Tulum Festivals Season: Best Parties & What to Do Beyond the Dance Floor

/ Central America, Destinations, Mexico, Tulum / By
X presents Adriatique at Zamna festival Tulum

Table of Contents

Tulum Festivals Season: Best Parties, Local Tips & What to Do Beyond the Dance Floor

Tulum festivals have become a magnet for party lovers, spiritual seekers, and—yes—plenty of influencers. You get the vibe as soon as you land at the lush jungle airport. Even the immigration queue is dotted with designer sunglasses and dangling crystal necklaces.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best of Tulum’s music festivals, how to avoid tourist traps, and the hidden gems worth exploring once you’ve danced your heart out. I stayed in Tulum for almost a month while working as a digital nomad when I fell in love with the place. You’ve probably heard that Tulum is very expensive, however, there are many affordable activities you can do, which I’ll explain later.

If you’re not that interested in parties, then I would recommend going to Bacalar which is quieter but stunning. Read my guide here about Bacalar. Tulum does offer a host of other activities other than parties, as I’ll explain later. I’d recommend travelling via the newly built Tren Maya allowing you to effortlessly travel through the region as I explain in depth here.

X presents Adriatique at Zamna festival Tulum

🎧 Best Tulum Festivals To Catch

Let’s get to the important bit, the Tulum’s festivals for you party lovers. I managed to do a few festivals when I was in Tulum with a wide range of venues with their own unique style.

The festival I liked the best was X presents Adriatique. I entered the festival early. It was great to get a feel for the place while there is still light, and you’ll skip the long queues. I didn’t leave until 10am, so you have plenty of time to party! Each festival has their own unique ambience so worth checking out before going to the stages. The organisation was great and managed to get into the festival very quickly with no dramas. The stages and general show were fantastic. Watching the sun set, sun rise was a bonus and something I will remember for a long time.  

What you have probably heard is correct, the drinks are expensive. Every half an hour I had to top up my wrist band because I had burned through my cash. I’d recommend bringing some water in a bag as it gets hot and you’ll avoid paying an extortionate amount at the bar. 

Given how big the parties were in Tulum I needed to take a day or two off to take stock. Later in this article I’ll give my favourite non-party activities on my ‘rest days’. 

To see the latest news on the upcoming festivals in Tulum, visits the official website.  

Zamna Festival

Vibe: Started in 2017, Zamna has rapidly expanded to become Tulum’s most iconic party. Hosted in a jungle cenote Cenote Dos Osos, or Cenote Zamna, it’s a sensory overload of lasers, mist, and global electronic headliners. Expect a boutique-meets-big-room energy. Now the event attracts party lovers from 110 countries.  

When: 31st December 2025 to 11th January 2026.

Where: Jungle cenote Cenote Dos Osos, or Cenote Zamna

Tickets: $250 ($450 for VIP) for a 3 day multi pass🎟️ Book Zamna tickets here.

Event List of Zamna – Tulum’s Biggest Festival

The 2026 Tulum festivals Zamna calendar has not been released yet, however, it is expected to be very similar to 2025. To give you an idea of the unbelievable options you have, the full list from 2025 is here.

Date

Zamna Festival Tulum

Main Artists

Price ($)

31 December

Upperground

ARBAT

250

2 January

Another Dimension

Boris Brejcha 

220

2 January

Metamorfosi

Boris Brejcha

220

3 January

Experts Only

Joseph Capriati

220

4 January

Afterlife

Tale of Us & Kevin de Vries

140 (discount multi-day pass)

6 January

Afterlife

Tale of Us & Anyma

140 (discount multi-day pass)

7 January

Saga

Bedouin

220

7 January

ANTS

Adam Beyer

120

8 January

Phase One

Tiësto

280

10 January

Keinemusik Tulum

Keinemusik

240

12 January

X

Adriatique

220

12 January

Time Machine

Agents of Time

120

16 January

Time Machine

Agents of Time

120

19 January

Gates of Agartha

Jamie Jones & BLOND:ISH

140

📝 Pro Tip: I’d recommend going to the more niche Tulum festivals ANTS & X. These were my favourite! Afterlife is the biggest event however it fell short of my expectation. Make sure you book early as these festivals sell out fast. 

Countdown To The Next Zamna Party
Days
Hours
Minutes
The wait is over. Enjoy the event!

Day Zero Festival

Vibe: Curated by Damian Lazarus in 2012, Day Zero is like Burning Man meets the Yucatán jungle. Afro house, tribal vibes, and world-class sound in a magical setting for electronic music. Sharing space between the ancient world and modern mankind. They have quite a big sustainability focus and are working towards being a fully sustainable event. There are 6 cameras and a drone, plus 7 directional mics set up around the main stage to create an epic experience.

When: 10th January, 2026.

Where: Go to the Day Zero official website. 

Price: c.$280 standard.

Tickets: 🎟️ See the latest listings on the official website or check out Residential Advisor.

Top Tips For Going To Tulum Festivals

Get in early. Enjoy the unique atmosphere that is cultivated in the festival.

I arrived at the festival by taxi and avoided the peak waiting times. Everyone will be travelling to Zamna or Day Zero at the same time so I would prearrange a pickup
here. Leaving the festival was challenging for me so try and get one for the way back if you know what time you’ll leave.  

There are shuttle services which can be booked through the ticket providers. The travel depends on where you are staying. The main town area in Tulum is 15 – 20 minutes drive. 

These are my top recommended purchases for the festival to ensure your comfort and enjoyment are maximised:

  • 🎧 Earplugs are essential as it is very loud and you don’t want. I’d recommend purchasing these earplugs.
  • 🐜 The mosquitos are savage in the jungle. Do your skin a favour and look cool with repellent wristbands.
  • 🍶 You’ll be sweating a lot in the heat so take a flask (maybe add alcohol to avoid the drink costs).
  • 📲 You’ll be at the festival for a long time – I would recommend the Baseus portable phone charger which has excellent battery life.
  • 🧥 The Anyoo waterproof poncho never let’s me down. It is worth bringing in case it rains. You’re in the jungle after all!

The festivals are very busy. Pick a location where your friends can rendezvous. You may have difficulty getting your data to work with so many people in one place. 

📝 Pro Tip: Do not use ATM machines on the side of the road. They can be fake and scam you. Instead, find a building which has an ATM machine inside.

Make sure you bring cash to the festival in case you need a taxi – some taxis only accept cash. 

How To Look Cool At Tulum Festivals

Let face it, going to a festival in Tulum there are going to be a lot of show boater. My advice it buy into it. Think post-apocalyptic Ibiza meets Mayan mysticism, with a splash of glitter and heat-resistant minimalism. 

Here are my favourite Tulum specific festival clothing and accessory ideas:

📝 Pro Tip: Stay groovy out there!

🎯 When To Visit Tulum Festivals for Party Season

Have you notices something? That’s right, most of the parties are December/January. Hence why I arrived in December aka “peak party season”. People like me got wind of the hype around Tulum festivals this time of year and had to experience it for myself. 

However, after 10th January everything is cheaper, accommodation, food, excursions, you name it, they see you coming. In addition, I noticed the festivals became less busy.  This suited me to the ground because I didn’t have to rub shoulder to shoulder with some dude who is sweating profusely. Plus, you’re not able to show off your new dance moves. 

For me there was a sweet spot from 10th January for a couple of weeks where you get the best of everything. Furthermore, hotel and excursions are far less expensive when it’s not that close to New Year.

📝 Pro Tip: Going to Tulum after 10th January is a great shout. You’ll miss the jacked up peak season prices and be able to still see world class DJs.

Chichen Itza, Mexico
Kaua Tulum

🧭 Things To Do in Tulum (Besides Festivals)

If you’re not that interest in Tulum’s festivals or if you need one of those detox days, then there is so much to do in Tulum besides festivals. Tulum has you covered. Here were some of my favourite activities:

🛕 Visit Chichen Itza

An easy day trip to one of New Seven Wonders of the World. I went on a coach trip to the site which took 2 hours to the site, swam in some cenotes and enjoyed a coconut, with some pleasant views. The tour then took us to some quaint towns such as Valladolid and Kaua. They offered us some complementary whiskey to ease the groups bonding. What more the tour is a great way to meet new people particularly if you are travelling solo. I met a 60 year old women who over lunch who was telling me about a number of her experiences with mushrooms. 

Trust me, this tour is the worth the hype and it’s great value for money. My pictures from the tour are below.
📍Book your Chichen Itza tour.

Valladolid, Mexico
Whiskey, Tulum, Valladolid
🐠 Swim with Dolphins 

Don’t leave without floating in one of Tulum’s crystal-clear limestone sinkholes, amongst Dolphins!! An unforgettable experience. If you are travelling with kids, this tour is the perfect mix. Top cenote I’d choose (there are a lot!): Gran Cenote, Cenote Calavera, and Cenote Dos Ojos.

📍Book your Dolphin tour.

🛕 Local Mayan Ruins

You don’t have to go on a 2-hour bus journey to Chicken Itza, there are some great local Mayan ruins located at Parque Nacional.

📍Get tickets for the Mayan ruin tour.

🚴‍♂️ Cenote Trail bike tour

The ultimate freedom machine. Cheap, easy, and fun. Zip through the districts and grab a michelada or two along the way. You’ll find rental spots on nearly every corner—no need to book ahead.

📍Book your cenote trail bike tour.

⛵ Luxury sailing with an open bar

This half-day sailing experience in Tulum was great. Climb aboard a luxury catamaran and discover remarkable offshore locations along the Caribbean coastline and sip or neck drinks from the open bar while you sail.

📍Get your sailing ticket.

🌱 Visit SFER IK Museion at Francisco Uh May

Part art gallery, part eco-architectural wonder, this place will make your jaw drop. I bought a ticket for the museum and lunch. The journey took 25–30 minutes inland on my rented scooter from La Veleta, Tulum. I must admit I did take a wrong turning and was chased away by dogs en route! However, the place had a very relaxed atmosphere which calmed me down after my escapades.

I’m so glad I booked the lunch because the food was amazing (see my food snap below)! And a welcome break from tacos. The museum was not something I had come across before and was truly inspiring architecture.

This creative eco-village hosts installations, artist residencies, and serene jungle walks. It’s a sprawling 10-acre creative complex deep within the Mayan jungle.

To learn more about the SFER museum, visit their official website: Learn more about SFER IK

AZULIK City of Arts SFER IK UH MAY Francisco Uh May
Tulum -AZULIK City of Arts SFER IK UH MAY Francisco Uh May
Tulum AZULIK City of Arts SFER IK UH MAY Francisco Uh May

🛏 Where to Stay in Tulum (The Full Range)

Tulum was not what I was expecting based on the Instagram stories.
Unlike Cancun and Playa del Carmen, it’s not that built-up — though this is changing fast, so visit before it becomes too commercial.

Tulum is split into four key areas, each with its own vibe.
If you’re visiting for the festivals, La Veleta offers the easiest access.
They’re listed below in price order:

  1. Tulum Pueblo – Budget-friendly, authentic local vibe.
  2. La Veleta – My personal pick. Quieter, great food spots.
  3. Aldea Zama – Modern, mid-range option with new developments.
  4. Tulum Beachfront – Stunning views, but premium prices.

📝 Pro Tip: Accommodation prices drop drastically after the 10th January — and there’s still plenty to do and festivals to enjoy.

If you’re browsing hotels, check verified options on Booking.com or Agoda. Both offer free cancellation and honest reviews.

Tulum Accommodation Recommendations To Fit Your Budget

💳 Budget
🛎 Budget (but Stylish)
🧘‍♂️ Mid-Range Jungle Luxe:
💎 High-End Escape:
  • Azulik – Candlelit treehouses for the ‘gram and a digital detox.
  • Be Tulum – The crème de la crème. Arguably the ultimate boutique beach experience.
La Valeta, Tulum

🥗 Where to Eat & Drink in Tulum

When I first arrived in Tulum, I was pleasantly surprised by how international the food scene was. Unlike most of Central America, Tulum’s restaurants offer everything from traditional Mexican tacos and ceviche to wood-fired pizza, sushi, and even vegan brunch spots. My first meal? A pizza — a gentle start before diving into the local Mexican flavours!

The service everywhere was excellent — the waiters and waitresses in Tulum were polite and spoke great English (thank you, American tourism!). So even with my limited Spanish, dining out was easy and relaxed.

Most mornings, I’d look forward to a Tulum brunch — smoothie bowls, huevos rancheros, and, yes, a cocktail or two. There are so many options within walking distance of La Veleta, or a short scooter ride away if you fancy a change of scene. I loved mixing it up between trendy cafés, poolside bars, and casual beach clubs.

💸 Eating Out on a Budget in Tulum

Tulum can be pricey — you can easily spend $40 on a quinoa bowl if you’re not careful — but there are still affordable places to eat in Tulum. Local taquerias and family-run restaurants serve delicious meals at half the price of the beach strip venues.

In the next section, I’ll share a few of my favourite Tulum restaurants and bars to suit every budget — from local taco stands to high-end jungle dining experiences.

🌴 Beach & Jungle Fine Dining in Tulum

Looking for the best fine dining in Tulum? These top-rated restaurants combine jungle vibes, local ingredients, and unforgettable presentation — the perfect way to end a sun-soaked day.

  1. ARCA – A must-visit for creative Mexican-fusion dishes served under the trees. Famous for soft-shell crab tacos and signature mezcal cocktails.
  2. Hartwood – Iconic farm-to-table restaurant with a candlelit jungle setting. Expect a rotating menu based on the day’s catch. Reservations are essential.
  3. NÜ Tulum – Michelin-listed and known for its eco-conscious fine dining. Modern Mexican cuisine with elegant presentation.
  4. Casa Banana – Argentinian wood-fire grill on the beach road. Perfect for steaks, seafood, and relaxed big-group dinners.

📝 Pro Tip: Book a sunset table — most Tulum jungle restaurants light up beautifully after dark.

🌅 Mid-Range & Casual Eats in Tulum

Looking for the best casual restaurants in Tulum? These mid-range spots combine local flavours, great vibes, and reasonable prices — ideal for relaxed evenings or refuelling between beach sessions.

  1. Onyx (Tulum Pueblo) – Authentic Mexican dishes by day, buzz-worthy live music and nightlife by night. A great place to mingle with locals and travellers alike.
  2. La Taqueria – Pinches Tacos Shop – Top spot for hearty burritos, quesadillas, and guac in a laid-back, colourful setting. Great value for money.
  3. La Eufemia – Beach shack serving $1 tacos and 40 oz beers right on the sand — the perfect combo of waves, flavour, and budget-friendly fun.

📝 Pro Tip: Many Tulum taco spots are cash-only — bring pesos to avoid card fees or ATM scams.

🍹 Bars & Drinks Scene in Tulum

From mezcal cocktails under the jungle canopy to craft beers by the beach, these best bars in Tulum serve up the perfect mix of atmosphere, flavour, and fun.

  1. Gitano Jungle Cocktail Bar – Mezcal-forward, jungle-lit setting with disco vibes and elevated mixology. Great for dancing beneath the palms.
  2. Cervecería Tulum – Craft-beer lovers rejoice! A relaxed spot serving local brews and snacks, perfect for a laid-back afternoon hangout.
  3. Karma Tulum (Beach Bar & Nightlife) – Outdoor lounge with sunset DJs, string lights, and beachfront chic — ideal for starting or ending the night in style.

📝 Pro Tip: Head to La Veleta — it’s buzzing with cool new bars and eateries, all within walking distance once you’re there. Just grab a short taxi ride from the beach.

Getting Around Tulum: Bikes, Scooters & Car Rentals

Tulum might look small on the map, but getting around efficiently makes a huge difference — especially when you’re juggling beach days, cenote dips, and jungle dinners. I decided to rent a bike in Tulum (against my mother’s advice), and immediately noticed how many options there were for scooters, quad bikes, and regular bicycles.

Riding through La Veleta was an adventure in itself — the side roads can be pretty bumpy, full of potholes, which was surprising for such an upmarket destination. Still, traffic is light, and riding is pleasant once you avoid the main highway.

If you’re looking to rent a scooter in Tulum, the best approach is simply to walk around town. You’ll spot plenty of local rental shops or signs pointing the way — no need to book online in advance.

For longer distances, I picked up a rental car from Tulum Airport with GetRentACar. It saved me a fortune on taxis during my stay, and the 30–40 minute drive from the airport to town was smooth. If you’d rather not drive, you can pre-book a reliable transfer with Welcome Pickups or Kiwitaxi.

📝 Pro Tip: Get a taxi from the airport and rent your car once you’re in town — local prices are noticeably cheaper than airport rates.

Motorbike ride from Tulum to AZULIK City of Arts SFER IK UH MAY Francisco Uh May

✅ Final Tips for Tulum Festivals & Party Season

  • Book early: Festival tickets and hotels sell out fast, especially around New Year.
  • Stay safe with money: Avoid roadside ATMs — many are known scams. Use machines inside banks or supermarkets.
  • Plan your rides: Pre-book taxis or transfers to Zamna and other Tulum festivals to avoid surge pricing.
  • Dress the part: Take inspiration from local and festival looks — light fabrics, jungle chic, and comfort over couture.
  • Stay smart with accommodation: Choose a place that fits your budget and vibe — from beachfront boutiques to hostels in La Veleta.
  • Eat well (without overspending): Tulum has great cheap eats if you skip the fancy beach clubs.
  • Explore beyond the party: Visit Mayan ruins, cenotes, and jungle spots — they’re what make Tulum special.
  • Get around like a local: Rent a scooter or bike for short trips during the day — it’s cheap, easy, and gives you freedom.

📝 Pro Tip: Plan one full recovery day after the main festival — trust me, you’ll need it.

Tulum Festival Season FAQs

🎟 How do I buy tickets for Tulum festivals?

  • Use official platforms like:
    👉 Xceed.me, ZamnaFestival.com, Resident Advisor

  • Avoid Instagram DMs, resale Telegram groups, or strangers — scams are common.

  • Buy early — prices rise fast and big nights often sell out.

  • Taxis are pricey ($20–40 USD per ride)

  • Most events offer shuttle buses or shared vans (book early)

  • Scooters or bikes possible for local trips, but dangerous at night on jungle roads

📲 Grab WhatsApp numbers from reliable drivers — Uber doesn’t work in Tulum.

  • Think boho rave, tribal techno, post-apocalyptic jungle.

  • Mesh tops, open shirts, face glitter, body chains, boots, or sandals with grip.

  • Bug spray is your best accessory — trust me.

🎭 There are no rules. Express yourself — more is more.

Best neighbourhoods for access + comfort:

  • Aldea Zama – safe, modern, walkable.

  • La Veleta – more local, bohemian, a bit further out.

  • Tulum Beach – expensive, eco-chic, very close to daytime parties.

💡 Book early. NYE period = madness.

Yes. It’s the jungle.

  • Bring high-strength mosquito spray.

  • Wear light layers at night to cover skin.

  • Use citronella wristbands or natural oils like eucalyptus.

  • Yes, but stay aware — especially at night in the jungle.

  • Don’t wander alone or off the paths.

  • Avoid drinks from strangers, and pace yourself with substances.

  • Use sealed taxis, not random rides on the side of the road.

  • In jungle venues? Probably not.

  • Screenshot your ticket + directions in advance.

  • Set a meeting point with friends in case you get split.

📵 It’s better to assume “no signal” and plan ahead.

  • Tulum parties are notorious for open drug use, but Mexican drug laws are strict and random police stops do happen.

  • There are also rumors of targeted tourist fines or bribes.

🚫 Bring nothing illegal if you value your sabbatical.

Yes — compared to mainland Mexico.

  • Drinks at festivals: $10–15 USD.

  • Entry tickets: $120–250 USD depending on headliners.

  • Taxis: $20+ per ride.

🤑 Bring cash. ATMs run out. Use pesos, not USD.

  • Most jungle festivals run from 10 PM to sunrise (5–7 AM).

  • Day parties at beach clubs start around 2–3 PM.

  • Afterparties can go until noon or later.

  • Chill at cenotes like Gran Cenote or Calavera.

  • Do yoga at Holistika or Nômade.

  • Book a sweat lodge or sound healing at Yäan Wellness.

  • Sip coconut water and reflect on your questionable choices.