Discovering Tulum: An Eco-Chic Destination

If you’ve heard of Mexico, you must have heard of Tulum.

This small town, hippie destination par excellence, has become an international phenomenon in recent years without losing its original charm

When I first visited Tulum, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that hippie-chic hipster vibe mixed with ancient Mayan energies that characterizes the essence of this destination.

Today, there’s something for every type of tourist in Tulum: modern hotels and amenities, restaurants that attract tourists from the other side of the world, quiet, white-sand beaches, and jungle tours and discoveries.

Oh, and don’t forget the architectural richness reflected in the pyramids and other ruins scattered around the town. 😉

You see, before the end of this post, you will have completely fallen in love with this place!

Where is Tulum?

Tulum is located on the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula, in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

People like to say it’s in the heart of the Caribbean Riviera Maya.

Tulum is about a 45-minute drive south of Playa del Carmen and a 90-minute drive from Cancun.

👉 Do you want to rent a car for your vacation in Tulum? Everything you need to know regarding car rentals can be found here!

Another option to go to Tulum from another destination in the Riviera Maya is by public transportation. Look for the ADO bus station!
In Cancun and Playa del Carmen you will find these bus terminals.

You can also opt for the services of a taxi or a private driver from the Cancun airport or other cities in the Riviera Maya.
These two options will have the advantage of taking you directly to your hotel or vacation rental.

Just don’t forget to negotiate the prices before you get in the cab.

👉 To learn everything about buses, taxis and private drivers in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, check out our TRANSPORTATION section.

Tulum is also adjacent to the Meso-American Barrier Reef, the world’s second-largest coral reef system. This makes Tulum and its surroundings ideal for snorkeling and diving.

👉 More information about diving and snorkeling in Tulum: click here!

Some history...

(Just a little, it's a promise! 😉)

Tulum was the last metropolis where the Maya lived between the 13th and 15th centuries.

It was a place of worship of the Great Descending God and an important spot for maritime trade, especially for the commerce of obsidian.

It is known that other Mexican and Central American civilzations used to travel to Tulum only to buy, sell and exchange goods.

The history of Tulum is also famous for its pirate raids due to the many treasures kept in this place. This partly explains the great wall that surrounds the Mayan city.

The best time to visit tulum

Frankly speaking, there’s no one best time to visit Tulum, it just depends on what you’re looking for.

From January to April, you’ll get the best weather but also lots of tourists.

May through October is much cheaper as it’s the hurricane season. However, this seasons has many advantages:
Hotel rates go significantly lower
The weather is still fabulous most of the time
and there are no crowds.

Odigoo tip:

Keep an eye on the weather forecast and always try to include a good travel insurance with your vacation package.

Season from November to December is for the ones that like to feel the chilly breeze in the evenings.
The temperatures go a bit lower,
The locals will wear sweaters,
And the hurricanes are already gone.

And many things are happening here around Christmas 🎅, so it’s definitely a time to visit to consider.

Things to do in Tulum?

It will all depend on your personal preferences.

There are people that just spend the whole day on the beach, others that enjoy booking a different restaurant every day and others shop local arts and crafts.

For some others, the time in Tulum will be about enclosing yourselves in quaint, jungle, boutique hotels.
Perfect places to disconnect from the daily hustle and bustle while enjoying the peace of nature.

👉 Read our article: All-inclusive vacation deals in the Riviera Maya.

However, if this is your first time in Tulum...

This is a magical, ancient place, with a difficult-to-beat location:

• Perched on the cliffs overlooking the Caribbean
• Surroundeb by a stunning white sand beach
• And a perfect setting with a blue-turqoise background

You already feel as if you were there, isn't it?

You can stroll around Tulum's Mayan ruins, learn the history and more about the Mayan culture, breathe in the magic, and later swim on the beach.

Don't forget to bring your swimming suit.

👉 More information about the archaeological sites in this article: Archaeological Sites in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

Another thing you CANNOT miss are the cenotes around.

People say these natural, deep-water sinkholes are born almost in the heart of the earth. The water always feels cold in comparison to the air temperature around.

Cenotes are a dream place to swim, snorkel, dive, jump or just to relax, rest and even meditate.

The most famous cenotes nearby are Gran Cenote, Casa Cenote, Cenote Cristal, and Cenote Escondido.

The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is also a must-see. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is also a must. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient tropical canals, rainforest, coral reefs, and abundant wildlife. You can kayak through its channels and closely watch manatees and sea turtles.

Totally unforgettable.

Book Your Tulum Vacation Right Now 📆

Why should you postpone it any longer? Check your calendar and book your dream vacation, in Tulum.

Discover why so many others before you left their heart in this remote spot of the Mexican Caribbean.