Situated less than 100 miles from Cancun, Mexico, the small beachside town of Tulum has become an epicenter for tourism. With its white sand beaches, turquoise water, cenotes and Mayan ruins, Tulum has seen a massive influx of travelers venturing to the Mexican town within the last 10 years.
If you’ve been scrolling TikTok or Instagram lately, you may have seen videos of Tulum on your “For You” page. This Quintana Roo destination is popular with sun-loving millennials and Gen Zers, among other travelers, who flock here for its off-the-grid beaches, wellness-focused activities and bohemian vibes.
If the citylike crowds and chaos of Cancun are not your scene, maybe Tulum should be on your bucket list. Plus, with the recent opening of a new airport in the Riviera Maya, it’s never been easier to soak up some Mexican sunshine and sample the local cuisine.
While it can be pricey to book flights and hotels in Tulum, you can save money by using points and miles for your travel itinerary. Here’s what you need to know about getting to Tulum (and staying there) using points and miles.
Book flights to Tulum using points and miles
Three major airports serve Tulum:
- Cancun International Airport (CUN): served by Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines and United Airlines
- Cozumel International Airport (CZM): served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines
- Tulum International Airport (TQO): served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and JetBlue (starting June 13)
Related: First look: Tulum’s new airport finally welcomes US flights — and it’s no Cancun
Though none of these three airports are in central Tulum, the new Tulum airport is only around 20 miles from the center of town.
With so many airlines flying to these three airports from across North America, there are plenty of flight options. Flights to Tulum will vary. You may find award flights that are cheaper or a lot more expensive, so it’s best to shop around before settling on a flight.
During our search, we found one-way award prices starting at the following rates per person before taxes and fees.
| Airline | Flights to Cancun | Flights to Cozumel | Flights to Tulum |
| Redeeming American Airlines AAdvantage miles | 10,000 (economy); 22,500 (business) | 10,000 (economy); 22,500 (business) | 12,500 (economy); 22,500 (business) |
| Redeeming Delta SkyMiles | 10,000 (economy); 27,000 (business) | 13,000 (economy); 23,000 (business) | 15,000 (economy); 23,000 (business) |
| Redeeming United MileagePlus miles | 7,300 (economy); 35,000 (business) | 9,100 (economy); 35,000 (business) | 15,000 (economy); 40,000 (business) |
| Redeeming JetBlue TrueBlue points | 6,800 (economy); 90,900 (business) | Not available | Not yet available |
| Redeeming Air Canada Aeroplan points | 10,000 (economy); 20,000 (business) | 10,000 (economy); 20,000 (business) | 10,000 (economy); 20,000 (business) |
If you’re flexible on travel days, TPG recommends using an award search tool, such as Seats.aero, to find award availability to help you maximize your travel rewards.
Book hotels in Tulum using points and miles
While many hotels in Tulum are local resorts or family-owned properties, big brands like Hilton and Hyatt are slowly opening hotels in the area. Here are a few of our favorite options.
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
Tucked in a secluded bay, this expansive resort features 1,316 rooms, some of which have stunning oceanfront views overlooking the white sands and vibrant blue waters of the Riviera Maya. Additionally, guests can enjoy a selection of 13 inclusive restaurants and bars on the premises.
Taking inspiration from the captivating shoreline of Tulum, the Hilton Tulum radiates a laid-back vibe, complete with exceptional amenities and an environmentally conscious design. Catering to Hilton enthusiasts keen on utilizing their points and families seeking an affordable, all-inclusive experience, this destination presents a compelling option where extra charges are minimal.
Rates start at $220 or 90,000 Hilton Honors points per night for a Nature View Room.
Related: Affordable fun that’s great for families: My stay at Hilton’s first all-inclusive resort in Tulum
Papaya Playa Project, Tulum, a Member of Design Hotels
The luxurious jungle lodge and cozy getaway dubbed the Papaya Playa Project fully embodies its status as a Design Hotel. Reflecting a “barefoot shabby chic” charm steps from the shore, the property features vintage decor and traditional huts with palm-thatched roofs.
Emphasizing its role within the ecosystem, the hotel prioritizes eco-friendly practices and promotes a sustainable approach, allowing guests to reestablish a connection with nature. Visitors can enjoy locally sourced meals at the beach club, engage in yoga sessions, join musical “jam sessions” and partake in other enriching experiences.
Rates start from $389 or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Related: 14 best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
The Conrad Tulum effortlessly combines the sophistication, charm, and elegance synonymous with the upscale Hilton brand while also embodying a genuine sense of local identity. It exudes a cool ambience that is inviting without being pretentious, blending a tasteful bohemian flair while maintaining a functional yet distinctive appeal. Offering a wide array of amenities, exceptional dining choices and a consistently uplifting atmosphere, the resort is an ideal retreat for couples who want to relax for several days without venturing beyond the resort walls.
While the resort caters to young families with its kids club and dedicated teen zone activities, the atmosphere leans toward a more adult-oriented sanctuary. Here, guests can indulge in days filled with pampering and holistic experiences, interspersed with outings to explore Tulum’s captivating Mayan ruins and enchanting cenotes.
Offseason rates start from $352 or 90,000 Hilton Honors points per night, but expect to pay more than $600 per night during peak winter months.
Related: A stylish, boho haven with a dreamy, castaway vibe: The Conrad Tulum
Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club
When viewed from above, the all-suite Secrets Tulum resort presents a modern and innovative appearance, aiming to capture the essence of the region’s famous cenotes. The circular structures house a series of pools, and unlike the natural wonders, swim-up suites are available for guests seeking direct access to the water.
Spread across the 300-suite property are a variety of nature-inspired features, such as the abundant use of stone, rock and wood. Each suite leads to a cenotelike space with a private balcony or terrace. You’ll find more rock finishes and indulgent soaking tubs within the bathrooms for a truly relaxing experience.
Entry-level suites start at 657 square feet, and accommodations work their way up to a five-bedroom private villa at the beach club that can accommodate 10 guests and comes with a private pool, a rooftop wet bar and a private chef.
Rates start from $491 (double occupancy) or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Related: Hyatt just opened a new adults-only all-inclusive resort in Tulum — and it has a private beach club
Best credit cards to book a Tulum vacation
If you need more points and miles for your next flight to Tulum, the following credit cards earn generous welcome bonuses that you could transfer to airline loyalty programs:
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Transfer to Aeroplan, SkyMiles and TrueBlue.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Transfer to Aeroplan, SkyMiles and TrueBlue.
- American Express® Gold Card: Transfer to Aeroplan, SkyMiles and TrueBlue.
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees): Earns AAdvantage miles.
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Transfer to Aeroplan, TrueBlue and MileagePlus.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Transfer to Aeroplan, TrueBlue and MileagePlus.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Transfer to Aeroplan, TrueBlue and MileagePlus.
If you are looking to book your hotel using points, the following credit cards earn generous welcome bonuses:
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Best for Marriott loyalists looking for perks.
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Best for Marriott loyalists who travel for business.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Best for Marriott loyalists looking for a no-annual-fee option.
- Hilton Honors American Express Card: Best for beginners loyal to the Hilton brand.
- Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Best for business travelers who stay with Hilton.
- World of Hyatt Credit Card: Best for anyone wanting to earn valuable World of Hyatt points.
- World of Hyatt Business Credit Card: Best for business travelers who want to earn Hyatt points.
Bottom line
If you’re looking to travel to Tulum, flights to Cancun will most likely require fewer points or miles. Keep in mind, though, that shuttle services from Cancun to Tulum may cost more than $100 one-way. With the addition of Tulum’s newest airport, you’ll probably end up spending more points or miles, but it is a more convenient alternative. Plus, you won’t have to deal with the hustle and bustle of Cancun’s airport.
Overall, Tulum can be a pricier Mexican vacation, especially if you want to book a beachside room or bungalow. However, utilizing travel rewards can help you save a ton of money on this bucket-list destination.
