Is Tulum Worth Visiting?
Welcome to Tulum, a small but popular Mexican town with a jungle-like atmosphere, renowned for its ancient Mayan ruins perched on a seaside cliff. This popular tourist destination is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the Yucatán Peninsula, with thousands upon thousands of visitors every day. The beaches are covered with pristine white sand and clear blue Caribbean waters. But do not be fooled, this raved-about beach town comes with a high price tag. And truthfully, one I do not think is worth paying for.
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Is Tulum Worth Visiting: Explained
There are many reasons why I think Tulum is not worth the visit, but to begin I want to preface I do not go to clubs, party, drink, etc. while I travel. Every place in the world is going to have positives and negatives, and people who like or dislike certain destinations. The key is knowing why you are traveling somewhere and what your likes and dislikes are as a traveler.
Below is my list of positives and negatives of Tulum, and should you still decide to visit, what I think is important to have the best time possible!
The Positives…
My boyfriend scuba diving in Cenote El Pit
The opportunity to scuba dive in a variety of cenotes. Find some more information on this here.
Proximity to several ruins including Tulum Ruins, Coba, and Muyil.
Laguna de Ka’an Luum is a massive, crystal-clear lagoon with a cenote in the middle. It was an amazing place to spend a day relaxing in the sun.
Some “luxury stays” for affordable long-term prices! I stayed at Erena Tulum for only $1,000 USD per month. I had a large studio with a balcony, access to two shared pools, and a yoga shala. All utilities were included.
For more info. on what there is to do in Tulum, click here.
The Negatives…
This road was actually one of the better ones nearby…
The Power Outages: We had so many power outages while we were in Tulum. Some ranged from minutes, with others lasting for many long hours. On top of this, power outages would happen with the smallest rain storms and wind. Previously living in an underdeveloped area in Indonesia, I was shocked when I experienced so many power outages compared to Lombok.
The Trash: There was A LOT of trash compared to other places in Mexico. I know Tulum is still under development, but the amount of trash including whole toilet seats and rubber tires was a bit much for me.
The Lack of Infrastructure: Again, yes Tulum is a newer location and still developing, but the roads were rough, especially in La Veleta. I am used to driving on unpaved, rock-filled roads, etc. from my time in Indonesia, but these were even worse.
The Proximity of Things: I felt like everything was too spread out for me, especially for a place that is still in the process of development. Everything is being built quite spread out and far from the water. On top of this, the taxi prices and motorbike/ATV rental prices make wanting to do anything aside from staying in your apartment a bit tough.
Overpriced Taxis: Taxis in Tulum are more expensive than anywhere else I have been in Mexico including Cozumel, Cancun, and PDC, and I was traveling shorter distances in Tulum. I was quoted 250 pesos to ride 7 minutes to my accommodation. Taxi prices from the airport are extremely high as well (I have heard it is a minimum of $200 USD…), making flying into Tulum not worth the trouble.
The Price of Most Things: A lot of the prices in Tulum are way overpriced for what they are.
A lot of the cenotes are 350 pesos or more to visit.
Motorbikes and ATVs are over 500 pesos with a 2,000 pesos deposit… We were lucky to find one for 400 pesos per day.
A workout class was 450 pesos…This is similar to the price I would pay to take a class in Boston, Massachusetts, one of the most expensive cities to live in the US.
Parking for even an hour is over 200 pesos and most beaches cost to enter.
A lot of the clothing stores and food options are priced higher than other places in Mexico. I remember picking out a simple, thin dress that was priced at 125 USD.
The Lack of Things to Do: Aside from the ruins and cenotes, there is not too much to do in Tulum itself. With the cenotes costing more and the taxis being expensive, I felt very bored in Tulum.
Tulum does have a unique rustic, bohemian, jungle vibe, however, I feel as though Tulum tried to rush through its development stages that would normally take 5-10 years and became overpriced overnight. There are SO MANY incredible places in the Yucatan Peninsula to see and explore, and if you are open to choosing somewhere else, I recommend heading to Bacalar for some of the most beautiful waters I have ever seen, Cozumel for those who want to scuba dive and snorkel with loads of sealife, or Merida and Valladolid for those looking to explore some incredible ruins. Cancun, Akumal, and Isla Mujeres beaches are just as beautiful, if not more beautiful, than those in Tulum.
Tips for a Positive Experience in Tulum!
Laguna-de-Ka’an-Luum
If Tulum is somewhere you have always dreamt of visiting, I suggest the following:
Do not go during the rainy season to avoid flooding and power outages that will last longer.
Avoid seaweed season so you can still enjoy clean beaches.
Keep your stay short (2-5 days). This way you can leave Tulum feeling like you had lots to do!
Stay in Centro or the Hotel Zone so that you are within walking distance of a variety of food options.
Make sure to have a pool and/or a gym at your accommodation to avoid the overpriced gyms and taxis to the beach each day (especially for long-term visitors or ex-pats).
Avoid Taxis and only rent a motorbike when you know you will use it. If you are staying long-term, buying a motorbike, ATV, or bicycle outright will be your cheaper option.
Chedraui delivers groceries, which can save you the trip and the taxi money.
Be prepared to spend more money in Tulum. Looking up prices, tours, etc. ahead of time can help you maintain a budget.
There are plenty of day trip options to Tulum from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and many other areas in the Yucatan Peninsula! You can find an example here!
Looking for some more information for your trip to Tulum? Head here for a complete Travel Guide.
General Information: Tulum
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Tulum for optimal weather and minimal seaweed is from November to April. However, the best deals on accommodations and other expenses are during the low season, which is the opposite of these months.
High Season: December - April
Seaweed Season: April - October
Hurricane Season: June - October
Travel Tip: Tulum is prone to frequent power outages, especially during the windy and rainy hurricane season. I experienced them regularly during my time here.
How to Get to Tulum:
FLYING:
Tulum has a relatively new international airport (TQO), situated approximately 40 minutes from La Veleta and 45 minutes from Aldea Zama and the Tulum Beach/Hotel zone.
Note: Taxi fares from the airport into Tulum can be pricey.
PRIVATE TAXI:
A private taxi is always an option but can be quite pricey. From Playa del Carmen, I was quoted anywhere from 1200-2000 pesos (70-120 USD) by drivers.
ADO BUS:
ADO is the largest Mexican bus company throughout the country, and most routes are safe for tourists. You can take an ADO bus from nearly anywhere else in Mexico to get to Tulum. The best routes are from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Prices vary depending on the time of year and time of departure. My bus from Playa del Carmen was 120 Pesos (around $7 USD) and only took a couple of hours.
COLECTIVO:
A Colectivo is a shared van with other people heading to the same destination you are. They are a form of transport favored by backpackers and travelers with less luggage.
The Colectivo from Playa del Carmen to Tulum can be found under Highway #307, (below Juarez Avenue) near Chedraui. Find the Google Maps location here.
The Colectivo ride costs a little above or below 40 pesos and stops near the Tulum Ruins and the ADO bus station. They do not always stop at Tulum Ruins, so if this is your destination, be sure to tell the driver ahead of time and be on the lookout during your drive. You will need to either walk or hire an additional taxi to get to your accommodation.
Note: Colectivos can be small, cramped, and timely. Sometimes they will wait for a full van before departing. They do not always have working air conditioning. If you have a lot of bags or a large bag, they may turn you down for more passengers instead (more money for the driver).
Mode of Transport in Tulum:
Options: Taxi, bicycle, motorbike/ATV. If you are going to be here long term, your best option is to purchase one of these outright because of how overpriced rentals are here. Tulum is not very walkable, with everything being spread out and still under development. Each section of Tulum, such as Aldea Zama, is walkable on its own. However, walking between areas, such as walking to Tulum Beach, is not always advisable due to heat and safety concerns.
Bicycle: A bicycle is the cheaper option, but it can be quite difficult with the lack of infrastructure in some areas, such as La Veleta. However, there are bike lanes on most main roads. Bicycles cost, on average, about 150-200 pesos daily. Longer-term rentals offer a better chance at discounts. Bike locks are necessary here.
Taxi: If you're here long-term, relying on taxis to get around isn't feasible due to high prices. I've only used one taxi during my time in Tulum, from the ADO bus station to my stay in La Veleta. The fee was 200 pesos.
Motorbike/ATV: This is probably your best option for getting around Tulum on its bumpy, unpaved dirt roads. However, they can be quite costly. I was quoted anywhere from 400 pesos (rarely) to 800 pesos per day for a motorbike. ATVs are more expensive. In addition to the base fee, many places require a deposit starting at 2,000 pesos plus your passport.
Note: Rental places are known for scamming tourists, and motorbikes and bicycles are known to be stolen. I recommend doing your research ahead of time, reading reviews, and having a way to lock your rental up at night. I used a bicycle lock to secure my motorbike kickstand to a small tree outside my accommodation. I always put my helmets in the locked compartments on the motorbike as well.
Where to Stay:
There are four main areas in Tulum to stay:
La Veleta (I stayed here): Best for long-term visitors who want a luxury stay at a good price and some quiet. You need a form of transport to move about here.
Best Accommodations For Every Traveler:
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Maui Hostels Tulum
Best Low-Budget: Little Gem Hotel Tulum La Veleta
Best Mid-Budget: Hotel Boutique TerraNova
Best Luxury: Hotel Muaré
Aldea Zama: Known as the spot where the majority of digital nomads and expats live, mixed in with some locals. It is a safe and modern neighborhood with many cozy cafes, dining options, grocery stores, gyms, and more. You will still need transportation to get to the beach and tourist attractions.
Best Accommodations For Every Traveler:
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Mayan Monkey Tulum
Best Low-Budget: Macondo Tulum or La Bella Vita Tulum
Best Mid-Budget: NAJ TULUM
Best Luxury: Copal Tulum Hotel
Tulum Centro: Best for travelers and backpackers on a hostel budget or those seeking immediate access to local action. Transportation is still necessary to reach the beach area and main attractions of Tulum, this area offers plenty of food options, grocery stores, shopping, and more. For me, this area exuded an authentic Tulum vibe and felt like the heart of the action.
Best Accommodations For Every Traveler:
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Moonshine Tulum Hotel & Hostel
Best Low-Budget: Los Arcos Hotel - TULUM
Best Mid-Budget: Botånica Tulum
Best Luxury: Layla Tulum (Adults Only) or Coconut Cave Tulum
Tulum Beach Area: Best for short-term, luxury travelers who want to be on the beach and not have to leave the area if they don't want to. There are lots of food options, clubs for night owls, and other things to do. You would need transport to visit the ruins and cenotes.
Best Accommodations For Every Traveler:
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Selina Tulum
Best Low-Budget: Mamasan Treehouses & Cabins
Best Mid-Budget: Alaya Tulum or Casa Ganesh Tulum
Best Luxury: Mi Amor Boutique Hotel (Adults Only) or Casa Malca
Note: If I could do Tulum differently I would stay in Tulum Centro or Aldea Zama.
Food Recommendations:
Carlito Burrito (La Veleta)
El Bajon Vegano (Tulum Centro)
Burrito Amor (Tulum Centro)
Raw Love (Tulum Centro)
IS IT SAFE?:
This is a huge debate with Mexico in general, and it all depends on what you will be doing and where you will be going. I want to preface by saying that I do not drink, wander around after 7:00 PM, or engage in any illegal activities. I have heard some absolute horror stories of people's experiences in Tulum that shocked me. However, I have not experienced any safety issues whatsoever while here.
Never travel without the right insurance in case of any sickness, injuries, or theft. Safety Wing is by far the best travel insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
