Gay Tulum Guide
Gay Tulum was a holiday-spot for the Mayan Kings, the original sun worshipers and their legacy can still be viewed today, right on the beach.
The Tulum Ruins, one of the most visited in Mexico.
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.
Note as of December 2023, Tulum has its one International airport, with direct flights from major hubs and more to come. Previously visitors arrived via Cancun Airport.
Table of Contents
Where to Stay in Gay Tulum?
Tulum is full of independent charming boutique hotels offering beach side luxury with an relaxed vibe, embracing the natural beauty of the surrounding jungle.
The Hotel Jashita, one of many small boutique hotels by the beach in Tulum.
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
Book very early for the best hotels on the Tulum beach. Six months in advance is good, nine months is better.
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. Check out our top 10 villa guide to Tulum!
Recommended Hotels in Gay Tulum
Allow yourself the opportunity to enjoy. Enjoy happiness, rays of the sun, a beautiful beach and breath-taking views. Relish great service in a stunning, luxurious hotel. Mezzanine offers you that Mexican vacation you’ve been waiting for.
Tulum’s Best Boutique Hotel on the Beach – La Valise is the perfect beach and jungle getaway with its beautiful rooms and stunning beachfront views it makes for the most picturesque stay on the beach in Tulum. Heated infinity pool overlooking the jungle on one end and breath-taking views of the Caribbean ocean on the other side. Beds directly on the beach for lounging in the day or laying beneath the stars at night.
This hotel is located in The Pueblo. This neighborhood has a local vibe, boutique hotels and located about a 15 min bike ride to the beaches.
Eleven separate and independent Villas, with jungle and garden views. Among tall trees, dream catchers and locally sourced handcrafts, with a zen like pool and common area, Una Vida is a fit for families, friends and couples looking for a quiet, fun and chic atmosphere to spend time together.
Gay Map of Tulum
Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila, Zona Hotelera Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Featuring free WiFi, a spa centre and an outdoor pool, Maria Del Mar Tulum offers accommodation in Tulum, 5 km from Archeological Site. The hotel has a year-round outdoor pool, a private beach area, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant.
Certain units feature views of the sea or pool. Rooms have a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hair dryer.
The best hotel in Tulum!
Allow yourself the opportunity to enjoy. Enjoy happiness, rays of the sun, a beautiful beach and breathtaking views. Experience authentic Thai and delicious beach food prepared by our award-winning chef. Lose yourself while enjoying the view of the Caribbean Sea. Feel the fresh water and the warm sand beneath your feet as you experience one of the best beaches on the Yucatan Penninsula. Relish great service in a stunning, luxurious hotel. Mezzanine offers you that Mexican vacation you’ve been waiting for.
Our favourite place to stay in The Pueblo.
Located in the jungle side of Tulum, apart from the busy areas and into the quietness of the forest. Designed and built by young professionals inspired by the beauty of the surrounding nature. Just a couple blocks from centre town, great restaurants and bars.
Eleven separate and independent Villas, with jungle and garden views. Among tall trees, dream catchers and locally sourced handcrafts, with a zen like pool and common area
Great beach side boutique option.
Tulum’s Best Boutique Hotel on the Beach – La Valise is the perfect beach and jungle getaway with its beautiful rooms and stunning beachfront views it makes for the most picturesque stay on the beach in Tulum. Heated infinity pool overlooking the jungle on one end and breathtaking views of the Caribbean ocean on the other side. Beds directly on the beach for lounging in the day or laying beneath the stars at night.
All rooms have handcrafted furnishings, free Wi-Fi, safes, and tea and coffee making facilities. Rustic jungle bungalows have open-air showers, and terraces with jungle views. Airy seafront rooms include en-suite bathrooms and hammocks.
Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila, Zona Hotelera Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Featuring free WiFi, a spa centre and an outdoor pool, Maria Del Mar Tulum offers accommodation in Tulum, 5 km from Archeological Site. The hotel has a year-round outdoor pool, a private beach area, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant.
Certain units feature views of the sea or pool. Rooms have a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hair dryer.
Calle Palenque esq. Calle Xel Ha, 77760 Tulum, Mexico
Set 5 km from Tulum Archeological Site, Yaakunah Tulum Home offers an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.
The villa provides guests with a patio, pool views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and a fridge, and a private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer. An oven, a stovetop and toaster are also offered, as well as a coffee machine.
Calle 4 bis Sur, 77780 Tulum, Mexico
Gorgeous villa with private pool and gym within the calm Tulum's neighborhood of Holistika. 2 minutes driving from downtown and 15 mins from the beach. The house counts with 3 bedrooms with bathrooms and a common area with two single beds. One king bedroom, one queen bedroom, a two double bed bedroom and the two single in the common space.
The villa is fully equipped and includes daily basic housekeeping service. Free parking in the street, bicycles available to rent and kids entertainments.
Calle Gama Ote., Tulum Centro, Col Huracanes, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Grand Balam Plaza offers accommodation with a garden, a terrace Each unit is fitted with air conditioning, private bathroom and a kitchen including a fridge, oven, stove top and a toaster. There is a seating and a dining area in all units. Free WiFi
Calle Chichen Itza, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
All units feature a seating area. Some units have a dining area and/or terrace. There is also a kitchen, equipped with an oven and microwave. A fridge and coffee machine are also provided. There is a private bathroom shower in every unit. Towels are offered.
Manzana 923 lote 01-15 Harmony, Tulum City Centre, 77780 Tulum, Mexico
Casa Nova Retreat offers outdoor swimming pool, a garden, free WiFi, and free private parking The air-conditioned villa consists of 3 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and a coffee machine, and 4 bathrooms with a shower
Palenque, La Veleta, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Yaakunah Tulum Home offers an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The villa provides guests with a patio, pool views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom
Fun beach club with music all day.
Welcome to Ziggy’s! Our Beach Club is open every day from 9am to sunset. Sunbeds and palm trees will await you to guarantee for your maximum comfort and enjoyment in a natural atmosphere, not to mention the excellent service and personal attention that has made Ziggy’s Beach Club extremely popular!
Relaxed beach. Great views.
Great Beach, home to the famous Ruins.
Carretera Tulum-Boca paila km 7.6 77780 Tulum, Quintana Roo México
Our food is micro-seasonal and is a current representation of the flora and fauna around us. We have created the dishes to be in tune with our roots and traditions, with bold and explosive flavors. Open-fire cooking is integral to our menu, which is composed of small plates intended to be shared, a way of eating that is inherent in Mexican culture.
Authentic Mexican dishes.
Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km 7.3 S/N 77780 Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Greetk Tapas... just sublime!
MEZE is our Aegean kitchen centered around a sharing concept of simple food cooked in our open kitchen.
Located in a white hacienda nestled in the jungle of Tulum Beach Road, MEZE is inspired by the serenity of Hydra, Mykonos and Aegean Islands.
Carretera Tulum Boca Paila 77760 Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Arrive early if you want a table!
Throughout the week, we travel hours into the interior of the Yucatan to markets and farms where we collect ingredients that allow us to offer our customer a new and exciting taste of a community that has existed for centuries. All of these aspects come together each day and allow for a humble way of cooking within an environment that we are truly grateful to be a part of.
All cooking is done by open fire within our hand made wood burning oven and grill. Every single ingredient that we touch is deeply rooted within Mundo Maya. We use only sustainable fishing methods to ensure a thriving and healthy aquatic life.
Km. 4.5, Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila, Tulum, 77780 Tulum, Q.R.
On the beach dining at its best.
We have been perfecting our little piece of Italy here in Tulum for almost 20 years. As with everything else here, tradition guides the care we take with every element of the dining experience. Our pasta is made from scratch the moment you order, no sooner. The creation of pizza oven and dough recipe were overseen by true Italian craftsmen. The recipes for our homemade gelatos are also traditional, with some flavors inspired by our local environment.
Chetumal-Cancun MZA 40 LTE 1, Centro, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Great Mexican Dishes! right off the beach
Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila, KM 5.5, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
All Day Brunch! Jungle Cabanas & Restaurant
A mix of Local and Western Cuisine with a Vibe that will remind you of Home
Popular bar, mixed crowd.
Excellent atmosphere, delicious food, unique and delicious mojitos, live music, nice place
77760, Tulum Centro, 77769 Tulum, QR, Mexico
Get ready to enjoy and vibrate to the rhythm of the music and the best gay atmosphere in a red room, where sensuality and good cocktails would be our best ally
calle Orion sur y Andromeda ote Esquina, Tulum Centro, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
La Guardia - Gay friendly bar with a Spanish vibe, located downtown, popular with gay locals. Live jazz bands and cosy vibe. We love "Anything goes" Sunday!
KM 7.5, Av. Boca Paila, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Laid back atmosphere, delicious cocktail combos! (Mixed)
Thursdays are our famous Jungle Parties in the back of our venue! We have had artists from all around the world play live hybrid sets, Dj sets, and more! We recently had the likes of Simple Symmetry, Jenia Tarsol, Argenis Brito, Zombies in Miami, Shiro Schwarz, Rayko…. Casa jaguar is a multi faceted venue.
We are known for our music events and special curation of national and international talent, keeping the essence of old Tulum alive. We continue to be a bohemian gathering space for artists, musicians and designers.
Tuesdays we celebrate love through music. Our todos santos after dinner party turns into a cocktail party under the stars.
Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila km 4.2, Zona Hotelera Tulum, Zona Costera, 77780 Q.R., Mexico
Restaurant, bar & lounge set in a private beach cove serving lunch, sunset cocktails and dinner
Great cocktails, amazing views.
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
- La Guardia – Gay friendly bar with a Spanish vibe, located downtown, popular with gay locals. Live jazz bands and cosy vibe. We love “Anything goes” Sunday!
- 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 specialises in mojitos made with local fruit, pressed as you watch.
Gay Party
- Fruity Tulum Party – Pop up party happening every few weeks. Fruity organize events in different locations in Tulum town. All are welcome. Events are posted on instagram.
Gay Friendy 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 egges 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.
Credit Card V Cash? How to pay.
Most restaurants and bars, even the pricy ones, are cash only. You can pay in either Mexican pesos or U.S. dollars, but the exchange rate works in your favour if you pay in pesos. Thankfully, there are plenty of ATMs around—just make sure that the one you’re at dispenses local currency.
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. Book a hotel near here!
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. Stay close to Playa Paraiso.
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 things to See and do!
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.
Tulum Airport
- The new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO) in Tulum, Mexico recently opened on December 1, 2023.
- The airport is expected to become the second busiest airport in the region after Cancun International Airport.
- Airlines servicing the new Tulum Airport include American, United, Delta, Aeromexico, VivaAerobus, and more.
- The airport is located 12 miles inland south of the center of Tulum, making it more convenient for travelers to access Tulum’s attractions and resorts.
- Transportation options from the Tulum Airport include taxis, rental cars, private car transfers, and ADO buses.
Cancun Airport
Another nearby 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.
Gay Tulum – When to visit?
- Tulum’s rainiest months are June, September, and October. avoid September and October, the rainiest months.
- 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.
- January through March see the biggest wave of tourists, so avoid that time if you’re not a fan of crowds.
Tulum Villas
Villa Guacamaya
10 guests · 4 bedrooms · 6 beds · 4.5 baths
Gorgeous villa with private pool and gym within the calm Tulum’s neighborhood of Holistika. 2 minutes driving from downtown and 15 mins from the beach.
Yaakunah Tulum Home
7 guests · 3 bedrooms · 4 beds · 3 baths
Set 5 km from Tulum Archeological Site, Yaakunah Tulum Home offers an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.
Discover the top 10 Villas in Tulum!
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