Tulum is positioned within the Quintana Roo State, on the Yucatan Peninsula, and a Tulum packing listing is slightly completely 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 are 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 swimsuit and cover-up!
While this packing listing is particular to Tulum, it may also be used in case you are 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 purchase some souvenirs in Tulum fairly than procuring at dwelling. Clothing is at all times an amazing memento to deliver again dwelling because the clothes will likely be distinctive fairly than the identical outfits everybody has from shops at dwelling.
Our final Tulum packing listing will allow you to put together for an incredible Tulum Vacation and can guarantee you’ve packed all the necessities it’s worthwhile to take pleasure in all issues to do in Tulum! This listing will information you on the whole lot to deliver 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 find out how to say a couple of phrases or questions in Spanish equivalent to “Where is the bathroom?” or “How much?”. If you might be staying at an all-inclusive resort in Tulum, then you’ll possible discover that the majority workers have discovered find out how to communicate English to speak to vacationers.
Currency: Mexico pesos, although USD Dollars are fairly broadly accepted and may also be exchanged at lodge concierge desks if wanted! Almost all shops and eating places will settle for USD, however in addition they decide the trade charge they provide. Often the speed they provide is a peso or two lower than the precise trade charge. We additionally use our Debit Cards at an precise financial institution or within the airport. Make certain to say no the trade charge the ATM gives you. By doing this, the trade charge you’ll get the precise trade charge and performed by your financial institution.
Best Time to Visit: Tulum’s peak season for vacationers is Jan-March, so resorts and excursions could be very booked up. If you’ve any flexibility, then touring in November and December means that you can benefit from the heat sunny climate with so much fewer vacationers.
How to Get to Tulum: There are a number of methods from Cancun Airport to Tulum. We both take this non-public shuttle or choose up a rental automobile on the Cancun airport. You will wish to e-book a personal switch upfront for the bottom costs. We e-book on-line right here; we’ve got used this firm 40+ instances. The costs on the airport will likely be greater than double than arranging it upfront.
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 wish to go! We additionally e-book on-line right here upfront. If you e-book in particular person, the every day charge is commonly 2-3x extra. You can hire a automobile in Tulum or proper on the airport. The drive from Cancun to Tulum may be very simple and simple.
If you’re going on excursions or day journeys by yourself, you’ll be able to simply use taxis or public transportation such because the bus or collectivo. If you e-book day journeys on-line or with the lodge, you might be staying at. Then your information will usually meet you within the lodge foyer with a small van to take 8-10 visitors round for the day.
We e-book all of our excursions on-line right here with Viator. We want to e-book on-line upfront. That means, we are able to plan out our journey and never store round for excursions and negotiate costs. We discover Viator has the very 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 scorching, which is what attracts vacationers to go to, particularly when their dwelling international locations 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 could be variable.
Even on cooler days the place you will want a light-weight jacket, keep in mind to make use of sunscreen and put on a hat, as you’ll be able to nonetheless get a burn even within the shade. I’m responsible of forgetting how intense the Mexican solar could be, so ensure that to reapply sunscreen, put on a hat, take breaks from the solar, and drink a lot of water to keep away from sunburn and warmth stroke.
Summer in Tulum
The summer season in Tulum may be very, highly regarded and humid by the coast and will get very muggy as you head towards the inland areas. The summer season months can have insufferable temperatures, so it usually retains the vacationers away and makes visiting the seashore extra pleasing because it’s not so busy! The Caribbean waters are the most popular in August.
When is the very 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 in case you ask me, Tulum is at all times a well-liked vacation spot and at all times has vacationers.
For the previous 5 years, we’ve got 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’ll be able to nonetheless discover heat climate; nonetheless, it’s the wet season in Tulum. So in case you are not bothered by the rain, this could nonetheless be a good time to go to, and sometimes you’ll find 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 gentle sufficient that you would be able to carry it if wanted.
Many pathways which are paved additionally could have sand on them, so in case you select a bag with wheels, it would be best to select a suitcase with spinner wheels that may maneuver by means of the sand.
In my opinion, the very best baggage for Tulum is the carry-on dimension 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 trouble. On our final journey, we waited over an hour for our baggage…
I love this bag. It is carry-on dimension. I put it within the overhead bin. I like that it’s trendy, sturdy, matches a TON of garments (42L), has compartments, comes with a rain cowl, and one other good thing is it has a pc sleeve. I like the whole lot 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 massive of a deal. Make certain to tip the bellman. Our tipping in Mexico information goes over the whole lot it’s worthwhile to learn about who and what to tip.
Must Have Essential Packing List for Tulum
The climate in Tulum is scorching and humid year-round, which could be very unforgiving in case you don’t defend your self from the solar with sunscreen or hats. When packing garments, it would be best to select gentle, breathable materials like tropical clothes to assist maintain cool!
If touring in the summertime, girls will wish to pack shorts, tank tops, flip flops, and flowy clothes, whereas males will possible pack t-shirts and shorts.
If touring in Mexico’s winter season, you might select to deliver a light-weight cardigan or jacket. Tulum is scorching all 12 months, and you’ll possible be carrying swimsuits and cover-ups all week, so I might pack a number of swimsuits. In the night you’ll be able to deliver barely nicer clothes or collared shirts for males, however you don’t must 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 wish to be sure you deliver 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 protected in your lodge room or someplace protected 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 usually are my swim cowl up too. (you’ll be able to 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 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 facet, however they final and are actually comfortable.
- Running sneakers or closed-toe sneakers for excursions – On my final journey, the sneakers I wore down on the flight from Wisconsin had been my solely tennis sneakers.
- 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 (deliver two pairs in case you lose one)
- Beach Bag – I have this one, and I find it irresistible for a lot of causes. It is light-weight, doesn’t lose its form, you’ll be able to see what’s in it, low-cost, and I like the colour. (you’ll be able to simply purchase this on the seashore or in Tulum city)
- Cross Body Bag or Backpack – These baggage are excellent for excursions to carry all of your stuff and maintain your arms free!
- Light Jacket/Light Sweater – I usually put on this gentle sweater/sweatshirt down on the aircraft, and that’s all I deliver for chilly climate garments.
- Rain Jacket – If you might be visiting between June to October, it would be best to pack a rain jacket as that is sometimes the wet season in Mexico.
- Water Bottle – I wish to deliver a cheaper one like this that’s insulated.
- Mosquito Repellent – I’ve been liking these mosquito stickers. They work fairly properly as a bug spray different.
- Lip Balm
- Water sneakers – I might deliver small cheaper water sneakers/aqua socks in case you are 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 in case you want to hold on solely journey.
- After solar lotion – You may purchase this in Tulum in case 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 recommend 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 gadgets you’ve packed based mostly on our listing above, you might wish to think about packing a few of the gadgets beneath in case you are planning to partake in any of all these excursions in your trip to Tulum.
You don’t wish to arrive in Tulum unprepared to your tour and be left scrambling to seek out gadgets equivalent to water sneakers.
What to put on when visiting Tulum ruins?
When visiting Mexico, it would be best 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 lively tour, so it would be best to costume comfortably in shorts and both a t-shirt or tank prime, as you’ll get sweaty.
There isn’t any costume code, however I might advise towards solar clothes as it’s an exercise that requires a number of motion. If you’re going on a day journey tour, it would be best to pack the next:
- Backpack
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Hat
- Closed-toe sneakers – maintain your toes comfy and keep away from stubbing any toes by carrying sneakers 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 beneath in some circumstances. Check out these nice cenotes within the Tulum space. My favourite cenote in Tulum is Calavera.
Tulum is dwelling to many various cenotes, and this can be a widespread tour possibility for vacationers. If you will go to a cenote, it would be best to pack the next:
- Water shoe/aqua sock – Cenotes are sometimes rocky when getting into, and sometimes the ladders/rocks are slippery. I like these aqua socks. They are light-weight and simple to pack and CHEAP.
- Bathing swimsuit – 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, think about getting a dome for enjoyable over/underneath pictures.
- Dry bag – deliver 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 alter right into a dry pair of garments after getting all moist and driving/using again to our lodge.
What to pack for snorkeling in Tulum or a ship journey
When visiting Tulum, happening 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 using the waves because the boat drives throughout the water, or stress-free and sunbathing on the nets of a catamaran, you’ll be having the time of your life!
Snorkeling in Mexico could be tremendous pleasing, so it would be best to be sure you pack the whole lot it’s worthwhile to be ready for a day of enjoyable! You will wish to pack the next for any boat tour:
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Dry Bag
- Eco-friendly sunscreen – we attempt to defend the pure atmosphere 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 alter right into a dry pair of garments after getting all moist and driving/using again to our lodge.
Packing for Tulum for 7+ days
You can simply re-wear clothes in case you are 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 an alternative, pack Tide Travel Sink Packets which have simply sufficient detergent to clean a couple of gadgets within the sink.
What to pack for yoga lessons in Tulum
Tulum is understood for having meditative vibes and thus attracts in lots of guests seeking to interact within the apply of yoga. Many vacationers particularly come to Tulum for Yoga Wellness Retreats, whereas others may wish to strive a single class as a means or disconnect and chill out.
Luckily in Tulum, there are numerous areas providing yoga inside a couple of minutes stroll from most foremost resorts. You will wish 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 dwelling. 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 want 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 indicate this.
- A Valid bank card – most automobile leases will place a maintain in your bank card
- Car charger – I at all times deliver this low-cost cigarette plug automobile charger thingy, however you do have to deliver the twine.
If you hire a automobile, you might think about a street journey from Cancun to Tulum or Tulum to Cancun!
What to pack if you wish to hire a motorbike in Tulum
Cycling is an effective way to get round and discover Tulum at a really low value and is an effective way to maneuver between the pueblo and the playa or to go to cenotes simply outdoors of the primary city space. Bikes are simply accessible to hire in Tulum and could be rented by the day or for a number of days.
Bike leases sometimes value round $8-10 USD a day, so it’s a very inexpensive and enjoyable technique to discover. Most of the roads are very flat, and you’ll trip to the seashore in about 25 minutes in case you begin within the Tulum city facilities. The better part is you’ll be able to whiz by visitors as an alternative of being caught in a scorching taxi.
The greatest place to hire a motorbike is on Beach street known as Ola Bike Tulum, which is positioned within the city. Ola Bike Tulum will hire for the week and can even ship on to your lodge, together with children’ bikes. A good thing about reserving with them is in addition they present bikes with a basket or child seat if mandatory.
If you propose to do any biking in Tulum, it would be best to pack:
- Rompers or shorts – for consolation and ease when biking
- Water bottle
- Good closed-toe sneakers 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 will bike to eating places at evening
What to not Pack for Tulum
Now that you’ve got found out what to Pack for Tulum, we needed to provide you a few reminders of what gadgets to go away at dwelling to save lots of room in your baggage. Below is an inventory of what to not Pack for Tulum, as these things are simply not sensible.
Hair Dryer or Hair Straightener – The humidity makes it unimaginable to maintain your hair straight, and it’ll possible maintain getting moist within the water, so go away the straightener at dwelling and benefit from the seashore hair look. Hotels nearly 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 dwelling and convey some cute dressy sandals as an alternative. There is sand in every single place in Mexico, so sandals make extra sense and are extra comfy than heels. Even in fancier eating places, you’ll find most visitors in sandals.
Laptop – Expensive gadgets like cameras and laptops usually are not mandatory for touring to Tulum except you’ve a selected objective for them, like answering enterprise emails. Often expertise gadgets don’t even find yourself getting used and simply take up treasured baggage area and add extra weight. Technology gadgets are additionally at a better threat of being stolen, so except you completely want them, then go away them at dwelling.
Expensive Jewelry – Tulum is scorching and may trigger swelling, which may make carrying jewellery uncomfortable, particularly rings. Jewelry can also be at an elevated threat of being stolen, so go away costly and mawkish jewellery at dwelling and commerce it for trendy jewellery that may be simply changed if it will get misplaced or stolen.
Tons of over-the-counter drugs – Pharmacies are simply accessible in Tulum, so don’t really feel it’s worthwhile to pack your entire drugs cupboard. Packing a easy first assist equipment, generally used medicines, and prescriptions ought to be enough for any journey to Tulum. Local pharmacies carry the identical medicines as these in the usA.
Do you want Travel Insurance to journey to Tulum?
Some international locations legally require you to hold Travel Insurance. However, Mexico is just not one among these international locations, so the easy reply is “No” you should not have to buy journey insurance coverage when visiting Tulum, Mexico. When touring to any nation outdoors of your property nation, it offers a way of security and luxury figuring out you’ve bought journey or medical health insurance as you by no means know when an sudden medical subject could come up, so it is suggested to pre-purchase insurance coverage. We at all times purchase this insurance coverage.
Travel insurance coverage offers a way of safety as you realize that prices will likely be coated, and you’ll not be left with enormous medical payments that may rapidly occur if a serious medical occasion happens, particularly if a hospital keep turns into mandatory, and even worse, a medical evacuation. Most medical health insurance plans could be bought for as little as $5 a day, and it’s price each penny! It is important to additionally test your medical health insurance plans in your house nation or your bank cards, as many present protection when touring overseas.
This is why at any time when we journey, we select to buy SafetyWing Insurance as it’s tremendous inexpensive and but offers us the mandatory protection we would wish if an emergency occurred. When touring with kids, you will need to be aware that SafetyWing will cowl as much as 2 kids underneath 10 years outdated freed from cost. You may buy one coverage to cowl you in case you go to a number of international locations, fairly than needing a number of insurance policies, which is extraordinarily handy for frequent vacationers.
Other FAQ about packing for Tulum
Should I deliver pants to Tulum?
While Mexico is historically very heat all 12 months, and you wouldn’t anticipate to wish pants, it’s a good suggestion to have a pair of pants as you’ll possible wish to pack not less than one pair.
Tulum can get cooler within the night within the winter months in addition to Mexico usually has mosquitos at evening, so carrying pants can maintain you protected.
I usually put on a pair of pants on the aircraft in order that means I’ve a pair to journey in, which can maintain me heat and cozy on the aircraft 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 happening trip, I consider it’s best to pack garments that will let 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 variety of vacationers, together with yogis, backpackers, luxurious vacationers, beachgoers, and finances vacationers.
During the day, most males put on shorts and t-shirts or muscle tanks, and girls put on jean shorts and a tank prime, rompers, or flowy sundresses to remain cool. Almost everyone seems to be discovered carrying sandals or flip-flops except they’re headed on an tour. Many folks additionally stay of their bathing fits and cover-ups as they spend their time going out and in of the water, whether or not or not it’s on the pool or the seashore.
In the night, some folks will select to decorate up slightly for dinner at restaurants in Tulum. This sometimes means males will put on dressier sandals, a polo shirt, and both lengthy pants or shorts. Women will usually put on flowy sundresses which are longer and dressier sandals. You will wish to keep away from heels or costume sneakers as there may be sand in every single place.
Most excursions in Tulum require you to be out within the solar all day lengthy, so it would be best to put on clothes that can maintain you cool but shielded from the solar, as the very last thing you need is a sunburn or warmth stroke! If you might be partaking in an lively journey equivalent to visiting the ruins or cenotes, you want close-toed sneakers, and on boat excursions will wish to be sure you have a showering swimsuit.
Closing Thoughts on the Essential Packing List for Tulum Mexico
Escaping the chilly climate at dwelling to flee to an attractive sunny vacation spot requires slightly little bit of pre-planning as you will want to seek out all of your summer season clothes to pack. When packing for Tulum, Mexico, it would be best to think about 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 carrying!
Follow our information for the last word listing 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 listing was useful when packing!