Tulum, a gem on the Yucatán Peninsula, is rapidly transforming from its hippy jungle hut roots into a more bustling destination. Despite the ongoing construction and the impending arrival of an international airport and the Maya Train, Tulum maintains its distinct charm, setting it apart from the likes of Playa del Carmen or Cancun. The town’s infrastructure is catching up, but it’s still quite rough around the edges in many places – which, for some, is part of the appeal.
My journey here had its own set of adventures – a delayed flight with unexpected legroom issues on Aeromexico, and missing the last bus to Tulum. Instead of taking an expensive taxi ride all the way, I opted to ride the ADO to Playa del Carmen and then take a taxi for the remaining distance. But once there, I forgot all of that. The beach and the laid-back vibe made it all worthwhile.
Getting around is easy by taxi, though the fares might pinch your pocket a bit (about $20 USD each way from town to the beach). Many people also get around by bike.
I thought a week would allow me to get an overview of the beaches and town. I stayed the first few days near Playa Pescadores and then had an Airbnb in town for the rest of the week, with a little day trip to the more southern beaches. The weather was a nice mix of rain and sunshine while I was there.
Overall, I think Tulum would be a good option for a few days to a week while I’m in the area. And possibly for longer stays too as it continues to grow and evolve.
Tulum Beaches
The beaches here are paradise, with clean sands and clear waters. The more northern area around Playa Pescadores is a little more sleepy, and the beach clubs and restaurants there tend to wind down a bit earlier, especially during the week. You’ll find more of the party atmosphere further south.
Villa Pescadores
Villa Pescadores is laid-back and unpretentious. I chose it based mostly on the price and great reviews. I think it’s probably less expensive due to being a little more of a fishing area. My little garden hut was comfortable, and I enjoyed hanging out on the big patio. The food was good – I had some great cocktails, and the shrimp tacos are a must-try.
Tulum Beach Clubs
Beach clubs and restaurants here vary widely, and there are plenty of good options. Near Playa Pescadores, I had a great experience and superb hamburguesa at Pancho Villa. Further south, I found my spot at Dune – not too crowded and comfortably distant from booming music, with a 500 MXN minimum consumption. Like many places here, they also had a 2-for-1 happy hour deal from 4 to 6 PM.
Menesse Tulum
The four nights I spent in town, I stayed at Menesse Tulum, which offered a good blend of comfort and style, complete with modern amenities. It’s also in an excellent location, across the street from Super Chedraui, and with plenty of restaurants and cafes within easy walking distance in several directions.
Tulum Town
Walking around here is not as enjoyable as in Playa del Carmen, but it seems to be improving. There are plenty of good restaurants and cafes. The main plaza and deportivo (sports complex) in town are currently not much to write home about.
