Our guide will provide you with our insights, advice, and recommendations for your future travel to Tulum! We’re excited that you’ll be visiting our favorite destination and second home.
How to Get to Tulum By Air
As of late 2023, Tulum International Airport (TQO) has opened, offering more direct flight options. The other closest airport to Tulum is Cancún International Airport (CUN), located approximately 75 miles (120 km) north of Tulum.
Flying Into Cancún International Airport (CUN)
Cancún is the major international gateway for travelers heading to Tulum. Most visitors fly into CUN and continue their journey via ground transportation. The drive from Cancún to Tulum takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Transportation options from Cancún Airport to Tulum include:
• Private Transfer: The most convenient and comfortable option. Pre-booking a private car or van ensures a hassle-free experience. (See our private transfers here).
• Rental Car: Ideal for those who are comfortable driving on unpaved roads, good driving control, and prefer flexibility to explore beyond Tulum.
• ADO Bus: A cost-effective public transportation option with direct routes from the airport to Tulum’s downtown bus station.
Flying Into Tulum International Airport (TQO)
Tulum now has its own international airport, offering direct flights from select U.S. and domestic Mexican cities. If you fly into TQO, expect a 20–30 minute drive to Tulum’s center. Ground transportation options, including private transfers, taxis, and rental cars, are available upon arrival.
Regardless of which airport you choose, pre-booking transportation is recommended for a smooth and stress-free arrival in Tulum.
Getting Around
It is entirely possible to get around Tulum without renting a car, but some advance planning is essential. Traffic on the beach road can be unpredictable—on weekends, it took us an hour to drive just half a mile due to potholes and congestion. Before traveling up and down the beachside, consider these factors to avoid unnecessary delays.
We highly recommend booking airport transfers and rides in advance to ensure a seamless experience (reserve here). Alternatively, renting a bike is a great option, especially if you’re staying in neighborhoods like Aldea Zama or La Veleta.
With no ride-sharing services available and rising costs due to inflation, taxis are the primary mode of transportation in Tulum. However, fares are high, and most drivers do not negotiate, as there are plenty of tourists willing to pay. To avoid surprises, always confirm the price before getting into the taxi.
For a more convenient and flexible experience, consider our Private Tulum Transportation. Our customizable Tulum transport service allows you to reserve a van for the day with unlimited stops, making it easy to explore the area at your own pace.
Where to Stay
Tulum is divided into several distinct neighborhoods, each offering a unique experience:
• Playa Paraiso – Located just south of the archaeological zone, offering a serene beachside stay.
• Tulum Beach – Known for upscale boutique hotels, lively dining experiences, and vibrant beach clubs.
• Tulum Pueblo – Also called Tulum Town, ideal for casual dining and budget-friendly accommodations.
• Aldea Zama – A community neighborhood situated between the beach and downtown, featuring villas, cafés, and a relaxed atmosphere.
• La Veleta – Located on the outskirts of downtown, with upscale yoga studios, boutiques, cafés, and hotels. However, the roads can be rough, and it is not within walking distance of the beach.
There is a neighborhood for every type of traveler. Larger groups often prefer Aldea Zama or La Veleta for their spacious accommodations, while smaller groups of six or fewer may find our recommended hotel partners a great fit.
For accommodations, please contact us for recommendations and reservations. Our team will assist you with date availability and take care of your other bookings as well, such as transportation and tours.
Where to Eat
We love dining in Tulum! The town offers a wide range of options, from casual street tacos to upscale gourmet experiences. For an authentic local food experience, head to Avenida Satelite in the evening, where you’ll find numerous vendors serving tacos, tortas, and birria. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a fine dining experience, Tulum has something for everyone.
Taquería Honorio – They have a restaurant, but it used to be street food. Budget-friendly sit-down service, and the quality remains. They serve traditional Mayan food with handmade tortillas.
Negro Huilacoxe – One of our favorite sit-down Mexican restaurants in centro Tulum. Must try their corn ribs and quesedillas.
Pinches Tacos – Our favorite tacos in the La Veleta neighborhood, asada and vegetarian, por favor. Also order their sides like the elote and guacamole.
El Agavero | Cocina Ancestral & Mezcaleria – A great place for local cuisine and pretty mezcal cocktails.
Il Bacaro – Our favorite pizzas and reasonably-priced cocktails in the La Veleta neighborhood.
Wang Tulum – Yes, you can find delicious Shanghai dumplings in Tulum. Look no further than this casual sit-on-crates eatery. Chef and owner, More, has her own family recipe and make them from scratch.
Sukothai – There is also legit good Thai food in Tulum. Order their curries, soups, and a boba drink to satisfy those Asian food cravings.
Burrito Amor – We ate here twice because we’re all about clean, healthy burritos with quality ingredients. My go-to is their rib eye burrito, marinated in epazote with whole black beans, purple onion, pico de gallo, and avocado.
TU – Rustic, boho, and gorgeous food and cocktails. Ideal dinner spot for couples and small groups.
ilios – This is our favorite new hot spot in Tulum to celebrate any special occasion for dinner. Delicious Mediterranean food, beautiful looking patrons, and a spectacular show, what more can you ask for.
Fonda Huauzontle (no website), near Scotia Bank – The discovery of this hole-in-the-wall tiny restaurant made my day. For around $6 USD per person, you get a drink, soup, and a main entrée. And their daily dishes are so good. Try their chilaquiles or chicken mole.
Tulum Activities
Tulum Ruins – If you haven’t been to the Tulum Ruins, do go! It’s a serene setting — the ruins overlooking the blue Caribbean waters below is a quite picturesque. It’s $5 USD to park your car and walk 10 minutes to the Ruins. I would also recommend hiring a private guide if you’re into history and culture. It’s simply fascinating. We also offer a Tulum Ruins and Cenote tour here, in case you wanted to book an experience without the hassle.
Cenotes – A Must-See in Tulum
Visiting a cenote (or two) is an essential part of any trip to Tulum. These natural water-filled sinkholes were formed when the roofs of underground caverns collapsed, revealing stunning pools of crystal-clear freshwater.
In Mayan culture, cenotes were considered sacred, believed to be gateways to Xibalba, the underworld. The god of rain, Chaac, was thought to reside at the bottom of these mystical pools, making them sites of great spiritual significance.
Travel Tip: Avoid wearing sunscreen to help preserve the cenote’s delicate ecosystem and always respect the natural surroundings.
Explore our private cenote tours or learn more about why booking a cenote experience with us is the best way to discover these breathtaking natural wonders. Browse tours here.
Yacht Charter Experience – Tulum Yachts
One of the most unforgettable experiences in Tulum is chartering a private yacht for a few hours or an entire day. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious escape on the water, a celebration with friends, or a scenic coastal adventure, a yacht charter is the perfect way to explore the stunning Caribbean.
For the best boat rentals in Tulum, visit our sister company, Tulum Yachts here, and find the perfect vessel for your experience.
We still have so many Tulum recommendations and photos to share. Stay tuned for other posts! And follow us on Instagram! ❤️
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If you need assistance planning your trip to Tulum, reach out to us! Our team is here to help with transportation and tour arrangements.
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