Guide to Tulum
Currency
Exchange - USD is accepted at many hotels and restaurants, but you will do best if you pay in pesos. Make sure you do the currency exchange before you fly out of your airport, and get small bills! ATMs - If you're staying somewhere near the beach (in the zona hotelera, or hotel zone), try to withdraw cash from Tulum Town before heading to your hotel. Many hotels will have an independent ATM on-site, but it will charge you a literal arm for your transaction. In town, you can find banks including Scotiabank and HSBC that have much more reasonable fees. If you're already on the beach and in need of cash, your best option is to head to the supermarket Super Chedraui on the highway leading to town.
Tulum Ruins
This is an obvious choice as it is one of the things Tulum is most known for. The former port city of the Mayan empire is in relatively good condition and situated on tall cliffs overlooking the sea. Go early in the morning (the gates open at 8 am) to avoid the midday heat and watch your step for giant iguanas. If you're willing to pay a little extra, you might even be able to score early entry when no one else is inside. Arrive around sunrise and be ready to bargain with the security guards. The regular entrance fee is around 60 pesos (USD not accepted); guided tours are also available.
Mayan Ruins of Coba
Another impressive archaeological site located roughly 45 minutes from Tulum by car. Buses depart from the main terminal every morning, or you can easily hire a taxi.
Rent a bicycle and enjoy the beachfront
The beaches in Tulum extend for miles and there are endless spots to explore. Most hostels and hotels will offer bike rentals or you can grab one from a shop in town; there is a bike lane along the stretch of highway leading to the beach to help ease your fears if you're not comfortable biking alongside traffic.
Gran Cenote
Cenotes are limestone sinkholes that leave groundwater pools exposed and are often connected by underwater "river" systems. These natural swimming holes are characteristic of the region and have become popular destinations for locals and travelers alike. Gran Cenote is the closest to Tulum and is just a 5-minute cab ride from downtown!
Watch the Sunrise!
The sunrises in Tulum happens anywhere between 6:10 and 7:30 depending on the time of year you visit, making it a perfectly reasonable hour to wake up and start your day! No matter the weather and no matter the beach you choose, you're bound to have a magical view.