Why this beautiful beach town near Cancun is popular with winter travelers

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Despite the end of a record winter vacation season, Cancun and the Riviera Maya remain as popular as ever with sun-seeking travelers.

Even past its peak season, the region is defying the traditional post-holiday slump and setting new tourism records.

Quintana Roo's beach spots are gearing up for another victory over the coming February long weekend (3rd to 5th), with hotel occupancy at unprecedented levels, according to data from Mexico's Tourism Secretary (Sectur). is expected to reach.

According to the forecast, the overall average occupancy rate will be 62%, a significant increase of 4% compared to the same period in 2023, with a total of approximately 145,000 domestic travelers and 369,000 international travelers flocking to the region. Masu.

Breaking down the numbers, Riviera Maya is expected to achieve an impressive 87.8% occupancy, closely followed by Cancun at 81.4% and Isla Mujeres at 73.5%.

However, none of these hotspots could outperform Tulum, which came out on top with 88%.

@eimywithe____ Afterlife❤️‍🔥 #afterlifetulum #afterlife #techno #tulummexico #parati #fyp #tulum ♬ Original song – Aimy✨

Tulum's already immense popularity will skyrocket in 2023, with recent developments set to take its appeal to new heights.

If you've been following the latest news about the area, you might have an idea of ​​what that is.

There's more to this story, so take a closer look at how Tulum became one of Mexico's Caribbean hotspots and why it's trending among travelers this winter. Let's.

Tulum Airport and Maya Train

The 1.5-hour drive from Cancun International Airport to Tulum has traditionally been a bit of a hassle for travelers.

But last December, with the long-awaited opening of Tulum International Airport, a game-changer appeared: Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

@santekagrigley Tulum International Airport is officially open! #tulumairport #tulummexico #cancun #tulum #travelnews #blacktraveltiktok #traveltiktok #mexico ♬ If You Had My Love – TWOPILOTS & De Hofnar

However, the path was not completely smooth. Concerns over exorbitant taxi fares at the airport have surfaced and are quickly spreading on social media.

But it's easy to see why, with fares from the airport to downtown Tulum costing 1,496 pesos ($87 USD) and a whopping 11,842 pesos ($693 USD) to Chetumal.

More budget-friendly options exist, such as ADO buses, but rising prices pose a potential challenge to Tulum Airport's competitiveness against Cancun Airport.

Finding sustainable solutions is likely to be critical to the airport's success in the long term.

@sammiller.life This is more than just an airport. 🇲🇽 There are even bigger plans in the works for Mexico. They are building a network of large-scale projects that connect southeastern Mexico to the global economy. This is big. It's really big. Industrial parks are being built, ports are being expanded, rail systems are being connected, and nationwide conveyor belts are being built. Today, the new Tulum International Airport opens, completing a major piece of the puzzle of a new Mexico. #tulumrealestate #tulummexico #Yucatan #Mexico #vivamexico #tulumairport ♬ Original song – Sam Miller

The good news is that Tulum Airport has its own Maya Train stop, scheduled to open in time for the arrival of the final leg of the train by the end of February 2024, offering a more affordable option compared to shuttle fares. It is to be provided.

Both of these projects are still awaiting completion, but there is little doubt that together they will be a game-changer for Tulum's tourism sector.

Inside Tulum's endless charm

With some of the Riviera Maya's most beautiful beaches, impressive ruins, and a selection of world-class resorts, Tulum has evolved from a quaint beach town to a tourist powerhouse.

In recent years, it has also served as an international wellness hub, hosting events ranging from yoga retreats to temazcal ceremonies and everything in between.

This seamless combination of luxury, culture, and nature has catapulted Tulum to stardom while maintaining an authentic beach town feel.

Although Tulum attracts tourists all year round, winter is an especially popular season for a variety of reasons, the most obvious being its unusual weather.

With low humidity and temperatures averaging 60-90%, it's the perfect time to enjoy all this charming town has to offer.

There’s more to Tulum than just beaches and ruins, as it comes alive with cultural and nightlife events during the winter months.

One of the highlights is the iconic Zamna electronic music festival. The festival has been one of the most anticipated electronic music festivals in the world since 2017, and the closing party will be held on February 3, 2024.

Not to mention the Riviera Maya Carnival festivities in February. Several destinations, including Tulum, host colorful celebrations featuring music, decorations, and traditional dance.

With so many diverse attractions and exciting developments on the horizon, Tulum's reputation as one of the trendiest winter destinations in the Mexican Caribbean will only continue to grow.

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