When to Visit Tulum

When is the best time to visit Tulum? I get this question all the time and thought I’d answer it here to help folks that are thinking it but are too shy to ask … 🙂

Our preference when traveling in general is to avoid high season and it holds true for time spent in Tulum. We like to visit places when there are fewer people there, it’s a little cheaper and more mellow. So, personally, my favorite time in Tulum is September/October.

He was freezing but he’ll tough it out for the sake of a good tan. Frank on the other hand wasn’t as brave.

Spring can actually be a little chilly (if you want some beach time). We took my 89 year old grandfather in February and he was disappointed it wasn’t warmer. (He even mentioned it in his guest post on his experience in Tulum.) While spring is chilly, summer is really hot (and rainy which makes it humid) – not my fave. It is still pretty warm in September/October but you have some nice breezes cooling things down a bit. You do run the risk of the tail end of rainy season encroaching on your vacation but we’ve had pretty good luck so far.

 

Till Now They Depend On You. The Rest Is Up To Them.

If you are in Tulum in September/October and are lucky, you might get to see the sea turtles hatch along the beach. That is a pretty cool experience but you have to be at just the right place at just the right time so it’s hard to catch it. Even still, I think it is cool to walk along the beach and see all of the nests protected by fencing to give the little guys a better chance of making it. (It’s a treacherous task making it to the ocean and even while in the nest, they need all the help they can get to keep predators away.)

If you do like to be around more of the hustle of high season, or need to take vacation when the kids have a break from school, Christmas – New Years is the way to go. I say that for three reasons. #1) the weather is nice and #2) for most of us, getting away from the cold of winter and escaping to somewhere tropical in the winter months is a-okay and #3) you avoid spring break in Mexico. Now, Tulum is still so low key that it isn’t anything like MTV Spring Break at Senor Frogs but, it is a little more of a party atmosphere.

My brother-in-law kindly reminded me last week that I am a fuddy-duddy for my age so maybe it is just me and my fuddy-duddy-ness that appreciates the peace and quiet of off-season Tulum. 🙂

Get a deal on a condo on the off-season and all of this could be yours.

The other thing I quite like about off-season travel is the savings. You can definitely find better deals on airfare during the low season but you’ll save a heap on the hotels. Or, if you’re thinking about renting a condo, you can often negotiate an even better deal which is fantastic. (Here’s a link for $25 off your first airbnb stay too!)

So, moral of the story is… any day in Tulum is a day in paradise so you really can’t go wrong. But… my strong suggestion is to visit Tulum in the fall.

La Nave

La Nave has always been a must whenever we are in Tulum. The food is great, authentic Italian and totally affordable. The location in Tulum Pueblo means it is going to be a much better deal than the fancier options along the beach and the food has always been just as good. We usually go a few days into our trip after we’ve OD’ed on street tacos and tamales. (Cause I have my priorities and while I love La Nave… I would die for Antojitos de Chiapaneca. 🙂 )

But, I digress. Back to La Nave….

The evening we got engaged – celebrating at La Nave.

The place is always busy but it doesn’t take too long to get a table if you’re willing to practice even just a little patience. The pizza is thin, rustic, Italian style and I highly recommend the Margherita Pizza. It’s heaven. Unfortunately, while we have always quite enjoyed the food, I do have to admit the service has been inconsistent at best. Again, a little patience will go a long way.

La Nave is a very large restaurant by Tulum Pueblo standards with a Nautical theme, making it fairly easy to find when you enter town.

I will always remember; on my very first trip to Tulum I decided that I needed just one more Margherita Pizza before we left for the airport. We didn’t have time to sit down and eat so… we did what any pizza obsessed couple in a rush to get to the airport would do…. We waited until the very moment that they opened, ordered the pizza and ate it in the car on the drive up to Cancun. A little obsessive perhaps but, it was delicious and a fantastic way to end a beautiful trip.

It’s time.

Getting used to our new office.

It has been pretty (more like totally 🙂 ) hectic around Tulum Traveler headquarters for the past couple of months. And, I think it’s time to tell you a little more about what we’ve been up to.

I’ve been talking about how much I love and obsess over Tulum for what seems like forever. Our friends and family know that one day we’re going to decide we’ve had enough here in the city and pack our bags bound for Tulum. On a regular basis folks will ask us; So… have you bought a place in Tulum yet? When are you moving to Tulum?

If you have been following the blog for long or know us at all, this will come as no surprise but… the time has come. It’s time to give Tulum a real chance. Actually, I think it is better said that it is time to give us a real chance. Frank and I have been gradually trying to persuade ourselves that doing something unconventional or even straight up crazy to most of the people around us is okay. It’s a tough thing to convince yourself of when for the past 30 or 40 years we haven’t known it any other way. Moving to a foreign country or even spending an extended period of time in a foreign country is something that isn’t even considered in the world that we are coming from. It takes a lot to try to shift that perspective from “how could we possibly do this?” Or “why would we leave what we are so accustomed to and comfortable with?” to “how can we not?” and “why wouldn’t we?”.

This is a huge step for us. It is scary for sure. But, it is something deep rooted within both of us and it’s time to give us a chance. Time to do something we have been too scared to do for years.

And… this is just the beginning! We are going to spend some time exploring Mexico on our way to Tulum and there are some gorgeous places that we plan to visit along the way! A few places on our radar are: The Mezquital Valley with volcanically heated hot springs waterfalls along lush jungle cliffs. San Miguel de Allende – a colonial-era city known for beautiful baroque Spanish architecture. Nearby Guanajuato, known as the city of colors. The walled coastal city of Campeche…. The list goes on and on and they are all beautiful places full of rich history and culture. I can’t wait!

I will be posting updates and of course, lots and lots of info on Tulum at tulumtraveler.net.

I would love to share this wild journey with you as we follow our passions. Sign up for email updates to receive my free eBook on experiencing Tulum to the fullest and stay in the loop as Frank & Ash take on Tulum and much, much more! And, please pass this along and share with anyone that you think would also enjoy it. 🙂

Office with a view.

 

BeTulum

BeTulum is the ultimate luxury hotel in Tulum.

It is this fantastic blend of the legendary low key beach vibes of Tulum with the posh designer ambiance of New York. Think luxury boutique hotel tucked into a beachside jungle.

BeTulum is nestled into the beach near the entrance to the biosphere Siaan Kaan. It is one of the very last hotels along the beach zone and that extra little trek to make it to the hotel only adds to the feelings of seclusion and serenity. When you enter the hotel you find an open air lobby with candles hanging from the trees and tiki torches lighting the sandy path down to the beachfront where there is an open air bar and pool along with a restaurant right on the beach.

You are immediately whisked away to a whole new world where the realities and stress back home don’t even seem to exist. Even just thinking about it as I write this it is like reality slips away and I am walking down that jungle-y path mesmerized by the sounds of waves up against the sand, people laughing and chatting as their silverware clinks against their breakfast plate.

They offers three types of rooms: Jungle, Arena & Ocean. 

All rooms have private outdoor showers. Rooms on the ground floor have a small private plunge pool and rooms on the second floor have a jacuzzi in the room. The main difference between the Jungle & Arena rooms is proximity to the beach but the difference is really only a matter of 70 meters or so.

There are two Ocean Rooms and they are on the second floor closest to the beach. They have a jacuzzi in the room and an internal winding staircase up to a private rooftop deck with outdoor shower and rooftop glass pool. The views from the rooftops are spectacular.

BeTulum is one of the few hotels on the beach with electricity 24/7, air-conditioning in the rooms and a strong Wi-Fi connection.

Beyond beautiful rooms, views and impeccably maintained grounds, you will find fantastic entertainment and dining experiences as well. They have a great beachside bar and even do fresh seafood bbq cookouts on the beach depending on what the fishermen bring in that day. You can enjoy your meal, morning coffee or afternoon cocktail in the restaurant or with your toes in the sand at a beachside table. They offer fantastic live music and dancing as well.

If you are looking to relax and pamper yourself, they have recently added an incredible spa right across the street. Which offers yoga and meditation classes, cleansing programs, treatments and several customizable packages. Just like the hotel, the spa is pricey but worth it. (Guests of the hotel receive a discount.) Yaan Wellness Energy Spa www.yaanwellness.com

If you are looking to indulge for your trip to Tulum, BeTulum is perfect for you.

*Photos courtesy of BeTulum

Guest Post – My Grandfather’s Tulum Experience

This post originally appeared on my 89 year old grandfather’s blog – Grampa Currie’s Blog and I just had to share it here too. I have been trying to get that guy to go to Tulum with us for years and finally I took matters into my own hands and bought the guy a ticket! 🙂 We had an awesome time and I’m so glad he wrote about it.

My Granddaughter Ashley, had been trying to get me to apply for a passport, since Adam and Eve. I finally gave into her and got one in 2014. This took a little doing as I needed to find my birth certificate which was not an easy task. I was born in Pasadena, California and I didn’t know which hospital, I was too young at the time to remember and no one around anymore to ask.  So, I checked through Vital Statistics in hopes that they had some records, but it turns out that they had a fire that destroyed a lot of those old records a few years back. After a lot of research I was finally about to find the hospital and got them to send me a copy of my birth certificate.

Getting a passport is not an easy task, I had to make a few trips to the post office in Rock Springs, WY, found out I needed a photograph. Then had to go to Walgreens where I was able to get a special size passport photograph which the format has no other use but for passports (silly I know). Anyway, then I headed back to the post office just to find out that I needed an additional type of picture ID. Lucky for me I happened to have an old driver’s license which they were able to use. By this time I’m about ready to throw in the towel, why can’t they have all these things in one place to make life easier?  Finally I made it back to the post office with my goodies, signed a bunch of papers and gave them a bunch of money. Then, it took a couple weeks for the real thing to show up. For almost two years it had been sitting in my safe… all that work and not even one stamp on it. Time to change that!!

A few months ago, Ashley invited me to take a vacation with my 2 favorite Granddaughters, and Grandson in Law. I turned the offer down because I had just purchased 4 new tires ($1251.57) for my truck and couldn’t afford the trip. Much to my amazement, the plane tickets and 5 nights in a condo were already paid for… the trip was a Christmas present from Ashley and Frank. How could anyone in their right mind, turn that down? The plan was for me to drive to Gunnison, CO on February 3rd, stay the night at Karen’s, drop my dog Goldie off and drive to Jessie’s house in Denver the next day. Franklin and Ashley would fly in from San Francisco and meet at Jessie’s house, then we would all fly out of Denver the the next day, to Cancun, Mexico.

This was all great, except when I got to Gunnison, Karen asked if I had packed everything I needed, including my passport. I had just finished driving 7 hours from Manila, and I had forgot my passport. Can you believe that? The only thing I could do was to have Karen and me drive back to Manila, get my passport and drive on to Denver by way of Elk Mountain. Karen was more than willing to drive because I had just bought a new vehicle, with just 200 miles on it, chicks dig the new car smell.  Elk Mountain is the worst portion of I-80 to drive in the winter time, and this was no exception. The highway was snow packed from Green River to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Karen did a great job driving and we made it to Jessie’s in great time. She was planning on staying another day and then motor back to Gunnison.

The plane ride to Cancun was uneventful. Got into town, rented a car, 90 minutes later we made it to Tulum.  The drive was interesting, in Mexico they drive like they do on I-25 in Denver (Crazy). I was hoping Tulum would be warm, but it turned out to be quite chilly, it was “winter” so the temps were around 70’s. The Condo was really nice, a three bedroom furnished apartment. It had everything you could need, washer/dryer, a rooftop deck and a wonderful outdoor sitting area, and 2 bathrooms. We

always had breakfast in house, Ash and Jess did a lot of chopping every morning… peppers, onions and potatoes. Franklin would come back from his morning runs just in time to cook up the eggs and for us to eat outside. We went thru a lot of hot sauce and salsa, It was nearly impossible to fill these three peoples bellies. Wherever we went, they had to eat.  Where I just sat back and drank Tequila.

The town; great town, I got so I knew where I was in town by keeping track of the big ice cream cone and anchor in the middle of the walkway. The Mayan Ruins were amazing, we went to a cenote where the girls went swimming, being careful of the snapping turtles. We did get to spend some time on the beach, the sand was clean and white and the water turquoise. Jess and I were wading and she spotted a small stingray right in front of us. It wasn’t long before a bigger one showed up. We cautioned the people nearby, but they thought we were kidding. Those things are mean, Hombre!!  Remember what happened to the Alligator Man.

Our five days are up and we are headed back to Cancun. Airport security SUCKS!!!!  I would just as soon have terrorists rather than go through Airport Security and Customs. As soon as we were ready to board the place Jessie realized she had lost her customs ticket which needs to be turned back in before leaving the country… she had to run all the way back out of the security area to get it, in the meantime, the rest of us had boarded the plane. The seat belt sign had come on and no Jess. She was going to be stuck in Mexico, hey not a bad place to be stranded with all that wonderful Tequila.

Ashley being a good sister, got off the plane and stayed in Mexico while Frank and I ordered a cocktail and enjoyed the inflight movie.  They would eventually catch another flight an hour later they landed in Denver and met up with Franklin and I as we were having a $10.00 beer at the airport bar.

Thank you Grandkids.

Tulum Ruins

When in Tulum, you must visit the Tulum Ruins. They’re iconic, breathtaking and … they have a sweet beach too!

A little history (just a little): the Tulum Ruins are one of only a few walled cities built by the Ancient Mayans and are the most visited Mayan Ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula, by far. After you visit, you will understand why. It is gorgeous.

Walls surround the three inland sides and the ocean protects the fourth. You actually walk through a small opening in the walls when you enter and exit the site. Once inside, it is magical as you stand on sacred ground and feel transported back to a deserted world. The wall is an impressive 16 ft tall, 26 ft thick and just the side running parallel to the ocean is 1300 ft long.

Tulum was the hub for trade between Central & South America and the Yucatan settlements. Archaeologists have found that the population was killed off by old world diseases introduced by the Spaniards but the site remained inhabited for another 75 years after the conquest before it was finally abandoned.

A big part of the appeal for visitors is that sweet beach with the ruins in the background. Where else will you be able to swim in crystal blue water up against white sand beaches with ancient Mayan architecture and history right above you? Never. That’s when. Before you head down to the beach to escape the heat, take some pics with the ruins in the background and check out those views. Then, head down the stairs and get an entirely different perspective of the entire place.

Pro Tips:

• The site is open from 8-5 every day. There is a parking lot just off the highway when you enter Tulum. The walk to the entrance is long but walkable or, you can take a small tram or pedicab to the entrance.
• Most tour buses arrive at 11 so your best bet is to make your visit before or after that time. My suggestion is to go as soon as the ruins open because it is very exposed and it can get quite hot as the day goes on.
• Bring your bathing suit and a towel to enjoy the unique beach experience while you have the opportunity. You won’t regret it.
• Plan on being there for 1 ½ – 2 hours (more if you’re getting in some beach time while you are there).
• Admission costs about $5 USD and there is a guide service that I have found well worth the additional cost of about $40 USD (you can split it between a number of people to make it more cost effective). And feel free to negotiate with the tour guides, whatever you do, please make sure you leave a good tip.
• Bring a camera (I highly recommend the GoPro HERO Session), a sun hat, biodegradable sunscreen and a water bottle! (I’ve input links to my personal favorites.)

My wild, crazy, never say it out loud dream came true.

I just gotta start this post with a story.

About half-way through my yoga teacher training program we had an amazing guest instructor teach us about the eight limbs of yoga and yoga philosophy. Before she began, she had each of us introduce ourselves and share our “dream yoga gig” – the big, wild, exciting, stretch dream we dare not share with others. When my turn came, I could feel all eyes on me but mustered up the guts to say it out loud.

I’m Ashley and my dream yoga gig, the wild, crazy, never say it out loud dream… is to teach yoga in Tulum.

I remember feeling so silly to say it. Embarrassed to even think it really. Here I am, just studying and learning how to teach yoga and I think that somehow I will be able to actually teach in what is quickly becoming a major Yoga Mecca.

Well, fast forward two months and… there I am …. teaching my very first full yoga class… in Tulum and at Ahau Tulum.

Ahau is a gorgeous hotel on the beach (across the street from Yoga Shala) that offers yoga in a palapa loft above their cafe and overlooking the beach. It sounds odd but it has this airy openness that makes it feel like you’re practicing yoga in a real, fully functioning tree house. They have classes two times a day led by all sorts of instructors in all sorts of styles of yoga (I’ve even seen photos of acro-yoga going on in that tree house for sure!).

My class at Ahau was a huge step toward the realization that whatever crazy dream you may have, anything is possible. And when you put your intentions out in the universe and keep your heart open, crazy awesome things happen. When I put that idea out into the universe, my wildest dreams couldn’t even imagine that it would happen so quickly. But it did!

Trust the universe my dear friends.

Namaste

Gran Cenote

Cenotes are considered holy sites by the Mayans and once you visit one of these majestic sites you will understand why. The freshwater pools hidden in caves and underground caverns are unlike anything you’ll ever experience.

Cenotes are formed as a result of limestone bedrock collapsing and exposing groundwater underneath. These crystal clear pools are fed from rainwater which is naturally filtered forming these amazing Cenotes.

Gran Cenote is one of the more popular cenote destinations near or around Tulum.

It is very easy to find and just 20 miles outside of Tulum on the way to the Coba ruins, the highest pyramid in the Mexican Mayan World.

Snorkeling is a fun way to spend your time at the cenote and see fish, experience bats flying overhead in the caves and see the stalagmites and stalactites. You can rent snorkel gear at the cenote but, I recommend bringing your own. This way you can use it if you go to multiple cenotes, and while you’re on the beach. And, personally, I’m a germ-a-phobe so… even though they clean the snorkel gear, community gear like that just grosses me out.

I really like Speedo products. Here’s a link to the gear I use and would recommend – Speedo Adult Snorkel Set. They also have a kid’s version – Speedo Junior Snorkel Set.  If you want to free up some room in your bag on the way home, you can always donate your snorkels so you have more room in your luggage for that Duty Free Mescal. The other piece of gear that I would recommend is some sort of water shoe to protect your little piggies from all of the stalagmites. (Is it stalagmite? Stalactite? I can never remember which is which. ha!) Either way – your feet will thank you. And, they’ll come in handy for other adventures during your trip as well so worth the investment. I love my Keens. They’re great for hiking, very comfortable; they dry quickly and you can use them a lot during any given trip or, back at home too. My only complaint is that they’re a little heavy but I still love them. Here’s what I always pack KEEN Women’s Newport H2 and my husband loves the men’s version – KEEN Men’s Newport H2.

If you would like to explore even more, you can scuba through the caves and see all of what is hidden down within the crystal clear water. All of the larger cenotes, Gran Cenote included, have scuba packages and guided excursions.

Many people chose to visit the Gran Cenote over others in the area because of the turtles that swim in the water. They are in a sectioned off area to protect them but it is very cool to see these little guys paddling around and at times they even venture out of there protected areas to say hi.

The grounds are very well maintained and it is clear why this particular cenote is so popular. But, with that popularity comes crowds and the appeal begins to wean when it gets that busy (at least for me it does). As the day goes on and the crowds grow, it can get congested on the deck and getting in line to get in and out of the water can take a little patience.

There is a small fee for entrance but I’d say it is well worth it as there is plenty of parking, lockers and gear for rent, restrooms and changing facilities. Keep in mind that cenotes are protected ecological areas so it is advised that you shower before starting your swim and only use biodegradable sunscreen.

All in all, the well maintained grounds, beautiful scenery and amenities make the Gran Cenote a great site to see while you are in Tulum. Pack a lunch, hangout on the grounds and enjoy this wonderful adventure. However you plan on enjoying the sites, make sure to take a ton of pictures or video. A waterproof phone case works well, but make sure you get one made by a reputable company, or a GoPro which is even better. If you are in the market for a GoPro, I would suggest a GoPro Session, it is small, waterproof and has a one button operation. The other models are great, however for the price you can’t beat the GoPro Session.

La Posada Del Sol

Be still my heart.

Okay, I have to go into this one with full disclosure. We stayed at La Posada Del Sol on my first trip to Tulum and it is where my husband proposed to me. I absolutely loved it before he asked the big question but that probably adds a little extra sentimentality to La Posada Del Sol and Tulum as a whole.

This place is definitely where I fell in love with Tulum.

Okay, I’ve told you that. Now time for me to gush about this cute little piece of paradise.

La Posada Del Sol is on the hippie end of hotels in Tulum. It is a very well run, well maintained and serviced eco-boutique hotel. It gives you that chance to totally disconnect from the world and become entranced with your surroundings.

Okay – let’s talk eco-chic because it’s awesome.

First of all, they have built the property out of debris found on the property after a hurricane. Not only were they thinking of mother nature, it also adds a beautiful aesthetic and peaceful environment. That alone makes it like no hotel I have ever stayed at.

Then, as many of the hotels on the beach zone, they are powered through solar and wind energy. There are no outlets in the rooms but you are welcome to charge your devices in the main dining room where there is also Wi-Fi. Read my free eBook on How to Truly Experience Tulum and hopefully you decide to power the devices off for your stay in Tulum. 

You’ll use the breeze coming off of the ocean to cool you down rather than air-conditioning and mosquito nets surround your bed to keep you comfy at night.

Water is a precious commodity and you’ll notice black water storage tanks on the rooftops of many of the hotels along the beach. The water in the tanks is warmed up by the sunshine providing warm water for your showers. As is true for most of this area you will see non-potable water being delivered throughout the hotel zone in trucks each morning. It is advised to use bottle water as your drinking source, mostly due to the harsh minerals and filtration system in Tulum. And, as is with most of town, toilet paper gets thrown into the waste basket rather than into the toilets.

La Posada Del Sol offers a very cozy, intimate atmosphere in Tulum. This hotel shares a small, sheltered beach due to the rock formations which makes it feel like you have your own private beach. Some of my most memorable moments were getting to to know the employees during your stay and likewise, they got to know me too. They offer great “off the beaten path” recommendations for your stay and are incredibly helpful with any questions or requests you might have.  To top it off, you will get a fantastic home made breakfast for you every morning.

*photos courtesy of La Posada Del Sol*

FREE eBook! How To Truly Experience Tulum

Okay, it’s finally here!

Check out our FREE eBook – How To Truly Experience Tulum.

Make your trip to Tulum so much more than just a beach vacation with these 7 tips!  

I am super excited and hope you find this eBook helpful. I would love to have your feedback so please, pretty please leave comments to tell me what you think.

Signup for your FREE eBook on my website – www.traveltotulum.com.

Cheers!

Ashley