Tulum

Tulum draws you in with Caribbean beaches and ancient Mayan ruins, where white sand and turquoise water meet history. Its laidback charm, great food, and lively nights keep travelers coming back.

Population26,478
Local time4:26 AM
Area2,040 km²
Tulum
24°C
few clouds
Feels like: 25°C

Best time to travel

The best time to visit Tulum is from November to April, when the weather is warm, dry, and perfect for outdoor activities. These months bring sunny skies, lower humidity, and comfortable evenings ideal for beach time and sightseeing. Average daytime temperatures range between 27 °C and 29 °C, and rainfall is minimal. After April, the heat and humidity increase, with hurricane season peaking from August to October. Visiting between November and April offers the most pleasant conditions for exploring Tulum’s beaches, cenotes, and historic ruins.

Weather statistics for Tulum

Where to stay

Tulum offers a mix of stays, from beachfront luxury to budget-friendly downtown hotels. The town is split into two main areas: the Hotel Zone along the beach and Tulum Pueblo inland. Choosing between them comes down to whether you want to be right on the sand or closer to local life and lower prices. Airbnb is also popular here, with options ranging from jungle cabanas to modern condos.

Tulum Beach (Hotel Zone)

This is where you’ll find upscale boutique hotels, beachfront resorts, and chic beach clubs. Staying here means waking up to ocean views and having dining and nightlife just steps away.

  • North Beach - Quieter stretch with luxury hotels and calm water for swimming.
  • South Beach - Trendy area with beach clubs, restaurants, and an active nightlife scene.
Tulum Beach
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Tulum Beach

Tulum Beach
Tulum Beach
Tulum Beach

Tulum Pueblo

The inland town center offers budget hotels, hostels, and small guesthouses. It’s more affordable and has plenty of local restaurants and shops.

  • Centro Area - Close to the main street for easy access to transport, dining, and shopping.
  • La Veleta - A growing neighborhood with modern condos and many Airbnb rentals.

Is Tulum safe?

Tulum feels relaxed by day, especially on the beach and in the hotel zone, but the vibe can shift at night. The party scene draws big crowds, and that’s where most trouble happens, from petty theft to the occasional dispute. Most visitors have no issues, but keeping cash and valuables secure, using reputable taxis, and avoiding unlit areas after dark will help you enjoy Tulum comfortably.

Tulum’s nightlife is busy and energetic, so stay mindful and keep your belongings close.

Top things to do

It´s always hard deciding where to go when you are on vacation, especially if you´re on a tight schedule. Therefore, we have picked out the best spots in Tulum for you.

Tulum Ruins

Set on a cliff above the Caribbean Sea, the Tulum Ruins are among Mexico’s most photographed landmarks. Once a vital Mayan port, they offer both a glimpse into history and sweeping ocean views. Arrive early to enjoy cooler temperatures and a quieter atmosphere.

Tulum Ruins
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Tulum Ruins

Tulum Ruins
Tulum Ruins
Tulum Ruins area
Viator Exclusive: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves
Free cancellation
4.8 (4,133)
Viator Exclusive: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves
8h - 10h
$129
Tulum Ruins and Cenote Guided Tour, from Cancun
Free cancellation
3.8 (2,589)
Tulum Ruins and Cenote Guided Tour, from Cancun
8h - 9h
$49
Tulum Ruins Guided Tour from Cancun and Riviera Maya
Free cancellation
4.5 (362)
Tulum Ruins Guided Tour from Cancun and Riviera Maya
2h
$79

Playa Paraiso

Often listed among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, Playa Paraiso lives up to its name with soft white sand and calm, shallow waters. It's great for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying beachfront dining. Despite its popularity, it retains a relaxed and spacious feel.

Playa Paraiso, Tulum
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Playa Paraiso, Tulum

Playa Paraiso, Tulum
Playa Paraiso, Tulum
Playa Paraiso, Tulum

Gran Cenote

Just a short drive from the town center, Gran Cenote is one of the most popular freshwater sinkholes in the area. With clear blue waters, natural rock formations, and underwater life, it's perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and experiencing the unique geology of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Gran Cenote in Tulum
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Gran Cenote in Tulum
Gran Cenote in Tulum
A turtle in Gran Cenote

Bring cash, as Gran Cenote has a 500 MXN entry fee (about $25 USD) and card payments may not be accepted. You’ll also need cash for lockers and snorkel gear.

Cenote Calavera

Also known as the “Temple of Doom,” Cenote Calavera is a smaller, more adventurous spot with dramatic limestone openings and a slightly eerie charm. It’s a favorite for divers and travelers looking to explore something off the typical tourist trail, yet still close to Tulum Pueblo.

Cenote Calavera, Tulum

Cenote Calavera, Tulum

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

A UNESCO World Heritage site just south of Tulum, Sian Ka’an is a vast natural reserve of wetlands, mangroves, and coastal lagoons. Home to dolphins, sea turtles, and countless bird species, it can be explored by boat. Offers a peaceful escape from Tulum’s busier beaches and a glimpse of the region’s wild side.

Sian Kaan Muyil Floating Canals
Free cancellation
4.6 (36)
Sian Kaan Muyil Floating Canals
4h
$170
Sian Kaan Lagoons
Free cancellation
4 (19)
Sian Kaan Lagoons
3h - 4h
$195
Small-Group Birdwatching Sian Kaan with professional guide
Free cancellation
5 (3)
Small-Group Birdwatching Sian Kaan with professional guide
4h
$100

Nightlife

Tulum’s nightlife blends beachside parties with bohemian style and a touch of jungle magic. While it is not as high energy as Cancún, the evenings here are full of music, dancing, and creative cocktails in stunning settings. Many venues are open air, lit by candles or string lights, and often feature live DJs or acoustic performances.

Tulum Beach

Most of Tulum’s famous parties and upscale bars are along the beachfront, where music and ocean breezes set the tone.

  • Papaya Playa Project - Known for its full moon parties and big name DJs.
  • Casa Jaguar - A jungle chic spot with craft cocktails and Thursday night parties.
  • Gitano - Stylish and laid back with mezcal cocktails and live music.

Tulum Pueblo

More casual and budget friendly, Tulum Town has small bars, cantinas, and music venues popular with locals and travelers.

  • Batey Mojito Bar - Famous for mojitos made with fresh sugarcane juice.
  • Pasito Tun Tun - A cozy garden bar with live music and a relaxed vibe.
  • La Zebra Hotel Bar - Beachfront but close enough to town, offering salsa nights and themed events.

Where is Tulum?

Tulum is on Mexico’s Caribbean coast in the Riviera Maya, about 120 kilometers south of Cancún. It sits along the Yucatán Peninsula, bordered by white sand beaches on one side and dense jungle on the other, with the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve just to the south.

Fun facts

  • Their ruins attract more than 3,000 visitors daily.

  • Tulum is one of the top 10 most Instagrammed places in Latin America.

  • Over 6,000 cenotes are scattered across the Yucatán, many near Tulum.

  • Every year, 2 endangered turtle species (green and loggerhead) lay eggs on Tulum’s beaches.

FAQ Tulum

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