The Caribbean coast of Mexico is a dream destination for newlyweds. Tulum, a town on the Yucatan Peninsula, is set in the Riviera Maya district. It’s just south of other notable Mexican spots, including Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. If you want to enjoy amazing beaches and explore ancient ruins, a Tulum honeymoon is for you.
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Is Tulum a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Tulum is easily one of the best tropical honeymoon destinations near the USA. It has pristine white-sand beaches, lush jungles, and well-preserved Mayan ruins. Boasting an ideal blend of romance, culture, and adventure, this resort town offers many activities for honeymooners.
Another great thing about it is that it’s more tranquil than its neighboring Caribbean destinations. Stay at a Tulum hotel, an oceanfront resort, or a quaint guesthouse, and enjoy a great daytime experience and nightlife at more reasonable rates.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in Tulum?
- Hit a Tulum beach. Embrace the beauty of the Caribbean Sea and hit the waters to swim, lounge by the beach, or go snorkeling. Tulum’s most popular beaches include Playa Paraiso, Playa Ruinas, and Akumal Beach.
- Explore the Tulum National Park. In this park, you’ll see Tulum ruins and embark on a journey through time when the Ancient Mayan civilization still existed. Besides these archeological gems, the park also boasts cenotes (or sinkholes).
- Visit the Gran Cenote. Tulum is home to many cenotes, but one of the most popular is the Gran Cenote, located just outside the town. Apart from the cenote, where you can dive and marvel at colorful marine wonders, there are caves, caverns, and wooden boardwalks.
- Hike through the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. If you want to explore the town’s tropical jungles, marshes, and mangroves, Sian Ka’an is the place to be. You can trek through this protected area and encounter diverse wildlife, flora, and fauna.
- Indulge in spa treatments. Many honeymoon resorts offer wellness services, especially to honeymooners. Recharge your minds and bodies with their luxurious treatments and be pampered after a day of adventures.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Tulum?
Tulum is a great year-round destination if you don’t mind occasional rain showers, but the best time to visit is between November and April. November and December, in particular, are ideal months because rates are generally lower. Note that May is the hottest month, and the rainy season is from June to October.
Is a Honeymoon in Tulum Expensive?
While most Mexican cities are affordable, Tulum is slightly more expensive. When you and your loved one visit Tulum for one week, prepare a budget that ranges from $2,000 to $4,000. If you want a more luxurious honeymoon, you might spend up to $8,000.
How To Plan a Budget Honeymoon in Tulum
- Travel from November to December and make the most of generally lower rates, including flights and lodging.
- Opt to stay in cheaper neighborhoods (away from the beach and hotel zone) and more affordable lodging options.
- Consider exploring the town by bike.
- Go to a free beach club for a hip but budget-saving beach experience.
- Take advantage of happy hours in bars and restaurants. Also, check out cheap eats along Tulum beaches.
5 Best Areas to Stay In Tulum
Hotel Zone
This prominent zone stretches from the main archeological area of Tulum (where you can see the Castillo of Tulum) to the Arco Maya National Park. It’s an over 9-mile beachfront area that offers a diverse range of accommodations — from luxurious resorts to rustic beachfront beach huts and bungalows with hammocks.
It’s the best area to stay if you want to soak up the sun. However, remember to inquire about amenities and excursions included. Some properties bundle guided ruin and cenote tours in their honeymoon packages.
Downtown
The bustling Downtown of Tulum, also known as Tulum Town or Tulum Pueblo, is home to various fantastic restaurants and bars with a dynamic nightlife. This district is simple to explore, thanks to its grid-like arrangement. You’ll come across great restaurants if you take a stroll. This area is about 1.8 miles away from the beach. While that is a walkable distance, the sun can be brutal.
If you’re looking for peace amid the forest or are itching for an outdoor adventure, you could visit well-known locations like Gran Cenote and Cenote Zacil-Ha (where you can also zip line). The downtown area comes alive at night, giving you your pick of clubs and bars.
Soliman Bay
More than 9 miles north of Downtown, you’ll find the serene coastal district of Soliman Bay. This is the place to be if you want a more peaceful retreat than Tulum’s bustling areas. While Soliman Bay offers fewer accommodation options, there’s no shortage of experiences.
You can spend days lounging by the beach or diving around its protected reef. If you want to know more about the area’s marine world, head to the Xel-Ha water park. Apart from gigantic aquariums, there’s an observation point complete with a water slide.
Tankah Bay
Tankay Bay has earned the nickname of Mexican Tahiti because of its stunning white sands, crystal-clear and shallow swimming spots, and swaying palm trees. It’s a slice of paradise where you can enjoy relaxing beach days. The locals’ commitment to keeping its beaches clean (especially during periods of increased seaweed activity) is another impressive aspect.
You can explore restaurants, bars, and shops besides hitting the beach. You can also book diving or fishing tours.
Aldea Zama
Want a sustainable honeymoon? The best place to stay is at Aldea Zama. Named after the original Mayan site of Tulum, it’s a prime destination for couples who seek ecotourism adventures. It’s a fantastic base to call home if you want to explore nearby nature preserves, cenotes, jungles, and Mayan ruins.
Since it’s also near the beach, you can easily access coastal gems during your stay. In general, this place offers a chic and eco-friendly atmosphere.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Tulum?
The nearest airport in Tulum is the Cancun International Airport, and from the US, several direct flights will take you there. Once you’ve landed, you might consider using a shared shuttle to get to Tulum because it’s one of the most inexpensive and convenient travel options. Alternatively, you can take the bus or schedule a private transfer.
Traveling Within Tulum
Tulum is a relatively small town you can easily explore using car or bike rentals. From a practical point of view, you might also want to rely on taxis to help you and your significant other avoid overexerting yourselves. Privately owned buses and colectivos (minibusses) are also available.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in Tulum?
As a resort town, Tulum offers some of the best hotels and resorts in Mexico. Whether you want to get fantastic ocean views or be surrounded by archeological gems, the town has you covered.
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya and Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa are popular choices if you’re looking at an all-inclusive resort. Take advantage of amenities such as an infinity pool or a plunge pool.
If you want a more intimate experience, choose adults-only accommodation options, such as Azulik Tulum and Mi Amor. These properties are also located in Tulum National Park. The Mezzanine, another highly recommended option, is just a few minutes from the Tulum archeological site.
What Type of Food Should You Try in Tulum?
- Tacos. In Tulum and elsewhere in Mexico, tacos are a popular food. They feature corn or wheat-based tortillas and an indulgent topping ranging from marinated pork to grilled beef and vegetables.
- Poc-Chuc. This is one of the many dishes that embody Mayan culture. It features thinly sliced pork marinated in orange juice and grilled over an open fire.
- Queso Relleno. This Yucatan dish is made with Edam (Dutch cheese), stuffed with minced meat, and topped with cornmeal and tomato sauces.
- Sopa De Lima. This chicken-based soup will surely tickle your senses. It has the perfect mix of tanginess and spiciness, courtesy of its lime and chile flavorings. It’s also topped with bits of avocado and fried tortilla strips for a dash of crunchiness.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a Tulum Honeymoon?
A Mexican getaway is bound to be rich in cultural experiences. If you’re headed to Tulum, exploring Mayan ruins is one of the best ways to immerse yourselves in the town’s unique heritage. You can go the extra mile and attend a Temazcal ceremony, where you stay at a traditional sweat lodge and are led by a shaman or a temazcalero.
Additionally, you can take cooking classes and discover the flavors and techniques of Mexican cuisine.
What to Pack For a Tulum Honeymoon
The key is to bring sets of attire that balance casual beachwear and trendy fashion. Include lightweight dresses, skirts, shorts, and stylish cover-ups for beach walks. Meanwhile, men can opt for button-down shirts and khaki pants. Don’t forget to pack trendy outfits for evening dinners or nights out.
Sun protection items like hats and sunglasses are also vital. Don’t forget comfortable shoes for walking and insect repellent to keep bugs and mosquitoes at bay.
Is Tulum Safe to Visit?
Tulum is a generally safe honeymoon destination. Ensure an enjoyable experience when you keep these safety tips in mind:
- Keep your belongings safe in your lodging. Don’t carry too much cash when heading out, and avoid being flashy.
- Beware of common tourist scams, such as ATM and car rental scams. Only withdraw money at machines inside a bank. When renting a car, take photos of the interior in case you want to file a dispute for the vehicle you received.
- Stay hydrated, as the weather can be hot and humid.
- If you’re drinking alcoholic beverages, pace yourself. Never accept drinks from strangers.
- Most crimes in Tulum occur at night, so avoid dark and isolated areas. If you’re returning to your lodging, it’s best to take a taxi instead of walking.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Tulum?
US citizens don’t need a visa to travel to Tulum or any place in Mexico. You can stay there for up to 180 days with a valid passport.
Tulum Honeymoon Travel Tips
- Don’t drink tap water in Tulum.
- Carry cash, as most establishments don’t accept credit cards.
- While US dollars are accepted in tourist areas, it’s best to get some Mexican pesos, the official currency of Tulum. $1 is about MX$17.59 as of writing.
- Most Tulum locals don’t speak English. So, learning or brushing up on your Spanish is a good idea.