Tulum town vs beach
Tulum has two distinct areas: Tulum Pueblo (the affordable town) and Tulum Beach (the boho hotel strip on the coast). Pueblo is a third of the price.
Ruins
Get there at 8am opening to avoid the cruise ship crowds. Allow 1.5 hours. Combine with a swim at the small beach below the ruins.
Cenotes
Gran Cenote, Cenote Calavera and Dos Ojos are the most famous. Bring water shoes and a snorkel mask.
Eating in Tulum
Tulum has some of the best (and most expensive) restaurants in Mexico. Hartwood and Arca are world-famous but require reservations weeks ahead.
Sargassum
Tulum gets sargassum from May to October. Hotels usually clean their stretch but the smell can linger.