Tulum is one of the most beautiful places in the world — but it’s not always what Instagram makes it look like. As someone who actually lives here, I want to share the honest, practical tips that will help you have the best possible time. No fluff, just real advice.
Getting to Tulum
You’ll fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN) — there’s no airport in Tulum. From there, you have two main options depending on your budget:
Option 1: Private Transfer (Comfortable)
Book a private transfer service like Serendipity Travels in advance. They’ll be waiting for you at arrivals with a sign, take you straight to your hotel, and do the same when you leave. It’s a great way to start and end your vacation — no stress, no haggling. Worth every peso if it’s in your budget.
Option 2: ADO Bus (Affordable)
If a private transfer isn’t in your budget, the ADO bus is an excellent alternative. It’s comfortable, affordable, reliable, and runs frequently. You can buy tickets at the airport or online in advance.
Important: Keep your belongings with you at all times on the bus. Travel safe and smart.
Your Best Friend: Google Maps
If you normally use Apple Maps — I’m sorry to say this — it doesn’t work well in Tulum. Google Maps is far more reliable here. Not only for directions, but also for:
- Reviews — Check the latest reviews before visiting any restaurant or attraction. Businesses here can change quickly — what was amazing six months ago might not be today
- Photos — See what a place actually looks like before you go
- Busy times — See when places are crowded and plan accordingly
Download the offline map for Tulum before you arrive, just in case your signal drops.
The Beaches
Tulum beach is certainly one of the most beautiful in the world. But beach restaurants, beach clubs, and public beaches are all very different experiences — and not all are for everyone.
Beach Clubs & Restaurants
The famous beach road is lined with beach clubs and restaurants. Some are relaxed and affordable, others are high-end with minimum spends. Check Google reviews before showing up so you know what to expect.
Jaguar National Park (Parque Nacional Tulum)
Jaguar Park is a national park right on the beach with great infrastructure. However, lately there have been some drawbacks and discrepancies about the cost and ease of getting in. Check the latest reviews before you go so you’re not caught off guard.
Sian Ka’an — For the Adventurous
If you’re looking for something more raw and untouched, Sian Ka’an is a UNESCO biosphere reserve with 50 kilometres of beach where you can be completely alone if that’s what you’re into. Every so often there’s a beach restaurant like Casa Phoenix, but the vast majority of it is pure, untouched nature.
Fair warning: The road to Sian Ka’an is very much an off-road situation. Do not expect an easy ride. We recommend renting a mountain bike for this adventure. Some of the most difficult places to reach are the most beautiful.
Food
Tulum has some fantastic restaurants — from little independent local spots to bougie fine dining. The food scene here is genuinely world-class.
As a local, here are some of my personal favourite places. I’ll keep updating this list, so check back:
- Street tacos — Look for the busy taco stands in town. If the locals are eating there, it’s good
- Selina Tulum — Great atmosphere with food options for all budgets
- Ask your rental shop — When you pick up your scooter or bike at Mexigo, ask our staff for their current favourites. We live here and we eat here every day
(More personal recommendations coming soon!)
Money: Skip the USD, Use Revolut
One of the biggest mistakes tourists make is paying in US dollars. You’ll almost always get a terrible exchange rate.
Best practice: Use a bank like Revolut (or similar travel-friendly banks like Wise or Monzo). Load your account before you travel, then withdraw Mexican pesos from ATMs in Tulum at the real exchange rate.
ATM tip: When the ATM asks you to “accept this exchange rate” — always decline. This is called Dynamic Currency Conversion, and it gives you a much worse rate. Press decline, and your own bank will convert at a better rate.
Tipping
Tipping is part of the culture in Tulum, but remember: only tip if you receive good service. 10–15% is enough. You’re not obligated to tip 20%+ like in some countries. Reward good service, and everyone wins.
Sun Protection
The Yucatán sun is strong — much stronger than you think. Bring sunscreen, but make sure it’s reef-safe (biodegradable). Regular sunscreen damages the coral reefs and cenote ecosystems.
At cenotes: It is illegal to wear any sunscreen in cenotes — even reef-safe brands. The cenote staff will make you wash off all sunscreen before entering the water. This protects these ancient freshwater systems for future generations.
Stay Connected: Get an eSIM
If your phone supports it, download an eSIM before you travel. This gives you a local data connection without needing to swap physical SIM cards. Two great options:
- Airalo — A popular eSIM app with Mexico plans. Download the app, buy a plan, and activate it when you land
- Revolut — If you already use Revolut, they have an eSIM feature built right into the app
Having data means Google Maps, WhatsApp (essential in Mexico), and the ability to check reviews on the go.
Getting Around Tulum
A scooter or bike is the best way to get around Tulum. But please — travel smart:
- Only ride what you’re qualified to ride. If you’ve never been on a scooter before, Tulum is not the place to learn. Too many tourists hurt themselves badly because they overestimate their abilities. Rent a bicycle or e-bike instead — there’s no shame in it, and you’ll still have an amazing time
- Park correctly. Park in designated areas and you won’t have problems with the police
- Lock your bike properly. Always lock it to a metal pole or a designated bike rack — never lock a bicycle to itself (it happens a lot here, and the bike disappears within minutes)
- Always lock up outside stores. If you’re leaving a bike outside overnight, bring it inside if at all possible
At Mexigo Rentals, we’ll walk you through everything when you pick up — how to ride safely, where to park, and our safety guide covers all the local tips you need.
Safety
Tulum is generally safe. There are no specific areas you need to avoid. Just use common sense:
- Don’t walk alone in dark, empty areas at night — this applies in any country
- Keep your valuables secure
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Travel in groups at night when possible
Make the Most of It
Tulum is special. The cenotes, the jungle, the food, the people, the beaches — there’s nowhere else like it. Come with an open mind, travel smart, and you’ll have the time of your life.
Got questions? Message us on WhatsApp — our team is available 24/7 and we love helping visitors discover the real Tulum. 🌴