Categoría FAQ: About Tulum

Yes, Tulum has a tipping culture. In restaurants, it’s customary to tip 10-20% of the bill. For hotels, tip $1-2 USD per bag for bellhops and $2-5 USD per day for housekeeping. In taxis, it’s common to round up the fare or tip 10%. For tour guides, a tip of 10-20% of the tour cost is appreciated.

Cancun International Airport is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Tulum. The drive usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Tulum Airport, also known as Tulum National Park Airport, is much closer, being just a few kilometers away from the main areas of Tulum. However, it is a smaller airport primarily for charter flights and private jets, not commercial flights.

You can get groceries in Tulum from several places:

1. Chedraui: A large supermarket offering a wide variety of groceries, household items, and even clothing.
2. Super Aki: A more budget-friendly supermarket with a good selection of groceries and essentials.
3. AhorraMás: Another local supermarket that provides basic groceries and daily necessities.
4. Local Markets: Such as Tulum Market, where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and local produce.
5. Organic Stores: Like Gypsea Market and The Real Coconut for organic and health food options.

These options cover a range of needs from basic groceries to specialty and organic items.

The currency used in Tulum is the Mexican Peso (MXN). However, U.S. dollars are widely accepted in many tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. It’s still a good idea to have some pesos on hand for smaller businesses, local markets, and transportation.

Aldea Zama is great for families and long-term stays, providing a peaceful environment close to both the town and the beach. La Veleta is trendy and modern, suited for digital nomads and young professionals with new developments and trendy cafes. Tankah Bay is best for couples and those seeking seclusion, featuring private villas and quiet beaches. Soliman Bay is excellent for families and groups, offering private retreats with beautiful coral reefs and snorkeling opportunities.

No, it is not necessary to speak Spanish to visit Tulum. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Most hotels, restaurants, and tour operators have English-speaking staff. Basic Spanish phrases can be helpful. Locals are generally friendly and accommodating to non-Spanish speakers.

Yes, Tulum is generally safe to visit. Stick to tourist areas. Avoid walking alone at night. Keep an eye on valuables. Use official taxis and reputable rentals. Drink bottled water. Be cautious during hurricane season. Enjoy the friendly local community and visible police presence.

To move around Tulum, you can rent bicycles for about $8 to $10 per day, which is great for short distances and beach visits. Scooters and motorbikes are faster and cost around $25 to $30 per day, suitable for visiting cenotes and ruins. Taxis are convenient for quick transport, with short trips costing around $5 and longer trips up to $15. Colectivos (shared vans) are an affordable option, costing between $1 to $3 per ride, ideal for traveling to nearby towns. Rental cars offer the most flexibility for about $30 to $50 per day, perfect for day trips to remote areas. Walking is free and excellent for exploring the town center, while public buses cost around $2 to $5 and are best for longer trips to cities like Cancun or Playa del Carmen. For longer distances going to Bacalar or Chichen Itza, you also have ADO buses all day long.

Tulum enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with distinct dry and wet seasons:

Dry Season (November to April)

• Temperatures: Daytime highs around 27°C to 29°C (81°F to 84°F).
• Rainfall: Low rainfall, particularly dry in November and March.
• Sunshine: Plenty of sunshine, 8-10 hours per day.

Wet Season (May to October)

• Temperatures: Daytime highs around 29°C to 33°C (84°F to 91°F).
• Rainfall: High rainfall, especially in September and October.
• Sunshine: Still significant sunshine, around 7-8 hours per day.
• Hurricanes: Season runs from June to November, peak risk in September and October