a style guide on what to pack for a trip to tulum and the yucatán
the yucatán is truly a magical place. i’ve been several times, and it never seems to lose its wonder. since it’s one of my favorite destinations in the world, i knew i had to do a style guide for what to wear in tulum. the yucatán has a beautiful vibe of its own. tulum, especially, is a locale where fashion insiders flock, so read on for “wear this there: tulum & the yucatán” and find out everything you need to pack for a trip to tulum and other magical towns in the yucatán.
just updated this blog for what to pack for tulum 2021!
(please note i focus mostly on tulum but this style guide will work for the other towns i mention)
how to get to tulum
tulum is about a two-hour drive from cancun airport. during the pandemic, i recommend renting your own car (especially if you’re planning any day trips to ruins or cenotes) or hiring a private driver. you can also take a small shuttle or taxi. alternatively, the most affordable option is the ADO bus, which you can find more info here. i used to recommend colectivos as the most affordable option, but I think during the pandemic it is best to avoid them.
i’ve been going to tulum since 2012, usually multiple times a year, so i consider myself an expert on tulum. on our first trip there, just for a day trip from playa del carmen, my boyfriend realized he forgot his wallet, and he had all the cash (serious face palm). i had my wallet with a credit card and a little cash but back then, most places in tulum were “solo efectivo” (cash only), so this was a major problem. we were already almost there so decided to make the most of the $45 we had to our name. walking along the beautiful beach (a completely free activity!) was top on our list of things to do. the little boutique hotels scattered by the coast were so charming. i wandered into one little bohemian camp nestled among the palm trees with palapas, thatch huts, a pyramid of yoga mats, hanging candles, and a large covered tent that was layered with moroccan rugs and fringed throw pillows. they had a little bar made of driftwood serving fresh pressed juices and i couldn’t resist getting one, despite our minimal budget. while sipping on my $6 chaya and pineapple pressed juice, i got to talking with the bartender who invited us to their co-op dinner that evening. i explained that we didn’t have much cash, but he said just bring your smiles and bowed to me with hands pressed together, emanating that new-age spirituality that abounds in tulum. it felt like a sort of utopian hippie commune. everyone was friendly and low-key. i had never quite experienced a vibe like this before, almost like i was stepping into a mexican version of The Beach, complete with a nearly untouched paradise and enigmatic culture, but thankfully missing the dark twist. needless to say, i was hooked.
that day in tulum was not nearly enough, so we immediately started plotting our return to the mystical bohemian town and have been going back ever since. a lot has changed since that day in 2012. tulum has exploded. i started seeing it more and more as bloggers and celebrities started flooding the pristine little strip of beach that once was a hidden haven for hippies and only known for the ruins which lie about 15 minutes north.
the secret was out. the quiet bohemian paradise, quickly turned into an eco-chic destination for influencers and partiers alike. despite all of the popularity, most of the magic of tulum remained. i was afraid all the hype would have ruined what made tulum special, but it somehow still held onto its enchanting roots. prices have tripled since our first visit and more people roam the beaches, but it is still a relatively peaceful little piece of paradise with a vibe that’s irresistible. we’ve been going back every year since, sometimes twice a year. the prices keep getting higher and there is more and more development and more and more people, but so far, i still love tulum. it’s definitely a tourist haven, and you don’t really get a feel for mexican culture except perhaps in the food which many restaurants source ingredients locally and incorporate yucatán flavors and dishes. the charm is still undeniable, in its own way. the architecture and restaurants remain true to its spiritual, hippie roots and eco-friendly culture, and the beaches are still generally uncrowded and beautiful; though the coast does suffer from a pretty bad seaweed problem. i recommend staying at the southern end of the beach and book a hotel that clears the beach daily or go to a beach club that does so.
so, go to tulum, sooner than later. and if you have extra time, i highly recommend some of the other beautiful and charming towns in the yucatán, such as mérida, izamal, coba, and valladolid. i almost didn’t even want to mention these other towns, as, to borrow from john steinbeck, “nearly always when you find a place as beautiful as [this], your impulse is to conceal it. you think, ‘if i tell, it will be crowded with tourists and they will ruin it, turn it into a honky-tonk and then the local people will get touristy and there’s your lovely place gone to hell’”. sometimes you find somewhere that you just want to keep its beauty to yourself, but i guess as an aspiring travel blogger, i have a duty to share these things with you. so, you’re welcome and don’t fuck it up ;).
now that i’ve undoubtedly convinced you to go to the yucatán, make sure you’re dressed for the part. read on to find out exactly what you should pack for your trip to tulum and the yucatán. here is your comprehensive fashion guide for what to wear in tulum.
tulum is decidedly chic. but please, do not show up in your louboutin’s. no matter how hard you try, those red heels won’t look natural on a bike ride along the palm shaded roads. when i say chic, think resortwear, bohemian- chic. zimmerman, johanna ortiz, and cult gaia are all brands that seem to speak to the tulum aesthetic.
what to wear in tulum: a comprehensive style guide for tulum mexico
tulum is all about neutrals. the lwd (little white dress) should be your go to piece here. and the flowier the better. nudes and soft colors will also be lovely with the design aesthetic. but don’t be afraid to add a splash of color to your wardrobe, just be sure not to go full on neon here. a pair of colorful pants or a cute head wrap are two great ways to add some color to your pallet. and you can never go wrong with a red dress in mexico. below i’ve listed my top picks for everything you should pack for a trip to tulum.
for 2021, one of the top trends is “all dolled up”, meaning the more layers of frills, ruffles, lace, and embroidery, the better. so here are some of my top picks for dresses to wear in tulum that incorporate the spring summer 2021 fashion trends.
please note, i have tried to include options at a variety of price points.
embroidered dresses for tulum
short white dresses for tulum
long white dresses for tulum
white sets for tulum
red dresses for tulum
red is one of the most common colors seen in mexican art and culture, so it is the perfect color to pack for your trip to tulum and the yucatán. again, layers, ruffles, tassels, lace, and/or a low back update the classic red dress for 2021. here are some perfect options for dresses to wear in tulum.
neutrals with flare for tulum
in contrast to many colorful towns in mexico, tulum’s color palette is very neutral and understated. boutique hotels and restaurants utilize reclaimed wood, stone, and thatch, keeping the natural brown tones and incorporating white washing to create that bohemian chic vibe. so neutrals with flare (big sleeves, frills, lace, ruffles, etc) are perfect to wear in tulum.
black set for tulum
you can never go wrong with black and a fun set is perfect for tulum or exploring beyond! i wore this set on our trip to coqui coqui coba residence and spa, a beautiful boutique hotel and perfumeria about an hour from tulum. i highly recommend a visit here and don’t miss the incredible archaeological site while you’re in the area!
black dresses for tulum
never leave home without a little black dress. a black dress will be a perfect option for a dinner under the stars at ARCA Tulum, a beautiful new restaurant in the jungle with intoxicating food, or a fun night spent dancing under the disco ball and drinking addictively delicious cocktails at the chic hotspot, Gitano.
2021 resortwear is all about cutouts, fanciful layers, bold colors, fun prints, you name it. if your innermost desire has always been to be as extra as possible, now is your moment. here are my tops picks for statement pieces that will help you stand out among the fashion elite that frequent tulum.
these options are perfect to take you from shopping at the bohemian boutiques to a night out at one of the hot dinner spots in tulum like the ever trendy Hartwood. Hartwood is a beautiful, open fire restaurant nestled in the jungle, candlelit, and shrouded in sandalwood smoke. it’s the perfect rustic and mystical setting to indulge in their inventive, locally sourced food and unique craft cocktails.
pop of yellow for tulum
yellow is perfect to wear on your vacation in tulum. here are a number of different options that incorporate all the ruffles, frills, lace, and embroidery of the moment.
blue and white stripe dresses for tulum
a bardot blue and white stripe dress is a classic resort look that will coordinate perfectly with the muted tones and turquoise waters of tulum.
palm print outfits for tulum
bold prints donned many models walking the spring 2019 shows at fashion week. all-over print suits and patterned dresses came alive courtesy of landscape imagery. one of the most loved landscapes included palms and beaches, see fausto puglisi and balmain. so it’s safe to say, palm print is sticking around for at least another season. the new spin on the trend is to mix it with other patterns. below find some pieces that you can easily pair with other bold patterns, like florals, stripes, or polka dots. more is more when it comes it patterns this year. and this trend couldn’t be more perfect for the palm lined beaches of tulum.
leopard print cover ups for tulum
leopard print is getting a bit ubiquitous now, but it was still hot on the spring 2019 runways, so i say milk this animal print trend for all it’s worth. here are some beautiful leopard print options to wear in tulum.
crochet cover ups for tulum
another spring 2019 trend is full on by the seashore – think netting, crochet, and puka shells, so basically that classic fisherman’s net meets mermaid look is all the rage right now. you do you, ariel. and if you’re going to tulum, you absolutely need a crochet cover-up. this look is so on trend for the tulum vibe. note: if you want one that’s less than $150, you need to buy it before your trip, as all of the tulum stores sell them for $$$$.
trendy swimsuits for tulum
let’s be honest, you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your swimsuit, so you’re going to need more than a few options. plus bikinis take up so little space in your suitcase, why not bring 2 or 3 or 7? a white suit and a black suit are always great staples to bring wherever you go, so i’ve included some below that are perfect for the yucatán vibe. additionally, polka dots, animal print, fringe, and metallics are big this season in swimwear and they add that perfect punch of flare to your beach babe look. here are some of my favorite options from fun and funky to classic and chic swimsuits to wear in tulum.
fashionable shoes for tulum
sandals are the only shoes you need for tulum. i recommend a black pair, a neutral/tan pair, and a fun embellished pair – think fiesta piñata but for your feet.
bohemian and chic beach hats for tulum
it’s a no brainer that you need to pack a beach hat or three, for your trip to the yucatán. i mean who has time to wash their hair before a very busy day of reading on the beach and sipping on a vibrant mezcal cocktail. beach hat to the rescue! i’ve rounded up my favorite beach hat styles for the 2019 season that will also be perfect for that yucatán vibe.
best beach bags for tulum
tulum is the perfect place for a fun beach bag. there are so many unique options to choose from, but i’ve narrowed down my favorites below. i would bring a small bag for dinners and a larger bag to carry your favorite beach read, sunblock, and towel for a day lounging on the white sands.
bohemian jewelry for tulum
jewelry is another way to add some fashion flare to your beach wardrobe. leave the diamonds and pearls at home and opt for unique artisanal pieces that evoke the spirit of mexico. i’ve included handmade pieces from some of my favorite indigenous artisans as well as other unique pieces that are trending for 2019 that will be perfect for the chic beach town of tulum.
head scarves for tulum
my favorite accessory for tulum is definitely a head scarf. it’s the perfect touch to instantly elevate your look. what’s more chic than a beautiful silk scarf wrapped around your head? bonus: it keeps your “effortless” beach waves from blowing out of control and in your eyes during the insta photo shoot you’ll no doubt have to do while in one of the trendiest places in the world.
trendy sunglasses for tulum
another staple of any beach wardrobe is sunglasses. i have a mini obsession with them and included a number of options below that blend the tulum aesthetic with current trends. when i travel to tulum, i usually bring a classically chic oversized pair (because girl’s gotta have something to hide those puffy eyes after a long night out at papaya playa project) and a couple more statement pairs à la mode, such as shield sunnies and colorful unique shapes.
now that you have a definitive list of everything you need to pack for tulum, here are some final recommendations for your trip to the trendy bohemian paradise.
eat this there: where to eat in tulum
Hartwood ($$$$) make reservations in advance online
Kin Toh ($$$$) make reservations in advance online
Arca ($$$$) make reservations in advance online
Mur Mur ($$$$)
Casa Jaguar ($$$)
WILD ($$$)
Posada Margherita ($$$)
Don Cafeto ($$)
Burrito Amor ($)
Matcha Mama ($)
Chamicos ($)
Taqueria Honorio ($)
drink this there: where to go out in tulum
Gitano (thursdays/fridays)
Papaya Playa Project (weekends, dj headliners on saturdays)
Boa Beach Club (day party)
Casa Jaguar (fridays)
Batey (mid-week)
buy this there: where to shop in tulum
KM 33
Josa Tulum
Mr. Blackbird
Mixik:Mixik
Hoki Poki Kana
MexiArte
La Tienda
Caravana
dream this there: where to stay in tulum
Be Tulum ($$$$)
Azulik ($$$$)
La Valise ($$$$)
NEST ($$$$)
Casa Malca ($$$$)
Nomade ($$$)
Olas Tulum ($$$)
Delek Tulum ($$$)
Ahau ($$$)
Alaya by Ahau ($$)
Amansala ($$)
Coco Tulum ($$)
Blue Sky Tulum ($$)
Diamante K ($)
Los Amigos ($)
don’t forget to check airbnb for cheap options to stay in town
and that’s a wrap on what to wear and where to go in tulum. keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn’t turn into that paradise lost version of the beach. if you have any questions or need more details on anything please leave me a comment below or message me on insta. hope you have an amazing trip to this little piece of paradise. hasta luego, mis amores.