Tulum Travel Guide
Tulum is located on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Tulum offers two completely different landscapes – the jungle & the beach… and so many vibes. Want to attend a Yoga Retreat? Swim in a Cenote and visit the Ruins? Party on the beach till 4am? Yep – you can do it all in Tulum. And it’s now easier to get to with their own regional airport, just minutes away from the action.
Where to Stay
Whether you’re looking for the best place to see and be seen, or want to try your hand at “Glamping” – Tulum really has it all. While Tulum is known for its bohemian & eco-chic vibe, the accommodations are luxury-priced, even if you are sleeping in a tent. Tulum is in constant flux, because it’s growing so quickly, with many larger brands coming to town. These are still my favorite places to stay:
Maria Del Mar is a small 18 room, adults-only Boutique Hotel that offers ocean-view rooms at a reasonable price (by Tulum standards.) Just next door is Azulik (which is the most instagrammed hotel in Tulum) and it’s just down the road from the popular DJ parties at Papaya Playa Project. I love the smaller feel of this place. The property has the basics – a great on-site restaurant, large pool, beach access and it’s walkable to coffee shops, restaurants and other hotels. I’m honestly shocked this place doesn’t get more attention on Instagram!
I stayed in the Oceanfront Penthouse Suite and adored it. It had two balconies – one that faced the pool/beach and one that faced the ocean. The jacuzzi on the balcony, overlooking the ocean, was money and there was also a large sunbed too. Inside, the room was a bit on the small side but the bathroom and shower were spacious.
The hotel has a private beach with sun beds scattered around. There is also a sunbathing deck with lounge chairs and swings overlooking the water. It’s a great little property. While this isn’t the most affordable nor the most expensive place in Tulum, I think it offers a great value and the prime location means you can easily access all the great things that Tulum has to offer without an expensive cab ride. Learn more and book here.
If you’re into art or appreciate a design-driven hotel, Casa Malca is the spot for you. This is one of the more storied hotels in the area. It use to be the former home of Pablo Escobar who purchased the property decades ago for its privacy and secluded nature.
While Casa Malca sits on a big property, there are only 41 guest rooms.
It’s likely you have seen Casa Malca’s entrance on Instagram (like my photo here) … Believe it or not, these are all wedding dresses that have been stitched together as curtains! A really cool art piece!
Casa Malca has a Keith Harring inspired restaurant, intriguing art sculptures throughout the property and an epic chandelier room – this hotel just ooze’s the cool factor.
While it is located on the southern end of the “hotel row” – it still is a great location – you are within biking distance to many other hotels, restaurants and shopping. Of all the new resorts in town, Casa Malca is a staple. Book here.
If any hotel can encompass the whole Tulum experience into one property .. it’s Be Tulum. Be Tulum is an oceanfront hotel that has rustic, jungle vibes, with epic DJ beach parties to match. All the influencers stay here and you pay a pretty penny for this vibe. It’s a bit of a bigger property, about 64 rooms total.
Their food is uber health-driven .. think like an Erewhon in Tulum. You’ll find a lot of vegetarian options, wellness shots, salads and smoothies. Girlies love a good green juice here. Be Tulum is the place to be seen, so bring your best outfits (and bikinis) and get ready to rave, zen out or both. Learn more about it here.
Beware of "Glamping" in Tulum
Tulum has a lot of “glamping options” which definitely have the unique factor. Do it for the gram! Or… should you…
These accommodations often are not much cheaper than a hotel or resort (sometimes they are even more expensive) and they can have their serious downsides.. like potentially weak electricity, spotty wifi, bugs & designated air conditioning time.
If you are paying over $1000/night, these trade-offs may not be worth it to you, regardless of how “cool” they look on TikTok.
Where to Eat & Drink
Raw Love - Located at Maya Tulum, perfect spot for lunch with fresh salads & sandwiches
Matcha Mama - Great for matcha, smoothies, avocado toast and bowls
Rosa Negra - Also a must visit. Such a fun & unique experience (I won't spoil it for you)
Kin Toh (Azulik Hotel) - It's what you have seen on Instagram. This place made Tulum famous. Mixed reviews recently though.
Gitano - Must visit for dinner! Few different bars located inside, moody jungle vibes. Love it!
Nü Tulum - Located in the town of Tulum, it feels like you are part of the jungle
What to do
Swim, Shop, See the Ruins
1. You can’t come to Tulum without swimming in a few cenotes. There are thousands of cenotes along the Yucatán Peninsula and they are all unique. You can think of cenotes as underground watering holes. You can scuba dive, snorkel or swim in them. I like the Cenote Calavera and Dos Ojos the best.
2. Bike around and shop! Tulum is known for their “shipping containers” – it’s what you’ll see up and down the main road. I would recommend spending some time during your trip shopping the local goods. Depending on where you stay, you can easily grab a bike from your hotel and head to the Shipping containers.
3. If you’re interested in history and want to get your steps in, you could easily spend half a day at the Mayan Ruins. Wear good walking shoes and wear sunscreen because you’ll be in direct sun most of the time. Most tours will pick you up from your hotel.
If you are less inclined to do excursions or tours – just veg out at the pool or beach. After all, you are on a vacation.
