How to Have the Chillest Long Weekend in Tulum, Mexico

How to Have the Chillest Long Weekend in Tulum, Mexico

Once a quiet little beach town, Tulum has grown into an ever popular tourist destination in recent years. A quick Google search might return a handful of articles on the fall of the old Mayan port city due to its sheer volume of tourists and the resort developers accommodating them. The hotel zone—the area that sits on the beach—is lined with resorts, shops, and restaurants and can take a half hour to drive just a couple of miles as you navigate through the throngs of people. Despite the negative press, I’m here to tell you that it’s still possible to have a low-key and relaxing vacation in Tulum. You just have to know where to look.

El Castillo, a Mesoamerican pyramid at the center of archaeological site Chichen Itza. Photo by Jason Rampe

Instead of staying at one of the bustling resorts, try renting an Airbnb in one of the adjacent neighborhoods. Aldea Zama is a little closer to the hotel zone and La Veleta is just south of Tulum Pueblo (or the city center). Many places include a pool, hot tub, and bikes. You can always purchase day-access passes at any of the resorts on the beach; there’s also a free public beach near the Tulum ruins. If you stay in La Veleta, you may want to rent a car or a bike, as it does take a little time to get to the hotel zone on foot. There are paid parking lots dotted throughout the hotel zone so it’s easy to park when you want to spend time in that area.

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