It turns out that a brand-new international airport is a magnet for solo travelers. After much anticipation, one of Mexico’s trendiest beach hotspots kicked off 2024 with a bang, opening their brand spankin’ new airport to multiple U.S. airlines.
Flying into Cancun only to take a separate 2-hour trek south is now a distant blur in the rearview mirror, just like all of 2024’s shenanigans.
Lonely Planet recently hyped up 23 of the ‘best places for solo travelers’, and Tulum found itself sitting atop the list for Mexico’s premiere getaways.
With new ease of access, a welcoming community of like-minded travelers, incredible coastlines and ruins, and a variety of accommodations well-suited for solo trippers, there’s no doubt Tulum ticks off all the boxes for those braving the world on their own.
Tame, Yet Wild: Where Stunning Beaches Meet Lush Jungles
Tulum is far removed from “hidden gem” status but still boasts a wild side that is fun to explore, even by yourself.
Not often do new airports pop up, but Tulum was an exception, given how popular it has become over the years.
Of the newfound fame, Tulum is mostly beloved by travelers for its diverse set of attractions ranging from natural excursions like visiting otherworldly cenotes, Caribbean blue beaches, and a buzzing arts scene that only continues to thrive.
Solo travelers fit in seamlessly no matter what element of Tulum piques their interest, and there are ample tours to assist in discovering Tulum’s wild side.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with taking a beach day or two…or five, but Tulum’s natural wonders are always calling your name.
First and foremost are the vibrant cenotes, which are considered a must-visit for any traveler.
Why not double-dip into the best of both worlds? Explore Tulum’s tropical jungles, where you’ll discover sun-god secrets at well-preserved Mayan temples and enjoy a dip in the pristine waters of a private cenote.
You can do so by booking one of Tulum’s top tour operators, Mexico Kan Tours. Check out their Tulum Ruins & Cenote package – and if you can swing it, find fellow tourists to group together for better rates.
Secret Tour: For the ultra adventurous, check out adrenaline-inducing ‘Crocodile Night Dives & Snorkel’ tours with Koox Diving!
Make New Friends At Tulum’s Top Solo Accommodations
Speaking of cost-splitting, that’s gotta be the number one concern when traveling solo, right?
It always is for me, which is why I’ve opted for hostels on occasion, especially those with private rooms, rather than taking on the risk of booking a bunk across from someone who doesn’t need to know deodorant exists.
Tulum is well-equipped with a variety of modern hostels, so much so it’s as if Tulum is trying to cater to solo travelers more than couples and families, even though there are some high-end resorts to splurge on, too, if you’re a rare bankrolling solo traveler.
According to HostelWorld, these 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 it were me planning a solo trip to Tulum, I think I’d shoot for Che Suites for more privacy.
Although pricier, you can enjoy more comforts with more room and dedicated co-working spaces without the downside of traditional hostels, like shared bathrooms and the aforementioned risk of smelly backpackers.
Escape The Crowds! Enthrall Your Senses At Tulum’s Isolated Reserve
Any trip to Tulum requires at least a beach day. The best part of doing so as a solo traveler is you’re more likely to find a space to sprawl out and relax as Tulum’s beaches fill up quickly.
While every solo trip comes with its fair share of downtime, there is certainly too much downtime as well.
Whether it be the paradises of Akumal Beach, Playa Ruinas, rightfully named Playa Paraiso, good or bad, it’s a challenge to be in touch with your introverted side.
As Lonely Planet highlighted, Tulum is equal parts ‘sociable and solitary,’ but there is a spot that should top your itinerary to unplug and reconnect with nature – Sian Kaʼan Biosphere Reserve ($5 admission).
Here, you can experience nature in its rawest form in what seems like Tulum’s most untouched region, brimming with thrilling wildlife sightings of monkeys, dolphins, and even jaguars.
Snorkel in crystal clear water or opt for a boat ride. Either way, there’s a reason this haven for all things nature holds such rave reviews, where one recent visitor claimed, ‘Beautiful, absolutely 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
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, 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 within the post.
