Which Is Better – Tulum or Cancun? A Travel Guide

Tulum and Cancun while on the same Coast, are very different in Style

Do you feel like hitting the beach and taking a vacation in the Riviera Maya but can't decide where to go? Then you've come to the right place! Tulum, Mexico offers an incredible travel experience that is different from its popular neighbor Cancun. While Cancun draws in huge crowds of tourists for its nightlife and big resorts, Tulum provides an escape into a more relaxed atmosphere with stunning beaches and vibrant cultural attractions.

Tulum's coastal town sits among lush jungle and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Mexico.  Tourists are able to step away from the hustle and bustle of Cancun, while still having access to some of the same amenities. Tulum has a wide range of restaurants, hotels and resorts all located on the Caribbean Sea. Unlike other beach towns in Mexico, Tulum is known for its unique eco-friendly atmosphere. Many visitors come here just to enjoy the sun and sand without feeling overwhelmed by overcrowded beaches.

Rather than being filled with huge resorts catering exclusively to tourists, Tulum is full of small boutique hotels that focus on providing an authentic Mexican experience. Each hotel offers something special such as yoga classes, organic food or spa treatments. Read on to find out more about Tulum vs Cancun and our recommendations on where to stay.

Tulum is a unique destination that offers more cultural immersions than Cancun

Tulum Or Cancun – An Overview

At first glance, it may appear that Cancun and Tulum are similar. While both locations offer white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and vibrant nightlife, the similarities end there. Tulum is a much slower paced destination than its neighboring city of Cancun. You won't find large all-inclusive resorts at Tulum focused on eating and drink all day long, but instead more exclusive, boutique all-inclusive resorts that go beyond just food and drink.

*** Amansala is the leader in all-inclusive retreats featuring yoga classes, fitness, spa, tours and more. Check out the full list of inclusions here***

For those looking to immerse themselves in the culture, Tulum offers a wide range of cultural attractions not available in Cancun. From ancient Mayan ruins to cenotes and jungle adventures, there is something for those looking for a more enriching travel experience.

When it comes to nightlife, Cancun is the winner here, but only if you like big nightclubs. The city boasts an incredible array of nightclubs that can be found right along the beach, but if you are looking for a more intimate nightlife scene with high quality cuisine, mixology and musical experiences, then you will find Tulum's nightlife scene more fulfilling than Cancun.

Cancun is the winner for bigger nightclubs

What’s the Best Way to Get to Each Place and How Much Does It Cost to Travel cancun or tulum

To visit either Tulum or Cancun you fly into Cancun International Airport.  From the airport you can take public transportation, rent a car, or hire a private driver to either place. Tulum is 1.5hours away from Cancun Airport, whereas Cancun city and hotel zone is around 15 - 25 minutes away. The cost of travel from Cancun airport to Tulum in a private care is usually around $150 USD and to Cancun it's usually around $40 USD.

*When you book into one of our retreats at Amansala, we can provide you with the best transport options suitable for your needs. Simply use the online chat feature on our website.

Where to Stay in Tulum and Cancun – Exploring Your Accommodation Options

When it comes to accommodations, Tulum offers much more boutique and exclusive options than Cancun. Many people choose to stay in one of the many beachfront resorts which are smaller, more intimate and offer amenities such as beachfront cabanas and spas, while Cancun only has more large hotel complexes. With Tulum being so close to the Caribbean Sea, you get stunning views that can’t be found elsewhere.

You can view our beachfront rooms and other accommodation options here.

Beachfront options, such as this room at Amansala, are very popular in Tulum

What Are the Must-See Attractions in Tulum and Cancun

When it comes to attractions, Tulum has much more to offer than Cancun. Many of the attractions in Tulum focus on nature and cultural adventures such as exploring Mayan ruins, cenotes, jungle and mangrove tours and beach activities while Cancun offers night clubs, shopping centres and theme parks.

For those looking for an adventurous and enriching experience, check out our tours included as part of our Retreat Packages.

Which Beach Is Better : Tulum or Cancun Beach

When it comes to beaches, Tulum beach has a uniqueness to it that you won't find in Cancun’s. With the Caribbean Sea on one side and the ancient Mayan ruins on the other, you get a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else. The sunrise across the Tulum Beach is one you will never forget.

As part of Amansala’s Retreat packages, morning beach walks and sunrise yoga in our beachfront Yoga Shala runs daily. So what are you waiting for ?

The beaches of Tulum are very unique in style

Wellness and Yoga

What really sets Tulum apart as a top travel destination, is that it’s a hot spot for the wellness and yoga industry. Home to some of the world’s most luxurious eco-hotels, popular yoga retreat centres, and world class spa and healing services – you won’t find these types of offerings in Cancun! 

If you are looking to unplug, relax, and recharge your batteries - Tulum is definitely the right choice as its vibes are totally geared towards natural living and holistic wellness.

Furthermore, Tulum has plenty of activities to keep fit and healthy on vacation like swimming in cenotes (fresh water sinkholes), biking to explore the jungle and town or fitness and pilates classes. At Amansala, our signature fitness retreat offers all this included. You can also treat yourself with a relaxing massage, take time for meditation and journaling, or explore breath-work and ice baths, also included in our retreat.

You will find more healing and wellness activities in Tulum compared to Cancun

Tulum vs Cancun - Who Wins? 

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a unique and memorable vacation that combines culture with relaxation then Tulum is the ideal destination. With its stunning beaches, array of cultural attractions and focus on wellness and rejuvenation, there is something for everyone here.