Anyone been to Tulum
Discussion
Just looking for a more recent 22/23 thread as I could only find older ones on here.
Have two boys aged 12 and 17 and fancy going further afield next year - we'll be travelling as a family of 4, possibly with the inlaws too, who are healthy(ish) 70 years olds. Mexico looks interesting having researched it, and TULUM looks stunning.
I have to say i've never really considered Mexico having been put off by Cancun, but the varity of stuff to do looks amazing.
Anyone have any Hotel recommendations on the beach? I do love the whole Boho thing but would like a TV in the room
I would consider other resort reccomendations...
Have two boys aged 12 and 17 and fancy going further afield next year - we'll be travelling as a family of 4, possibly with the inlaws too, who are healthy(ish) 70 years olds. Mexico looks interesting having researched it, and TULUM looks stunning.
I have to say i've never really considered Mexico having been put off by Cancun, but the varity of stuff to do looks amazing.
Anyone have any Hotel recommendations on the beach? I do love the whole Boho thing but would like a TV in the room
I would consider other resort reccomendations...
Lots of the resorts along the coast are 4/5 star all inclusive places. They are brilliant.lots and lots of entertainment options in the area.
The area is called the Riviera Maya. Main town is Playa del Carmen.
You fly into Cancun airport and then it’s usually transport down the coast. It takes about 90 minutes.
Tulum is the southern end of Riviera Maya.
Tulum beach is one of the world wide best.
Things to do:
Many archaeological sites. Tulum itself is quite small. Day trips to Other places are very recommended.
Eco parks. - search Xcaret, Xel-ha, quite expensive but great experiences
Cenote trips…. Find out what a Cenote is and visit one…..
Lots of other stuff like snorkelling/diving
Been many times and it’s a great family experience. Costs lots to go 4* or higher. Greta holidays though.
The area is called the Riviera Maya. Main town is Playa del Carmen.
You fly into Cancun airport and then it’s usually transport down the coast. It takes about 90 minutes.
Tulum is the southern end of Riviera Maya.
Tulum beach is one of the world wide best.
Things to do:
Many archaeological sites. Tulum itself is quite small. Day trips to Other places are very recommended.
Eco parks. - search Xcaret, Xel-ha, quite expensive but great experiences
Cenote trips…. Find out what a Cenote is and visit one…..
Lots of other stuff like snorkelling/diving
Been many times and it’s a great family experience. Costs lots to go 4* or higher. Greta holidays though.
We stayed at the Palladium a few years back, albeit the TRS adult only exclusive end. No regrets.
If you have children in tow, I would suggest the Kantena section as their pool area in nearest to the beach although you can use the other family pools in the adjacent and quieter White Sands also (which the older in-laws might prefer). It’s all the same report anyway, with a regular trolley service between sections (see the map link).
TUI do packges, or you can book direct like I did.
https://www.tui.co.uk/destinations/mexico/mexico-c...
It’s located like all such ‘resorts’ on the 307 route between Cancun and Tulum.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9WpeHMvmh2pdPrtk9?g_st=ic
But whichever you decide, I would suggest engaging the following company for airport transfer, as the Holliday companies supposedly take a long time stopping at every resort. These guys take you straight there and you can pre book any cold drinks or snacks for the trip.
https://www.canadatransfers.com/
If you have children in tow, I would suggest the Kantena section as their pool area in nearest to the beach although you can use the other family pools in the adjacent and quieter White Sands also (which the older in-laws might prefer). It’s all the same report anyway, with a regular trolley service between sections (see the map link).
TUI do packges, or you can book direct like I did.
https://www.tui.co.uk/destinations/mexico/mexico-c...
It’s located like all such ‘resorts’ on the 307 route between Cancun and Tulum.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9WpeHMvmh2pdPrtk9?g_st=ic
But whichever you decide, I would suggest engaging the following company for airport transfer, as the Holliday companies supposedly take a long time stopping at every resort. These guys take you straight there and you can pre book any cold drinks or snacks for the trip.
https://www.canadatransfers.com/
I've been to tulum a few times, (was there 2 months during covid etc) and was there again earlier this year. I absolutely wholeheartedly suggest NOT going there if you're wanting a family holiday with younger kids, its simply not the place.
It's basically a party town, and every single thing about it is geared up for that. Insane prices, very greedy taxi cartel ($40 USD to go any distance) and at last count 7 cartels fighting over the drug trade, you can be in bars and restaurants and your phone will ding airdrop that someone is trying to send you a drug menu for example. Also, police are absolutely NOT your friends there.
The beach zone has terrible phone service and the cheaper hotels limit your ac usage, plus you're on the edge of the jungle there so you'll be eaten alive by mosquitos (at one point I counted 73 bites on myself), oh and I found a scorpion in my room. The beaches also usually have piles of seaweed on them. You could stay in the centre which is better, but then you have to get yourself to the beach every day ($80 roundtrip in cabs or looking for and paying for parking).
Cool people were there during covid and lockdowns (well except for all the fake spiritual guys) but the crowd has dropped quite a lot recently so the loud trashy people behind the curve are now arriving en mass.
Far better with the family would be to stay in playa del carmen. A proper town, with infrastructure thats reliable and still easy access to all the aforementioned stuff for day trips etc. Also consider a few days in Cozumel and Holbox.
It's basically a party town, and every single thing about it is geared up for that. Insane prices, very greedy taxi cartel ($40 USD to go any distance) and at last count 7 cartels fighting over the drug trade, you can be in bars and restaurants and your phone will ding airdrop that someone is trying to send you a drug menu for example. Also, police are absolutely NOT your friends there.
The beach zone has terrible phone service and the cheaper hotels limit your ac usage, plus you're on the edge of the jungle there so you'll be eaten alive by mosquitos (at one point I counted 73 bites on myself), oh and I found a scorpion in my room. The beaches also usually have piles of seaweed on them. You could stay in the centre which is better, but then you have to get yourself to the beach every day ($80 roundtrip in cabs or looking for and paying for parking).
Cool people were there during covid and lockdowns (well except for all the fake spiritual guys) but the crowd has dropped quite a lot recently so the loud trashy people behind the curve are now arriving en mass.
Far better with the family would be to stay in playa del carmen. A proper town, with infrastructure thats reliable and still easy access to all the aforementioned stuff for day trips etc. Also consider a few days in Cozumel and Holbox.
Came back from Tulum last week. Stayed at Dreams (not recommended, we had issues with water supply and it's a bit shabby). There are many other resorts in the area. tale a look at Trip advisor. As others have said there are many excursions available. A least one Cenote trip is a must as is Chitchen Itza and the Tulum ruins themselves.
We've been to Mexico a couple of times and the quality of the excursions has always been good. Great guides and interesting sites. If you choose the right resort you'll have a great time.
We've been to Mexico a couple of times and the quality of the excursions has always been good. Great guides and interesting sites. If you choose the right resort you'll have a great time.
Edited by ffc on Sunday 8th January 22:54
HotJambalaya said:
I've been to tulum a few times, (was there 2 months during covid etc) and was there again earlier this year. I absolutely wholeheartedly suggest NOT going there if you're wanting a family holiday with younger kids, its simply not the place.
It's basically a party town, and every single thing about it is geared up for that. Insane prices, very greedy taxi cartel ($40 USD to go any distance) and at last count 7 cartels fighting over the drug trade, you can be in bars and restaurants and your phone will ding airdrop that someone is trying to send you a drug menu for example. Also, police are absolutely NOT your friends there.
The beach zone has terrible phone service and the cheaper hotels limit your ac usage, plus you're on the edge of the jungle there so you'll be eaten alive by mosquitos (at one point I counted 73 bites on myself), oh and I found a scorpion in my room. The beaches also usually have piles of seaweed on them. You could stay in the centre which is better, but then you have to get yourself to the beach every day ($80 roundtrip in cabs or looking for and paying for parking).
Cool people were there during covid and lockdowns (well except for all the fake spiritual guys) but the crowd has dropped quite a lot recently so the loud trashy people behind the curve are now arriving en mass.
Far better with the family would be to stay in playa del carmen. A proper town, with infrastructure thats reliable and still easy access to all the aforementioned stuff for day trips etc. Also consider a few days in Cozumel and Holbox.
Thanks for your honest review mate. Makes sense.It's basically a party town, and every single thing about it is geared up for that. Insane prices, very greedy taxi cartel ($40 USD to go any distance) and at last count 7 cartels fighting over the drug trade, you can be in bars and restaurants and your phone will ding airdrop that someone is trying to send you a drug menu for example. Also, police are absolutely NOT your friends there.
The beach zone has terrible phone service and the cheaper hotels limit your ac usage, plus you're on the edge of the jungle there so you'll be eaten alive by mosquitos (at one point I counted 73 bites on myself), oh and I found a scorpion in my room. The beaches also usually have piles of seaweed on them. You could stay in the centre which is better, but then you have to get yourself to the beach every day ($80 roundtrip in cabs or looking for and paying for parking).
Cool people were there during covid and lockdowns (well except for all the fake spiritual guys) but the crowd has dropped quite a lot recently so the loud trashy people behind the curve are now arriving en mass.
Far better with the family would be to stay in playa del carmen. A proper town, with infrastructure thats reliable and still easy access to all the aforementioned stuff for day trips etc. Also consider a few days in Cozumel and Holbox.
Any decent hotel reccomendations for Playa Del Carmen?
Sim75 said:
Thanks for your honest review mate. Makes sense.
Any decent hotel reccomendations for Playa Del Carmen?
Nothing in particular to be honest, just dont pick something miles away. Secondly, dont do all inclusive. Food in mexico is awesome and cheap.Any decent hotel reccomendations for Playa Del Carmen?
Oh and make sure to go to my absolute favourite restaurant there, best chicken I've ever had.
https://goo.gl/maps/zCTKjYXd9A31iftq6
Also the best taco place
https://goo.gl/maps/cZ54PPvy6Sm9tZiG8
Hol said:
We stayed at the Palladium a few years back, albeit the TRS adult only exclusive end. No regrets.
If you have children in tow, I would suggest the Kantena section as their pool area in nearest to the beach although you can use the other family pools in the adjacent and quieter White Sands also (which the older in-laws might prefer). It’s all the same report anyway, with a regular trolley service between sections (see the map link).
TUI do packges, or you can book direct like I did.
https://www.tui.co.uk/destinations/mexico/mexico-c...
It’s located like all such ‘resorts’ on the 307 route between Cancun and Tulum.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9WpeHMvmh2pdPrtk9?g_st=ic
But whichever you decide, I would suggest engaging the following company for airport transfer, as the Holliday companies supposedly take a long time stopping at every resort. These guys take you straight there and you can pre book any cold drinks or snacks for the trip.
https://www.canadatransfers.com/
We stayed at the Palladium in July 2022, and I wouldn't head back. Nice enough and we had a fun holiday, but there are better options. If you have children in tow, I would suggest the Kantena section as their pool area in nearest to the beach although you can use the other family pools in the adjacent and quieter White Sands also (which the older in-laws might prefer). It’s all the same report anyway, with a regular trolley service between sections (see the map link).
TUI do packges, or you can book direct like I did.
https://www.tui.co.uk/destinations/mexico/mexico-c...
It’s located like all such ‘resorts’ on the 307 route between Cancun and Tulum.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9WpeHMvmh2pdPrtk9?g_st=ic
But whichever you decide, I would suggest engaging the following company for airport transfer, as the Holliday companies supposedly take a long time stopping at every resort. These guys take you straight there and you can pre book any cold drinks or snacks for the trip.
https://www.canadatransfers.com/
One more excursion to add to others already mentioned would be snorkelling with turtles in Akumal.
Tulum fast becoming the Mykonos of Mexico. Bunch of instagram "influencers", hideously overpriced - would maybe visit for a day but no more.
If you want boho go and spend your time on Holbox - it's going to be better than Tulum.
My vote would be a few days in Playa del Carmen + excursions to cenotes + whale shark diving, then the rest of the time on Holbox.
We stayed here: https://en.auroraholbox.mx (not on the beach but 5 min walk + v nice + clean)
If you want boho go and spend your time on Holbox - it's going to be better than Tulum.
My vote would be a few days in Playa del Carmen + excursions to cenotes + whale shark diving, then the rest of the time on Holbox.
We stayed here: https://en.auroraholbox.mx (not on the beach but 5 min walk + v nice + clean)
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