Inside a cenote near Tulum with turquoise water and light beams

Tulum Vista

Your Insider Guide to Tulum

Skip the tourist traps and influencer recommendations. This is real advice from someone who owns property here — the stuff we tell friends when they visit.

Why Our Guides Are Different

We own property here

Not travel bloggers who visited once. We've dealt with the construction noise, the power outages, the seaweed seasons.

No sponsorships

We don't get paid to recommend anything. If we say skip a beach club, it's because it's not worth your money.

Updated for 2026

Tulum changes fast. These guides reflect what's actually happening now, not what was true in 2019.

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Where to Stay in Tulum

The honest guide to Tulum neighborhoods. Aldea Zama vs. La Veleta vs. Hotel Zone vs. Pueblo — which is actually right for you? We cover the real tradeoffs, the areas to avoid, and where we chose to buy.

📖 12 min read • Updated Feb 2026

Quick Tips

🚲 Rent a bike

Best way to get around. $10-15/day, $50-80/week.

💵 Bring cash

Many places are cash-only. ATMs charge 5-10% fees.

🌊 Check seaweed

Sargassum varies by season. Worst April-August.

📱 Get a local SIM

Telcel has best coverage. ~$15 for 5GB at OXXO.

🚰 Don't drink tap

Stick to bottled or filtered. Most rentals have purified.

☀️ Sunscreen matters

UV is intense. Reef-safe required at cenotes.

All Guides

Is Tulum Safe?

The honest answer — official advisories, real risks, 2026 security updates, and practical safety tips.

Best Time to Visit Tulum

Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, seaweed, and prices. When to go and when to skip.

Where to Stay in Tulum

The honest guide to Tulum neighborhoods — Aldea Zama, La Veleta, Hotel Zone, and more. Which is right for you?

Digital Nomad Guide

WiFi speeds, coworking spaces, cost of living — everything remote workers need to know.

Best Cenotes Near Tulum

Which ones are worth the trip, which are tourist traps, and how to beat the crowds.

Getting Around Tulum

Bikes, taxis, the Maya Train, and airport transfers — the complete transportation guide.

Tulum Beach Clubs

Where to actually relax vs. where to be seen. Honest reviews, no sponsorships.

Restaurant Guide

From $2 street tacos to $200 tasting menus — our honest picks across every budget.

Local Knowledge

Best Time to Visit

Nov-April: Dry season, perfect weather, higher prices
May-June: Shoulder season, great value, less crowded
July-Oct: Hot, occasional rain, cheapest rates
Avoid: Spring break (March) unless you love crowds

Getting Here

Cancun (CUN): Main airport, 1.5-2hr drive to Tulum
Tulum Airport (TQO): New, limited flights, 15min to town
ADO Bus: $15-20 from Cancun, comfortable, 2.5hrs
Private transfer: $80-120, door-to-door, worth it

Stay With Us

We own a condo in Aldea Zama — private pool, beach shuttle, the works. Book direct and save 15% vs. Airbnb.