Tulum

Tulum is a world-famous beach destination. For many, the town is the last on the Riviera Maya, but with a new airport, and two stations of the Tren Maya, the popularity of the place just keeps expanding. Only the giant Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve remains on this stretch of paradise coast when heading south after Tulum. The biosphere has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. 

The archaeological remains of an ancient Maya city here are some of the closest to the sea. Towering over 12-meter cliffs, the ruins set the tone for the modern city although it was entirely abandoned by the Maya people in the 16th century. Today, Tulum is a place of stunning beaches, fantastic cenotes, and the kinds of vibrant lagoons that make the entire place feel enchanted and otherworldly. The modern tourist industry means the place is loaded with eateries and nightspots, but there is a lot that is authentic and meaningful for the cultural traveler too. 

The Tulum cenotes are some of the most celebrated on the Yucatan Peninsula, and many visitors arrive just to explore their unique landscape, and the wildlife to be found in the region. No fewer than 16 kilometers of white sand beaches mean that everyone finds a stretch all their own.

Of course, Tulum is a beach town too. There is a town center, not far from the coast, and everything you could want from authentic Maya cooking to extra chanclas and beach gear is on hand. If the interior strikes your fancy, as it increasingly does, you need look no further.  

People get to Tulum from the new Tulum international airport, and increasingly, on the Tren Maya from Cancunand the bigger airport there. Larger hotels will offer airport transport, but these are also easy to find in either airport. And as Tulum is increasingly appealing to those not in it for the resort experience, a range of affordable transport options has risen to meet the demand.