at the table with Amy Winehouse! Ah, last but not least, La Eufemia is well-known as being the best taco place in Tulum!

2 – HABITAS BEACH CLUB

Habitas is known as being one of the most beautiful Tulum beach clubs since forever! They have plush lounge chairs, sun loungers, a private white sand beach that’s absolutely gorgeous, pools with an ocean view, an open-air restaurant and more. And if you’re an interior design lover, you simply have to take a look around the entire property, you’ll be in awe at everything they’ve done there!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYFTWfjPAM-/

3 – PLAYA PARAISO BEACH CLUB

If you’re planning on visiting Tulum Ruins, you’ll surely want to recharge the batteries in a chill spot nearby… which is exactly Playa Paraiso Beach Club, located on, you guessed it, Playa Paraiso Beach! One of the best things about this place is their extra-comfortable beach beds where you can relax and unwind under the palm trees. The food is excellent, there are snorkelling possibilities right near the beach and you’ll only pay 5 US$ for a basic sun lounger. What more to wish for?

4 – MIA BEACH CLUB

If you’re looking for one of the best upscale beach clubs in Tulum with affordable prices (is that even possible?!) and delicious food, then you’ll surely fall in love with Mia Beach Club. And if you’re a wine lover too, there’s no better place for you, as they have more than 300 labels of wine from all around the world – how awesome is that?!

The minimum spending limit here is 20 US$ per person and you get free beach beds if you reach it, which is definitely in the budget range for Tulum! Oh, one last thing: if you visit, make sure you don’t miss their fine dining Mexican restaurant: Mia Restaurant!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CeOpN01FPpS/?hl=en

5 – SELINA BEACH CLUB TULUM

I’m talking about Selina right after Mia Restaurant and Beach club because there’s actually a partnership between the two and they’re now located in the same spot – which means you can check out both of them on the same day if you want!

Selina is up high on the list of Instagrammable places in Tulum, so you can expect to find some gorgeous decor here. Selina has comfortable day beds, a cocktail beach bar, great music to chill on and lots more. While you’re there, make sure you don’t miss “The Next” – one of the best photo ops in Tulum!

6 – MINA

MINA is another one of those places where you can enjoy some incredible food with the view of the ocean. They have a fresh seafood and steak restaurant where you can see your food being cooked at an open-air pit on the private white sand beach – which is an interesting experience by itself!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CSqEpEGMCQA/

7 – HIP HOTEL BEACH CLUB

God, please stop me from making a pun about how hip the Hip Beach Club is… okay, I guess that didn’t work! Jokes aside, this beach club has delicious cocktails, a seafood-inspired menu and lots of comfortable spots on the beach where you can sit and unwind – or admire the sunset!

8 – AHAU TULUM BEACH CLUB

You may remember Ahau Hotel from my list of 23 Best Tulum Instagram Spots: A Photo Guide, but I didn’t get to tell you all about their beach club yet. Ahau Beach Club is nestled into the green jungle, right near the Mayan ruins. They have a delicious menu and lots of Instagrammable corners (as you might’ve guessed already) that you can enjoy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CTUorUNLnmr/

How to get to the beach clubs in Tulum

Regardless if you’re staying in the Hotel Zone or in Tulum Town, getting to the beach clubs I’ve mentioned above is really easy. You have three main options here:

By bike

Bike rental in Tulum is super affordable (around 10 US$ for an entire day) and really fun. Tulum is a safe spot for biking, with a clear path from town to the beach. Plus, it’s what everything does and it really adds to the entire experience!

By scooter

Scooter rental is also great and it comes with the advantage of getting you around a little bit quicker. The average price for scooter rental in Tulum is around 25 US$ per day.

By taxi

This is, naturally, the most expensive option – especially in Tulum, where prices are sky-rocketing every year! But if this is your only choice, I recommend you make sure you negotiate the fee before you get into the car, otherwise they will just come up with any ridiculous number and hound you until you pay it.

Free public beaches in Tulum

8 Unmissable Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico - Complete Guide & Tips

The catch about Tulum is that most of its beaches have become private beaches once luxury hotels and resorts started popping up on the entire strip that is called Zona Hotelera – also known as Tulum’s Hotel Zone. These hotels and beach clubs have “monopolised” the beaches and started charging a fee for access; alternatively, others have set a minimum spend per person which can be as high as 100 US$.

Playa Paraiso, Las Palmas and Playa Ruinas are the only 3 free public access beaches in Tulum.

BUT! Once you’re on the beach, you can walk down the playa and set up camp at any spot – every beach is technically public and not owned by any hotel. Make sure you bring your own towel and some snacks, though.

1 – Playa Paradiso Tulum

Playa Paraiso is definitely one of the most popular beaches in Tulum and the most beautiful free public beach out of all three – which means that, unfortunately, it gets crowded at times! Regardless, it’s an excellent beach for recreational activities – Playa Paraiso has something for everyone!

If you want a place to relax, you can spend your days lounging on the beach or swimming in the crystal clear water. For those who want to explore, there are plenty of ancient ruins and caves to discover nearby. You can also find excellent restaurants and beach bars in the area!

2 – Las Palmas Beach Tulum

Las Palmas Beach is located along Zona Hotelera, right next to numerous famous resorts – only here you won’t have to pay any fee to enjoy the gorgeous white sand and turquoise waters!

This beach is quite small and it has two different zones: a sandy patch and a rocky one, which means you’ll get the best of both worlds. The only downside here is that there are literally no amenities on the beach, so you’ll have to make sure to bring your own towels, beach chairs, food and drinks.

3 – Playa Ruinas / Tulum Ruins Beach

Playa Ruinas is located right near the well-known Mayan ruins in the north of the Hotel Zone. One of the highlights of this beach is the cliff in the northern end, which makes for amazing photo opportunities.

Just like with the other two beaches on this list, it will get crowded quickly (as it’s a free access beach), so I recommend visiting as early in the morning as possible in order to beat the crowds! Again, there are literally no amenities here so you’ll have to be in charge of those, but if you get hungry, there are enough good restaurants nearby.

BONUS: Best beaches near Tulum

In case you want to check out some other beaches close to Tulum in the Yucatan Peninsula, here are some beautiful ones to add to your list:

Playa del Carmen – Playa del Carmen is similar to Tulum, meaning it has gorgeous white sand beaches and turquoise water, plus lots of incredible beaches to check out!
Playa Akumal – Akumal, also known as “the place of turtles” is located a bit less than 30 km away from Tulum and it’s worth taking the trip there at least for the five gorgeous bays there and the fun activities such as kayaking, kite surfing, turtle spotting and more.
Playa Xpu-Ha Beach – this is one of the hidden gems in Riviera Maya and I highly recommend it if you want a laid-back place away from the hustle and bustle of Tulum Zona Hotelera! This is a secluded beach, surrounded by palm trees and it’s also a great spot for snorkelling.
Playa Kantenah – located around 35 km away from Tulum, this wide strip of beach is absolutely gorgeous and an excellent choice if you want to sit back, relax and enjoy some really good restaurants as well. And it’s especially good if you love places with lush vegetation!
Punta Allen Beach – this beach is located in the proximity of Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, so it’s a good idea to visit both in case you were planning a day trip in that direction already! Punta Allen is a gorgeous beach with clear water and lots of opportunities for snorkelling and kayaking.
Puerto Morelos Beach – this is one of the amazing beaches along the coast of the Caribbean Sea that you probably heard of. This is also where the second largest coral reef in the world is located, so bonus points for those that want to dive and snorkel!

Aaand this was my complete list of the best beach clubs in Tulum! In this post I’ve told you everything I learned about the 8 amazing beach clubs I visited myself and I’ve also offered you information about 8 other Tulum beach clubs that I didn’t get to visit. In short, I’m absolutely convinced you’ll find THE best beach club for your budget and preferences among my recommendations above!

Tulum is a place that caters to all types of travellers, so regardless if you want to spend your days in a beach bed with some fish tacos and a cocktail in your hand or you want to dance the night away at one of the numerous moon parties with live music, I’m sure you’ll find something for you!

In case you need more information that will help you plan your trip to Tulum, I recommend clicking here to find all my posts about this unique destination. And here you’ll find all my articles about Mexico.

xoxo,

Melissa

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Cancun vs Playa del Carmen vs Tulum – Which One Should You Choose For Your Travel Style?

Are you thinking about taking a trip to Mexico in Latin America? Great choice! Wondering where to choose between Cancun vs Playa del Carmen vs Tulum? That’s an important question, really, that I’m going to cover down below!

With so many amazing places to choose from, it can be tough to decide which destination is right for you. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum – three of Mexico’s most popular travel destinations – and compare the PROs and CONs of each one. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better idea of which location is the best fit for your Mexico itinerary, depending on your travel style!

Quick round-up & practical info

practical info about Cancun vs Playa del Carmen vs Tulum

Although not very far from each other, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum each offer unique experiences, as well as pretty different advantages and disadvantages.

Main aspects

Here’s a short round-up of the most important aspects you might want to consider before deciding between Cancun vs Playa del Carmen vs Tulum:

	Cancun	Playa del Carmen	Tulum
International airport	Yes	No	No
Buses	Yes	Yes	Yes
Great beaches	Yes	Not all of them	Yes
Parties	Yes	Yes	Yes
Quiet atmosphere	No	No	Yes
$$$	Mid-range	Budget	Expensive
Do I need a car?	Maybe	No	Maybe
Nature	No	No	Yes
Day trip accessibility	Yes	Yes	A bit less

Distances

Because Cancun is the only one out of the three that has an International airport, it’ll most likely be the place where you arrive first. And if you don’t decide to make it the base for your trip, you can easily get to both Tulum and Playa del Carmen from there. Playa del Carmen is located right between Cancun and Tulum and, in all honesty, it won’t take you long to reach either of the two destinations. Here are the distances:

Cancun to Playa del Carmen – 68 km / 1 hour
Cancun to Tulum – 130 km / 1h 45 min

And here’s a useful map to see where each of them in located:

Recommendations by travel style

And now, before we get into the nitty-gritty of it all, here’s a short round-up of the very best that Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum have to offer, so if you’re short on time you can easily choose where is best for you:

Cancun – for first timers in Mexico
Playa del Carmen – for nightlife
Tulum – for relaxation
Playa del Carmen – for resort life
Tulum – for culture and sightseeing
Tulum – for luxury and a complete splurge
Playa del Carmen – if you’re on a budget
Cancun – for families
Playa del Carmen – for outdoor activities
Tulum – for Instagrammable photo ops

Okay, now let’s get into the details! Time to break down the best and worst bits of Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, along with my best accommodation options for each!

Cancun – for first-timers on the Caribbean coast

A few words about Cancun

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is home to some of the country’s most incredible places and popular tourist destinations, and Cancun is the largest city and busiest of them all!

Located on the northeast coast of the peninsula, Cancun is known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters and lively nightlife. However, there is much more to it than just beaches and bars – which is why you should visit Cancun nevertheless!

The city is also home to a number of important archaeological sites, including the ruins of the ancient city of El Rey. There’s also the Nichupte Lagoon there, a must if you want to see wildlife, mangroves and some pretty stunning lakes. In addition, Cancun’s proximity to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef make it a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling. And it’s close to Isla Mujeres as well if you want to take a relaxing day trip.

Whether you’re looking for beachfront relaxation or adventurous activities, Cancun has something to offer. And let’s not forget about Cancun International Airport, which is a big plus when it comes to transportation!

Millions of tourists from all over the world flock to Cancun each year, which is what makes it one of the top resort towns in the entire Mexico. One of the things you should note about Cancun is that it was actually founded as a tourist spot in the 70s. There are tons of hotels here for all budgets (especially luxury resorts and upscale hotels), as well as bars, restaurants and dance clubs – plus plenty of activities to do!

Cancun Mexico is divided into two main areas:

Cancun Hotel Zone / Zona Hotelera – a strip of beaches scattered with resorts, hotels, shops and restaurants
Downtown Cancun / El Centro – a more local area of Cancun located 10 minutes away by car from the beaches, where you’ll find more affordable hotels

PROs:

Easy to reach – the airport is only 20 minutes away by car from the beaches
Amazing beaches
Opportunities for water sports – surfing, SUP, snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, jet skiing
Abundance of hotels, restaurants and bars
Numerous kid-friendly resorts
Lots of shopping opportunities too – malls, shopping centres (such as La Isla Shopping Village), boutique shops and everything in-between
Lots of great clubs and parties with DJs (you’ve surely heard of Coco Bongo!)
Good base for day trips
Reliable transport system – lots of buses that connect the beach area to the centre
If you’re visiting during the lower season, you can find plenty of good value vacation packages.

CONs:

Super crowded and touristy
It’s a bit pricey to stay in the hotel zone (although not as expensive as Tulum) and there are almost no hostels on the beach for budget travellers
As Cancun was one of the first resort destinations around, some of the hotels are old and it shows
There are very few beach clubs in Cancun compared to Tulum
This is definitely NOT a walkable destination because of distances and temperatures. You can’t go from the beach to Cancun centre by foot, as there’s a distance of 20 minutes by car between the two. You can’t even walk to the other end of the strip on the beach road, as the distances are really long. Most tourists simply stay at their resort, rent a car, take the bus or pay for arranged tours with transportation included
Cancun gets a lot of criticism for not being the ‘real Mexico’. And it’s true – you don’t have many opportunities to discover authentic Mexico and the Mexican culture if you’re only staying here, as this place was built specifically for tourism and lacks the village vibe
Pickpockets and petty theft are common, so always keep an eye on your belongings

Distances

Cancun to Isla Mujeres – 20 km / 1 hour
Cancun to Playa del Carmen – 68 km / 1 hour
Cancun to Akumal – 105 km / 1h 33’
Cancun to Tulum – 130 km / 1h 45 min
Cancun to Coba Ruins – 135 km / 2 hours
Cancun to Chichen Itza – 200 km / 2h 30’

5 Best things to do in Cancun

Visit the ancient ruins of El Rey
Go scuba diving or snorkelling in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
Party at one of Cancun’s many nightclubs
Explore the local culture in downtown Cancun and get a real taste of Mexican cuisine at the amazing street food vendors
Explore Isla Mujeres UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Now that we’ve covered the best and worst of Cancun, let’s take a look at some accommodation options. Below I’ve listed my top accommodation picks for Cancun, depending on your budget:

Accommodation in Cancun

LUXURY: Grand Hotel Cancun – This five-star resort is located on a beautiful stretch of white sand beach, and features an outdoor infinity pool with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.

RESORT: Royal UNO – All Inclusive Resort & Spa – For those looking for a luxurious all-inclusive hotel set on a private beach.

MID-RANGE: Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina – This 5-star hotel is located in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, just steps from the beach and offers a number of amenities, including a pool, a fitness centre and a spa.

BOUTIQUE: Casa Turquesa Boutique Hotel – If you’re looking for a more intimate and unique experience, this is a great option. This small hotel is located in Cancun’s Old Town, and features a rooftop terrace with views of the city.

HOSTEL: Punta Sam – This is a great option for budget travellers. This hostel is one of the few located in Cancun’s Hotel Zone.

Check all available hotels in Cancun

Playa del Carmen – For nightlife and accessibility

A few words about Playa del Carmen

Located in Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen is a popular tourist destination, and it’s no wonder why. Playa del Carmen offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for gorgeous beaches or an action-packed adventure.

Playa del Carmen was once a fishing village, and that authentic vibe and charm has been preserved until today, although the city is developing year after year. One of the best things about Playa del Carmen is that it fits all types of travellers: you can enjoy it regardless if you’re visiting as a couple, with a big group of friends or if you’re a family with kids.

In contrast to Cancun’s Hotel Zone, Playa del Carmen’s downtown area is pedestrian-only and filled with small shops, restaurants and bars. And everything is within walking distance! The beaches in Playa del Carmen are also less crowded than those in Cancun. However, this doesn’t mean that Playa is NOT also crowded and expensive. Let’s just say that it’s important to do your research before booking a trip to this small town on the Riviera Maya.

PROs:

The greatest main advantage that Playa del Carmen has compared to Cancun AND Tulum is it’s walkability. All the attractions are in the same area so you can easily walk around to all the places you want to visit, both during the day and at night
Not as crowded as Cancun (but still pretty crowded)
You can find accommodation options for all budgets and travel styles, from resorts to private lodges
Numerous shops, bars and restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines, especially along Quinta Avenida, the main street that runs along the beach strip
Super fun and vibrant nightlife
Not as expensive as Cancun or Tulum
Diving opportunities close-by
Close to Cozumel, where you can do water sports and scuba diving.

CONs:

It doesn’t have an airport, the closest one is in Cancun, 45 minutes away by car
The beaches are beautiful, but not all of them. To be more precise, the beaches closer to the hotel zone are far better than the ones closer to the centre
The beaches are smaller, so it gets crowded faster, especially at weekends and during the peak season
Not as quiet and relaxed as Tulum
Compared to Tulum, you don’t have a lot of nature or wildlife to explore right there; you’ll need to rent a car or book an organised tour to get to some very interesting sights
If you’re set on large all-inclusive resorts, you won’t find that many here compared to Cancun

TIP: If you feel like Tulum is your chosen destination but you’re low on budget, you can check out Akumal as well, which is a charming small town located between Tulum and Playa del Carmen.

Distances

Playa del Carmen to Cozumel – 34 km / 1h 30’
Playa del Carmen to Akumal – 39 km / 40 mins
Playa del Carmen to Tulum – 65 km / 1 hour
Playa del Carmen to Cancun – 68 km / 1 hour
Playa del Carmen to Coba Ruins – 110 km / 1h 30’
Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza – 182 km / 2h 20’

5 Best things to do in Playa del Carmen

Take a dip in one of the cenotes dotting the landscape
Get outdoors and active at Xplor Park or Xcaret Park
Party the night away at one of Playa’s many, many nightclubs
Take a Mexico road trip – Playa del Carmen is just a few hours to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza
Take a day trip to Isla Cozumel for the bluest waters and some beach time

Now that you’ve seen my overview, here are my top accommodation picks for Playa del Carmen.

Accommodation in Playa del Carmen

LUXURY: The Reef 28 – Set on a private beach, The Reef 28 is a luxurious adults-only option for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Playa. The hotel offers an infinity pool, a spa, a restaurant and more.

RESORT: Grand Riviera Princess All Inclusive – This all-inclusive beachfront resort is located in Playa del Carmen’s Hotel Zone and offers 12 swimming pools, tennis courts and a full-service spa.

MID-RANGE: Hotel Villas Segovia Suites – This is a great mid-range option located in downtown Playa del Carmen, fit for those looking to be close to the action.

BOUTIQUE HOTEL: Balkon Boutique Hotel – This is a great boutique option for those looking to be close to the beach. This hotel is located in Playa del Carmen’s downtown area and offers an outdoor pool and gorgeous decor!

HOSTEL: Che Playa Hostel & Bar Adults Only – This budget hostel is located in downtown Playa del Carmen, and offers guests a number of amenities, including a pool, a rooftop terrace and a restaurant

Check all available hotels

Tulum – for a laid-back experience

Tulum is a popular tourist destination in Mexico that is known for its insanely gorgeous, soft sand beaches (with palm trees!) and well-preserved Mayan ruins. Located further down the Yucatan Peninsula, in Riviera Maya, it takes just under 2 hours to drive here from Cancun Airport. Although it is possible to visit Tulum as a day trip from Cancun, many travellers prefer to spend their entire stay here to experience the town’s more relaxed atmosphere.

Tulum is really different from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. This destination is rich in nature, cenotes, and wildlife, as well as unique views over the coast, so it’s the ideal spot for nature lovers! But it all comes with a cost, though, and this is a highly discussed subject – Tulum has become quite expensive over the years. It’s surely the most expensive option of them all, so this is really something to take into consideration if you want to choose this town, considering there aren’t many options for cheaper accommodation here. Still, there are some public beaches (Playa Paraiso, Playa Ruinas) where you can enjoy some sun for free.

Cancun vs Playa del Carmen vs Tulum - Which one should you choose for your travel style?

Tulum is also the most laid-back option of all three of them, and its old fishing village roots are still visible, although you can find tons of amazing boutique hotels and resorts there nowadays.

Similarly to Cancun, Tulum is also divided into two different areas. The distance between the two is 20 to 30 minutes away by bike (or a short taxi ride):

Tulum Hotel Zone / Zona Hotelera – although pricier, this is where the beach (10-km long strip of beach!) and all the world-class hotel resorts are located
Downtown Tulum / Tulum Town – the local area that has a more authentic Mexican vibe and more affordable hotels, souvenir shops and eateries.

And speaking of bikes, transportation in Tulum is another important subject. Just like Cancun, Tulum is not walkable, so you must rent a bike or a car to get around. I personally loved exploring this gorgeous destination by bike!

21 Best Cenotes in Tulum and How To Visit Them

PROs:

Insanely beautiful beaches
Tons of amazing, stylish beach clubs
Lots of eco-friendly hotels, boutique hotels and gorgeous resorts
Numerous restaurants with insanely good food (including fine dining restaurants), covering a wide range of cuisine, plus lots of vegan and vegetarian options
Laid-back, relaxed atmosphere
Because the beach strip is so long (10 km), you have plenty of beaches to choose from, most of them are really huge so it doesn’t seem that crowded
There are numerous cenotes near Tulum that you can visit. Read about the most beautiful ones right here: 21 Best Cenotes in Tulum and How To Visit Them
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is also close-by
Tulum Ruins are a great plus if you want to see some Mayan ruins with a view of the Caribbean Sea and get a dose of Mayan history

CONs:

First of all, it can be quite expensive, especially if you’re staying in one of the luxurious beachside resorts. I took my second trip to Tulum in 2022, and it’s crazy how much more expensive it has become since I was last there in 2019! If you’re trying to save money, stick to the Mexico backpacking route as it seems to me that Tulum has become the most expensive holiday destination in all of Central America!
Not as walkable as Playa del Carmen (but still easier to get around by bike compared to Cancun)
It doesn’t have an international airport, the closest one is Cancun airport, 2 hours away by car. Also, there are no direct flights to Tulum from most major airports, which means that, if you’re already in Mexico, you’ll have to take a connecting domestic flight (or two) in order to get here
There aren’t that many options for all-inclusive resorts
If you’re on a budget you have to stay downtown, in Tulum Centre, which means you’ll have to either take a taxi (expensive) or rent a bike/car to get to the beaches
Internet coverage is not as good as in Cancun and Playa del Carmen
No malls or other big shopping centres/boutique shopping

TIP: If you feel like Tulum is your chosen destination but you’re low on budget, you can check out Akumal as well, which is a charming small town located between Tulum and Playa del Carmen.

Distances

Tulum to Akumal – 28 km / 30’
Tulum to Coba Ruins – 47 km / 45’
Tulum to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – 63 km / 1h 20’
Tulum to Playa del Carmen – 65 km / 1 hour
Tulum to Cancun – 130 km / 1h 45 min
Tulum to Chichen Itza – 150 km / 2 hours

5 Best things to do in Tulum

Below you’ll find just a tiiiiny round-up of things to do in Tulum, but if you want to read ALL about the subject + lots of other practical info about this destination, here’s my complete article: 8 Unmissable Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico – Complete Guide & Tips

Do a half day tour of the archaeological site (Tulum Ruins) or take a road trip to the wonder of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Take a tour of some of the stunning cenotes found a short bike ride around Tulum Town
Hit the beach area for some of the best and most boujee parties you’ll find on your Mexico trip. For more information, check out this article: 8 Best Beach Clubs in Tulum, Mexico + Free Public Beaches
Explore the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, for my fellow nature lovers out there!
Take a photo tour of the incredibly interesting sights and art installations all around Tulum, created specifically for the ‘gram. Read all about them here: 23 Best Tulum Instagram Spots: A Photo Guide

Now it’s time for my list of top accommodation options in Tulum, and fear not, I have got you covered!

Accommodation in Tulum

Guess what? I already have a COMPLETE accommodation guide for Tulum that covers the 4 best areas you might want to consider staying (not just Tulum Zona Hotelera and Tulum Town!). I offer my hand-picked selection of hotels in Tulum for all budgets and preferences, plus tons of useful information. I recommend you check it out here: Where to Stay in Tulum, Mexico – Downtown VS Hotel Zone

Check all available hotels in Tulum

Cancun vs Playa del Carmen vs Tulum – Final words

Okay, now that I told you all the cons and pros that will help you decide between Cancun vs Playa del Carmen vs Tulum, let’s draw some conclusions.

If you’re looking for something laid-back yet luxurious, then choose Tulum. A stop there is a must during your Mexican vacation! Just know that this place has become quite popular over the past few years, so it’s not exactly the hidden gem that it once was. Nevertheless, its Instagram-worthiness is undeniable with its turquoise waters and postcard-perfect beaches.

If you have enough time to do some day trips, choosing Playa del Carmen would be a great option, as it’s the most convenient, both in terms of budget and getting around. From there, you can take some day trips to see both Cancun and the gorgeous Tulum beaches (1 hour by car to each of them). Just keep in mind that you won’t find much nature there, but it still has some Mexican charm left compared to Cancun.

If you don’t want to stress too much thinking about transportation or finding things to do, then you can go to an all-inclusive resort in Cancun and call it a day! Cancun is the most accessible of them all – and also the biggest and most popular resort town around, which means you’ll have everything you need there.

MY RECOMMENDATION: Regardless of which one of them you choose, I strongly advise you visit all of them during your trip, at least for a short day trip! Each one of them is special and unique in its own way, so you’ll be missing out if you only stay in one place.

Well, I hope I could bring some light into the great debate between Cancun vs Playa del Carmen vs Tulum. There are hundreds of people wondering which one of the three to choose each year, so if you found yourself in the same dilemma, don’t worry – it’s a natural problem. Which is why I did my best to fill this article with complete information about each destination, together with practical information you should keep in mind, as well as the main pros and cons for each one of them. And now I hope it will be easier for you to choose!

As I mentioned before, regardless of which destination you choose, I strongly recommend you check all of them while you’re visiting Mexico, at least for a couple of hours. Each one is worth it and will offer a different experience!

And if you want to read more about Riviera Maya and Mexico in general, here are all my articles and stories on the subject!

xoxo,

Melissa

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21 Best Cenotes in Tulum and How To Visit Them

Travelling to Tulum in Riviera Maya soon? Awesome, then you’ve surely heard about the beautiful cenotes located around the area and the entire Yucatan Peninsula as well. In case you want to find out everything there is to know about the best cenotes in Tulum, how to visit them and whether or not you should take a tour, read on, this complete guide has all the information you need!

I spent two entire weeks in Tulum at the beginning of the year, and if there’s one thing that got my heart, it would definitely be the cenotes. I could never get bored of these gorgeous crystal clear water holes and stalagmites! And no, I don’t mean just one of them – I visited several and found that each one has its own perks and unique characteristics, so I definitely recommend you visit at least a couple.

How to choose the best ones for you? Should you go to the popular cenotes or head over to other cenotes located off the beaten path? Read on, I’ll cover the answers in the sections below.

Quick info about Cenotes

What is a cenote?

A cenote (pronounced seh-NO-tay) literally translates to “sinkhole”. And their name basically depicts what they are – limestone rocks that, over time, have collapsed in on themselves, creating caves that are now filled with groundwater = natural sinkholes. Cenotes are pretty specific to the Yucatan Peninsula and it is said there are approximately 6.000 cenotes here.

Except for being pretty amazing just by looking at them, many cenotes are excellent spots to swim, snorkel and dive. And trust me, there’s nothing more refreshing than a cenote’s naturally cold water (it comes from underground, so it makes sense) after a full day of exploring Tulum and staying in the sun.

Plus, it’s a well-known fact that Tulum has some of the best cenotes around!

Different types of cenotes

Let’s get a bit technical now. Remember I said that each cenote is unique and they’re all pretty different from each other, right? Here are 4 different types of cenotes:

Cave cenotes – underground cenotes with little to no light peeking in; some of these underground cenotes may have artificial lighting
Collapsed top cave cenote – similar to the cave cenotes, only these ones have an open dome in the centre where the light gets in
Open cylinder cenote – these cylindrical open cenotes look like circular swimming pools with steep margins, fully open to the blue sky; some of them may be accessed by a ladder or stairs
Fully open cenote – these are technically the most accessible cenotes and they look like little lakes

How much does it cost to visit a cenote in Tulum

Because Tulum has become such a popular tourist destination, entrance to the different cenotes is now charged – and the prices are increasing year by year. For example, you can now expect to pay between 80 to 500 MXN (4 to 25 US$) for entrance. Some cenote owners are cheeky and try to charge for parking separately, so keep this in mind at arrival – sometimes you can negotiate this.

Btw, I will mention the individual entrance fee for each of the cenotes I’ll be talking about below.

How to get to the cenotes

This really depends on which cenotes you’re planning on visiting – the ones closer to Tulum or those that are a bit further away:

If you’re visiting the cenotes close to the city centre, the best way to get there is by bike or bus. Just note that the buses may not leave you right at the cenote and you may have a walk for a couple of minutes
If you’re visiting the cenotes that are further away (and some can be quite far, honestly), the best idea would be to either take a Collectivo taxi (shared taxi), a normal taxi or rent a car. A taxi ride should cost around 400 to 600 MXN (20 to 30 US$) to reach any of the cenotes in my list below that are further from the city centre.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to be in charge of transportation at all, you can book an organised tour and they will take care of everything. You can jump to my dedicated section about the best Tulum cenote tours here.

My top tips and things to keep in mind

Top tips for visiting the cenotes in Tulum

Okay, one more practical information section before I start talking about the best cenotes in Tulum. Here are my top tips and useful things to keep in mind before going:

Make sure you bring cash with you, as none of these cenotes accept credit cards.
You can’t wear regular sunscreen if you want to swim in the cenotes, as it damages the ecosystem. Biodegradable sunscreen is fine. Plus, most cenotes have showers where you can rinse before swimming.
Watch out when bringing your camera – there is an unspoken additional fee for taking a “real” camera in to visit a cenote. This was one of the MOST irritating / cheeky things.
I went to one with a friend, and we took some photos of each other on our DSLR. When we left, they asked for $200 USD as an additional camera charge, or we had to delete the images. We tried to tell them that it was RIDICULOUS and that no mention of this charge was stated anywhere on site / posters / no one told us – but they literally stood in front of our car and would not let us leave until we paid. We ended up paying $50 in the end and left feeling terrible and irate about it.
Some cenotes that I know that have large charges are also some of the most popular ones around such as Dos Ojos Cenote, Gran Cenote, Cenote Tak Bi Ha.
Cenotes are generally open between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM – so make sure you get there with enough time, because you won’t be allowed to enter too close to the closing time.
Cenotes are mainly found in remote areas, with lots of jungle around them – so there are also lots of mosquitos too (comes with the territory)! So make sure you come prepared for that.
You can do diving tours in some of the cenotes.
If you want to snorkel, you can either take a snorkel mask with you or so cenotes let you rent one on the spot.
A lot of the cenotes nowadays have mandatory life jackets if you want to swim, which are usually included in the price

Tulum cenotes map

And here’s a map that includes all the best cenotes in Tulum I’ll be talking about below and their exact location in the area:

6 Best cenotes in Tulum that I have personally been to

Here’s my list of the 6 cenotes in Tulum that I have personally visited – I loved all of them equally and I will talk about each of them below. For more recommendations, scroll down to my next section where you’ll find 15 more cenotes in Tulum to choose from:

1 – Cenote Calavera

Cenote Calavera translates to “Skull sinkhole” and that’s because it has three swimming holes opening over the cenote that look like a mouth and two eyes. Another thing that attracts tourists to this cenote is its swing, literally located over the sinkhole. Still, this is one of those cenotes that is still laid-back compared to other popular spots such as the Gran Cenote.

By the way, Tulum Cenote Calavera was recently ‘rebranded’ as The Temple of Doom Cenote and you’ll now find lots of new amenities for tourists.

WHERE: close to Tulum centre, 2.2 km away / 5 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 250 MXN (12.50 US$)

HOURS: 9 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, scuba diving, jumping from the 4-metre high ladder

FACILITIES: showers, life jackets, sun beds, chairs, bathrooms, a restaurant and bar. No lockers

2 – Dos Ojos Cenote

Cenote Dos Ojos (“Two Eyes”) is probably the most famous cenote in Tulum and it got its name from its double sinkholes that resemble a pair of eyes – the Blue Eye (open cenote) and the Black Eye (cave cenote). One of the most notable things about Cenote Dos Ojos is its depth – it has the deepest underwater passage (387 feet / 117 metres). This can only mean one thing: it’s one of the best cenotes in the area for snorkelling and diving! This is also why many tourists opt for a snorkelling tour at Cenote Dos Ojos!

Also, Cenote Dos Ojos connects with Sac Actun (more info about this one down below), so it’s basically a cenote group. Parking is free here.

WHERE: 21 km away from Tulum Town / 30 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 350 MXN (17,50 US$)

HOURS: 8 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: snorkelling, diving, swimming

FACILITIES: changing rooms, bathrooms, lockers, life jackets (mandatory), lifeguards, a restaurant

3 – Gran Cenote / Grand Cenote

The Gran Cenote (also known as the Grand Cenote) is hands-down the most popular cenote in Tulum and maybe in the Riviera Maya as well. And, as its name suggests, it’s pretty large! In fact, its cave and cavern system and ecosystem is so complex that the most recommended way of seeing it is by taking a snorkelling or diving tour.

The Gran Cenote is also a popular pit stop if you want to visit the famous Coba ruins, for example – and I highly recommend you do!

WHERE: 4,3 km away from Tulum / 6 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 500 MXN (25 US$)

HOURS: 8:10 AM – 4:45 PM

BEST FOR: snorkelling, diving, swimming

FACILITIES: showers, bathrooms, changing rooms, lockers, equipment rental, a place to buy snacks and drinks, tables

4 – Cenote Taak Bi Ha

Although way less popular than Cenote Calavera or the Gran Cenote, Taak Bi Ha is one of the most beautiful Yucatan cenotes. This is actually a cave cenote (so get ready to climb down some wooden stairs to access it) located in Parque Dos Ojos, but it has a different entrance from Dos Ojos Cenote. The stalagmites and stalactites here are simply gorgeous and it is said that this is one of the most amazing cenotes for snorkelling!

One thing to note, though: Cenote Taak Bi Ha is located a bit off the beaten path on the road from Tulum to Playa del Carmen, so it’s trickier to access if you decide to take public transport. Once you arrive at the entrance to the Parque, you can either walk for 1 km or take an on-site taxi for 25 MXN (I recommend the latter).

WHERE: 22 km away from Tulum / 30 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 350 MXN (17.5 US$)

HOURS: 9 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling, diving

FACILITIES: bathrooms, showers, equipment rental. No lockers

RELATED READ: Free Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico

5 – Cenote Suy Tun

Cenote Suy Tun is also known as a famous Instagram cenote located close to Valladolid – and with good reason, as this cenote is… something else! What makes it so special are the out-of-this-world light beams peeking through the roof right in the centre of the cenote, on a circular platform that looks like it was taken out of a Sci-Fi movie.

TIP: By the way, if you’re planning a trip to Chichen Itza or the Coba ruins, a pit stop to Cenote SuyTun would be a great idea!

TIP #2: I recommend visiting in the afternoon or late morning so you ensure the light beams will shine directly on the circular platform – a magical photo set-up!

WHERE: 95 km away from Tulum / 1h 15’ by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 120 MXN (6 US$). The price includes life jackets

HOURS: 9 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling and taking photos. No diving, as the water is too shallow

FACILITIES: bathrooms, changing rooms, showers, lockers, life jackets (mandatory), a place to buy snacks and drinks, tables

6 – Carwash Cenote / Cenote Aktun-Ha

Cenote Aktun-Ha, more commonly known as Cenote Carwash or Car Wash Cenote, is a gorgeous open-air sinkhole you should add to your bucket list. It has diving platforms and amazing underwater caves waiting to be explored. This cenote is also very easily accessible, located right near the parking lot, and it’s also (still) one of the cheapest cenotes around.

And in case you were wondering what’s up with this unusual name, there’s actually a story behind it: in the past, taxi drivers would stop here to wash their cars – hence, Cenote Carwash! That was, of course, before the cenotes became one of the most popular tourist spots in the Yucatan with outrageous entrance and photography fees, heh.

NOTE: There’s also a crocodile on-site that sometimes makes an appearance!

WHERE: 8.5 km from Tulum / 10 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 50 MXN (2.5 US$)

HOURS: 8 AM – 6 PM

BEST FOR: sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, diving

FACILITIES: bathrooms, showers, lockers, equipment rental

15 Other best cenotes in Tulum to consider

1 – Cenote Azul

Cenote Azul is an open-air cenote, located mid-way down the road from Tulum to Playa del Carmen. There are actually different crystal water pools here, as well as a cliff that you can jump from.

One of the best things about this cenote is that it’s great for families, too, as it actually has two swimming areas divided by a wooden walkway – one with shallow water, perfect for kids, and a deeper one where you can do cliff jumping. Plus, it’s easily accessible as well, as it’s right on the main road.

WHERE: 40 km from Tulum / 30 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 140 MXN (7 US$)

HOURS: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling, jumping

FACILITIES: showers, toilets, lockers, equipment rental, a place to buy snacks and drinks, benches, tables

RELATED READ: Best Places to Eat in Tulum

2, 3 – Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido

Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido are located really close to each other (across the street, basically), which is why I’m grouping both here as one recommendation. Plus, you can buy one ticket to visit both, so a combined visit makes all the sense in the world.

Cenote Cristal is an open air cenote with crystal clear waters – surprising, I know! It actually looks like a huge outdoor pool and it also has three platforms to choose from (each with a different depth) and a rope that will help you do some fun jumps.

Cenote Escondido, literally translating to “Hidden Cenote”, is actually hidden inside a forest, which makes everything even more beautiful. This open air cenote has a rope as well and different pools, and it’s ideal for some unforgettable cenote diving and snorkelling.

One of the best things about visiting these two sister cenotes is the fact that they’re lesser known to tourists, so the chances of bumping into huge crowds here are minimal.

WHERE: 7 km from Tulum / 10 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 150 MXN (7.5 US$) to enter both cenotes

HOURS: 10 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling, diving, platform jumping

FACILITIES: bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, life jackets, grilling area, tables and chairs

4 – Cenote Cristalino

Nope, you should not confuse Cenote Cristal with Cenote Cristalino, as they are not the same! While the one above (Cristal) is located merely 10 minutes away from Tulum’s centre, Cenote Cristalino is further away on the road to Playa del Carmen. It’s also close to Cenote Azul, so I recommend visiting both in one day if you have the time.

Cenote Cristalino is another open-air cenote with gorgeous waters and two different areas: an open area and a cave area. You can also do cliff jumping here and they have a swing as well – so cool!

WHERE: 40 km away from Tulum / 30 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 200 MXN (10 US$)

HOURS: 8 AM – 6 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling

FACILITIES: bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, life jackets (included in the entrance price), a place to buy snacks and drinks

5 – Casa Cenote / Cenote Manati

Casa Cenote, also known as Cenote Manati because of the manatees that used to live here, is another open-air cenote located on the road from Tulum to Playa del Carmen. What makes it a perfect cenote is the lush greenery and mangrove surrounding it. Jungle vibes? Yes, sir! This is also one of those Tulum cenotes fit for some unique activities such as kayaking or paddle boarding, besides the classic snorkelling and scuba diving. There’s also a beach near Casa Cenote that you can visit for some classic sunbathing.

Another aspect that makes Casa Cenote so unique is the fact that it has a river current and SO much wildlife to admire while you’re there – anything from colourful fish to butterflies and birds.

WHERE: 10 km from Tulum / 15 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 150 MXN (7.5 US$)

HOURS: 9 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling, diving, scuba lessons, kayaking, SUP

FACILITIES: life jackets, lockers, equipment rental, mobile toilets in the parking lot, Casa Cenote Restaurant is right across the road from the entrance

6, 7, 8 – Cenote Sac Actun, Cenote El Pit and Cenote Nicte-Ha

You may remember that I mentioned Parque Dos Ojos before – this is where Cenote Dos Ojos is located, but also three other gorgeous cenotes that I recommend you visit as well if you have enough time:

Cenote Sac Actun – if you want to dive in cenote caves, Cenote Sac Atun will be your dream come true. This is literally the biggest underwater cave system (Sistema Sac Actun) in the world – 363 km long and 118 metres deep. Fun fact: archaeologists actually found mastodon remains in this cave system, as well as a skull and parts of a skeleton belonging to a teenage girl from… 13.000 years ago. Creepy, but super cool! This cenote is also known as the “Pet Cemetery”.
Cenote El Pit – the deepest cenote around, which is also suggested by its name – it literally looks like an endless pit, surrounded by vegetation. This is also one of the best diving cenotes in Mexico.
Cenote Nicte-Ha – beautiful cenote, similar to a pond with lily pads. This one is a more laid-back open cenote, so I recommend it if you want a chill day at a less famous cenote.

NOTE: If you want to dive at Cenote Sac Actun, it is highly recommended to hire a professional guide, regardless if you are an expert diver yourself. The cave system is very complex. Also, if you suffer from claustrophobia, I wouldn’t advise you to go down there.

WHERE: 44 km away from Tulum / 35 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 450 MXN (22.5 US$) for Sac Actun (includes gear + guided tour), 20 US$ to dive in The Pit Cenote and 200 MXN (10 US$) to enter Nicte-Ha Cenote.

HOURS: 9 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling, advanced cave diving

FACILITIES: equipment rental, guided tours

9 – Cenote Angelita

Tired of amazing diving cenotes near Tulum yet? I hope not, because I still have some gorgeous options for you! Cenote Angelita (“Little Angel”) is another pond cenote for your list that offers incredible underwater wonders and an interesting natural phenomenon as well – the different water densities here make it look like there’s a river running underneath the water. It’s hard to explain it in words, so you’ll have to see it to understand – this is also why this cenote is called “Underwater River”, too!

NOTE: Because there’s natural gas at this cenote, you’ll definitely smell it as well. Something similar to boiled eggs – not that bad, but not very pleasant either! Some divers mention you can ‘smell’ it under the water, as well.

WHERE: 16 km from Tulum / 20 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 150 MXN (7.5 US$)

HOURS: 8 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling, advanced diving

FACILITIES: bathrooms, dive tables

10 – Cenote Zacil Ha

Looking for some lesser known cenotes near Tulum? Cenote Zacil Ha might be for you! One fun fact about this open sinkhole is that it was only discovered 30 years ago – but its caves are prehistoric! You can see some gorgeous stalactites here, but the highlight has to be the zipline, which is absolutely amazing for some jumping (10 pesos per ride).

Zacil Ha has two pools with shallow water, which makes it perfect for families as well – after all, it’s a swimming pool-style cenote. It’s also suuuper close to Cenote Carwash (350m away), so it makes sense to do a combined visit!

WHERE: 8.5 km from Tulum, 10 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 200 MXN (10 US$)

HOURS: 10 AM – 5:30 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, zip-line jumping in the water

FACILITIES: bathrooms, life jackets, zip line, hammock, swimming pool, a place to buy snacks and drinks

11 – Cenote Casa Tortuga

Cenotes Casa Tortuga is basically a group of 4 cenotes located really close to Tulum – Cenote Wisho, Tres Zapotes, Cenote Campana and Cenote Jaguar. It’s a mix of cave cenotes, open and semi-open cenotes, so you can easily experience all types of landscapes and rock formations here.

WHERE: 12.5 km away from Tulum / 15 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 850 MXN (42.5 US$) – includes access to all 4 cenotes + snorkel gear + guide + zip line

HOURS: 9 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, jumping, zip lining

FACILITIES: bathrooms, showers, lockers, a restaurant and some other places to buy food and snacks, guided tours

12 – Cenote Yax-Muul

Cenote Yax-Muul (Parque De Cenotes Yax-Muul) is another hidden gem with no tourists located only minutes away from Tulum Town, very close to Jungle Maya Park. This underwater cave is the perfect spot to admire stalactites and light beams peeking through the roof. If you want to swim in shallow waters, you can also check out Sac Tuunich, which is a smaller cave near Yax-Muul.

NOTE: This cenote is located quite literally off the beaten path, so people will usually hire an ATV guide to take them there.

WHERE: 15 km from Tulum / 15 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 20 US$

HOURS: 9 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, Mayan ceremonies

FACILITIES: bathrooms, life jackets, guided tours

13 – Cenote Choo-Ha

Cenote Choo-Ha is really close to the Coba Ruins, so you can combine it with your day trip there in case you’re planning on visiting these beautiful Mayan ruins – plus, you may be lucky enough to find almost no other tourists here! This is an underground cenote cave with shallow waters, so you can easily swim there. There are beautiful rock formations there such as stalactites and stalagmites here and the access is made by going down a long wooden staircase.

If you’re up for an extensive adventure, you can also visit Cenote Tamcach-Ha and Cenote Multum-Ha, which are both near Choo-Ha.

WHERE: 53 km away from Tulum, 50 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 100 MXN (5 US$)

HOURS: 8 AM – 6 PM

BEST FOR: swimming

FACILITIES: bathrooms, changing rooms, showers, life jackets, no places to buy snacks or drinks

14 – Cenote Xunaan-Ha / Akumal Cenote

Cenote Xunaan-Ha is located in Chemuyil village, north of Akumal, very close to Tulum and right on the road to Playa del Carmen. The biggest advantage of this cenote is that, compared to some other popular ones such as Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote Calavera and the Gran Cenote, tourists will rarely set foot here. So you might end up having the entire place to yourself!

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also do cliff jumping or use the zipline here!

WHERE: 22 km from Tulum / 22 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 200 MXN (10 US$)

HOURS: 9 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling, diving, cliff jumping, zip lining

FACILITIES: bathrooms

15 – Cenote Eden / Cenote Jardin Del Eden

Cenote Eden, also known as Cenote Jardin Del Eden has a name that perfectly depicts this little piece of heaven: turquoise waters, lush vegetation and an overall mystical atmosphere. In short, it looks like the Garden of Eden!

Just like Cenote Cristalino and Cenote Azul, this is one of the best cenotes located on the road from Tulum to Playa del Carmen, offering something for all types of travellers, from people that want to chill and float around to scuba divers!

WHERE: 46 km away from Tulum, 50 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 200 MXN (10 US$)

HOURS: 9 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling, diving, cliff jumping

FACILITIES: bathrooms, life jackets, a place to buy snacks and drinks

Tulum cenote tours

I know, I’ve told you so much about so many amazing cenotes in Tulum, both close and further away from the city centre. Transportation can sometimes be a hassle that involves lots of negotiation and searching for affordable fares – so in case you don’t want to deal with that, I recommend booking an organised Tulum cenote tour. Your guide will be in charge of everything, from transportation to entrance fees and also showing you around and telling you interesting information.

Here are some of the top-rated tours that include some of the best Tulum cenotes out there:

Find more cenote tours

This was my complete guide about all the best cenotes in Tulum, Riviera Maya! In this article I have spoken about some of the most famous cenotes such as Dos Ojos, Cenote Carwash, Cenote Sac Atun, Casa Cenote, Cenote SuyTun and more, as well as some other cenotes which I consider to be hidden gems such as Cenote Zacil-Ha, Casa Tortuga and more. In short, you’ll find cenotes near Tulum (as close as 10 minutes by car, which is really close) and cenotes that are further away, usually on the road to Playa del Carmen.

In case you need more information about travelling to Tulum, I recommend clicking here to find all my posts about this unique destination. And here you will find all my posts about Mexico.

xoxo,

Melissa

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23 Best Tulum Instagram Spots: A Photo Guide

Tulum is any photographer and content creator’s dream, as there are so many unique places there that offer endless aesthetic opportunities! If you’re looking for some of the best Tulum Instagram spots (both the super popular ones that everyone loves but also some new spots that are still relatively unknown), I’m here to help!

I spent two entire weeks in Tulum, during which I explored everything that this incredible vacation destination has to offer: the beaches, the beach clubs, restaurants, streets, the swings, hotels, statues and everything in-between.

Located only 1h30’ from Cancun Airport, Tulum is not only heaven for Instagrammers, but also an excellent travel destination for everyone looking for complete relaxation, turquoise water, world-class restaurants, hotels and fun nightclubs as well.

The awesome thing about Tulum is that most hotels and restaurant owners really ‘understood the assignment’ and put together Instagrammable corners at the entrance of their premises or have created a modern, chic, bohemian decor that attracts tourists inside. And they’ve done a beautiful job too, as you’ll find photo ops everywhere you look!

TIP: Important tip right before we start: if you’d like to visit most of these Tulum photo spots, make sure to make a list, make a schedule and plan your photo itinerary beforehand. Some of the places I’m recommending below require a short drive away from Tulum, so it’s easy to miss them completely if you don’t plan ahead!

Okay, now let’s dive right into it! By the way, I’ve visited all the places I’m recommending below and I can assure you they’re worth your time:

23 Instagrammable places in Tulum and how to find them

1 – Ven a la Luz Tulum statue

Ven a la Luz statue has quickly become one of the most iconic spots in Tulum – in fact, did you really visit Tulum if you don’t have a picture in front of it?! I don’t think so! 😉 If you’ve been researching the subject for a while, I’m absolutely convinced you’ve already seen pictures of this statue of a woman showing the “entrance” to her heart, full of greenery.

The statue is 10m tall and it’s made of a mix of wood, steel, rope and plants; it was created to depict the union between people and nature – and it’s soooo pretty!

WHEN TO VISIT: Because this is SUCH a popular place, it is recommended to visit as early as possible, right after sunrise, preferably from 7 to 8 AM.

PRICE: Access to Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park is 60 MXN / 3 US$

ADDRESS: Carr. Tulum a Boca Paila Km. 7.5 Zona Costera. Find it on Google Maps here.

NOTE: The statue was located at the entrance of Ahau Hotel on Tulum Beach before, an information mentioned in most blog posts out there. But recently it has been moved inside the hotel’s garden, to the newly opened (in Oct 2021) Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park. This also means they now charge a fee for photos (entrance fee is 60 MXN / 3 US$).

2 – Raw Love Cafe & Ahau Tulum

Speaking of Ahau Hotel, why not mention that the premises of this luxury, eco-friendly boutique hotel are a real Instagram attraction by themselves? Everything looks gorgeous there, and it’s also the place where another extremely popular Insta-spot in Tulum is located: Raw Love Cafe.

Raw Love is probably the best raw vegan cafe in the entirety of Tulum, serving delicious smoothie bowls, raw dishes and desserts, as well as vegan ice cream. There are, in fact, two locations for this cafe: one right on the beach at Ahau Hotel (the original) and another one in Tulum Town, but the one on the beach is more Instagram-worthy. If you visit, make sure to take a photo in the colourful hammocks and to try the food as well, you won’t be disappointed!

WHEN TO VISIT: I recommend visiting the cafe close to their opening time at 9 AM to beat the crowds

PRICE: It’s free to enter the premises but I’d recommend buying something from the cafe

ADDRESS: Tulum Beach, 77500 Tulum. Find it on Google Maps here.

3 – Follow that Dream Sign

Probably equally popular to the Ven a la Luz statue, this pretty little “Follow That Dream” sign makes an appearance in everyone’s pictures from Tulum. Seriously now, I think I can safely say that it’s one of the most photographed signs in the entire world!

Although really famous and located directly on Tulum Beach Road, the sign doesn’t have its own location on Google Maps, but here’s how to find it: add Sueños Tulum Hotel or Lolita Lolita Boutique as your destination. The sign is right across the street.

WHEN TO VISIT: As early as you can, as there’s usually a line in front of the sign

PRICE: Taking a photo here is free!

ADDRESS: Lolita Lolita Boutique, Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila km 8.5, Tulum Beach, Zona Hotelera. Find it on Google Maps here.

TIP #1: Although not as popular (luckily for us, though!), there’s also a “Here is the dream” sign located outside of Santo Mercado Tulum, 400 metres away. There’s also a nice sculpture on the roof of the mercato (it’s actually a restaurant + grocery store) that offers a bonus photo op.

TIP #2: If you want THE perfect, tropical Tulum photo with this sign, you can rent a bike from Alaya Tulum Hotel nearby and use it in the picture. Their bikes are turquoise and it’s a pretty popular photo set-up. A bike costs 15 US$ per 24 hours and you’ll have to leave your ID as a deposit.

4 – Selina Tulum

You’ll find lots of incredible hotel entrances in this article, and such is the case with Selina Tulum too. In fact, I think these entrances are literally some of the most impressive places in Tulum to take unique pictures, I was obsessed with the opportunities! But let’s talk about the first one, at Selina Hotel.

Selina is a beachfront hotel and hostel that also has a beach club. The entrance here, as you can see in my pictures, is basically a huge archway made of wood, with sun beams everywhere. It resembles the shape of the sun and, with the right light peeking in, you’ll snap some magical pictures!

WHEN TO VISIT: This photo spot is not as popular as the ones above, so I’d say it’s safe to visit any time of the day without waiting in line

PRICE: Free, the entrance to Selina is open to the public. If you want to spend some time at the beach club, the minimum spend is 800 MXN / 40 US$

ADDRESS: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km. 7.5, Tulum Beach, Zona Hotelera. Find it on Google Maps here.

5 – Matcha Mama

Ah, here’s another one of those iconic Instagram spots in Tulum that everyone loves! Matcha Mama is a cute hut that serves drinks and some of the best acai bowls around, as well as everything matcha-related. Besides the delicious food, what makes this place so special is the fact that they have wooden swings instead of chairs, as well as a cute menu sign outside, a pink flamingo wall, plus a “I love Tulum so Matcha” sign written on a surfboard too. Jungle vibes included as well!

Although there are different Matcha Mama locations all around Tulum, the most popular one (and the one I recommend visiting too) is at Tulum Beach, close to I Scream Bar (further down on this list).

WHEN TO VISIT: Needless to say that Matcha Mama on the beach is extremely popular and there are customers there at any given time of the day. I recommend going 10-15 minutes before their opening time, which is 8 AM, in order to beat the crowds

PRICE: Free entrance, but because it’s a cafe, I recommend buying something from their menu – everything is delicious at Matcha Mama, I promise! If you’re not hungry, you can order at least a coffee to go or some water, just for good manners

ADDRESS: Carretera Tulum-Punta Allen, Tulum. Find it on Google Maps here.

6 – Sunrise Beach / Playa Mirador

If you’re an early bird, watching the sunrise in Tulum is definitely something to do. And even if you’re not, visiting Sunrise Beach for stunning photos is definitely recommended!

Sunrise Beach is located in the Zona Hotelera area and one of the best parts about it is that it’s a public beach, which means you won’t have to pay any hotel entrance! The beach has quite a varied landscape, with rocky parts in the northern end and gorgeous milky sand in the southern end, offering lots of photo ops!

Two other unmissable spots there are the “Stay present” and “Embrace the Mystery” yellow signs, located on opposing sides of the beach. They make for great Instagram shots!

WHEN TO VISIT: at sunrise for the best light and colourful sky

PRICE: free

ADDRESS: Camino Boca Pila, Javier Rojo Gómez. Find it on Google Maps here.

7 – Holistika

If you’re looking for some not-that-popular Instagram spots in Tulum, Holistika is an excellent candidate: it’s a gorgeous boutique hotel in La Veleta neighbourhood in Tulum Pueblo / Tulum city center and it’s literally full of beautiful photo spots everywhere you look!

If you want to linger around for more, they also have a really good restaurant, a wellness centre and a shop as well. Plus the Holistika Art Walk, which is something really special and I’ll be telling you all about below!

WHEN TO VISIT: any time of the day

PRICE: It’s free to walk around the property even if you’re not a guest

ADDRESS: Av 10 Sur Lote 4, Manzana 902, Zona 11. Find it on Google Maps here.

8 – Holistika – Art Walk

If you decide to take a walk around Hotel Holistika, you simply can’t miss their Art Walk! Holistika Art Walk is located in the jungle, within the premises of the hotel and it’s basically a route full of amazing artwork, mural paintings and sculptures, each more impressive than the other. A magical experience!

WHEN TO VISIT: any time of the day

PRICE: no entry fee

ADDRESS: Av 10 Sur Lote 4, Manzana 902, Zona 11. Find it on Google Maps here.

RELATED READ: Free Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico

9 – Coco Tulum

Coco Tulum is one of the most popular beach clubs on Tulum Beach! Except for the delicious drinks and relaxed vibe, one of the most important features of this place that attracts tourists like crazy is their white swings, located right on the beach, with the gorgeous turquoise water as a background.

WHEN TO VISIT: Being so popular, Coco Tulum gets crowded really fast. If you’re set on taking a few photos in the swings, I recommend arriving right when they open, at 10 AM.

PRICE: No entrance fee, but there’s a minimum spending fee of 25 US$ during the week and 50 US$ during weekends. If you have a room booked at Coco Tulum Hotel, you don’t have a spending limit.

ADDRESS: km 7.5, Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila, Tulum Beach. Find it on Google Maps here.

10 – Cinco Glamping

Cinco Glamping is another accommodation-and-beach-club combo located on the North Beach with Instagrammable vibes. Depending on your plans, you can either relax at their beach club with a drink in your hand or you can book a luxury tent there if you want to spend the night in the romantic Mayan Jungle.

If you want to skip the accommodation, you can still visit the beach club, where you’ll find enough photo spots to fill an afternoon of snapping around. There’s also a restaurant and a bar there, so you can easily spend half a day relaxing.

WHEN TO VISIT: any time of the day

PRICE: Reservation required during weekends + minimum spend of 50 US$. Free to visit + no minimum spend on weekdays

ADDRESS: Carretera Tulum Boca Paila km 1.8, Zona Hotelera Tulum. Find it on Google Maps here.

11 – Tulum Beach

This one’s a no-brainer: you can’t visit Tulum without taking some amazing photos on Tulum’s stunning beaches, right? After all, this is what Tulum is all about: turquoise waters, gorgeous white sand plus lots of beach clubs!

12 – Dos Ojos Cenote

Spoiler alert: I’ll be talking about plenty of cenotes in this post, my friends! Cenote Dos Ojos is located north of Tulum, around 30 minutes away by car. What makes it so special is the fact that this cenote is made of two different cenotes with a passage connecting them – hence the name “Dos Ojos”, meaning “two eyes”. In fact, Dos Ojos is one of the biggest underwater cave systems in the world!

TIP: The main cenote is bigger and brighter, making it a better photo spot.

The water here is SO clear and the entire setting is so beautiful, it’ll be absolutely ridiculous to come without a camera!

WHEN TO VISIT: as early as possible, as it’s really popular among tourists and divers too. I recommend going at 8.30 AM, right when they open

PRICE: 350 MXN (18 US$) entrance fee + 300 MXN (15 US$) photography fee if you’re using a DSLR camera. No fee if you’re taking photos with your phone or a GoPro

13 – Gran Cenote

Gran Cenote (or Grand Cenote) is the largest and probably the most popular cenote near Tulum and the entire Yucatan Peninsula as well! Gran Cenote has one of the clearest waters I have ever seen and it’s relatively close to Tulum, too – 20 minutes from the beach and 10 minutes from the Pueblo.

Of course, this is also THE place where everyone goes to take pictures – which means it can get quite crowded. Gran Cenote is also an excellent spot for swimming, snorkelling and diving with fish and turtles too – bonus photo opportunities!

WHEN TO VISIT: as early as possible; they open at 8 AM

PRICE: 500 MXN (25 US$) per person. Entrance fee includes snorkelling equipment + life vest

NOTE: DSLR cameras are no longer allowed here, so you can only take photos with your phone or GoPro.

14 – I Scream Bar

IMPORTANT NOTE: This location is permanently closed, but I Scream Bar in Bacalar is still open. Sadly, it’s 220 km away from Tulum.

I Scream Bar has a really unique design and a beautiful turquoise tuk-tuk right in front of it, so you literally can’t miss it! The tuk-tuk works as an ice cream bar (hence the name) and there are also turquoise car parts ‘hanging’ in the bar itself – it’s something to witness, I promise!

While you’re there, you can also try their vegan and raw vegan ice cream – it’s really delicious. And if you happen to visit at night, you might be pleasantly surprised by the wild parties they organise! They’re open ‘till 12 AM.

WHEN TO VISIT: this is another popular photo spot in Tulum, so it gets crowded really fast. I recommend visiting at 2 PM sharp, right when they open

PRICE: free, but because it’s a bar, I recommend having something from their menu. The ice cream is a great choice!

ADDRESS: Tulum Beach, 77766 Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Find it on Google Maps here.

15 – ROC Luxe Tulum

Told you I’ll be mentioning some other hotel entrances in this article! The entrance at ROC Luxe, a gorgeous beachfront hotel, is a perfect Instagram spot – it’s something out of this world! You simply need to take a look at the photos above, as the design is really hard to put into words… In short, the entrance at ROC Luxe Tulum is a huge white dome with holes in it, with sun rays peeking through aka a perfect little background for getting creative!

WHEN TO VISIT: this place is really not that popular (yet), so you can visit any time of the day, early morning being the best idea. Avoid the early afternoon and late morning because that’s when people are checking in and out of the hotel

PRICE: free

ADDRESS: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila KM 5.5, Tulum Beach, Zona Hotelera. Find it on Google Maps here.

16 – Cenote Calavera

Cenote Calavera, literally translating to “skull sinkhole” is another unique cenote located very close to Tulum. Cenote Calavera consists of three different swimming holes (one bigger and two smaller) and it got its name because these holes resemble two eyes and a mouth – in short, a skull. And if you’ve seen photos of Tulum before, I’m absolutely convinced you’ve stumbled upon this wonderful cenote before!

There’s also a rope string and a ladder on the side that you can use for jumping in the water or as a prop for photos! Plus, you can also scuba dive here.

WHEN TO VISIT: I recommend visiting as early as possible to beat the crowds. The cenote opens at 9 AM

PRICE: entrance fee is 100 MXN (5 US$). 200 MXN (10 US$) for diving

17 – Temazcal ritual

In case you’re looking for unique things to do in Tulum, here’s my recommendation: a Temazcal ritual. In short, a Temazcal ritual is a Mayan ceremony of purification during which you sit in a traditional, tiny sweat lodge made of stone or wood that looks like a huge pizza oven. A local shaman pours water over the rocks while singing a chant and summoning spirits, and everything happens in complete darkness.

Of course, you won’t be able to take photos inside the temazcal, but you can snap some pretty awesome shots with the sweat lodge itself! Two hotels that do good rituals and that I can recommend are Nomade and Holistika.

18 – SFER IK

Lot of hotels in Tulum started creating their own museums or art exhibitions to attract more tourists and create more content creation possibilities for us (as is the case with Holistika Art Walk above) – and Azulik Hotel is another one of them!

SKER IK Museion is Azulik’s “contemporary art museum” showcasing international visual artists. They also organise artist residencies, workshops and educational art programs, and everything is thought of with nature in mind, which I think is really cool! Except for their cultural tourism goal, Sfer Ik is an excellent spot for photos as well.

WHEN TO VISIT: any time of the day. They open at 10 AM and they close at 10 PM

PRICE: entrance fee is 10 US$ per person. Photography fee is 100 US$ if you’re using a DSLR or GoPro. Phone camera is free to use

ADDRESS: Next to Azulik Hotel. Carretera Tulum – Punta Allen KM 5, Zona Hotelera. Find it on Google Maps here.

TIP: You’ll need to take your shoes off as you enter the museum – this adds to the entire experience and I’m mentioning it because you might want to plan your outfit beforehand with this in mind! Also, bags bigger than 40×40 cm are not allowed inside the museum, so you might want to leave your beach bag in your hotel room.

19 – Tulum bike ride

Renting a bike is the most recommended means of transport while you’re in Tulum – it’s cheap, convenient and it’s what everyone does! Except for practicality, riding a bike from Tulum Town to Tulum Hotel Zone offers plenty of opportunities to stop and snap a unique picture. There are many Instagrammable spots along the beach road – you just need to take your time and use your imagination!

20 – Cenote Taak Bi Ha

Yup, here’s another cenote for unique photos. Cenote Taak Bi Ha is said to be one of the most beautiful cenotes in the entire Yucatan. This cave cenote is located only 20 minutes from Tulum and it offers plenty of opportunities for photos, swimming, snorkelling and even diving.

WHEN TO VISIT: I recommend arriving as early as possible in order to beat the crowds; preferably at 8 AM right when they open

PRICE: 350 MXN (18 US$) – it’s one of the most popular cenotes in the area, so it got pricier too

ADDRESS: Taak Bi, Parque Dos Ojos Cenote S/N, Xel-Ha. Find it on Google Maps here.

21 – Boutique shops and street stalls

It’s no secret that Tulum is a place full of awesome shops and boutique stalls selling anything from clothes to furniture, accessories and Mexican handcrafts. You’ll find shops both in Tulum Town and on the beach area, the latter being a bit more expensive. And although Tulum is definitely not the place to shop for cheap, affordable souvenirs and handicrafts, you can still snap a photo or two in front of the street shops!

Some nice shops to check out in Tulum are Pura Vida Tulum, La Pulga Boutique, La Troupe and Wanderlust.

22 – Papaya Playa Project

Papaya Playa Project Tulum — © Papaya Playa Project

Papaya Playa Project is hands-down one of the most Instagram-famous hotels in Tulum. This beachfront hotel has become really popular on social media, mainly because of their jungle wooden huts (“casitas”) that also have a rooftop pool. Imagine just how many photo opportunities you have if you stay here!

And even if you’re not staying here, you can still visit the premises and discover their art installations and unique design. If you have a drone, prepare for some amazing shots from above – it is said to be THE best spot in Tulum for drone footage!

WHEN TO VISIT: I recommend arriving right when they open, at 10 AM.

PRICE: There’s a minimum spend of 1.000 MXN (50 US$) per person on weekdays and 2.000 MXN (100 US$) per person on weekends

ADDRESS: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km 4.5, Tulum Beach, Zona Costera. Find it on Google Maps here.

RELATED READ: Best Places to Eat in Tulum

23 – Chichen Itza

Last but not least, Chichen Itza is one of those iconic places that you definitely have to visit if you’re in the Yucatan. It’s actually one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place used to be a Mayan city from 600 AD – yep, it’s that old!

Besides being a place full of history and archeology importance, it’s also one of my most recommended Instagram spots in Tulum – you just have to! After all, it’s one of the most visited places in all of Mexico.

WHEN TO VISIT: as early in the morning as possible so you can beat the crowds AND the intense heat. They open at 8 AM and I recommend being there around 10 minutes earlier

PRICE: 533 MXN (27.30 US$) as follows: 453 MXN entrance fee + 80 MXN tax, so you’ll have to pay at 2 different booths.

16 Other Tulum Instagram spots:

In case you have visited Tulum before or you’re simply looking for some lesser known Tulum Instagram spots, here’s an additional list of places to save:

The crooked palm tree on Playa Paraiso – Playa Paraíso is definitely the best public beach in Tulum that you can visit without paying anything. Plus, there’s also a crooked palm tree on this beach that everyone seems to love snapping a picture of! I guess I can safely say that it’s one of the most popular palm trees on Instagram. You can even climb it if you’re adventurous enough! The palm tree is located right in front of El Paraiso Hotel and the best time to go is at sunrise.
Tulum Ruins – Tulum Ruins are literally a no-brainer spot for pictures, but I’m only adding it here because I think Chichen Itza is way more impressive! Still, Tulum Ruins, also known as Tulum Archaeological Zone, located a bit north of the beaches is still worth adding to your list. Its location on the cliffside with the Caribbean Sea as a background is also a big bonus!
Cenote SuyTun – if you’re up for another day trip, Cenote SuyTun looks like something from a SciFi movie. It has a small opening in the ceiling and, if you visit at the right time of the day, the sun will shine just perfectly on the circular platform, creating a surreal setting.
Tulum sign at Cerveceria Tulum – Another classic Instagram spot in Tulum, this blue-coloured sign is free to visit. The sign is located at Cerveceria Tulum and you can actually climb inside the “U” letter and strike some poses there.
Tulum Jungle Gym – this is a fun, lesser known place where you can take some really funny “The Flintstones”-inspired photos. It’s basically a “gym” on the beach with gym equipment made of wood and stone that you can use as props.
Nomade’s restaurants: Macondo and La Popular – Macondo is a pricey vegetarian restaurant with amazing Moroccan design; if dining here is out of your budget, you can simply order a drink and still snap some pictures. La Popular is an outdoor restaurant that also has some pretty woven teepees and everyone loves to snap a picture there!
Casa Malca Tulum / Pablo Escobar Mansión – Casa Malca is one of Pablo Escobar’s former mansions, now converted into a luxury hotel. One of the most iconic spots here is definitely the wooden bench and swings surrounded by hundreds of hanging wedding dresses. It’s really unique! No entrance fee, but there’s a minimum spend of 500 MXN (23 US$) at the bar or restaurant so you can take a photo here.

Vagalume Tulum Beach Club – although relatively new, Vagalume is becoming one of the most popular beach clubs in Tulum! It has a really Instagrammable decor, with Moroccan vibes – picture lots of rugs, wooden chairs, macrame, a gorgeous pool and more. But the most popular photo spot there has to be the bridge, which is held by a cement hand. You can take pictures at the entrance for free.
Azulik Hotel – I mentioned this hotel before when I told you all about Sfer Ik, their contemporary art museum, but now I want to mention that the entirety of this hotel is pretty Instagrammable by itself. They have beautiful restaurants, winding stairs, giant hammocks and more! Also, make sure you don’t miss their restaurant – Azulik Kin Toh Restaurant – stunning!
The pink bunny in front of Conestesia Beach Club – Here’s another option for those looking for lesser known Instagrammable places in Tulum! At the entrance of Conestesia you’ll find a huge, pink bunny made of straws. You can basically pose standing in the mouth of the bunny, with its two giant teeth – it’s so cute! Plus, it’s free to take photos here.
The blue wings at Plaza Kapen Ha – This is another new photo attraction in Tulum as well. This pair of blue wings in front of Plaza Kapen Ha. And because it’s so new, there aren’t a lot of people that know about this place! There’s also a wooden platform in front of the wings where you can stand for the perfect photo, as well as another mushroom sculpture next to it.
Mia Restaurant – this is another restaurant and beach club that has a super nice entrance with a wooden fanned corridor and a cute bird nest made of straws as well!
Playa del Carmen – if you’re planning on a more extensive trip around Mexico, make sure you don’t miss Playa del Carmen, there are some pretty awesome photo spots there as well!
Coba Mayan Ruins – Coba Ruins are a must-see for anyone visiting the Yucatan Peninsula. The ruins are only 1 hour away from Tulum and it’s best to visit them very early in the morning.
Kaan Luum Lagoon – This place is perfect for nature lovers! The lagoon has a beautiful scenery – a mix of turquoise waters, lush vegetation and a gorgeous, traditional wooden boardwalk.

BONUS: My top tips for Tulum + photo tips!

PLAN YOUR PHOTO ITINERARY BEFOREHAND

Most of the places mentioned in this article are located on the Tulum strip of beaches, which means it’ll be easy to plan your Tulum Itinerary to include them all, especially if you’re biking around. By the way, I strongly recommend selecting your fave spots and creating a coherent itinerary with them in mind, otherwise you might miss some!

ARRIVE AS EARLY AS YOU CAN

If you’ve read the article carefully, you probably understood the golden rule already: try to arrive as early as possible at all the popular spots in Tulum, otherwise you have little chances to snap some Instagram photos without any other tourists in sight.

BE PATIENT

Obviously, it’s not possible to arrive everywhere at 8 AM, so I recommend you muster up a lot of patience. It’s not uncommon to find long queues of tourists in front of some of these popular Instagrammable places in Tulum. Just wait and you’ll get your shot!

USE GOOGLE MAPS IN OFFLINE MODE

There are lots of places on the beach strip where it’s possible to have no cell reception, which means no internet as well. Make sure you save all your favourite Instagram spots in Tulum in Google Maps and then make sure you can access them later in offline mode.

SUPPORT THE LOCAL BUSINESSES

Some of the places I’ve mentioned in this article are cafes, bars or restaurants that charge no fee to enter the premises. If your only aim of going there is to snap some Instagram pictures, I strongly recommend that you also order something from their menu out of courtesy – at least a bottle of water or coffee to go.

STAY CURIOUS AND ALWAYS LOOK AROUND

Tulum is such a popular destination that new places are popping up constantly. While you’re making your way around the city or along the hotel zone, make sure to pay attention around you. Who knows, maybe you’ll stumble upon a hidden gem!

Aaand this was my ultra long list of Instagrammable places in Tulum! I’ve actually made two different lists – one that includes MY favourite spots such as the famous “Follow That Dream” sign, Matcha Mama and their smoothie bowls, Cenote Dos Ojos, and more. And then I made a secondary list that includes 16 BONUS Tulum Instagram spots in case you have more time to explore the area such as the Tulum Ruins, Casa Malca, Coba Mayan Ruins, Kaan Luum Lagoon and more! Last but not least, I also offered you my most precious photo tips for visiting Tulum, so I’m sure you now know everything there is to know about this Instagrammable destination.

And remember: make sure to save all your favourite Instagram spots from this list for later and to create a coherent itinerary with them!

In case you need more than just a list of Instagrammable places, I recommend clicking here to find all my articles about Tulum. And here you’ll find all my articles and stories about Mexico in general!

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Tulum?

Check out all my Tulum Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Time to book your tour in the city? Head over here!
Did you not get travel insurance yet??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Tulum so you don’t miss a thing!

Pin me for later!

Guide to the best Instagram spots in Tulum Mexico

23 Most Instagrammable Places in Tulum Mexico

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Where to Stay in Tulum, Mexico – Downtown VS Hotel Zone

Planning a trip to Tulum in the Riviera Maya soon? You’re in for a treat! But you’ll also find that, while planning your trip, you’ll encounter a pretty important decision: where to stay in Tulum! No, Tulum is not like most cities around the world. You’ll have a pretty important decision to make before your trip, and this complete guide to Tulum accommodation will explain everything you need to know to help make your decision smoother!

Most people find this difficult, but, trust me, figuring out where to stay in Tulum doesn’t need to be THAT hard. You just need to decide whether you want to be based in Downtown Tulum or on Tulum Beach.

On my recent trip to Tulum, I stayed for two full weeks, basing myself in different hotels around the city. And today I want to share everything I learned about Tulum hotels and areas while I was there.

Let’s get started!

Best area to stay in Tulum – detailed breakdown

When we travel, we usually decide where to stay based on a pretty hotel or a popular tourist area in the city – usually the city centre. But Tulum, even though not a large city, is pretty different from your usual destination aka it has a unique layout. I will explain everything you need to know about how Tulum is organised in areas and how to choose the best one for you (including a very explanatory map!) down below.

First of all, know that Tulum isn’t that big and you can easily get from point A to point B in 15-20 minutes, so your decision shouldn’t be that dramatic. It’s mostly about convenience and there are two main aspects to keep in mind: your budget and your interests during this trip.

In short, Tulum is made of two main areas: the small town called Tulum Town, Tulum Pueblo or Downtown Tulum and the beach road called Tulum Beach or Zona Hotelera. The distance between the two is more or less 5 km.

Ask yourself the following questions: Do I want to stay on the beach all day every day or do I also want to visit the local attractions such as the Mayan ruins and the cenotes? Do I want to experience Tulum’s local vibe and check out the small, traditional eateries and shops? Am I okay with getting around by bike or taxi almost every day, or do I prefer staying in the same place all the time and just minding my own business by my private pool? Do I want to splurge and stay in a luxury resort, or do I have a limited budget?

Once you’ve got your answers down, read the following explanations to find the best place to stay in Tulum for you! I will be talking about the 4 best areas to stay in Tulum in this article, as follows:

Hotel Zone / Zona Hotelera – Although pricier, this area is the go-to place for travellers that want to stay in a world-class resort and enjoy a private beach area and/or pool. This beach road is where you’ll find the best luxury hotels, restaurants and outdoor nightclubs.
Tulum Centre / Tulum Pueblo – My recommendation for travellers on a budget or people interested in the authentic, local vibe of the city. This is where you’ll find budget accommodation and more affordable boutique shops and Mexican eateries.
Aldea Zama – A new and upcoming luxury area (still under construction), located a stones throw away from Tulum Pueblo (halfway between the centre and the beach). It has a really laid-back vibe and you’ll find lots of boutique hotels to choose from here.
La Veleta – another new and upcoming area in Tulum, only 1 km away southwest of the city centre. This is the best place to book a long-term stay in Tulum (if you’re a digital nomad looking to stay for longer, for example) for reasonable prices.

where to stay in tulum close to the beach

If you’re looking for an even more straight-forward list of recommendations, check this out:

Where to stay in Tulum for luxury: Middle Beach Zone
Where to stay in Tulum on a budget: Pueblo
Where to stay in Tulum with a family: Aldea Zama or South Beach Zone
Where to stay in Tulum for couples: North or South Beach Zone
Where to stay in Tulum for a honeymoon: North or South Beach Zone
Where to stay in Tulum for nightlife: Pueblo or Middle Beach Zone
Where to stay in Tulum for remote working: La Veleta
Where to stay in Tulum for the local attractions: Pueblo
Where celebrities stay in Tulum: Middle Beach Zone

This was just a short breakdown; now let me explain the PROs and CONs of staying in each of these areas, together with my hand-picked hotel recommendations, so I can make everything much easier for you!

By the way, if you want to know how easy it is to get around in Tulum, plus other useful information for your trip, click here to jump to my dedicated FAQ section.

NOTE: In recent years, Tulum has got pricier and pricier. It’s insane! Your budget should be an important point of discussion, as it will directly reflect your accommodation options as well. I personally found Tulum unrealistically expensive at times, especially if you decide to stay on the beach road. I’ve explained more about the costs of a Tulum vacation and my impressions on the subject in the beginning of this guide: 8 Unmissable Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico – Complete Guide & Tips

TIP: I wanted to leave this tip for the Questions and Tips section down below, but might as well say it right from the start: if you have a small budget but still want to experience everything Tulum has to offer, an excellent idea would be to divide your vacation in two: spend some of your nights in a hotel in Tulum Pueblo but also book one or two nights in a mid-range beach resort or cabana. This way you’ll get the best of both worlds without breaking the bank!

Best hotels in Tulum, Mexico – speedy recommendations

You know me, I love a good list! Here’s another useful one for you in case you want to quickly click-and-book your Tulum accommodation right now:

Best beach hotel for complete splurge: Hotel Bardo
Best mid-range beach hotel: Los Arrecifes
Best budget beach hotel: Co.Bañitas
Best budget beach hotel with a pool: Casa Coyote Tulum
Most Instagrammable Tulum hotel: Ahau Tulum
Best boutique hotel: La Valise
Best villa for a group: Casa Teka
Best place for beach glamping: Cinco
Best budget hotel in the Pueblo: Hotel Casa Sofia Tulum with Pool
Best hostel: Hostel Oryx

Check out Booking prices for Tulum

Where to stay in Tulum Hotel Zone

Tulum Beach or Tulum Hotel Zone is the main touristy area in the city where most travellers want to stay – or at least those that want to experience the most Instagrammable sites, cute and quirky cafes, boutique shops, exclusive clubs and restaurants and also have access to the insanely stunning beach. Important note right at the start: all this comes with a very high Tulum price tag though, so keep this in mind at all times!

The Hotel Zone is basically a long 10-km strip of beach, roughly bound at the north by the Tulum Ruins and at the south by Arco Maya National Park.

PROs:

Superb beach hotels and 5-star all inclusive resorts that have their own private beach access
Fancy, innovative restaurants and fine dining too
Jungle and open-air nightclubs
You’ll hear the sound of the waves as you fall asleep at night
You’ll avoid the hectic traffic in the evening, when people staying in the Pueblo are leaving from the beach zone

CONs:

The most expensive area in Tulum – some of those gorgeous beachfront hotels can be anything from $500 to over $1000 per night, but you’ll be good with $200 too if you book a more budget hotel way in advance
Super popular, which means some hotels get fully booked months in advance
If you want a completely laid-back vacation, it can be a bit hard to find quiet places, as this area has become a party hub with the passing of the years
Not all hotels in this area have air conditioning, so it’s best to check before booking

The entire beach road is divided into three different zones as well: North Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach. Pretty straight-forward, right? Now, each one of these little zones comes with its own advantages, although all three are excellent candidates for a perfect vacation:

North Beach Zone – luxury + moderate hotels, quietest area, close to Tulum Mayan ruins and the cenotes (Dos Ojos and Casa Cenote), great for couples, way less options for restaurants, clubs and shops than the other two areas. Best beaches here are Playa Paraiso and Playa Maya
Middle Beach Zone – luxury hotels, literally the centre of the action, lots of high-end restaurants and beach clubs, yoga retreats, best nightlife options but with the highest price tag of all 3
South Beach Zone – luxury + moderate + budget hotels, quiet and bohemian vibe, close to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, great for families with kids

It takes 20 to 30 minutes to get from Tulum Town to the Hotel Zone with a bike (the most popular means of transportation there, now that the taxis have insane fees), depending on your exact destination, of course. Wondering if you can walk instead? Sure, but it will take you 1-2 hours, so… no.

TIP: Unfortunately, there are no dedicated bike lanes or street lights on the long road that goes alongside the beach, so if you’re staying in a beachfront hotel and want to cycle to the Pueblo (or the other way around), I’d recommend you do it before dark.

Best hotels in Tulum Hotel Zone

WHERE I STAYED

Coco Unlimited – Stunning! Although this accommodation is still expensive compared to most destinations, it’s an absolute bargain for Tulum, considering it’s one of the most popular luxury resorts around! It has gorgeous white washed walls, a beach front location, an on-site restaurant with cute swings in the sand. It’s a vibe!

BIG SPLURGE

Jashita Hotel – No words needed, honestly! This 5-star hotel has everything you might wish for: 3 outdoor pools, private suites with private plunge pools, an excellent onsite restaurant and bar and lots and lots of activities to do on the beach. Damn, you can even book a penthouse at this hotel!
Another excellent option is The Beach Tulum, which is actually one of the most popular 5-star beach resorts in Tulum Beach. They have beach front rooms with a private plunge pool, its own beach club (Ziggy’s Beach Club), an on-site spa and gym and more.

LITTLE SPLURGE

Villa Pescadores Tulum – Located on the beachfront in the beach hotel zone on its own private beach, this is a (kinda) more affordable luxury hotel. Each room here has its own private balcony where you can stand and admire the Caribbean Sea and the white sand beaches. It’s like a dream! But make sure to book in advance, this place is a pretty popular place to stay in Tulum.
Alternatively, you can also look into Papaya Playa Project – it’s a gorgeous boutique hotel on Tulum Beach. It’s also close to Tulum National Park (200m away!), the Mayan ruins and ruins beach and the rooms are simply lovely, as well as the service.

MID-RANGE

Coco Tulum Zen Zone Hotel – This amazing hotel is located in the South Beach zones, right near South Tulum Beach, which means you’ll only be a short walking distance away from all the beach clubs and fun happening in the sand. It also has an onsite restaurant where you can experience a good Mexican dining experience!

BUDGET

Tunich Jungle Cabanas – This budget accommodation is located in the jungle part of the beach and it has a chill, secluded vibe. Although it doesn’t have an outdoor swimming pool, it’s only 1 minute away from the beach and the prices are unbeatable for a beachfront hotel!

GLAMPING

Nativus Glamping – If the prices for these Tulum hotels above frighten you, why not try glamping instead? Nativus is an amazing eco-friendly glamping close to the beach. They also have a sun terrace plus lots of activities to do around!

HOSTEL

Selina Tulum – There are only a handful of hostels in the beach area, as you can guess, but this one is really good! They’re part of an international chain and they have ideal rates for budget travelers. Plus, the hostel is only 100m away from South Beach Tulum!

Find more hotels in Tulum Hotel Zone

Where to stay in Tulum Pueblo

Compared to Tulum Beach, Tulum Centre has a lower price tag when it comes to everything from hotels to restaurants and even souvenir shops. Much lower! Which is why I’m recommending this area (me and everyone out there) as the place to stay if you’re on a tight budget, if you’re a backpacker or if you want a bit more of a local buzz. Downtown Tulum also has more dive bars, street food and cheap eateries up and down the high street.

PROs:

Waaay cheaper prices for everything – even luxury hotels are much cheaper here and you can easily find budget accommodation and hostels too
Local vibe
Authentic Mexican food
Lots of nightlife opportunities
Super easy to walk around and explore the streets
Surrounded by nature, which means lots of exploring opportunities with your bike or by foot
Good base if you want to do day trips from Tulum

CONs:

You won’t be directly on the beach or in its proximity; Zona Hotelera is 20 to 30 minutes away by bike
If you’re not renting a bike for the duration of your stay, getting to the beach may imply lots of traffic
A bit less safe than Zona Hotelera

Best places to stay in Tulum Town

WHERE I STAYED

I stayed at Azura Boutique Hotel, which offers SUCH good value for your own little mini apartment! Everything is super clean, nice, the staff is lovely and it also has a dipping outdoor pool and hangout area on the roof. Plus the location is absolutely great, it’s really easy to walk around all of Tulum centre from here.

BIG SPLURGE

Coco Hacienda Tulum – If you want a gorgeous boutique hotel for your stay in Tulum Town, this is the best choice! I really believe this might be the best hotel in Tulum Town (or at least in the top 3 for sure). They have various room types such as bungalows, deluxe garden rooms, suites, suites with a hot tub and more. And everything looks absolutely Instagrammable and stunning!

LITTLE SPLURGE

Maka Hotel Boutique – This 5-star hotel located in the heart of Tulum center has a pool, a restaurant, its own nightclub and restaurant. I’d go for the king suite with pool view if I were you, by the way – such good value!

MID-RANGE

Mimosa Tulum – This 3-star hotel in the centre of Tulum Town is absolutely fabulous! They have free private parking, air conditioned rooms and family rooms as well, which I think is such a great advantage!

BUDGET

Joy Tulum – This is probably the best hotel in Tulum if you want something that’s both cheap and super quality. 3-star service, free private parking, free bikes and a location that’s walking distance to lots of restaurants and shops. And only 4 km away from the public beach!

HOSTEL

If you’re looking for the cheapest option for budget travelers that want to stay in Tulum, Hostel Oryx is one of the best choices. It has an excellent location (approx. 3.5 km away from Beach Town), as well as a shared kitchen, dry cleaning services, a pool and lots more. Really, such amazing service for a hostel!

Find more hotels in Tulum City Centre

Where to stay in Tulum Aldea Zama

About Aldea Zama Tulum: Nestled perfectly between the Hotel Zone and Tulum Centre, Aldea Zama is one of Tulum’s newest and chicest neighbourhoods. A few years ago, it was just a construction site – but now you’ll find many high-end and boutique hotels here, as well as short stay apartments to rent (Airbnb ftw!). Plus enough cute cafes and eateries to choose from! Definitely recommended if you’re travelling with your family and kids as well.

The location is pretty awesome too – it’s close to both the town and the beach while also being quiet and laid-back.

PROs:

You won’t find any old, sketchy or outdated accommodations here, as it’s a new area. Instead you can expect modern luxury hotels, apartments and Airbnbs
It’s a bit closer to Tulum’s Beach Zone compared to staying in the centre, which means less biking and/or cheaper taxi rides
Safer than the Pueblo

CONs:

Except for staying in your hotel, there aren’t a lot of activities to do here (but this will change in the future), which means you’ll most probably want to leave the premises for the day if you want some real action
Some parts of this area are still under construction
Some hotels can be a tad overpriced, in which case it might be worth it just to stay in the Zona Hotelera instead

Best hotels in Aldea Zama

BIG SPLURGE

Kimpton – Aluna Tulum – Fabulous 5-star hotel that seems taken out of an interior design magazine. They offer a gorgeous pool, beach club access in sister properties, gardens, an on-site spa, bikes for rent and (quite literally) everything in-between.

LITTLE SPLURGE

Orchid House Tulum – This is one of the best boutique hotels if you’re looking for a ‘little’ splurge’ – in fact, it’s going to be a big splurge when it comes to the service, not the price. Seriously now, this hotel is so lush and luxurious, you’ll never want to leave the premises! But if you do, you’ll only be 2 km away from the public beach in Tulum!

MID-RANGE

Keej by NIIK Tulum – Located only 2.5 km away from the beach (Tulum Playa Paraiso or Las Palmas) this 4-star hotel comes at some pretty unbeatable rates. They also have free WiFi, an on-site restaurant, tour desk and family rooms as well!

BUDGET

Mediterraneo Hotel Tulum – Great 3-star hotel that looks exactly like a hacienda! Even though this property has low rates, they also have a swimming pool, a hot tub, a garden and more. It’s also around 3km from Beach Town, Paradise Beach and the famous Hotel Zone.

HOSTEL

Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel Tulum – An affordable hostel in one of the newest parts of Tulum? Yes, it is possible! This is a hotel-hostel combo located 2 km from Paradise Beach with air conditioning in each room. Plus, everything looks… simply incredible!

APARTMENT

Blue Luxury Kukulkan Apartments – In case you want a bit more privacy and comfort, then you can book an apartment – there are so many luxurious ones in this part of Tulum! I’m recommending this one because you can choose from a ‘regular’ apartment and a penthouse and both have a pool outside!

Find more hotels in Aldea Zama

Where to stay in Tulum La Veleta

Here’s an area of Tulum that you won’t find in most travel guides on the internet! This new up-and-coming area in Tulum is located only 1 kilometre southwest from the city centre. Still, it’s not really popular with short-stay tourists. Instead, it’s a real hit among remote workers who are looking to settle down in Tulum for a while and among those looking for vacation rentals. Besides being well-priced, most accommodations here have good internet, which is something you won’t find a lot in Tulum in general, regardless if you’re in the centre or on the beach.

La Veleta has a nice vibe and safe feel, but there isn’t so much going on here just yet. However, it’s only a short bike / scooter drive away from all the action in Tulum Centre or on the beach road!

PROs:

Everything is super new and shiny
Reasonably priced vacation rentals and long-term accommodations – some can be even cheaper than Tulum Town
Close to both the city centre and the beach

CONs:

There isn’t much to do here yet, so you will most probably want to bike, scooter or get a cab to other parts of Tulum to get some action

Best hotels in Tulum La Veleta

BIG SPLURGE

Central Park Resort & Spa Tulum – This is an incredible 5-star luxury hotel in La Veleta that offers gorgeous, spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant and gym, plus different activities. It’s also 3.4 km away from Tulum’s private beach.

LITTLE SPLURGE

Hotel Holistika Tulum – This beautiful 4-star hotel is simply stunning, with an outdoor swimming pool and modern, stylish rooms. Even the restaurant looks super cool, as well as the common area!

MID-RANGE

Hotel Tiki Tiki Tulum – Modern and extremely stylish, this 4-star hotel has some pretty affordable rates and incredible service! By the way, they also offer bike hire on-site, so you can ride on Tulum beach road and reach the white sand beach in no time.

BUDGET

Luna Llena Tulum – If you’re looking for a reasonably priced accommodation that also has an outdoor pool, free WiFi and a tour desk as well, this one’s for you! Plus, the hotel is set in a tropical garden and it’s only 4 km away from the white sandy beaches.

APARTMENT

Hotel Panacea Tulum – well, technically this is an aparthotel, but it’s pretty stunning and you’ll feel exactly like in your own apartment in Tulum – which means you’ll have comfort and privacy, plus some pretty amazing amenities as well such as an on-site gym, an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace and more.

VILLA

Alicat Villas – In case you’re travelling in a group and you want to ditch the all-inclusive resorts and find your own personal piece of paradise instead, I highly recommend a villa. Alicat Villas offers a pool as well, which I think is extremely cool!

Find more hotels in La Veleta

FAQs about staying in Tulum + My tips!

Now that you know everything about the best hotels in Tulum and the city’s unique layout, let me offer you some of my best tips and answer some popular questions that might help you plan your itinerary better:

How expensive is Tulum?

I’ve visited Tulum two times before – and a third time in March 2022. Since those first two trips, the prices in Tulum have become EXTORTIONATE. Like… I literally thought some people had gone insane with some of the prices they were attempting to charge. $40 for a 3-minute taxi ride. $3000 for a beachfront hotel – that’s insane!

Still, if you book your accommodation ahead of time and do your research properly (this guide you’re reading right now should offer plenty of good tips!), you should be good with a moderate budget.

If you’re on a tight budget but still want to visit Tulum, I’ve done my research and come up with this complete post on Free things to do in Tulum, Mexico that includes heaps of helpful tips on how to avoid the insane prices.

Is Tulum Town safe?

Tulum is a safe destination in general, although Zona Hotelera and Aldea Zama are safer than Downtown Tulum. Although it’s not happening regularly, there are occasional incidents with tourists in the city centre. But if you’re mindful of your behaviour and belongings, you’ll be just fine! I’m also recommending you to get good travel insurance for Mexico – SafetyWing is an excellent choice.

How to get around in Tulum

If you’re not staying in the Hotel Zone, the most popular option is to rent a bike and get around the city – it’s what everyone is doing and counts as a fun activity too! You can get from Zona Hotelera to Tulum Town in 15 to 30 minutes depending on your destination. Plus, most hotels and resorts in Tulum offer free bikes for rent. Otherwise, the rates are around 200 MXN per day ($10) and you can rent them from many places, like iBike Tulum or Ola Bike Tulum.

Taxies are a pretty popular option as well, but the rates have gotten insane recently, which is why I’m not really recommending them if you have a choice.

When is the best time to visit Tulum

November to January is the best time to visit Tulum because it’s right before peak season (when the prices go way higher) and right after hurricane season, which is a no-go. I have explained more on the subject in this article: 8 Unmissable Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico – Complete Guide & Tips

How long to stay in Tulum

I spent 2 entire weeks in Tulum and I never felt bored, mostly because I loved spending my days on the beach, exploring the natural wonders and finding cute eateries for authentic Mexican food. If you’re planning a more extensive trip around Mexico, then I’d recommend you reserve at least 3 days for Tulum, so you can get to explore everything you might have on your list. Otherwise, one week would be just perfect.

Can I surf in Tulum?

Tulum isn’t a great destination for traditional surf; instead, there are some pretty great spots on the beach if you want to try some windsurfing or kitesurfing.

Which one to choose: Tulum or Playa del Carmen?

Although tourists all over the world seem to prefer Tulum for the perfect beach vacation, I’m also strongly recommending Playa del Carmen too, mostly because prices in Tulum have gotten really crazy recently. It’s true, the beaches in Tulum are better and more beautiful, but if budget is one of your concerns, then Playa del Carmen is definitely more affordable. It’s also bigger and more touristic, which means more hotel, restaurant and shopping options.

Which one to choose: Tulum or Cancun?

Cancun has its own airport (Cancun International Airport), so if you’re short on time and looking for convenience regarding transportation, I’d say to go for it. On the other side, Tulum offers some pretty awesome Mayan ruins to explore and better beaches too.

RELATED READ: Free Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico

This was my complete guide that offers all my answers to (probably) the most important question about this destination: where to stay in Tulum? Is it better to stay on Tulum Beach or in Tulum Town? What other areas can I choose from?

After visiting Tulum recently, I did my best to write this post and address the most popular concerns among travellers – and I really hope you found this post to be useful! I’ve compared Tulum Town to the Hotel Zone, offered PROs and CONs for each one of them (and two other less popular areas in the city) and I’ve also shared with you my hand-picked list of recommended hotels by budget. So regardless if you’re a backpacker or a tourist looking for a big splurge with everything that Tulum has to offer, I’m pretty sure you’ve already found the perfect hotel for you in this post!

In case you need more help with planning your vacation in Tulum, I recommend clicking here to find all my posts about this unique destination. And here you can find all my articles and stories about Mexico in general.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Mexico?

Check out all my Mexico Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Time to book your tour in the city? Head over here!
Did you not get travel insurance yet??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Mexico so you don’t miss a thing!

Pin me for later!

Want to stay in the loop? Join my exclusive mailing list, plus you’ll gain access to my ever-growing free resource library!

8 Unmissable Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico – Complete Guide & Tips

For all of you that are looking for a complete guide that includes all the best things to do in Tulum (and some bonus underrated activities as well), the best hotels and restaurants plus TONS of useful info about how to get to the city and how to get around, you are in the right place. My Tulum guide below will cater to all your needs, that’s a promise!

I’m super excited to tell you everything I know about Tulum because I’ve been there on my most recent trip. I had a 1-month trip to Mexico, with 2 weeks spent in Playa del Carmen and 2 weeks in Tulum. And I can say that Tulum has my heart!

In fact, I’ve been to Tulum a few times before, in 2018 and 2016, and I have always looooved the vibe of Tulum – it’s a real tropical paradise! With the jungle so close to the beach and the insanely beautiful blue waters, incredible Mexican food and wild nightlife – what is not to love?

I’ll tell you.. the prices. The prices are not to love.

How expensive is Tulum? What to expect

Since my first trip (and even my second), the prices in Tulum have become EXTORTIONATE. Like… I literally thought some people had gone insane with some of the prices they were attempting to charge. $40 for a 3-minute taxi ride. $3000 for a beachfront hotel – It was. literally. Insane.

Still! Tulum is beautiful, and there are ways of doing it on a budget, so this isn’t meant to deter you – it’s simply to warn you to be vigilant!

And if you want to talk numbers, the average price for one day spent in Tulum is around $80 per person and you can expect the cost of a Tulum vacation for an entire week for a couple to be around $1.200 if you’re a regular mid-range traveller.

TIP: If you’re on a tight budget but still want to visit Tulum, I’ve done my research and come up with this complete post on Free things to do in Tulum, Mexico that includes heaps of helpful tips on how to avoid the insane prices.

Okay, now let’s find out more about this unique destination and my personal selection of unmissable things to do in Tulum for first-time visitors!

Quick info about Tulum, Mexico

Melissa standing in the middle of Tulum Centro Streets

Tulum was once a (rather boring) fishing village, now transformed into one of the hottest travel destinations in the world. So hot that even celebrities are choosing to visit Tulum to relax and take a dip into its turquoise waters! And with soft white beaches, tons of gorgeous cenotes (more about this below), boutique shops and incredible restaurants, it’s quite easy to understand why.

Tulum has a rich history as well. It was the last great, ancient Mayan city that was built between the 13th and 15th century. It’s a place where Mayan gods were adored – and the well-preserved Mayan ruins and their surrounding sites are standing proof of Tulum’s past and Maya civilization.

Combine that with striking natural wonders, spiritual centres and incredible resorts and you’ll end up with a wonderful place where both past and present collide. That’s Tulum in a nutshell!

And now a bit of technical info about how Tulum is structured. Tulum is divided into 3 (very) different areas and all of them are called ‘Tulum’, which can get a bit confusing at first, especially if you’re visiting the city for the very first time. Here they are, explained:

Tulum Town aka Tulum Pueblo / El Centro – this is the place where locals live. It’s also a more affordable place where you can find Mexican restaurants, cafes and stores. This area is often called just Tulum.
Tulum Beach aka Tulum Hotel Zone / Zona Hotelera – this is the touristic part of the city where all the resorts and beaches are located
Tulum Ruins / Archaeological Zone – an attraction per se, this part of the city is located north of Downtown Tulum and the Hotel Zone

If things are still confusing for you, here’s a map of Tulum that I made in order to help picture it:

Where is Tulum located?

Tulum is located on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, in the state of Quintana Roo. It’s right in the centre of Riviera Maya in the Caribbean Sea. By car, you can reach Tulum in less than 2 hours from Cancun and 45 minutes from Playa del Carmen.

For detailed information about how to get to Tulum, head over to my dedicated section here.

8 Top things to do in Tulum

If you’re up for an adventure, you’ll quickly find out that there are endless things to do in Tulum that will keep you busy for more than one whole week! But if you’re only on a short visit or it’s your first time setting foot on this wonderful Carribean destination, make sure you don’t miss any of the following activities in Tulum:

1 – Shop the boutique stalls

Speaking of prices… Although there are some amazing clothes, jewellery, bags, etc that can be bought in Tulum, be warned – they’re very pretty but very pricey. They practice Western prices here!

Some nice shops to check out in Tulum are Pura Vida Tulum, La Pulga Boutique, La Troupe and Wanderlust. For home decor, head over to Kaahal Home Tulum.

NOTE: Tulum is not the place to buy cheap souvenirs / local goods. They increase the prices by up to 50% just because they are on this part of the coast. If you’re looking to shop and buy some of those cute crochet Tulum cover-ups or beach-style dresses, I recommend heading over to Playa del Carmen – which is still a touristy area, but you’ll be paying significantly less! Cancun is also a good choice for cheap souvenirs, as well as Merida (although the latter is further away).

2 – Visit a Cenote (or 7)

Cenotes are stunning, natural deep-water sinkholes. They’re like little blue holes of water carved in limestone and they look like an underground cave. Cenotes are typical to Mexico, they’re scattered all over the Yucatan Peninsula and are not to be missed! Luckily, some of the best ones are located in the proximity of Tulum and some of the activities that you can do there include swimming, diving, snorkelling or taking some incredible pictures.

Below are my favourites:

Cenote Calavera
Dos Ojos – one of the most popular ones, located only 20 minutes away from Tulum Town by taxi
Gran Cenote
Cenote Tak Bi Ha
Cenote Suy Tun – this one is on the way to Chichen Itza, so you can only get there via car.

RELATED READ: This was just a brief introduction into the wonderful world of cenotes. For more information, I recommend reading my dedicated post: Best Cenotes to Visit in Tulum, Mexico

3 – Take a day trip to Chichen Itza

Taking a day trip to the famous Chichen Itza is one of the best things to do in Tulum – well, actually a bit outside of it, but it’s still high up on my list!

Besides being the most visited ancient Mayan ruins site in the entirety of Mexico, it is also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It only takes two hours by car to reach it from Tulum and it’s definitely a must-visit. Seriously, you can’t go to Mexico and simply ignore Chichen Itza!

I did this day trip myself during my first trip – we rented a car and made a whole day of it. Our first stop was Cenote Suy Tun (so stunning), then we went on to Chichen Itza. On our way back to Tulum, we stopped in Valladolid for lunch and to explore the town. Perfecto! 👌

In case you don’t/can’t rent a car, there are also lots of organised tours available. Here are two of the best ones I could find departing from Tulum:

From Tulum: Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour – pretty similar to our itinerary + a cenote
Chichén Itzá: Valladolid, Cenote, Tequila Tasting and Lunch

PRICE: Entrance to the ancient ruins is 533 MXN (around $26) per person.

4 – Beach day – obviously!

I’d say it goes without saying that a day spent on one of the gorgeous beaches or clubs should be one of the top things to do in Tulum for everyone. In fact, it is said that Tulum has some of the best beaches in Mexico!

Although the beaches in Tulum are super popular, only a few of them are truly accessible to the public, the rest being taken over and “offered out” by resorts or beach clubs. In order to briefly explain it, there are three ways in which you can experience Tulum’s beaches:

stay in one of Tulum’s resorts or beach hotels – The Hotel Zone is full of them and, although you can walk anywhere once you’re on a beach, technically beach access can only be found through them if you stay there or pay a small fee. These beachfront hotels are way more expensive than the ones downtown, but that seems to be the cost to be staying literally on the beach.
visit one of the public beaches – Las Palmas, Playa Paraiso and Playa Ruinas are the only three beaches to choose from with public access. However, once you’re on the beach, you can walk down the playa and set up camp at any spot – every beach is technically public and not owned by any hotel. Make sure you bring your own towel and some snacks, though. By the way, it is said that Playa Paraiso is one of the best ones in Tulum and it also has beach bars and clubs.
visit one of the beach clubs – in case you found the public beaches to be too crowded or you don’t want to pay exorbitant prices for a beachfront hotel either, a middle solution would be to spend the day at one of the beach clubs. They typically have loungers, cocktails, good local food and everything else you might need for a perfect day on the beach.

Here are some of the best beach clubs in Tulum that I really enjoyed:

Coco Tulum – we actually stayed here and it was super nice, with chill vibes. It’s not as expensive to get a sun lounger here as many of the other nice places along the beach.
Papaya Playa Project Beach Club – expensive but really nice
Cinco – Cute glamping place on the beach with a good and affordable restaurant. Cheap and really nice if you’re cool with a bean bag in the sun!
La Eufemia – cheap and cheerful

NOTE #1: Whenever you want to swim on a beach in Tulum, pay attention to the flags. Black means don’t swim, red flag means danger, yellow means caution and green means that it’s completely safe to swim. Also, pay even more attention if you’re going to a remote beach, as they don’t have flags at all.

NOTE #2: One thing most people don’t say about Tulum is that the coastline can sometimes get hit with a seaweed invasion. When this happens, the white sandy beaches are not that white and beautiful anymore, as you can imagine. This is a natural phenomena in Mexico and there’s nothing you can do about it – just pray that you won’t be that unlucky!

5 – Explore the Tulum Mayan ruins

Although these are definitely not the most impressive ruins in the Yucatan, a great advantage is that they’re situated on a hill right in Tulum, so they’re super easy to get to. These 13th-century ruins also offer an incredible view of the ocean and the beach – pretty cool! In fact, the Tulum Ruins (also known as Tulum Archaeological Zone) are very close to Playa Paraiso, only 700m away.

PRICE: 85 MXN (around $4.20) per person. Photography fee is 45 MXN ($2.20). If you’re going with a car, you must park in the shopping centre’s parking lot and the price is 30 MXN ($1.50).

TIP: Make sure you don’t leave your visit to the Tulum Ruins for lunchtime or the end of the day, as you’ll encounter lots of tourist buses and huge crowds. Try to visit early in the morning instead. The site opens at 8 AM, but I recommend arriving 1 hour earlier.

6 – Rent a bike!

Make sure you rent a bike for the duration of your stay – taxis charge astronomical prices and it’s so, so easy to cycle everywhere in Tulum. Plus, it’s a fun activity per se!

Biking around Tulum and between the Beach Zone and El Centro is super easy (and it only takes 15 to 30 minutes) – it’s the thing that everyone does. Another great advantage is that some hotels offer free bikes and there are also dedicated large bike baths that you can use. In case your hotel doesn’t offer this service, you can rent a bike from iBike Tulum or Ola Bike Tulum.

PRICE: around 200 MXN per day ($10).

7 – Join a Temazcal ritual

In case you’re looking for unique things to do in Tulum, here’s my recommendation: a Temazcal ritual. This is the thing to do if you want to get a glimpse of real Mayan / Mexican culture and traditions!

In short, a Temazcal ritual is a Mayan ceremony of purification during which you sit in a traditional, tiny sweat lodge made of stone or wood that looks like a huge pizza oven. It’s pretty similar to a sauna: you enter the sweat lodge (called ‘temazcal’), which is heated by hot rocks and water.

A local shaman pours water over the rocks while singing a chant and summoning spirits, and everything happens in complete darkness. During this time, you should enter a state of meditation and calmness. It is said that the Temazcal ritual is meant to clean your body and mind and it’s been performed since ancient times.

Even if you’re sceptical if this ritual is effective or not, you can approach it with an open mind. After all, it’s still an interesting thing to do and it makes a great story to tell back home!

Some accommodations even have their own temazcal on-site. Two hotels that do good rituals and that I can recommend are Nomade and Holistika.

NOTE: You must wear your swimwear (or underwear) for this ritual.

8 – Visit Tulum Pueblo (El Centro)

You may remember that I explained above (right here) about how Tulum is structured into three different zones. Tulum Pueblo, also known as El Centro or Tulum Town is an attraction per se for all those that want to get away from the shiny, touristy, overpriced part of the city and get a glimpse of real, raw Mexican life. Which is why I think it’s one of the best things to do in Tulum, even though I left it as last on my list!

This is where you’ll find some authentic, more affordable shops and restaurants. You can visit Tulum Pueblo to take a walk, drink a cup of coffee or grab a bite of authentic Mexican food. Make sure you don’t miss the Main Ave, Calle Centauro Sur and their surrounding streets and search for their hidden gems.

BONUS: More things to do in Tulum if you have more time

Above was my list of unmissable things to do in Tulum, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. Now, if you’re staying for more than 3-4 days or if it’s your second visit to this destination, it’s time to delve deeper. Here are some extra things to do in Tulum that you can add to your itinerary:

Coba Ruins – In case you’ve already been to Tulum’s ruins or if you found some outrageous crowds there, you can head over to Cobá Ruins, which is bigger and more impressive. Coba is located around 50km / 45 minutes away from Tulum. You can even bike through the surrounding jungle to reach it if you’re up for a bit of exercise – or you can take a bus or tour. This archaeological complex is right in the middle of the Yucatan jungle and you’ll be able to climb the 120 steep steps up to the tallest pyramid on-site, which is something you can’t do at other Mayan ruins.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of an incredible rainforest, canals and lots of wildlife. Its name literally translates to “where the sky is born” and it is one of the most important ecotourism destinations in Mexico! Some activities that you can do there include kayaking, taking an eco-friendly tour, seeing the sea turtles, dolphins and birds and more. The best way to visit it is through a tour; otherwise you’ll need a 4×4. I have found this half-day tour that I think is pretty great!
Visit one of the adventure / theme parks – Riviera Maya is scattered with plenty of great adventure parks for all those of you looking for a bit of outdoor fun such as ziplining, snorkelling or an ATV adventure. I think this is a great option if you’re looking for things to do in Tulum with a family! Some of the most well-known ones that I’m also recommending are: Xplor, Xcaret and Xel Ha. If you’re looking for a less touristy option, head over to Rio Secreto.

Snorkelling day – If you’re a fan of the underwater world, you’ll be happy to find out that Tulum offers plenty of fun opportunities for this, as it’s located close to some impressive coral reefs! Some of the best places for snorkelling or even scuba diving are the cenotes (Gran Cenote or Cenote Azul, to name a couple). If you’re looking for a snorkelling tour during which you’ll get to swim with whale sharks, I recommend this one. And if you want a private tour, you can book this one.
Kitesurfing and other water sports – although some of the beaches in Tulum can get a bit windy, this makes for an amazing opportunity for water sports! Kitesurfing, paddle boarding, kayaking or windsurfing are some of the best things to do in Tulum for adventure-seekers!
Jungle Maya Native Park – if you’re looking for complete jungle adventures, this one includes a walk through the jungle, ziplining, a cenote, plus snorkelling in an underground river. You can buy your ticket here – admission + equipment included.
Mezcal tasting – mezcal is a typically Mexican alcoholic drink made from agave. It’s a must-try while in Tulum or Mexico in general! And you know what? Mezcal goes great with tacos – which is why I’m recommending this Mexican cooking class that takes place in a local home in Tulum and includes a mezcal tasting.
Check out the turtles – This is definitely one of the best things to do in Tulum for nature lovers! You will be able to see the turtle nesting season from May to October. So if you’re lucky to be visiting during this period, make sure you don’t miss it after sunset!
Laguna de Kaan Luum – If you’re looking for some real hidden gems and one of the most underrated things to do in Tulum, you’re in for a treat. Laguna de Kaan Luum is only 9 km from Tulum and it’s basically a lagune with an immense cenote in the middle. You can take a swim or scuba dive there for 300 MXN ($15).
Yal-Ku Lagoon – Although not as secret as the lagoon above, Yal-Ku is also a great place for snorkelling or simply sitting in the sun. If you go down to deeper waters, you can even see turtles there!

RELATED READ: Free Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico

Top Tulum tours and organised excursions

Tulum is a great destination where you can rent a bike or a car and easily create your own itinerary inside and around town. But in case you want to keep it simple, avoid too much organisation or just prefer organised tours in general, I have some excellent options for you below:

Find more Tulum tours

Where to stay in Tulum, Mexico

Because Tulum is divided into two main areas: Zona Hotelera and Tulum Downtown / Centre, I will offer you recommendations for both of them. Just note that, just like for restaurants and shops, the hotels in the hotel zone are way more expensive than the ones downtown – and they’re usually all-inclusive resorts.

WHERE TO STAY IN TULUM BEACH / ZONA HOTELERA:

BIG SPLURGE: Hotel Ma’xanab Tulum – 5-star hotel with world-class service, located right on South Tulum Beach.

LITTLE SPLURGE: Coco Limited – Where I stayed! They have a great beach location, the hotel is super cute and it doesn’t break the bank (unlike other beachside hotels in Tulum!)

BUDGET: Selina Tulum – especially good if you’re a family on a budget. Ahau Tulum Hotel is also a good choice.

GLAMPING: Cinco – only 350m from Playa Paraiso

HOSTEL: Mayan Monkey Hostel – really affordable and it also has an outdoor swimming pool!

Find more hotels in Tulum Beach

WHERE TO STAY IN TULUM TOWN / TULUM CENTRO:

BIG SPLURGE: Hotel Bardo – 5-star hotel with suites. Each of them has a private pool and a balcony as well!

LITTLE SPLURGE: Azura Boutique Hotel – I stayed here (twice) and I could not recommend it enough! The location is right in the centre and everything feels super safe. You get an entire apartment which is clean, cosy and modern. They also have a rooftop dipping pool and the staff are all so lovely and kind!

BUDGET: Hotel Central Station – 3-star hotel with clean and nicely decorated rooms, an ATM, free Wi-Fi and more. They also have family rooms!

GLAMPING: Huaya Camp – luxury tents for a great price, with free private parking included

HOSTEL: Hostel Oryx – amazing hostel with a shared kitchen, dry cleaning service and an outdoor swimming pool as well!

Find more hotels in Tulum Centre

Best restaurants in Tulum, Mexico

Okay, if you’ve been reading some other blog posts of mine, you may already know: I love food. And Tulum, for me, was an absolutely foodie’s paradise! So many incredible dishes, so many cute places to go out, I just had to share all MY FAVOURITE Tulum restaurants with you!

NOTE: One thing to know right from the start: Tulum center is much, much cheaper than the hotel road. Miles cheaper.

BREAKFAST / BRUNCH

Del Cielo – This place has such a cute vibe and great food too! Unfortunately, they don’t take reservations and they are pretty popular, so oftentimes you’ll have to wait for a table. Don’t worry, they have a cosy, little waiting area, but be prepared for it.

LOCAL LUNCH

Taqueria La Chiapaneca – This is THE place to go and get cheap, delicious, local tacos. You’ll notice it’s always busy, so you know it’s good!

DOWNTOWN DINNER

Encanto Cantina – Ahh, the vibe, the decor, the food – such a cute spot for dinner. My favourite date night location in town for sure!

STREET FOOD

ATTENTION! This was the best burrito I ever ate in my LIFE! And I am not being paid to say this! Literally, I don’t even know the name of this amazing little burrito stall, but it pops up at this location nightly (6PM – 10PM) and I swear to you – it’s a game changer! Super affordable and insanely delicious. They use a recipe from the region of Chiwawa – so you’ll find no added rice or beans, and way more filling, along with a choice of insanely delicious sauces… Tell them Melissa says hi and thank me later!

CHEAP EATS

Cinco was amazingly affordable for a beachside lunch!

ULTIMATE DINNER VIBES

If you’re going all out for dinner, then you want to head to Rosa Negra! It was SUCH a vibe: think all the Tulum gimmicks – dancing on the tables, handing out sparklers, dancers – just such a good place to set the tone for the night! But it’s more than that, the menu was soooo good, each dish and drink was a work of A R T! I was obsessed with their Besugo Sashimi. Oh, and make sure you leave room for dessert!

Other places that I LOVE that you have to add to your list include:

RELATED READ: Okay, I am such a lover of all the Mexican food I ate in Tulum that I can’t even contain it! This is why I wrote this dedicated post: Best Places to Eat in Tulum

Best day trips from Tulum

I know I mentioned some of these options above, but I’ll suggest them again in this complete list of things to do near Tulum:

Cenotes – Casa Cenote, Cenote Cristal, Des Ojos, Gran Cenote, Cenote Escondido and more. For easy planning, you can book this Four-Cenote Adventure from Tulum
Chichen Itza – a must during your trip to Tulum or Mexico in general! Here’s a great private shuttle excursion from Tulum that includes Chichen Itza as well
Coba Ruins – some of the most beautiful Mayan ruins in Quintana Roo, really close to Tulum
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – here’s a really good half-day tour
Muyil Archaeological site – Also known as Chunyaxché, this is one of the oldest archaeological sites where you can see traces of the Mayan civilization.
Valladolid – actually, this beautiful colonial town is one of the most underrated day trips from Tulum! This tour is a great combo – Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour
Cancun – especially if you want to experience the famous nightlife and clubs here!

You can find more options for places to visit in Mexico in this section down below.

How to get to Tulum, Mexico

Being such a popular travel destination, Tulum is easily accessible from different parts of Mexico. Here are your options:

BY PLANE

Tulum doesn’t currently have an airport, although the plan is for one to open in 2023 (and a train too). Right now, the closest one is Cancun International Airport, located 120 km / a bit less than 2 hours from Tulum. Once you arrive at Cancun Airport, you can easily find an ADO bus (much cheaper) to take you to the Tulum Centre or Hotel Zone for around 300 MXN / $15.

BY RENTAL CAR

In case you’re planning a longer trip around Mexico, the best idea would be to rent a car. You can pick up your rented car right at Cancun Airport and then head over to Tulum Town, which is around 90 minutes away. One note here: the traffic along the famous beach road in Tulum can be insane at times, especially during high season. Make sure you’re paying lots of attention on the road and don’t drive too fast!

BY TAXI

A local taxi is also an alternative, although I’m not very eager to recommend it, as the prices can be a crazy high. If this is your only option, make sure you negotiate the price before taking the ride.

BY BUS

Although not the fastest, this is definitely the cheapest way to reach Tulum. You can take a bus to Tulum from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. I, once again, recommend the local ADO buses, as they’re the cheapest.

My best Tulum travel tips

Of course, I couldn’t let you go without telling you my most precious travel tips for Tulum, right? Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

The best time to visit Tulum is from February to April, but make sure you avoid their spring break. Most articles on the web mention November to January as being the best period to go to Tulum – which is true, and this is exactly what everyone else does. This is why I recommend avoiding these months, as everything is jam-packed with tourists. Also, avoid late August to early November – that’s hurricane season.
How long to stay in Tulum- if you’re planning a more complex trip around Mexico, 2-3 days will be just enough for Tulum. If Tulum is your base city, you can stay more than 1 week, even 10 days if you want to explore everything, including the surrounding area. I stayed for 2 weeks and I never got bored!
You shouldn’t expect lightning-fast internet during your trip to Tulum, as the Wi-Fi is kind of slow everywhere. Oh well, more time to admire everything around you!
I’ve mentioned the ‘seaweed problem’ before, but I’ll say it again: the beach in Tulum can sometimes get ‘invaded’ by seaweed. Locals and resorts are always striving to keep the beaches clean, but sometimes it doesn’t succeed. In short, it only depends on your luck.
Talking of beaches – even though Tulum is a famous beach destination, there are only a couple of free public beaches there. In order to access the rest of them you will need to stay in a hotel/resort or pay the entrance to a beach club.
Last but not least, I’ll try not to start another endless rant: compared to other parts of Mexico, Tulum can be insanely pricey! You can find my opinion on the subject and how expensive exactly Tulum can be (in numbers) in the beginning of the article.

Or you can save yourself some pennies by reading my dedicated post on the subject: Free things to do in Tulum

Other places in Mexico to add to your itinerary

In case you’re planning a real adventure in Mexico, here are some other AMAZING places on the Yucatan Peninsula to add to your bucket list:

Isla Mujeres – a gorgeous, laid-back island and the perfect choice if you’re looking for an island paradise.
Holbox – another beautiful island, close to Cancun. You can easily get there with a boat ride and I definitely recommend it for ultra-relaxed vacations.
Playa Del Carmen – this is not just a beach, but an entire city! I’ve stayed for 2 weeks here as well – here are all my posts about this destination!
Akumal – this town’s name literally translates to ‘Place of the Turtle’ and, you guessed it, you can snorkel with turtles here!
Cozumel – Cozumel is right opposite Playa del Carmen and it’s another great beach destination with turquoise waters and perfectly white sand beaches. It’s also super close to the second-largest coral reef in the world, so this means plenty of snorkelling and diving opportunities!
Bacalar – I actually reeeally loved it here and I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for something that’s off the beaten path. It’s basically a huge blue lagoon that even has a shipwreck!

Aaaand here is the ultimate Tulum travel guide, aka one of the most popular destinations on the Yucatan Peninsula, in Mexico’s Riviera Maya!

If you’re planning on visiting Tulum soon, I’m absolutely convinced that this guide will come in handy, as I tried to include everything I learned when I visited Tulum myself recently! You’ll find the best things to do in Tulum here – from famous archaeological sites and Mayan ruins to the beaches, natural wonders, snorkelling and scuba diving, cenotes and more, plus lots of useful info about restaurants, hotels and everything in-between.

If you need more information that will help you plan your itinerary around Mexico, click here to find all my stories and articles about this vibrant country. And here you’ll find all the other blog posts about Tulum.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Tulum?

Check out all my Tulum Travel Guides here.
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8 Incredible Things to do in Tulum Mexico

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Practical info about beach clubs in Tulum

8 Best beach clubs in Tulum, Mexico

1 – Papaya Playa Beach Club

2 – Coco Tulum Beach Club

3 – Cinco Tulum Beach Club

4 – Taboo Tulum Beach Club

5 – Vagalume Tulum Beach Club

6 – Nomade Tulum Beach Club

7 – Casa Malca

8 – Ziggy’s Beach Club

8 Other notable Tulum beach clubs worth checking out

1 – LA EUFEMIA

2 – HABITAS BEACH CLUB

3 – PLAYA PARAISO BEACH CLUB

4 – MIA BEACH CLUB

5 – SELINA BEACH CLUB TULUM

6 – MINA

7 – HIP HOTEL BEACH CLUB

8 – AHAU TULUM BEACH CLUB

How to get to the beach clubs in Tulum

By bike

By scooter

By taxi

Free public beaches in Tulum

1 – Playa Paradiso Tulum

2 – Las Palmas Beach Tulum

3 – Playa Ruinas / Tulum Ruins Beach

BONUS: Best beaches near Tulum

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Quick round-up & practical info

Main aspects

Distances

Recommendations by travel style

Cancun – for first-timers on the Caribbean coast

A few words about Cancun

PROs:

CONs:

Distances

5 Best things to do in Cancun

Accommodation in Cancun

Playa del Carmen – For nightlife and accessibility

A few words about Playa del Carmen

PROs:

CONs:

Distances

5 Best things to do in Playa del Carmen

Accommodation in Playa del Carmen

Tulum – for a laid-back experience

PROs:

CONs:

Distances

5 Best things to do in Tulum

Accommodation in Tulum

Cancun vs Playa del Carmen vs Tulum – Final words

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Quick info about Cenotes

What is a cenote?

Different types of cenotes

How much does it cost to visit a cenote in Tulum

How to get to the cenotes

My top tips and things to keep in mind

Tulum cenotes map

6 Best cenotes in Tulum that I have personally been to

1 – Cenote Calavera

2 – Dos Ojos Cenote

3 – Gran Cenote / Grand Cenote

4 – Cenote Taak Bi Ha

5 – Cenote Suy Tun

6 – Carwash Cenote / Cenote Aktun-Ha

15 Other best cenotes in Tulum to consider

1 – Cenote Azul

2, 3 – Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido

4 – Cenote Cristalino

5 – Casa Cenote / Cenote Manati

6, 7, 8 – Cenote Sac Actun, Cenote El Pit and Cenote Nicte-Ha

9 – Cenote Angelita