There is so much to do and discover in Quintana Roo, and especially Tulum that we’ve divided it up into several pieces for you! Here you can find a comprehensive guide to getting to Tulum from Cancun, where to stay, what to expect and other helpful hints.  If you’re looking for best places to eat and devour authentic Mexican dishes check out our favorite restaurants here. & of course, you’re not going to be in Tulum without diving into some of the best cenotes in the Yucatan. Now, did you know that you can visit Casa Malca, Pablo Escobar’s mansion? Keep reading. Let’s go over what not to miss when you’re visiting Tulum!

Where to Stay in Tulum

What you need to know about Tulum is that there is the city center, the local area where many locals are and the buzzing tourist beach zone. Both are great places to stay. Obviously the beach zone is going to be more pricey, but with the convenience of bike rentals (or having a car) it becomes the same. Here are my favorites hotels and stays in Tulum – in the middle of the center and the beach strip is the very chic Wish Tulum, Elements Boutique Hotel and Pacha Hotel. Beach front favorites are more luxurious and pricey, the popular ones are Coco Tulum, the eclectic Papaya Playa Project, and The Beach Tulum. Newer properties on the beachfront are the Dune Boutique Hotel and Hotelito Azul. 

For tips on which cenotes to check out, where to eat and how to get around Tulum check out this weekend guide that’s packed with tips and details!

Tulum Mayan Ruins

Beat the crowds and head to the 13th century Mayan ruins early in the morning. With the perfect beach backdrop and in the center of the Tulum beach strip, the ruins are easy accessible. The entrance fee is only 70 pesos.

Casa Malca

A once in a lifetime experience to walk through Colombian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar’s former mansion. Now transformed into a boutique museum/hotel. But there’s a catch, you either pay and entrance fee of 1000 pesos to take photos as you please or opt to get just one drink or meal at their restaurant the M Grill (obviously this the budget friendly option, and you still get to walk around and enjoy the historic décor). In all cases, we think that a visit to Pablo Escobar’s mansion should be on everyone list!

Ik Lab

Visit the most instagrammable spot in Tulum. Located next to the Azulik Hotel, this tropical art gallery is a tribute to environmentally friendly architecture. Enjoy unique a design, wavy cement walls, viney floors, perfect sunlight and tree branches everywhere. If you haul around a DSLR like I do, they’ll give you a hard time, as you have to book a photo-shoot session to use a professional camera. So make sure your phone is charged!

Kin Toh 

Enjoy a surreal dining and sipping experience at the one and only Azulik Hotel. The Kin Toh restaurant has its own entrance for guests and visitors to enjoy a view of the jungle from floating nests.

Get Local

I went to Tulum thinking that the action is mostly at the strip of waterfront restaurants and beach clubs. However, overlooked is downtown Tulum, specifically the Bazars on Avenue Tulum – home to thousands of shops & restaurants.

Tulum Sign

Since you’re venturing down Tulum Avenue, check out the Museo de la Cultura Maya Park. You’ll get to spot the colorful city sign and the recently added Mayan elements and sculptures in this public space.

Chichen Itza

Plan a day trip to Chichen Itza, one of the new 7 wonders of the world (about 2 hours away). Even during a storm, this trip was absolutely worth it. How to get to Chichen Itza from Tulum? You can book a trip through the many offered tours, or rent your own car (travel on your time), and make stops along the way. One of our favorite pit stops was the Ik Kil Cenote, which you can see more of here!

 

Now there’s no way you’re in Tulum just for the attractions, the truth is – Tulum is all about the beach! If you’ve made your way to the Yucatan peninsula, make sure to explore all of the beautiful local beaches. Here are Tulum’s best cenotes & hidden beaches. &if you’re feeling adventurous, take a drive up to the Coba Ruins and the city of Valladolid.