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What is between Playa del Carmen and Tulum?

Location: Akumal is located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, the drive from Cancun to this spot takes around 1 hour (give or take a few depending on traffic). This beach town is primarily composed of five major bays that offer the best snorkeling on the coast right offshore.



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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.

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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.

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Rideshare Apps Won't Work in Tulum Save yourself the trouble, and don't try to find an Uber or Lyft while in Tulum. You'll need to rely on other forms of transportation, so you may need to plan ahead a bit further than you do in other vacation destinations.

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Cost. In choosing Playa del Carmen or Tulum for your vacation, cost will be a big factor. While both destinations offer a range of cost options, Tulum's price point is roughly 20-30% higher than Playa del Carmen when you factor in accommodation, restaurants, and travel.

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It is said that the waters of Playa del Carmen are among the world's most beautiful.

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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.

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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.

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I'd recommend Tulum Beach if it's your first time visiting Tulum and you want to lay out on the beach all day, hit a trendy restaurant for dinner, and dance the night away. I'd recommend Tulum Town if you're on a budget and want to explore cenotes, ruins and have a more active vacation!

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Playa del Carmen started out as a Fisherman's village, as many as 110 years ago. The white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back feel have made it a popular destination for tourists.

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Tulum offers access to a number of prominent Mayan ruin sites in the Yucatan peninsula. First, the northern edge of the Tulum beach is adorned by Mayan ruins that overlook the beach from a spectacular perch on a cliff! Second, the much larger ruins at Coba are a mere hour or so north of Tulum.

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This coastal town runs along the Riviera Maya, where divers and snorkelers can explore one of the world's largest coral reef systems. The central part of Playa del Carmen is a vibrant avenue filled with quirky shops and restaurants, as well as a beachfront park that hosts traditional Mayan performances in the evenings.

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Playa del Carmen boasts an enviable collection of beaches, where you can enjoy typical Caribbean relaxation and swim in an unspoilt sea, perhaps coming across turtles while you do so.

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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.

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Prices are generally at their lowest during the humid rainy season, with May to June and September to October usually seeing the lowest prices. However, late April and early December can also see reasonable prices, as well as drier, less humid weather, so be aware of offers around this time too.

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Walking is always affordable, and in Tulum, it's also feasible. You could choose to walk from the hotel areas to the beaches, the ruins and even Tulum Pueblo, depending on where you're located. However, you may find taxis are a more comfortable option, given the heat.

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