Hello, My Birds! This is Cateria Musa. Are you thinking about coming to Tulum and wondering if it is worth spending money or your precious time on vacation here? Then let me tell you something: I spent more than four years in Mexico for my bachelor’s degree and Tulum Quintana Roo Mexico is my most comfy place ever. so, I am gonna introduce you to my version of the Tulum best travel guide of the year 2024.
With lush Jungle greenery and wooden huts Tulum still has its vibe. This small town doesn’t have many bustling city streets. Instead of offering a rushed and suffocated environment, it offers you something unique. Tulum is famous for its white sandy beaches, and its iconic archaeological ruins with a beautiful blend of Mayan history. And yeah if you are a night person then you also get some nice jungle parties, beach clubs, and of course bohemian chicks with sexy shots of tequila in their hands.
I am here to resolve your queries so don’t worry about your accommodations or stays. I recommend you something good and on budget. It doesn’t matter who you are, a solo, a honeymooner, or a family guy Tulum has something for everyone. After some progressive modifications in Tulum in 2020 now you will be able to see some luxurious and fancy resorts and also some Mexican-style huts for family stays.
So, if you’re looking for a whole thing like relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion in a single town then absolutely come to Tulum buddy. Scroll down if you are ready to be in love with Tulum.
Table of Contents
History Of Tulum And Its Religious Importance
Have you ever wondered about the captivating history of Tulum? This fascinating place was built around 1200 AD and thrived for centuries as a major trade centre. Tulum’s peak came between the 13th and 15th centuries, and it remained occupied for a while even after the Spanish arrived in the 16th century. Today, Tulum’s ruins are a popular tourist destination, offering a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Mayans and some iconic ruins.
Beyond its historical allure, Tulum also holds significant religious importance for the Mayan civilization. Temples dedicated to gods like the Descending God and the Diving God reflect the spiritual beliefs and rituals practised by the ancient Mayans. Ceremonies honouring these deities were conducted to ensure bountiful harvests, successful trades, and protection from adversity. You can immerse yourself in the sacred atmosphere of Tulum by participating in traditional Mayan rituals, such as sweat lodge ceremonies and temazcal rituals, which aim to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit.
Archaeological Site And Beauty Of Tulum
The name “Tulum” translates to “wall” or “fortress” in Yucatec Maya, reflecting the defensive walls that once surrounded the city. These walls, combined with its strategic location atop cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, afforded Tulum protection and made it a significant maritime trading hub.
The architecture of Tulum’s ruins is characterised by its simplicity and elegance, with structures built using limestone and adorned with intricate carvings and murals. The most iconic building within the site is El Castillo, a towering pyramid that serves both ceremonial and navigational purposes. Its position allowed Mayan priests to observe the movements of the sun and stars, underscoring the importance of astronomy in Mayan culture.
How to get Tulum?
By Air:
The closest international airport to Tulum is Cancún International Airport (CUN). From there, you can have an advanced booked taxi or rent a car and also a bus option to Tulum. The distance from the airport to Tulum is a 1.5 to 2-hour drive.
By Bus:
If you’re travelling from other parts of Mexico, you can also take a bus to Tulum. Several bus companies offer routes to Tulum from major cities like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Mérida.
Transport Service In Tulum
There are plenty of good transport services available in Tulum. I recommend The Tulum Transport Company. It is one of the best transportation companies I have ever experienced in Mexico. It is a reliable, negotiable and affordable transport company. Their transports have wifi, well-working ACs and if you booked a van then you also get charging ports in them.
The second best transportation company in Tulum is DLUX Transfer. It provides you with luxury and an unforgettable ride. Their staff are very cooperative and always on time. And one interesting fact is their bookings are too easy and if you don’t make a booking then there is no issue you can easily find them at the airport and anywhere in Tulum.
Best Weather For Visiting Tulum
I highly recommend the dry season for visiting Tulum Mexico. It runs from November to April. This is because I prefer a stressless tour in which every activity is held on schedule and according to my plan. In this dreamy dry season, you have warm temperatures, minimal rainfall, and plenty of sunshine. And believe me, it makes your tour an ideal tour time to visit Tulum Mexico.
And the wet season that runs from October to May is for budget-friendly guys. Also for those who love adventures on rainy days under cloudy skies. Although it’s an off-season, it has its vibe: the lush greenery, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation prices make it a decent option for budget-conscious buddies.
Tips for Travelling in Tulum
- The first tip I gave to you is to please carry some cash when you are in Mexico because it is still a cash-preferred country.
- And I recommend you Pack a huge number of Sun Protection items because Tulum’s means plenty of sunshine. Make sure to pack a couple of 60 SPF sunscreen with extra protection from UV rays, sunglasses with huge mirrors, and a floppy or a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun’s burn.
- The 3rd and most important tip is always to carry a water bottle in your backpack when you ever travel to Mexico anywhere. As I explained it is too hot in Tulum, so drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Also, learn some sexy Spanish accents before going to Mexico. It can enhance your travel experience and help you to communicate well with the locals. But if you don’t know Spanish then don’t worry too much, many people in Tulum speak English as well.
- Last but not least, you must carry mosquito repellent with you because mosquitoes are an issue in Mexico especially near beach and jungle areas.
Things To Do In Tulum
There are a lot of things to do in Tulum. Tulum Mexico is the place where everyone finds their interest because this incredible place has an incredible blend of Mayan history with luxurious accommodations, fascinating sunbeds around the Caribbean, backpack adventures and many more list goes on guys…
Beach Bliss:
What I suggest you do first if you are a beachy person or on a honeymoon then go to Playa Paraiso for relaxation and don’t dare to think it’s too famous so it may be overrated once you go there you thank me later and I bet on it. Here you enjoy the peaceful beach sites and massages and how can I forget about its cuisine oh my god, you can get authentic Mexican cultural food here. And you gonna love it.
History checkout:
Then if you have a fondness for history then Tulum is waiting for you to dive into Mayan history. And when you visit the Temple of the Frescoes, the most iconic and archaeological structure in Tulum you must say it is worth it.
Improve your snorkelling experience in Tulums famous cenotes:
After the history checkout, you must visit Tulum’s most famous Gran Cenotes, where you can snorkel in crystal clear water surrounded by lush greenery.
Prepare yourselves for adventures:
In Tulum, several adventures are waiting for you. It depends on your priority and booking services, what kind of adventure would you like to do first? Is that ziplining along lush green jungles or is that spelunking of ancient caves maybe it’s kayaking through the mangroves of the famous Tulum.
Tulum town delights:
One thing you can enjoy any time in Tulum and it is its vibe bea. Walking around Tulum’s streets, you can get a vibrant vibe of street art with bohemian charm. And when you taste the small restaurants along the streets that provide you authentic cuisine of Mexico in an open airy and colourful environment tells you why Tulum is different from any other place you have ever visited in your entire life. And last but not least, you must check out the bazaar of Tulum, where you find amazing art pieces which remind you of the ancient Mayan ruins, and the cosy vibe of Tulum ever. And yes why not you may find some amazing souvenirs for your loved ones.
Best accommodations in Tulum
I am gonna tell you the most beautiful, luxurious accommodations for family travellers, honeymooners and also for solo travellers.
Best Resort for family
I recommend the value-for-money resort where you can live with your family and enjoy your vacations in a luxurious environment and get nice Mexican cuisine. your kids also get too many activities to create their best memories on their trip. All these factors are waiting for you in the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort.
Best Resort for honeymooners
If you are looking for a resort to access the beach and if you imagine holding hands with your partner and walking on white sand every morning then you should consider this resort. I am talking about the Ahau Tulum By Ahau Collection. Ahau provides you with the best service, fantastic restaurants, romantic bathtubs, massages along sea sites and many more. When you check out from Ahau you gonna miss it.
Best Resort for Solo Travellers
If you have guts for solo travelling then absolutely you are an adventurer. So, I recommend the Mi Amor Colibri Boutique Hotel. This hotel is located on a cliff. It offers you yoga every day and its beach area along a pool is definitely gonna be your favourite place.
Best Food in Tulum
Overall Mexico is a taco place but Tulum has its own speciality in everything. If you visit Tulum then you should visit these places for amazing food.
- At number one you must try Taqueria Honorio. It is a hilarious place for Tacos and sandwiches. Here you get a very delicious variety of tacos. If you are fond of authentic Mexican food then it is your place. The only shame is it is not open in the evening because the closing time is 3 PM.
- And for a luxurious environment but on a budget, I always prefer La Zebra Beach Restaurant and Bar. It provides you with fantastic food with amazing services along a beach. You absolutely gonna love it and if you wanna read more about food in Tulum then just click.
Nightlife In Tulum
Tulum is not just famous for its natural beauty and Caribbean sites, its nightlife also has its own charm. When the sun goes down Bars, beaches, and jungles in Tulum up their bustles. If you are a beach party zoner then papaya playa is your place bea. It offers you live music, dance, food and a beach to swim.
And if you like lush jungle greenery with vibrant light energies then jungle parties are waiting for you. It must be a very unique experience for all of you but it definitely will be unforgettable adventures. In jungle parties, you may interact with other tourists from many countries. This is also a pleasure, but if you want to enjoy Tulum’s local nightlife, people prefer downtown bars for spending your night hours.
How To Stay Safe In Tulum Mexico
- Always be aware of your environment.
- Prefer to walk around any group or crew.
- Be careful with your pockets and wallets.
- Curfew yourself at 11O, Clock in your hotel.
- Prefer taxis at night.
- Never use your cards at local ATMs that have no security and cameras.
- If you are solo then prefer to stay downtown.
- As a girl, I recommend to my all birds to save an emergency number of the country in which you are right now. And always keep a pocket knife and pepper spray with you at least. It’s for my bird’s safety.
Some Pro Tips For My Readers Only
Bring a reusable water bottle
As mentioned earlier, staying hydrated is important. Save money and reduce plastic waste by bringing a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day.
- Pack light and avoid baggage fees
Many airlines charge fees for checked luggage. Pack light and consider using carry-on luggage only to avoid these additional costs.
- Learn some basic Spanish
Even a few basic phrases can go a long way in helping you communicate with locals and potentially negotiate better prices at markets or with taxi drivers.
Learn Basic Spanish For Travel To Mexico: Free Resources
Here are some basic Spanish phrases, you should know before a visit to Mexico. Give them a check once:
Spanish words | English pronunciation | English meaning |
Hola | oh-lah | Hello |
Adiós | ah-dee-ohs | Goodbye |
Por favor | Por favor | Por favor |
Gracias | grah-see-ahs | Thank you |
Sí | see | Yes |
No | noh | No |
Buenos días | bweh-nohs dee-ahs | Good morning |
Buenas noches | bweh-nahs noh-chays | Good night |
Lo siento | loh see-ehn-toh | I’m sorry |
¿Cuánto cuesta? | kwahn-toh kwehs-tah | How much does it cost? |
¿Cómo estás? | koh-moh ehs-tahs | How are you? |
Estoy bien | es-toy byehn | I am good |
Conclusion
Tulum, Mexico, isn’t just another tourist destination. It’s not like any other place you’ve ever visited. Tulum has something for everyone so what are you waiting for just pack some stuff and book tickets for a new adventuor. And i am sure you will never regret your decision when you came back from here. Best of luck and be safe My birds!
FAQS
1. Is Tulum safe for solo travellers?
Yes, Tulum is safe for solo travellers but you should follow some safety precautions. You should set some curfew timing for the night. You should stay in a reputable place. Always travel in a reliable transport and be aware of your surroundings.
2. Is Tulum expensive?
Yes in 2024 Tulum is also expensive in its peak seasons from November to June. But it is not like you have to break the bank to enjoy here. There are many options in Tulum for on-budget travellers.
3. Is the tap water drinkable in Tulum?
No, Tap water is not drinkable in Tulum. You should use boiled water or mineral water for drinking. I am not even recommending you brush your teeth with the local water of Tulum.
4. What do you need to know before travelling to Tulum?
Tulum doesn’t have a private airport yet. You will drive from 1-2 hours from Cancun Mexico to Tulum. Visit Tulum at its peak season so you will get a chance to attend a variety of local events.
5. How many days are enough to visit the Tulum?
If you are a first timer the 4-5 days are enough to know about Tulum. Actually, I consider Tulum as my vacation spot therefore I visited it many times my tours will be for 2 days or sometimes it drag on to a week.
6. Is Tulum better than Cancun?
Both have their own charm Cancun has all kinds of modest amenities a well-groomed city with hustle and bustle. On another hand, Tulum offers you its charm with its jungly beachy vibe.
7. Can you go to Tulum without a tour guide?
Yes of course you can go without a tour guide but I recommend you if you are a first timer then you should hire a tour guide, especially for your ruins and cenotes tour.