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Guest post by Gabi Zec
A shining star of Riviera Maya was once a laid-back town, unknown to massive tourism. It deserves the title of magic town, officially recognizing its beauty and meaning. Its boho style is present almost everywhere, not just in luxury hotels.
Separating the town itself from the beach, Tulum preserves the feeling of wildness. Taking 20 minutes to reach the city, the best way to visit the beach is by bike.
The cute shops and restaurants delight everyone to stay just a bit more. It’s the lovely decor that makes Tulum just fabulous. The colorful murals enrich the atmosphere just around every corner.
Tulum perfectly swings between the jungle and the beach, taking nature to the surface.
Let’s dive deeper into what to see in the Mexican paradise city and how to prepare yourself.
Getting to Tulum on a Budget
Tulum is located in the Yucatan peninsula, known as Riviera Maya. It takes place two h south of Cancun and about 45 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. To be more precise, Quintana Roo is the state where Tulum lies.
Once at Cancun airport, you can easily get to Tulum by bus. Alternatively, you can take a private shuttle, the fastest transport mode. Booking with Cancun Airport Transportation is the most convenient way to use it.
Tulum’s Beaches
Going to the beach in Tulum is seeing the extraordinary slice of paradise. The public beach even holds the same name- Paradise Beach. The delightful colors of Tulum beaches is the only reason you need to visit this sweet town.
Tulum is divided into several areas- Tulum Town, Tulum Beach, and Aldea Zama (between the two).
Paradise Beach stretches to the fantastic shine of ancient Tulum ruins. Its warm waters and divine colors speak the melody of instant acceptance. The seaweed that appears sometimes is the major problem here. Though cleaning started recently, you have to be warned about it.
The private beaches follow another stretch, along the fancy hotels and resorts. Accessing the private side is possible only if you’re a guest or taking a drink in the beach club. Some of the most affordable beach clubs are Ahau and Los Amigos, taking into account the minimal consumption.
Mayan Ruins of Tulum
The stunning testimony of Mexican history finds its picturesque home near Paradise Beach in Tulum. Its ancient wonder is full of surprises and shows a comprehensive guide to the Mayan way of life.
Together with Coba ruins, they represent the most famous archeological site near Tulum. A similar but lesser-known place is Muyil or Chunyaxche Lagoon, only a 20 minutes ride from Tulum.
Tulum Ruins are open from 9 am to 17 every day and cost 600 Mexican pesos (about 30 $). Being the seaport fortress, it represented the ancient trade point. The most important products of the trade were cotton, food, cacao beans, and others.
The picturesque location near the beach attracts numerous visitors.
What to see inside the ruins
El Castillo is the highlight of this ancient site, the main pyramid that was once a lighthouse. The Temple of the Frescoes stands before El Castillo, covering the stunning murals. They depict deities, snakes, and offerings to Gods. Two floors of this small building cover important religious symbols.
The Temple of the descending God is a principal structure with several God’s carvings.
House of the Columns or Palace was once the residence of Mayan leaders. It’s a large complex with four rooms facing the south.
The House of the Halach Uinic is very well preserved and dedicated to the high priest of Mayas.
Explore the hotel area
Zona Hotelera (Hotel area) in Tulum is full of lovely shops and bars, not only fabulous hotels. Choosing a luxury hotel here will let you enjoy your private beach. It’s possible to stay in Zona Hotelera at Selina, an affordable hostel. Selina has a stunning entrance tunnel.
Exploring the Hotel area means taking pictures at the Instagrammable places with exquisite decor. The Hotel zone offers a wide distance between certain points, but the traffic is something you would like to avoid.
Instagrammable places
I Scream bar, with its green ambiance and upside-down car, offers unique flavors like corn. Though not cheap, it’s such an awesome concept.
The famous installation by Daniel Popper Ven a la Luz depicts a woman opening the entrance to her heart. It used to take place in front of the Ahau Hotel, but it’s moved inside to the beach. Being so huge and popular, the long lines never cease.
Matcha Mamma is a cute little bar offering healthy bowls, smoothies, and drinks.
Coco Tulum Beach Club is an adorable spot with several swings and a beach view.
Vagalume Beach Club delights with an awesome bridge covering the big hand. It also offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine and tranquil moments.
Here’s the dream sign that stands in front of Santo Mercado Tulum and its amazing decor.
The love sign at Hotel BT Live Tulum shines with cheerful vibes full of colors.
Cenotes
Cenotes are a phenomenon unique to the Yucatan peninsula. Their emerald and turquoise colors are so enchanting that it pulls you to discover more. These natural basins, sometimes even caves, hold inside the ancient history.
The Mayan word „dzonot“ meaning hole with the water, explains only partially its purpose. According to the legend, the god Chac Mool lived in cenotes spreading fear to the people. Representing the sacred site to Mayans, cenotes are their source of freshwater in the jungle. The mysterious world of cenotes consists of limestones.
Yucatan is covered in thousands of cenotes attracting new visitors constantly.
Which cenotes in Tulum to visit
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote is the most popular cenote in Tulum, offering pure enchantment at its large complex. Several caves and crystal clear waters add charm to the cozy and relaxing area. The wooden boardwalk creates a neat atmosphere at this semi-open cenote.
Gran Cenote attracts many divers and snorkelers; you can even spot some turtles. The lush greenery surrounds this exquisite place on the main road Avenida Coba. Just outside of Tulum, within only a few kilometers from the center, you can find Gran Cenote.
The price to enter Gran Cenote is 500 Mexican pesos or 25 $. With snorkeling equipment, you can enjoy the whole day’s adventure. Swimming in a cave is pretty fascinating while enjoying the emerald and turquoise waters. Being so shallow, it’s perfect for little kids.
Cenote Calavera
Cenote Calavera is closest to Tulum town and consists of three sinkholes. The name literally means „skull cenote“ as it resembles the mouth and two eyes. A swing over the sinkhole is such an awesome decoration that attracts many tourists. The price is 250 MXN or 12,50$.
Cenote Calavera, located at Avenida Coba, feels like a hidden gem.
Cenote Zacil-Ha
This is such a lovely cenote that resembles a swimming pool. It also includes hammocks and regular swimming pools. Cenote Zacil Ha is located 8,5km from Tulum in the direction of Coba, possible also to reach by colectivo.
The zipline above the cenote makes additional fun and costs 10 $pesos, 200 $pesos is the ticket to the cenote alone. Cenote Carwash is only 350m away, so it’s awesome to combine both.
Cenote Dos Ojos
Cenote Dos Ojos („Two Eyes“) is very famous and located between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Double sinkholes inspired the name, having the appearance of two eyes. The deep cave system creates perfect opportunities for divers.
The best way to reach Cenote is by car, which requires 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a colectivo to the entrance of Dos Ojos Park, after which you need to walk 30 minutes on the dirt road.
The individual ticket to Dos Ojos cenote is 350 $ pesos and to the whole park 450$ pesos.
Casa Cenote (Cenote Manati)
Casa Cenote (Cenote Manati) is a fabulous spot, located just outside of Tulum towards Playa del Carmen. Lying at the embrace of a lovely forest, it continues to the underground river. The luxury ambiance of Tulsayab adds to its charming vibes. As the river blends with the ocean, the water is a bit salty.
The wildlife is pretty rich and includes lots of colorful fish, butterflies and birds. Casa Cenote is not too deep, which makes it perfect for scuba diving. Many sport activities like kayaking, paddle boarding or snorkeling are very popular here. The turquoise colors of the water beautifully complement the lush forest around.
The distance is 10 km from Tulum and the entrance fee is 150 MXN (7,5$).
Discover the town of Tulum
Tulum is such a lovely town, full of cute bars, souvenir shops, and amazing colorful murals. The colorful atmosphere of Tulum depicts the cheerful Mexican spirit. The plenty of shops will attract your attention with colorful hats, bags and even hammocks.
About the history
Originally known as Zama (which means dawn in the Mayan language), Tulum pulls its roots during 13-15 centuries. Tulum got its current name (which means wall) in the early 1800s when Juan de Grijalva explored Mexico.
In 1843 Tulum got the first published book by John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood. They accomplished making the precise maps of the city’s walls.
Opening the public beaches was the next step, done by Sylvanus Morley and George P.Howe in 1913. The Carnegie Institution of Washington continued its task.
Tulum was a typical trade town, focusing on the products like salt and textile from foreign countries. Feather and copper objects raised the trade domestically.
What to eat & drink in Tulum on a budget
Tulum restaurants offer the opportunity to try delicious Mexican food. Most tend to raise the prices, but you can comfortably choose the budget options.
Botanica Garden Cafe hosts a cozy ambiance with lots of plants. The house-made bread is the highlight here, together with various quiches. Botanica also offers delicious coffee and fruit juices.
Taqueria Honorio is where locals tend to come, where southern Mexico cuisine prevails.
Burrito Mi Amor is inspired by American burritos and the northern cuisine of Mexico.
Bonita Burger Bar enjoys the cozy garden atmosphere and lots of vegan options.
Vegan cuisine in Tulum
It’s not difficult to spot the lovely vegan restaurants in Tulum.
La Hoja Verde has the honor of being the best vegan spot in the town, honestly speaking. It’s right in the middle of Tulum and covers both Mexican and international cuisine. La Hoja Verde has great burgers and their speciality is trilogia de tacos with black tortillas. Their burgers in the black version are also pretty delicious.
Aguacate Limon offers fantastic Mexican vibes in the outdoor atmosphere. From tacos to enchiladas there’s a treasure of choice and local food.
La Cordobesita is a small bar with a street atmosphere and lovely tacos.
In Tulum you can even find a vegan pizza in Pizza Pappi, which is quite affordable.
When to visit Tulum
The high season at Riviera Maya lasts from December to April, which is best to avoid. It’s the period when prices rise, and crowds become dense.
Between November and December is the most recommended time to visit. The post-hurricane season is pretty cozy, and hotel prices are much more affordable. The temperature is also lower.
From May to September is another great option as crowds almost don’t exist and prices are reasonable. You can expect occasional rain showers, but not too much. This is a fantastic time for budget travelers.
You should definitely avoid October when hurricanes prevail.
What to wear in Tulum
The laid-back vibe of Tulum suggests light clothes, mainly because it’s pretty hot all year around. The beach atmosphere prevails, so count on the casual look or lovely summer dresses. You will consider the bike ride most often, so that’s another reason.
Flowy skirts in every moment are a fantastic choice because of many photo opportunities. Elegant dresses are commonly taken for dinners or fancy restaurants.
You would need a light jacket during the rainy season from June till October.
As Tulum is a beach destination, you will often wear flip-flops or sandals; forget about your heels. Hiking sandals are also desirable for exploring the ruins or cycling around.
Sunscreen and hats are necessary all year round.
How to travel to Tulum on a budget
As mentioned, low season is an excellent option for budget travelers. From May to September or from November until mid-December, Tulum is genuinely fantastic.
Having accommodation in the Hotel zone or near the beach is much more expensive than in the town itself. This includes visiting the restaurants, but in the town, you can also find cheap street food stands. Cooking yourself will save you many pesos so choose the hostel in central Tulum. Renting a bike is much cheaper in Tulum town than near the beach.
If you’re going to the beach clubs, visit the ones without the entry fee, like Coco Tulum or Ziggy’s Beach Club.
Where to stay in Tulum
Whether you stay near the beach or in the town, Tulum bursts with lovely accommodations. Beautiful decor defines almost every hostel or hotel, so it’s up to you to adjust it within your budget.
Tulum town’s best accommodation options:
Mayan Monkey– Within just a short walk from central Tulum, it’s a fabulous hostel that will satisfy all your needs. Designed for digital nomads, it covers the awesome terrace with the pool and bar. The breakfast is amazing, and the rooms, including cozy beds, are pretty big.
Mama’s Home is an award-winning hostel with a social vibe, complimentary breakfast, and comfortable ambiance.
Hotel Biwa is a cozy hotel with a dreamy atmosphere, including a pool. It’s the best budget option and so comfortable.
Beach area accommodation options:
Selina is the only hostel within the beach zone and thus covers affordable prices and a dreamy atmosphere.
Hotel Muare Tulum is a boutique hotel immersed in the Mayan jungle.
Papaya Playa Project is one of the most Instagrammable hotels and simple decor covering sustainability.
Coco Unlimited is a 5-star hotel showcasing soft vibes and boho design.
Casa Teka is an affordable hotel with a private cenote.
Radhoo Tulum is nestled in the jungle atmosphere of boho vibes.
Final Thoughts on Tulum on a Budget
Tulum shines with dreamy vibes, although it has a reputation for being a fancy destination. Some of the tourists live in their bubble, but some come to discover Paradise Beach and its boho atmosphere.
Tulum holds centuries of Mayan history at its picturesque ruins unveiling life as it was once. The traffic is a significant problem, but a bike brings a cozy way to explore the town.
About the Author
Gabi Zec is a travel enthusiast from Croatia, a poetic soul passionate about writing. Her blog, Under Flowery Sky, focuses on the outdoors, gardens, and mountains. Photography is also very high in her panorama of interests, and she shares it happily on Instagram Under Flowery Sky.
Check out additional Mexico content:
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.
Never heard of this town. Looks like a great place to go. Beautiful photos.
It’s truly beautiful!