If you’re thinking about a trip down south to soak up the sun and enjoy warm tropical waters, here are five reasons you should consider visiting Tulum, Mexico.
Location
Tulum is worlds apart from the touristy sky-rise hotels that line the shores of Cancun, yet it’s an easy drive along the Yucatan coast and the glistening waters of the Caribbean. Many hotels offer a package that includes the shuttle ride from the airport right to your hotel lobby, and unlike in the States, they’ll likely have an ice chest full of cold beer to enjoy along the way.
Tulum is 82 miles south of Cancun and about 150 miles north of the country of Belize. Here you’ll find peace and relaxation along with adventure, for those who choose that option.
Accommodations
The Freedom Paradise resort in Tulum offers a worry-free vacation on a secluded slice of paradise on the Riviera. It’s often the last destination for the airport shuttle and seems to be one of the area’s best kept secrets. You’ll find fewer tourists crowding the beach, and you’re less likely to see any of the hard-core partying that takes place in Cancun. In fact, you might be pleasantly surprised to find that it’s just you, the sand, the sun, a cool drink, and maybe a curious iguana or two as you relax on the umbrella-covered lounge chair.
Freedom Paradise offers an all-inclusive package that includes a comfortable and clean room with sliding glass doors that lead directly onto the long-stretched, white sand beach. All of your meals, domestic beverages, and activities are covered, as well. With some all-inclusive resorts, I’ve found the food to be sub-par and the drinks to be either weak or hard to obtain, but that’s not the case here.
Gustavo, the bartender, seemed to be there 24/7 when our family visited, and he was always friendly and extremely generous. The guests and every member of our party were also pleased with the dining options.
Outdoor Recreation
In addition to the tranquil turquoise waters perfect for viewing marine life, you’ll find lakes, cenotes, and caves to explore. The resort offers equipment for guests to use at no cost for snorkeling in the Caribbean. In this dazzling expanse of sea, you’ll likely view a wide variety of colorful fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins. If you prefer to stay above the water, kayaks and rubber boats are also at guests’ disposal.
The Tulum Ruins are just around the corner from Freedom Paradise, in what may be the most beautiful setting of any Mayan site. If you want to explore the jungle, consider a tour to the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, less than 30 miles west of Tulum. Along the way, there are 50 ancient clay roads winding through the dense jungle that once led directly to the center of the Mayan culture, as well as making the trek through the lush tropical jungle filled with exotic birds and wildlife, including spider monkeys and panthers.
Once you’ve experienced Tulum, you’ll want to return again and again.
K.C. Dermody is a freelance writer and a Featured Contributor for Travel. She has traveled to nearly all 50 states and many countries worldwide and has a passion for imparting what she has learned from her experiences to others.
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