Many travelers choose to stay in Tulum town to save some cash. You can always whip down to the beach in a taxi, bike, or by foot. Plus, Tulum town is a better base for getting out and checking out all the day trips from Tulum.
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While it's possible to walk the 1.8 miles (3km) from Tulum Pueblo to Tulum Playa, it's a long and often sweltering experience. There's a paved path along Avenida Cobá leading to the beach road, but it's also used heavily by cyclists and has little shade… not optimal for walkers.
Most travelers to Tulum stay in one of two main areas: the Pueblo (downtown or the town) or the beach. It's about 5 km from the Pueblo to the nearest stretch of beach. The best luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, outdoor nightlife (beach and jungle parties), and boutique shops are on the beach.
Whether you're there for a single night or an entire month, any trip to Tulum is memorable. As a baseline, we think that 5-7 days is a perfect amount of time to enjoy everything the city offers. You'll have time for the beach, to visit Mayan ruins, and even have enough extra days for a trip to a nearby destination.
Playa del Carmen is ideal for all budgets, from backpackers to bougies. At the same time, Tulum remains one of the most expensive cities in all of Mexico. Still, if you're looking for a back-to-nature escape with verdant jungle views, Tulum is your best bet.
The beaches on Tulum are much more picturesque when compared to Playa del Carmen. However, Tulum isn't very walkable. If you're staying in Downtown Tulum, you'll have to rent a car, get a cab ride, or bike to the beaches. The same goes for if you're staying at a beach resort and want to visit downtown.
A well-planned Tulum 3-day itinerary will allow you to experience the best of Tulum and make a day trip or two. But, there's so much to do and see, I highly recommend spending more time. 5 to 7 days would be an ideal start.
They both offer beautiful beaches, breathtaking coastlines, and comforting weather. Their main differences rest in the type of experience you are looking for. Cancun tends to be more upbeat and caters more to the tourist crowd. Tulum is more relaxing and gives you a greater authentic local experience.
The currency in Tulum is Mexican Pesos, however, almost everywhere you go will accept USD or card payments. I recommend taking out some pesos before you arrive just in case. The majority of the time I had to pay in pesos was when I took a taxi.
Tulum is a more rustic and laid-back destination that is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more authentic travel experience. Riviera Maya, on the other hand, offers a wider range of amenities and activities, and is perfect for those looking for a more modern and luxurious travel experience.
What Is Better, Tulum or Cabo? If only the choice were so simple, but these destinations offer very different experiences for the eager traveler. Tulum promises natural beauty and ancient Mayan ruins amid a fun bohemian vibe, while Cabo guarantees luxury amenities, water activities, and a vibrant nightlife.
Taxis to Tulum from Playa del Carmen usually cost around 600 pesos (around 30 USD), but if you're traveling with a few other people the split cost isn't too terrible.
We notice that Playa del Carmen typically has less expensive options than Tulum. Beach chair rentals will run you roughly the same price in both towns. However, Tulum taxis can be drastically more costly than Playa del Carmen. Overall, you can expect that Tulum will be about 20% more expensive than Playa del Carmen.
November and early December are great times to visit Tulum since the weather is pleasant (temperatures range from the low 70s to low 80s) and the crowds are thinner than they are in late winter and early spring.
Good weather, great prices – The shoulder months of May, July and August are some of the best times of the year to explore Tulum if saving a few dollars and having more space for your beach towel are dealbreakers. Local hotel rates and airfare to the Riviera Maya tend to be lowest during these less-crowded months.
November and early December are great times to visit Tulum since the weather is pleasant (temperatures range from the low 70s to low 80s) and the crowds are thinner than they are in late winter and early spring.