Tulum is situated within the Quintana Roo State, on the Yucatan Peninsula, and a Tulum packing checklist is slightly totally different than simply packing for a seashore trip, as there are such a lot of different actions to discover. Tulum is a vacation spot that has areas which might be wild jungle, in addition to seashores.
You could end up visiting Mayan ruins, rappelling into cenotes, and biking within the city middle, which requires greater than only a bathing go well with and cover-up!
While this packing checklist is restricted to Tulum, it will also be used if you’re visiting Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Bacalar, or Isla Holbox, that are all a part of the Mayan Riviera.
Shopping in Tulum is nice! Don’t fear if you wish to choose up some new outfits for a tropical vacation spot. You should buy some souvenirs in Tulum somewhat than procuring at residence. Clothing is at all times an important memento to convey again residence because the clothes will likely be distinctive somewhat than the identical outfits everybody has from malls at residence.
Our final Tulum packing checklist will allow you to put together for an incredible Tulum Vacation and can guarantee you have got packed all the necessities it is advisable get pleasure from all issues to do in Tulum! This checklist will information you on every part to convey to Mexico and What NOT to Bring to Mexico!
Quick Facts About Tulum
Language Spoken: In Mexico, the primary language spoken is Spanish, so it may be useful to know methods to say a couple of phrases or questions in Spanish reminiscent of “Where is the bathroom?” or “How much?”. If you might be staying at an all-inclusive resort in Tulum, then you’ll seemingly discover that almost all employees have realized methods to communicate English to speak to vacationers.
Currency: Mexico pesos, although USD Dollars are fairly broadly accepted and will also be exchanged at resort concierge desks if wanted! Almost all shops and eating places will settle for USD, however additionally they decide the trade price they provide. Often the speed they provide is a peso or two lower than the precise trade price. We additionally use our Debit Cards at an precise financial institution or within the airport. Make certain to say no the trade price the ATM presents you. By doing this, the trade price you’re going to get the precise trade price and finished by your financial institution.
Best Time to Visit: Tulum’s peak season for vacationers is Jan-March, so resorts and excursions might be very booked up. If you have got any flexibility, then touring in November and December permits you to benefit from the heat sunny climate with quite a bit fewer vacationers.
How to Get to Tulum: There are a number of methods from Cancun Airport to Tulum. We both take this personal shuttle or choose up a rental automobile on the Cancun airport. You will need to ebook a personal switch prematurely for the bottom costs. We ebook on-line right here; we’ve used this firm 40+ occasions. The costs on the airport will likely be greater than double than arranging it prematurely.
Methods of Transportation: Most vacationers stroll or bike when visiting Tulum. We, nonetheless, ALWAYS hire a automobile. We love the liberty of renting a automobile and being on our personal schedule, and going wherever we need to go! We additionally ebook on-line right here prematurely. If you ebook in particular person, the each day price is commonly 2-3x extra. You can hire a automobile in Tulum or proper on the airport. The drive from Cancun to Tulum could be very simple and simple.
If you’re going on excursions or day journeys by yourself, you possibly can simply use taxis or public transportation such because the bus or collectivo. If you ebook day journeys on-line or with the resort, you might be staying at. Then your information will typically meet you within the resort foyer with a small van to take 8-10 visitors round for the day.
We ebook all of our excursions on-line right here with Viator. We want to ebook on-line prematurely. That method, we are able to plan out our journey and never store round for excursions and negotiate costs. We discover Viator has one of the best costs and excursions to supply.
If you do hire a automobile, ensure that to learn our renting a automobile in Mexico article for tips about driving in Mexico.
Weather in Tulum & Tulum Seasons
The climate in Tulum is a tropical local weather all 12 months lengthy, between 70-90 levels Fahrenheit, so it’s primarily sunny and sizzling, which is what attracts vacationers to go to, particularly when their residence nations are chilly.
The greatest climate in Tulum is from February by means of March when it’s persistently heat, and there may be little rain. The months of June by means of October can see a very good quantity of rain, and it’s Hurricane season in Tulum, so the climate might be variable.
Even on cooler days the place you will have a lightweight jacket, bear in mind to make use of sunscreen and put on a hat, as you possibly can nonetheless get a burn even within the shade. I’m responsible of forgetting how intense the Mexican solar might be, so ensure that to reapply sunscreen, put on a hat, take breaks from the solar, and drink a number of water to keep away from sunburn and warmth stroke.
Summer in Tulum
The summer time in Tulum could be very, very popular and humid by the coast and will get very muggy as you head towards the inland areas. The summer time months can have insufferable temperatures, so it typically retains the vacationers away and makes visiting the seashore extra fulfilling because it’s not so busy! The Caribbean waters are the most well liked in August.
When is one of the best time to Visit Tulum?
The greatest climate in Tulum is discovered in the course of the months of February to May when the climate is settled and is generally sunny and ranging between 77F to the low 90F. This is Tulum’s excessive season, however when you ask me, Tulum is at all times a preferred vacation spot and at all times has vacationers.
For the previous 5 years, we’ve traveled to the Yucatan Peninsula for 4-6 weeks, arriving the primary week of February and staying into March. The coldest month in Tulum is December, when the Tulum temperatures dip to round 68F. It can also be the dry season, and we see little to no rain. On our final five-week journey, we noticed rain as soon as, and it was for lower than one minute.
From June to October, you possibly can nonetheless discover heat climate; nonetheless, it’s the wet season in Tulum. So if you’re not bothered by the rain, this will nonetheless be a good time to go to, and sometimes yow will discover less expensive trip charges as that is thought of the low season.
Best Luggage to Bring to Tulum
Many resorts in Tulum should not have paved pathways or elevators to roll your wheelie suitcase, so ensure that no matter baggage you select is mild sufficient that you would be able to carry it if wanted.
Many pathways which might be paved additionally could have sand on them, so when you select a bag with wheels, you’ll want to select a suitcase with spinner wheels that may maneuver by means of the sand.
In my opinion, one of the best baggage for Tulum is the carry-on measurement to keep away from the trouble and the additional value of checked baggage, plus it’s simple to hold. Waiting for baggage on the Cancun airport is at all times a problem. On our final journey, we waited over an hour for our baggage…
I love this bag. It is carry-on measurement. I put it within the overhead bin. I really like that it’s fashionable, sturdy, matches a TON of garments (42L), has compartments, comes with a rain cowl, and one other great point is it has a pc sleeve. I really like every part about this bag. You can get it on Amazon right here.
If you might be staying at a luxurious resort in Tulum, there’ll most frequently be a bellman that can ship your baggage to your room. So it isn’t that huge of a deal. Make certain to tip the bellman. Our tipping in Mexico information goes over every part it is advisable learn about who and what to tip.
Must Have Essential Packing List for Tulum
The climate in Tulum is sizzling and humid year-round, which might be very unforgiving when you don’t defend your self from the solar with sunscreen or hats. When packing garments, you’ll want to select mild, breathable materials like tropical clothes to assist preserve cool!
If touring in the summertime, ladies will need to pack shorts, tank tops, flip flops, and flowy clothes, whereas males will seemingly pack t-shirts and shorts.
If touring in Mexico’s winter season, you might select to convey a lightweight cardigan or jacket. Tulum is sizzling all 12 months, and you’ll seemingly be sporting swimsuits and cover-ups all week, so I might pack a number of swimsuits. In the night you possibly can convey barely nicer clothes or collared shirts for males, however you don’t need to pack fancy garments for the eating places!
If you propose to journey and take any excursions, you want a refillable water bottle, trainers, and a very good cross-body backpack to hold your stuff! You will need to be sure you convey your bank cards, energy financial institution, digital camera, and journey insurance coverage with you on day journeys.
Personally, I would depart my passport within the secure in your resort room or someplace secure at your lodging if attainable. We by no means carry our passports on us all through the day.
- 2-4 Bathing fits – My favourite model is Summersalt. Use code STAMPEDJS10 for 10% off.
- Sun Hat – You can simply purchase this on the seashore or in Tulum city.
- Beach Cover-Ups – My Pitusa clothes typically are my swim cowl up too. (you possibly can simply purchase this on the seashore or in Tulum city)
- 1 sarong – You can simply purchase this on the seashore or in Tulum city.
- 5-7 sundresses or rompers -I really like my Pitusa clothes. I personal over 10 of them, they usually have been touring with me since 2017.
- 4 Tank Tops
- 1 pair of jean shorts
- 1- 2 pairs of flip-flops – I swear by OluKai sandals. They are on the pricier aspect, however they final and are actually cozy.
- Running footwear or closed-toe footwear for excursions – On my final journey, the footwear I wore down on the flight from Wisconsin had been my solely tennis footwear.
- 1 pair of cute sandals/wedges when you’ve got good dinners out deliberate.
- 2 pairs of sun shades – I like these cute low-cost ones (convey two pairs in case you lose one)
- Beach Bag – I have this one, and I adore it for a lot of causes. It is light-weight, doesn’t lose its form, you possibly can see what’s in it, low-cost, and I really like the colour. (you possibly can simply purchase this on the seashore or in Tulum city)
- Cross Body Bag or Backpack – These baggage are good for excursions to carry all of your stuff and preserve your fingers free!
- Light Jacket/Light Sweater – I typically put on this mild sweater/sweatshirt down on the airplane, and that’s all I convey for chilly climate garments.
- Rain Jacket – If you might be visiting between June to October, you’ll want to pack a rain jacket as that is usually the wet season in Mexico.
- Water Bottle – I prefer to convey a cheaper one like this that’s insulated.
- Mosquito Repellent – I’ve been liking these mosquito stickers. They work fairly nicely as a bug spray different.
- Lip Balm
- Water footwear – I might convey small cheaper water footwear/aqua socks if you’re planning on going to cenotes.
- Power Bank – I love this one as a result of it has the cords inbuilt!
- Multi-plug outlet -Sometimes, there is just one reachable outlet in a room.
- Reef Safe sunscreen – You may purchase this in Tulum when you want to hold on solely journey.
- After solar lotion – You may purchase this in Tulum when you want to hold on solely journey.
- Liquid IV – This is a should for me to assist with hangovers/hydration.
- Dry Bag/Fanny again – one thing to maintain telephone/cash. I counsel this waterproof dry bag for day journeys.
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 2 pairs of socks
- Pajamas
- Passport
- Credit Cards/Cash – I by no means trade money. I at all times take cash out on the Cancun airport after which in Tulum city at an precise financial institution.
Tulum Activities & Extra Things to Pack for them
In addition to the objects you have got packed primarily based on our checklist above, you might need to contemplate packing a few of the objects under if you’re planning to partake in any of most of these excursions in your trip to Tulum.
You don’t need to arrive in Tulum unprepared on your tour and be left scrambling to search out objects reminiscent of water footwear.
What to put on when visiting Tulum ruins?
When visiting Mexico, you’ll want to plan to go to both the Tulum Ruins, Chichen Itza, or Coba Ruins, as these Mayan ruins are fairly a masterpiece to see. Visiting the ruins is an energetic tour, so you’ll want to gown comfortably in shorts and both a t-shirt or tank high, as you’re going to get sweaty.
There isn’t any gown code, however I might advise towards solar clothes as it’s an exercise that requires numerous motion. If you’re going on a day journey tour, you’ll want to pack the next:
- Backpack
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Hat
- Closed-toe footwear – preserve your toes comfy and keep away from stubbing any toes by sporting footwear that defend your toes.
What to Pack when visiting Mexican Cenotes?
Cenotes are pure sinkholes within the floor that you would be able to repel into. Enjoy trying out the cave and even swim within the water under in some instances. Check out these nice cenotes within the Tulum space. My favourite cenote in Tulum is Calavera.
Tulum is residence to many various cenotes, and this can be a widespread tour choice for vacationers. If you’re going to go to a cenote, you’ll want to pack the next:
- Water shoe/aqua sock – Cenotes are sometimes rocky when coming into, and sometimes the ladders/rocks are slippery. I like these aqua socks. They are light-weight and simple to pack and CHEAP.
- Bathing go well with – you might select to swim within the stunning water within the cenote
- Underwater Camera or Go Pro – you want a digital camera that’s good for journey actions that may get moist. If you might be into images, contemplate getting a dome for enjoyable over/below pictures.
- Dry bag – convey a bag to hold all of your gear
- Quick Dry or Small Towel
- Mineral Sunscreen (some cenotes have a no sunscreen rule)
- Water Bottle
- A dry pair of garments – I like to vary right into a dry pair of garments after getting all moist and driving/driving again to our resort.
What to pack for snorkeling in Tulum or a ship journey
When visiting Tulum, occurring a snorkeling or a ship journey tour is a should do in my view, as they’re a lot enjoyable! Whether you might be sipping cocktails and driving the waves because the boat drives throughout the water, or enjoyable and sunbathing on the nets of a catamaran, you may be having the time of your life!
Snorkeling in Mexico might be tremendous fulfilling, so you’ll want to be sure you pack every part it is advisable be ready for a day of enjoyable! You will need to pack the next for any boat tour:
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Dry Bag
- Eco-friendly sunscreen – we attempt to defend the pure setting as greatest as we are able to by selecting eco-friendly sunscreen choices
- Sun hat or visor
- Sunglasses
- Snorkels *most tour firms will present these for you*
- Beach tote
- A water-resistant digital camera such because the GoPro
- A dry pair of garments – I like to vary right into a dry pair of garments after getting all moist and driving/driving again to our resort.
Packing for Tulum for 7+ days
You can simply re-wear clothes if you’re staying longer to keep away from packing so closely, or you are able to do laundry in a sink.
While Tulum does have laundromats, that may be inconvenient, so as a substitute, pack Tide Travel Sink Packets which have simply sufficient detergent to clean a couple of objects within the sink.
What to pack for yoga courses in Tulum
Tulum is understood for having meditative vibes and thus attracts in lots of guests trying to interact within the observe of yoga. Many vacationers particularly come to Tulum for Yoga Wellness Retreats, whereas others may need to strive a single class as a method or disconnect and chill out.
Luckily in Tulum, there are lots of areas providing yoga inside a couple of minutes stroll from most essential resorts. You will need to pack the next to be ready for a yoga expertise:
- Reusable water bottle
- Athletic clothes, together with leggings, tank tops, and sports activities bras for ladies
- A yoga mat – I personally would depart this at residence. Many retreats and yoga studios additionally hire these for a small cost.
- Small towel
What to pack if you wish to hire a automobile in Tulum
If you propose on renting a automobile in Tulum, you will have to pack the next:
- Driver’s License
- Proof of International Driving Insurance – many bank cards present this by means of their playing cards, however I’ve by no means been requested to point out this.
- A Valid bank card – most automobile leases will place a maintain in your bank card
- Car charger – I at all times convey this low-cost cigarette plug automobile charger thingy, however you do have to convey the wire.
If you hire a automobile, you might contemplate a highway journey from Cancun to Tulum or Tulum to Cancun!
What to pack if you wish to hire a motorcycle in Tulum
Cycling is a good way to get round and discover Tulum at a really low value and is a good way to maneuver between the pueblo and the playa or to go to cenotes simply exterior of the primary city space. Bikes are simply accessible to hire in Tulum and might be rented by the day or for a number of days.
Bike leases usually value round $8-10 USD a day, so it’s a very inexpensive and enjoyable method to discover. Most of the roads are very flat, and you may trip to the seashore in about 25 minutes when you begin within the Tulum city facilities. The better part is you possibly can whiz by visitors as a substitute of being caught in a sizzling taxi.
The greatest place to hire a motorcycle is on Beach highway known as Ola Bike Tulum, which is situated within the city. Ola Bike Tulum will hire for the week and can even ship on to your resort, together with youngsters’ bikes. A advantage of reserving with them is additionally they present bikes with a basket or child seat if vital.
If you propose to do any biking in Tulum, you’ll want to pack:
- Rompers or shorts – for consolation and ease when biking
- Water bottle
- Good closed-toe footwear or sandals that can keep in your toes
- A backpack or cross-body bag that’s simple to put on whereas biking
- Sunscreen
- A headlamp if you’re going to bike to eating places at evening
What to not Pack for Tulum
Now that you’ve got discovered what to Pack for Tulum, we wished to offer you a few reminders of what objects to depart at residence to avoid wasting room in your baggage. Below is an inventory of what to not Pack for Tulum, as this stuff are simply not sensible.
Hair Dryer or Hair Straightener – The humidity makes it inconceivable to maintain your hair straight, and it’ll seemingly preserve getting moist within the water, so go away the straightener at residence and benefit from the seashore hair look. Hotels virtually at all times present a hair dryer within the rooms, and in the event that they don’t ask the concierge, I’m assured they are going to discover you one.
High Heels – Everyone in Mexico lives in sandals, together with vacationers, so give your toes a break and go away the heels at residence and convey some cute dressy sandals as a substitute. There is sand in all places in Mexico, so sandals make extra sense and are extra comfy than heels. Even in fancier eating places, you can find most visitors in sandals.
Laptop – Expensive objects like cameras and laptops are usually not vital for touring to Tulum until you have got a particular goal for them, like answering enterprise emails. Often expertise objects don’t even find yourself getting used and simply take up treasured baggage house and add extra weight. Technology objects are additionally at the next threat of being stolen, so until you completely want them, then go away them at residence.
Expensive Jewelry – Tulum is sizzling and may trigger swelling, which may make sporting jewellery uncomfortable, particularly rings. Jewelry can also be at an elevated threat of being stolen, so go away costly and mawkish jewellery at residence and commerce it for fashionable jewellery that may be simply changed if it will get misplaced or stolen.
Tons of over-the-counter medication – Pharmacies are simply accessible in Tulum, so don’t really feel it is advisable pack your complete medication cupboard. Packing a easy first help package, generally used drugs, and prescriptions must be ample for any journey to Tulum. Local pharmacies carry the identical drugs as these in the united statesA.
Do you want Travel Insurance to journey to Tulum?
Some nations legally require you to hold Travel Insurance. However, Mexico isn’t one among these nations, so the straightforward reply is “No” you should not have to buy journey insurance coverage when visiting Tulum, Mexico. When touring to any nation exterior of your house nation, it supplies a way of security and luxury realizing you have got bought journey or medical health insurance as you by no means know when an sudden medical situation could come up, so it is suggested to pre-purchase insurance coverage. We at all times purchase this insurance coverage.
Travel insurance coverage supplies a way of safety as you realize that prices will likely be coated, and you’ll not be left with large medical payments that may rapidly occur if a significant medical occasion happens, particularly if a hospital keep turns into vital, and even worse, a medical evacuation. Most medical health insurance plans might be bought for as little as $5 a day, and it’s value each penny! It is important to additionally examine your medical health insurance plans in your house nation or your bank cards, as many present protection when touring overseas.
This is why each time we journey, we select to buy SafetyWing Insurance as it’s tremendous inexpensive and but supplies us the mandatory protection we would wish if an emergency occurred. When touring with youngsters, you will need to be aware that SafetyWing will cowl as much as 2 youngsters below 10 years previous freed from cost. You can even buy one coverage to cowl you when you go to a number of nations, somewhat than needing a number of insurance policies, which is extraordinarily handy for frequent vacationers.
Other FAQ about packing for Tulum
Should I convey pants to Tulum?
While Mexico is historically very heat all 12 months, and you wouldn’t count on to want pants, it’s a good suggestion to have a pair of pants as you’ll seemingly need to pack at the very least one pair.
Tulum can get cooler within the night within the winter months in addition to Mexico typically has mosquitos at evening, so sporting pants can preserve you protected.
I typically put on a pair of pants on the airplane in order that method I’ve a pair to journey in, which is able to preserve me heat and cozy on the airplane in addition to within the airport, the place it may be cooler than your sunny vacation spot.
What ought to I put on to Tulum for a day?
When occurring trip, I imagine it’s best to pack garments that help you really feel comfy, and Mexico is ideal for this, as just about something goes in the course of the day when it comes to clothes. Mexico attracts a spread of vacationers, together with yogis, backpackers, luxurious vacationers, beachgoers, and price range vacationers.
During the day, most males put on shorts and t-shirts or muscle tanks, and ladies put on jean shorts and a tank high, rompers, or flowy sundresses to remain cool. Almost everyone seems to be discovered sporting sandals or flip-flops until they’re headed on an tour. Many individuals additionally stay of their bathing fits and cover-ups as they spend their time going out and in of the water, whether or not it’s on the pool or the seashore.
In the night, some individuals will select to decorate up slightly for dinner at restaurants in Tulum. This usually means males will put on dressier sandals, a polo shirt, and both lengthy pants or shorts. Women will typically put on flowy sundresses which might be longer and dressier sandals. You will need to keep away from heels or gown footwear as there may be sand in all places.
Most excursions in Tulum require you to be out within the solar all day lengthy, so you’ll want to put on clothes that can preserve you cool but shielded from the solar, as the very last thing you need is a sunburn or warmth stroke! If you might be participating in an energetic journey reminiscent of visiting the ruins or cenotes, you want close-toed footwear, and on boat excursions will need to be sure you have a showering go well with.
Closing Thoughts on the Essential Packing List for Tulum Mexico
Escaping the chilly climate at residence to flee to a ravishing sunny vacation spot requires slightly little bit of pre-planning as you will have to search out all of your summer time clothes to pack. When packing for Tulum, Mexico, you’ll want to contemplate what actions and excursions you propose to take part in, the climate anticipated for the month of the 12 months you select to go to, and what clothes you might be comfy sporting!
Follow our information for the last word checklist of what to pack for a tropical trip to the sunny Mexico shoreline of Tulum. Whether you select to snorkel, chill out on the seashore, go to the ruins and cenotes, or be part of a yoga class, Mexico has all of it!
Planning a visit to Tulum? Let us know within the feedback if our checklist was useful when packing!