People seem to love or hate the idea of going to Tulum. I’m strongly in “I love Tulum” camp. Why? No mega-resorts, great design hotels, endless white sand beaches, and some incredible food. Sure, it’s trendy, and there are a few hipsters running around, but who cares?
So you want to know what to do? Read on…
The Beaches of Tulum: A Tale of Two Sands
Tulum’s the perfect place for long beach walks, but what beach?
At the heart of Tulum’s magic are its beaches, split into two distinct hoods. Central Tulum Beach is a vibrant playground, teeming with chic hotels, loud-as-f@*# beach clubs, and a nightlife that almost guarantees you won’t sleep if you are staying anywhere close by. But it’s where most of the fun happens, and is home to some world-class restaurants (more on that in a minute).
Postcard-perfect beach walk, Tulum
In contrast, South Tulum Beach is an ode to tranquility. A sanctuary away from the central hubbub, it’s for the non-spring-break crowd after a bit of solace and calm. While a bit removed from the main drag, this is where I’d head for that picture postcard perfect beach walk. Bonus: you can watch all the kite surfers crash and burn, they like south Tulum beach.
Opulent Abodes: Tulum’s Boutique Hotel Scene
Come to Tulum and never leave your hotel because there are so many good ones here.
Tulum distinguishes itself with an array of boutique hotels, each with its own unique design and often something weird as a side dish. From the lively to the tranquil, the eclectic mix of accommodations ensures a memorable stay.
- If you want to know where to stay, check out our guide to Tulum’s best boutique resorts here.
A Culinary Odyssey
Tulum be da place for the culinary explorer. I was so surprised at how many great meals I had here. Go for a night or two of fine dining, and when you run out of cash hit the taco trucks for a balanced alternative.
- We have a blog just about Tulum dining, with specific restaurant suggestions, here.
Beyond the Shoreline: Exploring Tulum’s Heritage
Tulum’s narrative extends beyond its beaches. The Mayans had a good real estate agent because their ruins have an incredible cliff-top view. This feels like a must see.
The site is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, and the entrance fee is reasonable, around 65 Mexican Pesos (about 3.25 USD). It’s only about 10 minutes from central Tulum. I suggest arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and the crowds, ensuring a more peaceful exploration of notable structures like El Castillo and the Temple of the Frescoes. Pro Tip: sometimes the lines to get in can be long, so consider hiring a official guide who will help you skip to the front of the line.
- Watch our video about Tulum activities here.
Traveler’s Notebook: Tips for the Tulum Visitor
- There’s just one beach road – so traffic can be bad.
- If you’re worried about safety, we address that in the video linked above.
- Pre-negotiate taxi fares to avoid surprises.
- Drink some Tequila. You’ll regret it the next day, but so what?
- Roads are dusty… so maybe walk along the beach on your way to/from dinner.
Tulum: just do it!
Now do this!
- If you want to learn more, we have a video about this topic on our YouTube channel.
