Tulum vs Cancun: Which Is Better to Visit?
Are you debating between visiting Tulum vs Cancun? With so many amazing cities to visit in the Quintana Roo region of Mexico, it’s often hard to choose!
Tulum and Cancun are two of Mexico’s most popular vacation destinations, so it makes sense that Tulum vs Cancun is a hot topic.
But as the title of this article suggests, I will be focusing on Cancun and Tulum, comparing the differences between the two cities: what each city is famous for, nearby places, the nightlife, beaches, things to do, and hotels/restaurants.
Whether you’re debating which city you should visit for the first time or possibly you’re looking to relocate to one of the two cities. This comparison guide will answer all of your questions and curiosities.
Tulum vs Cancun – Main Differences
To get a quick idea of each city, you should know the four main differences between the two cities immediately before going into more detail.
First: Cancun versus Tulum is more commercialized. It’s a bigger city and caters mostly to vacationgoers from the US/Canada. Tulum, on the other hand, still has more of its original town characteristics compared to Cancun.
Second: Tulum is slightly closer to more cities than Cancun. Cancun is on the east tip of the Quintana Roo region.
Third: Cancun’s atmosphere is busier than Tulum’s. Tulum offers a more backpacking/yogi, slower-paced atmosphere.
Fourth: Cancun has the largest International airport in the region. Tulum doesn’t have an airport yet, though a date for the opening of Tulum Airport in April 2024 has been announced.
How To Get To Cancun or Tulum
After you’ve decided to visit and stay in one of these two beautiful beach cities, you must know how to get the one you’ve chosen.
Cancun is very easy to get to because of Cancun International Airport. It has flights from all over the world and is the main airport for Mexico’s Yucatan and Quintana Roo regions.
Once in Cancun, you’ve got to make your way to Cancun’s Centro or Hotel Zone, depending on where you’re staying. Travel time from the airport to Cancun takes around 20 to 30 Minutes.
Options to Leave Cancun Airport to Hotel:
- Take the ADO Bus (the cheapest way)
- Private Airport Transporation (the most convenient method)
- Car Rental
Tulum is easy to get to, but it’s further. From Cancun International Airport to Tulum, it’s a two-hour drive. The main highway traffic can affect timing by an additional 10 to 15 minutes to Tulum from Cancun Airport.
Options to Tulum from Cancun Airport:
- Take the ADO Bus (the cheapest method)
- Private Airport Transporation (the most convenient method)
- Car Rental
- Mayan Train
City Walkability – Tulum vs Cancun
For the most part, both cities are not walkable. However, each city has its walkable El Centro (city center) areas. You will find yourself taking taxis for transportation in both cities.
Each city’s Centros (city center) is full of restaurants, bars, and stores to shop for anything you may need.
Cancun’s El Centro is full of malls, taquerias, big box stores, and almost everything you’d see in a large city worldwide.
Cancun’s Hotel Zone is quite popular because of its big resorts/hotels, beaches, nightclubs, and restaurants.
In Tulum, places are more scattered throughout the city, except for many of the high-end restaurants and beach clubs located along the southern part of Tulum Beach.
Tulum’s Centro is one large street in the center full of bars, nightclubs, hotels, hostels, and restaurants.
Tulum vs Cancun – Nearby Cities
You’re visiting Mexico for the first time, or maybe you’ve been before, but you’d like to explore more. Here’s a comparison list of nearby cities for both Tulum and Cancun.
NOTE: The distance between Tulum and Cancun is about a 2 hours drive with a distance of 131 km/81 Miles.
Tulum – Nearby Places
- Akumal (25 minutes drive by car)
- Playa Del Carmen (1 Hour drive by car)
- Cozumel (2 Hours including car & ferry)
- Valladolid(1 hour and 40 minutes by car)
- Bacalar (2 hours and 30 minutes by car)
- Holbox (3 hours including car & ferry from Chiquila)
Cancun – Nearby Places
- Isla Mujeres (island directly across Cancun, 20 minutes ferry ride)
- Playa Del Carmen (1 Hour drive by car)
- Cozumel (2 Hours including car & ferry)
- Valladolid (2 Hours by car)
- Holbox (2 Hours by car to Chiquila, then 30 minutes ferry ride)
Which City has Closer Destinations?
As you can see by the list of cities near both Tulum and Cancun, Tulum is slightly the winner here.
Because Tulum is located further South in the Quintana Roo region, it’s closer to the Yucatan region, which is home to places like Valladolid, Chichen Itza, Merida, and more!
Cancun sits by itself in the eastern part of the Quintana Roo. It’s still close to a few places but not as close to as many places as Tulum is.
The travel times from Cancun aren’t a big difference, but if you want to see many places during your time in Mexico, the extra travel time will add up!
Cancun vs Tulum Beaches
Regarding the beaches in Tulum and Cancun, this has to be the toughest debate category of everything listed regarding both cities in this article.
Both Tulum and Cancun have stunning beaches that are alluring.
Tulum has several beaches along its coastlines, Playa Paraiso, Playa Las Palmas, and the famous Tulum Beach; shorelines connect.
The sand here is white, with palm trees throughout the beach and perfect turquoise blue waters. Walking along the beaches in Tulum, you will notice bohemian-style homes and dense forest green jungles behind them.
The atmosphere in Tulum is unique; there’s a reason it’s one of the most visited cities in the world during winter months.
Don’t forget to walk along the Parque Nacional Tulum, a small forest hike with mesmerizing views of Tulum’s beach shorelines.
Moving on to Cancun, Cancun also has picture-perfect beaches; the entire hotel zone in Cancun is a thin strip of land sitting on the water, and as you walk along the hotel zone, you’ve got water views from both sides.
Cancun’s water is crystal clear, and it’s one of the main attractions of Cancun’s beaches.
If you want to visit Tulum from Cancun, this award-winning tour will cover everything you need to see Tulum’s beaches and ruins!
I also must mention Isla Mujeres, a stunning island located directly across from Cancun, which you can access by a 20-minute ferry ride. Isla Mujeres is a must-visit when you’re in Cancun.
Which City has Better Beaches?
Cancun beats Tulum regarding nicer beaches. It’s hard to compete with the landscape that Cancun has to offer. The hotel zone is famous worldwide, and for a good reason.
That said, it also depends on what type of beach you may prefer because Tulum’s beaches offer a more bohemian, nature-friendly, yogi-type atmosphere, if you know what I mean.
It’s mostly beach, with a much less developed landscape than Cancun. So, in Tulum, you more or less feel like you aren’t somewhere too built up but rather on a more deserted beach, despite Tulum not being a small town.
Tulum vs Cancun – Cenotes
Visiting a cenote when in Mexico should be at the top of everyone’s must-do list, especially when visiting the Yucatan and Quintana Roo regions.
If you’re unfamiliar with it, a cenote is a natural sinkhole formed from collapsed limestone full of natural spring water. Cenotes were once used for water supply by the Mayan Civilization years ago.
Cancun doesn’t have any cenotes; Tulum, on the other hand, has plenty of cenotes to visit!
Most tourists wanting to visit cenotes from Cancun do day trips toward Valladolid, where you will find a few beautiful cenotes to visit and get a chance to visit Chichen Itza as well!
Tulum, on the other hand, is famous for its cenotes. Arguably, Tulum has the best cenotes in all of Mexico. There are a large variety of cenotes here, from hidden cenotes that are free, where you will spot little to no tourist, to large cenote parks with entrance fees.
Tulum vs Cancun – Resorts/Hotels/Rentals
Regarding hotels and resorts, Tulum and Cancun couldn’t be more different than one another.
Both cities have their fair share of hotels, resorts, hostels, and rentable apartments.
What’s different is the quantity of each accommodation type in each city. The difference accommodation-wise in both cities is as follows:
Cancun is famous for its huge hotels/resorts, and they’re everywhere; when you’re flying into Cancun, if you have a window seat on the plane, it will be hard not to notice these large resort hotels from above.
Regarding big resorts and hotels, Cancun has many more options than Tulum. It’s not even close. If you’re coming with your family, or perhaps a big group of people, Cancun’s resorts are quite suitable just for that!
Conversely, Tulum is more known for its boutique hotels and apartments/houses for rent.
The 5-star boutique hotels in Tulum offer a more intimate luxury stay versus any 5-star resort in Cancun. Also, if you want to come for 3 weeks or more, you will find more rent-friendly accommodations in Tulum vs Cancun.
Lastly, hostels are more prominent in Tulum versus Cancun because Tulum is popular with yogis, backpackers, and others.
Cancun Accommodations:
Tulum Accommodations:
Which City has Better Accommodations?
This is a tough question to answer, and I’d say there isn’t a winner in this category.
It depends on what type of vacation you’re looking to have regarding both your experience and surroundings.
Questions to Ask Yourself are:
Are you traveling solo? If so, go to Tulum; meeting people, nomads/ex-pats, backpackers, and such is easier.
Are you on a honeymoon? If so, both destinations work well, but realize that Tulum will be less fast-paced and more intimate than Cancun. But if you’re after a good all-inclusive deal, Cancun is perfect for you!
Are you coming with a large group of friends? Both cities cater to large groups, but in this case, you may want to ask yourself, are you looking for a resort experience with a lot to offer without much planning to do?
In that case, choose Cancun. Or would your group prefer a rental house where you and your friends can relax in a private space and plan activities, etc, on your own? If that’s the case, then Tulum is the obvious choice.
Depending on your party, your interests, and the experience that you’re looking to have, one city will be the obvious choice for you accommodation-wise.
Tulum vs Cancun Nightlife
The nightlife in both cities is quite lively, but it varies. First I’ll discuss with you the areas each city has to offer.
Don’t worry. I will also cover things to do at night in both places other than partying.
Starting off with Cancun, Cancun has its popular Hotel Zone full of nightclubs to visit full of restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Throughout Cancun’s Centro, you will find countless bars to visit, open into the early morning hours as well.
Tulum’s nightlife is remarkable. Not only does its Centro have several restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. But Tulum is also home to festivals, beach parties, and jungle parties as well.
You can find all types of venues in Tulum Centro: a party with a college-like atmosphere, a house music vibe, or a Latin bar!
What Tulum’s nightlife is really famous for is its authentic Techno parties. Many who listen to house or techno music know Tulum is one of the most renowned cities in the world for this genre because of how many DJs frequent the city all year round.
Tulum’s techno parties include parties in the middle of the jungle that go into the early morning hours and private parties at villas, festivals, and nightclubs.
Things To Do at Night in Each City
For those not up to the party, perhaps you’re with your family or simply looking to have a quiet night, here are some suggestions for you to enjoy your evening!
Things To Do in Cancun at Night
- Get some food and then take a walk along Malecon Tajamar (scenic spot)
- Gamble at Dubai Palace Casino
- Snorkel in the moonlight
- Attend the JOYA by Cirque du Soleil
Things To Do in Tulum at Night
- Have dinner South of Tulum Beach; several fancy restaurants are located here.
- Walk on the beach and follow your evening up with street tacos
- Walk the main Centro street and see where the night takes you
- Visit Mystika Immersive (art museum, closes at 9 PM)
Tulum vs Cancun for Living
In the last 10 years, development has been rampant in both Cancun and Tulum regarding condo complexes, gated community housing, and more. Both cities look much different than they did 10 years ago.
Expats, nomads, and those retiring from mostly the US and Canada increasingly want to make Mexico their new home.
And why not? Beautiful weather; who doesn’t love Mexican food? And these cities have all the conveniences one may need.
As I stated earlier, Cancun has a faster pace of life, more people coming in and going, and condos in Cancun are bigger developments, similar to ones you’d see in any big city worldwide.
Alternatively, Tulum is the opposite. Things are much slower here. Those who live in Tulum live to experience a slower pace of life and the beach.
Bohemian-chic living to the fullest. While development is happening throughout Tulum, projects aren’t on the same scale as in Cancun.
Condos for rent in Tulum aren’t 10+ floors; they’re much smaller, along with the theme of the overall beach town.
Expats, nomads, and locals know each other for the most part. Tulum may have a lot of tourism, but besides that, it’s a small beach town!
Which City is Better for Living?
First, ask yourself what sort of atmosphere you’d prefer. Do you prefer nature, a slower-paced lifestyle, and a tighter-knit community? If so, Tulum is the place for you to live versus Cancun.
Or would you rather be close to a major International airport to leave and come quickly, possibly live in a high-rise condo, be close to big box retail stores, and have all the conveniences a big city can offer? If so, Cancun is the place for you to live between the two cities.
Are you curious about my opinion between the two? I’d go with Tulum. That’s because the city still has more original characters than Cancun. Also, despite Tulum being busy, it still experiences fewer tourists coming and going than Cancun.
Tulum vs Cancun – Which is Safer?
This can be a tough subject to discuss only because it’s factual that things happen from time to time in both cities, often time these incidents are cartel-related, but of course, at times, tourists are caught up in the mix of things.
Having been to both cities many times, I’ve spent weeks in both cities and have several friends who are locals in both cities. Here’s what you should know:
Tulum and Cancun are safe cities for the most part, but there are things to pay close attention to. Watch out for the common scams in Tulum and Cancun.
- At nighttime, always take a taxi in both cities, always.
- Don’t use unsupervised ATMs. – Card Tip: use WISE when paying foreign currency with a card
- Corrupt officials are around in both cities and target those under the influence walking around (this is one of many reasons why I said take a cab back to your hotel )
- Make sure to watch your drinks wherever you go.
Lastly, keep a close eye on your belongings no matter what time of day. Don’t purchase illicit things from anyone. If propositioned, politely decline and keep walking.
Other than that, both cities are safe. Yes, things happen occasionally, but nothing doesn’t happen in large North American cities such as NYC, Chicago, LA, Toronto, etc.
Why is Tulum Popular?
Tulum is home to one of the most excellent beaches in Mexico, Mayan ruins, beautiful cenotes, and much more.
Over the last 7-10 years, Tulum has become one of the most famous cities in the world for those who aspire to a bohemian-like lifestyle, yogis, and backpackers.
For those who enjoy techno or house music, Tulum hosts some of the best events throughout November – April, so it’s also a popular destination for techno/house music fans.
Lastly, Tulum has this “cool factor” to it because of Instagram, celebrities, and Instagram bloggers visiting throughout the year yearly.
Why is Cancun Popular?
Cancun is famous for its grand large beach resorts along the hotel zone beach, offering convenient beach access to guests.
With so many hotel accommodations here, Cancun always has great all-inclusive deals.
Also, the big city conveniences here are a plus for those visiting with families!
Which is Better Tulum or Cancun?
After reading this article, I’d like to believe that you can answer this question for yourself. It depends on what type of experience you’d like to have.
Both cities cater to everyone, but it’s easy to differentiate between them and decide which city would be more suited for you to visit!
Tulum vs Cancun for families: Cancun is very much the clear winner. Being with your family, you want a stress-free holiday. As soon as you get to Cancun, your hotel will only be a 15/20 minute drive away, and there are more activities for kids in Cancun vs Tulum.
If you’re coming with friends who aren’t looking to explore much but rather have things to do close by and simple, Cancun. But Tulum would be best if your group would prefer a more unique visit.
If you’re coming solo, go to Tulum; you’ll meet some new friends and enjoy it more.
If you’re coming with a loved one, I’d recommend going to Puerto Morelos, a small beach town close to Cancun. Or go to Tulum instead and stay at a boutique hotel, even better!
If you’ve never traveled anywhere before, you could go to either; I recommend Cancun slightly more than Tulum to those from the US or Canada who are nervous about seeing somewhere new for the first time. Otherwise, I’d recommend Tulum!
Cancun or Tulum for couples?
Cancun is lively and busy; if you’d prefer a quieter vacation, go to Puerto Morelos, a small beach town next to Cancun or Tulum.
Is Tulum a luxury destination?
With its extreme popularity online, Tulum comes off that way. Tulum has gotten more expensive over the years, but it’s still very much possible to visit Tulum on a budget!
Is Tulum nicer than Cancun?
Both places are remarkably beautiful in their own ways, but compared to the beaches, Tulum’s beaches are larger, with more space to walk and explore. In contrast, Cancun’s beaches are quite developed, with many hotels and resorts.
Cancun or Tulum for families?
Cancun is a better idea for families compared to Tulum; Cancun’s many resources accommodate families far better than Tulum’s.
If you’d prefer a calmer place to visit with large resorts, consider Puerto Morelos instead, it’s close to Cancun!
Happy & Safe Travels
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