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It turns out that a brand new international airport is a magnet for solo travelers. After a long wait, one of Mexico’s trendiest beach hotspots started 2024 with a bang, opening up their brand new airport to multiple US airlines.
Flying to Cancun and then making a separate two-hour trek south is now a distant blur in the rearview mirror, like all the shenanigans of 2024.
Lonely planet recently released 23 of the “best places for solo travelers,” and Tulum found itself at the top of the list for Mexico’s premiere outings.
With new easy access, a welcoming community of like-minded travelers, incredible coastlines and ruins, and a variety of accommodations well-suited to solo travelers, there’s no doubt that Tulum ticks all the boxes for those who brave the world on their own.
Tame yet wild: where beautiful beaches and lush jungles come together
Tulum is still a long way from “hidden gem” status, but still has a wild side that is fun to explore, even alone.
New airports don’t pop up often, but Tulum was an exception considering how popular it has become over the years.
Of new fame, Tulum is particularly loved by travelers for its diverse array of attractions, ranging from natural excursions such as visiting extraterrestrial cenotesCaribbean blue beaches and a vibrant art scene that only continues to flourish.
Solo travelers fit in seamlessly, no matter which element of Tulum piques their interest, and there are plenty of tours to help discover Tulum’s wild side.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a beach day or two…or five, but the natural wonders of Tulum are always calling your name.
First and foremost are the lively ones cenotes, that is considered a must-visit for every traveler.
Why not double dip into the best of both worlds? Explore the tropical jungles of Tulum, where you will discover the secrets of the sun god in well-preserved Mayan temples and enjoy a dip in the pristine waters of a private cenote.
You can do this by booking one of Tulum’s best tour operators, Mexico Kan Tours. Check them out Tulum ruins and cenote package – and if you can vary it, find fellow tourists to group together for better rates.
Secret Tour: For the ultra-adventurous guests, check out the adrenaline-inducing ‘Crocodile Night Dives & Snorkel’ tours with Koox diving!
Make new friends in Tulum’s best solo accommodations
Speaking of cost sharing, that has to be the biggest concern when traveling alone, right?
That’s always been the case for me, which is why I’ve occasionally opted for hostels, especially those with private rooms, rather than risk booking a bunk bed in front of someone who doesn’t need to know deodorant exists.
Tulum is well equipped with a variety of modern hostels, so much so that it seems like Tulum is trying to cater more to solo travelers rather than couples and families, even though there are also some luxury resorts to splurge on, if you’re a rare, solo financial traveler.
According to HostelWorldthese are the top 5 tulum hostels for solo travelers this year:
- Che Tulum Hostel & Bar
- Mayan monkey Tulum
- Lum
- Oryx Hostel Tulum
- SLNA Tulum
If I were planning a solo trip to Tulum, I think I would choose it Che Suites for more privacy.
Although more expensive, you can enjoy greater comfort with more space and dedicated co-working areas without the drawbacks of traditional hostels, such as shared bathrooms and the aforementioned risk of smelly backpackers.
Escape the crowds! Enchant your senses in the isolated reserve of Tulum
Any trip to Tulum requires at least a beach day. The best thing about this as a solo traveler is that you’ll likely find a place to stretch out and relax as Tulum’s beaches fill up quickly.
While any solo trip involves its fair share of downtime, there is certainly too much downtime.
Whether the paradises of Akumal Beach, Playa Ruinas, rightly called Playa Paraiso, good or bad, it is a challenge to get in touch with your introverted side.
As Lonely Planet highlighted, Tulum is both ‘social and solitary’, but there’s one place that should be at the top of your itinerary to unplug and reconnect with nature – Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve ($5 admission).
Here you can experience nature in its rawest form in what seems like Tulum’s most untouched region, packed with exciting wildlife sightings of monkeys, dolphins and even jaguars.
Snorkel in crystal clear water or opt for a boat trip. Either way, there’s a reason why this haven for all things nature gets such rave reviews, with one recent visitor claiming: ‘Stunning, definitely not to be missed if you love nature and slightly remote places; a true paradise.’
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
