Tulum Guide

Stay

• Tulum town: simple yet authentic vibe with many local restaurants and bars, cheap/affordable
• Tulum beach: stunning and chic eco hotels on the shoreline, some may be noisy (check hotel website for events and parties before booking), expensive

Parties
There are many world class parties and festivals in Tulum all year long with many top DJs playing almost every nights. It is recommended to check what’s on before booking your holiday (and this may influence where to stay – hotel guests get free tickets if party is hosted there)

Car rental
It is recommended to hire a car in Cancun airport as transfers and using taxis in Tulum may be very expensive. Unfortunately wait times to receive the car at rental companies can be very long (expect up to 2h) and they may charge you with high hidden fees for insurance – check this when booking online! Also, note that not all beach hotels have parking…

Petrol
There are some scams in petrol stations with staff charging more than normal rate and demanding to pay in cash. Always confirm beforehand you can pay with card and check the right cost in the fuel machine.

Mobile data
Get a local simcard from Telcel/AT&T/Movistar to avoid high international roaming costs. Can be purchased at Oxxo, Circle K and Go Mart supermarkets which are found in many petrol stations (around 150 pesos 2GB, etc.).

Tips
Many restaurants and beach club may charge you with tip on the card. Check the correct amount before authorising the transaction.

Beach 
Although Tulum beach is formally public, it is mostly ‘blocked’ by hotels so it is almost impossible to access shoreline from the street in the ‘hotels zone’/south beach. There are few spots between hotels (for example, near Amansala hotel) or you can just walk in a hotel and say you’re going to the beach club and then just keep on walking to the beach. However on the north beach there is a public access and cheaper ‘clubs’ which you can hire a sun bed without a minimum spend. My personal favourite is Playa Paradiso which is one of the pretiest beach in Tulum.

Parking
Parking next to the beach is very limited and it is recommended to arrive early (before 10am) to get a spot on the side road. Beware of parking at an unauthorised area as your car is likely to be towed/fined.

Day trips

• Laguna de Kaan Luum
• Casa Tortuga
• Taak Bi Ha
• Chicken-Itza (ancient ruins)
• Suytun
• Bacalar (2.5h)
  • Eat at Nixtamal (Cocina a Fuego y Ceniza)
  • El Encanto
  • Laguna Bonanza
  • Laguna Xtomoc
• Isla Mujeres (2h + ferry from Cancun)

Beach Clubs
Most hotels have beach club which are open for non-hotel guest for a fee/minimum spend. You can walk around the beach and choose one according to the style and vibe.

• Ziggy (free to enter, $50 to use facilities)
• Ahau Tulum($100 minimum spend)
• Papaya Playa Project (parties almost everyday)  
• Coco (with car park)
• Gitano Beach (£50-100 on spend, with valet parking)
• Mia (£45 minimum spend)
• Playa Paraiso (nice beach, £7 per bed, no minimum spend)

Eat in Tulum town:

• Palma Central (market with food trucks)
• Botanica Garden Cafe (great for breakfast)
• Il Bacaro (Italian, great pizza)
• La Hoja Verde (Vegetarian/Vegan)