Intro
I have been to Tulum twice. Once staying in hotels and once staying at a resort. Both trips were solo, and both showed me very different sides of the same place. Tulum is often talked about in extremes. For me, it has always been about balance. You can keep things simple or make them feel more elevated. You can move slowly or fill your days. You can be social or very much on your own. That flexibility is what makes Tulum work so well for solo female travel. This guide is written from personal experience, not from a checklist of things you are supposed to do. It is meant to help you understand what it actually feels like to travel here alone, how to move around comfortably, where it makes sense to stay, and how to enjoy the experience in a way that feels aligned with you. If you are curious about solo travel, already comfortable traveling alone, or planning your first trip to Tulum on your own, this guide is here to offer clarity, context, and gentle guidance. No pressure. No comparison. Just honest notes from someone who has done it more than once.
Culture and History
**Tulum** is located in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, a region deeply rooted in the history of the Mayan civilization. Long before it became a modern destination, Tulum was a walled Mayan city and an important coastal trading port. Its location allowed it to connect inland communities with maritime trade routes, making it both strategic and culturally significant. The influence of Mayan culture remains very present today. You can see it not only in archaeological sites but also in daily life, language, traditions, and spiritual practices. Many locals still speak Mayan, and elements of ancestral knowledge continue to shape how the land is respected and used. Cenotes play a central role in this cultural landscape. For the Maya, cenotes were sacred spaces believed to be gateways to the underworld and sources of life. Today, they remain places of deep cultural importance, not just swimming spots. Visiting cenotes with awareness and respect adds a meaningful layer to the experience. Nearby sites such as **Chichén Itzá** offer insight into the architectural, astronomical, and spiritual knowledge of the Maya. These sites were not only cities but centers of ceremony, governance, and scientific understanding. Exploring them helps contextualize the region beyond its beaches and jungle landscapes. Modern Tulum blends this ancient history with contemporary influences. Wellness practices such as yoga, meditation, and **Temazcal** ceremonies are rooted in indigenous traditions centered on purification, balance, and connection to nature. While these experiences are now widely offered to visitors, they originate from rituals that have been practiced for generations. Understanding the cultural and historical layers of Tulum encourages a slower and more intentional way of traveling. It invites curiosity, respect, and appreciation for the people and traditions that have shaped the region long before it became a place people came to visit.
How to Get There
I flew into **Cancún International Airport**, which is the main airport used to reach **Tulum**. The distance between Cancún and Tulum is about 120 km, and the drive usually takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Once you land, it is very important to already know how you are getting to Tulum. The airport arrival area is busy, and you will be approached by many people offering transportation. While this is common, it is not something I recommend engaging with, especially when traveling solo. For solo female travelers, transportation should always be booked through a legitimate and reputable company. This means arranging a rental car in advance or booking a private shuttle or transfer before you arrive. Going with random people offering rides at the airport is not worth the risk. On my first trip, my hotel included a complimentary shuttle as part of my package, which made arrival extremely easy. On my second trip, I booked a private transfer directly through **Viator**, and everything was organized, clear, and reliable. Having transportation arranged ahead of time makes a big difference. It removes uncertainty at the airport and allows you to start your trip feeling calm, confident, and taken care of.
Getting Around Town
Getting around **Tulum** is fairly simple, and you have a few easy options depending on where you are staying. Many accommodations offer complimentary bicycles, which is what I used during my stay. Biking is a convenient way to move around, especially for short distances, and it allows you to explore at a relaxed pace while staying connected to your surroundings. Walking is also possible in certain areas, particularly within Tulum town or between nearby spots. It works best during the day and for shorter distances, depending on the location of your accommodation. Taxis are widely available and are often the most practical option for longer distances or evening outings. When using taxis, it is important to choose a reputable taxi company rather than accepting random rides. Having your accommodation call a taxi for you or using a trusted local service helps keep things straightforward and comfortable. Overall, moving around Tulum does not need to feel complicated. Choosing the option that fits your plans for the day and sticking with reliable transportation makes getting around easy and stress free. For day trips and excursions, most organized tours include transportation shuttles as part of the experience. This makes getting to cenotes, ruins, or nearby areas much easier, especially when traveling solo. Having pickup and drop off arranged removes the need to plan additional transport and allows you to focus on the experience itself.
Where to Stay
On my first trip to **Tulum**, I stayed at boutique style hotels rather than a large resort. I chose **Una Vida** and later **Bardo**, which are owned by the same group. They also have a third property, **Milam**. When you book with one of these hotels, you have access to the facilities at all three, which adds a lot of flexibility to your stay. These properties are tucked into a more secluded jungle area and feel very private and intimate. The atmosphere is quiet, tropical, and distinctly boho, which made it especially comfortable for solo travel. Each hotel has one main pool, a small restaurant, and a bar on site, keeping everything low key and easy to navigate. One of my favorite parts of staying here was having a private pool at each hotel. It made the experience feel calm and personal, and it was a really nice way to enjoy time alone without feeling isolated. The overall layout and size of the properties make them feel safe and relaxed rather than busy or overwhelming. Through Bardo, you also have access to **Spa 13**, where I had one of the best massages I have ever experienced. The hotels also offer yoga sessions and Temazcal ceremonies, which fit beautifully with the jungle setting and slower pace of life there. A small detail that really stood out to me was the music by the pool. The playlists are thoughtfully curated and add so much to the atmosphere. It is one of those subtle touches that makes the space feel intentional and memorable. If you are looking for a stay that feels intimate, grounding, and aligned with solo female travel, these boutique hotels offer a very special experience.
On my second trip to **Tulum**, I stayed at **Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club**, an adults only, all inclusive resort located in the heart of Tulum. Like Bardo and Milam, it is an adults only property, but the experience is very different in scale and style. The resort is owned by **Hyatt** and feels polished, spacious, and thoughtfully designed. The rooms are large, bright, and comfortable, with a boho jungle aesthetic that still feels aligned with the Tulum vibe. I stayed in a Preferred swim up room, which gave me direct access to the pool and added a very relaxed, private feel to my stay. One of the benefits of staying here is how much is available on site. There are multiple restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, as well as a full spa, so it is easy to spend days without needing to leave the resort if that feels right for you. The atmosphere is calm, social when you want it to be, and very easy to navigate as a solo traveler. The resort also offers access to **Zamna Beach Club**, with a complimentary shuttle running about every hour. This made beach days effortless and removed the need to plan additional transportation. One of my favorite moments from this stay was booking a floating breakfast in my swim up pool on the first morning. It was such a simple but memorable way to start the trip. Throughout my stay, I also received complimentary bottles of champagne, which added to the feeling of being genuinely taken care of. If you are looking for a solo stay that feels effortless, comfortable, and slightly indulgent, this resort offers a very different but equally enjoyable way to experience Tulum.
Where to Eat
Dining in **Tulum** can feel very personal, especially when you choose places that are calm and thoughtfully designed. During my stay at the boutique hotels, eating on site was one of my favorite parts of the experience. At **Una Vida**, there is a small restaurant called **Ananda**. The menu focuses on fresh, flavorful dishes that feel light and nourishing. It is an easy and comfortable space to dine alone, and you can also order room service from Ananda, which is perfect for quieter evenings or slow mornings by the pool. At **Bardo**, the main restaurant, **Milum** (often referred to as Milum Restaurant), is absolutely stunning. Dining there truly feels like being immersed in the jungle, with warm lighting, natural textures, and a very intentional atmosphere. It is one of those places where eating alone feels natural rather than noticeable. Bardo is also home to **Kinky Room**, a bar known for beautifully crafted cocktails and a relaxed, intimate vibe. It is a great spot to enjoy a drink without pressure, whether you are looking to unwind or simply enjoy the ambiance. Overall, these on site dining options made meals feel easy, comfortable, and enjoyable as a solo traveler, without needing to plan or move around too much. If you feel like exploring beyond the hotel or resort, it is also easy to go out and try more local spots around Tulum. Whether it is a casual café, a neighborhood restaurant, or a small cocktail bar, there are plenty of options if you want to change scenery and experience a different side of **Tulum**, while still choosing places that feel comfortable for solo dining.
At **Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club**, there are plenty of dining options, and everything I tried was consistently good. The variety makes it easy to switch between relaxed meals and more elevated dining without ever feeling repetitive. You will find several cuisines on site, including Asian, French, and Italian options, as well as lighter lunch spots and an international buffet. Whether you want something casual or more refined, there is always something that fits the mood. My personal favorite was **Bluewater Grill**. As someone who loves seafood, this restaurant really stood out. It is an outdoor space set in the woods, surrounded by trees and soft fairy lights. There is gentle smoke drifting through the space, ambient music in the background, and the overall atmosphere feels warm and cinematic. I highly recommend going around sunset, as the transition into the evening makes the experience especially beautiful. Another spot I loved was **Coco Café**, which became my first stop every morning. They make excellent specialty iced coffees, and it was the perfect quiet ritual to start the day. For drinks, there are several options across the resort. **Edgewater** is the pool bar and a great place to grab a casual drink during the day. There is also a sports bar if you are looking for something more lively, and a rooftop bar called **Sky Bar**, where they host foam parties twice a week. It is social but still easy to enjoy at your own pace. There are many more restaurants and bars throughout the resort, and even with a full stay, I did not get to try everything. That alone says a lot about how much variety there is and how effortless dining feels here as a solo traveler.
Things to Do
There is no shortage of activities in **Tulum**, but I will be honest. I enjoyed the places I stayed so much that I did not feel the need to be constantly out exploring. That is one of the things I appreciate most about Tulum. You can be very active, or you can simply let the destination hold you. If you do feel like venturing out, there are some really beautiful experiences worth considering. One unique spot is **Yellow Nest**, a boutique jungle hotel known for its peaceful atmosphere. Even if you are not staying there, you can book a day pass that includes a floating breakfast and access to the property’s amenities for the day. It feels calm, intimate, and very aligned with a slow travel pace. You can also add a cenote tour to the experience, which makes it an easy way to combine relaxation with exploration. If you are staying at **Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club**, booking activities is very straightforward. There is a dedicated area in the lobby where resort staff can help you arrange excursions and tours. This is a great option if you want something organized and easy without planning everything yourself. You can also browse platforms like **Viator** to find guided experiences ranging from cenote visits to cultural tours. Cenotes are one of the highlights of the region. There are many stunning cenotes around Tulum, each with a different feel, from open air pools surrounded by jungle to more enclosed, cave like spaces. Visiting a cenote is a peaceful and refreshing experience, and guided tours make it easy to see a few in one day. If you are interested in history, a day trip to **Chichén Itzá** is a meaningful experience. It is one of the most famous Mayan archaeological sites and gives deeper context to the region’s history and culture. Most people visit with a guided tour, which often includes transportation and additional stops along the way. Another memorable experience is swimming with turtles in **Akumal**. The water there is clear and calm, and seeing turtles in their natural environment is incredibly special. Going with a guide helps protect the wildlife and ensures a respectful experience. For something more immersive and adventurous, the **Xcaret** parks offer full day experiences in the jungle. These parks combine nature, culture, and entertainment, with activities like underground rivers, wildlife encounters, and cultural performances. They are more structured and busy, but still very impressive. Whether you choose to explore every day or stay close to where you are, Tulum allows you to travel at your own rhythm. That flexibility is what made the experience feel so enjoyable and stress free for me.
Stay Safe
Traveling solo in **Tulum** can feel comfortable and enjoyable when you move with awareness and intention. For me, safety here has always been about preparation, boundaries, and choosing ease whenever possible. Having transportation arranged in advance made a big difference, especially on arrival and when moving longer distances. I always prioritized legitimate transportation services, whether through my accommodation, a trusted company, or a booked excursion. This removed unnecessary decision making and helped me feel settled. Where you stay also matters. Choosing accommodations that feel calm, well designed, and easy to navigate helped me relax into the experience. Boutique hotels and resorts with on site amenities meant I did not need to move around constantly unless I wanted to. When exploring, I paid attention to timing and energy. Daytime wandering felt easy and natural, and evenings were more enjoyable when plans were intentional, such as dining on site, taking a taxi arranged by the hotel, or joining an organized activity. Listening to your intuition is key. If something feels off, it is always okay to change plans, leave early, or choose a quieter option. Solo travel does not require pushing through discomfort to prove anything. Overall, Tulum allowed me to travel at my own rhythm. With simple planning and thoughtful choices, staying safe felt like a natural part of the experience rather than something I had to constantly think about. Emergency Contacts and Actions **Emergency Services** Dial **911** in Mexico for police, medical, or fire emergencies. The emergency number is the same nationwide and connects you to local services. **Medical Assistance** If you need non urgent medical care, your hotel or resort can help direct you to a nearby clinic or arrange transportation. Resorts and larger hotels are especially helpful for coordinating care. **Transportation Issues** If you experience an issue with transportation, contact your hotel or the company you booked through. Reputable accommodations and tour platforms can assist quickly if plans change or something feels off. **Hotel Front Desk or Concierge** Keep the contact information for your accommodation easily accessible. Whether you need help with transportation, directions, or local advice, the front desk or concierge is often the fastest and most reliable point of contact. By planning ahead and keeping these contacts in mind, traveling solo in **Tulum** can feel smooth, supported, and stress free, allowing you to focus on enjoying the experience.