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Tulum

Cancún

A boho beach town two hours south of Cancún, with Mayan ruins above the sea, a strip of eco-chic beach hotels and cenotes in the jungle.

Best for Upscale · Nightlife

Transport
2/5
Sights
4/5
Value
2/5
Quiet
4/5
Food
5/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$250/night · 120 min to Downtown Cancún

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Tulum on the map

Why stay here

  • Mayan ruins on the beach
  • Design-led boutique beach hotels
  • Cenotes nearby

Who should stay here

  • Couples
  • Design and wellness lovers
  • Travellers wanting a slower pace

Not ideal if…

  • You're on a budget
  • You want big all-inclusive resorts
  • You want to be close to Cancún

What it's like

Tulum's Mayan ruins stand on a cliff above a turquoise cove, and south of them a narrow road runs past boutique beach hotels, yoga studios and design-led restaurants. The town, a few kilometres inland, has cheaper hotels, and cenotes like Gran Cenote are a short bike ride away.

It's the most stylish and photogenic place on the coast, with its own airport since 2023. Prices on the beach strip are high, the road is often congested, and there's little nightlife beyond beach parties.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • Hotel Zone road

    Boutique beach hotels and restaurants.

  • Tulum Pueblo

    The town, with cheaper hotels and taquerías.

  • Aldea Zama

    Newer area between town and beach.

Getting around

Nearest stations
Bikes and taxis between town and beach, ADO buses, the Tren Maya and Tulum International Airport.
To Downtown Cancún
About 120 minutes
From Cancún International Airport (CUN)
About 30 minutes: taxi from Tulum International Airport (TQO); about 2 hours by ADO bus from CUN.

Nearby attractions

  • Tulum ruins

    Mayan walled city on the cliffs; go early.

  • Gran Cenote

    Clear cenote for swimming and snorkelling.

  • Sian Ka'an Biosphere

    Lagoons and wildlife south of the beach strip.

Where to eat and drink

  • Hotel Zone road

    Jungle restaurants and beach clubs.

  • Tulum Pueblo

    Tacos and casual bars.

Where to stay in Tulum

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Luxury pick

BE Destination Tulum

Why we like it: Adults-only beach suites, some with private pools.

Typical luxury rate in Tulum: ~$600/night

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Luxury pick

Azulik

Why we like it: Adults-only treehouse villas built from wood and vines.

Typical luxury rate in Tulum: ~$600/night

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Boutique pick

Nômade Temple Tulum

Why we like it: Wellness-focused beach hotel with yoga and a temple-like design.

Typical mid-range rate in Tulum: ~$250/night

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Hotels in TulumMid-range from ~$250/night

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