Tulum vs. Cancún: An Insider’s Guide For Your Mexican Caribbean Vacation

From tequila-soaked college students on spring break to families on a hard-earned escape to warmer climates in the dead of winter, just about everyone can find something to enjoy in iconic Cancún. But what of the rest of the beach-rimmed Yucatán Peninsula? Just a few decades ago, destinations like overlooked Tulum were nothing more than a blip on the map. Now destinations like Tulum are transforming the region into one that has much more to offer than just Cancún.

Despite how close they are, Tulum and Cancún couldn’t be more different. Read on for our insider’s guide to the differences and similarities between these two incredible destinations – and all you’ll need to make your trip to either spot just what you’ve been dreaming of.

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Tulum vs. Cancún

Tulum and Cancún are just two hours apart, but in many ways represent two extremes when it comes to Mexican beach vacations. Here are some of the most important considerations and key differences to keep in mind when it comes to choosing between Cancún and Tulum for your getaway ~

Of course, there’s so much that is similar between the two destinations as well. Follow the coast north towards Cancún from central Tulum, for example, and you’ll start to find some gorgeous, resort-style accommodations that feel almost straight out of Cancún, like the lovely Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya and the neighboring Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort.

Despite these similarities, both coastal cities have such a distinct flavor that they make for a totally different type of vacation experience. Even if you’ve already experienced one, it’s high time to experience the other.

Why Visit Tulum

Tulum has always been the impossibly cool, sexy little sister to Cancún. Long known for its bohemian feel and trendy boutique hotels with vibrant beach clubs, Tulum first gained popularity as a laidback alternative to built-up Cancún. Despite its skyrocketing popularity in recent years, it still is.

Tulum boomed as a destination for digital nomads and remote workers during the pandemic, helping to raise its profile even more and encouraging the completion of a long-awaited international airport to help bring even more visitors to its shore. It is now more expensive than ever but still retains much of its hip feel with vibey restaurants, dramatic eco-inspired architecture, and boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants popping up constantly.

There is plenty to do in Tulum beyond the beach. Visit countless nearby ruins, including the famous seaside pyramids located in the heart of Tulum itself, and find hidden, jungle-rimmed cenote sinkholes for the most unique snorkeling and diving experiences you’ll ever enjoy – the options for day trips from Tulum are endless.

There’s no denying Tulum’s party feel – many beachside clubs and restaurants stay open until the wee hours every day of the week – but there is still something here even for families, particularly those with slightly older kids. The incredible array of day trip options, adventure travel opportunities, and even some kid-friendly boutique hotels (we recommend La Zebra!) make it easier to visit Tulum with the kids in tow than it ever has been.

Why Visit Cancun

Ah, Cancún. There’s nothing like its pristine, white-sand beachfront and the ease of slipping into an all-inclusive vacation at one of its countless, oversized all-inclusive resorts. If this sounds exactly like what you’re looking for in a vacation, then Cancún is the place for it, hands down.

Cancún tends to get a bad rap at times, especially among those who consider themselves well-traveled. Even I’ve been unfair to it at times, I’ll admit! However, I’ve also experienced some perfectly blissful escapes to Cancún where I’ve enjoyed sunshine, sipping on margaritas, and sinking into the sea for days on end. For that, it’s perfect!

In comparison to Tulum, Cancún is much more immediately obvious as a family-friendly destination. Like Tulum, it has a party reputation of its own, yet there are tons of family-friendly resorts here (we recommend Sandos Cancun, hands down!), probably more than you’ll find anywhere else! If you have smaller kids, Sandos Cancun is an incredible option, but older kids may prefer Hotel Xcaret Mexico, located just south, in Playa del Carmen. Unlimited access to the Xcaret family of theme parks is a huge bonus.

If you’re looking to get out of the resort in Cancún, consider visiting Isla Mujeres to swim with the whale sharks, take a day trip to visit the area’s cenote sinkholes or visit ruin complexes like Chichen Itza. Most visitors tend to stick to the beach, but there’s plenty to do outside of Cancún as well.