Tulum: the perfect tropical holiday

Did you know that Tulum used to be a small town hidden in the jungle, about 20 minutes from the beach we all know it for? Over the past 10 years, mass tourism has caused it to grow rapidly, and it’s now nearly connected to the beachfront—an area that used to be completely separated by jungle. Most of the popular and iconic hotels are located along the beach, but the town itself also has plenty of great places to stay.

But even though Tulum is so popular, it still doesn’t have any major airports nearby. So if you want to go to Tulum, you have to fly into Cancun and take a bus (2h) or a private taxi (1.5h). The bus is very affordable (around $20 depending on the time) but will drop you off at the bus terminal in the town of Tulum. If you still need to travel to the beach area, you’ll have to pay around $40 depending on where in the ‘Zona Hotelera’ you need to be. Taking a taxi from Cancun Airport to the beach area will cost you around $175, though you might be able to get it a little cheaper if you pre-book one online.

So where should you stay? Both the town and the beach area have a collection of beautiful and charming hotels, and both have a lot to offer. Also, one doesn’t exclude the other, as it’s easy to travel between the beach and town by bike, scooter, car, or taxi. We recommend renting a scooter or bike though becomes it gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace without spending a lot of money.

Know that staying at the beach area is more expensive, not only are the hotels pricier, but restaurants are also more expensive. The upside is that most hotels here are located right on the beach, so you can dip into the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea just a few steps from your room. This area is also the place to be if you’re into nightlife and upscale dining. If you like to combine the two we would recommend making a reservation later in the evening at either Ilios or Gitano Jungle that both offer great food and some evenings have entertainment as well. Talking about food, maybe a bit controversial but we had the best food (pizza!) at Checkpoint Ciao.

If you want to stay on the beach, we recommend checking out the beautiful Casa Gitano.

Staying in the town is a more affordable option. There are plenty of great hotels here too, and the town offers delicious food at more reasonable prices, think Burrito Amor or the local favorite El Camello Jr. While you won’t be right by the beach, neighbourhoods like Aldea Zama and La Valeta still offer a great vibe and lots to explore.

If you’d like to stay in the town area, we recommend taking a look at Jungle Keva Tulum, an award-winning hotel with a beautiful pool, yoga classes, and free bikes!

What can I do in and around Tulum?
Besides the beautiful palmtree beach and delicious food, Tulum has plenty more to offer. Along the coast, you’ll find the Zona Arqueológica de Tulum, the ruins of an ancient Mayan city. Scattered throughout the entire Tulum area are countless stunning cenotes, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. We recommend spending a day at the Vesica Cenote, a beautiful cenote with luxury sunbeds and a great on-site restaurant. Tulum is also well known for its art installations, small museums, and boutique clothing shops, all definitely worth a visit.

If you have a bit more time, consider taking a tour or renting a car to visit Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the New World. It’s a popular and touristy spot, but the impressive history makes it a worthwhile day trip if you’re up for the drive.

Tulum might not be the most budget-friendly destination, but if you plan it right, it’s absolutely worth it. From its dreamy beaches to its laid-back town and vibrant food scene, Tulum has everything you need for a memorable tropical escape. It’s definitely a place that stays with you long after you’ve left.