Tulum is located south of Cancun on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico's state of Quintana Roo. The entire Tulum area has a population of only 15,000 and the official languages are Spanish and Maya. Tulum is rich with history, eco-parks, pristine white sand beaches, turquoise Caribbean waters, and emerald green jungles.

Tulum is generally thought of as having three distinct regions. Tulum archaeological site on the cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea are a popular tourist destination and were one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya; the Tulum beaches which are dotted with spas, eco-hotels as well as rustic cabana accommodations; and the Tulum pueblo which is a growing town now with a variety of restaurants, bars, internet cafes, stores, economical hotels, tour operators, yoga studios and a gym. Tulum pueblo offers a Bohemian charm and an ease that Playa del Carmen has since outgrown... you won't find cruise ships docking along the Tulum beaches.

The distance between the town of Tulum and the beach is about 3 miles... for some, an easy bike ride along a new bicycle, running and walking path. Or take a taxi for about $60-80 pesos. Tulum is bicycle friendly and bike rental is available in Tulum by the day or by the week.

Tulum pueblo's Casa de la Cultura de Tulum has a variety of activities and classes for adults and for children, including arts and crafts, folkloric dance, flamenco dance, capoeira, salsa, children's ballet, music lessons, martial arts, yoga, zumba, aerobics, and more. These classes should work well around your schedule at Instituto Chac-Mool Spanish School. To see a current schedule and join a class just go to the Casa de la Cultura. The fee is about 50 pesos per class or 400 pesos monthly.

The coral reef offshore from Tulum helps keep the waters calm for swimmers and is the second largest in the world after the famous Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Swim from the beach for great snorkeling, or take an organized snorkel or scuba dive tour. Puntas del Quebrado is closest to the shore with a depth of about four meters, large tropical fish are visible. La Piscina is the area where the sea water blends with fresh water flowing in from underground rivers, also a great snorkel or dive spot.

Sea Turtle's come to lay their eggs on the Tulum beach each May through October making after dark also a popular time to visit the beach.

In addition to learning Spanish at Instituto Chac-Mool Spanish School, Tulum, Akumal, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen offer a variety of sights, outdoor activities and fabulous beaches. We've added links about the area to the right of this text.

Town of Tulum Hotels, Hostels, Small Rentals, B&Bs

Note: please do your own homework, we are not recommending these properties, instead we are trying to provide a list of what we've found online. Most rates are for single and double occupancy (confirm rate with property owner) and some include breakfast and wifi. If you favor sustainable travel and green living we invite you to Google for accommodations as they are available in the eco-friendly Tulum area. Rates below in US$ are for low season unless otherwise noted, please confirm rate and walking distance to our school with property owner.

El Jardín de Frida 3 minutes walk to school. The lower rate stated is for low season of May-Nov, higher rate is for Nov-May. Private rooms are $500-600 pesos per night. One bedroom studios from $700-800. Dorms $150-200 pesos. Owner Rafael is giving Chac-Mool students discounts based on length of stay ~ ask when reserving!

Hotel La Mariposa: small hotel with apartments, suites, bedrooms 5 minutes from the school. Starting at ~ $55/night. April-May discount, 6th night free including continental breakfast.

Mama's Home begins at $11/night per person for dorm room beds. Email mamashometulum@hotmail.com

Hostel Sheck begins at $11/night for dorm rooms.

Hostel Chalupa begins at $11/night for dorm rooms plus watch for specials on their website. Pool.

Calm Cabins Tulum private rooms begins at $25/night.

Tulum Hostel begins at $20/night with breakfast.

Casa del Sol Hostel email for rates.

Email Mr. Tulum for small affordable options, including a new efficiency apartment.

Pierre's Bed and Breakfast: Outside of the pueblo about a 10 minute walk. ~$33/night, ~$580/month.

Villa Chicaña - Villa Piepis: One bedroom, sleeps 3. Take a bike to school. ~$393/week.

Luna Llena Hotel : Rooms begin at ~$55/night including full gourmet breakfast. Pool.

Aerolito Bed & Breakfast: (original mayan cabin). Outdoor kitchen ~$44/night.

Secret Garden Hotel rates begin ~$40/night. Some with kitchenettes.

Villa ZenaLiza B&B and villa rooms from ~$400/week. Air conditioning.

Hotel Latino rooms from ~$50/night. Pool.

Posada 2 Amigos rooms from ~$50/night. Pool.

Green Tulum check for rates online. Pool.

Rancho Tranquilo Hostel and Cabañas: we are told ~$600/pesos night with breakfast, slightly higher for cabañas. Email them to verify. Communal kitchen.

Posasa Malix Pek: "The Rooms" starting at ~ $50/night for two.

Casa Savila (Aloe House): Attached row house starting at ~ $55/night, ask about long term rates.

Xibalba Hotel & Dive Shop rates begin at ~$315/week. Pool.

Maison Tulum: Rates begin ~$60/night, check their specials

Lo Nuestro Petit Hotel: haven't found a website for this hotel, but can be reserved through LocoGringo. Rates begin ~$60/night.

Uolis Nah Superior apartments (some with air conditioning) from ~$63/night. Pool.

Posada 06 Tulum rooms from ~$65/night. Pool.

Hotel Nadet rooms from ~$65/night. Ask about monthly rates.

Villas H20 their triple room starting at ~$95/night. 5 minute walk to school. Pool.

La Rosa dei Venti: ~$70/night. One bedroom, one bath apartment.

Stone Tree Little Ceynot Cottage: ~$71/night. Studios with kitchens.

Hotel Kin Ha: website starts with a blast of music ~$70/night.

Posada Luna del Sur: bed and breakfast, room with refrigerator. Kitchen use available. ~ $70/night.

Hotel Don Diego de la Selva rooms from ~$75/night. Pool. 3 minute walk to school.

Posada Yum Kin Hotel: rates begin at ~$65/night. Pool.

Casa Scirocco: rates begin at ~$90/night for 1 or 2 and $100 for 3 persons.

Teetotum Hotel: rates begin at ~$90/night. Plunge pool. 20 minutes by their free bikes to the beach and 10 minutes to Instituto Chac-Mool Spanish School.

Villas Geminis Condo Hotel rent by the night beginning at ~$95/night for a two bedroom condo. Special until the end of June at $65 1BR condo and $90 2BR condo, plus 14% tax. Pool. 5 minute bike ride to school. 10% discount to Chac-Mool students.

Gardenias Tulum Hotel: rates begin at ~$99/night. Private chef services available.

Residences Kohunlich Condo Hotel: email from their website for rates.

More Tulum Town Vacation Rentals

Note: please do your own homework, we are not recommending these rentals, but can tell you they are convenient to Instituto Chac-Mool Spanish School Tulum. We've estimated the walking distance to the school but please verify with the property owner. If they are unsure of our location, tell them just up the street from El Camello, Jr. restaurant, or across from Hotel Posada Don Diego de la Selva. Rates in US$ are for low season unless otherwise noted, please confirm rate with property owner.

Tulum Apartment: 1 bedroom apartment in a private house for 3 max. Begins at ~$350/week. a/c. ~20 min walk.

Spacious Condo: 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo with pool, a/c, wifi, begins a ~$400/week. 3 min. walk to school.

Posada Malix Pek Apartments: with kitchenette, living room with sofa bed, wifi, tv begins around $70/night for 4 persons. a/c. ~12 minute walk.

Villa Clarita: apartment for two, wifi, tv, a/c, pool, begins around $100/night. ~15 minute walk?

Divine Condo: two bedrooms, wifi, tv, a/c, pool, begins around $65/night. (according to their map, right by our school, please verify)

Condo Apartment for 2 to 6: 2 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bath with pool. ~$75/night for two, ~$100 for four, ~$130 for six. ~10 min. walk.

Stone Tree Little Ceynot: 5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, Capacity: 14 but you can rent a portion of the home. Soak pool. Begins at ~$900/week. Cottage at ~$500/wk.

Stone-built Home and Cottage: 3br/2ba House + 2 Cottage units can be rented separately. a/c extra cost. Pool. ~$500-$2000/week.

Villa Nah Pakkia: Vacation villa community 3 minute walk to school. Pool. Wifi. ~$500-$2000/week. (ask about air conditioning).

Caax: suite with kitchenette for 4 people in Posada Yum Kin. a/c. Pool. Begins at ~$690/week. 15-20 min. walk to school.

Villas Geminis Condo: 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo with pool begins at ~$700/week. a/c. 5 minute bike ride to school. Ask about Chac-Mool student discounts.

Blueberry Condohotel: 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom luxury condo. Pool. a/c. Begins at ~$500/week. ~12 min. walk to school.

New Tulum Townhome: 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhome. Sleeps 8. With pool, a/c, begins at ~$750/week. ~10 min. walk to school.

Tulum Townhome: 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhome. Sleeps 5. With pool, wifi, bikes begins at ~$795/week. ~10 min. walk to school.

Casa Ik, Casa Viento: House begins at $1050/week, Bungalow begins at ~$770/week. (not sure of location)

Casa Quatro: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms in gated community. a/c, Pool. Begins at ~$800/week. (not sure of location)

Modern Home: 2 bedroom sleeps six, with pool, a/c. ~$875/week. ~7 min. walk to school.

Tulum Townhome: 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms with private courtyard. Pool, a/c. Begins at ~$886/week. ~10 min. walk to school.

Casa Maya: a gated community with pool, a/c, 2 bedrooms begins at ~$995/week. ~10 min. walk to school.

Condominium White: modern and upscale villa, 2 bedrooms, a/c, pool, begins at ~$1000/week. ~5 min. walk to school.

Villa Primer Amor: condo with pool, a/c, sleeps 4-6 ~$1000/week. (not sure of location)

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Some Beach & Ocean front Options (ride a bike or taxi to school)

Hotels located on the beach and closest to the town of Tulum include: Mezzanine, Diamonte K, La Vita e Bella, Papaya Playa. You can see more hotels in this area listed on tulummaps.com.