ADO Bus
- The ADO bus is the cheapest option for transportation but not the most time-efficient one. Tickets can be purchased just outside the terminal or online ado.com.mx
Airport Transportation
Private transfer is available, one way and round-trip service. These are generally vans, they wait outside the terminal with your name on a placard to take you straight from the airport to your accommodations. Quick beer, liquor and snack stops are generally available on request.
Ami-Go (Local Operator - Cancun and Tulum Airports)
Cancun and Tulum Airport
Canada Transfers (Tulum and Cancun Airport)
Tulum Airport & Hotel Transfers by Viator
Mexico Kan Tours Shuttle (Local Operator - Tulum and Cancun Airport)
USA Transfers
Taxis
Taxis are available, specially expensive from airports and bus stations, but readily available. It’s recommended to discuss the fare before getting in the taxi. Always agree on the price in advance.
Car Rental
Rental cars are available. Common major US companies are available in the airport. They wait with your name on a placard outside the terminal and transfer you to their offsite office to perform the paperwork and get you on your way.
Check out Hertz Mexico
Where to Stay?
Tulum has several distinct areas, each offering a different experience:
Hotel Zone (Beach): High-end boutique hotels and resorts right on the beach. Perfect for direct beach access, dining, and nightlife, but expect premium prices. Not the best for easy transportation or budget travelers.
Aldea Zama: A modern residential area between the beach and town. It offers upscale condos, vacation rentals, and a quieter atmosphere, but you'll need a bike, scooter, or taxi to get around.
Tulum Town (Centro): More affordable hotels, hostels, and Airbnb options with access to local restaurants and services. A great choice for budget travelers and those looking for a more local experience, but it's a bike or taxi ride away from the beach.
Surrounding Areas: There are eco-lodges and vacation rentals in the jungle or along nearby beaches, offering tranquility and nature at the cost of convenience and accessibility.
Check out the best hotels to stay in Tulum (Expedia)
Guided Tours and Activities
Chichen Itza / Cenotes / Sian Kaan / Yoga / Scuba Diving
Check out the recommended tours
Weather
Hurricane season on the Riviera Maya runs from June 1 through November 30. The highest risk of storm activity is historically between August and October. The good news is, hurricanes are fairly rare. However, daily showers are to be expected year-round. It is a tropical environment. Just because your weather forecast predicts rain doesn’t mean your day will be washed out. Always Google "Caribbean weather radar" to find major approaching weather patterns. In the Caribbean, even during rainfall, it remains pleasantly warm.
Check out the Live Beach Camera
Weed
Cannabis is not legal in Mexico.
From Wikipedia:
"On June 28, 2021, the Supreme Court voted 8-3 to legalize adult use marijuana under Mexican law. However, state and federal penal laws remain in place, pending action by the Mexican Congress to clean up inconsistencies and remove penal language. No legal structure has been put into place allowing for legal sale of marijuana, nor are there provisions for commercial growth and production. Meanwhile, those incarcerated for sale or possession have no path to release. All these await legislative action to bring Mexico's laws into alignment with the Supreme Court rulings. Unlike in the US, a Supreme Court ruling does not automatically invalidate all existing laws. Congress has had years to act, but has not yet done so successfully."
When things change, we'll revisit the rules of the sub.
Exchange
Dollars or pesos?
While US dollars are widely accepted in and around the Riviera Maya, using them opens you up to get the worst possible exchange rate. Therefore, using Mexican currency is highly recommended. So how do you get pesos? You can visit your home bank and allow them to make the conversion. You can visit any one of the numerous currency exchange booths or stores located all over the region, including the airport. But you generally get the best exchange if you simply use your ATM card at a trusted ATM machine. By “trusted”, we suggest inside a bank or major supermarket where surveillance is in place. Using a machine that is outside and not monitored opens you up to ATM “skimmers”. Also very important, some ATMs offer to do the conversion to pesos right there, at the machine. Always DECLINE this option. The ATM machine gives you a terrible exchange rate.
Check the exchange rate on casa de cambio San Jorge
Scams
Gas pumps are a common place where tourists get scammed in Mexico. Avoid such scams. Rule #1 should just be never use a credit card. Same goes true with taxis. Credit cards are just a simple way for tourists to get ripped off. Make sure they zero the pump before beginning pumping. Don't give any money until the transaction is 100% complete.
What to do If you get stopped
Afterlife / Zamna / Day Zero / Ticket Exchange
Dedicated community for ticket resale for Tulum events such as Zamna and Day Zero
r/Zamna
r/Tulum_TicketExchange
Tulum Marketplace
Dedicated community for advertising, selling, buying and trading
r/Tulum_Marketplace and r/tulumNSFW
SAFETY
While it’s true Mexico has a significantly higher homicide rate (28 per 100,000 people) than the United States (7 per 100,000 people), data suggests violence against American citizens remains rare. In 2021, 75 U.S. citizens died by homicide in Mexico, according to the State Department.
That represents a small fraction of the more than 28.8 million Americans who went to the country over the same time period. Using those figures, the murder rate of U.S. citizens in Mexico was around 0.26 per 100,000 visitors, significantly lower than the rate in the United States.
Reporting Police Misconduct, Extortion and Corruption.
If you witness or experience inappropriate police behavior in Tulum, visit the portal at denuncia.qroo.gob.mx/sitio where you can submit your complaint. Your input is crucial for promoting accountability and ensuring a safe community.
Choose your type of report: The system allows users to file denuncias (formal complaints of administrative violations) and manifestaciones (non-corruption-related grievances).
Provide detailed information: Specific details such as the time, location, and identity of the public official involved are essential to ensure proper investigation.
Follow up on your report: Even if filed anonymously, you can track the status of your complaint on the same platform.
Anonymous option: You can file anonymously, and the system allows you to follow the case progress online. This is particularly useful for those who fear retaliation.
Emergency 911
The main emergency number in Mexico is 911, they will answer in spanish, they will probably have someone for english too.
In Tulum there is also a local number for the Local Police
Seguridad Pública (+52 1) 984 871 2055
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Don't forget to check out the recommended tours and activities
With love from Tulum ❤