Welcome back!  We want to apologize for being away from the blog the last week and a half.  We had plans to do blog work while we were in Tulum, but then we got to Tulum and, well, we were vey quickly swept away by the magic of this stunning little town.  Located approximately 1.5 hours south of Cancún International Airport (CUN), Tulum needs to be placed at the top of your to-do list.

Getting to Tulum

Several airlines offer direct flights from DFW to CUN and we can’t recommend the direct-flight rout enough.  It limits your travel time significantly, limits the number of bloody marys you can slam back before landing, and maximizes the time you’re on vacation.  Other options are connecting flights out of DAL.  Southwest offers about 6-7 flights daily.  Shop around and pick the flight that works best for you.  As long as you land in Cancun, you’ll be fine.   

Once you land, you can take a taxi, private car or public transport to your hotel.  Some hotels offer a shuttle, be sure to ask when you make your reservation.

For shuttles, we recommend Canada Transfers.  They are safe, reliable, and give you tons of instructions for airport arrival and departure.  You can schedule a private shuttle for up to 10 people for less than $200 roundtrip. Even for two people, this is a cheaper option than a round trip taxi. 

If you want to rent a car, Dollar Car Rental is a reliable option.  If you’re looking to explore the Yucatan, renting a car is a great way to get around. Driving from Cancun is very easy. The airport is right off Highway 307, which runs down the coast, past Playa del Carmen, and straight to Tulum.  Friends of ours rented a car using this company when they arrived at the airport and had no problems at all.

Transportation in Tulum

The easiest way to get around Tulum during the day is by foot or bike. Bikes are everywhere in Tulum and many hotels offer bikes to use for free. Getting around at night is even easier by taxi. You won’t have any problems hailing a cab, as they line up along the Hotel Zone once the sun goes down.  If you’re traveling around the town, taxis cost about $6 USD during the day and $15 USD at night. Be sure to bring small bills as many taxis will not offer change.

Where to Stay

We stayed at The Chiringuito Tulum and will likely revisit this hotel many times in the future. The entire hotel is on the beach with sand going all the way up to the doorsteps of each room.  The rooms are spacious, clean, and the air conditioning was a life-saver many times over.  Because we planned to work remotely while there, we also appreciated they had very reliable wifi throughout.  The service was equally amazing with a very attentive but not intrusive staff. 

Other beautiful hotels  – all on the beach – we toured and which came recommended to us, are:

Walking/Biking/Eating Around Town

During the day, you can easily pop in just about anywhere in town for a bite to eat and a slamming drink, or five.  For dinner though, because it is a small town, we recommend making a reservation ahead of time.  Below is a list of *some* of our favorites, but do not hesitate to explore and fine your own!

Hartwood – Everyone will tell you that you must eat here! The food is incredible, but note that it is pricey. Reservations are required and can be made by email at reservations@hartwoodtulum.com

Posada Margherita – Known as the best Italian restaurant in Tulum. The menu consists of a rotation of house-made pastas and two or three dishes built around fish caught that day. Great for a romantic date.

Cenzontle – Mexican food with a twist in a romantic garden setting. Reservations encouraged and can be made by email at eat@cenzontletulum.com.

Taqueria La Eufemia – The sign that says “Best F-ing Tacos” is not lying. Go here for a cheap lunch on the beach.

Mateos – Quick and easy place to grab great Mexican food. Also a great spot for late-night drinks.

Exploring the Area

While it will be next to impossible to tear yourself away from the pristine beaches, bohemian town, world-class cuisine, and never-ending tequila shots in Tulum, you absolutely have to pull it together and explore all the Yucatan has to offer.  You can go on organized excursions or just rent a car and go.  We think no trip to Tulum is complete without visiting at least one of the areas key attractions.

Tulum Ruins – Carretera Federal & Cancún – Chetumal Km 230 307, Tulum, Q.R. 77780, Mexico

Known as the most picturesque archaeological site in the Riviera Maya and the only one overlooking the ocean. Open from 8 to 5 everyday – arrive early to avoid the crowd!  Here’s an excellent blog post on how best to explore the ruins.  (price – 65 pesos)

Akumal Beach – Akumal, Q.R., Mexico

Swim with sea turtles, sting rays and other colorful fish at Akumal Bay. About a 25 minute drive north from Tulum.

Cenote Naharon – Q.R., Mexico

Scattered throughout the Yucatan are many beautiful cenotes (underground freshwater sinkholes). This was one of our favorites – with a pier to jump from and few people to worry about. Cenote Naharon (aka Cenote Cristal/Cenote Escondido) is located about 5 minutes south of Tulum Pueblo off Highway 307. (Price – 100 pesos).

Grand Cenote – Q.R., Mexico

Another favorite cenote of ours where you can swim with sea turtles. Make sure to get there early as it is popular with tourists! (price – 120 pesos)

Tulum travel tips!

Bug Spray. There are mosquitos in Tulum – lots of them. Many places will offer bug spray but come prepared! Bring Cash. Most of the Tulum community is cash only (taxis, restaurants, bars included).

Bring cash with you. We recommend exchanging currency with your bank or at the airport.

Wifi & Cell Service. The cell service in Tulum is typically pretty poor. Most places have wifi but it’s also not great. Enjoy being disconnected 🙂

Why Tulum?

Why the ef not? This is the perfect getaway from DFW and could easily be enjoyed over a long weekend or a full week. We felt this place would be perfect for a bachelorette party, wedding, romantic getaway, friends trip, etc. You can have a wild time here or a laid-back relaxed getaway. Tulum is what you make it. So make it your next trip, you silly little jack wagons. Oh, and take us with you!