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Top 7 Reasons Tulum Is Still Americans’ Favorite Destination In The Riviera Maya

Travelled to Tulum yet? It seems like it’s been everyone’s bucket list travel destination these past few years, and there are definitely good reasons for it. As seasoned travelers in the region, we at the Cancun Sun wanted to share some of our top reasons why Tulum is still a top destination for U.S. travelers in Mexico.

Paradise Scenery of Tulum at tropical coast and beach. Mayan ruins of Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

1. Amazing Hotels Around Every Corner

From big names to stylish beach bungalows, the hotel scene in Tulum has stepped up its game in recent years. People are investing in this once indie-boho little beach town, and it’s transforming into a world-class beach getaway destination in front of our eyes. Some of the hotel industry’s biggest players, like Nobu, have announced a new beachfront property and restaurant coming to town (opening date yet to be announced). And if you’re into a more boutique hotel scene, Tulum’s definitely got you covered.

resort on tulum beach

2. Tulum Has Some Of Mexico’s Top Attractions (Including Beaches)

Located a notoriously pricey cab ride away from the downtown area, Tulum Beach is paradise. Basically a scattering of beach club-only and public beaches along the coast, there’s a beach in the area to fit your needs. The northern end of the Tulum beach area starts with Playa Ruinas, where you’ll find that iconic cliffside scene of the Mayan ruins looking over the sea. The beach area then heads down to where you’ll find more swimmable beaches like Playa Paraiso and Playa Las Palmas. 

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Tulum beach and ruins

3. It’s Still Super-Grammable

Just accept it, whether you’re an influencer in the works or have 100K followers or more on Instagram, Tulum is a great place to take those videos and snap those snazzy pics for your socials. And the establishments know it, which is why you’ll see such ‘grammable cafes and bars around just about every corner in downtown Tulum and beyond. You can’t really beat the aesthetic in some of Tulum’s top clubs or just that peaceful beach vibe of powdery sand and palm trees. 

Tulum’s noise control law was put in place this week, so we’ll see how that affects tourist numbers (if it does at all).

woman shopping in market

4. Tulum Is A Quick Getaway From Cancun

With Cancun being one of the most-visited airports in the world for the past few years, it’s no doubt that nearby destinations would feel some of that love. 

The digital nomad scene in Playa del Carmen is booming, and further south in Bacalar, things are heating up. On top of that, travelers still can’t help but pass through Tulum somewhere along the way during their trips, and maybe even stay longer than planned. Located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum’s location definitely works in its favor.

Driving thru typical colorful street road and cityscape with cars traffic palm trees bars and restaurants of Tulum in Mexico.

5. Stylish Cafes To Relax In All Day

If you want to lounge the day away (with a cold brew in hand, of course) outdoors and in style, Tulum is still the place to do it. From the cute and cozy Ki’bok Coffee Tulum to Long Time Coffee, you can be the cool kid sipping coffee in the jungle for days on your vacation with no regrets.

Let’s face it, that first sip of cold brew hits differently when you’re drinking it in 95-degree Fahrenheit heat.

Famous decorated open air retro cafe in Tulum illuminated at night. Elegant decorated restaurant with place setting and bar counter.

6. Yoga & Wellness Retreats For Days

If someone is running or wants to run a wellness retreat this winter, they will most likely be doing it in Tulum. The beach haven is the scene for life coaches, yoga instructors from around the world, and so much more. So if you want to get some life coaching and your body moving to help align your chakras (if you’re into that kind of thing), book your trip there now and see what it’s all about.

tulum beach

7. The Foodie Scene In Tulum Is On Point

Come for the tacos, and stay for the wood-fired pizzas and zucchini Alfredo. From raw vegan restaurants to elegant Italian-style dining by the sea, you can eat your way around Tulum five times over and still be coming back for more. Tulum is a great foodie destination because you can still keep it simple with street side tacos, stay healthy with acai bowls for brunch (all over ‘grammable, of course), and then wine and dine at your favorite spot in downtown Tulum for an affordable and filling meal.

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