Where is Tulum Located?
Where is Tulum located? Tulum, Mexico, is a breathtaking getaway in the famed Riviera Maya that has literally something for everyone. From its majestic Mayan ruins to the mysterious cenotes, boutique hotels, all inclusive resorts, and vibrant restaurants and bars, you can’t help but be amazed by what this quaint town has to offer.
Are you planning a trip here? Well, before visiting Tulum, you’ll need one key detail – where exactly in Mexico is Tulum located? To answer that question (and more), read on!
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Located on the southeastern shore of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum is known for its beautiful beaches, fancy beach clubs, and unique atmosphere. The area features a variety of activities for all ages! Just 1 hour and 45 minutes away from the famed Cancun by car, this Caribbean paradise is an absolute must-see destination on any traveler’s bucket list!
Tulum is graced with a tropical climate and distinct dry/rainy seasons. From November to April, temperatures are more relaxed, and the weather stays drier, whereas from May to October, one may experience muggy conditions – including hurricane season at its tail end.
Now that you know where Tulum is, it’s time to answer the next big question – how do I get to Tulum? If you are visiting from outside of Mexico, most likely Cancun International Airport will be your first stop.
Cancun is the biggest and also the most convenient and economical airport in the region. United, Delta, American Airlines, Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air Canada, TUI, and many many other airlines offer non-stop flights here.
Here are some of the direct flight times available:
These are the four options you have to get from Cancun to Tulum:
We highly recommend booking a private transfer that takes you directly to the entrance of your accommodation, offering an effortless and luxurious start to your holiday or honeymoon! You can book one in advance for maximum comfort.
Renting a car is another great option especially if you plan to explore Tulum’s nearby areas during your vacation here. Though it may seem like a more expensive option at first glance, it will help save you money in the long run.
You can always get a taxi from the airport, just make sure you take one of the official taxis and negotiate and agree on the price before you set off to avoid any surprises
If you’re going to Tulum without breaking the bank, there are two principal public transport options for a journey from Cancun Airport and back: bus or colectivo. These air-conditioned buses depart every day between 10:55 am and 9:45 pm at Terminals 2, 3, and 4 – with only one-way tickets priced around $15 – making them an excellent option if you’re trying to travel on a budget!
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, then opt for the Colectivo – its public transportation in the form of a minivan befitting your pocket. To get from Tulum to Cancun by Colectivo, take two rides: one from Cancun to Playa del Carmen and another from Playa del Carmen to Tulum.
These rides leave as soon as they are full and run regularly throughout the day – with only $4 needed within 2 hours! It may not beat driving there but this seriously low fare is worth every penny saved.
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So, you’ve made the exciting decision to visit Tulum – congratulations! Now comes the hard part: Where will you be staying? Before making your choice, it’s important to think about what type of holiday experience you are looking for.
Do you want a relaxed vacation at the beach to unwind and relax or you are maybe looking to add some adventure and exploration on your trip here and make the whole experience more authentic? We are here to help you decide.
First thing first. Tulum has three distinct areas – Tulum Beach (where you can find the stunning white sand shores), Tulum Town (Pueblo), and the newly developed Aldea Zama (high-end residential area) –
If you’re looking to relax and unwind, Tulum Beach is the place for you! To be frank, it’s our top choice when visiting this stunning city. From the Mayan ruins of Tulum National Park in the north, down south towards Sian Ka’an, lies some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches and beach clubs, perfect for your dream getaway.
If you are planning a romantic vacation The Hotel Zone should be your top choice when staying and visiting Tulum. This area is conveniently located north of the gorgeous beaches and offers plenty of dining and entertainment options that will surely meet all your needs.
With all its amenities right at your doorstep, it’s no wonder why this zone has become so popular among travelers!
If you are on a budget or looking for a more authentic Mexican experience then the vibrant Town (Pueblo) is what you are looking for. Plant of affordable restaurants, cheaper accommodation, shops, and casual bars and nightclubs to keep everyone happy
Read Next: Where to Stay in Tulum
From beach bums to celebrities and from families to yoga and fitness seekers, Tulum is the perfect tropical paradise for all types of vacationers. The turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and the amazing nature offer a plethora of activities, ranging from discovering Tulum Mayan ruins and cenotes (natural swimming pools) to marveling at incredible marine life or simply relaxing in a beach club. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Want a preview? These are the top activities to do in Tulum:
Located on the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico‘s Quintana Roo state, this tropical paradise offers incredible views of the Caribbean Sea to its east.
November is the best month to visit Tulum for the most pleasant and authentic experience. It’s right after hurricane season, but before the crazy influx of tourists – resulting in more affordable prices and deals, perfect weather and fewer crowds! Check out our comprehensive guide on when to visit Tulum.
So the million-dollar question … is Tulum safe to visit? The short answer is Yes! While you should always take necessary precautions when traveling to any destination, such as using reputable taxis, avoiding biking at night, and protecting your possessions in crowded areas, visitors can generally explore Tulum with peace of mind.
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With its tranquil ambiance and lack of serious safety concerns, Tulum, Mexico is a safe destination to visit. Although criminal activity has been on the rise due to the influx of tourists, overall security in Tulum is good – just don’t forget common sense!
For more detailed security advice for this enchanting Mexican beach town in Riviera Maya, be sure to check out our Tulum safety guide.
The closest airport to Tulum and the most convenient airport if Cancun International Airport (CUN). There are many options on how to travel between Cancun Airport and Tulum that make it easy for travelers to plan their journey with ease.
Cancun to Tulum: 81 miles or 131 kilometers
Chetumal to Tulum: 154 miles or 249 kilometers
Playa del Carmen to Tulum: 38 miles or 61 kilometers
Akumal to Tulum: 18 miles or 29 kilometers
Tulum is a sought-after destination for travelers worldwide due to its incredible Mayan ruins, which are historically significant archaeological sites. It also serves as the perfect entrance into Tulum’s cenotes – an absolute must when you’re in this area of the Yucatan Peninsula! With its picturesque white-sand beaches and Caribbean atmosphere, it’s easy to see why people from all around flock here on their trips.
For Mexico Tour have a look here.
Although there are many luxurious ecolodges and hotels in Tulum, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy your stay – budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels and cabanas are available too! When it comes to meals, one average meal out ranges from a very reasonable $7-$15 USD.
Plus, transportation is also cost-friendly: rental car can be booked for an affordable price; taxis provide a cheap way of getting around; plus buses and Colectivos offer efficient yet inexpensive methods of travel. And if that’s not enough perks for you? Head down to the markets for some fresh produce so you can make yourself tasty breakfasts at home without needing to spend more money!
Read Next: Is Tulum Expensive?
We highly recommend 3-5 days minimum. This will give you enough time to truly experience Tulum and all it has to offer. Relax at the beach, explore Tulum ruins, take a dip into enchanting cenotes, and wander through Tulum town and other sites in Quintana Roo Mexico.
I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
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