Tulum or Akumal?
 

Last year we did a few nights in Playa del Carmen, a few nights in Akumal. We loved both places, and are planning our next trip. We have been hearing a lot about Tulum and thought we might try a full week there this time. would it be a disappointmnet after the great dining in Playa, and the great beaches of Akumal? Does Tulum offer good snorkelling and things to do a night?

The beaches are even better in Tulum than Akumal - they are much sandier. But...Tulum is not the place for snorkling; you can take snorkle trip through Punta Piedra dive shop for about $20 to the reef.

Food in Tulum is great - along the beach road and in town. Mostly Italian food and regional Mexican, but not as varied as PDC.

At night there is music at Zahra (usually African drumming or Reggae) and Zamas. And more of a nightclub feel at Mezzanine.

You have to keep in mind that electricity is very limited in Tulum - so most nightlife is over by 10pm.

We stay 10 days in Tulum...but you have to be up for it - it isn't for everybody.

We did a tour of Tulum (check out playadelcarmeninfo.com) and that seemed the way to go. We saw what we wanted to see, but then headed back to PDC for a livelier scene. You can also take the colectivos down to Tulum for something like 20 pesos a person (really cheap) and visit or get a tour guide on your own.

Where do you get colletivo in PdC for Tulum?
Norm

I've never taken a collectivo, but I know they run along highway 307 only. Not sure how you know where the stops are exactly - maybe there is a sign or something. Hopefully someone can help.

Taxis, collectivos and buses are a good way to get to Tulum. Collectivos are are on the highway; just flag one down.