It is advisable to bring a flashlight (there's no street lighting), mosquito repellent, mosquito protective clothing (jeans and closed shoes), warm clothing for cool winter nights and beach towels. Please note that we DO NOT ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS, nor do most businesses in the area. Acceptable forms of payment are U.S. dollars, U.S. denominated travelers' checks and Mexican pesos.

TRANSPORTATION:
There are no buses that travel directly from the airport to Tulum. Instead, it is necessary to first take a bus a half hour north to the Cancun bus station and then return south to Tulum for a two-hour dive. This compares with a one and a half hour drive to Tulum if you go directly from the Cancun airport. Once you arrive in Tulum it is necessary to take a taxi to ZAMAS (an approximate 10 minute drive which costs approximately $4 U.S.). Once you are staying at ZAMAS it is fairly convenient to take taxis (we have a taxi radio) and in general is cost effective. The buses travel to major tourist sites and for off the beaten track excursions you can hire a taxi for day trips. If you do not plan to do a lot of day trips it is cost effective. We can arrange taxi service for excursions at ZAMAS.

An alternative bus route is to take a Collectivo Taxi (a van carrying several passengers) to Playa del Carmen. Approximate cost is $15 per person. (For the Collectivo Taxi, you must find other passengers who want to share the ride with you.) Another option is a public bus from the airport to Playa del Carmen (costs approximately $9). From Playa del Carmen you may take a taxi (approximately $30) or a bus to Tulum ($6).

Renting a car is convenient and generally reliable. It is usually most cost effective to make your car reservations prior to arriving in Mexico. It is essential to have written confirmation of the most important points of your agreement: type of car, length of stay, air conditioning, and price with tax and Mexican car insurance. It is not unusual for the rental agency to be out of the car you reserved the day you arrive. If this happens, request that the reserved car be delivered to you at ZAMAS the following day. (They show up!)

Also, the price for the rental car should include tax and Mexican car insurance. (Although your domestic insurance may cover you while abroad, Mexico does not recognize foreign insurance. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you
have Mexican car insurance.)

Taking a taxi from the airport is expensive compared to your other options. An airport taxi will charge from $80-$110 to go to Tulum depending upon supply and demand at the time - and only airport taxis or an approved transportation service are allowed to transport tourists away from the airport. However, for your return, you may take a taxi to the airport from Tulum (and we can arrange that from ZAMAS). The cost is approximately $65 U.S. Another option is to hire a transportation service for your arrival and departure - the cost is approximately $80 per person round trip. (This service needs to be arranged in advance.)

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Always ask the taxi fare before departing. Fares in Mexico are not calculated with a meter, they are calculated based upon your destination. Your negotiation with the driver should be done before you depart not after you have arrived.

DIRECTIONS TO ZAMAS
ZAMAS is 100 km south of the Cancun Airport (about 1-1/2 drive). You drive past Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Xel Ha. We are 10 minutes south of Xel Ha. When you approach Tulum you will drive past the gas station and the Tulum Ruins entrance. BEFORE you arrive in Tulum Pueblo, there is an intersection (with a traffic light) with a Dive Shop on the corner, Aktun Dive Shop. To the right is Coba, to the left is the beach (not well marked).
Also, this is a dangerous intersection because you are making a left hand turn from a major highway. (Don't use your left hand signal - this signifies to the driver behind you that it's OK to pass). Instead, use your hazard lights for all left turns. ) If there is anyone behind you it is best to turn right first and then U-turn back to the beach.

From the highway it is about a 2 km drive to a fork in the road. At this fork, turn right. ZAMAS is approximately 2 km south on this beach road.

Enter the main entrance of the restaurant to check-in.

Please advise ZAMAS if you will be arriving later than 11 PM.