¡PUEBLO MAGICO!
WELCOME TO TULUM MEXICO
Breathe it in… the salty air, the wafting of floral incense, the deep sweetness of tropical flora and fauna…exhale slowly. You have arrived in Tulum. The magic of Tulum and the reason it has become such an extraordinary destination on the Yucatan Peninsula lies not only in the history of the nearby Mayan ruins of the same name, but in the energetic pull the city and sea have over those who come to visit. Designated one of Mexico's "Magical Towns" in 2015 by Mexico's Secretariat of Tourism, find out for yourself all the magic this destination has to offer. Below is our guide to making the best of your visit to Tulum. We hope you enjoy!
A BRIEF HISTORY
Tulum was the last great city constructed and inhabited by the Mayan people between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries. It was a site of worship to the Great Descending God whose image adorns the temples within the site.Tulum was also of great importance for sea trade, most specifically for the trading of obsidian. Tribes from all over Mexico and other Central American countries would travel to this Caribbean port for commerce.It’s said that the great wall around the city was erected to protect it from envious traders and pirates who wanted to steal the prime location for themselves.
TULUM TODAY
The pull of ancient Mayan energies combined with the magic of the natural wonders and historic sites, have been bringing in spiritually centered tourism for decades now.Once a quiet, beach town with slowly wandering yogis and artists, Tulum has developed into a thriving tourism hot spot. Modern luxury hotels and amenities are now available but don’t worry, there is still plenty of the Mayan spirit to discover. Tulum is split between the Hotel Zone and the Pueblo, or town. The Hotel Zone is where most of those snappy Instagram pics you've no doubt seen online were probably taken. It's all about beach clubs and super chill. The Pueblo is where you'll find local artisan shops, authentic Mexican cuisine and definitely cheaper prices.
WHERE IS TULUM?
Tulum is located on the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The town, often called Tulum Pueblo, and the nearby Tulum Mayan Ruins are in the heart of the Riviera Maya on the Caribbean Sea. Tulum is approximately 45 minutes south of Playa del Carmen and 90 minutes south of Cancun by car.Tulum, like other towns and islands in the region, is adjacent to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-longest coral reef system in the world. This puts Tulum and its neighbors in a perfect spot for turquoise Caribbean waters, white sand beaches, and world-class snorkeling and diving. This is DEFINITELY your best life!
We have partnered with Tripadvisor to curate some excellent offerings below to allow you and your group to explore some of the finest attractions in the area. There is so much to do in the Riviera Maya, your only questions is...where do you start? And then, when do we come back? ;-)
~HOW TO GET TO TULUM~
FLY THE FRIENDLY SKIES
Tulum's brand new International airport is due to open sometime in 2024 so currently visitors must first fly to Cancun and then travel 1.5 – 2 hours overland to reach Tulum. Cancun International Airport (CUN) is the largest airport in the region and greets more than 20 million visitors a year.
RENT A CAR
Renting a car might be the best scenario if you plan on exploring the area a bit. You can rent a car right at the Cancun airport. Most of the major rental car brands are available here but we recommend YES RENTAL CAR. Awesome rates and no monkey business. We have used them multiple times. Pre-book online and they will pick you up at the airport and drive you back when you drop off the car.Head down the only highway southbound. You will pass Playa del Carmen, Akumal and after approximately 90 minutes you will arrive in Tulum.
AIRPORT SHUTTLE
Private or Group Shuttles can be pre-arranged to pick you up at the airport and take you right to Casa Luna del Sol in Tulum. Group shuttles may stop at numerous hotels before yours, so this method could take a bit longer than a private shuttle (while being a bit cheaper).Shared shuttles are around $45 per person, while a private minivan shuttle can be booked for around $110 per van. We recommend getting a private shuttle if you are in a group of 2 or more people.
EL AUTOBUS
The bus system is very usable in Tulum town and you can easily catch a bus to Playa del Carmen from the Cancun airport, then change busses to continue to Tulum. This is by far the most affordable way to travel to Tulum from Cancun, although definitely not the fastest and busses do not stop at hotels only bus stations.
~EXPLORE THE RIVIERA MAYA~
TULUM RUINS
There are numerous Mayan ruins in the Yucatan but you will be only a 10 minute car ride to one of the most spectacular in the region. The Tulum ruins sit perched atop a cliff overlooking the azure blue Caribbean and should be the first stop on your adventure in Tulum. You can explore alone or take a guided tour. To get the most out of the experience we recommend going early and letting one of the experienced guides give you expert insight into the enigmatic Mayan culture.
CENOTES
Cenotes were so vitally important for the survival of the local population that they were deeply embedded into the religious belief system The Maya believed cenotes to be a gateway to Xibalba, the underworld, and the god of rain, Chaac, was believed to live at the bottom of these sacred wells. Today they are exhilarating places to visit and swim in. Some offer incredible snorkeling & diving experiences and there are many within easy driving distance form Casa Luna del Sol.
RIO SECRETO
For the ultimate cenote exploration visit Rio Secreto. An entire theme park built around the underground experience. Go on a magical journey through the crystal museum where the history of our planet is written on the myriad geological formations, and where floating in its clear fresh water your life will change forever.Río Secreto could very well be one of the great world wonders. Experience this stunning underground river with thousands of dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. It's like stepping back in time to witness something mysterious and truly spectacular.
XCARET
If theme parks are your thing, Xcaret (pronounced; eshcaret) is THE premiere theme park experience in the Riviera Maya. Just a short trip back up the highway towards Playa del Carmen, Xcaret boasts more than 40 attractions that guarantee a fun-filled family day out. Witness an exhilarating equestrian show, marvel at nature in the Butterfly Pavillion and on Jaguar Island, and delve into Yucatan history at the Mexican Folk Art Museum. Upgrade to an Xcarat Plus ticket for free use of lockers and snorkel equipment, a buffet lunch, unlimited soft drinks, and a beer.
XEL-HÁ
Similar to Xcaret, Xel-Há (Shel Ha) offers an awesome theme park experience as well and is a little closer to your home at Casa Luna del Sol. Feel a bit closer to heaven in a place considered one of the greatest and most beautiful natural wonders in the world. Xel-Há Mexico offers one of the best holiday experiences right in the heart of the Riviera Maya. You'll observe multicolor fish and a great diversity of marine species that inhabit the fresh waters of its rivers, cenotes and a natural inlet. Here you will discover that there are also parts of heaven on Earth at your fingertips.
XPLOR
No question there is an almost overwhelming amount of attractions to visit in the Riviera Maya. You're going to have to come back to the area more than once! Spend a day full of fun at Xplor! Enjoy a thrilling time in activities such as zip-lines, amphibious vehicles, and swimming or paddling a raft by rivers below the surface. Also, you can be part of an Underground Expedition and even glide by a one-of-a-kind zip-line on a hammock with a splashing ending in a cenote. Xplor boasts the tallest structure in the region allowing you to soar high above the jungle.
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL JOYÀ
If you take a day trip to Playa del Carmen, then the Cirque du Soleil Joya dinner show would be an excellent capstone to your adventure. Allow yourself to be mesmerized by the story of an alchemist and his granddaughter seeking out the secrets of life. The show draws on the heritage and history of Mexico to weave the story, presented in an intimate dinner theatre in the jungle of the Riviera Maya.
SIAN KA'AN BIOSPHERE
A sublime area of natural beauty, Sian Ka'an is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna, which is why the region became a designated Biosphere Reserve in 1986. A year later, Sian Ka'an was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and it remains the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean. Possibly the most astonishing part of the Yucatan peninsula and Tulum sits right on its doorstep. Exotic birds, turtles and dolphins, this place has them all!
SNORKEL WITH TURTLES
Looking to explore a single spot with a nice barrier reef that is well preserved and teeming with fish, and with seagrass beds full of green turtles and stingrays? Then head for Akumal, the most famous and busiest spot in the Mayan Riviera. Facing a white sandy beach lined with coconut trees, the crystal-clear waters are the guarantee of a great snorkeling experience. Akumal is situated just a quick 15 minute drive north of Tulum.
~EVEN MORE CHOICES!~