kywood1955

This would be our first trip to Tulum, but not to Mexico or the Yucatan. Been to Oaxaca, Merida, Chichen,Uxmal, other smaller ruins, and, unfortunately, Cancun. Looking for relaxing time on the beach, but would also visit the ruins as well as the nat'l parks/preserves. Usually have busy, active vacations. Will travel in April/May. Questions:
(1) Can you walk from beach hotel/restaurant to another (like in Puerto Vallarta?) i.e. is a car needed?
(2) Is there a 'town' of Tulum? What's there? We like to poke around in Mexican, non-tourist towns. Loved Oaxaca.
(3) Is there enough to stay busy for 3 out of 7 days -- the other 4 for just laying on the beach?

Any/all info appreciated!!!! Thanks.

RBCal

The ruins of Tulum are much smaller than Chichen Itza and can be explored in a few hours. Many of the beaches and small hotels south of the ruins are a bit rustic. These used to be kind of a hippy hangout and still cater more towards the backpacking crowd (which is good in my opinion). I think that the hurricane which struck Cancun did not affect Playa del Carmen and Tulum very much (but I would confirm this before booking).
I think if you want to see the area you will need a car. You will probably want to drive inland to the ruins of Coba (20 miles west). These ruins are much larger than Chichen Itza but not restored yet.

miker10406

There is a town in Tulum called Tulum Pueblo, it is small but there are decent restaurants. There are also a few restaurants on Tulum beach(Ana Y Joses, ect.) The beaches in Tulum are fantastic. Tulum is not very touristy(??)at all.

pepper131

If you are staying south of the ruins along the beach road, you can walk to other restaurants - usually along the beach or road - depending on where you are staying.

The area is not built up like PV. Really... the only hotels/restaurants are on the beach side of the road. Mangroves and cenotes make up the other side of the road; as well as living quarters for hotel staff.

If you are staying at an AI, you probably can't walk to much since they are isolated mega-resorts.

The town of Tulum is a working town. There is real Mexican-life going on there. It's generally safe to venture back a block or so, but you'll mostly see cinderblock houses. My husband likes to go that way to eat from taco carts.

There is a lot to do in the area - but you'll want to have have a car to do it. Some of the fun stuff is remotely-located and taking a cab isn't the best way to get there.

miker10406

You can not walk from Tulum beach to Tulum pueblo(my est. is it's probably 3 miles or so .

pepper131

Well...I don't know about that.

I've seen people walking into town and back to the beach along the old road (dirt road - people bicycling and walking). Although a long trek...

Diana

You've gotten good descriptions of the Tulum area. It is very liad back and (as yet) untouristy, but that is probably not for long, so get there while you can!

When we go back, we will rent a car. We spent a lot of money on taxi fare to go everywhere we went. We stayed at a hotel that was almost all the way down the beach road (Los Lirios), so I would never have attempted walking, but then again, I am not a fan of walking miles on a very dusty road in 100 degree heat! (Call me a princess!)

I did also see people walking or biking, but they looked like mostly backpackers and locals.

I very highly recommend Sian Ka'an biosphere. We spent the entire day there, and it was the highlight of our trip.

I think between visiting the ruins, Sian Ka'an, walking around town, and maybe a day for snorkeling at the cenotes or going up to Akumal to snorkel at Yalku - combined with vegging on the beach - you would easily have enough to keep you busy.

kywood1955

Thanks everybody. Tulum and area is exactly what were looking for! I'll start my research for flights and hotels right away. Thanks again for your info.