Mexico

The Ultimate Tulum Bachelorette Itinerary (+Tulum Packing Guide)

Planning a bachelorette trip is SO stressful!! Believe me, I was just there last month planning a Bachelorette getaway for a group of 9. It’s hard coordinating all the details and keeping everyone happy. I remember feeling absolutely overwhelmed trying to pick out the perfect restaurants and the perfect activities for a reasonable price. So let me save you the headache and share the ultimate Tulum Bachelorette itinerary! And because I know the level of stress you are under, it gets better. I have included a Tulum packing guide that gets sent straight to your inbox and can be shared with your friends.

This travel guide will cover everything you need to know to plan the perfect Tulum Bachelorette itinerary without breaking the bank. From cenotes to beach clubs to finding the cutest Instagrammable accomodations. I’ve got you! So let’s get into it. 

Quick Tips Before Your Tulum Bachelorette Party

  • IS TULUM A SAFE DESTINATION FOR A BACHELORETTE PARTY? Tourism is the life blood of this region of Mexico, so government officials go out of their way to make sure its safe and visitors want to come back. You do want to exercise caution by sticking to more well-populated areas and avoid going anywhere alone at night. And it’s always helpful to check the U.S. State Department travel advisories they have in place for Quintana Roo (this is the Mexican state that covers Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar and more).
  • HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED IN TULUM? Because this is a bachelorette getaway and people have obligations back home, I would recommend an extended weekend stay for your Tulum bachelorette itinerary. This means Thursday is a travel day leaving you Friday through Sunday to enjoy Tulum before heading back home on Monday. Although there is certainly no shortage of things to do in this area, 3 full days was just enough to cover some of the best spots here.
  • WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A TRIP TO TULUM? The cost varies on the duration of your trip, the size of your group and time of year you are visiting. The total I spent for this trip (excluding bachelorette swag, gift and some decor) was just over $1,500 but this is a great resource that outlines average costs in Tulum.
  • WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN TULUM? Please refer to the episode of Friends when Monica visits Barbados and her hair gets a shock of humidity. But in all reality, because Tulum is on the coast you can expect warmer weather and a higher degree of humidity. Some things to consider when planning a trip to Tulum: June to October is Tulum’s rainy season and May to August is Tulum’s seaweed season (although hard to predict).
  • DO I NEED TO PAY FOR EVERYTHING IN PESOS OR CAN I USE CREDIT CARD OR USD? Many places in Tulum do take card, but you will need pesos for essential items like cenote entrance fees, taxis, tips and some local restaurants away from the Tulum beaches.

How Do You Get To Tulum From Cancun Airport Exactly?

Okay, I need to level with you. Tulum is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes south of the Cancun International Airport. Not exactly convenient, BUT all will be forgiven when the Bachelorette realizes you have made their perfect paradise getaway a reality! Besides, that time flies by when you’re on a cute little road trip with friends anyways. Now let’s talk about what transportation options to add to your Tulum Bachelorette itinerary. 

You can use these same services to take you back to the Cancun airport from Tulum, but there are many hotels and airbnbs that can actually make these arrangements for you using local and reputable companies in Tulum. We went this route for our transportation back, but more on that below.

And if you’re wondering about tip, although not mandatory I highly recommend you tip. Each passenger tipped 10 percent of their share in USD, but it’s always best practice to tip in their currency. 

*A Tulum airport is set to open in April 2024 and ViVaAerobus will be the first airline to operate out of this airport. Rumors are already circulating on which North American airline partners will be operating out of this airport *cough* Allegiant *cough.*

If you are traveling with a large group, and you want to stick to a budget this is going to be your best option. You can arrange for a shuttle service that is exclusively for your group (goodbye sharing a shuttle with strangers). A professional driver will be just outside the airport waiting to take your group to your accommodations. IMO, this is the least stressful way to arrange transportation for your group.

I recommend scheduling the shuttle at least 2 weeks in advance, so you can guarantee the time slot and vehicle for your group size. And luckily, you can book online and pay in advance. Confirm pick up location and luggage restrictions before your arrival.

We had to coordinate two separate shuttles because of our flight times, but here are the two companies we used:

CANCUN SHUTTLE: The cost for 4 passengers came to $143.16 one way, so that comes to just under $36 per passenger.

STP CARIBE: This is a nicer option and we were told by the other group of girls this shuttle service provided moist towelettes, mints and water. The cost for 3 passengers came to $120.00 or $40 per passenger. 

KALIDO TRAVEL: We didn’t personally use, but they have a perfect rating on Google. 

*We had 1 girl arrive to Mexico early and she used the Cancun Airport Bus below and we had 1 girl arrive the day after us and she arranged her own transportation with the Cancun shuttle*

Driving in Mexico can be challenging, especially in one of the most dense tourist destinations in the country but the roads are well maintained and there is signage everywhere. If you are planning on renting a vehicle for your group, I recommend renting through Hertz or Avis.

There are some local car rental companies in Mexico that will make you buy insurance through them regardless of whether you are covered by your credit card or not. Keep in mind, it is required by law in Mexico to have insurance coverage so you will want to make sure you are covered. The insurance coverage you have in the US does not apply once you cross the border, but check with your credit card company to see what coverage is provided. Our Chase Sapphire card and American Express card provide coverage overseas. 

Definitely the most budget-friendly option, but overall reviews are 3.9. This bus company is recognized as one of the best bus services to use in the area though, because it is equipped with comfortable seats and air-conditioning. And there is ample room to bring your luggage. You can purchase tickets at the Cancun airport, but you will want to purchase in advance so that you don’t risk your time slot selling out. Keep in mind the buses only stop at bus stations and will not provide transportation to any personal accommodations. 

DURATION: 3 HOURS

COST: $18.80

You can make a reservation in advance here

Best Tulum Bachelorette Party Hotels

Tulum really said let’s give visitors something to talk about on Instagram, and boy did they deliver especially when it comes to cute accommodations. I can confirm there is no shortage of them around here! Now let’s make that Tulum bachelorette itinerary pop with the best tulum bachelorette party hotels.

I found the perfect place for our Bachelorette getaway on Airbnb that accommodates up to 10 guests. The space was beautiful and reasonably priced with plenty of space. You even get your own private pool with the cutest little cabanas. And although it wasn’t within walking distance to the beach, we did find that we were surrounded by things we needed like grocery stores and restaurants.

Now it’s good to have some options, and I won’t leave you hanging so here is a list of some of the best Tulum bachelorette party hotels that will be sure to throw you and your guests into a total head spin in the BEST kind of way:

  • CUTE BOUTIQUE HOTEL: Coco Hacienda Tulum can fit up to 16 guests over the spread of their rooms and the property has access to its own private beach!
  • ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT: Bored can’t even be found in this hotel’s vocabulary! Think water park, zip lines, white sandy beaches, kayaks, paddleboards, jungle trails and SO much more! This hotel takes amenities to a whole other level. Just a quick google search of Hotel Xcaret and you will see what I mean!
  • PERFECT GLAMPING GETAWAY IN TULUM: This may sound dramatic, but Our Habitas Tulum practically left me speechless. The service found here goes above and beyond to make sure you are taken care of, the private outdoor showers attached to each room feel like paradise, the beds feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud and the entire beach front property is just beautiful. Each room only fits 2 guests and this hotel is on the pricier side, but if you are looking for something truly unique this is it!

Tasty Tulum Restaurants

I cannot begin to tell you the amount of time I spent searching high and low for cute restaurants in Tulum that weren’t insanely expensive for a group our size, and I don’t want to brag but I found some great options. Here are some Tulum restaurants to add to your Tulum bachelorette itinerary:

No reservations were required for the spots outlined below.

  • Taqueria La Chiapaneca: My mom is from Mexico and I grew up on homemade Mexican food, but when I tell you these are the BEST tacos I have ever had I mean it!!! You will need to pay in pesos, because they don’t accept card BUT the cost of each taco is about 20 pesos or $1. This is a popular local favorite, so repeat after me: I will not skip Taqueria La Chiapaneca. You will thank me later!
  • Burrito Amor: This was a recurring favorite in the group, because we were able to place orders for delivery when we felt like staying in. They are a contemporary Mexican restaurant that is best known for the clean ingredients they use and they provide food for various dietary restrictions. Their burritos range from $6 – $12. We placed our orders through their DoorDash equivalent, Tomato. We did have a difficult time placing an order using a card, so we had to pay in pesos for our orders.
  • Matcha Mama: Perhaps the most recognized casual dining spot in Tulum! This smoothie bar serves some tasty matcha, acai bowls, smoothies and more. A fun little spot to pop in for a healthier pick me up, and it was just made for an iconic Instagram moment! The average cost ranges from $6 – $13.
  • BURGERITO: I have to confess we ran out of time and didn’t get a chance to try this place but I have heard SO many good things about Burgerito. And if you’re thinking you want to skip burgers because you’re in Mexico, I don’t blame you! But the reviews here speak for themselves. They also deliver. The prices here range from $9 – $15.

Let’s talk about some awesome spots that require reservations in advance.

  • CETLI: Are you ready for some yummy food? Then let me introduce you to Cetli! It’s a cozy restaurant that gives you all the dinner party vibes, and guess what? You can only pay in pesos but don’t worry, prices on their menu are only between $10 – $22. Reserve your seat through their facebook page and prepare for a real treat.
  • GITANO TULUM: Now, let’s not forget about Gitano. A true Instagram wonderland that is just waiting for you to capture that perfect group shot. You’re definitely in for a fun night out! They do have multiple locations in Tulum, and you honestly can’t go wrong with any of their locations. It is pricy though ranging from $22 up to $67 and this is excluding alcohol, tax and tip. But I think every bachelorette trip deserves one fancy night out.
  • ROSE NEGRA: Okay, this spot came highly recommended so we made our way here and the food was very good! It gives off major house party vibes with loud music and a lot (I mean A LOT) of sparklers. I was starting to get sick from the smoke two hours in. But it is a great spot to celebrate the bride to be, because of the lively atmosphere. I would pay close attention to your tab at the end of the night, it did feel like they were trying to take advantage and sneak some extra charges in there. You can expect to pay anywhere from $25 – $65, although most in the group ended up spending over $100 with alcohol.

Attention to all my foodie lovers! Ready to eat your way through town? A local cuisine tour is the way to go. You’ll be able to try all the local goodies and really get your taste buds going. Bon appétit! Now let’s talk about some great tours you can book:

  • Mexican cooking class from scratch: Hey there, ready to take your cooking skills to the next level? Don’t worry, I won’t judge if you’re a beginner (I’m one too!). Let’s spice things up with a Mexican cooking class from scratch! Who needs takeout when you can whip up delicious Mexican flavors in your own kitchen? Let’s taco ’bout it and start the fiesta! Price per person: $90
  • Brunch in the Tulum Jungle: Can you even think of a better way to enjoy the best meal of the day than by escaping to the jungle to find the cutest spread of delicious and healthy food?? The best part is this tour is just $30 per person.
  • Walking Tulum Food Tour: You have to try the walking food tour! Not only will you get to indulge in a variety of delicious eats, but you’ll also get the inside scoop on the most popular local spots. Warning: You might need to wear your stretchy pants because you will get full! Cost per person is $50.

Unforgettable Bachelorette Activities in Tulum

This jungle town is THE spot for some seriously cool swimming holes, epic ruins, tasty food, and gorgeous beaches. I mean, what isn’t to love? So, if you’re thinking about what to do in Tulum, i’ve got you covered. Just sit back, relax and get ready to be mind-blown by the coolest things to do in this jungle town. Your Tulum bachelorette itinerary is about to get really good!

DAY ONE: Cenote Day Club and Walking Food Tour

Vesica Tulum

Everyone knows you can find the coolest cenotes in Tulum, but did you know there is an actual day club that surrounds a local cenote?? And it’s still considered a little but of a hidden gem, so you don’t need to worry about crowds here (not yet anyways). Vesica Tulum has everything you need to enjoy your time on their property. 

This was the perfect place to kick off our day. Vesica Tulum doesn’t open until 11 am, and since we all had a long day of travel the day before it was so nice to have a slow morning before heading out. 

I made a reservation for our group ahead of time through Whatsapp (+52-984-202-6475). To enter, you will need to pay 300 MXN, but they do take card and each person can pay individually. Day beds around the cenote have a minimum spend on food and drinks of $1000 MXC per person and chairs around the cenote are $500 MXC per person. You can find towels, showers, hi-speed wifi, live music and wellness experiences here as well.

Tulum Food Walking Tour

This group activity is not just any regular tour, it’s a culinary marathon. Bonus? You get to burn some calories with all the walking around town. And for those of you worried about your waistline, we’ve got the scoop – the calories don’t count! So put on your walking shoes, and get ready to explore the local food scene. Three hours might sound long, but when you’re busy chowing down, time just flies by.

Tulum Night Cap

Although our food walking tour may have ended, our fun was just getting started. Our guide overheard us talking about visiting some local bars, so he took us to Batey’s. We sipped on some drinks while soaking up the sounds of live music. We then hurled ourselves to Naná – a beautiful rooftop bar. We were starry-eyed as we took in the twinkling lights. The bar owner’s cute pooch even made a surprise appearance and greeted all his guests. No reservation needed for either spot!

Day Two: Cenote Excursion, Valladolid and Fancy Dinner

You gotta book this tour NOW! I mean it, it was so good I’m still daydreaming about it! Our guide was an absolute rockstar and the cenotes were crazy beautiful. It was like our own private paradise, thanks to our guide’s smart planning. Trust me, you can’t miss out on this. The tour costs $149 per person, but that includes transportation, entrance to 3 different cenotes and lunch in Valladolid. 

BONUS: Our guide was super friendly and knowledgable. He was more than willing to scout out good photo locations and take plenty of photos and videos for us. I cannot recommend this tour enough!!! GUIDE INFO: @jhony.daguide and @tourscarey 

Get ready to be blown away by Valladolid. You’ll fall in love with the vibrant colonial architecture, the adorably cute food carts, and if you’re lucky enough to visit on the weekend, you might even catch the locals dancing up a storm in the town center. As for the food, prepare to have your taste buds blown away because Hotel Meson Del Marquēs simply slays. Trust me, you’ll be talking about this meal for days!

So, after the tour, we finally landed back at our amazing Airbnb around 2:30 PM. And boy, did we need it! All that early morning hustle and bustle had us feeling like we needed a nap STAT. Nothing rebooted our systems better than a good old-fashioned siesta. And it was nice to have some time built in to get ready for the evening festivities. 

Fancy Dinner at RoseNegra

RosaNegra is such a fun and lively spot to party and celebrate the bride-to-be! The food is absolutely delicious, even though it can be a little pricey. I have to confess the smoke from the sparklers hit me a little too hard, but the decor is adorable and will make you feel like you’re in the middle of the jungle! Just make sure to double-check the prices on the bill, they might try to sneak in some extra charges. 

PSST! The beach shuts down early, around 1 am, so if you want to keep the party going, head over to the town center. You’ll find more affordable options and a lot more action! Just be safe and stick together, we don’t want any party fouls or midnight mishaps! 

Day Three: Beach Club and Free Time to Explore Tulum

Well, we’ve made it to day 3 on our Tulum bachelorette itinerary and guess what? It’s BEACH DAY! Grab your cutest swimsuits and get ready to hit the sand. Tulum is overflowing with super cute beach clubs, but let me tell you about the one we checked out.

Bagatelle Beach Club is essentially heaven for anyone who loves bohemian chic vibes and Instagram-worthy pics. Just be prepared to shell out a minimum of $120 per chair (they do take cards though, phew). But between you and me, the food was just okay and way overpriced. So, if you’re trying to save some dough, check out the public beach at playa paraiso. From what I hear, it’s the best public beach in Tulum. 

Spend Some Time Exploring Tulum

Tulum is a paradise with endless options to explore and enjoy. Honestly, there’s so much to do that your head will spin! My hot tip is to give your friends some freedom to roam and choose their own adventure. You could be chilling in a flashy spa, discovering the coolest souvenir shops or even venturing into a cool cenote. And, of course, you can’t forget about the stunning Tulum ruins! Below are some suggestions to add to your Tulum bachelorette itinerary!

Let’s get some of Tulum’s hottest hangouts! Check out my list of some popular spots to see while you’re here:

And if you want to check out the 14 best Tulum cenotes in the area, check out my guest post here

I hope this guide helps you plan the most amazing Tulum bachelorette itinerary, and don’t forget to fill out the form below to receive my Tulum packing guide sent straight to your inbox!

anissa.borchardt

Share
Published by
anissa.borchardt

Recent Posts

What to Pack for Ireland in December: Ultimate Ireland Packing Guide to Look Cute!

Ireland in December is a beautiful blend of rolling green hills and charming towns, but…

2 months ago

A Guide on the Best Christmas Markets in Italy + Italy Christmas Markets 2024 Dates

Of course, Italy is a hotspot all year round, but here’s the deal...most tourists tend…

2 months ago

The Best Christmas Markets in Luxembourg City in 2024: An Underrated Holiday Destination!

Europe may be famous for its enchanting Christmas Markets, but many tend to overlook little…

3 months ago

7 Magically Underrated Places to See Fall Colors in the USA: Best Leaf Peeping Spots

I look forward to the magical transformation that comes as summer gracefully gives way to…

3 months ago

What To Wear In Scotland in November: A Complete Scotland Packing List

Who says Scotland in November isn't magical? They clearly haven't experienced the enchantment of shoulder…

3 months ago

13 Secret Hidden Gems in Portugal You’ll Love (+ Google Map with Bonus Spots)

Everyone knows how cute and colorful Portugal is, but I didn't know it was going…

4 months ago