01.03. 2021.
Let’s be honest, Tulum is a sweet little place, but a sharp wedge. Though you may hear that it has changed a lot through the years into being an overpriced place- Tulum will still enchant you. It’s definitely not only the town for the exclusive elite to enjoy its Bali style. One thing is for sure, traffic can be pretty dense, especially when coming from the beach or from the hotel zone.
Though staying at the beach in Tulum gives dreamy feelings, I would recommend the town itself. as it’s always so easy take a bike. Best budget option is hostel Mayan Monkey, but only during the rainy season due to the prices. Such a fabulous place is not though properly in the center. Selina hotel/hostel can be the best budget variant located at the beach which I would really love to try. Airbnb is also an option.
What makes a Tulum a place you will fall in love?
1. Beach of Tulum- Mexican paradise
This turquoise dream is the first and the most inviting reason to visit, isn’t it? When I entered Playa Paraiso, it was a love on the first sight- I never saw something like this. Incredible colours, warm water without waves, lots of space to relax and the sand that doesn’t burn (reason for this are the tiny seashells and coral pieces inside the sand in the most of beaches of Riviera Maya)- but still, the beach can be full of alges called sargasum. It all depends on the time, I guess but in November I didn’t see any and in January there were plenty.
Though most of the beaches in Tulum are private belonging to the hotels, Playa Paraiso we’ll satisfy all your senses as long and wide public beach.
2. Cenotes
All Mexican knows that the best swimming experiences belong to the cenotes. These are the natural pools filled with crystal clear water created through the limestone caves which once served to the Mayans as the importance water source.
The most known cenote in Tulum is Gran Cenote but the most expensive one, it’s lovely, laid-back area that gives pure magic. You can really feel the wonder of caves as you swim inside, one huge open cave is linking two exquisite „pools“. You can even see turtles which is an excellent chance for someone who doesn’t like snorkeling like me. Water colours are just breathtaking. Lovely, neat meadow in the middle is just made to chill and dry.
The downsite of this cenote is certainly the price, it’s 300 pesos or almost 12 euros. It’s located just on the road named Avenue Coba on the opposite side from the beach.
Calavera cenote is another cenote closer to the town, but I would recommend to choose Gran cenote.
Casa Tortugha is a large complex covering 4-5 cenotes at the far distance, on the margins of Playa Paraiso.
Other cenotes include: Cenote Dos Ojos, Casa Cenote, Cenote Angelita, Cenote El Pit. Best budget cenotes are: Laguna Kaan Luum, Klan Destino Cenote Bar, Cenote Arco Maya.
3. Boho vibes
Tulum just enchants from the moment you step in as the crafty shops make the feeling like you’re in the fairy tale land. You just want to buy everything. As the town is divided into central area and beach area which includes hotel zone, boho vibe is often linked with the so called influencers staying in their bubble and taking photos with beautiful decorations. But it’s all about art and the feeling Tulum produces which is just everywhere.
The boho atmosphere of Tulum provides a fantastic inspiration to several of the numerous yoga retreats in Mexico.
4. Mayan ruins- the historical treasure of Tulum
Scenic views of these mayan ruins is not its only priviledge, it’s the possibility to learn how the mayan town once looked like including meaning of murals, their religion, streets, ships and connection to the sea, in which way the temples were used. Totally new perspective of Tulum is perceived.
5. Romantic feelings
Though turqouise beach is a perfect ambience for romantics, some of the hotels can be pricy. Adequate budget solution can be a lovely airbnb even near the beach. Doesn’t the artistic spirit give the romantic feelings? It’s not only about the couples, it’s about the soul that seeks sentimental refuge.
6. Street art
Almost every mexican town is permeated with fabulous street art that it makes you wonder what is the real meaning. Tulum will make your creativity burst and relax.
7. I scream shop & other artistic caffe bars in the Hotel zone of Tulum
I scream shop with the vegan ice-creams absorbed in smaragd colours and unique decor, is the place where I tasted one of the best ice creams in Mexico. The one with the corn flavour, but indeed the expensive one. The price is 80 pesos or little more than 3 euros. Don’t miss this place or Macha mamma with healthy smoothies that is your ultime destination in every instagram photo.
8. Opportunity to cycle in Tulum
Though I wish that beach is closer to town, which other place in Mexico can give you such a smooth bycicle ride even in the rain? Don’t count massive traffic after the beach.
9. Just so close to Cancun that you cannot miss
Only two hours with the direct bus line from the airport.
10. Tulum means party in Croatian but differently prononciated
Well this one I take personally but just the cheerful, boho vibe makes plenty of party feelings. Atmosphere is kinda similar.
Regarding Tulum in Covid time, many people are just not taking it seriously (ie. not wearing masks, making parties) but I haven’t seen so many people as at Playa del Carmen during New Year’s time, caution needs to be higher here until it’s safe to travel again.
Final thoughts
So don’t miss Tulum. Or you love or you hate Tulum but it’ a phenomenon. Tell me what do you love about Tulum?
Hey Gabi,
Your photos are reason enough to fall in love with this place. I am a total beach lover. So any place that offers such a beautiful view of the beach is always on my bucket list. Loved reading about Tulum.
Thanks, I’m glad you like my photos..
Tulum looks stunning! Will have to add it to my bucket list!
Thanks, glad to inspire
Oh, my goodness, Tulum looks incredible! I love the beach and all the amazing colours of nature around there! Thanks for sharing this!
I must visit Tulum! I spent a day there years ago while I was in Playa Del Carmen, but a day was definitely not enough!
It’s such a pity to spend only a day..
Your photos are amazing! I’ve never been to Tulum but it is on my list!
We’re going to Tulum in May for the first time, and I’m so excited! We have a couple of cenotes that we want to visit.
Sounds so enchanting. Can’t wait to travel again.
Tulum is high on my list of places to go! The Mayan Ruins look amazing! And I’d love to go to a cenote! I’ll definitely be coming back to this if I ever visit – thanks for sharing!
I’ve been to Tulum and couldn’t agree more. The crystal clear caribbean sea and the cenotes are my favorite!
Tulum looks amazing! Heard a lot of great things about it. And the pics you took are amazing.
That beach looks absolutely gorgeous! Tulum looks like such a pretty and cute place. I’d love to visit x
Wow! It looks amazing (and what I need right now). I’ve been looking for small, tropical places that offer R&R, and not resorts with partiers. I’m putting Tulum on my list!
I heard so much about Tulum! It looks like an incredible place, thanks for sharing! 🙂
Ooh! I loved Tulum. I went to a Cenote there as well and I believe the ruins! I went on a tour package but I’d love to freely explore the next time I go. Thanks for sharing xx
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Tulum looks gorgeous! I loved your photos and narrative! Thanks for sharing!
There’s so much of the world I still want to see, Talum has now made my list. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos. 💚
I really haven’t heard too much about Tulum. It looks really beautiful there. I love that entrance picture. I can see why it’s a popular place to get a pic. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Cenotes, sun, sand and that entrance to the Selena Hotel – everything to love!
Looking at your photos inspires to visit Tulum as it looks enchanting. I’m looking forward to panning vacation and visiting this place. Thanks for sharing!
I couldn’t agree more! I thought the beach was enough for me to fall in love with Tulum but I was wrong. The crystal clear water in that natural pool ahhh breathtaking! I’m honestly in love with your photos! More, please! Enchanting indeed. Thank you so much for sharing!
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Wow, a friend of mine once visited Tulum and they loved it. Those pics are absolutely stunning, I’d love to visit Tulum one day x
Beautiful photos! I’ve never been here before but it sounds so relaxing and interesting to visit x
The beach sounds lovely! I already have this on my travel bucket list, but after reading your post and seeing your photos, I definitely want to go. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Oh wow! Tulum looks absolutely amazing! Would really love to have the chance to swim in a Cenote and the landscape is unbelievable! Will surely add it to my travel list, thanks for sharing x
Great post! I love finding out about new places, and I didn’t know anything about Tulum until this post, gorgeous images x
Looks beautiful and an amazing vacation spot. Thanks for sharing!
Well, now I know where I want to go to in Mexico! I cannot wait to travel again, thank you for sharing such a beautiful place. It’s on my list now!
Wow that gorgeous blue sea has sold me. I need a sunny break as soon as possible. Tulum was never on my travel list but this post has changed my mind
Rosie
Tulum made us fall in love too! The beaches are among the prettiest we’ve seen in our life!
I’ve seen much of Tulum on IG but since it’s Mexico I haven’t gone. It does looks better than most of the other parts of Mexico that I have been to. I do want to dice in the cenotes also. Thanks.
Missing so much my country, Tulum is a magical place, and all your pictures are so beautiful!
Wow, that looks beautiful, I LOVE the photos!
Tulum has been on my list for years now! I’m glad to hear that there is still lots to love even with its popularity growing.
Wow…….Tulum is really a paradise. So beautiful! Thank you for sharing this post.
Such a lovely place – the Mayan ruins look amazing too.
It looks so beautiful, I can’t wait to travel again. I’ve been to Cancun but never got the chance to go to Talum. One day I’ll go and check it out.
Wow it’s beautiful! That water. Love the photo of you outside the hotel. Making us all want to travel. Siobhan ♡ | Vegan Babe Life
Well you’ve got me sold already. That installation at the entrance is STUNNING.
Tulum is one of my favorite places ever! I can’t wait to go back and take the kids.
I’ve never heard of Tulum outside of reading this – but now I really want to go there! Ugh your pictures look GORGEOUS! I wish I could blink and be near that water and on those beaches. Thanks for sharing this – definitely a place added to my travel list.