Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Tulum Packing Listing – What to Put on in Tulum (2023)


Tulum is positioned within the Quintana Roo State, on the Yucatan Peninsula, and a Tulum packing listing is a bit 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 might be wild jungle, in addition to seashores.

It’s possible you’ll 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!

Whereas this packing listing is particular to Tulum, it can be used if you’re visiting Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Bacalar, or Isla Holbox, that are all a part of the Mayan Riviera.

Purchasing 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 quite than procuring at house. Clothes is all the time an excellent memento to convey again house because the clothes will probably be distinctive quite than the identical outfits everybody has from department shops at house.

Our final Tulum packing listing will enable you to put together for a tremendous Tulum Trip and can guarantee you’ve gotten packed all the necessities it is advisable get pleasure from all issues to do in Tulum! This listing will information you on all the things to convey to Mexico and What NOT to Convey to Mexico!


Playa del Carmen travel guide - Things to do in Playa del Carmen - Valladolid Red building with a woman standing

Fast Info About Tulum

Language Spoken: In Mexico, the principle language spoken is Spanish, so it may be useful to know methods to say just a few phrases or questions in Spanish resembling “The place is the toilet?” or “How a lot?”.  In case you are staying at an all-inclusive resort in Tulum, then you’ll probably discover that almost all employees have realized methods to converse English to speak to vacationers.

Forex: Mexico pesos, although USD {Dollars} are fairly broadly accepted and can be exchanged at resort concierge desks if wanted! Virtually all shops and eating places will settle for USD, however additionally they decide the trade price they provide. Usually the speed they provide is a peso or two lower than the precise trade price. We additionally use our Debit Playing cards at an precise financial institution or within the airport. Be sure that to say no the trade price the ATM provides you. By doing this, the trade price you’ll get the precise trade price and completed by your financial institution.

Greatest Time to Go to: Tulum’s peak season for vacationers is Jan-March, so motels and excursions could be very booked up. If in case you have any flexibility, then touring in November and December means that you can benefit from the heat sunny climate with lots fewer vacationers. 

Learn 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 automotive on the Cancun airport. You’ll want to guide a non-public switch prematurely for the bottom costs. We guide on-line right here; we’ve used this firm 40+ instances. The costs on the airport will probably be greater than double than arranging it prematurely.

Strategies of Transportation: Most vacationers stroll or bike when visiting Tulum. We, nonetheless, ALWAYS hire a automotive. We love the liberty of renting a automotive and being on our personal schedule, and going wherever we wish to go! We additionally guide on-line right here prematurely. If you happen to guide in particular person, the day by day price is usually 2-3x extra. You may hire a automotive in Tulum or proper on the airport. The drive from Cancun to Tulum may be very simple and easy. 

In case you are happening excursions or day journeys by yourself, you may simply use taxis or public transportation such because the bus or collectivo. If you happen to guide day journeys on-line or with the resort, you might be staying at. Then your information will usually meet you within the resort foyer with a small van to take 8-10 visitors round for the day.

We guide all of our excursions on-line right here with Viator. We desire to guide on-line prematurely. That approach, we will plan out our journey and never store round for excursions and negotiate costs. We discover Viator has the most effective costs and excursions to supply. 

If you happen to do hire a automotive, be certain to learn our renting a automotive in Mexico article for recommendations on driving in Mexico.


Woman standing at the tulum ruins near Grand Palladium Riviera Maya

Climate in Tulum  & Tulum Seasons 

The climate in Tulum is a tropical local weather all yr lengthy, between 70-90 levels Fahrenheit, so it’s primarily sunny and scorching, which is what attracts vacationers to go to, particularly when their house international locations are chilly.

The perfect climate in Tulum is from February by March when it’s persistently heat, and there may be little rain. The months of June by October can see 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 may nonetheless get a burn even within the shade. I’m responsible of forgetting how intense the Mexican solar could be, so be certain 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 time in Tulum

The summer time in Tulum may 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 usually retains the vacationers away and makes visiting the seashore extra satisfying because it’s not so busy! The Caribbean waters are the most popular in August. 

When is the most effective time to Go to Tulum?

The perfect climate in Tulum is discovered through the months of February to Might when the climate is settled and is generally sunny and ranging between 77F  to the low 90F. That is Tulum’s excessive season, however when you ask me, Tulum is all the time a well-liked vacation spot and all the time 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’s also 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 may nonetheless discover heat climate; nonetheless, it’s the wet season in Tulum. So if you’re not bothered by the rain, this may nonetheless be a good time to go to, and infrequently yow will discover less expensive trip charges as that is thought-about the low season.

Greatest Baggage to Convey to Tulum

Many motels in Tulum wouldn’t have paved pathways or elevators to roll your wheelie suitcase, so be certain no matter baggage you select is gentle sufficient which you could 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 the sand.

For my part, the most effective baggage for Tulum is the carry-on dimension to keep away from the trouble and the additional price of checked baggage, plus it’s simple to hold. Ready for baggage on the Cancun airport is all the time a problem. On our final journey, we waited over an hour for our baggage…

I love this bag. It’s carry-on dimension. I put it within the overhead bin. I 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 like all the things about this bag. You may get it on Amazon right here

In case you are staying at a luxurious resort in Tulum, there’ll most frequently be a bellman that may ship your baggage to your room. So it isn’t that large of a deal. Be sure that to tip the bellman. Our tipping in Mexico information goes over all the things it is advisable find out about who and what to tip.


couple holding hands in Tulum Mexico looking at the beach
Carrying considered one of my favourite Pitusa clothes over my swimsuit in Tulum.

Should Have Important Packing Listing for Tulum

The climate in Tulum is scorching and humid year-round, which could be very unforgiving when you don’t shield your self from the solar with sunscreen or hats. When packing garments, you’ll want to select gentle, breathable materials like tropical clothes to assist maintain cool!

If touring in the summertime, ladies will wish to pack shorts, tank tops, flip flops, and flowy clothes, whereas males will probably pack t-shirts and shorts.

If touring in Mexico’s winter season, chances are you’ll select to convey a light-weight cardigan or jacket.  Tulum is scorching all yr, and you’ll probably be sporting swimsuits and cover-ups all week, so I might pack a number of swimsuits. Within the night you may convey barely nicer clothes or collared shirts for males, however you don’t need to pack fancy garments for the eating places!

If you happen to plan to journey and take any excursions, you want a refillable water bottle, trainers, and cross-body backpack to hold your stuff! You’ll want to be sure to 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. 

  1. 2-4 Bathing fits – My favourite model is Summersalt. Use code STAMPEDJS10 for 10% off. 
  2. Solar Hat – You may simply purchase this on the seashore or in Tulum city.
  3. Seashore Cowl-Ups – My Pitusa clothes usually are my swim cowl up too.  (you may simply purchase this on the seashore or in Tulum city) 
  4. 1 sarong – You may simply purchase this on the seashore or in Tulum city.
  5. 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.
  6. 4 Tank Tops
  7. 1 pair of jean shorts
  8. 1- 2 pairs of flip-flops – I swear by OluKai sandals. They’re on the pricier aspect, however they final and are actually cozy. 
  9. Trainers 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. 
  10. 1 pair of cute sandals/wedges when you’ve got good dinners out deliberate.
  11. 2 pairs of sun shades – I like these cute low cost ones (convey two pairs in case you lose one)
  12. Seashore Bag – I have this one, and I adore it for a lot of causes. It’s light-weight, doesn’t lose its form, you may see what’s in it, low cost, and I like the colour. (you may simply purchase this on the seashore or in Tulum city)
  13. Cross Physique Bag or Backpack – These baggage are excellent for excursions to carry all of your stuff and maintain your fingers free! 
  14. Gentle Jacket/Gentle Sweater – I usually put on this gentle sweater/sweatshirt down on the aircraft, and that’s all I convey for chilly climate garments.
  15. Rain Jacket – In case you are visiting between June to October, you’ll want to pack a rain jacket as that is sometimes the wet season in Mexico.
  16. Water Bottle – I prefer to convey a cheaper one like this that’s insulated.
  17. Mosquito Repellent – I’ve been liking these mosquito stickers. They work fairly nicely as a bug spray different.
  18. Lip Balm
  19. Water sneakers – I might convey small cheaper water sneakers/aqua socks if you’re planning on going to cenotes. 
  20. Energy Financial institution – I love this one as a result of it has the cords inbuilt! 
  21. Multi-plug outlet -Generally, there is just one reachable outlet in a room.
  22. Reef Secure sunscreen – You possibly can purchase this in Tulum when you desire to hold on solely journey.
  23. After solar lotion – You possibly can purchase this in Tulum when you desire to hold on solely journey.
  24. Liquid IV – This can be a should for me to assist with hangovers/hydration.
  25. Dry Bag/Fanny again – one thing to maintain cellphone/cash. I counsel this waterproof dry bag for day journeys.
  26. 7 pairs of underwear
  27. 2 pairs of socks
  28. Pajamas
  29. Passport
  30. Credit score Playing cards/Money – I by no means trade money. I all the time take cash out on the Cancun airport after which in Tulum city at an precise financial institution.

woman with her feet in the clear waters of Cenote Jardin del Eden near Palay del Carmen and Tulum Mexico in an over/under photo via a gopro dome

Tulum Actions & Additional Issues to Pack for them

Along with the gadgets you’ve gotten packed based mostly on our listing above, chances are you’ll wish to think about packing among the gadgets beneath if you’re planning to partake in any of these kinds of excursions in your trip to Tulum.

You don’t wish to arrive in Tulum unprepared in your tour and be left scrambling to search out gadgets resembling water sneakers

Woman standing in front of Chichen Itza in an orange dress

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 prime, as you’ll get sweaty. 

There is no such thing as a gown code, however I might advise towards solar clothes as it’s an exercise that requires a whole lot of motion. In case you are happening a day journey tour, you’ll want to pack the next:

  • Backpack
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Hat
  • Closed-toe sneakers – maintain your ft snug and keep away from stubbing any toes by sporting sneakers that shield your ft.
woman climbing out of Cenote Calavera on a ladder - One of the best Cenotes in Tulum and Mexico

What to Pack when visiting Mexican Cenotes?

Cenotes are pure sinkholes within the floor which you could repel into. Take pleasure in testing the cave and even swim within the water beneath in some circumstances. Take a look at these nice cenotes within the Tulum space. My favourite cenote in Tulum is Calavera.

Tulum is house to many various cenotes, and this can be a standard tour choice for vacationers. If you’ll go to a cenote, you’ll want to pack the next:

  • Water shoe/aqua sock – Cenotes are sometimes rocky when coming into, and infrequently the ladders/rocks are slippery. I like these aqua socks. They’re light-weight and straightforward to pack and CHEAP. 
  • Bathing go well with – chances are you’ll select to swim within the lovely water within the cenote
  • Underwater Digital camera or Go Professional – you want a digital camera that’s good for journey actions that may get moist. In case you are into images, think about getting a dome for enjoyable over/below pictures.
  • Dry bag – convey a bag to hold all of your gear 
  • Fast 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 resort.
Woman swimming with sea turtles in Akumal

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 for my part, as they’re a lot enjoyable! Whether or not 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 can be having the time of your life! 

Snorkeling in Mexico could be tremendous satisfying, so you’ll want to be sure to pack all the things it is advisable be ready for a day of enjoyable! You’ll want to pack the next for any boat tour:

  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Dry Bag
  • Eco-friendly sunscreen – we attempt to shield the pure setting as greatest as we will by selecting eco-friendly sunscreen choices
  • Solar hat or visor
  • Sun shades
  • Snorkels *most tour corporations will present these for you*
  • Seashore 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 resort.
woman standing against a yellow building in Izamal Mexico

Packing for Tulum for 7+ days

You may 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.

Whereas Tulum does have laundromats, that may be inconvenient, so as a substitute, pack Tide Journey Sink Packets which have simply sufficient detergent to scrub just a few gadgets within the sink.

woman doing early morning yoga on Myrtle Beach on a weekend getaway

What to pack for yoga courses in Tulum

Tulum is understood for having meditative vibes and thus attracts in lots of guests seeking to have interaction within the apply of yoga. Many vacationers particularly come to Tulum for Yoga Wellness Retreats, whereas others could wish to strive a single class as a approach or disconnect and calm down.

Fortunately in Tulum, there are lots of places providing yoga inside a couple of minutes stroll from most important motels. You’ll want 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 girls
  • A yoga mat – I personally would depart this at house. Many retreats and yoga studios additionally hire these for a small cost.
  • Small towel
Parking car in Tulum Beach on the road
Parking our rental automotive alongside the street by Tulum Seashore

What to pack if you wish to hire a automotive in Tulum

If you happen to plan on renting a automotive in Tulum, you will want to pack the next:

  • Driver’s License
  • Proof of Worldwide Driving Insurance coverage – many bank cards present this by their playing cards, however I’ve by no means been requested to point out this.
  • A Legitimate bank card – most automotive leases will place a maintain in your bank card
  • Automobile charger – I all the time convey this low cost cigarette plug automotive charger thingy, however you do have to convey the wire.

If you happen to hire a automotive, chances are you’ll think about a street journey from Cancun to Tulum or Tulum to Cancun!

What to pack if you wish to hire a motorcycle in Tulum

Biking is an effective way to get round and discover Tulum at a really low price and is an effective way to maneuver between the pueblo and the playa or to go to cenotes simply exterior of the principle 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 price round $8-10 USD a day, so it’s a very reasonably priced and enjoyable option to discover. Many of the roads are very flat, and you’ll experience to the seashore in about 25 minutes when you begin within the Tulum city facilities. The perfect half is you may whiz by visitors as a substitute of being caught in a scorching taxi.

The perfect place to hire a motorcycle is on Seashore 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 resort, together with children’ bikes. A advantage of reserving with them is additionally they present bikes with a basket or child seat if obligatory. 

If you happen to plan 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 sneakers or sandals that may keep in your ft
  • A backpack or cross-body bag that’s simple to put on whereas biking
  • Sunscreen
  • A headlamp if you’ll bike to eating places at evening

Hannah About Page Getting Stamped Travel Couple Come Follow Along - Las Coloradas Mexico

What to not Pack for Tulum 

Now that you’ve got found out what to Pack for Tulum, we needed to present you a few reminders of what gadgets to go away at house to save lots of room in your baggage. Under 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 unattainable to maintain your hair straight, and it’ll probably maintain getting moist within the water, so depart the straightener at house and benefit from the seashore hair look. Resorts virtually all the time present a hair dryer within the rooms, and in the event that they don’t ask the concierge, I’m assured they’ll discover you one.

Excessive Heels – Everybody in Mexico lives in sandals, together with vacationers, so give your ft a break and depart the heels at house and convey some cute dressy sandals as a substitute. There’s sand all over the place in Mexico, so sandals make extra sense and are extra snug than heels. Even in fancier eating places, you’ll find most visitors in sandals.

Laptop computer – Costly gadgets like cameras and laptops usually are not obligatory for touring to Tulum except you’ve gotten a selected goal for them, like answering enterprise emails. Usually know-how gadgets don’t even find yourself getting used and simply take up treasured baggage area and add extra weight. Know-how gadgets are additionally at the next danger of being stolen, so except you completely want them, then depart them at house.

Costly Jewellery – Tulum is scorching and may trigger swelling, which might make sporting jewellery uncomfortable, particularly rings. Jewellery can also be at an elevated danger of being stolen, so depart costly and nostalgic jewellery at house and commerce it for fashionable 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 is advisable pack your complete drugs cupboard. Packing a easy first assist equipment, generally used medicines, and prescriptions ought to be enough for any journey to Tulum. Native pharmacies carry the identical medicines as these in the usA.

Do you want Journey Insurance coverage to journey to Tulum?

Some international locations legally require you to hold Journey Insurance coverage. Nevertheless, Mexico isn’t considered one of these international locations, so the straightforward reply is “No” you wouldn’t have to buy journey insurance coverage when visiting Tulum, Mexico. When touring to any nation exterior of your property nation, it supplies a way of security and luxury figuring out you’ve gotten 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 all the time purchase this insurance coverage.

Journey insurance coverage supplies a way of safety as you realize that prices will probably be coated, and you’ll not be left with large medical payments that may rapidly occur if a serious medical occasion happens, particularly if a hospital keep turns into obligatory, and even worse, a medical evacuation. Most medical health insurance plans could be bought for as little as $5 a day, and it’s value each penny! It’s important to additionally examine your medical health insurance plans in your house nation or your bank cards, as many present protection when touring overseas. 

That is why every time we journey, we select to buy SafetyWing Insurance coverage as it’s tremendous reasonably priced and but supplies us the required protection we would wish if an emergency occurred. When touring with youngsters, it is very important be aware that SafetyWing will cowl as much as 2 youngsters below 10 years previous freed from cost. You may as well buy one coverage to cowl you when you go to a number of international locations, quite than needing a number of insurance policies, which is extraordinarily handy for frequent vacationers. 


Woman by the pool in Xpu Ha Mexico

Different FAQ about packing for Tulum

Ought to I convey pants to Tulum? 

Whereas Mexico is historically very heat all yr, and you wouldn’t count on to want pants, it’s a good suggestion to have a pair of pants as you’ll probably wish to pack at the least one pair.

Tulum can get cooler within the night within the winter months in addition to Mexico usually has mosquitos at evening, so sporting pants can maintain you protected. 

I usually put on a pair of pants on the aircraft in order that approach 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 you need to pack garments that help you really feel snug, and Mexico is ideal for this, as just about something goes through the day by way of clothes. Mexico attracts a variety of vacationers, together with yogis, backpackers, luxurious vacationers, beachgoers, and finances vacationers.

Throughout the day, most males put on shorts and t-shirts or muscle tanks, and ladies put on jean shorts and a tank prime, rompers, or flowy sundresses to remain cool. Virtually everyone seems to be discovered sporting sandals or flip-flops except they’re headed on an tour. Many individuals additionally dwell 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.

Within the night, some folks will select to decorate up a bit for dinner at eating places in Tulum. This sometimes means males will put on dressier sandals, a polo shirt, and both lengthy pants or shorts. Ladies will usually put on flowy sundresses which might be longer and dressier sandals. You’ll want to keep away from heels or gown sneakers as there may be sand all over the place.

Most excursions in Tulum require you to be out within the solar all day lengthy, so you’ll want to put on clothes that may maintain you cool but protected against the solar, as the very last thing you need is a sunburn or warmth stroke! In case you are participating in an energetic journey resembling visiting the ruins or cenotes, you want close-toed sneakers, and on boat excursions will wish to be sure to have a washing go well with.

Woman in the hammocks of Kaan Luum hanging over greenish blue water

Closing Ideas on the Important Packing Listing for Tulum Mexico

Escaping the chilly climate at house to flee to a fantastic sunny vacation spot requires a bit little bit of pre-planning as you will want to search out all of your summer time clothes to pack. When packing for Tulum, Mexico, you’ll want to think about what actions and excursions you intend to take part in, the climate anticipated for the month of the yr you select to go to, and what clothes you might be snug sporting!

Observe our information for the last word listing of what to pack for a tropical trip to the sunny Mexico shoreline of Tulum. Whether or not you select to snorkel, calm down 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? Tell us within the feedback if our listing was useful when packing!

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