What to Pack for Tulum
As someone who moved to the Riviera Maya after packing up one suitcase with a Tulum itinerary to stay for just a week or two, I have a few suggestions for what you should bring with you, and what you should leave at home.
Don’t pack nice shoes. Most of the roads are unpaved, and since it rains a lot, the streets turn to mud interspersed with puddles of all sizes. The beach road has no sidewalks for the most part, so any nice shoes will not be the same after one night out. Unless you are looking to ruin your footwear, slip or twist an ankle, leave the heels at home. If you are in Tulum to snap a few posts for your Instagram, wear your nice shoes for that, but definitely pack flip flops or rubber sandals or boots to change into afterwards.
When I first visited Tulum, I packed a pair of reef flip flops, brand new white Supergas (the fresh white color lasted one day), designer sandals (I barely touched these), and running sneakers. I ended up living in flip flops. You also don’t really need sneakers or trainers, because the best place to run is on the beach.
Bug Spray/Mosquito Repellent. Tulum is the jungle. I’m not a huge fan of bug spray because of the chemicals, but I highly recommend bringing some if you prefer to avoid getting eaten alive. There is a holistic wellness shop in Tulum’s downtown that has all natural and organic products: Organic Beauty Shop La Madre Tierra. I picked up their repellant spray and a cream for existing bug bites, and it was a life changer.
Probiotics. My number one recommendation to friends traveling is actually packing a good probiotic, especially when visiting Tulum. Tulum’s infrastructure isn’t great, and the water is not clean. A daily probiotic is so important here. If you aren’t already taking probiotics, you can always pick some up at any pharmacy in Tulum.
Tulum outfits. It’s mild to hot no matter what season, so pack accordingly. If you’ve seen any photos of Tulum, you likely know that people wear light, flowy clothing. In my opinion, you really just need a few bathing suits and beach cover ups. If you plan to move to Tulum and really want to pack smart and you also don’t want to deal with the traffic going home from the beach before dinner, bring beach cover ups that can transition from day to night. If you plan to experience Tulum nightlife, versatile clothing will help you save time.
Sunscreen (and aloe). This should go without saying, but the sun in Tulum is intense. I wouldn’t wait to buy sunscreen in Tulum, because for one, you will overpay and two, you’ll want to have it on from when you first step outside. Aloe or an aftersun cream will likely also be helpful.
Don’t plan to buy clothes in Tulum, unless you are willing to burn a hole through your wallet. I am constantly trying to avoid the temptation of the boutique shops in Tulum because clothing is expensive here. The cute Tulum-style dresses will run you $150+ USD.
If you’re in need of clothing and are already in Tulum, you can always catch the bus to Playa del Carmen and find more commercial stores there; Tulum from Playa del Carmen is a 45-minute journey. Playa del Carmen also has some Tulum boutiques including a favorite, Sandmade Swimwear, and you will pay half the price in Playa for the same exact items in Tulum.
Bring a hat… or ten. A classic Tulum outfit includes a hat. If you don’t have one already, you can definitely buy one in Tulum. I collected more than a few hats while living in Mexico — some which I purchased here for $100+ USD and others for $25 USD.
Tip: I found that the easiest way to travel with multiple hats is to pack them in a separate, light, shoulder bag. If the airline has an issue with you bringing an extra carry-on, you can always toss the bag in your actual carry-on and wear your hats stacked up on your head!
Bring a back up phone charger. I’m usually gone for the whole day once I leave my apartment, and batteries always drain while looking for service and WiFi, so I’d suggest bringing a back up charger. I packed the one that came with my Away suitcase, and it has saved me and my friends more times than I can count.
Hair & Face Masks. I’d recommend bringing a hair mask or extremely hydrating shampoo/conditioner/products with you if you have long hair. Between the sun, water, and wind, Tulum really does a number on your hair. The dust from the road also wreaks havoc on your pores, so regularly detoxing with a clay mask will save your skin.
Keep a backup credit/debit card at your hotel. Keep it separate from your wallet in case it is stolen or misplaced. Also, I’d recommend getting an Amex if you don’t have one. They aren’t accepted everywhere, but if it is lost or stolen and you wake up to thousands of dollars in strange charges, you are not liable and they’ll deliver you a new one for free in 2 days, even to Tulum.
Cash. If there is one Tulum to do, it’s change your money before you arrive, either in the US or in Cancun. The exchange rates in Tulum are extortionate and never go above $20 MXN to the dollar. It’s also good to break down your money in smaller bills so you don’t give people like taxi drivers the excuse of not having exact change.
Yoga or sports attire. As I mentioned on my Where to do Yoga in Tulum post, you will likely find yourself doing yoga if just to experience the breathtaking shalas in one of Tulum’s jungle and beach properties!
Journal. If, like many, you’ve come to Tulum to reflect about your life, a diary and a pen make good companions.
Finally, don’t plan to ship yourself anything. If you find yourself living in Tulum, you will learn that DHL here is the worst. I had to ship supplements from my doctor and it took me 2+ weeks to pick up the package, because it kept getting delivered to the hotel I had stayed at but required my signature/proof of ID and additional importation fees ($100 USD, on top of the $100+ I paid for shipping). I haven’t figured out Amazon here yet, but my best recommendation is to ask a friend to bring you your things if you have anyone coming to visit.
For more on Tulum logistics and tips, I wrote a post here: Tulum 101. I hope this post helped you to plan your trip better, whether you’re in Tulum for 36 hours or 3 to 6 weeks!
