Tulum Travel Guide

Just two hours south of Cancún, this vibrant jungle city has become a hotspot for partiers, beach lovers, and adventure-seeking travelers. Rooted in Mayan history, Tulum has rapidly evolved into a must-visit destination, offering everything from ancient ruins and crystal-clear cenotes to lively beach parties and electrifying dance events. Whether you’re staying in a luxurious jungle treehouse hotel, renting a newly built Airbnb, or soaking up the sun at a beachfront resort, Tulum has something for every type of traveler. And that’s exactly why I can’t wait to hop on a plane back to Mexico!

Number of Days to Stay: 4-5 days

Expenses: $$-$$$$

Best Time to Travel: All Year Long (High Season December-February)  

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Where to Stay:

Southern Tulum Beach – Unlike Cancún, Tulum offers a variety of beachfront hotels rather than massive resorts, catering to all budgets. Many of these hotels provide sunbeds and pools included in your stay, but they also offer day passes for non-guests looking to enjoy the amenities. The beachside hotels and resorts often feature live DJs, creating an energetic yet laid-back atmosphere. The southern part of the beach is also home to numerous restaurants that transform into beach clubs by day and vibrant party spots by night. For those who prefer a more budget-friendly experience, there’s plenty of free beach space open to locals and visitors who don’t want to pay for entry. Southern Tulum Beach tends to attract a younger crowd, making it a great spot to explore different beach clubs, hotels, and the area’s energetic social scene!

La Veleta – This neighborhood of Tulum is where you’ll find most Airbnb rentals and vacation homes, as it is developing. While the infrastructure and roads aren’t the best, the rentals themselves are stunning, often featuring modern designs and beautiful amenities. If you’re traveling with a big group, this area can be a great option to choose accommodation that won’t break the bank. Tulum has gained a reputation for crime, but during our stay, we noticed security measures in place, including surveillance cameras at multiple accommodations and monitoring stations in the area. We felt safe walking around, grabbing food, and exploring the many small businesses, markets, and shops nearby. Although this area is still developing, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to beachfront stays while remaining easily accessible—worth considering!

• White Elephant Casa Boutique – A group of over twenty of us stayed at this stunning Airbnb, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Not only was it in a prime location, but the concierge service went above and beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. They arranged all of our transfers, had private chefs prepare breakfast for us every morning, helped us book a boat trip, and overall made our stay in Tulum extra special. The Airbnb itself was beautifully designed, with each room featuring a king bed or a loft-style layout, complete with furniture, a minibar, and a private bathroom with a shower. The main floor had a pool and a covered dining area, while the third floor featured a smaller pool with a cozy seating area—perfect for relaxing. The entire neighborhood is filled with Airbnbs alike. Just around the corner, there was even a meditation spot that I wish I had the chance to check out! If you’re traveling with a big group and want top-tier concierge service similar to a luxury hotel, I highly recommend staying at White Elephant—it made our Tulum trip truly unforgettable.

• Tulum Center – The main area of Tulum offers a wide range of accommodations, including resorts, spas, luxury hotels, vacation rentals, chain hotels, and budget-friendly stays. With plenty of restaurants and markets within walking distance, it’s a convenient place to stay, but keep in mind that it can get quite crowded since it’s the center of town. If you’re planning a quick trip and want easy access to both the beach and the famous ruins, staying in the city center is your best bet. Its prime location makes it the most convenient base for exploring Tulum’s top attractions while getting some beach time.

Where to Eat:

Luxury:

• RosaNegra ($$$-$$$$) – For our first night in Tulum, we had a group dinner here. It was a lot of fun, and we ordered a bunch of small dishes and a few entrees to pass around the table for sharing. Dinner also included bottled alcohol that we got to pick (of course, there was a lot of tequila passed around.) Some performers walk around the restaurant, along with a live DJ playing their set to get you on top of your seat and dancing during your meal!

• Illios ($$$-$$$$) – Unfortunately, I was unable to eat at Illios, but the group did on one of the nights and said the food was great and they even got to smash plates and dance!
• Bagatelle Tulum ($$$$) – A beach club by day and a tasty restaurant at night
• NÜ Tulum ($$$$) – One of the many Michelin Star-rated restaurants 
• Arca ($$$-$$$$) – Fine dining experience and perfect for celebrations
• Cetli ($$-$$$)  – Never got to try, but recommended by tons of travelers who visited Tulum
• GITANO Restaurant ($$$-$$$$) – I did not eat at the original Tulum location, but I have dined at the NYC location, and it is delicious! Vegan options!
• Loco Tulum Mediterranean ($$-$$$)

Affordable:

• La Taqueria, Pinches Taco Shop ($) – Everyone in the Airbnb ate here at least twice on the trip as it was within walking distance, cheap, and so delicious!
• Tutti Fritti ($-$$) – A great Italian spot that takes a twist on traditional Italian food. The food was so good here! I forgot to take pictures of our food, but I highly recommend any of the pizzas!
• Casa Banana ($$) – Argentine restaurant recommended by many travelers
• Il bacaro La Veleta Tulum ($$) – Italian restaurant in the heart of La Veleta
• Hartwood ($$) – Recommended by many people who travel to Tulum for delicious Mexican eats.
• Burrito Amor ($) – Great for tacos but also for grabbing breakfast! Vegan options!
• Coco Tulum ($-$$) – Enjoy tacos on the beach
• El Carboncito($)

Vegetarian/Vegan Recommendations:

• La Hoja Verde ($$) – Highly rated vegan restaurant, especially for their tacos
• Suculenta Tamaleria ($$) – Voted best vegan restaurant in Tulum
• Perro No Come Perro ($) – All vegan street tacos
• El Bajon Vegan Tacos ($)
• Raw love ($$)
• Matcha Mama ($$)
• Pizza Papi ($$-$$$)
• Terra in the Holistika Hotel ($$-$$$)
• Los Bowls de Guadalupe ($$)
• La Vegan Taqueria ($)

What to Do:

Beaches

While Tulum has just one main beach, there are plenty of beach clubs open to the public where you can rent a sunbed and umbrella for a more comfortable experience. If you prefer a more laid-back approach, there are also several free beach areas where you can soak up the sun and take a refreshing dip in the ocean. Below is a list of some of the top spots to relax, swim, and even dance barefoot in the sand!

Affordable Beach Bars:

• Akinn Beach – Ten of us decided to come here after a night of partying and were able to secure two-day beds at 2 p.m. We paid $100 each for the day beds and all-you-can-eat and drink, which to me isn’t a bad deal considering the amount of daiquiris and food I ordered. During the day, you can lounge in the sun and swim with relaxing house music, but once it hits 6 p.m, the DJ comes on and the party starts! I would highly recommend going to Akinn as you can walk the shore and explore other beach bars, soak in the sun, take a dip in their pool, and enjoy some delicious food and drinks beachside.

• Kana Beach – Kana Beach was located right next door to Akinn, so when the DJ came on, we wandered over to check out the scene. Although not as beach-friendly, the cool jungle house theme lets you take in the ocean view, sit in hammocks or at tables, and enjoy the afro-beats played by the DJ located on the beach!
• Papaya Playa Project – Beats all day and all night are found at this famous beach party: Papaya Playa Project. I am upset I didn’t have enough time to check this beach club out, as it is very popular and is known for hosting regular full moon parties on Friday nights and Saturday nights!
• Distrito Panamera – Known for themed parties!
• Ziggy’s – If electronic dance music is not your vibe, make sure to visit Ziggy’s for hip-hop and Latin tunes

• Mia Beach Club
• La Zebra
• Delek

Luxury Beach Bars:

• GITANO Beach – Very popular chain beach club/dining experience
• Bagatelle – Heard a lot of great things about this beach club/party!
• Vagalume
• Taboo Beach
• Rosa Negra
• Tantra
• Ahau

Activities

• Vesica Tulum Cenote Club – I missed the opportunity to go to this Cenote Club, which was a five-minute drive from our Airbnb. There was a live DJ, restaurant, relaxing on day beds, and swimming in the Cenote. You have to pay an entry fee, and the food is separate. I recommend making a reservation!
• Buuts’ha Cenote Club – A great place to swim in a cenote and club! One of the most popular in the city.
• Swim in Cenote – Top rated in Tulum are: Cenote Dos Ojos, Jardin del Eden, Cenote Azul, Ya; Ku Lagoon, and Cenote (great for snorkeling)
• Playa Paraíso – Spend the day at the beach while exploring ruins by the shore

• Jungle Gym Tulum – This one is for my gym lovers. If you ever dreamed of working out on the beach with equipment made from nature, this is your chance! There are several locations, and you must buy a day (or week) pass to visit.

• Boat/Catamaran Tour – There is nothing like spending the day on a boat and swimming or snorkeling in clear waters! Our concierge at the Airbnb was able to find us a company that had a private boat tour for four hours, and we got to snorkel reefs, eat delicious food, and of course….drink!

• Take an ATV Tour with Ziplining and Cenote Swim – I did this when we went to Cancun, and we had to drive towards Tulum. This day was so much fun and I highly recommend it!
• Explore the ancient Mayan Ruins in town
• Visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World: Chichén Itzá
• Snorkel with Sea Turtles Excursion
• Swim with Whale Sharks Excursion (depending on time of year)
• Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour
• Early morning Chichen Itza Tour: Cenote and Tequila Tasting
• Go on a biosphere expedition
• Experience a Temazcal Ceremony – This ceremony is similar to a sweat lodge, but it exposes your body to an intensely hot environment believed to trigger a spiritual awakening. The humid air and darkness inside the sauna are meant to symbolize the womb, creating a deeply immersive experience. Upon entering the lodge, participants gather around a fire pit filled with heated lava rocks, which are sprinkled with herbs to prevent sweat from evaporating. Temperatures can rise to 105 degrees, promoting both physical and mental detoxification. Throughout the two-hour ceremony, a Temazcalera guides participants using rituals, instruments, meditations, and other sacred practices.

Nightlife

Tulum recently implemented curfew laws in busy areas, requiring all nightlife to shut down by 2 a.m. However, there are still a few late-night spots if you know where to look. Most of Tulum’s nightlife revolves around the beach clubs along Tulum Beach, where music and parties start in the late afternoon and continue until curfew. Many of these spots also transform into lively dinner parties as the night goes on. Below is a list of places that host unique events, and themed dance nights, or are perfect for grabbing a drink and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

• Papaya Playa – Not only is Papaya Playa a beach club, but they hold many music events throughout the year, especially during high season. From Woomoon, Mayan Warrior, and Storytellers Ibiza to their “Rise Era” multi-day shows, this is the one place you can always find a party.
• Tehmplo – One of the many clubs in Tulums to host famous DJs
• Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar
• La Zebra Hotel – Sunday Salsa night
• GITANO – Best dance parties on Fridays
• Straw Hat – A great spot where locals hang out and listen to Latin beats or hip-hop
• Bonbonniere – A Club that is open late at night
• Bestiario – The new club is great for local DJs and boiler room-style sets!
• Casa Jaguar
• Incendia
• Kin Toh

Festivals

• Zamna – Zamna isn’t a festival but rather a beautiful venue that hosts a series of events in the jungle, exclusively from December to January. During this season, top DJs from around the world take the stage, performing for thousands of dancers in an unforgettable setting. Inside the venue, you’ll find vendors selling apparel, artist merch, accessories, and unique trinkets, along with plenty of food, drinks, and smoking goods available for purchase. But what truly sets Zamna apart is the seamless stage transformations—each DJ brings an intricate, immersive setup that makes every night a unique experience. With new DJs performing almost every night, the party doesn’t stop until sunrise (and beyond). I danced from 1:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. the next day—no exaggeration! If you’re in Tulum during the season, experiencing Zamna is an absolute must.

• Day Zero Festival – Day Zero was one of the most intense yet unique music festivals I’ve ever experienced. Curated by Damian Lazarus as a celebration of the “end of the Mayan Calendar,” this legendary 36-hour festival takes place deep in the Tulum jungle, creating an otherworldly atmosphere unlike any other. Getting there is an adventure in itself. First, you pass through an initial security checkpoint, then wait in line for a 20-minute bus ride into the jungle. After that, you go through a second security check in a small Mexican village before finally walking a winding jungle pathway that leads to the Day Zero Festival Grounds. The entire journey from our Airbnb to the festival took about two hours, but the moment you arrive, it feels like stepping into another dimension. The entire setup is pure magic with towering trees draped in glowing lights, mesmerizing art installations, multiple stages built into the jungle’s vines and roots, and hidden spots to relax (or even take a nap). There are also plenty of vendors selling food, apparel, and unique festival gear. Navigating the grounds can be tricky, especially after sunrise when the jungle looks completely different without the lights! Thankfully, someone in our group had attended before and helped us find our way. Would I do it again? Honestly, I’m not entirely convinced—it felt like a marathon. But as exhausting as it was, I’m grateful for the experience. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime festival that I’ll never forget.

• Afterlife – Founded by the duo behind Tale of Us, this two-day festival in early January brings together some of the world’s best artists for an unforgettable, nonstop dance experience. Held at Zamna, Afterlife is renowned for its stunning visual productions and immersive stage designs—each setup created exclusively for the duration of the event. With mind-blowing visuals, deep melodic beats, and an atmosphere that keeps you dancing from day to night, Afterlife is a must-experience event for electronic music lovers in Tulum.

Transportation:

Getting To Tulum

Airport – Good news for anyone traveling to Tulum in 2025 and beyond—the city has just opened its own international airport, located about 40 minutes from the city center. Upon arrival, all passengers must go through a security checkpoint where both carry-on and checked luggage are scanned. Once you clear security, you can exit the airport to find a taxi or meet your pre-arranged driver to take you to your accommodation. If you’re flying into Cancún instead, be prepared for a two-hour drive from Cancún International Airport to Tulum. While it’s a longer journey, private transfers, shuttles, and rental cars make the trip relatively easy.

While in Tulum

Taxi/Uber/Private Car Service – While Uber is not available in Tulum, taxis are an option, but be prepared for high prices, especially during festivals or peak season. For example, we were charged $100 USD for a five-mile ride from Zamna to our Airbnb, which is almost double what it would cost for a similar distance in NYC. The best and most efficient way to get around is by booking a private car service in advance or having your concierge arrange transportation for you. Our concierge handled all of our planned trips ahead of time at a set price, and for any additional rides, we either paid the driver directly at pickup or had it added to our bill. Planning your transportation in advance can save you money, time, and hassle, making your trip much smoother!

Renting ATVs / Cars / Scooters –  If you’re comfortable driving in Mexico, renting a car or scooter can be a cost-efficient and popular way to get around Tulum. In La Veleta, we saw plenty of people cruising around on scooters, and I even met a woman on my flight who rented one for a bachelorette party. Your best bet is to rent a vehicle at the airport or ask your concierge for recommendations to avoid overpaying. If you’re renting a scooter and can’t drive a stick, make sure to request an automatic. Another great way to explore Tulum is by bicycle! Rental shops offer bikes for as little as USD 6 per day, making it a budget-friendly and eco-friendly option for getting around town.

From its breathtaking cenotes and ancient ruins to its electric nightlife and serene retreats, Tulum truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or an unforgettable party scene, this jungle paradise has it all. My experiences at Zamna and Day Zero were nothing short of incredible, filled with memories I’ll never forget—but Tulum has so much more to offer beyond the nightlife. Next time, I’d love to explore the non-party side of this magical destination, like the wellness retreats and local culture that make it so unique. With endless things to see and do, I know this won’t be my last trip to Tulum—I’m already dreaming of my return!

Adios,

Tulum