You are planning a trip to the beautiful beaches of Mexico, but the question is Tulum vs Cancun? Which is better for my taste? I’m answering all your burning questions and outlining the pros and cons to both Tulum and Cancun so you can make the best choice!
Tulum and Cancun are both amazing destinations with many things to love about each. However, there are many vast differences and one may totally fit your style better. Planning and taking a trip is expensive so let’s be sure you make the right choice in deciding Tulum vs Cancun.
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Tulum vs Cancun Comparison Chart
Here is the short answer if you want the basic differences. Tulum is more low key with boutique hotels, fabulous restaurants and is very wellness oriented. Cancun is much larger with tons of high rise hotels, shopping malls, and vibrant nightlife.
Tulum | Cancun | |
---|---|---|
Nighlife | low key | vibrant |
Beaches | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Transportation (getting around) | taxis available | taxis, shuttles, buses |
Airport Proximity | 1 hour | 20 minutes |
Safety | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Walkable | depends | ✔️ |
Vibes | more bohemian | more resort-y |
Restaurants | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Cultural Activities | ruins + cenotes | museum + ruins |
Hotel Accommodations | boutique style | all-inclusive resorts |
Shopping | smaller boutiques | large shopping center |
Major Events | ❎ | ✔️ |
Cost | Expensive | Budget Friendly Options |
Quiet Atmosphere | ✔️ | ❎ |
Golf Course | ❎ | ✔️ |
Let’s get started with an overview of Tulum pros and cons…..
Tulum Features
Tulum has become a super popular destination in recent years thanks to the new and trendy hotel scene. In addition, it’s highly wellness oriented attracting an active, healthy and yoga loving crowd. But that’s not all, Tulum has amazing beaches, an incredible culinary scene, and unique cultural experiences.
Tulum Pros
Wellness + Nature Oriented
Tulum is very nature oriented with lush vegetation and plenty of outdoor activities. 🌴
Tulum is known for the cenotes which are essentially limestone sinkholes that become caves that you can swim in.
It is close to the amazing Sian Ka’an Biosphere which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest protected area in Mexico. You can do guided eco tours to enjoy the natural beauty and spot wildlife.
It is also known as a wellness destination for yoga retreats. You will find yoga classes, vegan restaurants, and lots of smoothie bowls.
Boutique Hotels
The hotel scene in Tulum is quite different from that of Cancun. Everything in Tulum seems to blend in with nature so there are no high rises. You’ll find plenty of unique, intimate hotels and no familiar brands.
Impressive Culinary Scene
The culinary scene in Tulum might be one of the biggest draws. Some amazing chefs from all over have moved to Tulum to open beachside restaurants. They do everything sustainable with fresh caught fish and indigenous cooking methods. One of my favorite spots has a big open kitchen where everything is cooked over a wood fire. Many of the restaurants are open air with no roofs so you can dine under the stars! See my guide for all my foodie favorites in Tulum.
Cenotes + Ruins
I touched on the cenotes earlier and they are a huge draw for Tulum with many cenotes to visit within a few minutes drive. Additionally, you don’t have to leave Tulum to see the ruins. The Tulum Mayan Ruins are located on one end of the beach zone on a cliff towering over the coast.
Distance for Day Trips
Tulum is only an hour from Valladolid and Chichen Itza making it a great place to day trip from.
Valladolid is a charming colonial town with many important sites in Mexico’s history. It’s an authentic Mexican town with colorful houses and stunning churches.
The famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza will be found right past the town. It was once the most important area in Mexico and easily the most visited archaeological site today, especially for El Castillo, the Chichen Itza Pyramid that you’ve likely seen in photos.
Beaches
Cancun and Tulum are both known for their amazing beaches with white sand and blue water. Tulum Beach is long and wide with plenty of room for walking, sunbathing, and of course swimming.
Tulum Cons
Beach Zone and Downtown are separated
Tulum is separated into two zones – Tulum Centro and Zona Hotelera. You will most likely want to stay in the Beach/Hotel Zone which is about a 20 minute drive from Tulum Town or the main downtown. This is totally fine, but something to be aware of when selecting a hotel. There is still plenty to do within walking distance wherever you stay.
One Dirt Road Down the Beach/Hotel Zone
The Beach Zone of Tulum has one dirt road going down it. It makes it super charming with an authentic feel. However, the road can be very trafficky making your commute to the ruins, cenotes, or Tulum town extra long. Additionally, if it rains, the road floods a bit so it’s not a great place to walk either. Because of this, we chose to walk to dinner via the beach. We loved that, but it’s all about your perspective.
Expensive
There are limited hotel options in Tulum making it a more expensive option than Cancun. Tulum town has reasonable airbnbs, but they are a drive from the beach. Cancun can definitely be expensive too, but there are more options so you can likely find a budget friendly option.
Cash Only Places
Many restaurants in Tulum are cash only and the ATMs did not work. Be sure to get cash in advance and this won’t be a problem for you. With time, I am sure they will get better about taking credit cards.
Distance from Airport
Tulum is located more off the beaten path and is an hour drive from the airport. We did not mind this for the experience we wanted, but it does add to your travel time and is an added expense.
Best Hotels in Tulum
Tulum has so many trendy hotels and these are some of my favorites!
- 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.
Cancun Features
Cancun has long been known as a spring break destination with many people flocking there year after year for the beautiful beaches and fun beach clubs. It’s home to many all inclusive resorts, famous clubs, and plenty of shopping!
Cancun Pros
All Inclusive Resorts and Branded Hotels
Cancun has many hotels to choose from. There are familiar brands like Hilton and Marriott and many highrise, all inclusive resorts. This makes it a great destination for groups like families, spring breakers, and bachelorette parties.
Nightlife + Famous Beach Clubs
The stereotype is true. Cancun is known for its party scene with nightclubs (and beach clubs).
Tulum definitely has a nightlife too, but is more relaxed and low key with smaller beachside bars. In Cancun, expect the large pool parties with DJs and more Miami style nightclubs.
Shopping
If you aren’t on vacation without a little shopping, Cancun is for you. There are big shopping malls and plenty of souvenir shops.
Beautiful Beaches
Like Tulum, Cancun is famous for its pristine beaches with white sand and clear blue waters.
Proximity to Airport
Cancun is very easily accessible with many direct flights from the United States. Once you land, it’s only a 20 minute drive to the Cancun hotel zone.
Family Friendly
While the party stereotype is true, Cancun is what you make it. It can be very family friendly with the many all inclusive resorts – many that don’t allow spring breakers. And, keep in mind if you want to avoid the college spring break crowd, simply avoid the month of March!
Events
In Cancun, you will find more to do on the events calendar. You can catch a concert from major headline artists and attend large music festivals any time of year!
Cancun Cons
Touristy + Crowded
I would say that Cancun is more touristy and crowded. It is way larger in size with so many high rise hotels dotting the coastline. It is so easy to get to, making it a more popular destination for tourists.
Less Authentic Feel
Cancun is definitely more concrete and has tons of commercial buildings. Compared to Tulum, the tropical nature vibes simply are not there. You will find more chains with your typical tourist favorites like Señor Frogs.
Safety
Both areas are relatively safe. Like anywhere you want to be aware of your surroundings and avoid sketchy places. However, I feel like Cancun would be the less safe choice of the two for me, BUT it is all about where you go. You will be fine at a nice hotel, but maybe less so at a nightclub as a single female.
Best Hotels in Cancun – Luxury Resorts
Cancun has many luxury resorts and hotels. Here is what you can expect to find in some of my favorite hotel options!
- NIZUC Resort and Spa – originally designed to be an Aman property so you know it is high level! It is situated on a secluded nature reserve with 2 beaches and 4 pools. NIZUC offers spacious rooms with private infinity pools and a world class spa. It will feel so far removed from that Cancun party stereotype.
- The Ritz Carlton, Cancun – you can’t go wrong with The Ritz!
- Le Blanc Spa Resort – ultra luxurious adults only resort with spa, 5 restaurants, and butler service 😍
Is Cancun or Tulum More Expensive?
Sometimes, deciding where to go really comes down to cost. So, is Cancun or Tulum more expensive? There are a few factors that go into this, but overall, Tulum is more expensive. I say that for a couple reasons.
- Tulum has more limited hotel options, whereas Cancun has tons of options including chain hotels to meet any budget. There are airbnb options in both Tulum and Cancun that can make a trip more affordable so it really depends on your preference.
- Secondly, I think the food in Tulum was quite expensive. It is very good, but again there are not as many options as Tulum so you may not find what you are looking for. But, you could get an airbnb and cook the whole time so it’s what you make it.
- Lastly, transportation is another cost when getting to Tulum. The airport is only 15 minutes from Cancun, while it’s an hour to Tulum. You will need to pay for a taxi to get there.
Tulum vs Cancun Final Verdict
So, is Tulum or Cancun better? I can’t answer that – it’s a personal decision totally up to you! I have a feeling at this point that you have made a choice 🙂
If you know me, you can probably guess which one I prefer. Spoiler alert: it’s Tulum 1000%. I prefer the more authentic and quieter vibes in Tulum. Additionally, I am all about a trendy boutique hotel with character and since I LOVE food, the culinary scene has me hooked. I also love that you don’t have to sit on the beach all day. You can visit the ruins and cenotes to feel more immersed in the culture. You simply get more of an experience in Tulum.
Although I would pick Tulum, it doesn’t mean I would not enjoy Cancun. It’s perfect for families, groups, bachelor and bachelorette parties especially with the resorts and location minutes from the airport! Cancun is absolutely amazing. It is one of the top tourist destinations in the world for a reason! The larger resorts make it perfect for a relaxing beach vacation or if you want, a more wild one too. It’s all about your style!
I would say it depends on the type of trip too. Tulum is perfect for couples, honeymoons, romantic getaways and wellness retreats. As well as low key bachelor and bachelorette parties. On the other hand, Cancun is great for larger groups, families, spring breakers, and all-inclusive style travelers.
Tulum and Cancun Map
Here is my Tulum and Cancun map so you can see the distances and nearby sites!
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