Have you ever considered a destination in Tulum, Mexico? This Tulum mini travel guide will prove very handy, whether it is your first time visiting the city or if you have already traveled to Tulum. If you want even more tips on Tulum, including where to stay and where to eat, check out the FULL TULUM TRAVEL GUIDE.
Why Visit Tulum?
After going viral on social media, Tulum has become a must-visit destination for everyone worldwide. Tulum is perfect for adventure seekers and those looking to reconnect with nature and themselves. Although mostly known for its beachfront resorts, Tulum’s cenotes are truly a one-of-a-kind experience and a must-add to your upcoming trip!
How to Get to Tulum?
Among the first questions you’ll likely ask yourself is where and how to get to Tulum. The recent opening of the Tulum International Airport will make your trip an easier experience. However, the flights are still limited. The most common airport is Cancun International Airport, approximately 120 km (75 miles) from Tulum. From Cancun, you have several options to reach Tulum:
- By Bus: Taking a bus from the airport is also the cheapest option. The company’s name is ADO. Buses are on the roads most of the time, and they are well-endowed with features such as air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The trip lasts about 2 hours.
- By Car: Another way to do this is to rent a car, which provides more opportunities to travel independently and discover Tulum and other attractions. The drive is easy and on a paved highway running south from Cancun.
- By Shuttle: Private shuttle services are also easy to get. Most companies pick up their guests from the airport to Tulum. This is ideal for those wishing for the fastest and hassle-free option, although it is quite costly.
Understanding how to get to Tulum is always important when planning your travel itinerary, and each option has pros and cons, as outlined below.
Best Area to Stay in Tulum?
Where to stay in Tulum is an essential decision that will determine the success of your vacation. Tulum is divided into two main areas: Tulum Centro (the town center) and the beach area.
- Tulum Centro: Tulum Centro will cost slightly less and give easy access to restaurants, shops, and an upbeat ambiance. You’ll be able to choose affordable options ranging from hostels to guest houses and cozy-style hotels, mostly located near the main street. Keep in mind that most areas in the center are still under construction, which causes the roads to be unpaved.
- Aldea Zama: This area is located in the center and is the MOST recommended option as most roads are fully paved, and you’ll find luxurious resorts and apartment stays.
- The Beach Zone: The beach zone is the most popular area, with luxurious resorts, environmental hotels, and cabanas located directly on the coast. This location is a little more costly than Tulum Centro. However, it has an incredibly beautiful ocean view and provides beachfront access for most stays.
Check out the FULL TULUM TRAVEL GUIDE for a handpicked list of hotels, coliving, and Airbnb stays we have carefully curated.
How Safe is Tulum, Mexico?
Security is always an issue that interests any tourist, and you may be asking yourself, how safe is Tulum, Mexico? All in all, Tulum is a safe location for tourists, although one should always be cautious and follow the rules.
- General Safety: Tulum’s crime rate is still relatively low compared with other tourist attractions in Mexico. Small-scale theft, including pickpocketing, is rife, especially in densely populated areas, so travelers should look out for their things.
- Night Safety: Like any other tourist destination, It is recommended to Use well-lit roads during the night and avoid lonely places.
- Health Safety: It is advisable to drink bottled water because tap water in Mexico is unsafe. You’ll find bottled water at every market and gas station. You should also brush your teeth with bottled water, not tap water, while in Tulum, Mexico.
What to Do in Tulum?
Tulum has numerous things to do for adventurous, cultural, and leisure enthusiasts. Whether you are interested in the historical past, natural escapes, or sunbathing and swimming in the ocean, you will surely find what you need.
- Explore the Ruins: One should not miss out on the Tulum Ruins. These ancient Mayan ruins are located on the Caribbean coast on a cliff, giving visitors a beautiful view of the sea.
- Relax on the Beaches: Tulum is famous for its stunning beaches, white sand, and crystal-clear water, which are considered to be some of the best in the world. Relax in the warm sun on the beach and do nothing except lie under palm trees or go for a swim in the clear blue water. Remember to check the tides and beach alerts because algae are common to sweep up on the Tulum waters and sand, causing it to be very different from the expected social media pictures.
- Visit the Cenotes: Cenotes are natural wells or pools of water throughout the Yucatán Peninsula and are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. If you are interested in cenotes, many are situated near Tulum, and you can visit them. Our most recommended hidden gem cenotes are Vesica, a private club perfect for spending a day and having lunch, or Cenote Dos Ojos. All cenotes have an entry price ranging from 200 MXN to 600 MXN (USD 10 - USD 30). Find our list of 10+ cenotes with prices inside the FULL TULUM TRAVEL GUIDE.
- Experience the Local Culture: I recommend spending at least half a day in Tulum Centro to explore more local markets, street food places, and lively bars. This is an ideal idea to get a taste of the real Tulum and its environment. This hands down, includes a stop at the best local tacos in Tulum: Taqueria La Chiapaneca. You’ll taste the real tacos in Tulum at this taco stand. This is a local favorite and only accepts cash, so come prepared!
Conclusion
Tulum is a perfect vacation destination, with a warmer climate that offers rest and various adventurous and cultural activities. Now that you have enough details, you can plan your trip to Tulum. From grasping the peculiarities of getting to Tulum to choosing the best Tulum neighborhood to stay in and knowing how safe Tulum, Mexico, is, you are ready for an amazing trip. It is time to pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in this fantastic world!
To save time and travel stress-free, you’ll want to check out the FULL TULUM TRAVEL GUIDE with direct links to hotels, the best short-term apartment rentals in Tulum, where to rent scooters and ATV, where to eat, hidden gems, and a bonus you’ll also get access to a private Google maps link to save all the spots directly to your smartphone.