I had the chance to visit Tulum a few weeks ago, and had so many surprising, lovely, and delicious experiences – so I was excited to get home and pull together a Tulum travel guide for anyone looking to make the most of their time in the Yucatán.

What caught me by surprise was how much I loved staying in Tulum Town over the Hotel Zone. Don’t get me wrong – I loved Playa Paraiso, and the shopping and restaurants in Tulum’s Hotel Zone are fabulous (as are the hotels). But I was able to really live like a local while staying in town, which meant uncovering so many hidden gems that I would have never experienced if I stuck solely to the hotel zone, and I met a lot of expats and locals there that were so lovely and offered tons of recommendations. Luckily, I have reccos for both areas in this Tulum travel guide – but I highly recommend experiencing both areas to really round out your trip.

The Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide

In this guide you’ll find helpful travel tips, must-try restaurants, all of the top wellness and healing experiences, and the best things to do in Tulum – from cenote hopping, to salsa dancing, to sound baths. Let’s dive in.

Where to Stay in Tulum

Tulum Centro (Tulum Town), La Veleta

If you’re craving a more local, laid-back vibe (with better prices), La Veleta and Aldea Zama are ideal neighborhoods. You’ll find beautiful boutique hotels, cute cafés, coworking spots, and a more authentic Tulum experience than the beachfront resorts. I booked an incredible condo (pictured above) through Kindred, a membership-based home-swapping program where you can do 1:1 swaps or use credits to book nights at stunning homes all around the world. I can’t say enough good things about this platform: from the incredible customer service, to the sheer volume of amazing homes to choose from. If you have any questions about Kindred give me a shout, or use code ANJ.PRI for 5 free nights at any of their properties around the globe. There are also plenty of incredible Tulum rentals on Vrbo, as well.

You can find some great hotels in Tulum Town, as well. Some popular spots I had to include in my Tulum travel guide:

• Aflora Tulum – Jungle chic vibes with a dreamy pool area.
• Hotel Holistika – A peaceful wellness haven with an abundance of yoga and healing classes, an art walk, and an incredible vegan restaurant.
• Copal Tulum – Infiniti pool, spa, and minimalist but elegant decor. Great reviews!

Best Hotels in Tulum’s Hotel Zone

If you’re here for ocean views and ample time on the sand, a stay in Tulum’s Hotel Zone will give you just that.

• Nomade Tulum – A Tulum classic and at the top of my list if I were to stay in the Hotel Zone. They also have awesome DJs performing at their beach club and restaurants regularly.
• Our Habitas Tulum – Sustainable, design-forward, and right on the sand
• Libelula Tulum – This hotel is self-described as “beachfront glamping.” I spent a day here at their beach club and absolutely loved it. It’s laid back but also effortlessly cool.
• Be Tulum – This is a hotspot hotel in Tulum, known for being stylish, romantic, and highly-Instagrammed.
• Umi Tulum – If you’re looking for a luxe hotel with a stunning beach setup, Umi is an excellent option. Breakfast is included, as well.

Best Restaurants in Tulum (With Vegan-Friendly Options)

Tulum is a plant-based paradise with everything from local taquerías to upscale fine dining. There are, of course, fantastic higher-end spots in the Hotel Zone, but I also found some amazing hidden gems – for omnivores and vegans, alike – especially in Tulum Town.

My Tulum Restaurant Picks

• La Yaqueria – This was my favorite meal in Tulum. It’s on an unassuming little corner in La Valeta, but don’t let the minimal digs fool you – their tacos are simply superb. You must try the BBQ jackfruit! Truly melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The owner was also incredibly kind and brought me a complimentary glass of refreshing lemongrass iced tea.
• El Bodegón – Authentic tapas with great veggie options and a cool ambiance – they often have great DJs, too.
• Tierra (at Holistika Hotel) – You could easily spend an entire day at Holistika (more on that below) but their restaurant is in a serene jungle setting and offers an abundance of amazing options on their fully vegan menu – from Asian, to Mexican. I loved their vegan poke bowl and the owner brought over an incredible freshly baked pistachio cookie for dessert.
• Gypsea Market – Great for healthy groceries and grab-and-go food. I bought breakfast items and snacks here like overnight oats, fresh fruit, cereal, oat milk, and trail mix.
• Raw Love – Fully plant-based spot with an array of healthy, mostly raw dishes that are also quite tasty. They also have a location in the Hotel Zone.
• Alma Verde – A brunch favorite with a lush patio and healthy plates – I ordered the fresh spring rolls and smoothie on a particularly hot and humid day, and it really hit the spot.
• Burrito Amor – This spot is a local favorite and they have great vegan burrito options. Note that their vegan burrito has cactus – even though I’m not a super picky eater, the texture of cactus just doesn’t do it for me. If I went back, I’d ask them to leave it out.

On My List for Next Time

• Liefs – I was so bummed that I didn’t make it to Liefs. It’s a cozy, zero‑waste, fully vegan café in Tulum Town offering smoothie bowls, VBLT wraps, burgers, and açaí bowls. It’s beloved for its friendly service and vibrant plant‑based comfort food.
• Laylo – A sleek, modern vegan restaurant in Tulum serving elevated Mexican and international cuisine in a stylish, but relaxed setting.
• La Vegan Taqueria – A tiny but mighty 100% plant‑based taco stand in Tulum Centro serving freshly made vegan tacos and burritos with local flavors.
• Olivia Organic Market – Part health‑food store, part café, Olivia offers cold‑pressed juices, coconut pancakes, chilaquiles, and vegan groceries. Ideal for a healthy mid‑day refuel.
• Fresco’s – Beachside casual restaurant in the Hotel Zone with homemade bread, tostadas, and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Open daily from early breakfast through dinner.
• Gitano – Jungle‑chic dinner hotspot in the Hotel Zone known for modern Mexican dishes cooked on a wood grill and signature cocktails (or mocktails). Offers a few plant‑based options!
• Arca Tulum – A seasonal, farm‑to‑table fine‑dining restaurant nestled in the jungle side of the Hotel Zone. The natural wines and a few standout plant‑forward plates look fantastic.
• Los Bowls de Guadalupe – A colorful roadside shack in the Hotel Zone serving nourishing organic smoothies and açaí bowls, fresh juices, and other wholesome bites. Quick, friendly, and health‑focused.

A Tulum Travel Guide Essential: The Best Coffee & Tea in Tulum

If you’re like me and need a quality matcha or espresso to start your day, here are a few gems:

• Mera Café – This was one of my favorite spots in Tulum Town. Not only does Mera have a beautiful, minimalist design aesthetic, excellent espresso, delicious breakfast options (the mushroom toast and vegan banana bread were superb), but the service was impeccable. A must-visit!
• Matcha Mama – Known for having the best matcha in Tulum, with two locations in the Hotel Zone and Tulum Centro.
• Storyhorse Coffee – This spot was close to where I stayed near Tulum Centro, and had a cool vibe and great coffee.

Tulum Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do in Tulum

Tulum has so much to offer, even beyond its dreamy coastline. Whether you’re there for wellness and healing or a more active, energizing experience (or both!), you can really create your own adventure with an array of activities, spas, healing opportunities, nature experiences, and beyond. Here’s a roundup of the things I did during my 7-day stay that I knew I had to include in my Tulum travel guide, as well as a few that I missed and will be sure to hit next time.

The Best Cenotes in Tulum

It wouldn’t be a true Tulum travel guide if I didn’t talk about the cenotes. If you’re not familiar, cenotes are natural, fresh water-filled sinkholes that are formed when the roof of a limestone cave collapses, exposing the underground water. The result are these beautiful bodies of water, often surrounded by cave-like elements, that tend to have exceptionally clear, blue water. There are thousands of cenotes around Tulum, and a visit to at least one of them is well worth your time. I’m so glad that I was able to experience them because they don’t really exist anywhere else in the world! My favorites + the most recommended cenotes:

• Cenote Escondido + Cenote Cristal – These are the two cenotes that I went to, and I really enjoyed them. Cristal isn’t as visually stunning, but it has a fun platform you can jump from if you’re looking for a little thrill 🙂 Escondido (pictured above) was really beautiful and quiet – and while these two aren’t as popular, I found them to be really serene and liked that there were very few people there. They’re also just across from each other so you can purchase a ticket at the entrance of Cristal and use it to enter Escondido, as well.
• Gran Cenote – One of the most beautiful cenotes, but it’s popular for that reason – so go early in the day to beat the crowds. Wish I’d made it to this one!
• Cenote Dos Ojos – More adventurous and great for snorkeling, also in a cave and with stunning clear waters.
• Sac Actun – This cenote looks pretty spectacular and gets great reviews. Aqua waters surrounded by a cave – how cool.
• Parque Tankah – This cenote is one of the larger ones, and also offers activities like kayaking and zip lining.

Beach Clubs

Even if you’re not staying in the Hotel Zone, many of the hotels offer day passes for their beach clubs – which is a very nice way to spend a day on the shore. I mean, is there anything better than lounging on a day bed all day, having tacos brought to you, and taking dips in warm ocean water in between sun-induced (or margarita-induced) naps? Most hotels have a WhatsApp number on their website, and you can message them directly to reserve a day pass, while some you can book directly on their website.

• Libelula – I spent a day at their beach club and really enjoyed it. This spot is more chill and further down in the Hotel Zone, but chill is my vibe these days, so I’m really glad I opted for this one.
• Umi – I’ve heard excellent things about Umi’s beach club – it’s chic, elevated, and if you’re looking for luxury, this one is that way to go.
• Nomade Tulum – I wish I’d had the chance to experience their beach club – the vibes are just so very Tulum, and so very cool. A day well spent at Nomade could include one of their morning yoga classes followed by a day at their beach club, followed by dinner at one of their fabulous restaurants (which often have awesome DJs performing).

Note: I also went to Amansala’s beach club, and while it was OK, I was a little disappointed in their service and food. I could have caught them on an off day, but based upon my experience I wouldn’t recommend them.

Tulum Travel Guide for Yoga, Wellness, & Spas

It wouldn’t be a complete Tulum travel guide if I didn’t recommend some amazing wellness experiences. If you’re looking for some zen vibes during your stay, here are some of the best yoga, spa, and healing sanctuaries in Tulum.

• Holistika – I had the opportunity to experience a cacao ceremony and sound bath at Holistika, and it was really special – I highly recommend it. They also offer an array of daily yoga classes, temescal ceremonies, spa services, and beyond. And their art walk, alone, is an incredible activity all by itself – and it’s free!
• Quito Elemento – I went here for a massage and facial, and it was really wonderful (and less expensive than the spas in the Hotel Zone). They offer great packages and are also in the same center as Alma Verde – so I grabbed a light, healthy lunch there before heading over to Quito for my treatments.
• Tribal Tulum – This place was recommended to me by a local – they’re located in Tulum Town and offer drop-in classes, as well as retreats.
• Yäan Healing Sanctuary – Yäan is located at the Nomade hotel and looks pretty exceptional (pictured above). They offer luxurious spa experiences with all of the services and healing therapies your heart desires – and they even offer personalized “journeys” based upon your individual needs.

Salsa Dancing

Some local spots offer weekly salsa nights, which is another fun way to really experience the vibrant culture in Tulum.

• Palma Central: This spot was SO much fun and a highlight of my trip. On Tuesday nights they offer bachata and salsa classes, and afterwards they open up the dance floor for free dancing. I had a blast, and this outdoor venue also has a ton of amazing food vendors that you can buy dinner, drinks, or snacks from while you’re there. Highly recommend!
• Lula Hotel: – If you’re looking for salsa in the Hotel Zone, I heard that Lula’s Sunset Salsa classes are also super fun.

Sian Ka’an Reserve – UNESCO World Heritage Site

• I am genuinely disappointed that I didn’t get to experience this beautiful nature reserve – it will be at the top of my list for the next visit. You can choose from an array of tours, including reef snorkeling, a boat tour to the Mayan ruins, sunset bird watching, and beyond.

ATV Tours

While I didn’t do an ATV tour (I got around on a quad every day on my trip, so every day felt like an ATV tour, lol), consider booking an ATV tour if you want to add some adrenaline to your trip. Just make sure to use a reputable company – this one gets great reviews and has a lot of different tour options (including one that takes you to the Mayan ruins, which I also didn’t get to this time)!

Best Time of Year to Visit Tulum

Tulum is a year-round destination, but when you go can definitely shape your experience. Here’s what I learned:

Tulum Travel Guide for the Low Season (May–October)

• Pros: Lower hotel rates, less crowded, easy to book activities.
• Cons: Very hot and humid, risk of rainstorms, and sargassum (seaweed) on the beaches.

I went in late June, and while it was hot, I loved how peaceful and not crowded it was. The seaweed levels changed daily —some days were crystal clear, and others it was tough to swim and not as enjoyable.

Tulum Travel Guide for the High Season (November–April)

• Pros: Gorgeous weather, better ocean conditions (minimal, if any sargassum).
• Cons: Higher prices and more tourists – so be sure to book hotels well in advance (or avoid this issue by booking with Kindred)!

Is Tulum Safe?

Tulum is generally safe for tourists, but like anywhere, it helps to be smart and cautious – particularly if you’re a woman, and even more so if you’re traveling solo. I felt quite safe there, particularly after I got my bearings and spoke with others about their experiences and what to watch out for. A few things to keep in mind:

• Avoid carrying large sums of cash.
• Avoid taking taxis – people often get scammed into paying way too much.
• Don’t walk alone after dark.
• Don’t discuss cartels or politics with strangers.
• Keep your drink with you at all times.
• If driving, follow road rules, wear a helmet if you’re on a scooter or quad, and watch for checkpoints.
• Like all of Mexico, it’s best to avoid drinking tap water and stick to bottled.
• Register for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) – it’s a free service for U.S. citizens to register their trip abroad. The Department of State will know where you are and notify you of any weather, safety, or security issues happening in your destination.

Solo travel is common here, but stay aware of your surroundings and trust your gut. Particularly if you’re a woman, exercise common sense and keep an eye on your beverage.

Final Thoughts for this Tulum Travel Guide

If I missed any must-see spots, hidden gems, or vegan favorites in Tulum, please let me know in the comments section! I already know I’ll be back and would love to keep adding to this article.

I hope this Tulum travel guide helped you plan your own unforgettable adventure. For more travel inspiration, check out my other guides for Kauai, Paris, London, Chicago, Idyllwild and Sonoma County.

Happy travels!