As far as beach towns go, Tulum is in a category all of its own. This gem in the jungle is known for its thousand year-old ruins of an ancient Mayan city, white sand beaches (the famous Corona commercials are filmed here) and naturally-occurring sinkhole cenotes. But none of those are the reason for its sudden spike in popularity. It’s the cool concept hotels, hip restaurants and hippie chic vibe. Tulum is a rare balance between isolation and accessibility, laid-back and high-fashion; where flip flops and diamonds live in one happy harmony. This is the new Tulum where it’s perfectly ok to spend the days in a yoga retreat or bar hop through the jungle in five-inch heels. Keep reading to find out why this jungle oasis is the hottest spot in Yucatan and everything you need to know before you go.

Best Time To Go

Tulum tends to have warm weather all year round, with highs staying well within the 70s and 80s. So anytime you visit you’re almost guaranteed tropical, sunny weather. Like most Caribbean destinations, the rainiest months are June, September, and October (hello hurricane season).  November and December are great months to visit as the weather is warm but not too hot and it’s not quite as crowded. And high season is from January through March so you can expect bigger crowds and warmer weather and higher prices.

You will find a lot of spots close down for low season. Hartwood, the most coveted restaurant in town, for example, closes from the end of August to early November.

Getting There

Tulum is a town on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, 90 minutes south of Cancun, which is where the nearest airport is. Once in Cancun, there are several options for getting to Tulum. But the rule of thumb is to make it out of the airport without getting drawn in by the “shark tank” AKA the timeshare salespeople trying to lure arriving tourist to overpriced hotels and activities. Just walk straight out of the airport without looking back.

Car

My preference is always renting a car because I love the flexibility and freedom and we almost always take side trips (we visited Merida and many cenotes during our visit to Tulum). If you are renting a car at the airport then you will need to stop at the kiosk inside of the airport and they will tell you exactly where to wait for your shuttle that will then transfer you to the car rental office to pick up your vehicle. The road to Tulum is easy and safe but I would still recommend driving in the daytime.

Side note: Check with your credit card company to see if they automatically insure you, most do so you don’t have to pay the additional insurance that the rental agency often tries to insist you purchase. Bring written proof of this as some agencies are requesting it now.

Bus

The ADO coach bus to Tulum will end up costing you less than $20 usd and is complete with air conditioner and tv’s. You can purchase tickets ahead of time online or visit an ADO stand at the airport to purchase once you arrive (be sure it is an official ADO stand). You may have to purchase two tickets to get to Tulum; one to Playa del Carmen, where you get off and transfer to another bus that will take you to Tulum. There are two Tulum stops (the first one is the entrance to the Tulum ruins; the second stop is the located downtown (el Centro) Tulum.

You may need a taxi once you arrive in Tulum bus terminals to your lodging or you can walk if it is close enough. But if you plan to take the ADO, be sure to research ahead of time which stop is closest to your final destination.

Private Transfer

Private transfers are pricier than the bus but certainly more convenient. You will be picked up right at the airport and taken directly to your final destination. No need to share a van with others not in your group, no extra stops unless you request them and you can even purchase drinks to enjoy en route. Happy Shuttle Cancun, USA Transfers or Canada Transfers are reliable and safe options and would set you back about $150-200 usd per vehicle for a round trip. Another option is a shared ground transportation shuttle. This is also a door-to-door service however the vehicle will likely make several stops on the way dropping off other passengers. Best Day shared roundtrip transfers start at $85 usd per person.

Getting Around

Tulum’s main road runs all the way down the beach and leads into the Sian Ka’an Biosphere (an Ecological Reserve). Taxis are fairly easy to come by and generally accept both dollars and pesos. Though you can also take colectivo shuttles for cheap.

Most people ride bikes around. It’s easy to rent them and many of the hotels offer free or inexpensive bike rentals. And of course, walking is also an option. The stretch of the beach road has so much to see and do that it’s worth the stroll. Keep in mind that the road gets pretty dark at night so I don’t really recommend riding your bike to dinner unless you have a light or you’re ok riding in the dark.

If you’re looking to visit the cenotes, some of the ruins and the pueblo, you’ll likely need a vehicle it’s too far to bike or walk.

Things to Do

The first thing you want to do when you arrive is leave your inhibitions at the door. You could easily spend your days doing yoga overlooking the water and reading on a hammock on the beach or finding hidden gems off the beaten path or drinking mezcal at one of the many open-air mezcalerias. However you choose to spend your time in Tulum, here are the five things not to miss:

Dive into Cenotes

There are thousands (thousands!) of nearby cenotes, limestone bedrock sinkholes that reveal a subterranean network of caves filled with the clearest fresh water. You definitely don’t want to miss these naturally-occuring sinkholes. And this is the one thing you cannot visit Tulum without doing. Some of the most popular cenotes are Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos, Il Kil but there are thousands through the entire Yucatan peninsula!

Explore the Ruins

The history of mayan civilization is truly spectacular and the ruins are a beautiful way to get some insight on the magnificent works of architecture with a play on astronomy. These well-preserved archaeological masterpieces offer a glimpse of what life was like thousands of years ago. There are several near Tulum but the most well-known are the Tulum Ruins, Cobá and Chichen Itza.

Tulum Ruins are the only ruins along the beach and are easy to reach from both town and the beach hotels by taxi or bike. Plus, there’s a great place to swim just below the main structure on the coast.

Cobá is about 40 minutes away from Tulum but they have the highest Mayan pyramid in Yucatan, Nohoch Mul, and you can climb the 120 steps to the top to get amazing views of the jungle, The Cobá ruins cover a large area and they have bike rentals which make the trek go faster but you can also walk it.

Chichen Itza was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Sitel; AND the crowds to show for it. Although it’s an important tourist attraction, Chichen Itza also remains an active archeological site. It is about 2 hours away from Tulum so unless you have a car you’ll likely be better off with a tour.

Whichever you choose to visit, I recommend getting there early or later in the afternoon; not only for the weather but for the crowds as well. You can hire guides at all the ruins; no need to prebook as they will greet you when you enter. Their knowledge makes it much more interesting and rewarding so I definitely recommend it.

Visit El Centro

El Centro is just about 3 miles and a world away from Tulum Beach. You get a more typical Mexican experience and  more affordable dining and shopping options in this part of town. Come for the tacos!

Spiritual & Wellness Ceremonies

Tulum is the perfect destination to find your inner compass. You can take your pick from the many yoga classes, partake in a sound healing ritual, take an energetic lovemaking class or try the shaman-led, ancient purification ritual of temazcal (highly, highly recommend this one!). The world-reknowned Yäan Wellness Energy Spa is home to many holistic treatments and many resorts offer these.

Eat & Drink

What Tulum lacks in mega-resorts and all-inclusive hotels, it makes up for in jungle-shrouded bars, ocean-front restaurants and eco-friendly retreats. The open-air, candle-lit bars and restaurants are enough to satisfy everyone’s inner hippie. You could easily spend an entire afternoon going down the Tulum beach road sipping and dining. See below for local favorites!

Tulum is home to a lot of things you’d never expect to find in Mexico, such as vegan tacos and matcha lattes, which you can find Raw Love and Charlie’s Tacos. Posada Margherita serves up fresh Italian food right on the beach (and is beautifully decorated); HASHTAG Poke Food truck has fresh poke bowls; And Matcha Mama makes killer açaí bowls. And you don’t want to miss Hartwood’s wood-fire sustainable dishes but be sure to make a reservation a month in advanced or prepare to wait.

If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food, you will have to leave Tulum Beach and head inland. Tulum Pueblo’s most famous tacos are found at Chiapanecos.

For drinks and appetizers head to mezcaleria Gitano, Casa Jaguar and WILD. And be sure to stop at Kintoh at Azulik resort and visit the museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

What’s indisputable is that this little Mexican enclave sits on a stunning beach. But if you haven’t heard, the algae has decided to move in long-term, bordering the shore and murking the water. So the turquoise sea is not so turquoise these days.

You won’t be able to rely on cell phone signals and the Wi-Fi is spotty.

You still can’t flush the toilet paper in Tulum due to the fickle plumbing infrastructure.

Air-conditioner is not a given so be sure to check with your accommodations prior to booking.

Oh and you can leave your shiny American Express card at home; In fact, most places are cash only (pesos or dollars are generally accepted but you’re likely to get the best deal paying in pesos).

Where to Stay

Sustainability is the name of the game of this eco-chic town nestled between the Mayan Jungle and the Caribbean Sea. In fact, many of the thatched-roof lodges don’t even have air conditioning. But don’t let its low-key vibe fool you; even without electricity some resorts come with five-star sticker prices.

Nomade Tulum is the ultimate bohemian luxury. This zen haven offers a do-as-you-please vibe. And accommodations range from air-conditioned glamping tents, jungle rooms or beachfront suites. Every Moroccan chic corner is inviting; and breakfast, bikes, and yoga classes are all free during your stay.

Casa Malca is a museum-worthy estate-turned-hotel that previously belonged to the one and only, Pablo Escobar. Every room has ocean views and is complete with a pool and rooftop bar.

And be sure to check out Azulik. This clothing optional treehouse eco-resort is perched right above the water. With no electricity, wif-fi or air conditioning you’re sure to get a full glamping experience.

Saasil Tulum is located downtown and features beautiful, resort-style condos with kitchens, private rooftop pool and sun terrace. The prices are unbeatable and guests have exclusive access to a private cenote!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve caught on that Tulum is the place to be. But it hasn’t always been that way. For years, Tulum was overshadowed by the mega-resorts of its big sister, Cancun. In fact, Tulum was once mostly populated by backpackers. Most places didn’t have electricity (which is actually still the case in some). And it wasn’t until recently that the drift from hippie to hippie chic began. Today, Tulum has three things you wouldn’t find here 15 years ago: steep prices, large crowds and restaurants with waiting lists. But this intristically relaxing enclave is more exciting than ever and the town still rewards you with remote idylls on the sea. In other words, you’ll find yourself pretty darn close to paradise.

Happy Travels

Natalia