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Tulum Packing Checklist – 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 somewhat 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.

You might end up visiting Mayan ruins, rappelling into cenotes, and biking within the city heart, 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.

Buying 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 moderately than buying at residence. Clothes is at all times an excellent memento to convey again residence because the clothes will likely be distinctive moderately than the identical outfits everybody has from malls at residence.

Our final Tulum packing listing will provide help to put together for an incredible Tulum Trip and can guarantee you will have packed all the necessities you want to get pleasure from all issues to do in Tulum! This listing will information you on the whole lot to convey to Mexico and What NOT to Carry 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 primary 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 lavatory?” or “How a lot?”.  If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort in Tulum, then you’ll seemingly discover that almost all employees have realized methods to converse English to speak to vacationers.

Foreign money: Mexico pesos, although USD {Dollars} are fairly extensively accepted and can be exchanged at lodge concierge desks if wanted! Nearly 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 to say no the trade price the ATM affords you. By doing this, the trade price you’re going to get the precise trade price and executed by your financial institution.

Finest Time to Go to: Tulum’s peak season for vacationers is Jan-March, so lodges and excursions may be very booked up. When you’ve got any flexibility, then touring in November and December permits you to benefit from the heat sunny climate with lots fewer vacationers. 

Find out 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’ll want to e book a non-public switch prematurely for the bottom costs. We e book 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.

Strategies of Transportation: Most vacationers stroll or bike when visiting Tulum. We, nevertheless, 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 e book on-line right here prematurely. Should you e book in particular person, the day by day price is usually 2-3x extra. You possibly can hire a automobile in Tulum or proper on the airport. The drive from Cancun to Tulum may be very simple and easy. 

If you’re occurring excursions or day journeys by yourself, you possibly can simply use taxis or public transportation such because the bus or collectivo. Should you e book day journeys on-line or with the lodge, you’re staying at. Then your information will typically meet you within the lodge foyer with a small van to take 8-10 friends round for the day.

We e book all of our excursions on-line right here with Viator. We favor to e book on-line prematurely. That approach, 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. 

Should you do hire a automobile, be sure to learn our renting a automobile in Mexico article for tips about 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 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 perfect climate in Tulum is from February by way of March when it’s constantly heat, and there’s little rain. The months of June by way of October can see quantity of rain, and it’s Hurricane season in Tulum, so the climate may be variable.

Even on cooler days the place you will want a lightweight jacket, keep 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 may be, so be sure 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 time in Tulum

The summer time 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 time months can have insufferable temperatures, so it typically retains the vacationers away and makes visiting the seashore extra gratifying because it’s not so busy! The Caribbean waters are the most popular in August. 

When is one of the best time to Go to Tulum?

The perfect climate in Tulum is discovered throughout the months of February to Might when the climate is settled and is often sunny and ranging between 77F  to the low 90F. That is Tulum’s excessive season, however in case 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. Additionally it is 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; nevertheless, 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 sometimes you’ll find less expensive trip charges as that is thought of the low season.

Finest Baggage to Carry to Tulum

Many lodges in Tulum wouldn’t have paved pathways or elevators to roll your wheelie suitcase, so be sure no matter baggage you select is mild sufficient you can carry it if wanted.

Many pathways which might be paved additionally might 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 way of the sand.

For my part, one of the 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. Ready 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’s carry-on dimension. I put it within the overhead bin. I like that it’s fashionable, sturdy, suits 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 possibly can get it on Amazon right here

If you’re 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 to tip the bellman. Our tipping in Mexico information goes over the whole lot you want to find out about who and what to tip.


couple holding hands in Tulum Mexico looking at the beach
Sporting one in all my favourite Pitusa clothes over my swimsuit in Tulum.

Should Have Important Packing Checklist for Tulum

The climate in Tulum is sizzling and humid year-round, which may 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 mild, breathable materials like tropical clothes to assist maintain 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 carrying swimsuits and cover-ups all week, so I’d pack a number of swimsuits. Within 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!

Should you plan to journey and take any excursions, you will have a refillable water bottle, trainers, and cross-body backpack to hold your stuff! You’ll want to ensure 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 protected in your lodge room or someplace protected at your lodging if potential. 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 possibly can simply purchase this on the seashore or in Tulum city.
  3. Seaside Cowl-Ups – My Pitusa clothes typically are my swim cowl up too.  (you possibly can simply purchase this on the seashore or in Tulum city) 
  4. 1 sarong – You possibly can 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, and so they 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 footwear for excursions – On my final journey, the footwear I wore down on the flight from Wisconsin had been my solely tennis footwear. 
  10. 1 pair of cute sandals/wedges if in case you have 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. Seaside Bag – I have this one, and I find it irresistible for a lot of causes. It’s light-weight, doesn’t lose its form, you possibly can see what’s in it, low-cost, and I like the colour. (you possibly can simply purchase this on the seashore or in Tulum city)
  13. Cross Physique Bag or Backpack – These baggage are good for excursions to carry all of your stuff and maintain your arms free! 
  14. Gentle Jacket/Gentle Sweater – I typically put on this mild sweater/sweatshirt down on the airplane, and that’s all I convey for chilly climate garments.
  15. Rain Jacket – If you’re visiting between June to October, it would be best 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 properly as a bug spray different.
  18. Lip Balm
  19. Water footwear – I’d convey small cheaper water footwear/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 -Typically, there is just one reachable outlet in a room.
  22. Reef Protected sunscreen – You possibly can purchase this in Tulum in case you favor to hold on solely journey.
  23. After solar lotion – You possibly can purchase this in Tulum in case you favor to hold on solely journey.
  24. Liquid IV – It is a should for me to assist with hangovers/hydration.
  25. Dry Bag/Fanny again – one thing to maintain telephone/cash. I recommend 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 at all times 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 & Further Issues to Pack for them

Along with the gadgets you will have packed primarily based on our listing above, you might need to contemplate packing among the gadgets under if you’re planning to partake in any of these kinds of excursions in your trip to Tulum.

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

Woman standing in front of Chichen Itza in an orange dress

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 energetic tour, so it would be best to gown comfortably in shorts and both a t-shirt or tank prime, as you’re going to get sweaty. 

There is no such thing as a gown code, however I’d advise towards solar clothes as it’s an exercise that requires lots of motion. If you’re occurring a day journey tour, it would be best to pack the next:

  • Backpack
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Hat
  • Closed-toe footwear – maintain your toes comfy and keep away from stubbing any toes by carrying footwear that defend your toes.
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 you can repel into. Get pleasure from trying out the cave and even swim within the water under in some instances. Take a look at these nice cenotes within the Tulum space. My favourite cenote in Tulum is Calavera.

Tulum is residence to many various cenotes, and it is a well-liked tour possibility for vacationers. If you’ll go to a cenote, it would be best 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’re 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 Digicam or Go Professional – you will have a digital camera that’s good for journey actions that may get moist. If you’re into pictures, contemplate getting a dome for enjoyable over/below photographs.
  • 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 lodge.
Woman swimming with sea turtles in Akumal

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 for my part, as they’re a lot enjoyable! Whether or not you’re sipping cocktails and using 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 may be tremendous gratifying, so it would be best to ensure you pack the whole lot you want to 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 defend the pure surroundings as greatest as we are able to by selecting eco-friendly sunscreen choices
  • Solar hat or visor
  • Sun shades
  • Snorkels *most tour corporations will present these for you*
  • Seaside 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.
woman standing against a yellow building in Izamal Mexico

Packing for Tulum for 7+ days

You possibly 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.

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

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

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 follow of yoga. Many vacationers particularly come to Tulum for Yoga Wellness Retreats, whereas others could need to strive a single class as a approach or disconnect and loosen up.

Fortunately in Tulum, there are a lot of places providing yoga inside a couple of minutes stroll from most foremost lodges. 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 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
Parking car in Tulum Beach on the road
Parking our rental automobile alongside the highway by Tulum Seaside

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

Should you plan on renting a automobile in Tulum, you will want to pack the next:

  • Driver’s License
  • Proof of Worldwide Driving Insurance coverage – many bank cards present this by way of their playing cards, however I’ve by no means been requested to indicate this.
  • A Legitimate bank card – most automobile leases will place a maintain in your bank card
  • Automotive charger – I at all times convey this low-cost cigarette plug automobile charger thingy, however you do have to convey the twine.

Should 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 motorbike in Tulum

Biking 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 may 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 reasonably priced and enjoyable approach to discover. A lot of the roads are very flat, and you’ll journey to the seashore in about 25 minutes in case you begin within the Tulum city facilities. The perfect half is you possibly can whiz by visitors as an alternative of being caught in a sizzling taxi.

The perfect place to hire a motorbike is on Seaside highway 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 youngsters’ bikes. A good thing about reserving with them is additionally they present bikes with a basket or child seat if crucial. 

Should you plan 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 footwear or sandals that may keep in your toes
  • 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 discovered what to Pack for Tulum, we needed to offer you a few reminders of what gadgets to depart at residence to save lots of room in your baggage. Under is a listing of what to not Pack for Tulum, as these things are simply not sensible.

Hair Dryer or Hair Straightener – The humidity makes it inconceivable to maintain your hair straight, and it’ll seemingly maintain getting moist within the water, so depart the straightener at residence and benefit from the seashore hair look. Inns 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 may discover you one.

Excessive Heels – Everybody in Mexico lives in sandals, together with vacationers, so give your toes a break and depart the heels at residence and produce some cute dressy sandals as an alternative. There’s sand in all places in Mexico, so sandals make extra sense and are extra comfy than heels. Even in fancier eating places, one can find most friends in sandals.

Laptop computer – Costly gadgets like cameras and laptops aren’t crucial for touring to Tulum except you will have a selected objective for them, like answering enterprise emails. Usually expertise gadgets don’t even find yourself getting used and simply take up treasured baggage house and add extra weight. Expertise gadgets are additionally at a better danger of being stolen, so except you completely want them, then depart them at residence.

Costly Jewellery – Tulum is sizzling and might trigger swelling, which may make carrying jewellery uncomfortable, particularly rings. Jewellery can also be at an elevated danger of being stolen, so depart 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 drugs – Pharmacies are simply accessible in Tulum, so don’t really feel you want to pack your complete drugs cupboard. Packing a easy first support equipment, generally used medicines, and prescriptions must be ample for any journey to Tulum. Native pharmacies carry the identical medicines as these in the united statesA.

Do you want Journey Insurance coverage to journey to Tulum?

Some nations legally require you to hold Journey Insurance coverage. Nevertheless, Mexico isn’t one in all these nations, so the straightforward reply is “No” you wouldn’t have to buy journey insurance coverage when visiting Tulum, Mexico. When touring to any nation outdoors of your own home nation, it supplies a way of security and luxury understanding you will have bought journey or medical health insurance as you by no means know when an surprising medical difficulty might come up, so it is strongly recommended to pre-purchase insurance coverage. We at all times purchase this insurance coverage.

Journey insurance coverage supplies a way of safety as you already know that prices will likely be lined, and you’ll not be left with big medical payments that may shortly occur if a serious medical occasion happens, particularly if a hospital keep turns into crucial, and even worse, a medical evacuation. Most medical health insurance plans may 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. 

For this reason every time we journey, we select to buy SafetyWing Insurance coverage as it’s tremendous reasonably priced and but supplies us the mandatory protection we would wish if an emergency occurred. When touring with youngsters, you will need to observe that SafetyWing will cowl as much as 2 youngsters below 10 years outdated freed from cost. You too can buy one coverage to cowl you in case you go to a number of nations, moderately 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 12 months, and you wouldn’t anticipate to wish pants, it’s a good suggestion to have a pair of pants as you’ll seemingly need to pack not less than one pair.

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

I typically put on a pair of pants on the airplane in order that approach I’ve a pair to journey in, which can maintain 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 consider you must pack garments that can help you really feel comfy, and Mexico is ideal for this, as just about something goes throughout the day when it comes to clothes. Mexico attracts a spread of vacationers, together with yogis, backpackers, luxurious vacationers, beachgoers, and price range vacationers.

In the course of 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. Nearly everyone seems to be discovered carrying 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 it’s on the pool or the seashore.

Within the night, some folks will select to decorate up somewhat 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. Girls will typically put on flowy sundresses which might be longer and dressier sandals. You’ll want to keep away from heels or gown footwear as there’s sand in all places.

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 may maintain you cool but shielded from the solar, as the very last thing you need is a sunburn or warmth stroke! If you’re participating in an energetic journey resembling visiting the ruins or cenotes, you will have close-toed footwear, and on boat excursions will need to ensure you have a showering go well with.

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

Closing Ideas on the Important Packing Checklist for Tulum Mexico

Escaping the chilly climate at residence to flee to a wonderful sunny vacation spot requires somewhat 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, it would be best to contemplate what actions and excursions you intend to take part in, the climate anticipated for the month of the 12 months you select to go to, and what clothes you’re comfy carrying!

Observe our information for the final word listing of what to pack for a tropical trip to the sunny Mexico shoreline of Tulum. Whether or not you select to snorkel, loosen up on the seashore, go to the ruins and cenotes, or be a 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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