Playa Akun: A Beautiful Hidden Beach Near Tulum
Playa Akun: Hidden beach 10-15 min south of Tulum. Same turquoise water, fewer crowds, free public access, good snorkeling. What Tulum used to be.
Mexico
Tulum Blog Posts
Stories and guides from Tulum expats
Cenote Hopping in Tulum: Transportation Options and Best Routes
No car needed for cenote hopping: hire a driver ($150-200/day), book tours ($80-150), take colectivos, or rent a quad bike. Here's how.
Additional Insurance Costs at Tulum Airport: What America Car Rental Really Charges
Tulum Airport car rental: ~$20/day supplemental insurance, but it reduces deposit from $500 to $100. Online quote includes LDW, CDW, liability. Skip GPS rental—use offline Google Maps.
Best Bars in La Veleta and El Centro Tulum: Local Favorites and Hidden Gems
Best local bars: El Galan rooftop (La Veleta), La Veleta Market (opens 11pm), Terraza Condesa (El Centro). Skip Hotel Zone prices.
Car Rental Hidden Fees in Tulum: What to Expect and How to Avoid Them
Tulum car rental hidden fees: mandatory TPL insurance $20-40/day (US insurance invalid in Mexico), CDW, deposits up to $500+. Online quotes often double at pickup. Book direct.
Tipping at All-Inclusive Resorts in Tulum: A Complete Guide
Yes, tip at Tulum all-inclusives. Budget $50-100/day: $10-20 housekeeping, $10 first bartender drink, $10-20/meal. Daily tips beat lump sums.
Plastic Bottle Ban on Tulum Beaches: What You Need to Know
Tulum bans plastic bottles on beaches—you can't bring them, but vendors sell inside at high prices. Bring reusable bottles instead. Budget for beach purchases.
Alternative Ride-Sharing Apps in Tulum: Save Money on Transportation
Tulum transport: use Eiby app. Airport to hotel 300 pesos vs 1,200+ taxi ($15 vs $60). Download WHITE app version. Transparent pricing, no negotiation.
Solo Travel in Tulum: A Woman's Honest Review of a Six-Night Getaway
Yes, Tulum is safe for solo women - I spent 6 nights there. Roads are rough, expect bag searches, but ruins and cenotes are worth it. Rent a car.
Tulum Then & Now: How the Paradise Town Has Changed (And Why That Matters)
Yes, Tulum has changed dramatically since 2016. Now commercialized with chains and mega beach clubs. Stay in Centro for authenticity, visit off-season.
Pickup Basketball in Tulum: Finding Your Game and the Best Courts
Tulum pickup basketball: Wed & Sun 10am at Unidad Deportiva (3 courts) or Pueblo Mágico (better rims). Mix of locals and expats, competitive but welcoming.
Taxi Fares in Tulum: What You Should Expect and How to Avoid Overpaying
Tulum taxi tips: Centro 50-100 MXN, Hotel Zone 150-250 MXN. First quotes 50-100% inflated. Use inDrive app or hotel taxis. Always negotiate.
How to Travel Like a Local in Tulum: Avoid Tourist Traps and Save Money
Save 50-70% in Tulum: stay in Centro not Hotel Zone, use colectivos (5-10 pesos), eat at Palma Central food trucks. Avoid the gringo tax.
Capital Gains Tax on Mexican Real Estate: Exemptions, Deductions, and Currency Considerations
Mexico capital gains tax: 1.92-35% on net profit (not sale price). Primary residence exemption ~5M pesos. Residents pay 40-60% less than non-residents. Deduct improvements, fees.
Selling Real Estate in Mexico: Process, Agents, and Legal Considerations
Sell property in Mexico: hire agent (5-10% commission), use notario for legal process, get certified translations. No MLS or agent licensing exists.
Rental Income in Mexico: Legal Requirements and Tax Obligations for Property Owners
Mexico rental income is taxed at flat 25%, no deductions. Must register with SAT, issue CFDIs monthly. Tourists cannot legally be landlords—need residency.
Buying Real Estate in Mexico: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats
Buy Mexico property: need fideicomiso (bank trust) near coast, use notario, never pay contractors >10-15% upfront. Rent first to learn areas.
