Last Updated
For decades, Cancun was the absolute go-to Mexican Caribbean destination for travelers from all walks of life.
But in the last few years, a handful of other lesser-known destinations have emerged as tourist hotspots, such as Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Bacalar, offering a refreshing alternative to the bustling Cancun ambiance.
However, none of these destinations has captured the hearts of visitors quite like Tulum, as evidenced by recent reports from the Cancun Hotels Association highlighting hotel occupancy rates during September.
Despite the current low season, Tulum boasted a noteworthy 72% rate, even surpassing Cancun and Isla Mujeres.
Considering that only a few years ago Tulum was not much more than a small beach town with limited tourist infrastructure, these figures highlight the town’s impressive transformation into one of the trendiest Mexican Caribbean hotspots.
So, let’s take a look at what makes Tulum so attractive for travelers and explore some of the exciting experiences awaiting you at this delightful destination.
An Ecotourism Jewel
It’s no secret that the Mexican Caribbean is full of awe-inspiring natural wonders – and Tulum is no exception.
From the iconic Playa Paraiso Beach to the mesmerizing Cristal and Escondido cenotes, Tulum’s wealth of natural attractions is undoubtedly one of the top reasons travelers keep flocking to this charming beach town.
@nisrin_charaf 😍🫠 #mexico #tulumbeach #playalaspalmas #playaparaiso #fy #fyp @SJ ♬ original sound – 🎧
Unlike other popular Riviera Maya destinations, the Tulum municipality has placed a strong emphasis on the preservation of these natural wonders, implementing rigorous sustainability criteria for resorts and restaurants.
Natural parks such as Tulum National Park and the Sian-Ka’an Natural Reserve are increasingly becoming ecotourism hotspots, offering visitors the opportunity to explore their wonders in a sustainable way.
Not to mention the rising number of Tulum’s eco-boutique resorts, which include Eterna, Copal Hotel, Playa Papaya Project and Kan Tulum, to name a few.
@shegoesbyjess Tulum Stay @ Copal Tulum Hotel 🌴#mexico #tulum #vacation #travel #copaltulum #hotelrecommendation #tulumhotels #tulumstays #fypシ #fyp #traveltiktok #travelrecommendation #ecohotel #botiquehotel #travektok #travel #vacationmode ♬ Me Fui de Vacaciones – Bad Bunny
And as more and more conscious travelers embrace this growing travel trend, Tulum’s reputation as the Mexican Caribbean’s top ecotourism hub is only likely to soar.
Diverse Cultural Experiences
Far from being your run-of-the-mill resort town, Tulum is brimming with culture and history.
There, you’ll find a vibrant art scene, with numerous art galleries featuring both local and international artists scattered across the town.
Beyond the art galleries, Tulum’s cosmopolitan ambiance is also present in the town’s wide array of international restaurants.
You can explore Italian trattorias, savor Argentinian steakhouses, indulge in Asian cuisine, and even enjoy Mayan-inspired dishes, all within the town.
Tulum is also a hugely popular music festival destination, with well-known festivals such as Arte Tinasah and Like Art with Me drawing in thousands of visitors time and time again.
In addition to its bohemian spirit, Tulum carries a deep Mayan influence, which permeates every facet of its culture.
This is evident not only in the architecture of many resorts and residences but also in the town’s iconic archaeological sites, which feature intricate Mayan designs and imposing structures.
Each year, thousands of visitors come to admire the architectural prowess of the Mayans, prominently showcased in buildings like ‘El Castillo’ and the God of Wind Temple, the area’s top ‘Instabrag’ attraction.
A Relaxation & Wellness Hub
Lastly, Tulum’s reputation as the trendiest Mexican Caribbean hotspot has much to do with the town’s growing status as one of the world’s leading wellness tourism destinations, even being recognized by Forbes as the ‘World Capital of Yoga.’
The town is renowned for its numerous world-class spas and wellness centers, many of which employ ancient Mayan healing techniques designed to purify the body, mind, and soul.
At Be Tulum, for instance, you can treat yourself to a collection of treatments based on indigenous medicine, including herbal rituals and temazcal ceremonies.
Moreover, many resorts and wellness centers offer services such as sauna, spa rooms, aromatherapy, tai-chi, yoga and meditation areas, and much more.
So, with its combination of nature, culture, history, and a bohemian ambiance, it’s no wonder why Tulum keeps consistently drawing countless travelers seeking alternative and enriching experiences.
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.