On today’s post, I’ve rounded up the things you MUST know BEFORE you visit Tulum!
Is Tulum safe? Is Tulum expensive? When should you visit Tulum?
All great questions! And all things I wish I would’ve known before going.
Let’s dive in.
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Tulum Essentials
- Portable Phone Charger: If you’re snapping a ton of pics, you don’t want your phone die! Click here to check prices on Amazon.
- Tripod: Want to capture the perfect picture of yourself, or your whole group at once? You need a tripod! Click here to check prices on Amazon.
- HP Sprocket Portable Instant Photo Printer: There’s just something special about a printed photo. This printer is super small, and connects right to your phone! It’s an awesome way to save memories. Click here to check prices on Amazon.
- Hotels: Find the best rates for hotel rooms on Booking.com.
- Rental Car: Make sure to reserve your rental car in advance on RentalCars.com.
Where To Stay In Tulum
Top Tours & Experiences In Tulum
1. Is Tulum safe?
In general, yes!
While Mexico has seen an increase of drug-related violence, the low-key town of Tulum has remained a fairly safe travel destination.
Of course, crime still exists everywhere. Always use common sense and discretion when traveling abroad.
But overall, Tulum is a safe for tourists. I know many women who have traveled there solo, and absolutely loved it.
Although, I do think it’s worth mentioning that I avoided renting a car for my visit.
Everyone’s experiences with this will be different, but I’ve heard that police shakedowns are more prevalent on the highway between Cancun and Tulum.
It seems like many tourists drive this stretch of highway, and just make easy targets there. (This is where #9 on this list comes in handy.)
Again, use your own discretion.
2. Is Tulum expensive?
Of course, “expensive” is relative. And it’s possible to visit Tulum on either a tight budget, or an all-out luxury trip.
But in general… yes, Tulum is expensive.
Tulum’s luxurious atmosphere and world-class dining have driven up prices to the likes of those in New York City or LA.
So expect the trendy hotels, restaurants, and boutiques to be pricey.
But they’re totally worth the hype- so you’re going to want to experience them!
So yeah, in general- don’t expect to save money, but to spend it.
To read more about visiting Tulum on different budgets, head over to my Tulum travel guide!
3. When is the best time to visit Tulum?
The time of year you visit can make a big impact on your experience!
High season: Winter (December through April) is the most popular time to visit Tulum.
These months boast beautiful temperatures, and the lowest chance of rain.
Tulum is also a trendy destination for the holidays, especially New Year’s Eve.
Of course, all of these advantages draw the biggest crowds, and the most expensive rates.
At peak times, traffic on the beach road can be terrible. And you’ll definitely want to make reservations at any hotspots well in advance!
Midseason: Summer, from May to August, sees crowds slightly thinned as humidity and rain increase. Summer is also when seaweed levels (and bugs!) are highest.
November is also considered midseason, as late fall brings improved weather.
Low season: September and October are the rainiest months of the year, and the height of hurricane season. But this is certainly the cheapest time to visit.
I personally think February is the sweet spot for visiting Tulum!
It’s midwinter, so you get to experience the best weather. And it’s quietly nestled between holidays like New Years and Spring Break, so the crowds aren’t too bad.
4. Explore downtown
It’ll be tempting to just spend all of your time in the beautiful beach hotel zone.
However, venturing into downtown Tulum is totally worth it.
Downtown, or the pueblo, gives off a much more local feel. You can find more affordable restaurants here, as well.
Make sure to visit Antojitos La Chiapaneca, an incredible taco stand near the center of town. Here, you’ll find some of the best pastor tacos in the world! Not to mention, they’re less than $1USD each!
Read more: 15 Best Things To Do In Tulum, Mexico
5. Definitely visit cenotes
Cenotes are sinkholes that expose the groundwater underneath, and are unique to the Yucatán Peninsula.
Swimming through the crystal clear water is truly magical, and you don’t want to miss out on these.
Gran Cenote is a popular cenote located just a few minutes away from downtown Tulum. It’s really easy to get to, and super photogenic!
For more of the best cenotes in Tulum, check my Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide.
Read more: 15 Best Things To Do In Tulum, Mexico
6. Bring cash!
Many businesses and tourist attractions in Tulum are cash-only.
Cab drivers also only accept cash. (There is no Uber in Tulum, so taxis will be one of your main forms of transportation.)
There are ATM’S throughout Tulum. However, I think scrambling to find a working ATM in a foreign country is one of the most stressful things to do on vacation. (Speaking from experience lol!)
So bring cash, and have it changed to pesos as soon as you can!
7. Where should I exchange currency?
Again, you’ll want to change your cash to pesos as soon as you can.
We rarely were given the correct change or exchange rate when we tried to pay for things in American dollars.
First of all, don’t exchange money at airport kiosks!
Airport kiosks have the worst exchange rates.
The best way to exchange currency is actually to put in an order with your bank before your trip.
This is typically where you’ll get the best exchange rate and the lowest fees.
Once in Tulum, another option is to use the ATM’s inside of banks, or grocery stores like Chedraui.
8. Most Tulum cab drivers speak very little English
Cab drivers will know names of popular destinations, but it’s helpful to have screenshots of locations or addresses, just in case!
Our very first cab ride after arriving in Tulum was… an experience, lol!
Apparently our Airbnb was a pretty new construction, and our driver didn’t really know where it was.
However, wanting our business, he ushered us into the cab and set off in the general direction.
He didn’t speak much English, but after a while of driving around, it became clear we didn’t really know where we were going.
Eventually, we ended up pulling over in what looked like an empty construction lot.
We sort of nervously waited in the back seat while he looked up directions.
Basically, we ended up making it to our Airbnb safely. But knowing what to expect (and maybe having a downloaded map) would have certainly helped!
9. Learn some basic Spanish phrases
The staff at hotels and restaurants will speak plenty of English.
But, learning a little bit of Spanish can help you communicate with cab drivers, and other locals who don’t speak much English.
Also, you ARE a visitor in a foreign country.
Trying to learn some basic phrases is a great way to show you appreciate the culture!
10. Leave your heels at home!
Don’t even bother packing them!
The vibe in Tulum is totally beachy, boho-chic, and heels are just going to be too much.
Even for going out at night.
Most of the roads and sidewalks in Tulum are very roughly paved, meaning optimal opportunity for tripping and busting your ass.
(My entire trip, I saw one girl in heels. And between her and the sidewalk, guess who won.)
Opt instead for a loose, flowy outfit paired with a cute sandal.
Read more: What To Pack For Tulum: Complete Tulum Packing List
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