
How to Plan a Trip

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Tulum has been getting quite a bit of hype lately as the perfect place to work from (or not work from) during these challenging and confusing times. And for a good reason! Whether you’re looking for to travel with a friend or some Tulum solo travel, it’s a perfect destination for many. From turquoise waters and art exhibits in the jungle to some of the best dining options in the world, it’s hard not to love this slice of paradise. Yes, I’ll be the first to admit that Tulum has become quite commercialized over the years, and I’ve seen those changes first hand over my many visits. But it is definitely still worth a visit in my opinion!
If you’ve landed on this post you’re probably thinking about visiting Tulum, Mexico as your next solo travel destination? Or maybe you want to visit Tulum but have no one to go with. The good news is that I highly recommend Tulum as one of the best solo travel destinations. The following Tulum solo travel guide will cover everything you need to know to book that next adventure. And if you do, make sure to send me all the beautiful pics!
There are so many factors to consider when choosing a destination for your next (or first) solo female adventure including cost, safety, and the ability to mingle with other solo travelers. If you’ve never solo traveled before you may want to start with my top tips for solo female travel, and of course my guide to smart solo travel safety tips. Here are a few other guides I recommend:
As far as female travel, and solo female travel specifically, is concerned, I personally felt super safe throughout my solo trip to Tulum, Mexico. Tulum is located on the Yucatan peninsula. While travel safety in certain parts of Mexico is questionable, Tulum and the Yucatan Peninsula are well-known as a safe and beautiful destination. Tulum is quickly becoming one of Mexico’s trendiest destinations, known for their bohemian beach vibes, yoga retreats, and delicious healthy cuisine.
However, no matter where in the world you’re traveling, you’re going to want to follow my smart solo female traveler safety tips. There are plenty of ways to keep yourself safe as a solo traveler in Tulum, and still have a great time. It is important to do your research in advance, so that you understand these nuances and can have a great trip. Based on my own travels and experiences, I feel that Tulum solo travel can be safe, as long as you are taking the right safety measures. I have solo traveled in Tulum before, and plan to do so again in the future!
Here are a few high level tips for staying safe as a solo female traveler in Tulum, or anywhere else in the world.
As for the safety of traveling alone in Tulum, as long as you are taking the necessary precautions, you can have a super fun and safe solo adventure!
The closest airport to Tulum, Mexico is the Cancun International Airport, which is located approximately an hour and a half away. You have a number of options to get to Tulum from Cancun Airport, including by bus, private car service, or taxi. The easiest and fastest is definitely by car, but the ADO bus is a super easy option, and a safe option for solo travelers. A one-way ticket to Tulum from the airport on the ADO bus costs just $10 USD and takes about two hours. Note, you may need to transfer in Playa del Carmen. I have put together a full guide on how to get to Tulum from Cancun airport.
You can easily find direct flights to Cancun from cities all over the US, as well as from Central America. I found that it is super easy to find affordable direct flights from New York, Miami, Chicago and more, on airlines such as JetBlue, Delta, and United.
Direct flights from NYC to Cancun are just under four hours, while flights from Miami are under two hours. Be flexible with your dates to find the best flight deals.
I think it’s easy to assume that traveling alone is lonely, but that honestly couldn’t be further from the truth. Solo travel involves a great deal of alone time – but that’s not the same as loneliness. On the contrary, as a woman traveling alone, I also keep quite busy and I regularly meet new people. In fact, I’ve met some of my closest friends while on solo travel trips (and my boyfriend). Sometimes it can even be difficult to find a bit of alone time! Of course, this is totally going to depend on what type of trip you’re looking for.
So how do you make new friends when traveling solo?
Hostels are probably the best place to meet other young, solo travelers in Tulum, or really anywhere in the world. If you’re new to solo travel you might be wondering, what the heck is a hostel? A hostel is a budget hotel where you can share a room with other solo travelers. These range from 4-bed dorm rooms to 22-bed dorm rooms. These are usually bunk beds, but it totally depends on the hostel. You can often choose between female-only dorms or mixed dorms as well. Not all hostels are the same, so I’ve written a full guide on how to choose the best hostel for solo travel. Personally, I always look for hostels that have a common area and free activities for socializing, but not necessarily a party hostel.
If hostels don’t sound like your thing for your Tulum solo travel adventure, that’s totally fine! If you’re still looking to meet new people then I recommend booking a tour or class! This is a great way to have your privacy, while still meeting new people with similar interests.
Another option? Use your online community to meet new people in your destination. As a travel blogger and content creator, I was able to reach out to other content creators who were visiting Tulum at the same time. You can even look at recent location tags on Instagram to figure this out! Or just invite me on your next trip – I’m a great travel buddy 🙂
When deciding where to stay in Tulum, it’s good to understand that there are two distinct areas in Tulum: Zona Hotelera (the beach area) and Tulum Pueblo (the city center). Typically the hotels and hostels in the center are going to be a lot cheaper, while beachfront properties can easily start at $300 night and go way up. Most hostels are located in the city center.
Una Vida is a great, moderately priced accommodation option in Tulum. Located in Tulum center, Una Vida has a large, Instagrammable pool, minimalist decor, and a great location for exploring the city. Prices start around $90 USD/night.
Be Tulum is one of the top hotels in Tulum, but with it comes a steep price tag. A night at Be Tulum averages close to $1,000 USD/night, for what will definitely be an unforgettable experience.
Everything about Nomade is perfect, from the decor to their various restaurants. Not to mention, your room will be only steps from the beach! Rooms typically range from between $300 USD – $700 USD per night.
Azulik is a luxury, eco-friendly haven. With no wifi or electricity, this hotel boasts some of the most interesting looking rooms. Whether you stay here as a guest, or stop by for a meal, Azulik should definitely be added to your Tulum itinerary.
Amorcito Corazon Hotel y Hostel
The rooms are clean and the staff is super friendly and helpful. The property has both a downstairs common area and a rooftop with a small pool. Dorm beds start at $16 USD/night, while private rooms start at $50 USD/night, making it a great option for anyone traveling to Tulum solo or on a budget. Breakfast is included in the price of the room. Note, dorm rooms may not currently be available.
Mama’s Home hostel is a great option if you’re traveling solo and looking for a more social atmosphere. Dorm beds start at $16 per night and private rooms start around $65/night.
Although I haven’t personally stayed at Che Hostel, I have heard absolutely amazing things. Dorm bed start at $9 per night. It is an awesome place to meet other solo travelers in Tulum, plus there is a pool.
Although I have not personally stayed at an AirBnB in Tulum, there are plenty of great options. This is a good choice if you’re not looking to splurge on a hotel, but are craving a bit of privacy.
Packing for Tulum is relatively easy, as you’ll be spending a good amount of time on the beach during your Tulum solo travel. However you’ll also want to bring some nicer outfits, as Tulum has quite the dinner and bar scene. Here are a few items you shouldn’t forget:
The Coba Mayan Ruins are located 44 kilometers and approximately 40 minute drive from Tulum city center by car. You can also take the ADO bus to reach the ruins.
The cost to enter the ruins is 75 Mexican Pesos, or approximately $3.50 USD. Once in the park, you can choose to get around by walking, by bike, or driven around on the back of a bike.
If you’re looking to visit the ruins with a group, I recommend checking out to see if there are any hostel arranged tours to the ruins. You can also find some group tours online.
Azulik Uh May is an interactive art installation in the middle of the jungle that is completely free to visit. Need I say more? But seriously, whether you’re enjoying Tulum solo travel or visiting with friends, Azulik Uh May should definitely be on your Tulum itinerary.
The exhibit is located about 35 mins from Tulum city center. You will need a taxi or private car to reach.
Note: Cameras and shoes are not allowed within the exhibit. However, you’re free to take photos with your phone.
If you’re visiting Tulum, you’re probably interested in some serious beach time. Luckily Tulum has tons of beautiful beaches to enjoy. There are a mix of public and private beaches, however many of the private beaches will get you hang out if you purchase food or drink.
One of my favorite experiences in Tulum was taking a yoga class, whether that is beachfront yoga at Sanara or in the epic yoga studio at Azulik. No matter which of the many yoga studios in Tulum you choose, they are all great ways to meet like-minded solo travelers.
There are tons of cenotes in and around the Tulum area that should most definitely be included on your Tulum solo travel guide.
You might be wondering, what the heck are cenotes? Cenotes are natural sinkholes that have formed by cave ceilings collapsing, creating epic swimming spots. There are also tons of diving options in the Tulum area. I don’t personally have any experience diving, but here is a comprehensive article on everything you need to know about diving in Tulum.
Here are a few of the most popular cenotes:
Also, a less popular option is Cenote Choo Ha. This is located just outside of the Coba ruins, so you can easily visit both in one day.
From restaurants to bars, there is quite the vibrant nightlife scene in Tulum. You won’t find the clubs or crazy parties of nearby Playa del Carmen or Tulum, but you will find plenty of great spots to enjoy good food and drinks!
As a solo female traveler, please make sure to always be mindful of what and how much you are drinking. When possible, befriend other travelers who you trust, but of course always make sure that you can rely on your own judgement to keep yourself safe. This includes:
You could spend a week just dining at all of the best restaurants in Tulum. Plus, I swear Tulum has the most Instagrammable spots, and this includes their cute cafes and restaurants.
Both the beach strip and Tulum town are super walkable, but if you are trying to get between the two I recommend biking. It is a super cheap, easy, and active way to get around Tulum on a budget. If you’re traveling to one of the nearby cities, or from Cancun airport to Tulum, the ADO bus is an easy option for solo travelers visiting Tulum.
Taxis in Tulum can be quite pricey, so it is important to make sure that you are getting the right price! In some areas, unofficial taxis may have rigged meters that lead to a huge charge. For this reason, I typically prefer to negotiate the price ahead of time.
On my recent trip to Tulum, I had a great experience with a local taxi driver, Juan de la Cruz. You can trust that he will provide a reasonable rate and a safe ride. You can reach Juan on WhatsApp at +52 984 137 7794. Note, Juan does not speak any English so all communications will need to be in Spanish.
By far by favorite way to get around Tulum is bike. Not only does it give you tons of flexibility, but it is also a great option if you are visiting Tulum on a budget. If you’re staying in the city center, it takes anywhere from 20-40 minutes to reach the beach resorts and restaurants in the hotel zone. There is a bike path along the main road 109. If you’re biking in Tulum, make sure to be careful of traffic!
Exploring Tulum? Here are some other articles to check out: