Tulum

Tulum is on the Yucatán Peninsula , in Mexico . It is one of the earliest resorts in Mexico, offering a place of worship and solitude for the Mayan kings, clergy and gods in early times. The tropical beach backdrop is the main attraction of this picturesque, much-visited small ruin on the shore of the Caribbean Sea. Shortly after your arrival, you will understand why early Mayans picked this beautiful place to relax. Be prepared for lots of people and tour groups at the archaeological site. To avoid the crowds, it is best to stay overnight and visit the ruins early in the morning before the buses arrive. Morning is recommended since you can catch spectacular vistas when the sun is rising over the …

Tulum International Airport TQO IATA is a major new airport (new in December 2023) in the Puerto Felipe Carillo area just outside Tulum. The airport is served by domestic carriers Aeromexico, Mexicana, Volaris and Viva Aerobus. Aeromexico has twice daily service to/from Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport (AICM) ( MEX IATA ). Mexicana offers flights from Mexico City's Felipe Angeles Airport (AIFA) ( NLU IATA ), and Viva Aerobus has flights to Monterrey ( MTY IATA ), Guadalajara ( GDL IATA ), Tijuana ( TIJ IATA ), and Mexico City AIFA. TAG offers flights between Tulum and Guatemala and Aeromexico offers international service between Tulum and Toronto, San Francisco, and Chicago. Air Canada offers direct flights from Montreal and Toronto . Air Transat offers flights from Montreal and Quebec . WestJet offers flights to Tulum from Calgary and Toronto. Discover offers flights to and from Frankfurt . Avianca offers flights to and from Bogota . From the United States, Delta offers direct flights to Tulum from its hub in Atlanta. United Airlines offers 22 weekly non-stop flights between Tulum and Newark/New York, Houston, and Chicago with seasonal service to Los Angeles. American Airlines offers four daily flights to Tulum including two from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), one daily flight from Miami (MIA), and one from Charlotte (CLT). Tulum International Airport has a station on the new Tren Maya high-speed intercity rail line with departures every 2 hours to Cancun , Chichen Itza , Merida , Campeche , Palenque and Chetumal (among other destinations). The train can also be used as local transportation to the town of Tulum, to Bacalar or Chetumal to the south, or north to Cancun. Other international airports in the region are Cozumel ( CZM IATA ) or Cancún International Airport ( CUN IATA ). A taxi from Cancun to Tulum costs about M$2500- M$3000 and takes 1h30 - 1h45 minutes straight down Federal Highway 307 depending on traffic. ADO operates buses from Cancun (both downtown and the airport) to Tulum. Ticket prices are M$330 (Jan 2022). The ride will take about 2 hours.

Tulum is best explored on foot if staying in the town centre, though a car is useful for reaching attractions in the surrounding area. Local taxi services and colectivos (shared vans) are available for shorter journeys. Colectivos are an affordable and authentic way to travel between nearby towns and attractions.

Tulum and its surroundings offer natural scenery, local architecture, and points of interest that reflect the character of Quintana Roo. Look for colonial-era churches, plazas, and historic buildings, as well as natural attractions in the surrounding countryside.

Outdoor activities in the Tulum area include hiking, exploring the natural landscape, and discovering local cultural sites. In season, look for local festivals and celebrations that showcase the traditions of Quintana Roo. Guided tours may be available through local operators or your accommodation.

Dining in Tulum features traditional Mexican cuisine alongside regional specialties of Quintana Roo. Expect fresh, locally sourced ingredients — corn tortillas, salsas, and seasonal produce are staples. Local fondas and comedores serve hearty, affordable meals. Regional dishes may include local variations of moles, tamales, barbacoa, or seafood depending on the area's culinary traditions.

Local cantinas and bars in Tulum serve Mexican beer, mezcal, tequila, and aguas frescas. Mexico has a vibrant craft beer scene that is growing in many regions. Pulque, a traditional fermented agave drink, may be available in central Mexico. Non-alcoholic options include excellent Mexican coffee, fresh fruit juices (jugos naturales), and horchata.

Accommodation in and around Tulum ranges from budget hostales and family-run posadas to mid-range hotels and boutique properties. Options may be limited in smaller communities — advance booking is recommended, especially during peak season (December–January, Semana Santa, and local festival periods). For a wider selection of hotels, the nearest larger town or city provides additional choices.

Local shops in Tulum offer everyday essentials and regional products. Look for locally made crafts, artisanal food products, and souvenirs that reflect the character of Quintana Roo. Markets (mercados) are excellent places to find fresh produce, regional specialties, and handmade goods.

From Tulum, visitors can explore other communities and natural attractions in Quintana Roo by road. The region offers scenic drives, archaeological sites, and charming towns worth a detour. Long-distance buses connect with major cities throughout Mexico. Check highway conditions and fuel availability before setting out on longer routes.