Tourists from around the globe who like nature and Mayan culture have discovered Tulum, in the Riviera Maya,  Mexico as the perfect beach destination to enjoy with a limited budget.  Tulum beach is not famous for being a sophisticated commercial hot spot; on the contrary, Tulum is worldwide known for its tranquil and beautiful sun-blessed white sand beach and its spectacular Mayan ruins.

Tulum is not only famous for its historical Mayan ruins and its beautiful beach backdrop, but also also famous for its cenotes, which are natural crystalline fresh water pools with underground rivers where you can snorkel or dive just minutes away from Tulum´s Hotels. The tours to Tulum Cenotes are amazing experiences that allow you to take a break from the beach and swim in ancient fresh springs.

Hotels in Tulum are specially designed for every budget. The Hotel Zone seems to be very rustic, most hotels feature thatched roofs but the facilities rank from the most basic services to luxurious five star facilities, including romantic accommodations for a special Tulum vacation such as honeymoons and weddings.

There is a lot to do and see in Tulum, Riviera Maya, Mexico regardless of how much you spend in your stay, or what is your budget limit. A Tulum vacation is a life changing experience that enraptures all the mystery and beauty of the Mexican Caribbean and Mayan culture.

 Actually, there are even more reasons nowadays to travel to Mexico, one Tulum travel tip is that your USD money will go further. Another reason to plan a Tulum vacation at these times is that you may find cheaper flights and low-discount hotel deals. If you have any spare cash; this is the right moment to take advantage of it. And your third reason to enjoy a Tulum vacation is that traveling is a remedy for stress that doctors have always recommended! 

If you are in search for the top beaches in the world, here you will find a useful list of the world’s most popular beaches, which includes Tulum, Riviera Maya as the all-time favorite beach destination that offers spectacular turquoise waters and the most secluded locations. 

There are many ways to pick the top ten beaches in the world which depend on our own personal traveling style. Some beaches are so apart from the rest of the world that they turn idyllic havens for honeymooners, while others are more accessible and practical for families with kids. Here is our list of Top 10 Beaches in the World.

1. Bora Bora, Matira Point, Tahiti: This is a not-to-be-missed beach! Matira Beach is one of those magical islands of Bora Bora that makes up French Polynesia in the South Pacific. Long and calm stretches of beach is what you can expect from Matira Beach.

2. Anguilla, Caribbean: Anguilla is flat; there are no mountains like so many other Caribbean islands have. That means few clouds, lots of sunshine and little rain. Parts of Anguilla are literally desert, no cruises, no water sports and the beaches all to you.

3. Anse source D’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles: La Digue is the fourth largest inhabited island of the Seychelles. This is known to be the most photographed beach in the world, because of its long stretch golden soft white coral sands and hidden coves.

4. Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas: Harbour Island’s pink sand beach is alluring to any traveler in the world. Basking under the glorious Caribbean sun it is 3 miles long and half a mile wide and offers picture perfect locales to the visitors.

5. Whitehaven beach, Australia: It is an almost four mile stretch of pristine sand perfect to plan a day of peace since you will feel in the middle of the noweres. Beware of Queensland’s seasonal marine stingers – these jellyfish are deadly!

6. Oahu, Honolulu: Oahu is considered the “Heart of Hawaii” and is the most visited of all of the Hawaiian Islands. Oahu is also home to the world-famous Waikiki beach. The most popular resort areas are Waikiki, Turtle Bay, Kahala and Diamond Head.

7. Tulum, Riviera Maya, Mexico: Tulum beach has been the Mecca of travelers in search of an eco-archaeological beach destination. These beautiful virgin beaches offer numerous relaxing retreats such as yoga, spas and romantic cabanas in a unique secluded ambience. Tulum has been named the top beach in the world by many travel industry professionals such as Conde Nast Traveller Magazine.

8. Horseshoe Bay – Bermuda: Horseshoe Bay is considered to be one of the loveliest beaches in the world. The wide stretches of pink soft sand and clear blue water entice travelers to its 21 mile long shoreline full of corals, and shells.

9. St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles: If you appreciate gourmet food, world class duty free shopping, vibrant nightlife, pristine beaches, all year long warm weather and a cosmopolitan atmosphere with a Caribbean taste, St Maarten is a good option for you!

10. Which should be one of the 10  top beaches in the world for you?

The Mexican Caribbean coast is dotted with many Mayan archaeological sites, Mayan ruins and temples that were once ancient ports to Mayan traders that navigated Tulum beaches in sturdy canoes, venturing as far south as Honduras.

Yet one site surpasses all others, a sacred cliff top city that greets the sun as it rises over the Caribbean known as the ruins of Tulum Archaeological site. Here is a list of some interesting facts on Tulum Archaeological site ruins.

1. Tulum ruins are located in the Archaeological site that was once known as “Zama” which means “place of the dawning sun” in Mayan language.

2. Tulum ruins are in the most important Mayan archaeological site in the state of Quintana Roo coast and is the third most visited site in Mexico.

3. The Mayas inhabited around Tulum ruins as far back as A.D. 564 but Tulum  archaeological site reached its peak during the Post-Classic period (1250 – 1521) as a strategic port on the sea and land trade routes.

4. It is believed that trading canoes may have anchored in the tiny bay below Tulum Ruins at the  archaeological site, at the foot of the cliff crowned by El Castillo, the main temple in the city. Trade goods such as jade, obsidian, copper, flint and ceramics have all been found at the site.

5. Tulum Archaeological site ruins feature the religious and ceremonial zone of the ancient city that includes the temples and palaces of the ruling class.

6. Apart from El Castillo, other important ruins at Tulum Archaeological site are the Temple of the Descending God, the House of the Columns, the Temple of the Wind and the Temple of the Frescos, which still has traces of murals on its inner walls.

7. Tulum Archaeological site is one of the very few walled cities found to date in the Maya World. A massive stone wall surrounds Tulum ruins on three sides, the fourth being the ocean.

8. Archaeologists believe that rather than being used for defensive purposes, the wall surrounding Tulum Archaeological site ruins was used as a class barrier, separating the ruling elite from their subjects. The word Tulum actually means “wall, trench or fence” in Maya.

9. Spanish explorer Juan de Grijalva and his men are believed to have been the first Europeans to spot Tulum  Archaeological site ruins, in the Riviera Maya from afar during their voyage along the eastern coast of the Yucatan in 1518.

10. During the19th-century, the Maya World pioneers, J.L. Stephens and Frederick Catherwood placed the ruins of Tulum Archaeological site on the map. They visited the long-lost site in 1841 when the crumbling temples were covered in jungle creepers and published their findings a year later to great acclaim. Catherwood’s detailed drawings of El Castillo became world famous.

There are several reasons why people keep choosing Tulum in the Riviera Maya, Mexico as the ideal destination where to say “I do”. Weddings in Tulum have become a huge trend, by offering beautiful turquoise beach, exclusive tropical scenarios, private and secluded locations and top hotel services. Weddings also come along with a honeymoon in Tulum hotels  at almost half of the price than in the United States. Here you will find some useful information on different topics to plan a Wedding in a beach in Tulum.

In Tulum, at the Riviera Maya, Mexico there are many wedding coordinators/ wedding planners. Their mission is to offer you a personalized, professional and complete  service for your wedding.

Whether you prefer a simple and private  beach for your wedding in Tulum or a sophisticated one, these kinds of agencies feature a team of professionals specialized on wedding planning. They take care of the accommodations for you and your relatives in different hotels in Tulum, the rehearsal dinner location or welcome cocktail, the wedding ceremony, food, music, cake, judge and traveling logistics. There are even some that organize other type of wedding celebrations such as gay weddings and nude weddings in exclusive locations on the beach in Tulum. You will also have the option of choosing between a Tulum Mayan wedding or a traditional civil wedding on the beach.

Tulum Mexico Weddings Judges/ Justice of the Peace: If you want your Tulum wedding to be officially recognized you need a Justice of the Peace. Justice of the Peace is often called on to perform marriages in which the participants don’t have a religious belief. The Judge or Justice of the Peace carries out the wedding at any location such as hotels and restaurants. At the end of a Tulum civil wedding he grants a certificate that is legally recognized in other countries such as USA, Canada, France, England, Scotland, Ireland, and Germany among many others. This is a formal ceremony and the Tulum wedding requirements which are all the same in Mexico are not as many as we may think.

Religious Wedding Services in Tulum, Riviera Maya, Mexico: In Mexico, religious figures do not have the power to legally marry couples, so keep that in mind if you want a legal wedding in Tulum, in the Riviera Maya or any other place in Mexico. The only person who can perform a legal wedding ceremony is the local Justice of the Peace, who can come out to the beach to perform a legal ceremony that can also be combined with a religious or spiritual ceremony before or afterward. Catholic weddings can only take place in the Tulum parish located downtown Tulum, Riviera Maya.  If you belong to a specific church or religious group and would like a religious figure to preside over your service, there are some alternative religious ceremonies for a wedding in Tulum, Riviera Maya that will attend to the place you choose as your wedding venue such as a Christian (non-denominational) Pastor, Tulum symbolic ceremonies and Celtic Ceremonies.

There is no place on earth like Tulum, in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. A Tulum vacation will be filled with the most exciting experiences and activities that are unique in the world. Tulum tours and attractions are offered in many forms and styles; tourists can enjoy the most extreme adventures and the relaxing, family activities.

Choose your favorite  activities from our list of things to do in Tulum, Riviera Maya, Mexico, and start planning your vacation in Tulum.

1.Tulum´s Town has a European essence, that can be admired at the different shops, cafeterias and bars along an avenue that is specially designed for a tranquil walk without car traffic. At downtown Tulum you will find a supermarket, two banks, several ATM’s, money exchange offices, two gas stations, restaurants, pharmacies, cafeterias, souvenir shops, boutiques, handicrafts and more. This charming site in the Riviera Maya is located10 minutes away from Tulum´s Hotel Zone.

2.Tulum´s Hotel Zone is located right in front of the ocean, featuring the most beautiful beach in all the Riviera Maya. Tulum turns magical at night with spectacular full moon nights were you won’t even need a flash light to walk in the dark. If you want to hang out in Tulum, there are some relaxed coffee shops and bars along the main road, or you can also get there walking from beach.

3.Tulum Ruins. One of the most fascinating Mayan archaeological sites in the Riviera Maya coastline about 900 years old, located 4 km south the town of Tulum with amazing views to the Caribbean Sea. Tulum Mayan ruins are open every day from 8 am to 5 pm and has an entrance fee of $4 approximately. If you want to take photographs with a tripod you must need a special permission.

4.Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: Sian Ka’an in Mayan means “the place where the sky is born” and is the biggest  natural Protected Area and Biosphere Reserve located also in the Riviera Maya, minutes away from the south end of Tulum´s Hotel Zone. It features 1.3 million acres of tropical ecosystem that can be visited with a tour that takes you to see the amazing wilderness of mangrove canals, and unique wild life amidst white sand beaches.

5. The great Coral Reef Barrier: This barrier in the Riviera Maya coastline is the longest coral Reef Barrier in the World, where you can snorkel just a little distance offshore or take a snorkel or diving tour. There are plenty of dive shops in Tulum taking you out to the coral reefs where you can see at least 30 different species of coral and numerous colorful tropical fish. Snorkeling and diving at the reef is a must do on your Tulum vacation. Dive shops will provide snorkeling and diving equipment.

6. Swimming, snorkeling and diving in Cenotes. Tulum area has the most impressive system of natural cenotes or sinkholes in the Riviera Maya, with spectacular stalactites and cavern formations that you can see under water with a snorkel. The Cenotes charge different entrance fees, and some of the most visited ones are Gran Cenote, Cenote Calavera, Cenotes Cristal & Escondido, and Dos Ojos.

7. Fly fishing in Boca Paila lagoon: The fresh water lagoons in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve offer some of the best fly fishing in the world. Tarpon, Permit, Snook, Barracuda, Jack Crevalle and Cubera Snapper are some of the species to catch. Boca Paila Bonefish average is less than 3 pounds. You will be fishing in rich, clear waters that border the mangrove thick shoreline.  Fishing in Tulum is easy, peaceful and rewarding. 

When you visit Tulum, in the Riviera Maya,  Mexico, you don´t have to worry about staying overnight. You can find Hotels in Tulum for all budgets, from the most standard accommodations to luxurious eco-friendly suites. The zone of hotels in Tulum Zone features small boutique hotels, tropical retreats for backpackers, five-star all inclusive resorts and beachfront cabins surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.

The most common style of hotels in Tulum is a legendary Cabaña, which is a rustic, thatched roof independent villa located right on Tulum´s beach. Most hotels in Tulum offer healthy and relaxed ambiences featuring natural therapies such as yoga and meditation classes, and the ultimate Asian, Mexican and vegetarian cuisine blends.

 In general, the Zone of hotels in Tulum is a very tranquil candlelight getaway, situated parallel to the beach, where most hotels are nestled in dense jungle and unspoiled patch of sand, resembling a lost Mexican Caribbean paradise rather than the hot trendy beach destination than a Tulum, in the Riviera Maya,  Mexico. 

Private terraces, master suites, platform beds draped with sheer netting, rooms lit by candles, spas with ocean views, beach parties, eco-resorts, romantic bungalows, tropical gardens and white sand beach make Tulum, a quiet oasis for families, couples and single adventurers. 

There are many options when choosing a Tulum Hotel such as beach hotels, downtown hotels, hotels in Tulum surrounding areas and houses for rent which are also divided in the following star rated facilities:

2-Star Hotels in Tulum are cheap rate hotels only covering basic needs.

3-Star Suite Hotels in Tulum are ideal for business travel, extended stays or family vacations, which include house amenities like kitchenette, microwaves, silverware and more.

4-Star Boutique Hotels in Tulum provide comfortable accommodations with a unique atmosphere at an affordable price. Amenities include beachfront rooms, restaurants and garden patios.

5-Star Luxury Hotels/Resorts offer upscale facilities such as a spa, gym, swimming pools and entertainment including service oriented amenities for weddings and special events.