Blending the jungle and the coast, with a hefty slice of ruins thrown in, Tulum is a popular destination on the Mayan Riviera.
Though the city centre is right off the highway, you won’t notice that as you stroll along the powdery white sands or swim in the cool waters of an underground cenote. You’ve also got some stunning nature reserves within a stone’s throw of Tulum.
With everything going on in this charming part of the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll need somewhere to stay. Rather than going for bland hotels or hostels, take a look at vacation rentals in Tulum. Not only do they offer excellent value for money, but style and character that can take your vacation to the next level.
With that in mind, I’ve put together this list of the best Airbnbs in Tulum. Not only that, I’ve included my favourite Airbnb Experiences in Tulum too. Let’s take a closer look!
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Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Tulum
Casa La Vie Boheme
- > $$
- > 3 Guests
- > Central location
- > Shared garden with hammocks
La Paloma Cozy Studio
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Central location
- > Built in kitchenette
Villa Steps from the Beach
- > $$$$$
- > 13 Guests
- > Open concept living space
- > Steps from the beach
Los Amigos Tulum – Studio Sol
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Rooftop pool with daybed
- > Private bathroom
Quiet and Sexy Loft Casa Macarena
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Dedicated workspace
- > External bathtub and hammock
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Tulum
As you might expect in one of the most popular travel destinations in Mexico, there’s a lot of choices when it comes to accommodation in Tulum.
Prices, in general, are higher than in nearby Playa del Carmen, but you should still find the cost of travel pretty manageable here. What you’ll get depends on your budget. At the lower end of the scale you can get a cabana or a bed and breakfast, while loosening the purse strings could see you get a swanky boutique hotel or a villa.
When it comes to properties, there’s a mix of local and professional business accommodation. The larger and more expensive the property, the more likely it is to be managed by a professional lettings company. Either way, you’ll be able to get the inside info on what to do off-the-beaten-track in Tulum!
If you were travelling in the Rocky Mountains or a similar location, you’d assume a cabin to be a wooden building that’s warm and cosy, maybe with a log fire. However, you don’t need that in Tulum. A cabin here means a cabana – in other words, a beach (or jungle) hut!
Yes, I know. You came to Airbnb to avoid hotels in Tulum. However, boutique hotels aren’t your average grey and drab hotels that you find in every city. These independent properties are often labours of love, with their owners wanting to give the best hospitality, and offer a comfortable and welcome place to stay.
Whether you’re travelling as part of a large group or you just want a luxury experience, check out villas in Tulum. These delightful properties are mostly situated just outside the centre of the town, giving you the chance to soak up the peace and tranquility of the jungle or the beach.
The Top 15 Airbnbs in Tulum
Now you know what to expect and why you should stay in a vacation rental in Tulum, let’s get to the part you’ve been waiting for. Here are the overall 15 best Airbnbs in Tulum. I’m sure you’re going to love them!
Casa La Vie Boheme | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Tulum
Located one minute from Downtown Tulum, but feeling a million miles away in the jungle, is this cute little Airbnb in Tulum.
The open concept apartment is in an authentic Mayan building and you’ve got a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and living space, as well as your bed. The outdoor shared garden includes a hammock where you can lie back and enjoy peace and quiet!
La Paloma Cozy Studio | Best Budget Airbnb in Tulum
Usually, the cheapest Airbnbs in Tulum would be a homestay. However, Tulum offers some pretty cool private flats at bargain-basement prices. This flat is ideal for a couple and you’ll have your own private bathroom, as well as a double bed.
It’s just a block from the main strip, but if you’re hoping to save some more cash, you could always just cook in your built-in kitchenette before exploring Tulum and the surrounding local area!
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View on Osprey View on REIVilla Steps from the Beach | Over the Top Luxury Airbnb in Tulum
Airbnb Luxe properties are the most luxurious and beautiful on the platform, and this beachfront villa is no exception! It’s not really clear where the inside and outside end, and the versatile living spaces make it easier to appreciate your natural surroundings no matter where you are in the house.
Not only can you relax around the tranquil pool or in the outside cabana next to the beach, but there’s a balcony in nearly every room. The biggest danger with this house is that you’ll not leave any time aside to explore Tulum and its surroundings!
Los Amigos Tulum – Studio Sol | Perfect Airbnb for Solo Travellers
Travelling solo? A friendly boutique hotel might be the best way to make some friends and treat yourself. Especially if you’ve been travelling solo for a long time!
At this gorgeous studio in Los Amigos Tulum, you’ll have access to a private rooftop plunge pool with a daybed, a great spot to meet other travellers. It’s also close to the restaurants and bars in the centre, meaning you’ll never feel like you’re on your own!
Quiet and Sexy Loft Casa Macarena | Perfect Airbnb for Digital Nomads
Another boutique hotel for you now. Tulum is a popular location for digital nomads thanks to its excellent weather and reasonable cost of living. This boutique hotel offers digital nomads the opportunity to work in comfort and socialise with others, without being in a noisy and rowdy setting.
When it’s time to close your laptop for the day, you can chill out in a hammock or lower yourself into the outdoor garden tub with a cocktail!
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It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Tulum
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Tulum!
La Petite Bang Bao & Spa | Best Short Term Rental for Couples
Looking for your own private slice of paradise with your other half? Then I have found the place for you! This private villa is perfect for couples, thanks to a king bed and your very own private pool.
Of course, there are also sun loungers for two, a table where you can enjoy a drink, and a hammock which is probably big enough for you to cosy up together!
Relaxing Family Villa | Best Airbnb in Tulum for Families
This uniquely designed, entire serviced apartment home in the Tulum is perfect for families. There is space for up to six guests across three bedrooms, and there is a huge open plan living and dining area that opens up onto a terrace with its own private pool.
Every room in this home speaks of luxury, with floor to ceiling windows, a fully equipped kitchen with breakfast bar, cozy dining area and balconies overlooking the Tulum jungle.
It’s in a quiet location, just a short drive to Tulum beach, as well as the centre’s restaurants and shops, but you will not be disturbed while you’re here. Just perfect for family time.
Jungle Lodge at Nahouse | Best Cabin in Tulum
Some cabins you’ll find at Tulum beach, others in the jungle. This comfortable jungle lodge is surrounded by the rainforest and allows you to immerse yourself in nature.
While it’s minimalist, you also get a luxury feeling as there’s lots of space and light in this beautiful property. There’s a swimming pool which you can cool off in after a busy day of exploring Tulum’s ruins!
Penthouse w/ Hot Tub & Pool | Best Boutique Hotel in Tulum
With a roof terrace with a private pool and hot tub, there are much worse places to be than this downtown Tulum penthouse in a boutique hotel.
The apartment comes with two bedrooms, one with a king-size bed and the other with two double beds. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen that opens up to a spacious living area and patio doors to the outside.
This is the perfect little hideaway in Tulum for a large group or family. Plus, you’re within walking distance of the town centre, perfect for when you want to get a bite to eat.
Majestic Villa with Private Parking | Best Villa in Tulum
With room for up to seven guests, this isn’t the biggest villa but it’s more than adequate for a group of family or friends. It really has local flavour, with Mayan handicrafts and furniture making up the majority of the decor.
As well as the beautiful design flourishes, you have integral stuff like a swimming pool and a fully equipped kitchen. This is a really beautiful villa!
Villa Vidrio by Los Amigos | Most Unique Airbnb in Tulum
Looking for an Airbnb in Tulum that will take your breath away? The ultramodern Villa Vidrio should see to that. The stunning villa lets in lots of space and light and even has trees growing through the roof!
You’ve also got an infinity pool which is the ideal place to start off your day. The outdoor spaces are quite special too.
Lux Jungle Penthouse | Best Airbnb with a View in Tulum
It’s not hard to find Airbnbs with roof terraces in Tulum, but one with a view this spectacular is a little trickier to find.
Overlooking Tulum’s ruins and the jungle, the rooftop terrace at this jungle penthouse is truly incredible. You can either relax in a swinging chair or join the inflatable flamingos in the infinity pool. An unforgettable view!
Oceanfront Villa with 5 Bedrooms | Most Beautiful Airbnb in Tulum
Part of what makes this Airbnb so beautiful is that view. You’re right on the shore of the Caribbean Sea, with nothing but white sands, palm trees, and a huge expanse of turquoise stretching out in front of you.
Once you get inside the villa, it’s pretty gorgeous too. Whether you’re in the infinity pool or the open plan living area!
Chic Stunning Poolside Casa | Best Airbnb Plus in Tulum
Airbnb Plus properties are hand-picked thanks to their high review scores and attentive hosts. With an innovative open-plan home by the pool, you’re sure to love this villa for up to seven people.
It has two private rooftop patios and or you can spend your days lazing around the tropical garden or in the private pool. If you want to try traditional local food without having to going far, you’re within walking distance of the town centre.
Encanto Azul with Swim-up Bar | Best Airbnb in Tulum for a Group of Friends
When travelling with friends, it’s important to have somewhere that you’ll enjoy spending time together. And what could be better than a pool with a swim-up bar?!
Enjoy a beer or a tequila and catch up with friends you haven’t seen for a while before retiring to your own luxury apartment which has enough space for up to eight. If you want to get out and explore the local area, there are free bikes included!
Airbnb Experiences
Do you fancy a day trip to go with that nice little apartment?!
Airbnb Experiences is a feature offered by Airbnb that allows hosts to offer unique, curated activities to guests – or to anyone who’s interested in, even if they’re not staying at an Airbnb property. These experiences can range from cooking classes and guided tours to art workshops, outdoor adventures, and more.
Airbnb Experiences was created to offer travellers a deeper connection with a destination by offering truly unique experiences, all led by locals who are both knowledgeable and passionate about their city.
Some personal highlights of my Airbnb Experiences include a tapas bar-crawl in Granada, a Samurai workshop in Kyoto, and a graffiti spotting bike ride around Bogota.
FAQs About Tulum Airbnbs
Here’s what people usually ask me about vacation rentals in Tulum.
What To Pack For Tulum
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Tulum Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Tulum Airbnbs
Well, there you have it. Those are the 15 best Airbnbs in Tulum! Whether you want to stay in a penthouse overlooking the jungle, a beachfront cabana, or a luxurious private villa, there’s an Airbnb in Tulum for you. I hope you like the Airbnb Experiences too!
What’s that? You still can’t make your mind up?! That’s understandable. I’d recommend keeping it simple and going for my overall favourite Airbnb in Tulum. That’s Casa La Vie Boheme. It’s a cool example of traditional Mayan architecture!
I hope that wherever you choose to stay, you have a fantastic vacation in Tulum. After booking your accommodation, be sure to check out World Nomads for the best travel insurance policy for you too. It’s the easiest way to keep yourself and your belongings safe!
- Check out our Backpacking Mexico guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Tulum guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of Mexico.
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