Tulum, Mexico is one of the hottest places to go over the past few years, and for good reason. In this Tulum Honeymoon Guide, I’m sharing all about my own honeymoon to Tulum with plenty of tips for you!
Tulum is one of those places that does not seem real. The dreamy beach destination has the whitest sand and the bluest water, seen best from the cenotes, and is brimming with ancient mayan history at the Tulum ruins. If that weren’t enough, it is filled with the trendiest eco-friendly hotels, open-air restaurants with quintessential “tulum decor”, and is highly wellness-oriented.
Tulum effortlessly creates an environment where the indoors and outdoors become one. There is everything from boutique hotels to larger resorts to airbnbs accommodating friend trips, bachelorette parties, honeymoons, or solo travelers alike.
Whether you want to practice yoga on the beach, have a little adventure, eat smoothie bowls, or drink margaritas beach-side, Tulum is perfect for any traveler. Here is my complete guide for planning a trip or honeymoon to Tulum.
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How to Get to Tulum
Tulum recently opened a brand new airport allowing travelers to reach the beach town much easier. This new route will take you right into Tulum, whereas you used to have to fly to Cancun then drive over an hour to reach it!
Travelers can now fly into TQO or Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport. It is so accessible now making it the best spot for a long weekend getaway this fall or a winter honeymoon destination.
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Located about 80 miles (130 km) north of Tulum, CUN is the most frequently used airport for international travelers. You have several convenient options for reaching Tulum:
- Shuttle Services: Various companies offer shared or private shuttle services that will take you directly from the airport to your accommodation in Tulum. This is a hassle-free choice, especially for couples.
- Car Rental: If you want the freedom to explore at your own pace, consider renting a car. The drive to Tulum takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, with beautiful views along the way.
- Taxi: We had the hotel arrange a driver for us in an air conditioned car. I highly recommend letting the hotel coordinate a safe ride.
Tulum International Airport (TQO)
The newly opened Tulum International Airport is even closer to your destination, situated just about 30 minutes from Tulum. This airport primarily serves domestic and select international flights. From TQO, you can easily take a taxi or arrange for a shuttle to reach your hotel or rental.
Where to Stay in Tulum
First things first, where should you stay in Tulum, Mexico for your honeymoon? There are two options: the beach zone or in Tulum town. I recommend the beach zone otherwise you will drive back and forth to access the beach and its’ many great restaurants.
For my first trip to Tulum, I wanted to stay somewhere oceanfront with trendy, but minimalistic decor that simply screams Tulum. We needed a good beach bar and a pool as well at our boutique hotel. Enter Hotel Panamera.
Hotel Panamera
The property sits oceanfront featuring only 14 rooms with a large central restaurant and bar that serves both the STUNNING pool and beach side patrons. The hotel pool is so picturesque and the beach bar serves up inventive cuisine and classic cocktails. We enjoyed live music and lounging in beach chairs while we sipped Allende beers and margaritas!
Disclosure: the rooms are very minimalist. Seriously, the bathrooms do not have doors. I would make sure you are comfortable with whoever you travel with. We honestly did not spend a ton of time in the room together and gave each other space so it was fine for a long weekend. Next time, I would spring for a suite to have a bit more space!
We unintentionally visited over Dia de los Muertos and were thrilled to see Tulum celebrating accordingly. There were no parades due to the pandemic, but the businesses started decorating first thing that morning! The hotel was quiet in the morning, but busy at night on the weekends as the restaurant and bar serve the public (and it was Dia de los Muertos weekend in Mexico).
Overall, Hotel Panamera is a lovely beach hotel property featuring beautiful interior design, great food and drinks, and well appointed amenities. I would absolutely recommend it as one of the best hotels in Tulum for couples and solo travelers whether to stay or for a meal!
Tulum has so many trendy hotels and these are some of my other favorites! Perfect for a honeymoon to Tulum.
- Hotel Panamera – intimate and minimalistic with an amazing beachside restaurant
- Be Tulum – relaxation sanctuary with a great beach bar for day parties
- Hotel Bardo – fabulous rooms with private plunge pools
- Nomade – wellness focused with middle eastern inspired restaurant, Macondo.
What to Do in Tulum, Mexico
There are tons of activities in Tulum whether you are more adventurous or want to be lazy in the sun. It’s the perfect honeymoon destination because there’s something to please everyone. So what should you do in Tulum on your honeymoon? The choice is yours…
Gran Cenote
If you know anything about Tulum, you’ve likely seen the cenotes. Cenotes are essentially large sinkholes from limestone rock that have filled with clear water over time. They are basically underwater caves to cool off from the hot Mexican sun!
I visited Gran Cenote which is closest to Tulum beach, but there are tons all over the Yucatan Peninsula. Go early, like when they open, as traffic down the one dirt road of Tulum can get very busy.
You’ll pay the $15 entry fee then be required to shower off before entering the water. Don’t bother doing your hair and makeup so you can enjoy swimming!
We had our hotel arrange a taxi and the driver waited while we explored the cenotes since it can be hard to find a return taxi that early.
Tulum Mayan Ruins
We wanted to spend most of our vacation time at the beach so we combined our activities that required a drive into one day. Following our cenote experience, our next stop was the Tulum Mayan Ruins!
Tulum has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean and the ruins sit up high on a cliff overlooking the blue waters. You’ll travel back in time wandering through the ancient Tulum ruins. Definitely bring lots of water and wear tennis shoes, because my sandals did not quite cut it!
Beach and Beach Bars in Tulum, Mexico
The beach bar at Hotel Panamera is open to the public and it was always busy throughout the day. There are tons of party spots and laid back places depending on your preferences. Wander up and down the beach to find what best suits your vacation style.
Day Trip to Valladolid
Tulum is only an hour from Valladolid and Chichen Itza making it a great place to day trip from. Valladolid is the most charming little town with pastel colored buildings. There is plenty to do from tours, learning about culture, Mayan ruins, and more cenotes.
Tour Chichén-Itzá
Chichén-Itzá is located right beyond Valladolid and is a must see in the Yucatan Peninsula. The famous Mayan ruins feature a massive step pyramid called El Castillo. The ancient city thrived from 600 AD until the 1200s!
Explore the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site, which boasts diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, lagoons, and coral reefs. It’s a great spot for birdwatching, kayaking, and seeing wildlife.
Enjoy Tulum’s Culinary Scene
Indulge in Tulum’s vibrant food scene. Dine at renowned restaurants like Hartwood and Gitano for delicious local cuisine, or grab a refreshing smoothie at Matcha Mama.
Enjoy a Sunset at the Beach
End your day by watching the sunset on the beach. The vibrant colors reflecting off the ocean create a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for romantic moments.
Visit the Tulum Jungle Gym
For fitness enthusiasts, the Tulum Jungle Gym offers a unique outdoor workout experience surrounded by nature. Enjoy weightlifting with a stunning view of the beach. Nearly all the equipment is made from wood and natural materials.
Beach Yoga
Several instructors offer beach yoga sessions, allowing you to practice in the serene setting of the shore, often during sunrise or sunset! A private yoga sessions is perfect for a honeymoon activity.
Where to Eat in Tulum
Tulum restaurants are some of my absolute favorites around the world. It is definitely a foodie paradise! The restaurants on the jungle side feel like you are dining in an enchanted forest as they are lined with candles, copal incense burning, and chandeliers hanging from the trees. Here are my faves:
Hartwood
Hartwood is located on the jungle side of Tulum and sits back off the road in a tropical, open air setting. The food is sustainably caught fresh daily and the facility is completely self sustainable using solar panels and wood fired oven. The menus will be presented on a chalkboard and they only accept cash. What to get: habanero or grapefruit margaritas, lobster, ceviche, and tostadas. Check out more here.
Gitano Tulum
Gitano feels like you’ve stepped into the chicest jungle party! We were seated and the waiter immediately brought us celebratory tequila shots kicking off a great dinner. We had mezcal margaritas, the tuna tostada (twice), shrimp tacos, and churros for dessert! They have three locations, but I recommend the original jungle location. You can make reservations online in advance here.
Hotel Panamera
Hotel Panamera fueled us many times throughout our stay. We had great breakfasts from smoothies (with charcoal) and granola bowls to shrimp tacos at lunch and veggie burgers at dinner. I was impressed with the food quality and options.
Be Tulum
Be Tulum Hotel was also a hit for lunch and dinner where we had coronas and lots of tacos in our swimsuits!
Matcha Mama
Matcha Mama is the cutest little beach shack serving, you guessed it, matcha lattes, as well as, smoothie bowls, juices, ice cream, and coffee. Make sure to get your picture in the cute swings out front. A great option for vegans or vegetarians.
Posada Margherita
Everyone raved about Posada Margherita in all of the blogs I read prior to my travels. It will be my first stop next time I travel to Tulum. The menu is completely made to order featuring recipes from the chef’s grandmother in Italy. Expect Italian food completed with local ingredients like fresh caught seafood and organic vegetables found throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. I’m drooling already!
Casa Jaguar
Casa Jaguar honestly says it best themselves on their website “Inspired by the regional cuisine of the Yucatan Peninsula and the Maya, the restaurant fuses traditional and ancient techniques, with International influences and contemporary innovation”. I definitely want allll the ceviche, tostadas, and fresh catch!
Raw Love
Raw Love has all the raw vegan options you could dream of. If you’re looking for a healthy spot or need to detox a little, this is it!
How to Get to Tulum
Getting to Tulum, Mexico is pretty easy and inexpensive from the United States. You will fly into Cancun International Airport then have a one hour drive to Tulum from Cancun. We had our hotel arrange a private driver who was awaiting our arrival at CUN.
In the works is the Tulum International Airport expected to open in 2023 about 15 miles southwest of Tulum. Go now before they start welcoming even more tourists!
The Maya Train is a high speed train for tourists that will serve to connect the popular areas of the Yucatan Peninsula. The train is also expected to be operational by the end of 2023.
The Best Time to Visit Tulum
Tulum enjoys warm and sunny weather year-round, making it a fantastic honeymoon destination. While September and October can bring the occasional hurricane, we visited during Dia de los Muertos (Halloween) and had a wonderful experience.
Yes, we encountered some afternoon rain showers, but they were brief, usually lasting just an hour or so. Plus, visiting during this period means lower prices, which is a nice bonus!
However, in my opinion, the absolute best time to visit is from December through February. During these months, the weather is cooler in the U.S., making Tulum an appealing escape for couples looking to soak up the sun.
Expect pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and vibrant beach days, perfect for romantic strolls along the shore or lounging at a beach club. Whether you’re exploring the ancient ruins or enjoying a candlelit dinner on the beach, Tulum’s charm shines brightest during this season.
Tulum Honeymoon Packing Tips
When packing for your Tulum honeymoon, there are a few essentials you’ll want to include to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
First and foremost, don’t forget sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s rays, along with a stylish sun hat to keep you cool. Swimsuits are a must for those refreshing dips in the ocean or cenotes, so pack a couple to switch things up. Lightweight cover-ups and sundresses are perfect for transitioning from beach to dinner, offering both comfort and style for your evening outings.
Footwear is also important: bring sandals for the beach and a sturdy pair of tennis shoes for exploring the ancient ruins. While I found water shoes unnecessary for cenote visits, they can be a nice option if you have them.
One accessory I found particularly useful was a waterproof pouch for my cell phone. It allowed me to keep my phone safe while exploring the cenotes, although I didn’t actually take it underwater.
Tulum Packing List
Clothing:
- Swimsuits (at least 3-4)
- Cover-ups for the beach (2-3)
- Sundresses for dinners and outings (one per night)
- Light, breathable tops and shorts
- Lightweight pants or skirts for cooler evenings
- Sun hat or cap
- Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
Footwear:
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Comfortable tennis shoes for exploring ruins
- Water shoes (optional, depending on your preference)
Accessories:
- Sunglasses
- Beach bag or tote
- Waterproof phone pouch or case
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended)
- After-sun lotion or aloe vera
- Insect repellent
- Personal hygiene items
- Hairbrush/comb and hair ties
- Any medications or vitamins
Electronics:
- Phone and charger
- Camera or GoPro for capturing memories
- Portable power bank
Documents:
- Passport
- Travel insurance information
- Copies of hotel and activity reservations
Miscellaneous:
- Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated!)
- Snacks for travel days or beach outings
- A good book or kindle for relaxing
Tulum Travel Tips
- None of the ATMs worked on Tulum’s main strip – we know because we tried them all. Bring cash before you arrive as many restaurants only accept cash. We had to leave town to hunt some down.
- Bug spray – everyone said to bring it, but I didn’t find it necessary in October. You’ll likely need it most months and in the Summer. Some of the hotels will have it and the restaurants burn copal incense to keep bugs away.
- Tulum has one main road that is dirt with the jungle on one side and beach on the other. The road often floods and has potholes. Traffic can get very backed up so plan taxi rides accordingly. If going to dinner, I suggest walking on the beach side to and from. It is a prettier view anyways! You will need to pay attention and cut through a hotel or restaurant pathway to the main road.
- I brought wedges and never wore them. Like I mentioned above, the street is not very conducive to heels.
- Goes without saying, but don’t drink the water. There is a great mini market next to Hotel Panamera to stock up on water bottles.
The Wrap Up: Take a Honeymoon to Tulum
Tulum is a dreamy destination for a honeymoon, offering the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and romance. For a memorable stay, consider Hotel Panamera, where you can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.
When it comes to dining, Tulum has an incredible culinary scene. Be sure to indulge at Hartwood for fresh, locally-sourced dishes, and enjoy the lively ambiance at Gitano. Don’t miss out on the refreshing smoothies at Matcha Mama, and savor delicious meals at both Hotel Panamera and Be Tulum.
For activities, Tulum offers a wealth of experiences. Explore the stunning Grand Cenote for a refreshing swim, visit the impressive Tulum Mayan Ruins for a taste of history, and take a day trip to the charming town of Valladolid. Of course, no trip would be complete without lounging on the beautiful beaches and enjoying the vibrant beach bars.
With its breathtaking scenery and rich culture, Tulum is the perfect backdrop for a romantic honeymoon.
Do you have any questions about Tulum, Mexico or recommendations for others? Drop them below!
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