Looking for Tulum alternatives for a Mexico beach trip without the crowds?
Then you’re in the right place!
Tulum used to be the kind of place you’d rave about: the turquoise sea, beachfront yoga studios, jungle cenotes.
But within the last few years, I’ve felt a major shift: boutique hotels pushing into the mangroves, packed streets, and overpriced smoothie bowls. The eco-vibe suddenly felt more like marketing than reality.
And it’s only gotten worse.
After solo traveling across Mexico, I’ve discovered places that offer the same sunshine, culture, and natural beauty—just with fewer crowds, lower prices, and more respect for the land and local communities.
In this guide, I’m sharing destinations I’ve personally explored that embody the kind of slow, meaningful travel Tulum once promised.
Whether you’re after a laid-back beach town like San Pancho, Maya ruins near Valladolid, or a hidden cenote in Bacalar, these alternatives deliver the magic without the mayhem.
Is Tulum Worth Visiting?
There’s no denying that Tulum is beautiful. White sand beaches, turquoise water, jungle-backed cenotes, and crumbling Maya ruins make it look like the ultimate paradise.
But beneath the surface, the reality of Tulum today is far more complicated.
When I visited in 2019, it was already teetering on the edge of overtourism. Since then, things have only accelerated. Beachfront hotels continue to expand into sensitive ecosystems. Traffic jams clog the single road through town. And perhaps most troubling of all, local Maya communities are increasingly being pushed out to make way for luxury developments.
A few years ago, that might have sounded dramatic, but it’s now an everyday reality. Longtime residents are being evicted from their homes. “Eco” resorts are going up where mangroves used to be. And the cenotes are so crowded that they feel more like a theme park than a sacred site.
This video shares additional insights into Tulum’s rampant growth:
In short, if you’re dreaming of an authentic, low-impact Mexico beach vacation or you’re a traveler who cares about sustainability and supporting local communities, Tulum might not be the right choice anymore.
Best Tulum Alternatives For A Mexico Beach Trip
Luckily, there are so many places like Tulum in Mexico that still offer natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a slower pace of life without the crowds, the noise, or the greenwashed marketing.
Let’s take a look at the best Tulum alternatives for a Mexico beach trip that feels good, not just photogenic:
1. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
✨ Highlight: Floating down a natural “lazy river” through ancient Mayan canals surrounded by untouched mangroves and wildlife.
Just south of Tulum, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve feels like another world—one where mangroves outnumber resorts and howler monkeys are your morning wake-up call.
This UNESCO-listed reserve is perfect for nature lovers and responsible travelers in Mexico.
Stay in a solar-powered eco-lodge like the tranquil Casa Chablé Beach Resort, explore ancient canals once used by the Maya, and spot manatees, dolphins, and hundreds of bird species on a guided boat tour.
You can even float down a natural “lazy river” through the mangroves, letting the gentle current carry you through this untouched ecosystem.
It’s a place to slow down, tune in, and reconnect with nature, local culture, and the quieter side of the Caribbean coast.
🏨 Click here for a list of top-rated hotels near Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
📍Click here for top-rated Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Tours.
2. Bacalar
✨ Highlight: Swimming or paddleboarding through the stunning Lagoon of Seven Colors—Bacalar’s surreal freshwater alternative to the beach.
If you’re craving crystal-clear water without the crowds, Bacalar is a dream. Tucked near the Belize border, this peaceful beach town alternative trades the ocean for a stunning freshwater lagoon that shifts through shades of turquoise and deep blue.
The vibe here is slow and serene. Think paddleboarding at sunrise, swinging in a lakeside hammock, and exploring quiet cenotes like Cenote Azul.
Many lodges are eco-friendly, and the community is working hard to protect the delicate lagoon ecosystem. Skip the loud beach bars and opt for a solar-powered boat ride or a dip in the cool cenotes.
For a quieter, more sustainable slice of the Yucatán Peninsula, Bacalar might be the perfect Tulum alternative.
🏨 Click here for a list of top-rated Bacalar hotels.
📍Click here for top-rated Bacalar tours.
3. Puerto Escondido
✨ Highlight: Catching a wave (or watching pros do it) on the world-famous surf breaks at Zicatela Beach.
On Oaxaca’s Pacific coast, Puerto Escondido delivers the laid-back, boho vibe people often hope to find in Tulum—just without the crowds or sky-high prices.
Here, surf culture runs deep, sunsets are best enjoyed barefoot on the beach, and seafood shacks outnumber smoothie bars. It’s a favorite among backpackers, solo travelers, and Mexicans looking for a more grounded coastal escape.
Wondering about Puerto Escondido vs Tulum? If you’re after authentic surf culture, a lively local scene, and a much lower price tag, Puerto wins hands down. Spend your days surfing at Zicatela or swimming in the calm coves of Carrizalillo.
In the evenings, sip mezcal in the trendy La Punta Zicatela neighborhood or watch a baby sea turtle release at Playa Bacocho (beach).
For a slower, more soulful beach trip, Puerto Escondido might just be the perfect Tulum alternative.
🏨 Click here for a list of top-rated Puerto Escondido hotels.
📍Click here for top-rated Puerto Escondido tours.
4. Valladolid
✨ Highlight: Easy access to cenotes and major Maya ruins like Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam.
For a destination that blends local culture with natural beauty, Valladolid is a standout.
Located in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, this colorful colonial town offers everything Tulum once did—cenotes, Maya ruins, and great food—without the big crowds.
Wander cobblestone streets lined with pastel buildings, pop into family-run eateries for cochinita pibil (Yucatán-style roast pork), and cool off in nearby cenotes like Cenote Samula or Cenote Oxman.
You’re also just a short drive from Chichén Itzá and the lesser-known (but just as incredible) Ek Balam ruins for some historical and cultural immersion.
If you’re looking for alternatives to Tulum in Mexico with deep cultural roots, easy access to nature, and far fewer tourists, Valladolid is a great pick.
🏨 Click here for a list of top-rated Valladolid hotels.
📍Click here for top-rated Valladolid tours.
5. Cozumel
✨ Highlight: World-class scuba diving on the Mesoamerican Reef, with vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters.
Just a short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen, Cozumel offers the turquoise water and white-sand beaches you’d expect from Tulum without the constant crowds or overpriced beach clubs.
Yes, it’s a major cruise ship stop. But here’s the secret: once the ships leave for the day, the island quiets down, and you and the divers have the place to yourselves.
Whether you’re exploring the coral reef, biking the coastline, or relaxing at a low-key beach bar, the evenings are pure magic.
It’s one of the top places similar to Tulum if you’re into water adventures, with some of the best scuba diving in Mexico and easy access to the Mesoamerican Reef.
For travelers craving coastal charm who are wondering where to go instead of Tulum, Cozumel is a clear winner.
🏨 Click here for a list of top-rated Cozumel hotels.
📍Click here for top-rated Cozumel tours.
6. Isla Holbox
✨ Highlight: Aquatic activities like seasonal swimming with whale sharks and swimming in bioluminescent waters.
If you’re dreaming of turquoise water, bioluminescent beaches, and a slower pace of life, Isla Holbox might be your perfect match.
This car-free island off the Yucatán Peninsula isn’t quite the secret it once was—resorts and beach clubs have arrived—but it still offers a more relaxed vibe than Tulum.
Part of what’s helped Holbox grow at a slower pace is its location. From Cancun Airport, you’ll need to take an ADO Bus, a shared shuttle, a private shuttle, or an (expensive) taxi to Chiquilá, where you’ll board a 25-minute ferry to Isla Holbox.
While it can be a bit tedious, it’s worth it to be able to go somewhere a little more off the beaten path.
Life here moves slowly, though there’s no shortage of things to do. You’ll get around by bike or golf cart, swim with whale sharks (seasonally), and watch the sky turn pink from a beach bar with your toes in the sand.
I highly recommend checking out Mandarina and Capitán Capitán Beach Club, both of which will perfectly place you for sunset.
Foodies, take note: Holbox is also a haven for fresh seafood lovers. Don’t miss the shrimp and fish tacos at Barba Negra, one of the tastiest restaurants on Holbox.
If you’re searching for Tulum alternatives that lean into barefoot luxury and laid-back living, Isla Holbox is a strong contender.
🏨 Click here for a list of top-rated Isla Holbox hotels.
📍Click here for top-rated Isla Holbox tours.
7. Río Lagartos
✨ Highlight: Boat tours through pink salt flats and mangroves filled with flamingos, crocodiles, and rare birds.
For a peaceful getaway rooted in nature and culture, Río Lagartos is one of the best places like Tulum in Mexico, minus the crowds, traffic, and tourist traps.
Located on the northern edge of the Yucatán Peninsula, this small fishing town borders the protected Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve—famous for its vibrant pink salt flats and year-round flamingo population. It’s ideal for travelers wanting wildlife encounters, quiet beaches, and a true connection with local life.
Take a boat tour through the mangroves, float in mineral-rich waters at Las Coloradas, or enjoy fresh seafood caught just steps away.
If you’re looking for alternatives to Tulum that prioritize nature, birdwatching, and small-town charm, Río Lagartos is a hidden gem worth discovering.
🏨 Click here for a list of top-rated Río Lagartos hotels.
📍Click here for top-rated Río Lagartos tours.
8. San Pancho
✨ Highlight: A creative, surfy village vibe with street art, live music, and community spirit still intact.
Just a 10-minute drive north of Sayulita, San Pancho (officially San Francisco) is what Tulum used to be: colorful, creative, and community-driven without the noise or influencer crowds.
Spend your morning browsing handmade goods at the artisanal markets, then grab brunch at Miralo Gastrobar, a relaxed eatery serving dishes made with local ingredients.
The wide beach is perfect for beginner surfers or a long afternoon under a palapa with fresh ceviche. In the evenings, catch live music at Gipsy San Pancho.
If you’re looking for culture, connection, and a slower pace, San Pancho delivers the kind of magic that initially made Tulum famous.
🏨 Click here for a list of top-rated San Pancho hotels.
📍Click here for top-rated San Pancho tours.
9. Mazunte
✨ Highlight: Hiking to Punta Cometa, the sacred cliff at Mazunte’s western edge, and catching an unforgettable sunset (or sunrise) over the Pacific
Tucked along Oaxaca’s rugged coastline, Mazunte is a peaceful village where jungle-covered hills meet the Pacific and yoga mats outnumber margaritas.
Start your day with rooftop yoga overlooking the sea at Hridaya Yoga, then visit the Mexican Turtle Center to learn about local conservation efforts.
Cool off with a swim at Playa Mermejita, a stunning and often deserted black-sand beach, or book a boat tour to spot dolphins and sea turtles offshore.
Come sunset, locals and travelers alike gather at Punta Cometa to watch the sky turn fire-orange over the cliffs.
If you’re looking for Tulum alternatives that offer simplicity, sustainability, and serenity, Mazunte is one of the most rewarding non touristy places in Mexico you can visit.
🏨 Click here for a list of top-rated Mazunte hotels.
📍Click here for top-rated Mazunte tours.
10. Loreto
✨ Highlight: Island-hopping through the Sea of Cortez, known as “the world’s aquarium,” in a UNESCO-protected marine park.
Loreto is a hidden gem in Baja California Sur that blends adventure, history, and small-town charm on the Sea of Cortez.
Unlike the polished resorts of Los Cabos, Loreto remains refreshingly low-key.
Explore cobblestone streets around the 17th-century Mission of Our Lady of Loreto, then head to the marina for a boat tour through Loreto Bay National Marine Park. You can snorkel with playful sea lions, hike volcanic islands, or simply relax on white-sand beaches with barely another soul in sight.
Back on land, try fish tacos at Mi Loreto, wander artisan shops, and watch the sunset with a glass of Baja wine.
If you’re after a nature-forward escape with true Mexican warmth and none of the Instagram pretense, Loreto may be your dream Tulum alternative.
🏨 Click here for a list of top-rated Loreto hotels.
📍Click here for top-rated Loreto tours.
Mexico Travel Insurance
When going to Mexico, it’s important to get travel insurance to protect yourself and your trip.
SafetyWing is a great option that won’t break the bank and has your back when it matters. They offer two straightforward plans:
✈️ Essential Plan – Great for vacations, short-term escapes, and set-length trips
- Includes emergency medical, trip delay, and evacuation coverage
- Subscribe month-to-month or lock in specific dates
- Optional extras for sports coverage, stolen tech, and U.S. travel
🌐 Complete Plan – Perfect for remote workers, expats, and long-haul adventurers
- Offers similar travel protections to Essential, but with expanded healthcare benefits like routine checkups, mental health support, and maternity coverage
- Covers you at home and overseas
- Includes extras like cancer screenings, outpatient care, and alternative therapies
➡️ Click here to compare plans and choose your coverage.
Final Thoughts On Visiting Places Similar To Tulum
Tulum might still look like paradise on Instagram, but behind the photos is a destination buckling under the weight of overtourism. If you’re second-guessing a visit, you’re not alone.
The good news? Mexico is full of places that offer the same crystal-clear water, vibrant culture, and natural beauty—without the crowds, overdevelopment, or greenwashed marketing.
From Bacalar’s serene lagoons to the desert-meets-sea magic of Loreto, these Tulum alternatives prove you don’t have to sacrifice charm or adventure to travel more responsibly. You might even enjoy it more!
What are your favorite Tulum alternatives?
