What was once a sleepy Mexican fishing village has, in the last two decades, turned into one of the world’s hottest tourist destinations. For those who have visited Tulum, that should come as no surprise. 

Tulum is home to lush jungles, azure Caribbean oceans, sandy white beaches, well preserved Mayan temples, lagoons, nightlife, an exciting culinary scene, and so much more. It’s easy to see why this small town is a must-visit on any traveller’s itinerary when visiting Mexico.

Sitting on the gorgeous Yucatan peninsula (often referred to as the Mayan Riviera) and facing out into the Caribbean sea, the easiest way to get to Tulum from the UK is to fly into Cancun International Airport. Flights take around 9 hours, direct, and a return ticket should set you back around £350. From there, the town is just a one and a half hour’s drive away. 

Now that we’ve got your attention, if you’re going to enjoy every moment of your trip here, you should first check out our IDEAL travel guide to Tulum, Mexico.

TRAVEL NEED-TO-KNOW

High season in Tulum happens between November and April, when hurricane season has generally run its course and the high, humid temperatures have dipped a little. The town is at its most crowded from January to March.

Off season is from May to October, when storms are frequent, humidity high, but crowds much lower. In October, hurricanes are particularly prevalent. 

Accordingly, hotel prices are significantly lower during these months but be warned; some attractions, restaurants and stores completely shut up shop for low season. For many, then, the best compromise is to visit Tulum in November or December.

Right now, entry requirements to Mexico from the UK are as follows, though of course, this is subject to change: 

• Mexico was removed from the UK’s ‘red list’ on the 11th October, meaning you’ll no longer need to quarantine in a hotel when returning to the UK from Mexico. 

• If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you will have to self-isolate for 10 days at home on arrival back to the UK. You’ll also have to take a pre-departure test before returning to the UK, as well as a PCR test on days two and eight after arriving.

• If you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you won’t need to quarantine or self-isolate. You will, however, have to take a lateral flow test after arriving back in the UK.

• When entering Mexico from the UK, regardless of vaccination status, you won’t need to show proof of COVID-19 status. Instead, travellers must register on the Mexican government’s official Mexico Vuela Seguro platform, as well as filling out a health questionnaire.

• You don’t need a visa to visit Mexico if you’re visiting as a tourist. You will, however, have to fill in an immigration form, which you can do on arrival. Do NOT lose this form; you’ll need to present it when you leave the country. You’ll also have to pay 500 Mexican Pesos (MXN), the equivalent of around £18, for a new one.

Generally speaking, Tulum has a largely cash-based economy, so don’t forget to pack some Mexican pesos to use while you’re here. Alternatively, you can bring dollars or pounds and exchange them in the town, though rates may be less favourable.

Read: 5 IDEAL ways to manage your money while travelling

WHERE TO STAY

Look at us! We got through all of the admin in one piece. Once you’ve got your travel documents set, and you know what to expect from your stay, it’s time to book your accommodation. 

According to the folks behind Where to Stay in Tulum (hey, they’d know, right?), the primary decision you need to make is whether you’d rather stay in Tulum town or in one of the many resorts and boutique hotels that line Tulum’s beaches. 

Go for the latter if you’re seeking something affordable within walking distance of nightlife; opt for the former should you be keen on a laid back, relaxing stay in more picturesque surrounds. The town is around a fifteen minute’s drive from the beaches (or an hour’s walk), meaning it’s hard to get the best of both worlds here. 

Whether it’s luxury resorts or simple guesthouses, you’ll find it in Tulum. If you’re keen on being beach based, we particularly love La Valise, which boasts private bungalows right on the sand, an infinity pool, spa and wellness centre. In Tulum town and significantly more affordable, Hotel Blanco or La Palmita Budget Boutique Hotel both tick all the boxes of convenience and comfort. Although minimalist, they’re right in the middle of the action.

MUST-SEE TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

With a place as rich with sights and attractions as Tulum, this list of things to do here can go on for pages and pages. 

To keep things short and simple, your cultural tour of Tulum has to start with the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza. One of the largest ancient Mayan cities, Chichen Itza simply has to be seen to be believed; hire a local tour guide to understand the incredible history of this ancient place and make a day out of exploring these cultural heritage sites to get the full experience.

The drive from Tulum to Chichen Itza should take around two hours; if you’re looking for a shorter excursion, then the Coba Archaeological Zone, including Mayan ruins nestled in thick jungle, is just 45 minutes from Tulum town by car.

The Playa Ruinas is the most iconic image of Tulum; an ancient Mayan walled city and temple that overlooks the sea. It’s a jaw dropping spectacle, but the beach itself is fairly narrow. If you’re keen to recline thoroughly on a stretch of sand, then head to nearby Playa Paraiso, often voted the best beach in all of Mexico. It’s a short walk from Playa Ruinas, and the two can easily be enjoyed together in a single afternoon. 

Alternatively, you could simply enjoy the laid back pace of Tulum town; explore by bike and take in the town’s charm, which features beautiful murals and street art to appreciate. At night, go dancing and check out the local nightlife to really get a feel of the infectious energy of this small town.

Read: 5 IDEAL things to know before your holiday to Mexico

NATURE’S BOUNTY

No visit to Tulum is complete without taking in the beautiful wildlife that this part of Mexico has to offer. Be sure to go swimming in the cool Cenotes (underwater sinkholes) or in the Caribbean sea to appreciate Tulum’s majesty from a different vantage point. 

Explore the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve, too, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, and go snorkelling or scuba diving; Tulum’s waters are part of the second largest coral barrier reef in the world and you’ll see all manner of marine life in its crystal clear waters. Watch out for whale sharks, sea turtles and stingrays, specifically!

If you’re looking for more exciting animal encounters, go to Akumal beach and swim with some giant sea turtles, or visit the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary, just twenty minute’s drive north of Tulum town.

MUST-TRY FOODS

Tulum is a foodie’s dream, with local restaurants offering delectable and delicious food to tickle anyone’s taste buds. The natural larder of the Yucatan peninsula is regarded as some of the finest and freshest in the world; no wonder Noma, the world’s number one restaurant, hosted a seven week pop-up in Tulum in 2017.

If you’re a fan of traditional Mexican or Yucatecan food or seafood dishes, you’re going to love the food in Tulum. There are a several excellent restaurants every visitor to Tulum should try, sprinkled throughout the town and on the beaches. 

Taqueria Honorio, in Tulum town, has to be our pick of the bunch. A simple taco stall slinging the most amazing Yucatán-style roast suckling pig, this is the place to experience the flavours of the Yucatan. If you’re keen for a sophisticated sitdown meal, then try out NÜ Tulum at La Valise. Here, you can enjoy a modern take on ancient Mayan recipes, all just a minute’s stroll from Tulum beach.

Or, you could just follow your nose; Tulum town is full of street stalls slinging the good stuff each and every day. No trip to Tulum is complete without sampling some local Ceviche, Cochinita Pibil, or some fish tacos. If you’re feeling under the weather, try some Sopa de Lima, a traditional lime soup with restorative properties that could lift you out of even the most heavy of hangovers. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Always make sure you check the latest COVID-19 travel restrictions, both in terms of UK rules when returning to the country, and Mexico’s current entry requirements. Buen viaje!