Where to Stay in Tulum: Beach or Town (Pueblo)?

Where is Tulum?

Tulum is a beautiful Mexican town. It is located on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula and is blessed with beautiful white sand beaches, calm warm waters, and a great climate all year-round.

Tulum is known for its turquoise waters, magnificent cenotes, intense party scene, and for its luxurious hotels. Tulum is also a popular destination for scuba divers, as the town’s turquoise waters are also home to a tremendous variety of marine life and stunning coral reefs.

Read Next:

• Is Tulum Safe? – Detailed Guide

Tulum is also known for the town’s laid-back, bohemian atmosphere and is very popular with eco-conscious travelers that are looking for a more authentic vacation than Tulum’s famous and touristy neighbor – Cancun.

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Beach or Pueblo Town in Tulum?

Now the main dilemma for most first-time visitors in Tulum is whether to stay in  the Beach or in the Town Center (Pueblo). 

Let’s start with the majestic beach. The Beach Tulum offers visitors posh hotels, a stylish party scene, fine dining restaurants, and boutique shopping. The beach zone as it is called by locals is divided into four distinct areas … the zones:

1. Beach Tulum Town
2. North Beach Zone
3. Middle Beach Zone and
4. South Beach Zone

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Read Next:

•  La Valeta Tulum: Up and Coming Neighborhood
• Best Spas in Tulum

Confusing? Don’t worry…we will make everything easy for you…just keep reading.

Let’s have a look at Tulum town now.

The Town (Pueblo) is ideal if you are on a budget or are looking for a more authentic Mexican experience … Tulum is not an affordable destination so every $ counts. Pueblo has a large selection of affordable lodging, more casual food and dining options, casual pubs, and unpretentious dance clubs.

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• Best Luxury Tulum Hotels 

  Jashita  /   Casa Malca  /   La Valise   /  La Zebra   /  Una Vida   /  Mezzanine 

• Best Hotels for Families in Tulum

  Cabañas La Luna ($$$$)   /  Sueños ($$$)  /   Coco Village ($$)

• Best Honeymoon Romantic Hotels in Tulum

  Encantada    /   Mezzanine    /    Dune

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Best Areas to Stay in Tulum

Now that you know all the Tulum basics, let’s take a deeper dive into this amazing vibrant town. There are three Tulum areas that are popular with travelers. And the good news is that each area offers a very unique and different vibe and ambiance.

Pueblo

The “Tulum Pueblo” or “Tulum Town” is located 2 miles off the coast. It’s a short 10-15 minute drive from the beach and everything here feels more authentic and traditional. You can find authentic Mexican food and local fresh produce, cheaper accommodation and casual dining and a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere.

Pueblo has a very nice central plaza that is easily accessible and offers a selection of excellent, authentic, and genuine Mexican restaurants and many entertainment options (night dance clubs, bars, and parties). There is also a large selection of midrange and budget hotels and hostels. 

You will also find many small local shops selling local crafts, delicious produce, and other goods and services.

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 The Best Tulum Hotels in the Pueblo

Una Vida     Hacienda     Hotel Tiki Tiki

The Pueblo is also makes for a great base to explore all the amazing and exciting things that the surrounding area has to offer. Mayan ruins, cenotes (natural sinkholes filled with water), and several other activities are just a short bike ride away. The area is also popular with wellness travelers because of the yoga studios, gyms, and wellness centers that are operating in Pueblo.

Overall, Tulum Pueblo is a great choice for those who want to experience good old Tulum and have a more authentic and traditional experience or for travelers that are on a budget.

Pueblo Highlights

• Great for nightlife, bars, cheap beer and affordable restaurants, quiet cafes, small local shops, gyms and a more authentic Mexican experience
• You can move around with your bike (rent or get one from your hotel)
• The accommodation here is more affordable

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The Beach

Yes … you guessed it. The area along the beach road is … drumroll … called Tulum Beach Zone. This area is home to a large selection of mostly luxury hotels, all-inclusive beach resorts, posh restaurants, and shops.

The Best Hotels in the Middle Beach Zone

• Ahau 
• Dune 
• The Beach Hotel 
• Cabanas La Luna  

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If you plan to spend most of your day at the white sand beach enjoying the turquoise waters then stay at the Beach.

The Best Hotels in the South Beach Zone

Casa Malca   /   La Zebra    /  La Valise   /   Encantada      Sueños   /   Be Tulum

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Here you will find Tulum’s high-end boutique hotels and stores, posh restaurants, beach clubs, outdoor parties, nightlife, beach bars and jungle parties.

The Beach Hotel Zone is essentially separated into three areas:

• The South Beach Zone and Middle Beach Zone are adjacent to Sian Ka’an Bio-Reserve Tulum National Park. This area is more family-friendly, with many yoga establishments and outdoor gyms
• The Beach Town offers the cheapest accommodation at the Beach and
• The North Beach is perfect for a more peaceful and romantic stay

Accommodations in Tulum Beach range from luxury hotels, all inclusive resorts and beachfront villas to more affordable …yet still expensive.. .guesthouses and some hostels.

The Best Hotels in the North Beach Zone

• Mezzanine
• Mi Amor
• Jashita 

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Proximity to the Tulum ruins is a big plus. This is a very popular area for water sports, scuba diving, swimming, and snorkeling. 

The Best Hotels in Beach Town

Papaya Playa Project   /  Punta Piedra Beach    /  Zamas   /   Azulik      

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Overall, Tulum Beach is a great choice if you want to be close to the beach, enjoy watersports, have a bigger budget, and are looking for a more upscale vacation experience.

Tulum Beach Highlights

• White sandy beach with turquoise water …at your very feet
• Great for watersports: swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, boat tours, and many many others
• Biking distance from some of the popular cenotes: Encantado, Corazon del Paraiso, and cenote Escondido
• Vibrant beach clubs 
• Generally a safe area in Tulum

Aldea Zama

Aldea Zama zone has come to life very recently. It is an upscale development located just outside of Tulum downtown. It boasts modern large homes and luxury amenities. We have stayed in Aldea Zama many times and if you are looking for a quiet, private, and secluded vacation then Aldea Zama might be perfect for you.

It is located just south of downtown Tulum Pueblo (halfway between the heart of the Pueblo and the Beach). This is a very peaceful suburban area, that many expats call home. There are a few luxury hotels and restaurants. The area I still under development so we will be updating this section very frequently to give you the latest and greatest. 

The Best Hotel in Aldea Zama

• Naay 

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 The area is also home to a growing number of luxury villas, rental homes, mid-range hotels and restaurants, and small shops.

The Tulum ruins are just a short drive away from Aldea Zana.

Overall, Aldea Zama is great for those who are looking for a more private and secluded type of vacation experience, or for luxury hotel, Airbnb and Vrbo homes and amenities.

Aldea Zama’s Highlights

• The area is a short walking distance from the beach and Caribbean sea waters
• Very close to Tulum Mayan Ruins and Archeological Zone
• Several restaurants and dining options (more being developed)
• Quiet coffee shops 
• Many options for inexpensive eco-hotels and ecolodges
• Can feel a lot more quiet and relaxed than in other areas of Tulum

Bottom Line

Ultimately, choosing the best area for you to stay in Tulum will depend on your personal preferences and vacation style, your budget, and the type of vacation experience you’re looking for.

FAQs

Should you stay in Tulum or Playa del Carmen?

For those looking for a posh the perfect beach getaway, Tulum has it all! Breathtaking white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Tulum is also more expensive than some of its neighbors. Playa del Carmen is more economical in comparison, but the larger city provides plenty of entertainment options such as nightlife activities and an abundance of all inclusive resorts to choose from.

Is it better to stay in Tulum or Cancun?

If you just have a weekend or less than 3 days then Cancun with its airport will likely be the ideal choice for you. Cancun is also Ieasier for families and groups looking to party. Yet if it’s pristine beaches and Mayan ruins that capture your heart, then Tulum should undoubtedly top your list of places to consider!

How long should you stay in Tulum?

We suggest that you spend a minimum of three days in the in Tulum to have enough time to properly explore its ancient Mayan ruins and stunning beaches. That being said, we highly recommend at least 5 days here to experience the countless attractions and sites and have enough time to unwind and take everything in!

Does Tulum have an airport?

While Tulum is yet to have its own airport, there are plans for the construction of a Tulum International Airport. Currently, Cancun Airport (map) is the closest airport to Tulum. 

Can you surf in Tulum?

Kite and windsurfers, get ready – Tulum offers some of the most idyllic spots to enjoy your favorite sport. 

When is best to go to Tulum?

Best time to visit Tulum is between November and January. In that window of time, you’ll avoid the unforgiving hurricane season and the crowds while benefiting from lower prices and deals.

Is downtown Tulum safe?

While Tulum is generally safe, there has been an alarming increase in crime rate. Recently, the state of Quintana Roo has seen a worrying rise in drug and cartel-related criminal activity. For your safety, it is wise to take sensible precautions when traveling to Mexico – specifically by acquiring travel insurance for peace of mind.

Is it better to stay in Tulum town or beach?

For those looking for an affordable trip to Tulum, staying in the town is your best bet. That said, if you have a bigger budget, living on the beach provides is definitely the way to go.