Tulum or Not Tulum? That is the Question.
Tulum itself is a great place for a romantic getaway, or a girls weekend. If you’re looking to stay longer term, I recommend instead taking time to explore Quintana Roo, or even the Yucatan as a whole.
1. The Yucatan is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
2. From the Mayan ruins to the vibrant local culture, there’s always something to learn & experience.
3. Countless yoga studios & holistic health practitioners seemingly anywhere you go.
4. Health food! As a health conscious traveler, I tend to stay near places where I can find healthy food. Otherwise, I end up cooking at home, which is nice, but can be isolating.
5. Tulum IS expensive, but you can do it in a more affordable way - especially as an extended stay traveler. Renting a long-term apartment often costs less than you’d expect, plus, if you visit Tulum in late Nov. / early Dec. or from April to May – you will pay less but still have great weather.
A 1-bed apartment in Tulum ranges $500 - $1,500 / month, depending on location & amenities.
6. There are many co-working cafes & Tulum’s internet speed averages around 20 Mbps, which is sufficient for most remote work.
Like any popular place, there are also some major cons:
1. Tulum has gained a lot of popularity, which means it can get quite crowded, especially during peak seasons. According to recent data, Tulum’s population has been growing at an annual rate of 10%, driven mainly by tourism & expat influx.
2. Pollution: This made me really sad, but it’s unfortunately true. Over-tourism means lots of pollution. Trash on the streets, dirty cenotes.. you need to be careful & ask questions. Ask the last time the cenote was cleaned.
3. Power outages & unreliable internet can be an issue.
4. Rapid development for tourists has taken a toll on Tulum’s natural environment, which IS something to consider if you want to add to that problem…
5. While renting can be affordable, other living costs, like dining out at trendy spots can add up quickly.
6. Many locals speak English but knowing some Spanish can go a long way
So, how do you weigh it up? Is Tulum a smart move for extended stay travelers? 👇