Moon Tulum

DISCOVER Tulum

5 TOP EXPERIENCES

Planning Your Trip

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR…

The Best of Tulum

MAYA RUINS WITHIN REACH

Best Diving and Snorkeling

FAMILY FUN

Side Trip: Chichén Itzá

Romantic Getaway

CENOTE HOPPING

The secret is out about Tulum. It has the makings of a favorite getaway: idyllic beaches, oceanfront cabañas, and ancient Maya ruins perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise sea—all without a mega-development in sight. Farther south, the Costa Maya remains relatively undeveloped, while the inland archaeological sites such as Chichén Itzá never fail to impress.

Equally unexpected are the area’s numerous natural and ecological attractions. You can dive and snorkel in the longest underground river system in the world and kayak through mangrove forests and lagoons. At Cobá archaeological site, you can climb the second-highest Maya pyramid, and see parrots and toucans, and bike from temple to temple on wide forest paths, all in the same visit.

So what sort of trip will it be? Sunbathing by the pool, swimming and snorkeling in cenotes, or exploring the Maya ruins? With luck, you’ll do a little of each. In the process, you may discover that Tulum and the Costa Maya are more than they seem. They are places to love, laugh at, be surprised by, and above all, to experience and explore.

5 TOP EXPERIENCES

Planning Your Trip

Where to Go

Tulum and the Costa Maya

Tulum is justly famous for its stunning beaches, boho-chic bungalows, and namesake Maya ruin, with a dramatic view of the Caribbean. An hour from Tulum, Cobá boasts the second-tallest Maya pyramid and a lovely forest setting teeming with birds. Directly south of Tulum is the pristine Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and beyond that the isolated towns of the Costa Maya. There’s a lovely freshwater lagoon, Bacalar, with a like-named town that is growing in popularity with independent travelers. Just south is Chetumal, the busy state capital and gateway to Belize.

Chichén Itzá

Several fascinating Maya ruins are within easy reach of Tulum. Chichén Itzá is one of the most impressive and recognizable of all Maya ruins, and just two hours from Tulum. Even closer, Ek’ Balam is small but has a spectacular stucco frieze and relatively few visitors.

Know Before You Go

When to Go

Considering weather, prices, and crowds, the best times to visit the Yucatán Peninsula are from late November to mid-December and from mid-January to early May. You’ll avoid the intense heat from June to August, the rain (and possible hurricanes) in September and October, and the crowds and high prices around the winter holidays.

The big exceptions with those periods are spring break (March/April) and Semana Santa (the week before Easter), when American and Canadian students, and then Mexican tourists, turn out in force and prices spike temporarily.

While most activities are accessible year round, some are better or more reliable in certain seasons. For example, the Riviera Maya is a superb diving destination, but it’s especially great from March to June, when tropical storms are rare and visibility is at its best. Similarly, kiteboarding is ideal from September to March, when the wind is strong and most consistent. Sportfishing and bird-watching also have their optimal seasons, especially if you are targeting particular species: If you’re interested in catching sailfish, a top target species, January to September is the best time to visit; visitors hoping to spot flamingos—up to 40,000 of them—should visit Isla Holbox from May to September.

Other popular attractions are only available during specific times of the year. Snorkeling with whale sharks, for instance, can only be done from June to September, when the sharks have migrated into the region. Same goes for visiting some of the most impressive Maya ruins—like the main pyramid at Chichén Itzá, which, if visited around the spring and fall equinoxes (respectively March 21 and September 22), displays an eerie illusion of a snake slithering down the side of the pyramid.

Passports and Visas

American and Canadian travelers must have a valid passport to travel to and from Mexico. Tourist visas are issued upon entry; you technically are allowed up to 180 days, but agents often issue just 30 or 60 days. If you want to stay longer, request the time when you present your passport. To extend your visa, visit the immigration office in Cancún.

Vaccinations

No special vaccines are required for travel to the Yucatán Peninsula, but it’s a good idea to be up-to-date on the standard travel immunizations, including hepatitis A, MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), tetanus-diphtheria, and typhoid.

Transportation

Cancún International Airport (CUN) is far and away the most common and convenient entry point to the region. A handful of flights go directly to Chetumal, and there are plans (but nothing more) for a new airport outside Tulum; there also is an airport near Chichén Itzá, though at the time of research it was not in use. An excellent network of buses, shuttles, and ferries covers the entire region, though a rental car makes a world of difference in more remote areas.

What to Pack

Bring what you would to any beach destination: light cotton clothing, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, flip-flops, and so forth. Beach buffs should bring two or even three swimsuits, plus snorkel gear if you have it. Water shoes come in handy wherever the beach is rocky, while sneakers and bug repellent are musts for the Maya ruins. Finally, it’s always smart to bring an extra pair of glasses or contacts, prescription medications, birth control, and a travel clock. If you do leave anything behind, no worries—there’s a Walmart in all the major cities.

The Best of Tulum

With picturesque beaches, elegant restaurants, relaxing spas, and cozy accommodations, Tulum has all the makings of a perfect getaway.

Day 1

Fly into Cancún, and make your way by bus or taxi to Tulum. Settle into your beachside bungalow, complete with a hanging bed, mosquito net, and candles. If you want something a little more upscale, consider staying in a suite at one of the chic high-end hotels. Spend the remainder of the day on the beach. In the evening, head to Mezzanine or La Zebra for drinks, followed by dinner at Hechizo.

Day 2

Visit the Tulum ruins in the morning before the crowds arrive. Bring your swimsuit to enjoy the small beach there. Afterward, walk to gorgeous Playa Mar Caribe, just south of the ruins. Enjoy lunch at nearby Adelita Tulum. If you’re up for it, head down the road for a drop-in yoga class at Yoga Shala Tulum in the late afternoon.

Day 3

Leave bright and early to get to the Maya ruins of Chichén Itzá before the crowds do. Spend the morning there, followed by lunch in the colonial city of Valladolid. From there, go swimming in nearby cenotes, or visit Ek’ Balam, a much smaller ruin. Both Valladolid and Ek’ Balam have good lodging options if you want to overnight.

Day 4

Choose between taking an organized eco-tour in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a sprawling coastal reserve south of Tulum that is home to an astounding array of wildlife, or do-it-yourself cenote hopping (four cenotes on the road to Cobá are just minutes away). If you’re at a high-end hotel, book a beachside dinner—complete with a personalized menu—before starting your day. Also consider reserving a massage for your last day at the Yaan Wellness Energy Spa.

Day 5

Spend your last full day beachcombing on Tulum’s southern beaches. Take a private paddleboarding lesson with Ocean Pro Kite. Afterwards relax on the beach and don’t forget to go to your massage!

Best Diving and Snorkeling

TOP EXPERIENCE

For many travelers, the Yucatán’s underwater treasures are as compelling as its terrestrial ones. The region includes the world’s second-longest coral reef, the longest known underground river system, and the Northern Hemisphere’s largest coral atoll. Below are some of the region’s top spots to get underwater.

Tulum

Journey into the abyss! The Yucatan Peninsula is dotted with hundreds of eerily beautiful cenotes (freshwater caverns and sinkholes) offering out-of-this-world snorkeling and diving for novices and experts alike. Tulum’s dive shops specialize in cenote dives and cave diving courses, while snorkelers can grab their gear and spend the day cenote hopping. Try the string of cenotes west of Tulum including Car Wash and Gran Cenote. Dos Ojos, near Tulum, also offers full-service guided tours for snorkelers and divers, visiting a gorgeous stalagmite-filled cavern.

The Costa Maya

Banco Chinchorro is the largest coral atoll on this side of the planet, and has spectacular diving and snorkeling. Getting there can be a bear—2-3 hours by boat each way—but the massive and pristine atoll is worth the time and expense. Dive shops in Mahahual or Xcalak, two small towns near the Belize border, offer Chinchorro trips. There’s also fantastic snorkeling and diving right from the shore, including at night.

Side Trip: Chichén Itzá

Day 1

Get an early start in order to beat the crowds and tour groups. Visit the amazing Chichén Itzá ruins. The site is huge and impressive, so plan on being there for a few hours. Have lunch at Los Faisanes Bistro in the historic Hacienda Chichén, adjacent to the ruins. Check into your hotel; the Zona Hotelera hotels are a nice option, budget permitting, with their leafy grounds and refreshing pools, just steps from the ruins. If you’ve got time and energy, make an afternoon visit to Cenote Sagrado Azul or Balankanché Caves. Have dinner in Pisté—try La Gran Chaya for some local flavor—and, that night, attend the Sound and Light Show, which uses projections on the structures to tell Chichén Itzá’s history and lore. (Remember you need to buy tickets online in advance.) Hit the sack—you’ve earned it!

Day 2

Make your way to Valladolid, a charming colonial town just east of Chichén Itzá. Spend the day poking around—there’s terrific folk art in Casa de los Venados, fascinating history at the Iglesia and Ex-Convento San Bernardino de Siena, and several impressive cenotes in town and just beyond. When you need a lunch break, try Yerbabuena del Sisal for its tasty Mexican food and bright garden patio. That evening, learn more about Valladolid at the gorgeous and hi-tech Sound and Light Show at Iglesia San Bernardino, followed by drinks and Yucatecan food at Casa Conato.

Day 3

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Squimz, where it’s never too early for a milk shake, and then head to the Maya ruins of Ek’ Balam. The site is small but spectacular, with an intricate stone frieze atop a soaring pyramid. From there, spend time cenote hopping—Cenote X’Canché is a short walk from the ruins, while Cenote Sak’ Awa and Cenotes Agua Dulce are easily reached by car. Plan on having lunch at the restaurant at Cenotes Aqua Dulce. Afterward, head back to the coast.

Romantic Getaway

TOP EXPERIENCE

Although a number of places in and around Cancún have the makings of a romantic getaway—picturesque beaches, elegant restaurants, relaxing spas, and cozy accommodations—we picked our favorite for this itinerary: Tulum. The beaches are spectacular, and the cabaña-style hotels exude a quiet charm like nowhere else.

Day 1

Fly into Cancún, and head by bus or taxi to Tulum. Settle into your beachside bungalow, complete with a hanging bed, mosquito net, and candles. If you want something a little more upscale, consider a suite at one of the chic high-end hotels. Spend the rest of the day on the beach. In the evening, head to Kitchen Table for dinner, followed by drinks and live jazz at El Batey.

Day 2

Visit the Tulum ruins in the morning before the crowds arrive. Bring your swimsuits to enjoy the small beach there. Afterward, walk to gorgeous Playa Mar Caribe, just south of the ruins. Enjoy lunch at Mezzanine. If you’re up for it, head down the road for a drop-in yoga class at Yoga Shala Tulum in the late afternoon.

Day 3

Choose between an organized ecotour in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and do-it-yourself cenote hopping (four cenotes on the road to Cobá are just minutes away). If you’re at a high-end hotel, book a beachside dinner for two before starting your day. Consider reserving a couples massage at the Yaan Wellness Energy Spa for your final day.

Day 4

Have breakfast brought to your room. Spend your last full day beachcombing on Tulum’s southern beaches. Take a private paddleboarding lesson together with Pro Kite Tulum. Afterward, relax on the beach—and don’t forget to go to your massages!

Tulum and the Costa Maya

HIGHLIGHTS

PLANNING YOUR TIME

Tulum

ORIENTATION

TULUM ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONE

BEACHES AND CENOTES

TOURS

ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOPPING

SPORTS AND RECREATION

FOOD

ACCOMMODATIONS

INFORMATION AND SERVICES

GETTING THERE

GETTING AROUND

Cobá

S COBÁ ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONE

COBÁ PUEBLO

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

SIGHTS

SPORTS AND RECREATION

FOOD

ACCOMMODATIONS

INFORMATION AND SERVICES

GETTING THERE

The Costa Maya

MAHAHUAL

XCALAK

CHACCHOBEN ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONE

Laguna Bacalar

SIGHTS AND EVENTS

SPORTS AND RECREATION