Last Updated
You definitely need more than one hand to count all of the amazing vacation destinations in the Mexican Caribbean that are worth visiting.
Tulum is one of those destinations and is hugely popular among foreign tourists, particularly tourists from the U.S.
And there are many reasons why this stunning destination south of Cancun is among the best, and most popular, destinations in Mexico.
Incredible Beaches
Just like the beaches along the rest of the Mexican Caribbean coast, Tulum’s beaches are incredible too.
Characterized by soft white sand and calm turquoise water, the beaches in the much-loved destination are the perfect place for some fun in the sun or rest and relaxation.
The three most popular beaches in Tulum are Playa Pescadores, Playa Paraiso, and Playa Ruinas, which sits at the foot of the Tulum ruins.
@maldivosaur Best beaches in Tulum, Mexico 🇲🇽 part 1 #tulum #travel #explore #holiday #beach #beachvibes #holiday #vacation #adventure #bestbeaches ♬ Tourner Dans Le Vide – Indila
Fascinating Ruins
Speaking of ruins…
Tulum is home to the only archeological site in the Mexican Caribbean that overlooks the sea.
The important ancient ruins are remnants of one of the most recent cities to be inhabited by the Mayan people.
The site includes multiple buildings to be explored, including a massive main pyramid called the Castillio, which stands 25 feet tall.
@luca.ferrante_ Already the Mayans had understood that Tulum is a magical place. . . . #mayanruins #mayanruinstulum #adventurer #livinglifetothefullest #livinginmexico #longtravel #adventureseekers ♬ Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap
Captivating Nature
Tulum is also one of the best places to explore nature in the Mexican Caribbean, as it is surrounded by jungle, cenotes, nature reserves, and obviously, the stunning Caribbean Sea.
It’s home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a nature lover’s dream, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which is home to hundreds of varieties of flora and species of fauna.
There are also some great cenotes, which are naturally-formed swimming holes, that are easily accessible from Tulum, including Cenote Dos Ojos and Cenote Azul, two very popular cenotes.
@inganyfl Sian Ka’an in Tulum, Mexico 🇲🇽 #siankaan #tulum #mexico ♬ We Are Not Alone Among the Stars – Alexander Volosnikov
Exciting Nightlife
Cancun may be the Mexican Caribbean vacation destination that is known for its nightlife, but Tulum’s is nothing to shake a stick at.
In fact, Tulum is also known for its nightlife scene and has many great bars and clubs, as well as more laid-back beach clubs and cantinas.
Each venue “hosts” the party on a different night, so you can expect there to be something going on pretty much any night of the week.
@lifetimelady Good drinks better vibes #fyp #tulum #tulumnightlight #blackinmexico #tulumvacay ♬ pushin P (feat. Young Thug) – Gunna & Future
Charming Town
The town in Tulum, also known as Tulum Pueblo, is nothing if not charming.
The streets, lined with trendy cafes, street art, yoga studios, and colorful buildings, are visited by millions of tourists every year.
The best way to explore this special part of Tulum is by bike or foot so that you can really enjoy all that the area has to offer.
@bookingyourbest The best part of #tulum isn't the beach… it's Pueblo and the people 🇲🇽 #bookingyourbest #tulumpueblo #girlstrip #mexicovacation #beautifuldestinations ♬ long way 2 go remix – oriaology.🖤
Trendy Hotels
Tulum is becoming more and more like Cancun every day as it continues to explode in popularity among foreign tourists.
But you won’t find the huge selection of big all-inclusive resorts here, but rather more trendy, boutique-style hotels and hostels.
There are many to choose from, though, with highly rated options starting at as low as $40 a night.
You’ll also find plenty of vacation rentals in Tulum, ranging in price and size.
@moneyytravlr Hotel Cenote in Tulum, Mexico🇲🇽 #tulum #travel #mexico ♬ L'appuntamento – Ornella Vanoni
Getting To Tulum
For now, the best way to get to Tulum is by flying into Cancun Airport and then renting a vehicle or booking transportation to make the hour and 40-minute journey to Tulum.
Soon, though, you’ll not only have the option of hopping on the Maya Train at Cancun Airport to get to Tulum, but Tulum will have an airport too.
So, when December comes, it will be easier than ever to get to this amazing vacation destination.
Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:
Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!
Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
↓ Join the community ↓
The Cancun Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A’s for the Mexican Caribbean
Subscribe to our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.