Plan Tulum like Inès Rau: best season, new airport, chic stays, cenotes, real costs and a 48-hour route to capture Mexico’s most photogenic vibe.
Crystalline water, jungle-framed beaches, mezcal sunsets. Tulum still delivers that head-turning mix of raw nature and polished design that fills a camera roll fast. With the new Tulum International Airport open since December 2023 and international routes ramping up in 2024, getting there got easier – and the stylish playbook popularized by model Inès Rau fits the moment perfectly : wellness mornings, culture at noon, barefoot glam by night.
Here is the context right now. The ruins sit on 12 meter cliffs above the Caribbean and anchor Tulum’s identity, while cenotes ring the town like a secret necklace. High season runs December to April, sargassum seaweed tends to spike late spring to summer, and the choice between beach zone and town splits most budgets in two. This guide answers the big questions quickly, then maps a doable, elegant plan.
Why Tulum Now : Inès Rau’s chic blueprint that actually works
Travelers want ease, beauty and a rhythm that feels good. Inès Rau’s approach – slow mornings, clean food, wellness, then social evenings – matches Tulum’s cadence. Yoga shalas open early, beach clubs switch on around noon, and the golden hour makes every photo click.
There is also timing. Tulum National Park was decreed in 1981, which protected the coastal strip that frames the ruins. Add design-forward hotels and a culinary scene that grew fast in the past decade, and you get a place where sporty swims meet scented dinners without effort. The only catch : planning by zone and hour avoids crowds and saves pesos.
Common pain points are predictable. Staying only in the hotel zone, skipping cenotes, arriving at the ruins after 10 a.m., or ignoring transport times between jungle and beach. A few tweaks fix that, with room to keep the glam factor high.
Best time to visit Tulum : seasons, sargassum, prices
Weather sets the tone. Dry, cooler months run roughly December to April – prime for beach days and clearer cenote water. May to September brings heat and humidity, with tropical storms possible June to November. Crowd levels mirror that curve, peaking around late December and March.
Sargassum can drift onto beaches mainly from spring into summer, with variable surges. Early mornings help, since many beach crews clear sections by midday, and cenotes stay pristine regardless. If the ocean looks weeded on a given day, switch to cenote or lagoon plans and come back for sunset when the light softens everything.
Costs swing by zone. Beachfront day passes often range 20 to 80 USD depending on minimum spend, cenote entrances typically 5 to 20 USD, and taxi rides across town can run more than expected. Tipping culture sits around 10 to 15 percent in restaurants. Booking key spots at least two weeks out in high season prevents last-minute price spikes.
Inès Rau inspired itinerary : beaches, ruins, cenotes in 48 hours
Day 1 morning – Ruins first light. Doors usually open around 8 a.m., the breeze is cooler, and photos pop before crowds build. The site’s Postclassic Maya story – roughly 1200 to early 1500s – comes alive when the Caribbean glows behind El Castillo.
Late morning – Cenote swim. Pick a clear-water cenote near town to reset after the sun. Bring water shoes, a rashguard, and cash for lockers. Keep sunscreen reef safe.
Afternoon – Beach club ease. Choose a quieter spot for a long lunch, then shoot portraits during golden hour when contrast softens. That is the Inès play – effortless, not rushed.
Day 2 morning – Yoga or pilates class, then a smoothie bowl. Energy stays steady for a bike ride through the jungle road. Midday – head inland for a second cenote or the Muyil ruins and Sian Ka’an lagoon boardwalk if time allows. Evening – mezcal tasting, then a low-lit dinner under palms.
Packing, beauty and vibe – quick checklist inspired by Inès Rau’s polished-casual style :
- Neutral swim sets, one statement cover-up, and flat sandals that handle sand and boards.
- Wide-brim hat, polarized sunnies, reef-safe SPF, insect repellent, light linen shirt.
- Travel-sized skincare, a red lip for night, compact tripod for sunset shots.
- Reusable bottle, small cash for cenotes and tips, offline maps for spotty signal.
Where to stay, eat, and move : zones, the new airport, safety
Stay split by mood. Beach zone equals direct sand access and higher rates. Tulum town brings great coffee bars, taquerias, and boutique stays at friendlier prices. A middle path in Aldea Zama puts you between both with bikeable distance to the beach.
Arrival got simpler. Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport – often listed as Tulum International – began operations in December 2023, with more routes announced through 2024. From Cancun International, it is roughly 118 km to Tulum, often 1 h 45 min to 2 h 15 min by road depending on traffic.
Moving around works best with a mix. Bikes for short hops, colectivos for budget rides along the corridor, and pre-booked shuttles for airport transfers. Taxis price by zone rather than meter, so ask the fare before you ride. Night streets feel livelier on weekends – stay on lit routes, keep valuables minimal, and use a card at established venues when possible.
Food trends lean fresh and local. Think ceviche, huitlacoche quesadillas, wood-fired fish, and plant-forward menus that suit wellness days. Reservations are wise in peak weeks, and late seatings often open after 9 p.m. If a sudden downpour hits – classic Caribbean move – dinner stretches in the nicest way.
Last note on pace. Travellling here rewards an unhurried flow. Start early, break at noon, turn cameras on at golden hour. That is how a chic Tulum story writes itself, image by image.