Looking for the best Tulum travel tips? As a local Tulum photographer living in the Riviera Maya for over 6 years, I have some local tips meant to help you best navigate your trip to Tulum, Mexico.
Below I’ve put together a Tulum Travel Guide to help you plan your journey in Tulum. Learn where to stay, best things to do and how to get around Tulum, plus details of our photo shoots. This starter guide will help make your time in Tulum extra magical.
Want to learn more about our empowering and once in a lifetime photo shoots in Tulum? The first step to booking your session with us is to schedule a brief phone consultation where I’ll walk you through all of the session day details and so much more. Let’s chat!
Located in the Riviera Maya, Tulum has grown to be the jewel of the Mexican Caribbean. Silky, white, sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and cool, fresh cenotes (freshwater sinkholes) are just a few of the natural sights you will encounter.
Pair those up with the local sights of ancient, Mayan ruins, traditional ceremonies, and temezcales (saunas) and you have a unique cultural adventure. Over the years, I’ve found that the clients who look back on their destination boudoir shoot with the sense that they got the most out of their time abroad are those who had a clear intention going into it. So, before we get into this guide, I encourage you to take a few minutes to ask yourself what you want to get out of your experience in Tulum- we’re here to help you achieve it!
Your Tulum destination boudoir shoot is a powerful time to recharge, step outside of your comfort zone, and explore the abundance that this earth has to offer. I know that planning a trip abroad, especially if you’re traveling solo, can bring up some anxiety so this guide is going to make your job a whole lot
easier. As you are planning out your trip, feel free to ask us any questions that may arise.
Let’s get into the guide…
The Basics of Tulum:
● The Weather: Tulum’s high season is during the fall and winter months, October-February, due to the cooler temperatures and more predictable weather. During the low season, which takes place during the spring and summer months, Tulum has fewer tourist visitors and higher temperatures.
● Airport: Tulum has a gorgeous new airport just 45 minutes from the town center. Many travelers also fly into Cancun, which is 90 minutes from Tulum. There are plenty of bus services, airport taxis, and car rentals that can take you to and from the airport depending on what mode you prefer.
Once you are in Tulum, here are the most common and convenient ways to get around:
Taxis:
This is the most accessible and common way to get around Tulum. The prices can be quite high, however if you prefer the convenience or are in a pinch, it’s a great option to have on hand. Many taxis are cash only and charge anywhere from 250-1000 pesos for a 5-km ride from town to the beach. Make sure you ask your driver the rate before driving off.
Bikes & Scooters:
Many hotels have bike rentals that you can use or there are bike and scooter rental shops around town.
Busses & Shuttles:
This is a great option to use if you want to leave town to visit local
ruins, do any day trips, or visit cenotes.
Car rental:
I highly recommend renting a car if you’ll be in Tulum more than 3 or 4 days. It is by far the most cost-effective way to get around and it gives you much more freedom to explore all that Tulum and the Riviera Maya have to offer.
Where to Stay:
Tulum’s layout essentially separates the hotel zone from the local part of town- with the large majority of Airbnbs being in the center of town and the boutique hotel experience being mostly on the beach. This means that the option you choose should be dependent on the geographical location you want to stay in as well as the accommodation experience you prefer.
The Beach Hotel Zone:
Most of the hotels are located on the beaches with some hostels scattered throughout and many feature spas and yoga centers.
Check out our hotel recommendations in Tulum.
The In-Town Airbnb Zone:
Airbnb’s in Tulum tend to be more cost-effective and offer
a private, boutique experience.
Search Airbnb for a villa that fits your needs in La Veleta or Aldea Zama, the most popular residential areas of Tulum.
Things to do in Tulum:
Cenotes:
Cenotes are freshwater (or mixed fresh and saltwater) sinkholes in the limestone foundation of the Yucatan Peninsula. These water holes are full of minerals and were sacred to the ancient Mayans for their healing abilities. It is said that they create an underground network of connecting rivers under the entire peninsula which is a cave diver’s dream.
Beach Clubs:
Tulum’s beach clubs are an experience not to be missed! There is something for everyone, from chill boho vibes at Nomade or Habitas, to a daytime party vibe at Taboo or Tantra. Some of my personal favorites to hang out include Maxanab, Hotelito Azul and Lula.
Tulum & Coba Ruins:
There are so many pre-Hispanic sites, as well as countless historical and natural wonders to be seen. Tulum has it’s own seaside ruins to explore and I definitely recommend! Coba is another amazing archeological site, and being less than 1 hour from Tulum, is well worth the trip. Coba is located deep in the jungle and is a great place to walk through as you explore all the ancient structures. It is quite impressive!
Yoga Classes:
Tulum and yoga, unofficially go hand-in-hand. Can you really come to Tulum without taking a yoga class overlooking the Caribbean sea? I guess you can, but I don’t recommend it;) Try a class in one of Tulum’s many yoga shalas, offered at places like Ikal, Holistika and Nomade.
Your Boudoir Session in Tulum:
It’s the day! You have been waiting for this day for a while now but what will it entail? Your boudoir experience in Tulum will last for approximately 4 hours from start to finish- including hair and makeup styling and the photo shoot itself.
The morning of your photo shoot:
Come to your session wearing something cozy and relaxed – like a sundress or leggings and a t-shirt. Be sure to pack your session bag with your 3 outfits before we arrive to style you so we’re ready to roll once you’ve been glammed!
On the day of your shoot, we’ll pick you up at your hotel and will transport you to our private villa in town. This is where we’ll do our hair and makeup styling. We’ll get settled in and then chat about the look you’d like. Whatever it is, we will make your vision come to life. You’ll find yourself relaxing into your chair and settling into your experience with ease as we all enjoy ladies’ time and getting to know each other better prior to shooting.
The photo shoot:
The boudoir experience starts by me giving you some helpful tips about breathing and posture. I’ll then instruct you into each pose, physically demonstrating each one for you so you never have to wonder if you’re doing it right! Every inch of you will be adjusted to produce stunning images in camera. With over 10 years of experience in posing and lighting, you can rest assured you are being photographed from all the best angles. Relax, remember to breathe (I’ll keep reminding you;) and enjoy this once in a lifetime photo shoot experience in the paradise of Tulum!
Ready to book your Tulum photo shoot with us? Reserve a call to learn more and to grab your date on the calendar: