GAY TULUM
Tulum, just 40 minutes’ drive from nearby Playa del Carmen is located at the end of the Riviera Maya. The Riviera is a stunning stretch of coastline that runs from 10 miles south of Cancun, includes the beach town of Playa del Carmen and finishes 75 miles later at Tulum.
Tulum is surrounded by beautiful lush jungles and magical freshwater cenotes. It is also home to some stunning hotels, authentic restaurants and cool cocktail hang-outs. With soft sandy beaches, perfect weather and crystal-clear waters, it is easy to get lost in this Mexican paradise.
Tulum is roughly divided into 2 main areas: the pueblo (downtown) and the playa (beach), about 5 km apart from one another. There is no electrical grid reaching the beach zone, which means there hotels are independently owned or belong to small, high-quality, local chains – cozy by necessity because they are all solar-powered or run by small generators
Tulum has several beautiful villas by the beach and in the town. They are finished to a very high standard and some even offer a full time chef! The villas are great for special occasions or for groups seeking affordable 5 star luxury.
GAY AND GAY-FRIENDLY BARS IN TULUM
Tulum Gay Scene
Tulum is a laid-back laissez-faire destination with a live-and-let-live attitude. The scene is definitely gay-friendly, less circuit-party and more afternoon T-dance.
Tulum is safe, friendly and runs on its own time. No rushing or watches necessary.
The town attracts visitors from around the world, from expat hippies to hipsters. No matter where you visit, you will find a warm welcome from both locals and fellow chilled travellers.
Tulum Gay Friendly Bars
- Gitano has a laid-back ambiance and great outdoor seating with a great cocktail menu. Order some Mezcal or Mexican Gin.
- Try some expertly made cocktails at Casa Jaguar, where they combine Mezcal with hibiscus, cinnamon, and orange.
- Todos Santos has great service, excellent music and in a stylish location.
- Visit Batey, ( look out for the brightly painted old Beetle parked outside) a downtown bar that specializes in mojitos made with local fruit, pressed as you watch.
GAY AND GAY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS IN TULUM
You will find Tulum’s best restaurants in the Pueblo and Middle Beach Zone. The Pueblo has more authentic, affordable restaurants, while the Middle Beach Zone has more chic, upscale eateries. Most restaurants in the beach zones are on the jungle side of the road with outdoor seating.
- Visit Tunich for some great all day brunch including chilaquiles and eggs benedict.
- Try the ceviche and seafood at El Camello
- Dine out at Los Aguachiles. Try their los figurines (lettuce wraps with fresh seafood) and aguachidos, an extra-spicy northern take on ceviche with cucumber, pickled red onion, purple cabbage, and a habanero salsa that the menu says is “grate for killing a hangover.”
- Try Posada Margherita a fabulous beachside Italian restaurant with freshly prepared pastas and pizzas.
- Hartwood is solar powered and candle lit with a first served policy and a daily changing menu that runs out quickly!
- Try MEZE is a stylish Greek taverna specializing in meze plates (the Greek version of tapas) and creative cocktails.
- Arca is in the Middle Beach zone and serves flame cooked Maya-Mexican dishes and is open Tuesday to Sunday. Reservations are recommended. Cash only..
- Clan Destino, also in the Middle Beach zone is built around a private cenote in the jungle and serves delicious burgers and classic cocktails.
- Wild is a chic jungle dining experience offering gourmet Mexican dishes. Great for a special occasion.
- Meat lovers will adore Casa Banana with the best steak in town and must-try homemade chorizo.
TULUM BEACHES
Tulum is blessed with truly amazing beaches with white powdery sands and azure waters. The beaches are great for swimming as Tulum is protected against the rough seas from the nearby Island of Cozumel. The beach is further divided into about 4 areas.
- North beach zone is a quiet, romantic area with great hotels and restaurants near the ancient Maya ruins.
- The beach town is at the centre, busy with shops, restaurants and hotels.
- The middle beach zone has luxury hotels and great nightlife option while the South Beach zone is more relaxed and home to luxury hotels and yoga retreats.
Playa Ruinas
One of the most-photographed beaches in the Americas, this beach is home to the clifftop Castillo, built as a watchtower in the 13th century. It has become the third most-visited archaeological site in Mexico after Teotihuacan and Chichén Itzá. The beach itself however is quiet and relaxed.
Santa Fe
The Santa Fe beach can be found 5 minutes from the Mayan Ruins and is the prefect place for an afternoon of sunbathing.
Playa Paraiso
This beach is aptly named and lives up to its reputation. The beach is surrounded by looming palm trees and rugged cliffs. The beach is large, so even when it gets busy, there is plenty of space, and if you are feeling peckish, head to some of the great seafront restaurants for food and cocktails.
South Beach
For a truly luxurious beach experience, rent a cabana at Casa Malca or Nest’s beach clubs (reservations recommended). For a more low key beach experience, visit Om or Maalix’s Beach Clubs.
Middle Beach Zone
This is the liveliest beachfront in Tulum lined with hotels, restaurants, shops and bars. The beach is long and full of uninterrupted sugary white sand. Try Cocos beach club for a lively vibe and hip sun lounger neighbours!
Beaches Beyond Tulum
Akumal Beach is just a 30 minute drive from central Tulum. It has everything you need for a beach-day escape with plenty of restaurants, bars and sun loungers to rent.
Those looking for a more relaxed retreat should head to “Secret Beach” a secluded spot located deep in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve. It takes about an hour to reach by bike!
TULUM TOP PICKS FOR ADVENTURE
Even though Tulum is small, it packs in many sights to see! There is way more to do in Tulum than the nearby hotspots of Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
- Tulum’s main attraction, the beach, is separated from downtown by a short drive or a long walk, so rent a bike for a few days while you are there.
- Dive into the Gran Cenote, one of the most beautiful freshwater cenotes with clear waters, perfect for snorkelling. Calavera and Carwash are also worth a visit.
- Take a day trip to Akumal, where you can snorkel with the Turtles,
- No trip to Tulum is complete without a visit to the Mayan Ruins, perched high on a cliff with sweeping vistas.
- Explore the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which translates to ‘where the sky is born” and explore its virgin beaches and natural wonders.
- Take your tastebuds on a journey through Mexico’s most renowned artisanal spirit: Mezcal!
- Have fun at the Xel-Ha eco adventure park. Jump off the Cliff of Courage, explore ruins, zip line through the jungle or relax in a hammock.
GETTING AROUND TULUM
Tulum Zones
Tulum consists of three zones: Tulum Pueblo, the town center where you can find numerous restaurants; Zona Hotelera, the hotel zone near most of the beaches; and the Tulum Ruins, home to many of the area’s old Mayan structures.
From the Airport
The nearest airport to Tulum is Cancun (CUN). Tulum is located approximately 81 miles [131 km] from Cancun. Yellow Transfers operates a bus from Cancun International Airport to Tulum ADO Terminal Autobuses every 30 minutes. A taxi will cos around EUR 80 and will take approximately one and a half hours.
Rent a car in Tulum
Renting a car is easy and many hotels allow you to park. You can rent at Cancun airport and take a quick safe ride down the main highway. If you arrive in Cancun at a busy time of the day you can take shared shuttle service or hire a private car
Getting Around
The best way to get around Tulum is by taxi. You can walk or bike to the beaches, to the ruins and to Tulum Pueblo. You can rent a car in Cancún or Playa del Carmen.
BEST TIME TO VISIT TULUM
- The three-month stretch from end of October to December is the best time to visit, when hurricane season is over and the weather is warm but not oppressively hot.
- Tulum’s rainiest months are June, September, and October. Avoid September and October, the rainiest months.
- January through March see the biggest wave of tourists, so avoid that time if you’re not a fan of crowds.
