We are planning to go to Mexico for Christmas. My daughter mentioned Tulum and my son mentioned Puerto Escondido. I'm not familiar with either place. Are there any recommendations? Has anyone been to either place?

Thank you.

Kathy

Puerto Escondido is on the west coast and Tulum is on the east coast of Mexico. Big difference. See which area interests you more and makes travel easier for you.

I've been to both, and if I was picking a beach location, neither of them would be my #1 pick. But of the 2, I personally would opt for Tulum, mostly because of the turquoise waters. And you will probably get better flight options into CUN.

As I am researching Tulum for this time period, it looks like most of the properties that have access to the beach area are booked. What about the beach areas did you not like? Which property would you recommend?

Kathy

Is there a reason you are only looking into those two towns?
Look into Playa del Carmen and Akumal.

PE is better for surfing than swimming. Tulum's beach is fine, as long as there's no sargassum. And the setting of the ruins is cool. My preference for beach time is different than most. I do like Huatulco for resorty areas and the option of finding a mostly deserted beach. And I like the Gulf coast for the same reasons.