Like Ibiza and Mykonos, Tulum has become a trendy destination for those wanting to get away from the grind for a memorable and Instagramable travel experience. It is also a dream vacation for those seeking balance.
Tulum is a destination that many aspire to visit, while still not completely understanding it. The region is known for being open minded and inviting to all. Visitors range from hippies to yogis to lawyers and socialites. In this blog, we’ll focus on what a luxury traveler can expect when visiting Tulum and beyond.
When to Go
Peak season is December through April. This is when the town is the busiest and has the highest hotel rates, coinciding with the best weather. Late October through mid-December you should get good weather and not too high of rates or crowds
Length of Stay
I recommend 3-4 days in Tulum. For our luxury clients I like to plan 2-4 nights in Tulum and finish off with 2-4 nights in Riviera Maya, Mayakoba or Cancun.
Getting There
One of the draws for many tourists to Tulum is the relative ease of getting there. Cancun International
Airport (CUN) has some of the best airlift in the Caribbean/Central American region for American travelers. Tulum is 2 hours south of the airport. You can either rent a car and drive the easy route to Tulum, or we can arrange private transfers to avoid the hassles of renting a car.
Money Matters
While I often tell travelers from the U.S. they don’t need to switch currency for Mexico, I do recommend having local currency in Tulum. Many stores will accept U.S. dollars but not at a very good exchange rate. Your money will go further if you pay in Pesos. Always have cash, as many restaurants and stores are cash only. You can get money at ATMS at the airport (not the exchange desks) or in downtown Tulum.
Geography
Tulum is one of the eleven municipalities that make up the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Traveling south from the Cancun airport you will pass through the municipalities of Puerto Morelos and Solidaridad (Americans know this as Riviera Maya) before reaching Tulum.
The area of Tulum is rather confusing. What the majority of people picture as a Tulum experience is actually the Tulum beach strip. Some hotels who have Tulum in their description can be up to an hour from the beach strip which can lead to disappointment upon arrival if you are unaware of this. There are no big all-inclusive resorts in the town or strip area. Those begin 3-15 miles north of town.
Tulum can be separated into three areas:
Tulum Ruins
The Tulum Ruins will be found on the main highway as you head south to Tulum. For a small entrance fee you can explore the ruins on your own, hire a certified guide, or head down to the beach below to cool off. If accessing the ruins from the main road, they have a flea market area for souvenirs and snacks.
Tulum Town
The Tulum town is a little further down the highway.
Here you can find a selection of small hotels, restaurants, and shops. There are also banks, pharmacies, car rentals, fast food chains and convenience stores. Here you will start seeing travelers riding bikes on the paths. Follow the beach cruisers and the road that continues another 3 miles (10-15-minute drive) toward the beach strip.
Tulum Beach Strip
The Tulum beach strip is a narrow, bumpy road that runs the length of the beach and leads you to the arch, which is the access to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. You can find accommodation on both the beach side and across the road. This area has a very relaxed, bohemian feel to it. When staying on the strip almost everything is accessible on foot in the main area, and bicycles are available for rent or there are taxis to hire.
The Paradox of Tulum
Some people call it ultra-chic, some refer to it as hippy, others think it is a wellness haven. The area is full of contradictions. What once started as an eco-traveler and yogi destination has over the years caught the attention of a range of travelers.
Many hotels like to use ‘eco-chic’ in their descriptions. Something to keep in mind is that a destination built into the jungle that continues to grow has a hard time being eco-friendly. The infrastructure can’t keep up with the growth. There is no electricity on the beach, so diesel generators groan all day and night to run the air conditioners that customers demand. Some hotels don’t have air
conditioning at all, and the one’s that do limit the usage to specific times a day (often @ 6pm-10am) before they are shut off to conserve the diesel energy. Hotel rooms will not be stocked with luxurious bath products and you will most likely to be asked to be careful of what you flush. The waste and tourism have been a constant concern as to where it is disposed and the effects it has on the environment. I don’t tell you this to dissuade you from going, I tell you in preparation to understand why things are not the same as the luxury hotels you are used to while you will still be paying up to $1,200 a night for your room.
The Hotels
The hotels are boutique, and each has its own vibe. The hotels do a nice job having unique, inspiring and relaxing décor that blends raw design and nature.
few of the properties feel like you are staying in an exotic tree fort. There are often private nooks to relax, reflect and take in the sunrises over the water and sunsets over the jungle.
There are not many luxurious amenities throughout the hotels. Many don’t have tv’s in the rooms. Mosthave decent internet, but keep in mind cellular service in the region is spotty. The price you pay is for the location. Beachfront views and easy walks to the best restaurants, bars, and beach clubs is what matters in Tulum. Pools are not popular, and the few that do have them are small and an afterthought to the beachfront seating.
To Do On The Beach Strip
Wellness class/experience
The options are endless but some of the more popular ones include Temazcal ceremonies, sound bath healings, yoga or meditation. Most hotels offer sessions for a drop-in rate held on the beach or in their studio. Hotels will have the details either on their website or on signs posted out front. Go to Tulum with an open mind and try at least one new wellness experience.
Rent Bikes
Rent bikes to venture to Tulum town or further down the strip. Things can be much more efficiently accessed by bike down by the beach. Make a day of it and lead your own self-guided hop-on-hop-off bike tour where you can stop at shops and take a break for an ice cream or a Matcha.
Beach Clubs
If you are staying on the Tulum beach strip you want to be at a beachfront hotel for the beach access. Enjoy your hotel’s beach club, or even beach club hop and head to other hotel’s or one of the stand-alone beach clubs. Most have either a cover charge or food/beverage minimum for visitors.
Dining
Many restaurants have outdoor seating and offer
a
fun and casual atmosphere. Leave your heels at home and stick with sandals. There are some food trucks, snack shops and coffee houses for quick and easy options. Over the years some top chefs have ventured to the area and have received rave reviews. Restaurant reservations at the hot spots need to be made well in advance, and be prepared for city prices.
Regional Sites
While you can easily explore on your own, the most convenient way to see any of these sites is to book a tour as they take care of all the rental gear and often include lunch and private transportation.
Cenotes
There are thousands of cenotes in the area surrounding Tulum, so visiting these cave-like sinkholes are really a choose-your-own-adventure experience where you can snorkel, scuba dive and explore the interconnected passageways. Some of the popular cenotes include Dos Ojos, Cenote Maya at Caleta Tankah, Ceonte Zacil-ha, Cenote Nicte-ha and the Gran Cenote.
Mayan Ruins
The Tulum Ruins are the only ruins built directly adjacent to the sea. For a different experience, you can visit the Coba ruins which are situated right in the jungle. The most famous ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula, Chichen Itza, are a 3-hour drive one way from Tulum.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
This UNESCO World Heritage Property covers 1.3 million acres of tropical forests, mangroves and marshes, as well as a large marine section intersected by a barrier reef. It provides a habitat for a remarkably rich flora and a fauna. Tours options include nature encounters, snorkeling, fly fishing, bird watching and more.
Tulum beach is a fun and funky avenue of boutique hotels, outdoor dining, shops, galleries and beach clubs alongside crystal clear water and a smooth sandy beach. It has much to offer for offbeat adventures and healthy enthusiasts. Tourists of all walks of life come to this open-minded town to get away from it all. Riding a bike or strolling on foot you can enjoy this very special town that is rich in natural beauty, history and culture with ruins and active adventures all nearby.
On my recent visit, I was able to explore many of the hotels to match clients with the best property for their particular needs/desires for their Tulum getaway. It is important as your travel advisor to set expectations before your vacation. Tulum is definitely a destination where the social media images you see do not tell the entire story. If you want to truly enjoy and explore this area I can provide insight of what to expect and tips to enhance your experience.
If not now, when?
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