But some destinations around the world that just a little bit more spellbinding than others even for the most well-traveled tourists.
Tulum is one of those places!
Expect a little slice of heaven on the Atlantic coast of Mexico attracts thousands of tourists every year.
What was once a small fishermen’s village in the past, Tulum has now become a favorite destination for people wanting luxury holidays or budget backpacking trips in Mexico. It is also perfect for anyone who wants to escape urban jungles or more built up Cancun.
In this blog post, you’ll find a list of the most important things you need to know before traveling to Tulum.
Let’s dive in.
The Best Time to Visit Tulum
If you don’t like the hot weather, you better come to visit from November to February. Starting from February, the temperature goes up and reaches its peak - 36C (96F) in May. Over the course of the year, the temperature rarely falls below 53°F. However, there’s much less humidity during the fall and winter.
Visa For Mexico: Do I Need One?
U.S. citizens and most nationalities don’t need a visa to visit the country and are allowed to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days. It is an excellent opportunity to run away from rainy fall and cold winter in your city and spend time on the beautiful beaches.
Once you arrive at the airport, you’ll need to submit a Forma Migratoria Multiple, in short, an FMM. It’s a document that is issued by Immigration and includes all information about your travel. 2 important things about it:
You need to carry it with you all the time; You need to give it back when you leave the country (that is why it’s so important not to lose it).
No worries, If you lose your FMM, you can retrieve it. Arrive at the airport and make a new one (it’ll cost you around $30-40).
The Best Way To Get To Tulum
Tulum has no airport and the best way to get here is flying to Merida or Cancun, the biggest cities nearby.
Lots of major global and low-cost airlines from North America provide flights to Cancun, including American Airlines, Delta, United, JetBlue, Southwest, and Spirit. These airlines offer year-round flights from multiple cities, with additional flights and departures added during the peak season between December and April.
From Europe, you can fly direct to Cancun from Madrid, Frankfurt, Brussels, Calgary, Zurich, Paris, Amsterdam, Munich, Rome, and Istanbul,
You can aso catch direct flights to Cancun Airport, from several UK airports – including London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle, Doncaster Sheffield, Edinburgh or Glasgow.
For the best deals book in-advance and use price comparison websites like Skyscanner.
How to Get from Cancun/Merida to Tulum
After arrival, you can catch a taxi or a bus to get to your hotel/destination.
A journey from Merida to Tulum will take around 4 hours by taxi and will cost you about $150. If your flight arrives at Cancun Airport - the closest airport to Tulum (lucky you), the journey will take less than 2 hours.
Pre-booking transfers is much cheaper, as is shuttle bus transport.
Tulum Costs and Budget
Tulum is considered to be one of the most expensive Mexico tourist resorts. The average daily amount you should be ready to spend is around $80. If you visit during the shoulder season (from May to October), prices will be much lower than, for example, in December.
Don’t forget to bring cash, Tulum is a small Mexican village compared to Cancun for example. Be ready that some places don’t even accept credit cards so make sure you can withdraw money in the ATMs, and your card is a “no foreign transaction fee” one.
We recommend withdrawing the money right after arriving at the airport to avoid any inconvenience.
Transportation and Getting Around
First things first, there is neither Uber nor Lyft in Tulum. The good this is, old but gold taxis can take you to wherever you want.
A taxi is the most convenient way to get around the city. And again, don’t forget to bring cash! Taxi drivers do not accept credit cards.
Public transportation in Tulum is pretty limited: vans go up and down the main streets. It’s a great way to experience local life, but definitely not the best option to travel around the village.
Lots of tourists also rent scooters, and according to feedback, it’s one of the most convenient ways to navigate around Tulum.
If you are keen on a bigger adventure, lots of Mexico tour companies offer overland trips in Mexico and Central America which include Tulum in the itinerary.
Do I Need To Speak Spanish In Tulum?
Yes and no. If you’re planning to spend time at upscale places, you probably won’t experience any problems while communicating in English.
Downtown, on the opposite, you’ll find fewer people who speak English. That’s where studying the basics online or booking a Spanish school in Mexico might come in handy.
Refreshing your Spanish won’t hurt and will definitely help you communicate with locals.
Can I Drink Tap Water in Tulum?
It isn't recommended to drink tap water in Mexico is unfiltered and isn’t allowed for direct consumption. Consider buying water at the stores or bringing a reusable water bottle.
Where to Stay
You can find accommodation for all budgets, whether you are looking for an all-inclusive resort or hostel dorms if you are planning a backpacking trip on a shoestring budget.
There are lots of eco luxury hotels right on the coastline with modern facilities and ocean views - highly recommended if you want to splash out.
Use a comparison website like Booking.com to search deals.
What to Do
Tulum is famous for its white sandy beaches, Mayan ruins and cenotes. Be sure to research all destinations to see what appeal to you.
Most locations aren't far, most can even be reached on foot including the incredible Mayan ruins located right on the coast.
Sightseeing trips to places like Cancun and the ancient ruins of Chicken Itza are recommended.
Plan Your Trip to Tulum
If you’re consider your next travel destination, we can assure you Tulum is a great place for your next holiday! Tulum is full of life, beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and sunsets you will never forget. For more advice view our essential things to know before visiting Mexico.
