Approximately two years ago I began to see beautiful pictures of scenic beaches on Instagram. Whenever I glanced at the location tag on the picture it would always say "Tulum, Quintana Roo." It didn't take much convincing. Just like that, Tulum made it to my travel list.
By no means was this trip planned in advance. Around the first of June, I asked on Instagram "Who would like to join me on a trip to Mexico?" My new-found and favorite travel partner Eden replied, as well as a good friend from Grad School, Esha. In about two weeks we selected a hotel and purchased flights. Less than a month later we were in Tulum, Mexico (squeals with excitement).
Flight
I searched on "Google Flights" for my plane ticket. Google flights is a good tool because it compares all airlines, gives insight to the cheapest travel dates, and informs you if the current fare is below average, average, or above average.
The price of the ticket I purchased ($550) was above average. The price was above average because July is a busy season for Tulum. Many people take time off work and go on vacations during this time. If you look up flights for September, the roundtrip price will drop to around $250-$350.
The best airport to fly into is Cancun, Mexico. Many large cities offer a direct flight. I flew from Connecticut to Cancun via Jet Blue and flew from Cancun to Detroit with Delta. I used my points to upgrade to first class on my return flight to Detroit. It was worth it. I was exhausted and needed to put two oversized bags in the overhead compartment.
It's best to travel to Tulum during the dry season (December - April). The prices for flights and resorts are cheaper, the temperature is slightly cooler, and there isn't much rain. If you travel during the wet season (May-November) you may run into higher fares, more people, and rain.
The rain was on and off during our visit. We didn't experience any upsetting downpours . Just a few sprinkles here and there.
Transportation from airport to Tulum
The drive from Cancun's airport to Tulum was approximately 2 hours. I purchased a roundtrip ticket from the airport to Tulum for $80 via Amstar. You may or may not have to share the van with other people who are traveling to different resorts. The ride was smooth and the van was clean and air-conditioned. Try to fly in earlier during the day. The flight and drive will leave you exhausted before you make it to your destination.
Hotel
Did you know that most hotels in Mexico don't have air conditioning? (covers eyes). Make sure you thoroughly research your hotel/ resort.
My friends and I stayed at the gorgeous (air-conditioned) Dreams Tulum all Inclusive Resort. The rooms were comfortable and spacious with a jacuzzi tub, separate shower, and double sinks. The food was included and was ok. I am not a foodie, so I didn't try a lot of different dishes. There was one American restaurant at the resort that had delicious grilled salmon, shrimp, and chicken. There was unlimited alcohol and beer. Our room was always stocked with soft drinks, apple juice, mango juice, and beer. The only delicacy you have to pay for is Lobster. Everything else is included. I personally downed at least 10 (virgin) strawberry daiquiris. There were at least 2 large pools and the property sits off a small beach. The cost to stay at Dreams Tulum for 3 nights was $1800 or approximately $600 per person.
There were a plethora of activities to get into at the resort. There were foam pool parties by day and live entertainment by night. There was also a mobile marketplace where vendors sold a variety of items from custom hand-painted china to cuban cigars. You didn't have to leave this resort if you didn't want to.
Dreams Tulum was the perfect destination.
Currency
The official currency in Mexico is the peso. 19.12 pesos is equivalent to 1 American dollar. Many places in Tulum accept dollars and credit cards, but you will always pay less when you pay in pesos. We hopped into a cab and asked the driver the cost. He replied 50 American dollars. When I asked how much the cost would be in pesos, he replied 500 pesos. 500 pesos converts to approximately 26 dollars. Be sure to exchange your currency at the airport in America, get money from the ATM at your hotel, and download a currency converter app.
Things to Do
I arrived in Tulum equipped with screenshots of places I wanted to visit to show concierge. Majority of the tourist attractions (Mayan ruins and a cenote) were over 2 hours away in Yucatan. We decided it wasn't worth the drive.
We stayed local. All of the following destinations were approximately 10-15 minute taxi rides from our resort.
Azulik
Have lunch at the restaurant Cenote at the hotel Azulik. Azulik is absolutely breathtaking. It gives luxury treehouse vibes, but the hotel isn't air-conditioned. Azulik knows that it is Tulum's most instagrammable location, so they are strict about who they let through their gates. If you aren't a guest, you have to eat at one of their restaurants to enter their grounds. The food was delicious and the service was impeccable. They also had a roped day bed that floated above a small pond, which was super cute for pictures.
The Art Gallery at Azulik is also breathtaking.
Pablo Escobar's Mansion: Casa Malca
Pablo Escobar was the wealthiest drug lord to date with a net worth approximately 33 billion in 1993. He had many mansions, one of which is in Tulum Mexico. We didn't explore the entire mansion (which is now a hotel) but we did catch the vibes of its restaurant. The restaurant faced the beach and had outdoor dining. It was a nice place and the food was good.
Swim in a Cenote
Cenote's are famous in Mexico. A cenote is a deep, water-filled sinkhole in limestone that is created when the roof of an underground cavern collapses. This creates a natural pool which is then filled by rain and water flowing from underground rivers. There are multiple around. The most aesthetically pleasing cenote is in Yucatan which is 2 hours away from Tulum.
Ahau Tulum
The landmark in the front of the restaurant is just beautiful. I didn't eat there, but I did take a quick flick.
The Tulum Ruins
The ancient Mayans built and dwelled in Tulum from 1200-1450 CE. Much of it's architecture is still preserved. Tulum was a seaport that was famous for trading turquiouse and Jade. The buildings are made of limestone. The Tulum Ruins also has it's own beach. We paid 30 American dollars to skip the line and catch a 1 mile ride up to the ruins with a tour guide. It was worth the price.
That pretty much sums up my trip to Tulum. Are you planning to visit soon?
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