Dennis and I recently went to Cancun and Tulum during our Christmas - NYE holiday. If you're working you know how valuable PTOs are, so we couldn't NOT go somewhere when we have time to! While the weather was great during that time on the beach (not scorching hot), prices aren't so lovely. If you're going during peak season - Christmas, Spring Break, Thanksgiving, Holy Week (yes! be aware of major Mexican holidays as well!) etc. - then book super early & expect crowds!!
This ended up being really long - so I created an elevator in case you want to jump through 😆
💸Money
✈️Flight & getting there
🚗Car rental
🚌Public transport
🏨Hotel & Airbnb
👗What to wear
🌮Food
💃Fun stuff
💸 Money 💸
TLDR: You don't need that much cash but you'll need at least some pesos. Prepare lots of $1 USD and the exchange rate is better in Mexico!!!We exchanged about 250 USD worth of pesos before we went in the states, the exchange rate was about 1:18 at the time when market rate was 1:20 (December of 2018). The main reason was I don't want to be caught without cash... and it's always better to pay in pesos than dollars.
If you're only staying in Cancun you probably don't even pesos. Everywhere takes credit card and USD. Do prepare a stack of $1 bills for tips and whatnot tho, they seem to like USD much more than pesos 🤷🏻♀️. If you're going to Tulum then make sure to exchange pesos before your trip or plan to when you get to Mexico. I saw many places that were offering market rate (1:20) inside town centers and major touristy places. They probably charge a service fee but I think in general it's still a good deal.
Admission fees, gas stations, small restaurants will take cash only, they'll take your USD but at exchange rates of 1:10 (!!! yes we saw this LOL) to 1:15 and charge a fee (I don't know what for) on top of it. So having pesos on hand is definitely handy!!
✈️ Flight & Getting There ✈️
TLDR: Fly to CUN is easy, remember to arrange taxi/shuttle pre-arrival (I used Official Cancun Airport), contact your hotel, or arrange car rental.
Flying into Cancun Airport is fast and easy! You can get direct flights from a lot of major US cities. Because there are so many flights, it's usually pretty affordable. Whether your destination is Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cancun, Cancun airport (CUN) is probably your best bet!
Once you get there you'll need transportation to your hotel/lodging. I wouldn't recommend getting a Taxi at the airport... there's quite a lot of people trying to pull you left and right. It's kind of a mess. So do plan ahead and either 1) reserve & rent a car or 2) get a taxi pre-arrival 3) schedule pickup with your hotel or 4) take the Cancun bus.
We were staying at Cancun for few days before heading to Tulum in a rental, so I reserved a taxi pre-arrival via Official Cancun Airport. Prices were good (about $25 USD) and ratings were good. You get a private car so you don't have to wait for other people's pickup or drop off. We did have to wait for our driver for about 15 min at the airport but it wasn't a big deal.
Other options I looked at was Happy Shuttle Cancun and USA Transfers. Realize that cheaper options are often shared vans and paid per person, whereas private transfer is per vehicle - the more people & luggage the more price efficient!
Our hotel (Marriott) didn't have complimentary airport pickup, they would call a Taxi for you so we did it ourselves. But many hotels do have pickup service esp in Cancun so make sure you check! If you don't have a lot of luggage and is on a tight budget, you CAN get to the hotel zone via bus. Jump to public transport section.
🚗 Car Rental 🚗
TLDR: You don't really need a car in Cancun, but I would recommend for Tulum. Rental is easy (I used Easy Way Rental) and didn't have any issue.
You don't really need a car in Cancun unless you're planning on going to far places a lot. We found that the bus in Cancun was extremely easy and came so often that you can navigate the entire hotel zone pretty well. And there's plenty of taxies around the area.
We did rent a car to go to Tulum tho! You can ride a colectivo to Tulum or take a shuttle/taxi, former is dirt cheap but a little complicated (for me) and later is v. expensive. We also wanted to visit cenotes and drive around - so we rented a car.
We used Easy Way Rental and it was pretty good. I wanted to get the car dropped off at our hotel (which you can do for free!) but on the day of they called to say they're short on employees since it's Christmas morning and they can pick us up to take us to the rental office. A little bit annoying but totally understandable, it was in the right direction to Tulum anyways so I didn't mind too much. It took about 45 min to do paperwork and check the car etc. There were a few parties before me and had to wait for them to clean... but maybe other times it's faster? Anyways, can't really complain as car worked great, they didn't try to claim anything and provided transport to the airport promptly after we returned our car. I would still recommend!
What I read was to stay away from big US chain car rentals. They are under different operators in Mexico and may (or may not) be more likely to add hidden fees and try to scam you. Another car rental place I considered was Cancun Car Rental and Avant. Both seem to have decent reviews.
In terms of scary reviews of police pulling you over and try to scam you - it didn't happen to us and I personally didn't see any police on the road. It's pretty safe and lots of room - nothing too different from driving in the USA. Be aware of random speed bumps tho (esp in Tulum!!!) if you don't slow down you can seriously hurt your self and your car.
🚌 Public Transport 🚌
Cancun
We didn't take the bus because 1) it takes way longer and 2) didn't want to deal with maneuvering luggage. But if you do want to take the bus from Cancun airport, you can read this article.
When in Cancun, we found it's pretty easy to hop on a bus that goes up and down the hotel zone regularly. We only ventured out of our hotel once to the marina for Isla Mujeres, but it's also a good way to reach some local restaurants or go to downtown Cancun for shopping and more food! It's about 12 pesos, the pricing is on a sign on top of driver's seat. It is cash only and pesos only so make sure you have change. The route is like this but it really only stops if someone is waiting or want to get off. I just follow along on Google map and let the driver know when I need to get off.
When in Cancun, we found it's pretty easy to hop on a bus that goes up and down the hotel zone regularly. We only ventured out of our hotel once to the marina for Isla Mujeres, but it's also a good way to reach some local restaurants or go to downtown Cancun for shopping and more food! It's about 12 pesos, the pricing is on a sign on top of driver's seat. It is cash only and pesos only so make sure you have change. The route is like this but it really only stops if someone is waiting or want to get off. I just follow along on Google map and let the driver know when I need to get off.
Tulum & Playa del Carmen
If you want to get to either Tulum or Playa by public transport it's also very do-able! We considered doing this instead of getting a car but ultimately decided freedom & efficiency is more important on this trip 😛. Since I didn't take the bus my self I won't give too many advice, here are some resources I found helpful: Ado direct to Tulum (I think there's one per day all other transfer in Playa); more info on Tripadvisor; detailed instruction on how to get to Playa then transfer to Tulum; and lastly Google is your friend!!!
I didn't stay in Playa so I'm not too sure, but there's no bus in Tulum. Once in the city, you'll have to rely on taxis, bikes (lots of bikers!), and walking!
🏨 Hotel & Airbnb 🏨
Cancun
We stayed at Marriott during our Cancun stay. No other reason than Dennis has SPG Platinum with Ambassador status this year and I don't think we'll ever get it again so we're all SPG this year 🤣 Again, Christmas is really expensive so we didn't feel like we needed to pay THAT much. If you only want to relax at the hotel and have no plans leaving, all-inclusive is a great choice!
Nice hotels in Cancun I considered:
- Hyatt Ziva (all inclusive) / Turquoize (adult only)
- Finest Playa Mujeres (all inclusive)
- Nizuc Resort & Spa
- Rosewood Mayakoba (far out of Cancun hotel zone, but love rosewood hotel!)
Tulum
Oh where to start, so many amazing boutique hotels in Tulum!! We ended up staying in an Airbnb in town because two months before Tulum most hotels are already fully booked!!! But I'm excited to go back and explore more :) Many people asked about the Airbnb we stayed at, here's the Airbnb host, there are more than 1 listing for this property. Everything was great besides the noise. Walls are extremely thin...
If you're wondering if beach hotels in Tulum are worth it - I think it'd be nice for a day or two but honestly, Cancun beach is SO much better. There's a lot of seweed in Tulum and smells kind of bad. Water is also not as clear and blue as Cancun. I still say it's worth it because some of these boutique hotels are wonderfully unique, I would stay for the hotels, maybe not necessarily the beach.
If you're wondering if beach hotels in Tulum are worth it - I think it'd be nice for a day or two but honestly, Cancun beach is SO much better. There's a lot of seweed in Tulum and smells kind of bad. Water is also not as clear and blue as Cancun. I still say it's worth it because some of these boutique hotels are wonderfully unique, I would stay for the hotels, maybe not necessarily the beach.
Here are some hotels I researched:
- Azulik (I would only stay one day / night max two, and ONLY if good weather)
- Papaya Playa (SPG! but major party hotel - be aware)
- Nomade
- Habitas
- Be Tulum
- La Zebra
- Encantada Tulum
- Mi Amor Colibri Boutique Hotel
- Hotel Cabanas Tulum
- The Beach Tulum
- Ahau Tulum
There are also amazing Airbnbs!!!
👗What to Wear 👗
If you know me you know I love shopping... Wouldn't miss an opportunity to add a few pieces to my collection. For this trip, I was dead set on finding a red swimsuit and a red dress. I just envisioned red will go so well with all the jungles and cenotes, and really wanted a red dress for dinner at Kin Koh 😆 anyways, so I got a few pieces but 80% were all from my existing closet.
During Christmas, it does get kind of chilly at night in Cancun / Tulum, but still very warm or even hot during the day. You definitely need a light jacket and might want long sleeves and pants if you're staying by the beach and want to stroll at sunset/night time. Mosquitos are vicious but are not very potent, there might be a lot so just be prepared.
I tried my best to curate a list of items that are similar to what I brought on this trip. Just take it as inspiration!
During Christmas, it does get kind of chilly at night in Cancun / Tulum, but still very warm or even hot during the day. You definitely need a light jacket and might want long sleeves and pants if you're staying by the beach and want to stroll at sunset/night time. Mosquitos are vicious but are not very potent, there might be a lot so just be prepared.
I tried my best to curate a list of items that are similar to what I brought on this trip. Just take it as inspiration!
🌮Food 🌮
Food is sooo good. I personally love Mexican food so it's definitely food heaven, but if you're not so hot on it give it a shot but don't worry there are plenty of other options.
I mapped out restaurants we tried and wanted to try, give it a shot if you're in the area!
These parks are: xcaret, xplor, xel-ha, xenotes, and xenses.
I think they're more or less the same, some offer animals and snorkeling while others offer more physical activity like zipline and ATV. If I was going to pick one I would've picked xcaret!
The riviera maya region is also a turtle sanctuary. If you visit during turtle breeding season you get a chance to swim with these cuties! Do check on the law tho, when we went it's illegal to touch or be too close to turtles (even tho we saw none).
I am definitely going back to swim with whale sharks come summer time. It just looks so amazing! I know you can swim with these gentle giants in quite a few places including Hawaii and Oceanic islands, but Cancun / Tulum is SO close, not to mention all the fun things we have yet to do!
Park here along the road for free parking! Right side only, you should see a line of cars once people start rolling in. We were the first ones there and were a little worried, but by the time we left there were a line of cars.
The popular ones are: chichen itza; tulum ruins; and coba.
THE END
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| Lola Valentina in Isla Mujeres |
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| Restaurante Mextreme in Cancun |
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| Fred's House in Cancun |
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| Fred's House in Cancun |
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| La Perla Pixan in Playa Del Carmen |
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| La Perla Pixan in Playa Del Carmen |
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| I don't know what this one is called, we just walked along the beach and stumbled on this place! |
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| Kin Toh in Tulum |
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| Taqueria Honorio in Tulum town |
💃Fun stuff - entertainment & excursions 💃
Cenotes
I wrote another blog about this equipped with map & pictures. See All cenotes around Tulum!
Theme Parks
There are a few ecological theme parks in the area and very popular with the tourists. We didn't go to any of them because our stay was a bit short, Dennis had been to one of them, and we wanted to self explore. If we go back next time I'd like to go visit one of the parks tho! They're all closer to Playa del Carmen than Cancun. So stay in a non all inclusive hotel in Playa del Carmen to save time and money if you plan on visiting some of these parks! It'll be a full day activity and many are all-inclusive once inside the park.These parks are: xcaret, xplor, xel-ha, xenotes, and xenses.
I think they're more or less the same, some offer animals and snorkeling while others offer more physical activity like zipline and ATV. If I was going to pick one I would've picked xcaret!
Snorkel / Dive / Swim
Also didn't get to do this during this trip. Dennis and I have snorkeled before but aren't so big on snorkling itself. Water was also quite cold in December so we didn't even go into the ocean at all, we enjoyed the temperament pool much more haha. If you do like snorkling tho, Isla Mujere's underwater museum looks very interesting! |
| Image from internet - source |
The riviera maya region is also a turtle sanctuary. If you visit during turtle breeding season you get a chance to swim with these cuties! Do check on the law tho, when we went it's illegal to touch or be too close to turtles (even tho we saw none).
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| Image from internet - source |
I am definitely going back to swim with whale sharks come summer time. It just looks so amazing! I know you can swim with these gentle giants in quite a few places including Hawaii and Oceanic islands, but Cancun / Tulum is SO close, not to mention all the fun things we have yet to do!
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| Image from internet - source |
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| Image from internet - Source. |
Mayan Ruins
Since both Dennis and I have been to Chichen Itza before and not the biggest history buffs, we just went to Tulum Ruins on this trip. I think it's well worth a trip! Most Mayan ruins are inland and very desert-y but this ruin is by the sea and so unique. I think when the weather is nice you can swim by the beach too, when we went it was windy so beach access was blocked. As always go early!!! We went within 5 min of park opening and got to see everything and take pictures of no tourists at all.Park here along the road for free parking! Right side only, you should see a line of cars once people start rolling in. We were the first ones there and were a little worried, but by the time we left there were a line of cars.
The popular ones are: chichen itza; tulum ruins; and coba.
THE END
That was a long one, thanks so much for reading!
