Tulum is a town located south of Cancun, while Riviera Maya stretches along the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Tulum is closer to the Caribbean Sea and offers easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the region.
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If you are looking for a more upbeat, party, high-energy vacation that caters to tourists, Cancun will be the better choice for you. If you are looking to soak up some tranquility and learn more about the Mayan history as well as experience authentic Mayan culture, Tulum may be the better choice.
Tulum has many beautiful traces of Mayan culture and history, much like the rest of the Yucatán Peninsula and Quintana Roo. Visiting Tulum is worth it simply for the experience of seeing the historical Tulum Ruins in person.
While close in proximity, Cancún and Riviera Maya offer very different experiences and attractions. Cancún is popular for its lively atmosphere, nightlife, and amenities, while Riviera Maya is known for its natural beauty, secluded beaches, and cultural attractions.
Where is Tulum located? This famous archaeological site is in the south side of Riviera Maya. It's 39 mi (63 km) from Playa del Carmen, and you can take the Tulum - Xel-Há Tour to visit both places on the same day! You can also take a tour to visit Tulum and Cobá on the same day.
Cancun and Riviera Maya offer unique and exciting vacation experiences on Mexico's Caribbean coast. While Cancun is known for its lively nightlife, shopping, and entertainment, Riviera Maya offers a more laid-back and tranquil experience focusing on nature, eco-tourism, and cultural heritage.
But at the same time it has become a major hub for drug distribution. As a tourist destination, Playa del Carmen in the resort area of Tulum is booming, but so too is cartel violence.
Where do Celebrities Stay in Tulum? A few celebrities, such as Paris Hilton, Kristen Cavallari, and Drew Barrymore, have been spotted in Tulum at Habitas, Azulik, and Amansala Resort & Spa.
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.
While Tulum is trendy, note that most of the best hotels offer eco-chic luxury (if you're looking for a large resort experience, look elsewhere) and are located along the 6-mile-long stretch of beachfront from the Tulum Ruins to the soft sand beach in the south end.
It's up to personal preference whether Tulum is nicer than Cabo. Tulum has a rustic, hippie feel compared to Cabo. It also has lush jungle and beaches that often contain natural debris. If you travel to Tulum from May to October, you likely won't think it's nicer than Cabo.
All that's left to do is map out what you will do and see during your time in Tulum. In just 3-5 days, you could easily check off all of Tulum's highlights, splash in a handful of cenotes, and include a fun day trip to nearby Coba and other incredible Riviera Maya destinations.
Can I Walk Around at Night in Tulum? It's not recommended — especially if you're alone. Making things more complicated, the beach hotels and the center of town are not necessarily a quick jaunt from each other on foot, so you should take a taxi. The good news is that taxis are abundant in Tulum.
Places to Stay: Hotel Esencia, A Secluded Gem on Mexico's Riviera Maya. Hotel Esencia's Penthouse suite. Esencia, the design-minded Tulum paradise and adored by Hollywood celebrities, actors and the world's most in-demand - offers the perfect combination of style and simplicity with spotless service.
Still, experts agree tourists are not the preferred target. “Most tourists will never meet the cartels. In other words, violence is often generic. The violence tourists face is much more local,” Hope said.
Its pristine, white beaches, beautiful cenotes, archaeological sites, divers cuisine, restaurants, hotels, condos and resorts. Here are 10 reasons to visit the Riviera Maya, in the south of Cancun, from Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen, Sian Ka'an in the south of Tulum.
The best months for good weather in Riviera Maya are January, February, March, April, May, July, November and December. On average, the warmest months are April, May, June, July, August, September and October. The rainiest months are June, September and October.