Tulum (original Mayan name: Zamma) is an ancient pre-Hispanic city located 128 km south of Cancún. At the time of the Conquest, it was still inhabited and was an important port on the Mayan maritime trade route. Fine, white, powdery sand, water as clear as an ice cube and a turquoise sea dominated by magical ruins make Tulum a paradise. Until the 1990s, the place was still a kind of lost paradise where one could find accommodation in small rustic huts on the beach, along which there were only a few houses here and there. Today, the seaside resort with its eco-friendly, bohemian concept receives some 2.5 million visitors a year and there are more than 100 hotels and restaurants along the narrow coastal path. The hotels that have settled here are not imposing constructions, but often small, more intimate hotels with a New Age and trendy concept (many New Yorkers in the area!), which often shamelessly cut into the beach and the forest... Many efforts are now required from the authorities to avoid that all this becomes a new Playa del Carmen... Prices are based on North American standards, but you should know that staying in Tulum Pueblo (3 km from the sea) is much more accessible and not unpleasant: the atmosphere is less overdone and you have anyway access to the very beautiful El Paraíso beach.

What to visit Tulum?

When to go to Tulum?

When to go to Tulum? The year is divided into three periods in Tulum. The best period, ideal to benefit from the preferential rates, is from April to June and from September to November. The intermediate period is due to the school vacations in July and August. The tourist "boom" period extends from December to March or April, depending on the dates of the Holy Week. The boom means higher prices and reservations, but also a wider range of activities for tourists. Mexico is a very festive country. Many religious and popular festivities take place each month. For the National Independence Day, on September 15-16, the scene where Miguel Hidalgo called for the uprising in 1810 is re-enacted throughout the country. For the Day of the Dead, November1 and 2, all the families celebrate their dead, nothing to do with All Saints' Day, it is a joyful and colorful festival.

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Weather at the moment

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Weather all year round

Tulum, like the rest of Yucatán, has a tropical climate with a rainy season that sees 90% of rainfall fall from June to October. Rainfall is even heavier in the south where a dense forest flourishes. The dry season in the peninsula is between November and May.

Budget

Although much more expensive than Guatemala and Honduras, Mexico remains a relatively cheap country despite inflation. In Tulum, superior quality hotels also offer rooms at very attractive prices. As for meals, it is very easy to eat "local" for a few euros! The currency is the Mexican peso, it is easy to change and pay by credit card in the city and especially in seaside resorts like Tulum. The tip is 10% of the final score at the bar or restaurant.

Procedures

EU nationals do not need a visa to travel to Mexico and therefore to Tulum. The only formality to enter Mexican territory is to complete the Mexican State Tourist Card (Forma Migratoria Multiple/FMM), provided upon arrival at the airport in Mexico. It gives the right to stay in the country for a maximum of 180 days. Care must be taken not to lose it, as it is requested at the time of departure. You must also be able to present a round-trip ticket and have a passport valid for the entire duration of the stay.

Health

To go to Mexico and Tulum, it is recommended to get vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis and hepatitis A. Those planning a more adventurous and remote stay will also plan to protect themselves against hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies as a preventive measure. Vaccination against yellow fever is not mandatory, except for travellers coming from an exposed area in Africa or Latin America. Be careful, insect bites are easily infected in tropical environments and care should be taken to avoid small bites. Avoid bites mainly through proper clothing coverage and the use of repellents. Finally, the most common health problem you are likely to face is diarrhea.... If you decide to eat at markets or on the street, be aware that hygiene is often poor. So make sure that the dishes are well cooked and avoid raw vegetables in these areas. In a more formal restaurant, there are no more risks than elsewhere.

How to go to Tulum? Our advice & tips

Mexico is a huge country and it is impossible to discover it in one trip. Tour operators mainly offer stays of about ten days around a theme (Mayan culture, Aztec sites...) or a region (the Pacific, Yucatán, Chiapas, the capital and its surroundings).

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Well served, Mexico is a generally safe country for solo travelers. The wave of drug cartel violence and social repression generally spares tourists; neither the criminals nor the state want to attract too much publicity. However, tourists can be easy prey, especially on the subway, in cabs, or on the streets after dark. The usual rules of caution apply: do not show your camera, your "banana" or your wallet.

It is very easy to travel by plane in the country, as most cities have an airport. There is also a very good network of long distance buses with cheap fares. However, depending on the route, to save time and avoid long hours in the bus, the plane is often more interesting. Please note: with the emergence of low cost airlines on certain routes, air and bus fares are sometimes identical.

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Pictures and images Tulum

Tempête à l'approche à Tulum. soft_light - Shutterstock.com
Plage de Tulum. Simon Dannhauer - iStockphoto.com
Kayak dans une cénote à Tulum. Chithuniiiiii93 - Shutterstock.com
Ruines de l'ancien temple Maya de Tulum. Luna Maria

Discover Tulum

When to travel?

When to go to Tulum? The year is divided into three periods in Tulum. The best period, ideal to benefit from the pref...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

Tulum, like the rest of Yucatán, has a tropical climate with a rainy season that sees 90% of rainfall fall from June...
Read more about it

Budget

Although much more expensive than Guatemala and Honduras, Mexico remains a relatively cheap country despite inflation...
Read more about it

Formalities

EU nationals do not need a visa to travel to Mexico and therefore to Tulum. The only formality to enter Mexican terri...
Read more about it

Health

To go to Mexico and Tulum, it is recommended to get vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis and hepatit...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

Well served, Mexico is a generally safe country for solo travelers. The wave of drug cartel violence and social repre...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

Mexico is a huge country and it is impossible to discover it in one trip. Tour operators mainly offer stays of about...
Read more about it

Getting around

It is very easy to travel by plane in the country, as most cities have an airport. There is also a very good network...
Read more about it

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