For quite some time, we've included Mexico on our travel wishlist, yet the bravery to make the journey has eluded us until now. The term 'bravery' is apt here as we've encountered countless tales about the risks associated with Mexico, including stories of danger and travel safety concerns. These stories would naturally make anyone hesitant about visiting.
It brings me great joy that we ultimately chose to step out of our comfort zone and explore Mexico, challenging our preconceived notions and forming our own impressions about this remarkably beautiful country. So if you have Mexico in mind, this is your sign to buy the plane ticket!
HOW TO GET THERE & WHEN TO VISIT
The cheapest flight option that we found was through New York City, USA. For Romanian citizens this requires a visa, even if you are just transiting the US.
We did not need a visa to enter Mexico however.
Before leaving for Mexico we did a lot of research and people were complaining about the customs process and that they had difficulties entering the country. I must say that we experienced none of the negative things that we have read, neither related to the customs/security process nor anything else.
Besides travelling through the US, there are some flights that have layovers in Europe, therefore not needing any additional visas. However, these might be a bit more expensive.
As for the best time to visit Tulum, this is during winter, from December to March, when the weather is pleasant and rain is scarce.
WHERE TO STAY
From my point of view there are basically 2 options, depending on your budget, somewhere close to the town centre, where you will find cute boutique hotels or near the beach, where all the big fancy hotels are.
We stayed at Elements Tulum, a nice hotel located in a very convenient area: 10 minutes walk to the town centre, where all the shops, bars and restaurants are and 2 minutes walk to the main strip where you can start your bike ride to the beach. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the beach by bike if you paddle in a fun relaxed way, because you are on vacation after all.
Additionally, we spent a few nights at Xcaret Arte, part of the Xcaret Hotels and Parks conglomerate, a stay that we strongly endorse. Even though it leans towards the expensive side, the experience is truly indescribable and well worth the investment. The resort is All Fun - All Inclusive, which means that apart from the standard all inclusive food and drinks, you also have access to all the fun/adventure parks at Xcaret.
GETTING AROUND
No matter where you choose to stay, either close to the beach or the centre, you can easily get around from one to the other by bike. There are several bike rental places from where you can get one at a cheap price.
We rented our bikes from Doggy Bikes and we were pretty happy with them. It cost us 200 mexican pesos/day/bike. Keep in mind that many rental places ask for either a deposit, an ID or both. Here we had to leave one ID (my driver’s license was fine) and they returned it once we returned the bikes.
If you plan on visiting several other places in Tulum, explore the cenotes, go to Chicken Itza and you want to do these at your own pace and not book a tour, you can also rent a car. We rented one from a local company, Clever Car Rental and again we were happy with their service. They asked for a credit card deposit of 300$ which we got back in just a few days after returning the car.
WHAT TO DO IN TULUM
EXPLORE THE FAMOUS BLUE CENOTES
Cenotes are natural sinkholes resulted from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposed groundwater, unique to Mexico and therefore definitely a must a see. There are so many of them that choosing just a few to visit was a tough choice.
An essential fact to keep in mind about cenotes is their relatively small size, which is contrasted by the large number of visitors they attract daily. You see where I am going with this, right?
Indeed, they can become quite crowded. However, don't misunderstand me - if your goal is to simply experience a cenote or to enjoy a swim, the crowds shouldn't be a significant deterrent. But, for those aiming to capture stunning photos, the congestion at these cenotes may prove less than ideal.
Therefore if you want to explore an almost empty cenote, best to visit either early morning (right at opening hours, which is usually around 9 AM) or right before closing time (most of them close at 5 PM).
Another important thing to mention is that some cenotes only allow you to take photos with your phone, if you want to use a photo camera for example, an additional fee is required.
These are our top picks:
SUYTUN
I think this one is the most famous of them all and indeed it could be the most impressive one. Cenote Suytun is mostly known for the light beam that hits in the afternoon, around 1 PM, so here you will need to choose between no crowds or seeing the light beam.
By far the most fun one as this is the one with the rope swing to jump in the water! My only regret is that we got to this one pretty late, and although it was great that there were not that many people and by the end we almost had the whole cenote to ourselves, I would have loved to jump in the water for hours, you just need to get the courage for the first jump.
CHICHEN ITZA
FIND THE INSTAGRAMMABLE PHOTO SPOTS
FOLLOW THE DREAM SIGN
MATCHA MAMA
HAVE THE BEST TIME IS ONE OF THE ADVENTURE PARKS
When in Riviera Maya, a visit to one of the Xcaret Parks is an absolute must. These aren't your typical amusement parks - they're a thrilling blend of nature, culture, and adventure. Whether it's zip-lining amidst the treetops at Xplor, exploring the mysterious underground rivers at Xcaret, or challenging your senses at Xenses Park, there's a unique experience waiting for every adventurer.
What sets Xcaret parks apart is their dedication to sustainability and local ecosystem preservation. A visit here isn't just about entertainment; it's about engaging with Riviera Maya's rich natural and cultural heritage. Prepare for a day of excitement and discovery at Xcaret Parks, the highlight of any Riviera Maya trip.
TRY THEIR FAMOUS TEQUILA AND MEZCAL
No trip to Mexico is complete without trying, every day, their famous tequila or mezcal.
Although we were not big fans of tequila to start with, we really enjoyed the Don Julio 70 one. It just hits different while in Mexico!
DON'T MISS OUT ON THE TACOS
Tacos are a must in Mexico! If there would be just one dish that I would have to recommend, it would definitely be the tacos. We ate from taco stands on street corners to fancy places and we were never disappointed.
As we conclude this Mexican journey, remember that Mexico is not just a destination, it's a vibrant tapestry of rich culture, diverse landscapes, and flavourful cuisine. Every trip here promises new adventures, delightful encounters, and memories to cherish forever. So, until we meet again - hasta la vista, and remember, the magic of Mexico awaits your return!
