Tulum
Caribbean · Mexico
Best Months
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Rec. Nights
5 nights
Airports
TQO (Tulum International), CUN (Cancún, 1.5hr drive)
Avg. Cash
$447 - $540/night
Best Value
Overview
Tulum is Mexico's boho-chic beach destination -- a place where ancient Mayan ruins perch on dramatic Caribbean cliffs, jungle-wrapped boutique hotels line powdery white sand, and cenote-fed underground rivers create a mystical landscape unlike anywhere else. It has rapidly evolved from a backpacker haven to a luxury wellness hotspot.
For points travelers, Tulum just became significantly more accessible. The opening of the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya and the Conrad Tulum provides two excellent Hilton redemption options, both bookable via Amex MR → Hilton transfers at the favorable 1:2 ratio. The new Tulum International Airport (TQO, opened 2024) eliminates the old 1.5-hour drive from Cancún.
Tulum's magic lies in its combination of ancient history, natural beauty, and modern wellness culture. Cenote hopping, visiting the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, exploring Mayan ruins at sunrise, and unwinding at world-class beach clubs create an experience that balances adventure with deep relaxation.
Cash vs Points
Hotels in Tulum range from $447 to $540 per night. Points redemptions offer 0.57+ cents per point value.
Points Hotel Recommendations
8 properties in Tulum bookable with points, sorted by value
| Hotel | Program | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya | Hyatt | 44,000 | $1,129 | 2.6¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya | Hyatt | 23,000 | $587 | 2.5¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort \u0026 Spa | Hyatt | 29,000 | $655 | 2.3¢ | 0.0/10 | |
TAGO Tulum, an SLH Hotel | Hilton | 110,000 | $877.1 | 0.8¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya | Hilton | 95,000 | $676.06 | 0.7¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort | Hilton | 80,000 | $541.44 | 0.7¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Kimpton Tulum | IHG | 24,000 | $146.3 | 0.6¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Independent Sphc Tulum | IHG | 14,000 | $81.79 | 0.6¢ | 0.0/10 |
Transfer Points Strategy
Find the best transfer path for your credit card points
If you have Points:
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
If you have Hilton Honors Points:
TAGO Tulum, an SLH Hotel
If you have IHG One Rewards Points:
Kimpton Tulum
How to Earn Points for This Trip
The best hotels in Tulum use World of Hyatt, Hilton Honors, and IHG One Rewards points. Here’s how to earn them:
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG
$99
Annual Fee
140,000 IHG One Rewards points — transfers earns IHG One Rewards points directly
- 140K bonus points — enough for 3-5 free nights at many IHG properties
- Earn 26x total at IHG properties and 5x on travel, dining, and gas
- 4th night free on IHG award stays (saves 25% on 4-night bookings)
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton
$150
Annual Fee
130,000 Hilton Honors points — transfers earns Hilton Honors points directly
- Automatic Hilton Honors Gold status
- Earn 12x at Hilton properties, 6x at restaurants and supermarkets
- Free weekend night reward after $15K in calendar year spending
Bilt Mastercard®
Bilt
$0
Annual Fee
earns World of Hyatt points directly, earns Hilton Honors points directly — only card that earns points on rent — transfers 1:1 to all major hotels
- Earn 1x points on rent with no transaction fees (up to 100,000 pts/yr)
- Earn 3x on dining and 2x on travel
- Transfer 1:1 to Hyatt, Marriott, IHG, and Hilton
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay. We independently evaluate every card based on transfer value and earning potential.
Recommended Activities
Curated experiences in Tulum
Tulum Ruins at Sunrise
Explore the only major Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Arrive at opening (8 AM) for the best light and smallest crowds. The clifftop El Castillo offers stunning photo opportunities.
Gran Cenote
Swim and snorkel in one of the Yucatán's most beautiful cenotes. Crystal-clear freshwater, stalactites, underwater caves, and turtles make this a must-visit natural wonder just minutes from Tulum.
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its mangrove channels, pristine lagoons, and abundant wildlife. Float through ancient Mayan canals, spot dolphins and manatees, and experience untouched Caribbean nature.
Cenote Hopping Tour
Visit 3-4 different cenotes in one day, from open-air swimming holes to cathedral-like underground caverns. Each cenote has its own unique character and incredible photo opportunities.
Beach Club Day
Spend a day at one of Tulum's famous beach clubs along the hotel zone. Live DJs, craft cocktails, fresh ceviche, and turquoise waters create the quintessential Tulum experience.
Kite Surfing
Take a kite surfing lesson on Tulum's consistent Caribbean winds. The flat, shallow waters near the beach zone are ideal for beginners and intermediates.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Getting There
TQO (Tulum International), CUN (Cancún, 1.5hr drive)
Visa & Entry
Check your country's requirements
Budget
From $447/night
Packing Essentials
Pack for the climate
Cultural Tips
Respect local customs
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