A Slow Travel Guide to Tulum, Mexico

Originally published August 2021. Updated September 2024.

You’ve probably heard of Tulum, Mexico. An artist’s enclave located on the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula south of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, it has become one of the most popular travel destinations. And for good reason. The white sand beaches, incredibly designed hotels, and refined restaurants are just a few things to love about Tulum. I’ve visited Tulum several times, most recently for 10 days of mostly-offline relaxation with my husband, and I can’t wait to share about our experience.

Tulum is either a one-time destination or you fall in love and can’t stop returning. For me, it all comes down to how you choose to experience it. Where you stay, how you spend your days, and a bit of strategy can impact your time. There is no doubt that “Tulum” has changed over the years, for the better or the worst, depending on how you look at it.

So with a little research and a game plan, I returned to one of my favorite beach destinations in Mexico. This time the intent was much different. My husband and I were headed there for 10 days to specifically travel slow, disconnect, and stay in inspiring spaces. The architecture and design in Tulum are mesmerizing and otherworldly.

It’s one thing I love about the area — the atmosphere and buzz. You can feel the energy here and there are many ways to interact with it. For me, it’s through slow and intentional travel. We’re not partiers, so we certainly don’t show up for the late-night beach parties which you can certainly find there. We show up for the early morning walks on the beach, time in nature, and a lot of slow afternoons.

So with a rather relaxed itinerary, we arrived in Tulum, Mexico for what would be 10 days of disconnecting from the world and reconnecting with ourselves. A few reservations were made for restaurants and along the way, three bucket list hotels to give us the design inspiration we needed for life back at home.

Here’s a look at things to do in Tulum, Mexico, where to stay, and where to dine.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Tulum:

Hotels

1. Be Tulum, for the best luxury, boutique hotel
2. Habitas Tulum, for the best beachfront, eco hotel
3. Coqui Coqui Cobá, for the best secluded hotel (inland about 40 minutes, read my full review here)
4. La Valise, for the best unique beachfront hotel
5. Hotel Esencia, for the best modern hotel
6. Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa, for the best all-inclusive resort

Things to Do

1. Swim in a Cenote
2. Visit Chichen Itza
3. Visit the Tulum Ruins
4. Go SUP Paddleboarding on Laguna Kaan Luum

For my complete rundown of Tulum favorites, check out my guides to the best boutique hotels, best resorts, and best restaurants in Tulum!

Travel Tip: The best way to explore many of the areas near Tulum is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Mexico, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Mexico is quite easy (Read my guide to renting a car in Mexico). Book your car with Discover Cars here.

A Slow Travel Guide to Tulum, Mexico

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What to Know Before Traveling to Tulum

Best Time of Year to Visit Tulum

Some may consider Tulum a year-round destination, you just have to know that the Riviera Maya is right along a major hurricane path. If you search hurricanes in the area, you can see many make landfall each year. Official hurricane season is August through the end of October (the rainiest months of the year). I would keep in mind that the airport does close down when a major one hits, so if you’re willing to risk it for the lower prices, have a backup plan or good travel insurance. The best time to visit Tulum is from November to February, where the weather is great, but hotel prices will reflect this. The summer months are very hot (May-August).

Getting to Tulum

The major airport you fly into is Cancun International Airport (CUN). From the airport, expect to spend ~1.5 hours getting into Tulum proper. If you plan to explore a lot, I recommend getting a rental car (super easy and plenty of options — read my guide to renting a car in Mexico). If you plan to stay at your hotel, can walk to nearby restaurants, and are okay with taxi fees, then a roundtrip shuttle service may be better. The Ado Bus is another public transportation option between Tulum and Cancun, though I’ve never used it and prefer to rent a car or book a private transfer.

We had no issue parking in Tulum with our hotels (sometimes it was busy like Friday/Saturday nights). It was great to have a car so that we could cut back on taxi fees and explore much more easily. Keep in mind you will need international insurance which can be done via the rental service.

Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Mexico, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Mexico is quite easy (My guide to renting a car in Mexico covers everything you need to know).

How Much Time in Tulum

You could easily spend a week relaxing along the beach. We also decided to go inland to Cobá during our time which added a few more days.

Currency and Language

Spanish is the primary language, though you’ll find English widely spoken. Brushing up on your Spanish is always welcomed by locals. For currency, it is the Mexican peso. Some places will accept USD, just don’t expect a fair exchange back if you need change. I would recommend stopping at a local ATM on arrival to pull out cash as it is needed for tipping, cenotes, and some restaurants. Most major places accept credit cards like hotels and bigger restaurants.

Good To Know and Travel Insurance

The water is not potable here. Please always check with your accommodations for brushing your teeth and drink bottled water.

Don’t leave without travel insurance. I cannot tell you how many horror stories I’ve heard over the years. When I was a travel agent, I sold mostly Riviera Maya for trips and travel insurance came in super handy on many occasions. I like World Nomads.

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How to Have a More Quiet/Slow Trip in Tulum

One of the biggest complaints around Tulum is that it has become a party destination. It is a party destination, I will completely agree with you. However, you can still have a quieter trip if you choose to. I have a few ideas and ways to have a slow travel experience in Tulum, sans the party:

Pick a Quieter, Smaller Hotel

We stayed at Be Tulum which was way quieter than say the Nomade next-door. It was even quieter than Habitas which is known for hosting beach parties (for the quietest Habitas stay, book one of the open air rooms at Habitas that overlook the ocean). I probably would have stayed at Be Tulum the entire time had I known. Many properties are upfront about whether or not they’re hosting DJ parties onsite. Call ahead and confirm if you’re worried about this.

Be an Early Riser and Not Stay out Late

We oriented our days so that we could be up early before the crowds and would retreat by 8-9 pm to our room. We had the best of both worlds in this scenario and much quieter atmospheres. For visiting sights nearby, this was super helpful as well.

Break up the Stay by Going Elsewhere

There are SO many wonderful destinations nearby that aren’t on the Tulum run and offer more tranquil experiences than staying in town. A few ideas for quieter places to consider would be Cobá, Merida, Bacalar, and Valladolid. Get out of the main run, it truly does add a wonderful element to the experience.

Stay Longer and Do Less

The best way to travel slow is to stay longer and do less. I’m guilty of hopping from one thing to the next. By having a less scheduled itinerary, the trip feels entirely different. We can’t always stay for two weeks in one place, but we can control how much we do. Have your top “can’t miss” things and then leave tons of time to just be.

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Where to Stay in Tulum, Mexico

If you’ve read my posts on the best boutique hotels or best resorts in Tulum, you’ll find a whole list of incredible hotels to choose from. Our itinerary was Be Tulum (3 nights), Coqui Coqui Cobá (3 nights, not in Tulum, it is inland), and then Habitas Tulum (4 nights). You could also consider booking one of these amazing Airbnbs in Tulum.

My Top Tips for Choosing a Hotel in Tulum

• Pick a hotel that is close to Tulum Beach along the main drag of the 15. It’s a one-way road in and out and the traffic can back up a lot between Habitas Tulum down to say Be Tulum.
• Book in advance as many are boutique hotels with limited rooms.
• Book a hotel that has beach access as the main beach is private.

My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Tulum

1. Be Tulum, for the best luxury, boutique hotel
2. Habitas Tulum, for the best beachfront, eco hotel
3. Coqui Coqui Cobá, for the best secluded hotel (inland about 40 minutes, read my full review here)
4. La Valise, for the best unique beachfront hotel
5. Hotel Esencia, for the best modern hotel
6. Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa, for the best all-inclusive resort

Helpful Tulum Accommodation Guides to Plan Your Stay

• The Best Boutique Hotels in Tulum
• The Best Resorts in Tulum, Mexico

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Where to Eat in Tulum, Mexico

A few tips on dining in Tulum. I’d recommend making reservations for dinners 2-3 weeks in advance as they do book up. Many restaurants are located at hotels so don’t be afraid to hotel hop for food! I’ve listed a few of my top picks below. For the full list, be sure to check out my guide to the best restaurants in Tulum!

Arca

This was one of our favorite restaurants in Tulum while there, we ended up coming back twice. The suckling pig here is amazing as are the cocktails.

Taqueria La Chiapaneca

Located in Tulum town center, this local spot for authentic tacos hits the spot. These are so good, please order the al pastor tacos!

Casa Jaguar

Very rustic and refined, the seafood menu was incredible. Love the outdoor space and their cocktails are amazing.

Moro at Habitas

Another restaurant in Tulum we ate at a few times since it was at our hotel. Dinner was delicious and loved their breakfast too.

Maresias at Be Tulum

We ate here several times for breakfast/lunch while staying on property. The food is rather good, cocktails are great. If you’re at the hotel, you can order food from the amazing beach.

Macondo at Nomade

Come for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The breakfast is really good with tons of classics and healthy choices.

Posada Margherita

Absolutely adored this spot on the beach for Italian food. The atmosphere here is great and the pasta/pizza is delicious.

RosaNegra

Great Latin American food with a lot of influence from South America.

Kitchen Table

One more spot I wish we could have had reservations for was this. I love the concept of locally sourced ingredients from the Yucatan Peninsula and cooked over the fire.

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Things to Do in Tulum

While my suggestion is to take advantage of as much disconnect time by the beach or the pool, this area is home to some incredible experiences. I’d recommend picking a few to add to your itinerary and then see how you feel when you get there. The Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most magical areas of Mexico to visit.

Shop Along Tulum Beach

So it’s not exactly on the beach, but one street in are plenty of local boutiques. You’ll find jewelry, home goods, and clothing stores all down the 15. It makes for a great stroll in the mid-morning if you’re looking to do a bit of shopping.

Explore the Local Cenotes

It is an absolute must when visiting the Yucatan Peninsula. Cenotes are these natural swimming holes that are underground and fill up with natural water. They’ve been used as a source of water dating back to ancient Mayan times. There are over 6,000 cenotes!

When you choose to visit a cenote, I would highly recommend getting there early before the crowds. The popular ones fill up and even some now require a reservation to visit. You’ll need to rinse off before going in, you’ll need cash to enter at most, and be prepared to bring your own towel unless you want to pay for one. You can also rent snorkel gear at a few.

My Favorite Cenotes I’ve Visited in the Area

• Cenote Calavera (The one with the small hole you see people jumping into. Closest to Tulum)
• Gran Cenote (Absolutely beautiful and just past Calavera. When you arrive, head to the very back for the very blue water.)
• Ik Kil Cenote (This one is near Chichén-Itza and can be done in combination with a visit there. It is breathtaking.)
• Dos Ojos Cenote (Two Eyes)
• Cenote Aktun Ha (Cenote Carwash)

I’ve found the best way to explore the cenotes is to rent and car and drive yourself. If you don’t have a rental car, I’d consider booking a tour as it’s usually cheaper than taking a taxi and paying entrance fees.

Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Mexico, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Mexico is quite easy (My guide to renting a car in Mexico covers everything you need to know).

Highly-Rated Cenote Tours to Consider

• Cenote Triple Adventure Tour in Tulum
• Tulum Ruins and 3 Cenotes – Jungle Adventure
• Private Tour Tulum Ruins & Cenote Cave

Take a Day Trip to Chichén-Itzá

One of the most impressive areas of the ancient Mayan ruins, it is home to the famous pyramid. It is truly beautiful and so much to take in. The Temple of Kukulcan jets out and the entire area is equally impressive. If you don’t have a rental car, I would recommend booking a tour to get out to the area. While you’re there, I’d combine it with a visit to the famous cenote Ik Kil which is not far away. I would do the ruins first and then cool off with a swim in the cenote after.

Highly-Rated Chichén-Itzá Tours to Consider

• Full Day VIP Chichen Itza and Cenote Private Tour
• Full Day Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid Group Tour with Tequila and Lunch
• Full Day Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid Small Group Day Trip

Visit the Tulum Ruins

The Tulum Ruins, another ancient Mayan site, is located on the north end of the Tulum Hotel Zone is accessible via the beach or inland path. It’s a good destination for taking a long beach walk if you’re staying on the north end. If you’d rather have a guided experience, this highly-rated private tour of the Tulum Ruins also includes a visit to one of the local cenotes.

Swim in the Caribbean

I cannot recommend spending a few hours a day in the ocean. It’s truly so magical here and the water has a beautiful turquoise color to it. You can hop in right there at Tulum beach or consider a few other ways to experience it. You could get out on the water for a snorkel trip or a catamaran trip as well.

Visit the Cobá Archaeological Zone

When we stayed in Cobá, we spent an early morning visiting the ancient Mayan city of Cobá. Having already done Chichén-Itza, this was a unique experience and welcome slower-pace area to visit. The amount of visitors is nowhere near Chichén-Itza but equally impressive. The area is quite large, I would recommend getting a guide and one of the bicycle tours (especially if it is hot). It helps support local tourism and you’ll get a great overview of the historic site.

We rented a car and drove ourselves, but there are some good tour options available if you don’t have car.

Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Mexico, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Mexico is quite easy (My guide to renting a car in Mexico covers everything you need to know).

Highly-Rated Cobá Tours to Consider

• Coba Ruins, Punta Laguna Nature Reserve, Cenote and Mayan Family
• Full-Day Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum Private Tour with Lunch

Other Day Trips and Tours to Consider

While in Tulum, you can certainly do so much in the area. From cenotes to Mayan ruins, this part of Mexico is a very special place to visit. You can certainly visit on your own and there are a few experiences I would recommend booking a tour for. The ones below are the ones that stood out to me as “better experienced” via a tour, and especially if you don’t have a car.

Highly-Rated Day Trips and Tours to Consider

• Cenote Triple Adventure Tour in Tulum
• Full Day VIP Chichen Itza and Cenote Private Tour
• Private Tour Tulum Ruins & Cenote Cave
• Go SUP Paddleboarding on Laguna Kaan Luum
• Sian Ka an Biosphere Reserve Boat Tour: Full Day Experience
• Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Adventure Full Day Trip to Punta Allen

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