Whether it’s the dry or rainy season, the Mexican Caribbean remains America’s absolute favorite. Boasting numerous sandy spots, caressed by waters of the brightest blue, and a host of world-class resorts, it is still the number one beach destination South of the border.
Be that as it may, there is more to the region than just Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Just over 80 miles south of the city, there is a smaller beach town dominating headlines locally as one of Mexico’s most famous postcards, and a ‘jewel‘ for high-return investments.
Come winter, it will be more popular than ever, as a record number of Americans is set to flock to its pristine coast for a sunny break, and we can’t say we’re surprised:
Tulum Is This Winter’s Most Promising Vacation Spot
A short one-hour drive from Cancun, the lively Tulum is best known for its unique mix of ancient charm and luxurious amenities. It is both an area that has been inhabited since immemorial times by the Mayan peoples, with centuries of accumulated History and a bustling resort town.
With an extremely high concentration of five-star hotels, shopping complexes, and entertainment centers, it is one of the best-equipped tourist hotspots not only in Mexico but all of Latin America, welcoming millions of visitors every year.
Although it is already in demand, Tulum is about to become even more popular come December for three main reasons:
Direct Flights Are Launching For The First Time Ever
Following much speculation, the opening of the long-awaited Tulum International Airport will be taking place this December, the biggest news to have come out of Mexico in years. For the first time ever, travelers will be able to fly nonstop to the Mayan stronghold.
The airport is set to commence operations on December 1, making Tulum way more accessible to tourists from the United States and Canada than it is today.
In order to get there, they have routinely used Cancun as an entry point and then arranged a private transfer to cover the remaining 80 miles.
Once the airport opens, however, they will land directly in Tulum, a stone’s throw away from their hotel and the town’s landmark archaeological zone, without having to waste hours in traffic traveling down the 307 Highway, particularly in the high season when visitor numbers increase substantially.
So far, three flights have been confirmed, with Aeroméxico scheduling flights to Tulum from San Francisco and Chicago, in the States, and Toronto in Canada, through a codeshare agreement with Delta Air Lines. This means customers will be able to book through Delta and continue collecting miles.
The Maya Train Is Coming, Too
Again, on December 1, yet another major infrastructure project that will change the Mexican Caribbean forever will launch.
Alongside Tulum’s brand new airport, which will be hosting its first flight that day, the Tren Maya will set off on an inaugural journey.
In case you have not been made aware before, this new Maya Train will travel along tracks laid along the Yucatan Peninsula, which includes not only Quintana Roo and its Mayan Riviera but also the states of Yucatan and Campeche (though it is not in Yucatan, the state of Chiapas will be served).
As it is one of the Riviera’s trendiest destinations, Tulum will have its own station as the third stop on the route starting from Cancun, right after Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen, for an estimated journey of just under an hour.
Besides being a scenic train, offering breathtaking views of the Caribbean on one side and Yucatan’s verdant jungles and historical ruins on the other, the train will facilitate travel across the peninsula and help reduce congestion on roads, as it is an extremely safe, reliable transportation mode.
Tulum Is Extremely Safe In 2023
Finally, a third reason why Tulum will reach a new peak of popularity is its increasing surveillance ahead of the tourist season. Having launched a ‘tourism batallion’ already the municipality is now bringing in the military with the sole aim of keeping visitors safe.
Crime may have been under control for months now, with very few incidents reported, and a majority of those occurring in peripheral zones and involving petty criminals, but as reported by Diego Castañón Trejó, the Municipal President, 20 troops from the Navy are still being added.
Since Tulum authorities took matters into their own hands by boosting security in key areas, crime has decreased significantly, according to Trejó himself, with tourists rarely, if at all affected by turf wars fought between rival gangs in the suburbs.
For now, Tulum remains at Level 2, as defined by the U.S. Department of State, meaning it is only a moderately risky destination, and travel is not discouraged nor advised against. Instead, Americans must simply exercise a higher degree of caution when visiting.
This means adhering to general safety advice, such as not flashing valuables in public, not wearing expensive items outside resort zones, walking alone after dark in deserted, poorly-lit areas, and sticking to the tourist zones.
Conclusion
In sum, Tulum is about to become more accessible, both due to nonstop flight and train routes launching, on top of being extremely low-risk by Mexican standards, two of the things American travelers value the most.
If you intend to visit the coastal resort this winter, perhaps you should be prepared for bigger crowds.
