Is it worth going to Tulum in 2023? Insider answered.
Any popularity comes with controversy. Tulum is not an exception. Probably one of the hottest questions when deciding whether or not you should visit Tulum is - Is it worth it? In this article, I will break down certain aspects for you to consider before you make up your mind.
Table of content:
Is it worth going to Tulum? Short answer.
Yes. But:
You know what you are going for. Ex: beach, partying, culture, rest, etc.
You know the right time to travel to Tulum. Tulum has party season, busy seasons, rainy seasons, seaweed seasons, etc.
You know about sargassum seasons and travel where Tulum beaches are without seaweed.
You know how to plan the trip to Tulum according to your budget. Because Tulum can get very pricy and very quickly. Unlike Playa and Cancun, it is not that easy to find ways to budget in Tulum.
No If:
Tulum beach is full of seaweed. Unless you travel strictly for a rave (we will discuss this later in the article)
You are travelling for the wrong reasons in the wrong season. Example: travelling for peace of mind during the busiest season. Lol, no.
You are on a budget and do not know local tricks and tips to minimize spending.
It is impossible to simplify this answer further, unfortunately, so if you have further questions, keep reading 😉
Why visit Tulum in the first place
First of all, it is important for you to know why it is Tulum that you want to visit. This will help us to digest the rest of the content.
Since you are asking this question, this means you were already introduced to the concept of Tulum. Either from friends or social media, certain aspects attracted you enough to consider the possibility of travelling to Tulum.
P.s. if you are still not closely familiar with the concept of Tulum and want to learn more about it, consider our many Articles dedicated to exploring Tulum and its life - click here.
Let's break down some of the most common reasons people want to come to Tulum:
1) Popularity. Comes with fear of missing out.
2) Beautiful nature and a one-of-a-kind beach - truly.
3) Bohemian lifestyle, unpretentious living.
4) Parties and nightlife.
5) Culture.
Identify which of these are related to you personally, as this will be important later to answer the main question: Is it worth going to Tulum?
Why Tulum is popular.
In my personal view, Tulum's popularity is a consequence of a few shifts in society in the late 2010s.
1) Social media FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out),
The explosive growth of Instagram and lifestyle YouTubers pushed to the forefront some of the most beautiful places in the world that were previously secreted. This created some sort of a popularity contest among travellers of all sorts. Some just want to show off, and some want to see what it is that attracts so many others.
2) Nature and Nomadic Bohemian Experiences.
Many were tired of all-inclusive superficial resort experiences. Travellers from all walks of life were craving an authentic experience, and no one wanted to be spoon-fed anymore. Tulum fitted those criteria perfectly and quickly filled the whole in the niche of boho nomadic experience.
The beauty of Tulum's beach is astonishing. The town is situated on a stretch of white sandy beach, surrounded by lush jungle and ancient Mayan ruins. The biggest underground cave system that gave birth to many cenotes is in very close proximity. This combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes Tulum a unique and appealing destination for visitors.
All of this segways us to the next point:
Why Tulum is expensive.
In short, everything that's rare and sacred, with growing demand, becomes expansive sooner or later.
The reasons for the prices are exactly these unique features that made Tulum so special in the first place:
The total absence of contemporary and soulless massive all-inclusive hotels. In Cancun, for example, you can fit thousands of people by building a hotel with 10+ floors. In Tulum, by law, no building is allowed to be higher than three floors. Simple supply and demand economics. The rearer and scarcer something is, the more expansive it will be.
Exceptionally beautiful nature and bohemian lifestyle, which again differ from what can be found anywhere else, amplified the number of people coming to Tulum through social media.
This created an echo effect where more money attracted more expansive experiences to be developed and built in Tulum. The town has become a destination for travellers seeking high-end resorts, fine dining, and boutique shops. Many of Tulum's accommodations offer an upscale and eco-friendly experience, with features such as private pools and outdoor showers.
Can you enjoy Tulum on a budget?
In my view, it's getting harder and harder to do so, but nevertheless, it is still possible without sacrificing much of the experience.
We have an entire article regarding this topic (read here), so in this article, I will simply highly the main points:
Consider Tulum pueblo as your base. Zona hotelera - beach zone is extremely expensive
Try to avoid busy seasons as the price can be 10x in many places.
Cook home or explore local restaurants in Tulum Pueblo. Food quality is not different, yet the price is much lower.
Use a bicycle to get to the beach and avoid cabs. This is a must-experience in Tulum anyway.
The most beautiful beach in Tulum is Playa Paraiso, and it is entirely free.
Tulum when it rains, when seaweed floods the beaches, and when it's busy.
A very important factor to consider is the different seasons. Because regardless of how excited you are about Tulum when seaweed hits the beach, it is not a pleasant experience. Do not think that the pool with save you; the smell can span far from the ocean (not to mention that coming to Tulum for the pool is definitely not worth it).
We have an entire article covering when si the seaweed is and how long seaweed seasons last. Read here.
Aside from the seaweed, there are also rainy seasons and busy seasons. Busy seasons are when Tulum is the busiest with tourists. Read more on both of these aspects of Tulum in this article.
The verdict. Is it worth going to Tulum in 2023?
By now, you should have a comprehensive overview of all aspects to consider when going to Tulum. Reference these aspects with the primary reasons for your trip, and you will have a definite answer if it is worth going to Tulum for you.
For example:
If going for beach relaxation and partying without budgeting limits, consider seaweed, rainy, and busy seasons in Tulum.
If going for a rave party only, then consider rave seasons.
If going on a budget, consider where you are staying and how you are going around.
And etc.
It is possible to find value in Tulum for many different reasons. It is also possible to be completely disappointed if going unprepared.
May this article be your trusty compass as you set off on your adventure, guiding you to an unforgettable and mesmerizing journey!
If you are decided on your trip to Tulum but do not know when to go or what places to visit, or how to get to Tulum, consider checking out the following arteries:
Where to stay? Zona Hotelera vs Pueblo.
Is it safe to go to Tulum in 2020/2021?
What is the best time of year to go to Tulum Mexico?
The best way to spend one day in Tulum. Perfect Tulum guide.
Thank you for your time,
For any questions related to Tulum, you can contact me using the form below.
Best regards,
Alex, your personal Tulum insider.