Travel Guide Tulum
Three in one. In the Mexican peninsula of Yucatán, on the Mayan Riviera, Tulum is an ancient Mayan city that houses a remarkable archaeological site and at the same time a magnificent white sandy beach and beautiful seabed. The Tulum site stretches 6 km along the beach and the Caribbean Sea in a lush wilderness environment. We discover two temples, a castillo, walls, houses, steles. But it is also for seaside tourism that the destination is appreciated for its nature and beaches. At the edge of the ruins lies Tulum National Park, a coastal area of mangroves and natural wells (cenotes). This destination is paradoxical. Don't leave without your favorite travel guide! You have the choice of resorts, luxury hotels and beach clubs, the possibility of joining eco-parks of more or less sporting, more or less cultural attractions and discover ecosystems preserved with a high biodiversity. The choice between the beach and the Mayan ruins, between celebration and idleness, between swimming with sea turtles and relaxing in a charming spa.
What to visit Tulum?
When to go to Tulum?
When to go to Tulum? The year is divided into three periods in Tulum. The best period, ideal to benefit from the preferential rates, is from April to June and from September to November. The intermediate period is due to the school vacations in July and August. The tourist "boom" period extends from December to March or April, depending on the dates of the Holy Week. The boom means higher prices and reservations, but also a wider range of activities for tourists. Mexico is a very festive country. Many religious and popular festivities take place each month. For the National Independence Day, on September 15-16, the scene where Miguel Hidalgo called for the uprising in 1810 is re-enacted throughout the country. For the Day of the Dead, November1 and 2, all the families celebrate their dead, nothing to do with All Saints' Day, it is a joyful and colorful festival.
Weather at the moment
Tulum, like the rest of Yucatán, has a tropical climate with a rainy season that sees 90% of rainfall fall from June to October. Rainfall is even heavier in the south where a dense forest flourishes. The dry season in the peninsula is between November and May.
Although much more expensive than Guatemala and Honduras, Mexico remains a relatively cheap country despite inflation. In Tulum, superior quality hotels also offer rooms at very attractive prices. As for meals, it is very easy to eat "local" for a few euros! The currency is the Mexican peso, it is easy to change and pay by credit card in the city and especially in seaside resorts like Tulum. The tip is 10% of the final score at the bar or restaurant.
EU nationals do not need a visa to travel to Mexico and therefore to Tulum. The only formality to enter Mexican territory is to complete the Mexican State Tourist Card (Forma Migratoria Multiple/FMM), provided upon arrival at the airport in Mexico. It gives the right to stay in the country for a maximum of 180 days. Care must be taken not to lose it, as it is requested at the time of departure. You must also be able to present a round-trip ticket and have a passport valid for the entire duration of the stay.
To go to Mexico and Tulum, it is recommended to get vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis and hepatitis A. Those planning a more adventurous and remote stay will also plan to protect themselves against hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies as a preventive measure. Vaccination against yellow fever is not mandatory, except for travellers coming from an exposed area in Africa or Latin America. Be careful, insect bites are easily infected in tropical environments and care should be taken to avoid small bites. Avoid bites mainly through proper clothing coverage and the use of repellents. Finally, the most common health problem you are likely to face is diarrhea.... If you decide to eat at markets or on the street, be aware that hygiene is often poor. So make sure that the dishes are well cooked and avoid raw vegetables in these areas. In a more formal restaurant, there are no more risks than elsewhere.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Tulum? Our advice & tips
Mexico is a huge country and it is impossible to discover it in one trip. Tour operators mainly offer stays of about ten days around a theme (Mayan culture, Aztec sites...) or a region (the Pacific, Yucatán, Chiapas, the capital and its surroundings).
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationWell served, Mexico is a generally safe country for solo travelers. The wave of drug cartel violence and social repression generally spares tourists; neither the criminals nor the state want to attract too much publicity. However, tourists can be easy prey, especially on the subway, in cabs, or on the streets after dark. The usual rules of caution apply: do not show your camera, your "banana" or your wallet.
It is very easy to travel by plane in the country, as most cities have an airport. There is also a very good network of long distance buses with cheap fares. However, depending on the route, to save time and avoid long hours in the bus, the plane is often more interesting. Please note: with the emergence of low cost airlines on certain routes, air and bus fares are sometimes identical.
