In ancient times, only the indigenous people of the Yucatan Peninsula(Tulum) were aware of its existence. It was once a hidden paradise where visitors could relax on beaches without spotting another person for miles around. However, the world at large eventually found out about Tulum, Mexico. This beautiful coastline is no longer unknown and is now among the top choices for travelers and celebrities. If you’re curious about the reasons for Tulum’s fame, here are some factors to keep in mind for your next trip there.
Knowing how to reach Tulum is Essential
Were you aware that flying directly into Tulum is not possible? It’s important to be aware that is a two-hour drive from Cancun. The nearest airport is a two-hour drive, so you must arrive at Cancun by plane. After arriving in Cancun, you will need to figure out how to travel from the airport to Tulum. You can choose from three different alternatives.
Private/group transfer Shuttle – You have the option to reserve a private transfer shuttle for a group or join a shuttle individually. Planning in advance can make you feel more secure than hailing a taxi right after arriving.
Taxi rides are definitely the priciest choice available. As soon as you exit the Cancun airport, taxi drivers will surround you. Taking a taxi will cost you around $60-$100. You can try to discuss the cost, but you’ll probably end up spending around $100.
ADOperates the cheapest bus service. Expect to shell out approximately $10 for a trip to Tulum. You have the choice to reserve a bus that makes a stop in Playa Del Carmen before heading to destination, or you can opt for a direct bus. You can locate an ADO bus booth at the airport next to the rental car booths upon leaving the airport OR you have the option to purchase your ticket outdoors by the bus stop. Having traveled on the ADO bus throughout Mexico for many years, I can confirm that they are both clean and entirely secure.
Car rental – Renting a car will provide you with ample flexibility in and around the surrounding towns. I recommend making a reservation for your rental car in advance. In peak season, it is recommended to reserve the rental car directly from the company. Hertz, the unit of frequency.
Understanding how to exchange currency in Tulum
Although many establishments do take US dollars, it is important to understand how to convert your currency to Pesos. Avoid using the currency exchange booth at the airport. Once you arrive in Mexico, the optimal choice for obtaining the best exchange rate is to withdraw money from a local ATM. You have the option to take out money from a nearby bank at the airport, in Cancun. The most optimal location to get cash is Tulum Centro/pueblo, as the ATMs in the hotel zone frequently run out of funds.
Numerous cash points take credit cards, but you must have pesos for taxi fares, taco vendors, tours, etc. It is also recommended to have cash for tipping taxi drivers, waitstaff, cleaners, or any individuals offering assistance during your journey. This is very beneficial, particularly at this moment.
Just so you know, if you choose to use US dollars instead of Pesos, local businesses will increase their prices.
You Need To Know Where To Stay When You Get To Tulum
Tulum can be divided into two parts: the Tulum hotel zone and Tulum Centro.
The Hotel Zone is brimming with villas, treehouses, & boutique hotels that offer immediate beach access. It’s super pricey but you’ll be able to reach the beach directly. A majority of hotels in the hotel area do not provide air conditioning during the day and the internet signal is practically non-existent. If you are in the hotel zone, make sure to utilize the wifi provided by hotels and restaurants to stay connected.
Staying in Tulum Centro is a budget-friendly option, located approximately a 10-15 minute drive away from the beach. This is the place where the residents reside, so you will have a more authentic local experience in the vicinity.
On the other hand, Aldea Zama is a recently developed neighborhood in Tulum that is only a short 5-minute drive away from the beach. It lies squarely between Centro and the Hotel Zone. There are many lovely Airbnbs available for booking in the region, perfect for accommodating large groups.
It is important to understand that Tulum is not a town built around resorts.
It is different from Cancun in that it is not a resort town. Despite the significant transformation of the town, its initial charm remained in its relaxed ambience and bungalow/boutique hotel ambiance. Many boutique hotels, bungalows, and villas have made extra effort to create the bohemian atmosphere the town is famous for. Additionally, there are a plethora of restaurants within the hotel zone that offer much higher quality food than what is typically found at resorts. Believe me when I tell you, you’ll be glad you chose to stay at either a beautiful bungalow in the hotel zone or a fantastic airbnb in Centro. There are countless possibilities.
The sole accommodation option presently in Tulum is Kore Tulum. Furthermore, you’ll have to travel 20-30 minutes away from the town to reach Dreams Tulum. Be aware that if you choose to stay outside of town, you can expect to pay $50-$100 for transportation to the Tulum ruins, beach, and hotel zone.
Now These Are Places Tourists Visit In Tulum That Made It Famous
The Mayan Ruins
Tulum houses Mayan ruins that were utilized by the civilization bearing the same name in ancient times. The Mayans were considered one of the most sophisticated societies during their era, constructing numerous cities throughout Central America. Tulum, established around 700 CE, is one of the oldest known sites in this region of Mexico.
The reason for the site’s name is its position: “Tulum” means “wall” in the Yucatec Maya language. Upon their arrival in 1517 CE, the Spaniards discovered that this location had been deserted for many years because of conflicts between competing tribes, a situation that had also caused other archaeological sites to be abandoned. Today you have the opportunity to tour Tulum’s ancient ruins and witness their breathtaking beauty.
Incredible subterranean water bodies known as Cenotes are present.
Natural sinkholes called cenotes can be found in limestone and other rocks abundant in carbonate like gypsum. Typically, sinkholes form when an underground cavity collapses due to the displacement of water from a cave system or river by a new intrusion of rock.
Not only are they attractive, but they are also utilized for swimming and diving. Cenotes are frequently utilized for religious rituals because of their sacred significance, so show proper reverence if you opt to visit one independently!
Tulum Majors On Wellness
Tulum is a place known for promoting wellness. The emphasis is on wellness, providing yoga classes and retreats by the beach. There are luxurious spas, hotels catering to guests’ health, and a variety of restaurants serving nutritious meals.
The beaches, too, are stunning and tidy. There are numerous activities available in the region, ranging from exploring nature reserves on foot to touring historic landmarks and museums.
Tulum is an excellent location for yoga, in fact, it is one of the top spots for practicing yoga. Numerous yoga studios in Tulum provide a variety of yoga classes. It is simple to educate yourself on the historical traditions and philosophies of each form of Yoga before attempting them in a class. In addition to those, numerous retreats provide Yoga camps that include accommodation at a high-end hotel along with guided yoga sessions.
Amazing Eating Spots
It provides excellent options for bars and dining.
Tulum, Mexico offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy top-quality food, drinks, and dining experiences. The bars in this location offer a fantastic variety of drinks at affordable prices.
The dining options are great too, with a few of them serving top-notch Mexican cuisine in the city. The food here is so good that many people come just for that reason alone!
Now Here’s The Banger
It is home to amazing dance music events like Tulum Afterlife festivals.
Tulum Mexico is well-liked among tourists due to the Tulum Afterlife festival, a dance music festival held in the area. The same individuals who launched Burning Man also began the festival, which emphasizes art and music. The occasion spans over a few weeks and includes events like yoga sessions, sustainable living workshops, fire-spinning shows, and DJ live performances.
Some festivals showcase famous artists that fans are willing to pay top dollar to see live, while Tulum Afterlife prioritizes building a sense of community among attendees with interactive experiences over simply offering entertainment from skilled musicians.
If you seek an unparalleled experience, Tulum Mexico is where you should go. It is a place of magic where you can relax, de-stress, and enjoy with friends or family. Furthermore, if that’s not sufficient, there are abundant natural wonders waiting for you to explore!
