Mexico, a country rich in culture, history and beautiful diverse nature. You’ll find everything from ancient caves filled with groundwater (also called ‘cenotes’), to beautiful architecture originating from the ancient Mayans and the turqoise blue caribbean ocean. This guide will mainly provide suggestions and inspiration on what to do and where to stay in the Yucatán peninsula.
HOTELS IN TULUM
Tulum is known for being the more expensive and exclusive place to stay on the Yucatán peninsula. Tulum Beach is the place you’d want to be to enjoy the chilled vibe in the restaurants, the jungle stylished night clubs and the beautiful beaches. Tulum Beach is located approximately a 20 min drive from Tulum city. The hotels in Tulum city are a lot more affordable than the ones at Tulum Beach.
Amaka Calma Riviera Tulum is located in Tulum city, which is in the middle of the dense “jungle” of Tulum. Amaka Calma has a variety of facilities, such as a swimming pool, a gym, the most beautiful boho styled rooms and a serene location. You can find the hotel by clicking HERE.
Facilities at Amaka Calma Riviera Tulum:
- Free breakfast included from 08:00 – 11:00 am
- Free parking
- Free wifi
- Transport to/from the airport
- Pool
- Air Condition
- Gym
- 24/7 Reception
Selena Tulum is a hostel and hotel. Staying in a dorm in the hostel is a cheap alternative to the expensive luxury hotels, to be able to stay in Tulum Beach with views and access to the ocean on a budget. The hostel has a premium location, and thereby the rates are bit pricier than you would normally expect from a hostel in Mexico, but still a cheaper alternative! Selena Tulum can strongly be recommended, due to its location, extremely friendly and helpful staff as well as its beautifully designed jungle vibe surroundings. You can find the hotel by clicking HERE.
Facilities at Selina Tulum:
- Breakfast at an extra cost from 08:00 – 11:00 am
- Free parking
- Free wifi
- Lugagge storage
- Pool
- Air Condition
- Individual lockers in shared dorms
- Reception with limited opening hours
TRANSPORTATION
Navigating this captivating region, with Tulum as your focal point, is an integral part of the adventure. Whether you are exploring ancient Mayan ruins, lounging on pristine beaches, or sampling the local cuisine, choosing the right mode of transportation is key to making the most of your visit. Below, we will explore the various transportation options available to help you make informed choices during your Yucatan Peninsula journey. From the freedom of a rental car to the convenience of taxis, the thrill of scooters, or the affordability of buses, I have got you covered!
Getting around in Tulum:
- Scooter – Rent a scooter for around $35 USD per day.
- Taxi – A taxi from Tulum city to Tulum Beach is approximately $300 MXN one way.
Getting around in the Yucatán Peninsula:
- ADO Bus – Mexico’s premier bus operator used to travel longer distances. These buses are cheap, super comfortable, and one of the safer ways to get around the country, especially as a tourist.
- Car – Rent a car for a more luxurious way of getting around. However, during high season in Tulum there can be a lot of traffic on the one road that leads down to the beach promenade from Tulum central. Due to this, I would personally rent a scooter rather than a car in Tulum city. However, for driving long distances you need to rent a car or take the buses. If you are a tourist, and especially if you do not speak spanish, you might want to consider taking the ADO bus rather than renting a car. There are several ‘check points’ located out on the freeways in the jungle, and in our experience, the police are often trying to scam tourists by pulling them over at these check points, asking them to get out of the car so they can search it, and not letting them go until they pay some cash. Very corrupt, and even some Mexicans themselves feel uncomfortable driving alone in certain areas outside of Tulum, Cancun and Playa del Carmen. So, be safe and do your research!
CAFÉS AND RESTAURANTS
Liefs, Tulum
Liefs is a cute little place tucked away in Tulum, Mexico. The café takes pride in its commitment to sourcing local ingredients and promoting sustainability, ensuring that each sip and bite not only tastes delightful but also supports environmentally responsible practices.
The cafés atmosphere is an invitation to relaxation, thoughtfully designed with an eco-friendly ethos. It allows you to soak up the sun in its outdoor seating area while enjoying the carefully crafted beverages and treats. A tasteful smoothie bowl and an iced coffee is a must try when visiting this place!
Address: Av. Coba 107, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Opening hours: Every day 09:00 am – 09:00 pm
Matcha Mama, Tulum
Matcha Mama is a refreshing and vibrant destination for health-conscious travelers and locals alike. This delightful café serves up a tasty array of matcha-infused treats and tropical refreshments. You will discover an extensive menu of matcha-based beverages, from traditional matcha lattes to inventive tropical smoothies. Each sip is a burst of energy and flavour, perfect for fuelling your adventures in Tulum.
The café has a laid-back and beachy vibe, which makes it an ideal spot to relax. Don’t miss your chance to try their famous acai bowls and fresh smoothie bowls, prefect for a delicious and fresh start to your day or a refreshing afternoon meal. This place is super popular, so at times it can get pretty busy. If this is the case, I can recommend getting your order to go, so you can enjoy it by the beach instead.
Address: Quintana Roo 15 470 Zona Hotelera, 77780, QROO 15 60, Tulum Beach, Mexico
Opening hours: Every day 08:00 am – 06:00 pm
El Pez Hotel Tulum, Tulum
Start your day in paradise with a breakfast at El Pez Hotel’s restaurant in Tulum. El Pez offers a delicious dining experience that harmonises perfectly with its beachfront setting. The open-air design provides you with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, creating a truly immersive dining atmosphere to kick off your morning.
The breakfast menu features various delicious options, from traditional Mexican dishes to international favourites. El Pez is especially known for their Sunday brunch, so if you plan on visiting on a Sunday, then make sure to reserve a table in advance!
Address: QROO 15, Tulum Beach, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Opening hours: Every day 07:30 am – 11:00 pm
Hotelito Azul, Tulum
Nestled in the heart of Tulum, Hotelito Azul has a hidden rooftop restaurant and bar that offers an unforgettable dining experience with breathtaking sunset views. The panoramic views of the horizon melting into hues of orange and pink create an enchanting backdrop for a memorable evening. It is the perfect setting for a quiet moment of reflection, a celebration with friend or a romantic dinner.
With attentive service and a laid-back atmosphere, Hotelito Azul’s rooftop restaurant is a sanctuary where you can enjoy the flavours of Tulum and witness nature’s beauty unfold. The magic of a Tulum sunset meets an exceptional culinary experience, offering you an evening you will not forget.
Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila, KM 5.8, zona costera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Opening hours of the rooftop: Every day 02:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Parole Tulum, Tulum
Parole Tulum is a culinary treasure waiting to be discovered. The restaurant offers an inviting ambiance and exceptional dining experience whether you are dining with friends, family, a romantic partner, or by yourself as a solo traveler. Each dish is a work of art for the senses, and the truffled mushroom risotto is one of the many dishes worth a try!
Address: KM 7.8, Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila, Tulum Beach, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 05:00 pm – 01:00 am. Mondays and Tuesdays are closed.
5 BEAUTIFUL CENOTES IN MEXICO
1. Cenote Calavera
Cenote Calavera in Mexico is a unique natural wonder featuring cave holes you can jump through to access its crystal-clear waters. It offers a swing for thrill-seekers and stairs for easy access. You can relax on chairs in the area and enjoy the sun, making it a perfect spot for adventure and relaxtation
Where: A 5 minute drive from Tulum.
Entrance fee: 250 pesos per person (CASH ONLY).
Extra fees: If you bring any other type of camera than your phone (Example a GoPro or digital camera) , you need to pay an extra fee of 250 pesos.
What to bring:
- Cash
- Swimsuit, slippers and towel
- Water & snacks
Good to know:
- Washrooms: Yes there are washrooms.
- Opening hours: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
- Best time to visit: The best time to go to avoid crowds is right at opening or around 03:00-04:00pm.
2. Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote, offers a surreal world of crystal-clear waters and captivating limestone caves. It is an intricate network of limestone caves that offers a unique experience for both snorkelers and swimmers. The open-air cenote also allows you to enjoy the sun rays and soak up the natural beauty of the surroundings. The surrounding lush greenery makes it a serene setting to relax and enjoy the tranquility of this hidden gem in Tulum. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or simply a glimpse of natural wonder, Gran Cenote in Tulum promises an unforgettable experience.
Where: A 5 minute drive from Tulum.
Entrance fee: 300 pesos per person.
What to bring:
- Cash
- Swimsuit, slippers and towel
- Water & snacks
Good to know:
- Opening hours: 08:00 am to 04:45 pm
- Washrooms: Yes there are washrooms.
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit avoid crowds is right at opening.
3. Rancho La Teresita
Rancho La Teresita is located right outside of Tulum, and boasts a stunning and lesser known cenote that promises an unforgettable experience. This hidden oasis offers an exciting opportunity to enjoy some time in the crystal-clear waters, and with a little swing if you want some extra fun during your visit! For those looking to delve deeper, there is also an option to purchase a guided snorkelling tour to explore the captivating underground cenote system. On the tour you will be provided with life vests and head lamps before making your way down into the caves.
This cenote was my personal favourite, as it is far less touristy, and located more off-road than any of the other cenotes I had the pleasure to visit. So, whether you prefer the serenity of the open-air cenote or the underground cave-exploration, Rancho La Teresita offers diverse experiences for all.
An interesting story of this place: Rancho La Teresita is a family-owned place, and has been so for many year. However, the family who owns the land, had absolutely no idea of the treasure this piece of land was hiding, until some time after they bought it. They simply thought they bought a regular piece of land, until one day some of the older family members went to walking around the lush greenery and stumbled upon a cenote. They since renovated the land, by making it more possible to access the cenote and explore it underground. Though it has been renovated and well-maintained over the years, it is still super natural-looking, and gives you the feeling of being out in the wild rather than in a tourist-attraction. A fun fact is that if this cenote had been discovered by the previous owner before selling his/her piece of land, then the current owners would probably have had to pay a much higher price than what they originally did. Lucky them!
Where: A 20 minute drive from Tulum.
Entrance fee: 300 pesos per person.
What to bring:
- Cash
- Swimsuit, slippers and towel
Good to know:
- Opening hours: 09:00 am to 04:00 pm
- Washrooms: Yes there are washrooms by the main building.
4. Cenote Suytun
Cenote Suytun, located near the enchanting town of Valladolid in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is a natural wonder that transports you to a magical realm. As you step into this underground cenote, you will be captivated by the mesmerizing beauty of its crystal-clear waters. The cenote is renowned for its stunning spectacle – an opening in the cave ceiling that bathes the cenote in a shaft of ethereal sunlight, creating a breathtaking natural phenomenon.
You can swim in the refreshing waters, marvel at the captivating stalactites and stalagmites that adorn the cave, and soak up the tranquility of the surroundings. The surreal ambiance of Cenote Suytun makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and awe-inspiring experience in the heart of Mexico’s cenote-filled landscapes.
Where: Located close to the city ‘Valladolid’.
Entrance fee: 150 pesos per person.
What to bring:
- Swimsuit, slippers and towel.
Good to know:
- Opening hours: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
- Requirements: It is required to wear life vests, which will be provided to you by the entrance, due to the depths of the water. It is however allowed to take off your life vest if you want a picture taken on the round platform in the water.
- Best time to go: Go right at opening hour if you want to avoid crowds.
- Best time to go to capture the sun rays coming through the little opening in the cave:Around 12:000/01:00 pm.
- Washrooms: Yes.
5. Cenote Chukum
Cenote Chukum is also situated in the enchanting Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, and is another hidden gem waiting to be explored. It is less popular than other cenotes in the area, which makes the experience even more pleasant! It offers a serene and secluded oasis surrounded by lush greenery, making it a peaceful escape for nature lovers.
Cenote Chukum’s deep and intense blue waters invite you to take a refreshing dip and connect with the natueal beauty of the Yucatan. The cenote’s unique feature is its name. It is named after chukum trees that drape gracefully into the water, creating an stunning visual spectacle.
So, whether you are looking to cool off, immerse yourself in the region’s natural wonders, or simply unwind in a tranquil setting, Cenote Chukum promises an idyllic experience for all. I can highly recommen to go discover the hidden charms of this cenote tucked away in the heart of Mexico’s tropical paradise.
Where: Located approx. 20 minutes drive from ‘Valladolid’.
Entrance fee: 200 pesos per person.
What to bring:
- Swimsuit, slippers and towel.
Good to know:
- Opening hours: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
- Requirements: You will be provided with life vests, which are mandatory to wear.
- Best time to visit: This cenote is not as popular as others in the area, and therefore you should not experience too big crowds no matter when you visit during the day. If you want to almost have it all to yourself, come approx. 1 hour before closing time, as most people do not want to pay for a visit, when they do not have much time left.
- Washrooms: Yes.
- Parking: Complimentary, and therefore does not cost extra.
ENJOY YOUR TRAVELS!