The Ultimate Tulum Packing List (What to Wear & Bring)
Wondering what to pack for tulum Mexico?
You’ve come to the right place because I live in Mexico, not far from Tulum, actually.
I visit Tulum all the time, so I’ve got my Tulum packing list down so I only bring the essentials — and I’m going to share all that info with you.
Also, I traveled solo through Mexico for about a year with just one suitcase 😳 so you might say I know a thing or two (or 22!) about packing for Mexico.
Tulum is located in Quintana Roo State, in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This bohemian beach destination is unique because it’s part beach, part jungle.
Having a bit of both worlds means you need to pack some things you’d never think of — and I’m going to show you all of those!
Tulum is also different because it’s definitely a bit of a fashion show.
If you’re not sure what to wear in Tulum, head here for Tulum outfits inspo, but do know the Tulum weather is unforgiving and hot year-round.
For this reason, think light, airy, breathable fabrics, fun prints and tropical clothing.
Besides what you need to have on your Tulum packing list, this article also covers what NOT to bring to Tulum Mexico.
Ready to get to the Ultimate Tulum Packing Guide? Let’s dive in!
Ultimate Tulum Packing List for Mexico
1. Telcel Prepaid Mexico SIM Card
- 3GB Cellular Data (at full 4G/LTE speeds) valid for 30 days starting at your arrival in Mexico
- Unlimited Calls and SMS (only text) in Mexico, USA or Canada
- Can also be used in USA and Canada for Data, Calls and SMS
- Unlimited Social Networks (Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat)
- LTE capable (LTE Coverage is available in most cities and touristic areas)
While in some places, you can get away with just using your own data, Tulum isn’t known for having the best WiFi. Even with large carriers like AT&T, you might not be able to get a signal.
For this reason, I recommend this Telcel Mexico SIM card. Telcel is the largest cell service provider in Mexico, so using this brand ensures you have the best reception possible.
For those who won’t have free cell phone service in Mexico, the easiest and most inexpensive way for your phone to work is to buy a prepaid SIM card for Mexico.
What size Mexico SIM Card to buy?
This will depend on how much data you plan to use — but also, keep in mind the overall, Tulum WiFi isn’t known to be great, so you might need more data than you think.
To be on the safe side, you should have more than enough data with this 2gb size or this 3gb size for a one-week Tulum trip. However, for those who plan to be on their phone a lot and watch a lot of videos, go for this 8gb size.
How to change a SIM Card
Once you buy your Telcel SIM Card, check out this video on how to swap it out with your current SIM card.
With the new card, you will have a Mexican phone number beginning with the +52 country code, but as soon as you put your original SIM back, you’ll have your U.S. number again.
📲 Tulum Pro Tip: Keep your original SIM card in a secure place, like this Passport Travel Wallet. It has a specific SIM card pocket, as they are tiny and super easy to lose, but also places to store other important documents, like your passport.
2. Noise-Cancelling Ear Plugs
Mexico is a festive country — but this also makes it a loud country.
If you’re a light sleeper (or even medium sleeper), you’ll want to pack these noise canceling ear plugs so you get a peaceful night’s sleep.
🎧 These noise canceling earbuds also work, and if you don’t already have wireless headphones, traveling is the perfect time to upgrade.
3. Water-To-Go Reusable Water Bottle
These are the water bottles I use and trust — and I’ve partnered with this company to get you a discount on your bottles and filters!
Enjoy 15% OFF your entire Water-To-Go purchase with code SOLO15!
Wondering, Can you drink the water in Mexico? Unfortunately, no, because unfiltered Mexico tap water isn’t safe for human consumption.
This includes the drinking water in Tulum, Cancun, and the entire Yucatan Peninsula.
One of my Tulum essentials is this Water-To-Go Bottle, an amazing, reusable water bottle.
I have one myself, and will share all the reasons you’ll want to get a bottle for Mexico:
- It eliminates single-use plastics with disposable water bottles.
- Tulum is hot year-round, and you’ll need to stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
- This reusable water bottle provides an added layer of Mexico water filtration — so you don’t get sick in Mexico. Unfortunately, the tap water isn’t safe to drink in the country, but with a Water-To-Go Bottle Go you can.
- The three-stage filter removes 99.999999% of bacteria, parasites, viruses, toxins, microplastics and more, according to their site.
4. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Do your part to practice responsible travel in Tulum by using only eco-friendly sunscreen, like SunBum.
This Bullfrog Mosquito Coast Bug Spray Insect Repellent + Sunscreen (SPF 50) is also great because it has both sun protection and mosquito protection — from one of the best sustainable sunscreen brands for Mexico.
🩱 Alternative Option: Rash Guard for the Tulum Cenotes
Planning to visit the Tulum cenotes, or want to do a Tulum cenotes tour? Smart choice, as these are some of the top things to do in Tulum — but there’s something you must know.
Sunscreen of any kind is prohibited in the cenotes, as the oils ruin this natural ecosystem.
Do your part to keep the cenotes in Tulum gorgeous by using this long-sleeve swimsuit (AKA rash guard).
5. Hangover Meds (Hydration Powder)
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier has more than 100,000 positive reviews on Amazon, and is a best seller!
Don’t hesitate to pick this up before your Tulum vacation 🥂 so you don’t waste any of your precious travel time not feeling well from the night before.
Tulum is definitely a party town! If you’re planning to go hard, Liquid I.V. is the difference between enjoying the next day, or regretting the next day.
The antioxidants, herbs and homeopathic ingredients in Liquid I.V. make sure you’re not hungover and missing out on your precious travel time.
Besides drinks, the sun in Tulum is quite strong, so Liquid I.V. also helps keep you hydrated.
6. Mexico Travel Insurance
Want an added level of security and peace of mind during these strange travel times?
Just as you insure your car, home and body, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health on a trip. After years of solo travel, I can say with certainty: Something will go wrong!
For this reason, I have a whole article dedicated to travel insurance, because it’s just that important.
If Tulum travel safety is on your mind, use the links below to get your FREE quote from World Nomads and Safety Wing, two of the biggest names in travel insurance.
- World Nomads: Ideal for general travel and adventure travelers
- SafetyWing: Ideal for Mexico digital nomads and long-term travelers
7. Eco-Friendly Bug Spray
Mosquitoes are an issue in Tulum throughout the year, as it’s located in the jungle. You’ll definitely want (likely even need) mosquito repellent in Tulum.
This Cutter Insect Repellent is an eco-friendly brand that’s DEET-free and plant based, with a pleasant lemon and eucalyptus scent 🍋
Trust me: for DEET-Free Mosquito Repellent, this one spells pretty good, and I even got a compliment once when wearing it.
🚫🦟 Alternative Option: Anti-Mosquito Bracelets
Not into the idea of using an insect spray (or any aerosol, for that matter)? Just want an added layer of protection against Tulum mosquitoes?
Opt for these mosquito-repelling bracelets to keep those pesky critters away without any scented sprays or creams.
8. External Battery (Power Bank)
When traveling to Tulum, you’ll need high battery-use apps, like a map app, to get help you get around safely.
Since you won’t always have access to an outlet to recharge it, don’t forget your external battery (AKA power bank, portable battery charger or portable charger).
9. Waterproof Fanny Pack Pouch
I’m obsessed with these waterproof pouch fanny packs for visiting the cenotes, as well as all the best beaches in Tulum and the beach clubs.
💦 Alternative Option: Waterproof Phone Holder
These waterproof phone holders are also great if you only plan to carry your phone, ID and some cash around while in Tulum.
10. Facial Oil Blotting Tissue
Located in the tropics, Tulum and the entire Yucatan Peninsula are a hot year-round 😥 Some locals even joke that Tulum has two climates: Hot and hotter, so you can expect to sweat (a lot).
These All-Natural Face Blotting Sheets with Bamboo are a quick way to dry sweat, make you feel refreshed, and look shine-free in an instant.
As someone who tends to sweat, I swear by these on any Tulum vacation.
11. Multi-Plug Outlet Extender
You never know how many outlets your accommodation will have — and you never know how far the nearest outlets will be. For this reason, you’ll want to bring this PowerPort Cube with USB & 5-foot Extension Cord.
🔌 Note: If you’re wondering, Mexico uses the same plugs as the U.S. Coming from another country? You can use Type A and Type B plugs for Mexico.
12. Your Passport
This one goes without saying, but don’t forget your valid passport or you won’t be able to travel to Mexico at all.
Legally, your passport must be valid for another six months after the date you land in Mexico — so if you’re traveling on January 1, your passport must be valid until July 1.
🎫 Optional: Copies of Your Passport
As Tulum is a party town, you’ll want to be prepared in the event of a lost passport in Mexico.
For many travelers, losing a passport is one of their worst travel fears. According to the U.S. State Department, about 300,000 Americans report a lost or stolen passport each year 😳
Here’s what you can do to prepare:
- Take a photo of page 2 (the page of your passport with your photo and info on it), email it to yourself and save it as a photo on your phone.
- Have a few copies of your passport made; bring one of those with you and leave another with a trusted family member or friend back home.
- For those who leave nothing to chance, bring two additional regulation-size passport photos with you to Tulum. You can get these made at most Walgreens for $15 USD. If you need to get a temporary passport, these will expedite the process.
13. Your Medications
You can easily get in meds at farmacias (Tulum pharmacies), so don’t pack the whole medicine cabinet — but don’t forget to take anything prescribed that you need.
Beyond prescriptions, you might want to bring headache, cramps, antidiarrheal, and stomach meds, like Tums or Pepto.
14. Your Debit Card
It’s smart to have two cards, one credit card and one debit card — but you will want to bring a card that gives you access to cash.
In Tulum, cash is king, and many places don’t even take cards, like taxis (there’s no Uber in Tulum), street tacos stands, mercado (market) vendors and more.
15. Your Driver’s License
For those planning on renting a car in Cancun and driving to Tulum, you can use your U.S. driver’s license to drive in Mexico.
You can also use it as a valid ID anywhere you go in Mexico, so you can leave your passport back at your Tulum hotel, hostel, Airbnb, or all-inclusive resort.
🚙💨 For more into on this topic, check out Renting a Car in Tulum: Everything You Need to Know.
tulum Packing List for Mexico
What to Wear in Tulum Mexico
As you can see below, the weather in Tulum doesn’t fluctuate much; so flowy maxi dresses, denim shorts, tank tops and flip flops work all year-long.
In the winter months, you may throw on a cardigan or light jacket at night, but other than that, it’s bathing suits and warm weather wear all year.
Tulum Weather & Seasons
🥵 Tulum Travel Tips: Besides those stylish Tulum clothes, don’t forget your Water-To-Go Bottle — which keeps you hydrated under the hot Mexican sun, and filters your water so you don’t get sick in Tulum.
You can use code SOLO15 for 15% off your order.
Best Tulum Outfits
Mexico beach towns tend to be less conservative than cities, and in some of the most bohemian beach towns like Tulum, Sayulita and Zihuatanejo, anything goes.
As two of the most Instagram worthy Mexico travel destinations, these two places attract fashionistas who dress to the nines.
Above, you’ve seen some Tulum outfit ideas that will help solidify your Tulum packing list. 👉 You can click on any image above to shop.
These will give you a mental picture of what people mean when they refer to Tulum style clothes — but know that you should always dress how you feel most comfortable.
Essential Tulum Packing Checklist
Below, you will find the essential items that need to be on your Tulum packing list for Mexico.
Under this main list, you’ll see the different things to do in Tulum, so you can add those recommended items onto your packing list for Tulum, if you’re doing those things.
- Bathing suits
- Sarong (Cover-up)
- Rompers
- Sundresses
- Shorts
- Tank tops
- Yoga pants/Leggings
- Undergarments
- Cardigan
- Strappy sandals
- Wedges (Not heels!)
- Sneakers
- Sun hat
- Beach bag
- Evening purse
- PJs
- Sunglasses
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste
- Body wash
- Deodorant
- Razors
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Anti-frizz hair product
- Hairbrush
- Eco-friendly sunscreen
- Eco-friendly bug repellent
- Face & Body lotion
- Lip balm or Chapstick
- Headband/Hair wrap
- Hair ties for long hair
- Perfume/Body spray
- Phone charger
- Books/Kindle
- Headphones
Tulum Packing List by Activity
There’s so many Tulum things to do, and amazing activities to add to your Tulum itinerary!
Depending on what you plan to do in Tulum — beaches, ruins, cenotes or just eating and drinking during a long weekend in Tulum — make sure to add the items below to your Tulum packing list.
🏝 Packing for Tulum Beaches
Located on the Caribbean Sea in the Riviera Maya, Tulum’s beaches rank as some of the best beaches in Mexico. If you’re heading to the beaches in Tulum, don’t forget to pack these beach essentials:
- Bathing suit
- Sarong (Beach cover ups)
- Pair of sunglasses
- Sandals
- Beach bag
- Mask & snorkel
- Waterproof pouch
- Water bottle
- Quick dry towel
- Wide-brim sun hat
- Eco-friendly sunscreen
- Dry bag
🗿 Packing for Chichen Itza & Tulum Ruins
The Tulum Mayan Ruins are in Tulum, but there are also Mayan Ruins near Tulum, like Coba Pyramids and Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
If you’re heading to any of the Mayan Ruins in Mexico, don’t forget to pack these items:
- Shorts or yoga pants
- Tank top
- Sports bra
- Sneakers
- Socks
- Water bottle
- Eco-friendly sunscreen
- Wide-brim sun hat
- Eco-friendly sunscreen
- Backpack
🧜♀️ Packing for Tulum Cenotes
Cenotes are basically natural jungle pools, and there are about 6,000 cenotes in Mexico! Many of the best Yucatan cenotes are located in or near Tulum.
If you’re heading to any of the Tulum cenotes, or want to do some Tulum snorkeling, don’t forget to pack these items:
- Long sleeve bathing suit
- Sarong (Cover up)
- Sunglasses
- Water shoes
- Beach bag
- Mask & snorkel
- Water bottle
- Waterproof pouch
- Sun hat
- Eco-friendly sunscreen
- Quick dry towel
- Dry bag
🍽 Packing for Tulum Restaurants & Bars
Wondering, What to wear in Tulum at night?
Tulum has casual dive bars and street taco shops, but also upscale restaurants and chic bars — so you’ll want to pack according to the places you’ll be visiting.
As a Mexico beach town, “laid back” is still the official dress code, but if you’re planning a big night out, don’t forget to pack these items:
- Sundress (Tulum dress)
- Headband for up-do’s
- Wedges (not heels)
- Tulum straw purse
- Light sweater (in winter)
- Perfume/Body spray
- Costume jewelry
- Sweat-proof makeup
What NOT to Bring to Tulum Mexico
Now that you know what to take to Tulum, equally as important is knowing what NOT to pack for Tulum.
Below is a list of six items you can skip on your Tulum packing list.
1. U.S. Dollars
While some places in Tulum will take dollars, they do it at lower rates than the actual conversion, since they have to then pay to convert the dollars into pesos.
The best thing to do is take out pesos in the Cancun Airport when you land, and before you head from Cancun to Tulum.
2. Your Laptop (If you don’t need it)
This goes for any electronic gadgets, but definitely high dollar items like your laptop and expensive DSLR camera.
Unless you know exactly what you’re bringing it for, don’t bring something you only might use.
3. Designer Clothing
A Tulum vacation is great and amazing and all that, but travel is also hectic and things get easily lost and accidentally left behind.
Designer labels, sadly, do make you a bit of a target for thieves, and can attract the wrong kind of attention.
4. Expensive Jewelry
I highly recommend you leave expensive and sentimental pieces of jewelry at home while you travel, so you don’t risk never seeing them again.
Also, Tulum is quite hot, so you might not even want to wear jewelry when you arrive, so you might skip bringing it at all.
5. High Heels
If there’s one thing you can leave off you packing list for Tulum, it’s high heels 👠
Even at the nicer restaurants, like ArtBeach, Arca Tulum, Ocumare, or Kin Toh at Azulik Tulum hotel, you’d still see sandals before you see heels in Tulum.
6. Your Whole Medicine Cabinet
Do bring your prescriptions, and anything you take regularly, but for the most part, you can buy the same over the counter medicine in Tulum you can in the U.S.
There are farmacias (pharmacies) all over town, so don’t over-pack meds or a first aid kit when you’re traveling to Tulum Mexico.
Best Luggage for Tulum Mexico
Wondering, What luggage should you bring to Tulum, Mexico?
This depends on your travel style, but I always recommend traveling light to Mexico with carry-on luggage or a travel backpack so you can move around easily.
🤑 Bonus: You’ll also save money not checking luggage.
Be aware that you may have to walk down a sandy path to get to your room if you’re staying at one of the Tulum beach hotels.
Even if you’re staying in Tulum Town (Downtown), the streets tend to have uneven paving.
With all that in mind, here are my picks for Tulum packing luggage:
Best Suitcase Set for Tulum Mexico
- 2-piece set of hardside spinner luggage (20- and 28-inch sizes; one carry-on and one checked bag)
- Reliable strength with extra-thick ABS hard shell, scratch resistant finish, and fully lined interior
- Easy to move with 4 double spinner wheels, telescoping handle, and short handle
- Expandable for up to 15% more packing space; interior organizer with divider, plus 3 zippered pockets for smaller items
As someone who’s traveled a lot, I only buy hard suitcases that have spinner wheels, like this Amazon Basics two-piece set.
It has high ratings, and is a great value set that will last for years. The set comes in a variety of colors, so yours stand out in a sea of black suitcases.
Best Travel Backpack for Tulum Mexico
- Adjustable torso fit
- External Gear Attachment loops
- Padded top and side handles
When it comes to travel backpacks, there’s Osprey Backpacks — and everyone else!
Osprey is the #1 most recommended brand for backpackers and those who travel light — because they last forever and have an AMAZING warranty if something does break, which is rare.
While they aren’t cheap, you won’t need a new Osprey for about a decade (or longer).
Tulum Packing List Must-Have: Space Saver Packing Cubes
These Space Saver Packing Cubes are the travel packing game changers you need in your life!
The double zipper design shrinks everything down to its smallest possible size, so you save a little space to bring back all those colorful Mexico souvenirs you pick up while shopping in Tulum.
Tulum Packing List for Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bring a jacket to Tulum?
This depends on you, but the majority of travelers will not need a jacket in Tulum. For the most past, nighttime temperatures in Tulum hover around 85°F (29°C), so there’s not need for a jacket.
Can you brush your teeth with water in Tulum?
No — You should use bottled water to brush your teeth in Tulum if you want to be as safe as possible about not getting suck on your Tulum vacation.
What should I wear to Tulum Ruins?
There’s very little shade at Tulum Ruins, so dress for hot weather. You’ll want to wear breathable, cotton clothing that keeps you cool, and sneakers — but don’t forget your sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Do you need sneakers in Tulum?
Most travelers will use sneakers during Tulum travel, especially if you plan to visit any of the Mayan Ruins in the area and want to climb pyramids in Mexico.
How much cash should I bring for a week in Tulum?
This depends on how much you plan to buy, but most travelers should be fine with $50 USD per day. One tip here is to always use your credit card at any business that takes cards so that you conserve your cash.
Should I bring pesos or USD to Tulum?
If you can get pesos from your bank, bring those instead of U.S. dollars. While some places in Tulum accept USD, they usually do so at a lower rate than what your bank would give you.
What’s the best time to visit Tulum?
The best time of year to go to Tulum is from November to April, during the dry season, when the weather’s cool and the mosquitoes are at bay.
This is also the busy season or high season in Tulum, so expect the biggest crowds and highest price tags at hotels.
Still — I only recommend visiting this region of Mexico, and any tropical destination, in winter so you get nice weather.
Summer in Tulum Mexico
Located in the Caribbean, Tulum is susceptible to hurricanes and bad storms in the rainy season from May to October.
However, if you don’t mind a little rain (maybe a lot ☔️), prices are lowest in the Tulum off-season, from June to September.
This is also during the Atlantic Hurricane Season, and located right on the Caribbean Sea, hurricanes in Tulum can happen.
Keep in mind that Tulum has a tropical climate, so average daytime temperatures in the summer months average 95°F (35°C). It can feel even hotter because of the humidity.
Is Tulum safe for travelers?
For the most part, Tulum is safe for travelers (even solo female travelers). That’s not to say bad things, petty crimes and serious crimes don’t happen in Tulum — they do.
However, if you always remain aware of yourself, your surroundings and your belongings, you should be safe in Tulum, Mexico.
Remember that millions of people visit Tulum each year, and statistically speaking, the number of crime incidents is very low.
⚠️ Note: If Tulum and Mexico travel safety are on your mind, check out Is Tulum Safe to Visit? for a deep dive into this complex topic.
Do you need travel insurance for Tulum?
Many people want to know, Is travel insurance mandatory for Mexico? — and the answer is no.
Legally speaking, you don’t need travel insurance or health insurance or any kind to visit Mexico.
However, many travelers still do get Mexico insurance. Innd more info? Read more about it in this Best Mexico Travel Insurance Guide.
Where is Tulum, Mexico located?
Tulum is located in Quintana Roo State, one of the three states that make up Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The Yucatan is in southeastern Mexico.
📍Tulum Map
Tulum is located about two hours south of Cancun, and one hour south of Playa del Carmen.
To the west, you’ll find the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza and the colorful colonial city of Merida.
What’s the best neighborhood in Tulum?
There are really only three Tulum neighborhoods — Tulum Beach, Tulum Town (AKA Downtown Tulum or Tulum Pueblo), and Aldea Zama. They’re all great options, but visitors choose different ones for different reasons.
Where do I stay in Tulum?
Tulum beach is the nicest, but most expensive, Tulum Town is where a lot of locals live, and Aldea Zama is a happy medium between the two.
Check out these articles for more suggestions on where to stay in Tulum:
Is there a Tulum Airport?
Yes — The Tulum Airport opened to domestic flights in 2023, and international flights in 2024.
The airport in Tulum is called be called Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum Felipe Carrillo Puerto, or Tulum International Airport (code: TQO).
It is located in the Felipe Carrillo Puerto Municipality, about 30-60 minutes west of Tulum, depending on traffic.
What’s the closest airport to Tulum?
The closest airport to Tulum is Tulum Airport (code: TQO). It is located just outside Tulum in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Mexico, which is about 25 miles (40 km) west of Downtown Tulum.
However, the closest Tulum airport used to be Cancun International Airport (code: CUN), and many people still use CUN Airport because it has more flight options.
If you’d like to (or need to), you can fly to Cancun Airport and then make your way south to Tulum by car or bus.
But don’t worry — it’s very easy to travel from Cancun to Tulum Mexico.
- 🚙 How far is Tulum from Cancun? The distance from Cancun to Tulum is about 73 miles (118 km).
- ⏰ How long is the drive from Cancun to Tulum? In normal traffic, expect about 1.5-2 hours of drive time.
What’s the best way to get from Cancun to Tulum?
The safest and best way to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum is via this private shuttle service with Cancun Airport Transportation. They will pick you up at Cancun Airport and drive you straight to your Tulum accommodations.
This is by far the safest, easiest, fastest, most stress-free and most hassle-free way to get from Cancun Airport to your Tulum all-inclusive resort, with door to door service.
After being picked up at CUN Airport, just kick back and relax as you drive to Tulum.
🚗💨 Note: While there is Uber in Cancun, you can’t get an Uber at Cancun Airport, and not all Uber drivers are willing to make the Cancun Airport to Tulum drive because it’s about four hours round-trip for them.
There’s no Uber in Tulum, so you can’t an Uber from Tulum to Cancun — but you can book your round-trip Cancun shuttle with Cancun Airport Transportation.
In case you’re wondering, there’s no Lyft in Cancun, and no Lyft in Tulum either.
Is Tulum expensive?
Yes — Tulum is expensive by Mexico standards, but as it becomes more and more popular, it’s getting expensive by any standards! However, visiting Tulum on a budget is still very possible if you plan correctly.
Is Tulum worth visiting?
Yes — While Tulum won’t be a place everyone loves, there are a lot of people who do (which is why it’s so popular). The only way to know if you’ll love it is to visit Tulum for yourself and find out.
For those that don’t end up enjoying Tulum, they might not have properly managed their expectations of this top Mexico travel destination.
While has become a Tulum popular place that everyone wants to visit, it’s also become very crowded.
Like all popular places, the cost of visiting Tulum keeps rising because of the Law of Supply and Demand.
Like all Instagram-famous places, you’ve likely only seen the gorgeous sides of Tulum — but there’s a lot off-camera that influencers leave out.
However, if you remember the “Instagram vs reality,” you’ll have managed your Tulum expectations a lot more than others.
Final Thoughts: Essential Packing List for Tulum Mexico
The main three things to consider when making a packing list for Tulum are 1) weather and the seasons, 2) your personal comfort needs, and 3) what activities you plan to do in Tulum.
If you keep these things in mind, and don’t forget the important things, like your passport, prescription meds and credit card, you’ll be fine.
If this is your first trip to Tulum, you may assume there’s “proper attire” to abide by.
While it’s definitely a place full of Instagram influencers, TikTokers and YouTubers dressed to the nines, there’s also just regular people enjoying Tulum in casual attire — so just wear what makes you feel good (and keeps you cool 🥵).
FREE Printable Packing List for Mexico
Want even more Mexico packing tips? I got you!
Head here to download your FREE, 10-page printable Mexico packing list pdf. This FREE printable checklist for Mexico travel will nicely supplement the packing list Tulum info in this article.
Tulum Travel Planning Guide
1. Should I buy Mexico travel insurance?
100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
2. Can you drink the water in Tulum?
No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. (Read more)
3. Is it safe to rent a car in Tulum?
Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. (Read more)
4. Will my phone work in Tulum?
Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy this Telcel SIM Card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. (Read more)
5. What’s the best way to book my Tulum accommodations?
For Tulum hotels, Booking.com is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb.
6. What do I pack for Tulum?
Head to the Ultimate Tulum Packing List to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.
7. What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?
For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
8. Do I need a visa for Mexico?
Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you do a Mexico travel visa. The majority of travelers will receive a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa or passport stamp upon arrival.