Tucked alongside Mexico’s Caribbean shoreline, Tulum’s historic Mayan coastal metropolis is a prime vacation spot within the Riviera Maya and one of the vital visited locations in Mexico. With practically 12 miles of gorgeous white sand seashores, turquoise waters, historic Mayan ruins, and a chilled-out bohemian vibe, it’s simple to see why a Tulum trip has develop into so widespread.
As soon as a sleepy fishing village, Tulum has develop into a stylish hotspot, attracting everybody from backpackers to celebrities. However regardless of its progress, Tulum retains a laid-back attraction.
Thatched roof bungalows and cobblestone streets give the city a country really feel. Yoga studios, natural cafes, boutiques, and seashore bars line the primary drag. At night time, fireplace dancers and reside music gentle up the seashore.
Whereas Tulum provides loads to do, the true draw is its pure magnificence. Seaside lovers flock right here to chill out on the sugar-soft sand and swim within the heat, clear waters. The shoreline is dotted with cenotes (pure sinkholes full of crystalline water), excellent for snorkeling and diving. Inland, the jungle hides historic ruins, pure swimming pools, and caves to discover.
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When is the most effective time to go to Tulum, Mexico?
Tulum enjoys a tropical local weather year-round, with common temperatures between 75°F and 90°F. The excessive season runs from late November to April when the climate is dry and sunny. Room charges skyrocket, and crowds descend throughout these peak months.
The shoulder seasons of early November and Could provide heat temperatures and smaller crowds. Late spring brings scorching, humid climate and occasional rain showers. September and October see essentially the most rain, fewer vacationers, and decrease costs.
The perfect time to go to Tulum is determined by your very best climate and tolerance for crowds.
Excessive Season: Late November to April
Through the dry season, daytime temperatures common 80°F, with cooler evenings round 65°F. The height weeks are round Christmas and New 12 months’s when costs are astronomical. Excessive season means crowds, so anticipate widespread spots to be busy. Nevertheless, there shall be a lot of occasions and actions. Tip: guide eating places and actions effectively upfront of your journey.
Shoulder Season: Early November and Could
Because the climate transitions between moist and dry seasons, shoulder season brings fewer vacationers and higher costs. Nevertheless, some bars and eating places could also be closed. Daytime highs attain 85°F with nice evenings round 70°F. Early November is drier than Could. Could can also be when the seaweed, or Sargassum, begins to look.
Low Season: June to October
Summer season in Tulum brings scorching, humid climate with each day highs of 90°F. Afternoon thunderstorms happen a number of occasions per week. September and October see essentially the most rain, although showers often cross shortly. Resort and flight offers convey drastically decrease charges, whereas seashores and sights stay uncrowded. Nevertheless, some companies shut till the excessive season, and Sargassum is often current alongside the seashores.
What’s one of the simplest ways to get to Tulum, Mexico?
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Most vacationers fly into Cancun Worldwide Airport (CUN). It’s simple to succeed in Tulum and different widespread locations in Riviera Maya from the CUN airport, however it takes time.
Your airport transportation options rely on where you stay in Tulum. The seashore resort zone is most handy for shuttle transfers, whereas having a rental automotive makes it simpler to remain in Tulum city or the outskirts.
Just lately, Delta Airlines announced that it’ll present nonstop flights from Atlanta Worldwide Airport to Tulum starting March 2024.
Shuttle or Personal Switch
The quickest and most comfy strategy to attain Tulum is by shuttle van or personal switch. Pre-booked companies present door-to-door transport from the airport proper to your resort. Shared shuttles price round $15-20 USD per individual, whereas personal transfers are $80-100 USD.
The drive takes about 2 hours, relying on site visitors close to Playa del Carmen. Shared shuttles might cease at different accommodations, so maintain that in thoughts if you need a direct journey. Personal transfers with corporations like CanadaTransfers provide luxurious SUVs and private companies. That is the best choice for small teams of 4 or much less.
Rental Automobile
Renting a car gives most flexibility to discover the Riviera Maya at your personal tempo. Cancun airport has desks for all main rental companies like Hertz, Avis, Price range, Europcar, and extra—charges for an financial system automotive common $30 USD per day.
The drive from Cancun airport to Tulum takes round 2 hours through the primary freeway with no stops. Having your wheels allows you to take a look at sights like Cenotes or Xcaret Eco Park. Simply be able to pay for parking on arrival. Gas, tolls, and primary insurance coverage will add to the rental price.
Public Bus
Public buses present the most affordable transport to Tulum for funds vacationers at round $15 USD. ADO provides direct bus service from Cancun airport to Tulum each few hours from 4 a.m. to midnight each day. The journey takes 2.5 to three hours, relying on site visitors.
Whereas very reasonably priced, public buses will be crowded with restricted baggage room. Buy tickets forward on-line or from the ADO counter on the airport. Remember to affirm schedules, as they’ll change seasonally. Buses drop off in downtown Tulum, requiring a taxi or 15-minute stroll to the seashore zone accommodations.
Personal Luxurious Transfers
Personal luxurious transfers in high-end autos can be found to reach in type. Corporations like Tulum Transportation present personal sedans or SUVs with WiFi, refreshments, and impeccable service. Pricing ranges from $150 – $300 USD, relying on car dimension. Whereas a splurge, luxurious transfers allow you to trip in whole consolation after a protracted flight.
Regardless of the way you select to get to Tulum, keep away from unmarked taxis on the airport. Pre-arranging transportation is very beneficial for a stress-free arrival.
Issues to Do in Tulum, Mexico on Trip
With its gorgeous seashores, historic ruins, various pure sights, and boho-chic vibe, a Tulum trip provides incredible issues to do for all tastes and budgets. Tour corporations present wonderful Tulum tours starting from snorkeling expeditions to cultural experiences.
Seashores in Tulum
Tulum’s seashores are constantly ranked among the many greatest in Mexico. Most accommodations in Tulum occupy prime beachfront spots with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and waiter service prepared for friends. Or, plop down your towel wherever alongside the general public stretches at no cost. The turquoise waters keep shallow a great distance out – excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Don’t miss these nice seashores in Tulum, Mexico:
- Playa Paraiso – Quintessential white sand crescent close to the ruins. Public entry and facilities like a rest room can be found.
- Playa Ruinas – Wider and fewer crowded. Near cenotes and seashore golf equipment like La Zebra.
- Tankah Bay – Secluded white sand cove close to Soliman Bay. Entry fromTankah Tres resort.
- Playa Esperanza – South of Tulum accommodations. Extra personal with fewer crowds.
Mayan Ruins of Tulum, Mexico
No go to to Tulum is full with out exploring the cliffside Mayan ruins that give the city its identify. Courting to the thirteenth century, these oceanfront ruins are essentially the most picturesque archeological website within the Riviera Maya. Sea breezes cool you as you stroll amongst weathered temples and take within the spectacular Caribbean views.
Arrive early to keep away from giant tour teams. Nevertheless, think about booking a tour with an area information to study extra about this historical landmark. The seashore space beneath the El Castillo pyramid has a separate entrance price. Climb the ruins with warning, as some steps are very steep.
Swim in Cenotes
Inland from Tulum, the limestone panorama hides 1000’s of pure sinkholes full of the clearest freshwater. These geological wonders are generally known as cenotes. Seize your swimsuit and dive, snorkeling, or cliff-jumping into these magical swimming pools. A number of the greatest cenotes close to Tulum embrace:
- Gran Cenote – Open cavern widespread for swimming and snorkeling. It’s about quarter-hour from Tulum.
- Cenote Calavera – “Temple of Doom” type cavern with stalactites. Rappelling and cliff leaping are supplied.
- Casa Cenote – Paradise lagoon with clear waters surrounded by greenery.
- Cenote Cristalino – Small, attractive cenote excellent for swimming. Close to Tankah Bay.
- Cenote Azul – Favourite for journey lovers with zip strains, rappelling, and cliff jumps.
Bike to Soliman Bay and Gran Cenote
Escape the crowds by renting a motorbike and cruising south alongside the Boca Paila highway parallel to the coast. It’s about 7 miles from Tulum to Soliman Bay, a quiet scenic seashore close to cenotes and mangroves. Cease for a dip at Gran Cenote or Cenote Manati alongside the best way. There’s hardly any site visitors, and also you’ll cross by an previous lighthouse and small fishing villages.
Dine at a Seaside Membership
Tulum’s fashionable seashore golf equipment mix tropical ambiance with gourmand delicacies and hip sounds. Sit back on daybeds, lounge by the pool, and revel in ocean views over contemporary ceviche and mezcal cocktails. In style picks embrace Gitano, Casa Jaguar, and Nest. Make reservations for dinner throughout the excessive season.
Nice Day Journeys from Tulum, Mexico
With so many distinctive locations to discover, filling your itinerary close to Tulum is straightforward. Wherever you determine to go, put together to be awed by the pure and cultural treasures of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Go to Cobá
About 40 minutes inland from Tulum, Cobá was as soon as a serious Mayan metropolis that flourished between 500 and 900 AD. At this time, guests can climb Nohoch Mul, the tallest pyramid on the Yucatán peninsula, for panoramic views over the jungle cover. Strolling trails join the varied ruins unfold out over many sq. miles. Pedal-powered tricycle taxis can be found to zip between websites. Pack bug spray for exploring!
Tulum makes a really perfect base to discover the Yucatán Peninsula. Tulum gives the proper base to discover neighboring cities and sights on day journeys.
Chichén Itzá
Essentially the most well-known Maya ruins in Mexico, Chichén Itzá, not too long ago turned one of many New 7 Wonders of the World. Guests flock right here to see immense buildings just like the El Castillo pyramid and the ball court docket. Situated inland close to Valladolid, it’s about 2.5 hours from Tulum. Go early to beat crowds and climb the long-lasting pyramid earlier than it closes at midday.
Isla Holbox
For a calming island getaway, head north of Cancun to Holbox. This laid-back fishing island has no large resorts, simply miles of sandy Caribbean seashores and calm, shallow waters. Go snorkeling to see whale sharks and sea turtles close by on a day journey. Attain Holbox by a 40-minute ferry from Chiquilá.
Isla Cozumel
Scuba divers can’t miss the reefs offshore of Cozumel. It’s one of many prime dive locations on the planet, due to vivid coral and wonderful visibility. Snorkelers will discover tons to see as effectively. Take a ferry from Playa del Carmen, about 1.5 hours south of Tulum.
Go to Valladolid
Inland from the Caribbean, Valladolid gives entry to a few of Yucatán’s most spectacular cenotes. Don’t miss substantial underground caverns like Ik Kil and the pure swimming pools at Cenote Samulá. The colonial city middle itself is price exploring, too. It’s positioned lower than two hours west of Tulum.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage Website, Sian Ka’an accommodates over 1.3 million acres of protected wetlands, forests, and lagoons simply south of Tulum. Take a full-day tour to drift via freshwater canals, observe tropical birds, and go to historic Maya websites deep within the jungle.
Your Tulum, Mexico Trip
With its sugary sand seashores, turquoise waters, jungle cenotes, and historic ruins, Tulum represents the most effective of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Tulum provides an idyllic Mexican escape, whether or not you search leisure, journey, or tradition. Spend tranquil days swinging in a seashore hammock or uncover the area’s unbelievable biodiversity on excursions.
From backpackers to luxurious vacationers, Tulum delivers tropical perfection. Its distinctive mixture of pure marvel, Mayan heritage, and stylish seashore vibe beckons you to paradise.
Billy is a deaf journey blogger from Birmingham, UK. By way of his weblog BRB Gone Someplace Epic, Billy dismantles the parable that journey is simply too costly, and you could nonetheless get pleasure from hidden gems even in the most well-liked vacationer locations.
