You are spoiled for options when searching for where to stay in Tulum with cheap hostels, luxury hotels, and beachside resorts!
Tulum has very quickly become one of the must-see places in Mexico! Full of tropical beaches, amazing cenotes, Mayan ruins, and vibrant nightlife, it’s no wonder everyone seems to be flocking to Tulum for their holidays.
QUICK PICKS: 3 BEST HOTELS IN TULUM
If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to read this full guide, these are the 3 best hotels in Tulum to suit all budgets.
Best Luxury Hotel In Tulum
Hotel Bardo ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Incredible service
- Elegant interior and private pool
- Near major attractions and Archeological Site
Best Mid-Range Hotel In Tulum
Selina Tulum ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Lovely and modern rooms
- Steps away from the beach
- Perfect for families, friends, and solo travelers
Best Budget Hotel In Tulum
Mayan Monkey Tulum ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Outdoor pool
- Delicious daily breakfast
- Spotless and modern rooms
Must Read → 20 Epic Things To Do In Tulum
WHERE TO STAY IN TULUM – FAQ
Before I dive into all the best places to stay in Tulum Mexico, here are some quick answers to the most frequently asked questions from first-time visitors.
WHAT IS THE BEST PLACE TO STAY IN TULUM?
The main town should be your go-to destination if you’re in Tulum for the first time or want to be within walking distance of all the major attractions.
Here, you can find cozy accommodations that feature unique decor, comfortable beds, and beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea.
Not only that, but you’ll also be just steps away from all the best shopping opportunities, cafes, art galleries, and archaeological sites!
WHERE TO STAY IN TULUM FOR FAMILIES?
The best area overall for families is the main town as it’s near everything, from attractions to cafes to supermarkets, and it’s convenient if you travel with kids.
Hotel Bardo has a great suite you can book for 3 people, while Hotel Selina has family rooms that are not only spotless but spacious for everyone too.
Alternatively, the South Beach zone is a fantastic area that you should consider.
WHERE TO STAY IN TULUM FOR NIGHTLIFE?
The pueblo, Beach Town, or the Middle Beach Zone are the places where to party in Tulum, with lots of nightclubs, beach parties, and cool hostels where to spend the night.
WHERE TO STAY IN TULUM ON A BUDGET?
Tulum is a relatively small town and you’ll find budget hotels and hostels pretty much everywhere.
The best accommodations to stay on a budget in Tulum are Mayan Monkey Hostel and Che Tulum Hostel, and they both have clean dorms and rooms, excellent locations, and friendly service.
IS TULUM EXPENSIVE?
Yes, Tulum can be quite expensive.
Of course, it’s still cheaper than the US and most European countries, but you should expect to pay more than other places in Mexico like Mexico City.
If you travel on a budget, you can stay at a hostel and eat street food, which is usually fine and you won’t get sick.
RELATED GUIDE: 21 Things To Do In Isla Mujeres
BEST AREAS TO STAY IN TULUM
Now that you know the best places to stay for families, for nightlife, and on a budget, let’s go through the main areas in Tulum in detail and cover the best hotels in town.
But first, here’s a quick overview:
- The main town (El Pueblo) – Where to stay in Tulum for first timers
- Tulum south beach – Best place to stay in Tulum for families
- Tulum north beach/Playa Paraiso – Where to stay in Tulum to relax
Ready to book your hotel in the best areas in Tulum? Read on, I’ll cover the best hotels in town here below!
EL PUEBLO/MAIN TOWN – WHERE TO STAY IN TULUM FOR FIRST-TIMERS
Luxury: Hotel Bardo
The Accommodation:
Begin your luxury stay at this incredible Tulum resort in the main town. Featuring a stunning outdoor swimming pool, free wifi, and free bikes, make yourself feel at home in style. Their air-conditioned suits include free toiletries and modern amenities.
Location: This Tulum villa is in a perfect location. Right in the city ceneter, close to all shops and restaurants with the bus station just 1.7kms away and just a few minutes drive from Tulum Beach. Tourist spots like Tulum Archeological Site are just 5.5kms away.
The Rooms:
Featuring 3 stunning suites, this Tulum accommodation caters to everyone. With large comfortable beds in every room and WiFi throughout. Did I mention each room has access to a private pool?
Recommended For:
This Tulum accommodation is perfect for families and friends with the rooms accommodating up to 3 people.
Luxury: Maka Hotel Boutique
The Accommodation:
Receive the celebrity treatment at Maka Hotel Boutique with world-class service, free parking, an outdoor swimming pool and bar, wifi throughout and this 5-star Tulum hotel also has a garden terrace plus a nightclub!
Location:
Situated right in the heart of the main town, Maka Hotel is within walking distance to shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars! Tulum Beach is 2.7 km away while the Tulum ruins are 2.7 km from the property.
The Rooms:
With a huge variety of rooms, this luxury Tulum hotel is definitely giving you a run for your money. All rooms come with comfortable, large beds, free wifi, streaming services like Netflix, and some of the rooms even have pool views.
Recommended For:
This Tulum hotel really has something for everyone. From families being able to hire the family suite to backpackers being able to enjoy a little luxury in the dorm rooms. With rooms fitting anything from 6 people to suites sleeping up to 10 people.
Mid-Range: Hotel Casa Sofia Tulum
The Accommodation:
One of the top-picks, this Tulum hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, free wifi access, with each room offering traditional Mexican decor, air-con, and cable tv. Other facilities on the site include a help desk and luggage storage room.
Location:
The hotel is 3km from Tulum Archeological Site and Tulum beach is just 3kms away. Close to shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars in downtown Tulum.
The Rooms:
Large rooms, with comfortable beds and views of the courtyard pool. All rooms come with free wifi, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, and seating areas.
Recommended For:
This Tulum accommodation is a top pick amongst couples. With the smaller, more intimate rooms, Hotel Casa Sofia is perfect for traveling couples or really close friends in search of where to stay in Tulum!
Mid-Range: Mango Tulum Hotel
The Accommodation:
This Tulum hotel is nestled away amongst trees though still right in the heart of the main town. With a 24-hour help desk and close to a range of activities being offered in the area, such as snorkeling and diving.
Location:
Situated on the intersection of the two main roads downtown, Mango Tulum Hotel is in the perfect location. Close to all restaurants, cafes, and nightlife. Tulum Bus station is 1.2 km from Mango Tulum Hotel and Cancun Airport is 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.
The Rooms:
At the Mango Tulum Hotel, you have a great range of rooms to choose from. From king rooms with pool view to penthouse apartments. All rooms offer views of the pool or garden. Each room has an en suite private bathroom equipped with a shower.
Recommended For:
Mainly popular with couples, though it’s also the perfect mid-range resort for families. With the penthouse apartment sleeping up to 5 people, this makes for a great accommodation to bring your family.
Mid-Range: Alma De Flores
The Accommodation:
Another highly popular hotel in Tulum, Alma De Flores, features a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a private beach area. The accommodation provides room service and free wifi throughout the property. Continental and a La Carte breakfasts are also available at Alma De Flores.
Location:
Just 2.3kms from Tulum Beach and surrounded by a whole bunch of cafes and restaurants, this hotel is right at the heart of everything.
The Rooms:
Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen tv with cable channels, a fridge, a coffee machine, a shower, hairdryer, and a wardrobe. At this Tulum hotel, each room is fitted with a private bathroom with free toiletries.
Recommended For:
This Tulum accommodation is perfect for and popular amongst families. With several different style family suites, it’s great for a mid-range family vacation when searching for places to stay in Tulum.
Budget: Che Tulum Hostel & Bar
The Accommodation:
One of the best-selling hostels in Tulum, Che Tulum opens its doors to large and fresh places in the city center. With an outdoor pool and a large green area to sit and relax. With wifi available throughout and even lockers to keep your belongings safe.
Location:
Tulum Bus station is 900 m from Hostel Che Tulum, while Tulum ruins are 2.2 km from the property. Walking distance to shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. You’re really never too far away from everything.
The Rooms:
Each bedroom has been modeled to offer natural lighting and features private bathrooms, air-con, new beds, and mattresses. With a huge range of rooms on offer, pick from one of the many dorm rooms to keep your costs down.
Recommended For:
This budget hostel in Tulum is great for travelers used to that hostel life. It’s also great for a group of friends looking to holiday on a budget, with the option of booking a room to sleep 4.
Budget: Hostel Chalupa
The Accommodation:
Among the facilities at this awesome Tulum hostel are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and a shared kitchen, along with free wifi throughout the property. The hostel has an outdoor swimming pool and a tour desk.
Location:
Tulum Archeological Site is 2.8 km from the accommodation, while Tulum Bus station is 1.3 km from the property. Hostel Chalupa is also within walking distance to markets, bars, restaurants, and everything else in between!
The Rooms:
The main rooms at this Tulum hostel are dorm rooms. All come equipped with free wifi, access to the outdoor pool, shared bathrooms, and fresh linen. The single beds here are comfortable and spacious.
Recommended For:
Again, this is another great place to consider when looking for where to stay on a budget. With the hostel mainly having dorm rooms, you have to be comfortable with that hostel life to stay here.
TULUM SOUTH BEACH – BEST PLACE TO STAY IN TULUM FOR FAMILIES
Luxury: The Beach Tulum
The Accommodation:
Receive the celebrity treatment at The Beach Tulum with this adult-only, beachfront resort in Tulum. With an outdoor pool, a beach club, an onsite restaurant, and even a spa. This really is the height of luxury which is why I have added it to this guide.
Location:
This accommodation is located within one of the highest-rated locations within Tulum. Right on the beach in the south beach area, surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants. You really can’t ask for a better-located resort.
The Rooms:
Each luxurious, beach-front room has stylish, minimalist décor. Each air-conditioned accommodation includes free wifi and a seating area. These deluxe rooms come with extra-large, comfortable beds, private entrances, wake-up services, and safety deposit boxes.
Recommended For:
This Tulum resort is highly popular with couples. With the smaller, more intimate rooms and the resort being adults-only, this makes for the perfect couples getaway.
Luxury: Casa Teka
The Accommodation:
Live the presidential lifestyle here at Casa Teka with this stunning resort situated in the heart of South Tulum Beach. This Tulum accommodation features a restaurant, free bikes, a bar, and a garden with this 5-star hotel offering air-con throughout.
Location:
Just a stone’s throw away from the beach and free bikes making it even easier to explore the local area. Tulum Archeological Site is 10 km from the accommodation.
The Rooms:
All rooms here have a garden view, air-con, and wifi throughout. All guest rooms are also fitted with a seating area, a desk, and a coffee machine. All rooms have extra-large comfortable beds, with some rooms also having sofa beds for extra guests.
Recommended For:
This Tulum accommodation is perfect for families. With the large, spacious rooms sleeping up to 6 people, with the presidential suite offering space for everyone, Casa Teka is perfect for families looking for a luxury escape.
Luxury: La Valise Tulum
The Accommodation:
One of the top picks for Tulum, this luxury boutique resort offers stunning views of South Beach in Tulum. Nestled amongst palm trees, this seaside resort is the perfect beach/jungle getaway. Heated infinity pool overlooking the jungle on one end and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Ocean on the other side.
Location:
This Tulum accommodation is located right on the beach in the south of Tulum. Walk out of your room and you’re literally on the sand. Visit all restaurants, cafes, and shops within 6km from the resort and the airport is around 70km away.
The Rooms:
Each room here has handcrafted furniture, free wifi, safety deposit boxes, and tea/coffee machines. The rustic jungle bungalows have outside showers, and terraces with jungle views. Airy seafront rooms include en-suite bathrooms and hammocks.
Recommended For:
This Tulum resort is perfect for couples with the rooms sleeping a maximum of 2 people and the resort being a little more romantic with the beachfront location.
Mid-Range: Hotel Tropicalito Tulum
The Accommodation:
Another top pick in the south beach area, this Tulum hotel is an ocean-front property that features air-con throughout and a beautiful garden. With an outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour help desk and guests can also enjoy an American breakfast each morning.
Location:
Set in south Tulum just 8km from Tulum Archeological site and just a stone’s throw from the beach. Cafes, shops, bars, and bicycle rental stores are within walking distance.
The Rooms:
All rooms come with air-con and a private bathroom with a shower. Large comfortable beds, spacious rooms, and some rooms even offer sea views. Each room also has a safety deposit box with some also having sofa beds for extra guests.
Recommended For:
This resort is perfect for a couple. With the rooms only really sleeping 2 people, it’s great for those couples traveling together.
Mid-Range: Selina Tulum
The Accommodation:
One of the most highly recommended, mid-range resorts along the south beach area of Tulum. Selina Los Lirios Tulum provides free parking, a large outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, a shared lounge, and a tour desk. Guests can also enjoy a continental breakfast plus use of the shared kitchen and evening entertainment.
Location:
The beach here is quite literally on your doorstep with tourist spots, restaurants, and cafes all within 10km of the resort.
The Rooms:
With a huge selection of room styles to choose from, you have wifi throughout, large comfortable beds, and some rooms even providing ocean views. Clean, airy interiors also provide a great backdrop for your stay in this Tulum accommodation.
Recommended For:
Selina is perfect for families. With the large selection of rooms, a lot of them being family suites, this makes for the perfect mid-range, family vacation spot.
Mid-Range: Yoga Shala Tulum
The Accommodation:
This is the perfect alternative resort in Tulum, with the Yoga Shala offering daily yoga sessions throughout your stay. There is also an on-site masseuse, a range of different yoga styles, and even bike rentals. So if you’re looking for more active places to stay in Tulum, this is perfect.
Location:
Located just across the road from the beach and just 10 minutes drive from the location shops, restaurants, and cafes, this accommodation in Tulum couldn’t be more perfectly located.
The Rooms:
Yoga Shala Tulum has rooms with single, double, or extra-large double beds. Some have a private bathroom with a shower. With a huge range of rooms, this is definitely catering to everyone.
Recommended For:
Whether you’re a solo traveler, traveling as friends/couple, or even as a family, there is room for everyone here. I would say it’s more targeted towards adults than children, so bear that in mind when booking.
Budget: Hostel Bambu Gran Palas
The Accommodation:
Hostel Bambu Gran Palas is one of the best places to stay in Tulum on a budget. Offering adults-only accommodation with a restaurant and a bar, free wifi throughout, and continental breakfasts available, this is definitely a more luxury Tulum hostel, but still at a budget price. This hostel also has a 24-hour help desk, tour desk, and currency exchange.
Location:
Located just across from the beach and only 10kms from Tulum Archeological site, with restaurants, shops, and cafes all within walking distance.
The Rooms:
With a range of different rooms from single bed dorms to private bungalows, all at a budget cost, you have a range of options at this Tulum hostel. Whatever room you choose, you will get the benefit of wifi throughout, comfortable beds, and a clean interior.
Recommended For:
This is perfect for backpackers looking for where to stay on a budget. Whether you’re traveling together or alone, this Tulum hostel is perfect for you.
Budget: Tubo Tulum Hostel
The Accommodation:
Tubo Tulum Hostel boasts an original and eco-friendly concept of creating its facilities using large concrete tubes as chambers. Tubo Tulum Hostel is surrounded by a tropical garden and features a large kitchen that all guests can use to cook and prepare their meals.
Location:
You can find the supermarket just 200 meters away and the beachfront only a 5-minute drive away. The hostel is 5 minutes drive from Tulum Archeological Site, while ADO Bus Station is 2.1 km away.
The Rooms:
These really unique rooms, in round tubes, makes for an interesting stay in Tulum. Both tents and tubes have a double-size mattress, a bulb light plus powerpoints. The shared bathrooms are fully equipped with several sinks and showers.
Recommended For:
This is another one for backpackers who enjoy the hostel-style life. With shared bathrooms, you definitely sacrifice a little luxury here. However, the really unique style hostel makes this perfect for anyone looking for a totally different experience in Tulum.
Budget: Mayan Monkey Hostel Tulum
The Accommodation:
One of the bestsellers in Tulum, this adult-only Tulum hostel comes with a restaurant, bar, and garden. Among the facilities are a 24-hour help desk, a shared kitchen, free wifi throughout, and luggage storage.
Location:
Paraíso Beach is 1.8 km away from Mayan Monkey Hostel Tulum and it’s walking distance to shops, markets, bars, and restaurants.
The Rooms:
At the hostel, each room is fitted with air conditioning and a private bathroom. If you choose a private room, you get a private bathroom. If you choose to stay in one of the three dorm rooms, you’ll be in a shared bathroom. Whichever room you choose, you’ll get use of comfortable beds, wifi, and air-con.
Recommended For:
This is perfect for solo travelers, with the option of staying in one of the many dorm rooms. If you’re traveling as a couple and still need a little budget, then book the private room still at a great price.
NORTH BEACH (PLAYA PARAISO) – WHERE TO STAY IN TULUM TO RELAX
Luxury: Mezzanine a Colibri Boutique Hotel
The Accommodation:
This adult-only luxury resort in the area of Playa Paraiso is the perfect luxurious Tulum hotel for your getaway. This beachfront resort offers spectacular views, authentic Thai food prepared on the beach by a chef, and a stunning outdoor pool.
Location:
Just 650 meters from Paraiso Beach with Tulum Archeological site only 2kms from the resort. With 2 bus stations less than 4km away and the airport 63kms away.
The Rooms:
Large, spacious rooms offering sea views and extra-large comfortable beds. With all the toiletries and amenities you need to make your stay as luxurious as possible. From hairdryers to tea/coffee makers. Enjoy wifi throughout every room and an outdoor sitting area.
Recommended For:
With the rooms at this Tulum resort sleeping a maximum of 2 people, this accommodation is perfect for couples looking for where to stay in style!
Luxury: Mi Amor a Colibri Boutique Hotel
The Accommodation:
This idyllic luxury resort is by far one of the best places to stay in Tulum. With incredible architecture, large open spaces, and beautiful outdoor swimming pools. Spend the evening around the infinity pool, sipping cocktails and listening to music from the in-house DJ.
Location:
1.4kms from Paraiso Beach and surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafes. 2.7kms from the Archaeological site and 63kms from the airport. A perfectly located, all-inclusive resort in Tulum Mexico.
The Rooms:
All rooms come with spectacular views of the ocean. With aircon and wifi in every room, extra-large comfortable beds, and even some rooms coming with jet tubs. Coffee machines, outdoor seating areas, and safety deposit boxes are also a feature of the rooms at this Tulum resort.
Recommended For:
Another adults-only resort makes this perfect for couples. It’s also good if you have an older family, looking to book a luxury resort away.
Luxury: Kore Tulum Retreat & Spa Resort
The Accommodation:
Kore Tulum Retreat & Spa Resort is an adult-only luxury Tulum resort located outside the town and over the seafront. This all-inclusive property offers á la carte breakfast and an extensive outdoor pool, gardens, and sun terraces. Kore Tulum Retreat & Spa Resort also has a fitness center, on-site restaurant, bar, and currency exchange services.
Location:
Tulum’s town center can be reached in a 5-minute drive and their guests will be able to find art crafts markets and restaurants offering typical delicacies and seafood dishes. Cancún is a 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from the resort, while Playa del Carmen can be reached in a 45-minute drive.
The Rooms:
All the suites feature flat-screen satellite tv, air conditioning, and a minibar. Including a spa bath, the private bathrooms also come with a hairdryer, bathrobes, and slippers. Some of the suites overlook the sea, while others have garden views.
Recommended For:
Another resort perfect for couples. The smaller rooms sleeping just 2 people, it’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for some real downtime.
Mid-Range: Playa Esperanza Hotel
The Accommodation:
Book into this beautiful Tulum resort and hear the sound of the waves nearby. This is an eco-sensitive resort with unique cabins made from natural materials. Book directly through the hotel and get every 3rd night free!
Location:
This beachside resort is in a spot-on location. Close to nearby shops, restaurants, and cafes and of course, right on the beach.
The Rooms:
With 15 different styles of rooms to choose from, you really are spoilt for choice. With stunning, natural interiors, large comfortable beds, and private bathrooms. Enjoy the free wifi and ocean views.
Recommended For:
This is great for a couple of friends traveling together or couples. Choose between a room with 2 single beds or one with a double bed.
MIid-Range: El Paraiso Hotel
The Accommodation:
One of the top picks for this area, the El Paraiso Hotel offers accommodation built with the idea of its space with natural beauty. Featuring flat-screen TVs, wifi throughout the resort, and 24 hours security, you’re really getting a lot for your money at one of the best hotels Tulum.
Location:
Just 200 meters from Paraiso Beach where you can practice your snorkeling and diving, surrounded by shops and restaurants and no more than 2kms to the closest tourist destinations. You’ll also find the airport 62kms away.
The Rooms:
All rooms have wifi, large comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. To make your stay even better, you have full use of the pants press and clothes racks available in the rooms. Keep the mosquitos away with the free nets available in each room.
Recommended For:
This is a great hotel in Tulum for friends who are going on holiday with other couples. You’re able to book rooms that sleep 4 of you. So whether you’re a couple of couples or just friends, there will be room for everyone.
Mid-Range: Hotel Poc Na Tulum
The Accommodation:
Located inside the Tulum Archeological Site, Hotel Poc Na features a restaurant, bar, and free wifi in the restaurant. Free private parking is available on site. Guests can also make use of the 24-hour help desk and the American breakfast served every morning.
Location:
Located inside the Tulum Archeological site and right on the beach. You’re surrounded by beaches and jungles whilst the shops and restaurants are never too far away. This area is also popular for snorkeling and diving.
The Rooms:
Certain rooms have sea or garden views but all rooms have large comfortable beds, wifi, and outside seating areas. These large, spacious rooms are going to make your stay here even more comfortable.
Recommended For:
This Tulum hotel is perfect for everyone. From couples, solo travelers, and families. There are rooms big or small enough for everyone.
Budget: Lucky Traveler Party Hostel
The Accommodation:
Lucky Traveler Party Hostel offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, free bikes, and an outdoor swimming pool. Among the various facilities are a bar, a shared lounge, as well as a garden. The accommodation provides a concierge service and free wifi throughout the property.
Location:
1.4kms from Paraiso Beach with supermarkets and restaurants close by. The bus station is just 0.1kms away to get you around to all the tourist locations you desire.
The Rooms:
At the hostel, every room includes a private bathroom with a shower. Choose between dorm rooms or private bungalows, there is something to cater to everyone. With privacy curtains in the dorm rooms, comfortable beds, and safety deposit boxes.
Recommended For:
This is perfect for solo travelers on a budget, and it’s also suitable for couples.
Budget: Hotel & Cabanas Zazil Kin
The Accommodation:
Hotel & Cabañas Zazil Kin Tulum is a family hotel 500 m from the famous Archeological Site. Guests can enjoy a drink in the on-site bar and free private parking. Free wifi is available and this Tulum hotel has a private beach area.
Location:
Just 50 meters from Paraiso Beach and 500 meters from Las Palmas Beach, if it’s a beach holiday you’re looking for, this is the right hotel for you. The bus station is just 1.1kms away and the airport is a little further out at 122kms. This area is popular for windsurfing, snorkeling, and diving.
The Rooms:
Premium style rooms at budget prices, offering large comfortable beds with garden or sea views and bright, clean interior. These thatched-roof bungalows offer the choice of double to single beds, mosquito nets, and private bathrooms. Some rooms have shared bathrooms.
Recommended For:
This is one of the best places to stay in Tulum that has been highly rated by couples, however with some rooms sleeping up to 4 people, it makes it perfect for families or a group of friends.
Budget: Hostel El Punto
The Accommodation:
This budget Tulum accommodation comes equipped with an outdoor swimming pool, a communal kitchen, and cycle paths next to the hostel. With a help desk where staff can arrange car hire and airport shuttle at an extra cost.
Location:
Set a little further away from Paraiso Beach, this resort is 2.4kms from the beach. However, with cycle paths close by, it’s very easy to reach the beach. You’re also surrounded by cafes and restaurants at this Tulum hostel.
The Rooms:
Choose from the more budget end of the scale and stay in the dorm rooms or spend a little more and get yourself a private room. Either way, you’ll have full use of the private/ shared bathrooms, wifi throughout, and comfortable beds. You’ll also have free use of mosquito nets, kitchen area, and an outdoor seating area.
Recommended For:
This is perfect for solo travelers looking for a budget experience in Tulum. Alternatively, if you’re traveling in a group, book the quadruple room and split the price to keep costs down.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
THINGS DO IN TULUM
Now that you’ve got all the information on where to stay, you may want to read my most popular Tulum travel guide → 20 Epic Things To Do In Tulum.
BEST TIME TO VISIT TULUM
The best time to visit Tulum is during the winter season from December to April. During this time there is little to no rainfall and the temperatures are just perfect.
The rainy season in Tulum is typically between May and October which sees higher temperatures due to the humidity. The only plus side to visiting Tulum during these months is there will be fewer tourists and prices are less inflated.
TULUM MAP
HOW TO GET TO TULUM
There are a few ways to get to Tulum and they are by plane, bus or car.
The majority of tourists that visit Tulum are typically traveling south from Cancun to Tulum or heading north from Chetumal on the border of Belize. Whichever direction you happen to be traveling in, there are plenty of transportation options to reach Tulum.
- Cancun → Tulum: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Playa del Carmen → Tulum: 1 hour
- Chetumal → Tulum: 3 hours
BY PLANE:
The closest airport to Tulum is located in Cancun. From Cancun International Airport to Tulum, it’s approximately a 1 hour and 30-minute drive.
Search All → Flights to Cancun
BY BUS:
Traveling to Tulum by bus is the most convenient, affordable, and popular means of transport among travelers.
The main bus company in Mexico is ADO with daily buses running every hour from major cities such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Chetumal.
Click here to check all routes, timetables, and ticket prices online and book ahead of time to secure your seat.
The main bus station is situated on the edge of the main road in the center of town. From here, you can take a taxi to your accommodation for around 50 – 100 MXN if you are staying in town, or 150 – 200 MXN if your accommodation happens to be somewhere along Tulum Beach.
BY CAR:
Renting a car is another great way to travel around at your own pace. This particular area of Mexico is said to be the safest when it comes to getting behind the wheel yourself, so it’s definitely an option to consider.
I always use Rentalcars.com to search and book car rentals in Mexico as they generally offer the best rates.
Car Rental – Search, Compare & Save!
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HOW TO GET AROUND TULUM
There are a number of ways of getting around Tulum and they are by car, taxi, bicycle, or on foot.
If you are staying in town, you must know that it is around 1 hour and 15 minutes walk to the beach, so if you’re quite fit, go for it, otherwise, I would highly recommend renting a bicycle or taking a taxi from the main town to Tulum Beach. It’s approximately a 15-minute drive or a 30-minute bike ride from the main town to Tulum Beach.
Bicycle rental is generally around 150 MXN per day and you can find a set of wheels at your hostel or from one of the many bike rental stores in the main town. If you’re staying along Tulum Beach, there are also a few bicycle rental stores along the main street.
A taxi ride from the main town to Tulum Beach or vice versa is a set price of 150 MXN, so if there are a few of you it works out better to split this cost. Some cab drivers will try to charge you 200 MXN but you shouldn’t pay more than 150 MXN.
If you have your own rental car then great, however, parking along Tulum Beach can sometimes be an issue. During high season it’s near impossible to find free street-side parking though there are some parking lots with plenty of spaces that cost around 100 – 200 MXN for the day.
WHAT TO PACK FOR TULUM
When visiting Tulum, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
Must-Have Travel Essentials
Hidden Money Wallet
Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!
Reusable Water Bottle
The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!
Travel Backpack
The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!
Quick-Dry Travel Towel
The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!
Portable PowerBank
Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!
More Mexico Travel Guides
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SUMMARY – WHERE TO STAY IN TULUM
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TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
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