Tulum Travel Tips

It takes exactly one hour and about forty-six minutes to fall in love with Tulum, Mexico. That’s how long your drive from the Cancun airport will be, plus the two minutes it takes to land in Tulum and look around. Mix the perfect amount of Mayan energy, with the exotic exploration of cenotes and pristine beaches for days. There’s an ease that takes over in Tulum and has you wanting to stay forever. That’s why Tulum is one of the most coveted destinations right now. This travel guide features our top Tulum travel tips to help you plan the perfect stay in this hot spot on Mexico’s East Coast.

Pat Russo

Tulum offers a low-key hippy meets hipster vibe with whimsey around every corner. Image © Pat Bailey

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Getting to Tulum

Getting to Tulum is simple.

There isn’t an airport in Tulum. Instead, fly directly into Cancun from any direction, and rent a car, hire a taxi, a personal shuttle, or take the ADO public buses that leave on the hour, to Tulum. Search flights to Tulum.

I opted for the ADO public bus which was about $USD7 and it dropped me in the center of town at the bus station.

The bus from Cancun to Tulum takes about two hours. The bus is air-conditioned and there is WiFi on board.

This bus travels through Playa del Carmen too, on its way to Tulum, in case you have this destination on your list as well.

I recommend renting a car or being prepared to take taxis often if you are staying in town and not on the beach.

I made fast friends with a woman named Rita who serendipitously picked me up at the bus station to take me to my hotel when I first arrived. She was fair and reliable, and I called on her for rides during my entire stay.

Renting a bicycle in Tulum during your stay is also a great way to get around, there are many bicycle rental companies and many of the hotels offer bikes for their guests.

Bike riding around Tulum is common and there are bike paths on the main stretch of beach in Tulum.

Otherwise, the roads are narrow and it is very important to stay to the right while on a bicycle for your safety. Expect to pay around $USD8-10 per day.

Peddle around Tulum by bike and explore the local sights, cafes, and beaches. Image © Pat Bailey

The Best Boutique Hotels in Tulum

There are a number of stunning boutique hotels in Tulum from eco-escapes to luxury, exclusive stays.

These are a few of the best places to stay in Tulum for couples, groups, or luxury travelers.

Click to search Tulum Hotels here.

Pat takes in the stunning pastel sunsets from the pool at Habitas Tulum. Image © Pat Bailey

Habitas Tulum | Check Prices

I started my month in Tulum with a stay at Habitas Tulum; it was the absolutely perfect way to drop in.

Habitas is one of Tulum’s newest boho luxury properties with close proximity to the Tulum Ruins.

The property is a seamless design of jungle and luxury, it is approachable, chic, and intimate.

The guest rooms at Habitas are fashioned with palapa and canvas, this design takes glamping to the next level.

Whether you have an ocean-view Ocean Room or a cozy jungle-tucked Jungle Room, you will experience simple luxury.

An intentional design including an outdoor rain shower and bathroom, covered front porches and private terraces, a king-size bed, hardwood floors, air conditioning, and high-speed wireless internet are just some of the features.

There is a quintessential jungle feeling here, the lack of real walls and open space invites you to connect to the jungle and I loved this part of my stay at Habitas Tulum.

The magical carpeted seating areas at Habitas Tulum. Image © Pat Bailey

My favourite thing about Habitas is the communal space. The expansive and centrally located courtyard gathering space with hanging lanterns and chairs for lounging.

The dining area has low tables and pillows for gathering before and after meals. The poolside bar with hammock swings, the infinity pool with hardwood deck, and lounge beds are incredible.

The pristine beachfront feels like you are on a private island.

Habitas Tulum is tucked away from the sounds of Tulum in a way that you feel like you have the space to yourself, the façade is unassuming, and the hammock-sprinkled property begs you to become part of the chill vibe as soon as you step foot inside the gate.

Take advantage of the rooftop sound healing sessions offered throughout the week by local medicine men, and the weekly acro yoga that happens on the beach or by the pool.

The spa is an incredible space with an eclectic offering of both locally inspired treatments and modern luxuries.

In addition, Eduardo Castillo, one of the owners, is an internationally recognized musician and he curates the music program at Habitas which includes concerts under the stars.

The beautiful main pool at Hotel Jashita Tulum. Image © Pat Bailey

Hotel Jashita Tulum | Check Prices

A stay at Hotel Jashita Tulum is for you if you love the feel of exclusive international luxury.

My stay here was full of beautiful surprises and it will always be one of my favourite places in Tulum.

The Italian owners have designed the property with home, and their travels all over the world, in mind.

There are 15 Superior Deluxe Suites, two of which have two king-size beds for families to share the space, two Honeymoon Suites, a Master Suite with two bedrooms, and an ultimate luxury Penthouse.

Every suite at Jashita includes a private pool and terrace, mine was overlooking the Adult Pool area and is the perfect spot for a dip after lounging on the beach.

The property of Jashita is positioned on Soliman Bay, one of the most protected bays of the Riviera Maya.

It’s one of the best areas to stay in Tulum, tucked away from the main area of Tulum and the noise as a result. Jashita has a remote, cozy feel and I loved this privacy and the chance for some deep breaths.

Luxury feels good at Jashita, the Italian linens that tuck you in at night, and the marble under your feet doesn’t go unnoticed during your stay, it is indulgent, especially in the Mexican jungle.

I loved the separation of the Adult Pool from the Family Pool, and I loved how private the beachfront lounging was.

There are a few “secret” spots to explore while you stay at Jashita, the first is the Jasmine Penthouse pool which is open to the public when the Penthouse Suite isn’t being rented.

From this pool you have a 365-degree view of the jungle and the bay, it is a spectacular place to be. Similarly above the outdoor dining area is another lookout spot for cocktails and daytime lounging.

Jashita Spa

I enjoyed an incredibly thoughtful massage at the Jashita Spa during my stay, the intimate space was set with candles, incense, and tropical flowers when I arrived.

The open-air room welcomed a breeze from the jungle that was the perfect accompaniment to my treatment.

I was asked to choose my favorite essential oil for my Aromatherapy Massage and I left blissed out for hours afterward.

The spa treatments include signature “rituals” like Cleopatra inspired by the goddess with a scrub, milk bath, and massage, and Luuk which is inspired by Mayan medicine which is incredibly healing.

This treatment includes acupressure on the head, face, and neck and ends with a massage. The Mayan Cacao ritual includes the use of cacao in a scrub, mud massage, and smooth alcarite butter.

With all of this, which I loved, my very favorite part of my stay at Jashita was the handmade pasta dinner at Pandano, the property’s restaurant.

The pasta was so lovingly made by Italian-trained hands that it tasted like I was in Italy.

Fresh fish is caught and prepared daily for fish lovers wanting locally caught fish and the menu includes many other International and local specialties.

Zamas | Check Prices

Looking for a low-key, beachy, breath of fresh air? Zamas is the place for you.

This well-established property is on the main road and beach of Tulum among the many other properties sharing this paradise.

All rooms have quick access to the ocean and are modest, colorful, and filled with Mexican casual decor.

I could hear the waves of the ocean from my bed and each morning I was greeted with Mother Nature’s wake-up call with sunshine flooding into my room.

This hotel is located within walking distance of many local establishments for eating and shopping while you stay.

One of my favorite local shops in town is across the street from Zamas and sells quality Mexican handcrafted items from blankets and shirts, dresses, and other fashionable things to pottery and tiles.