Welcome to the jungle. When planning a trip to Tulum, Mexico – internationally-renowned beach destination famed for its sun-bleached shoreline, lush jungle surrounds and signature bohemian hotel scene – be aware that no matter how luxurious your hotel may be, you are still in the jungle. And with this comes realities. I would know. I live here.
A quick search on “what to pack for a trip to Tulum” will reveal guides that are largely focused on aesthetics. A pretty sunhat, flowy maxi dress, roomy beach tote and maybe a sunscreen rec. All worth the room in your suitcase, yes. But as someone who knows a thing or two about surviving the region’s notorious heat, humidity and yes – mosquitoes – I’m going to give you the inside scoop on what you really need to bring.
Equally important as your edit of floaty frocks, stylish swim and escapist accessories? Your jungle, and humidity, survival kit. Read: an arsenal of must-pack skin, hair and beach-bod saviors that can make or break your getaway to the boho-paradisiacal playground. In fact, I could argue that the practicals warrant even more space in your suitcase than the aesthetics. Tulum is a treasure trove of boho-chic shopping and while you’ll want to arrive with a starting stash, you’ll no doubt want to leave plenty of room to stock up from local artisans and designers (like my fave, Omnia Tulum).
Ahead, everything you need to bring for your upcoming trip to Tulum – boho beachwear and sun-kissed beauty to must-pack jungle essentials and humidity survival hacks – from someone who actually lives in Tulum. You can thank me later.
Related: 14 Best Boutique Hotels in Tulum: Beachfront to Jungle-Immersed
What to Pack For a Trip to Tulum: Suncare
Listen, beach babes. I don’t care how sun-resistant you think you are, how easily you tan or how much of a base tan you think you already have. Tulum lies just 419 miles north of the equator and the blazing Mexican Caribbean sun is no joke. It only takes 10 minutes of sun exposure here to go from zero to lobster-fried sans sunscreen, and it’s not a cute look. Walk into any hotel in the Riviera Maya and what’s the first thing you see? Sunburned tourists. Don’t be one of those tourists.
I’ve been using this for a over a year now and am hooked: a lightweight, water-resistant formula packed with nourishing shea butter, Vitamin C and Vitamin E that leaves my skin with a subtle, luminescent sheen. Oxybenzone and octinoxate-free.
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 (8 oz)
$9.97
This ultra-lightweight sunscreen serum can go on under or over makeup, won’t clog pores and instead of a white cast, leaves you with a hint of glow.
KIEHL’S Better Screen™ UV Serum SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen with Collagen PeptidE (1.7 oz)
$45.00
For when you’re looking for a little more coverage, this sheer, barely there tinted moisturizer with SPF evens out skin tones and hides imperfections.
COOLA Rōsilliance Tinted Moisturizer zinc oxide Sunscreen SPF 30 in golden hour (1.5 oz)
$52.00
It can be easy to overlook your pucker, but you won’t be able to resist swiping on this hydrating, sheer lip balm infused with SPF, Vitamin E and a hint of tint. Plus, a delicious coconut scent.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Tinted Lip Balm in sunset cove
$9.99
Let’s hope you don’t end up another sunburned tourist, but just in case – this whipped body butter with shea butter, coconut oil and avocado oil is the stuff of skin-soothing dreams.
Hawaiian Tropic Exotic Coconut After Sun Body Butter (8 oz)
$10.99
Related: 20 Island-Inspired Beauty Buys Giving Endless Summer, Head to Toe
What to Pack For a Trip to Tulum: Sunkissed Beauty & Wellness
Whether your plan in Tulum is to bask in the sun or laze in the shade, none will be the wiser with these sunkissed beauty picks. Plus, post-sun hair repair and a daily remedy to ward off Montezuma’s Revenge.
Fake a sunkissed tan (or add to your real one) by mixing these easy self-tanning drops with your daily moisturizer for a gradual, skin-brightened glow. Perfect for pre, during and post-travel.
Isle of Paradise Self-Tan Drops for Face & Body (1.01 oz)
$30.00
Give your skin an instant glow-up with this shimmering, versatile elixir. The lightweight formula packs a punch, counting skin-plumping hyaluronic acid, rejuvenating sea kelp and sun-protecting zinc oxide. Wear as a subtle highlighter or mix with your favorite moisturizer or foundation for an all-over glow.
Elina Organics Face Glow Elixer in Pearl or Bronze (0.75 oz)
$38.00
Designed for hair and body, this sultry scent of solar florals, coconut milk and warm sand will elongate your beach days into the night – and even transport them back home.
Sol de Janeiro rio radiance Hair & Body Fragrance Mist in Cheirosa 87 (3 oz)
$26.00
The combination of sun, heat and salt may do wonders for your tan and natural exfoliation, but can and will wreak havoc on your hair. Show your sun-dried locks some love with this heaven-scented coconut & fig hair mask. It’s packed with nourishing shea butter, hydrating linseed and high-shine argan oil.
Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Coconut & Fig Hair Masque (7.2 oz)
$32.00
At the end of the day (or night), wipe off the salt, sweat and makeup with these one-step cleansing towelettes infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid and skin-brightening witch hazel. They’re travel-friendly too.
billie Biodegradable Wonder Wipes (25 ct)
$10.47
I have stanned these post-shave pads for over a decade and will forever swear by them. They’re packed with exfoliating salicylic and glycolic acids, skin-calming witch hazel and green tea, and work on everything from bikini bumps and underarm ingrowns to yes, even buttne.
Completely Bare Bikini Bump Blaster Pads (50 ct)
$9.99
Don’t let the dreaded Montezuma’s Revenge (a.k.a. traveler’s diarrhea) ruin your trip to paradise. Prep your immune system both pre-travel and in-trip with these digestive and gut health-supporting probiotics. You can thank me later.
Physician’s CHOICE Probiotics 60 Billion CFU (30 ct)
$9.99
Related: These 8 New Luxury Resorts are Rebranding Mexico’s Riviera Maya
What to Pack For a Trip to Tulum: Anti-Humidity Hacks {sweat}
Two things are always kicking in Tulum: the humidity, and your body’s inevitable response – sweat. Prevent a sticky situation from your underarms to your inner thighs with these sweat-fighting saviors.
Thigh chafing. The struggle doesn’t have to be real in Tulum with this genius solve.
Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick (2.12 oz)
$13.97
For easy, residue-free underarm and all-over body protection.
Dove invisible Antiperspirant Deodorant dry Spray in clear finish (3.8 oz)
$7.97
Slough it all off – the sweat, the sand, the salt, the mosquito spray – and leave behind soft skin that feels and smells heavenly. This decadent scrub is packed with roasted coffee grounds and jojoba beads for gentle exfoliation, plus skin-nourishing coconut oil and free radical-fighting antioxidants.
frank body coconut coffee exfoliating scrub (7.05 oz)
$19.98
Not all heroes wear capes, but Katie Sturino, founder of Megababe, should.
Megababe Bust Dust Anti-Boob-Sweat Powder (3 oz)
$15.97
A vacay-scented underarm upgrade that glides on clear, is aluminum-free and superpowered with Vitamin B3.
Dove VitaminCare+ Deodorant Stick in Coconut & Shea (2.6 oz)
$12.59
What to Pack For a Trip to Tulum: Anti-Humidity Hacks {frizz}
Remember that episode of Friends when they all go down to the Caribbean, and Monica’s hair gets bigger by the minute? Welcome to real life in Tulum. Especially if you have thick hair like me, you’re going to want to come prepared. Tame hair-raising situations with my frizz-fighting picks.
A tress-taming power couple packed with nourishing sea buckthorn, frizz-fighting water lily extract, shine-enhancing aloe leaf juice, and amika’s signature extended humidity shield technology.
amika forget frizz anti-frizz shampoo & conditioner set (2 x 9.2 oz)
$56.00
A heat-activated, invisible spritz that keeps your locks smooth and frizz-free for over 24 hours.
Amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray (5.3 oz)
$32.00
Related: Poolside at Hacienda Xcanatun, a Tranquil Refuge in the Yucatán Jungle
What to Pack For a Trip to Tulum: Jungle Survival Kit {mosquitos}
The mosquitoes in Tulum are real – and relentless. Protect yourself against unpleasant, itchy and unsightly bites (not to mention dengue) by arriving prepared.
I am a veritable mosquito magnet and swear by OFF! Deep Woods with 25% DEET. It’s the only mosquito spray that works for me in Tulum, and say what you want about the primary ingredient – I’ll take DEET over dengue any day. Deep Woods Dry is my go-to for its non-sticky, non-greasy formula that dries to a powder-like finish.
OFF! Deep Woods Dry Insect Repellent (4 oz)
$7.99
For your carry-on.
OFF! Deep Woods Dry Insect Repellent travel size 2-Pack (2 x 2.5 oz)
$14.99
A game-changing mosquito repelling solution that’s spray-free, scent-free and DEET-free. Whenever you find yourself stationary (e.g. lounging poolside, grabbing breakfast on your ocean-view balcony or snagging a table at one of Tulum’s hippest jungle-side restaurants) set up this portable wunderkind for a virtually impenetrable 20-foot zone of mosquito protection.
Thermacell E-Series Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller in Blue
$39.99
Even the best laid plans can be foiled by a ravenous and opportunistic mosquito, so it’s best to come prepared. Nothing, in my opinion, delivers instant, effective relief like this travel-friendly roll-on pen.
After Bite advanced itch-relieving Pen 4-pack (4 x 0.5 oz)
$15.99
My go-to when I don’t want bug bites affecting my beauty sleep.
BenAdryl Allergy Portable Go-Packs (4 packets of 2 tablets)
$4.99
Related: 12 Stylish, Oversized Beach Towels to Stretch Out on This Summer
What to Pack For a Trip to Tulum: Accessories
A roll-up sunhat, one & done sandal, lightweight Turkish towel and more effortless under the sun must-packs, head-to-toe.
These color-blocked earrings are giving posh beach vibes, transition seamlessly from day to night, and are mindfully crafted from repurposed, ethically sourced buffalo horn.
Sunshine Tienda Rosy ARch Dangles
$42.00
A wide-brimmed, adjustable sunhat that nimbly rolls up to fit in your luggage or beach tote, plus accommodates ponytails and top-knots? Say less.
FURTALK Roll-up Straw Sun Visor
$19.99
It’s thirty minutes before you need to leave the hotel to catch your flight, and where are you? Catching a final dip in the beach, pool or jacuzzi, obviously. For those last-minute moments when you’re left with a wet suit to pack, this splash-proof toiletry pouch has you covered. The multipurpose wonder not only keeps your suitcase leak-free from wet bikinis and liquid packables, but your beach tote spill-free from sunscreen, tanning oil and Evian Facial Mist. Plus, doubles as a chic beach clutch for balmy days and breezy nights.
ALOHA Collection Splash-Proof Mid Pouch in soleil (11″ x 8.5″)
$28.00
This earth-toned sandal with a pop of gold hardware is stylish, classy and the one-and-done “dressy” pair you need to bring to Tulum (hint: you can leave the stilettos at home).
Nine West Derika Flat Thong Sandal in White
$63.75
A luxe, jungle-inspired head scarf to accent loose beach waves or a no-fuss low bun.
100% Mulberry Silk Head Scarf in Leopard-Print Green (27″ x 27″)
$18.99
Your one & done bangle set. Whether wearing stacked or solo, this earthy trio is bound to pair with everything in your suitcase.
By Anthropologie Wavy Bangle Bracelets in neutral/chocolate
$48.00
A mindfully stylish, waterproof hip bag for hands-free Tulum adventures, that happens to be made from 1.7 pounds of bycatch plastic pulled directly from the ocean.
GOT Bag Hip Bag in Reef
$49.00
Ditch the flips and pack these wear-everywhere slides instead. They offer far more support than a pair of flip flops, go with practically everything and can be worn from beach to pool to Tulum’s famed cliffside ruins.
Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sandals in Eggshell
$50.00
Chances are your hotel will provide beach towels, but if you’re like me and always like to bring one just in case, minimize your packing space with a Turkish towel. They’re stylish, lightweight, quick-drying and can even double as a sarong. You’ll never go back to packing a regular beach towel again.
GOQAN 100% Cotton Oversized Turkish Beach Towel in Azure (39” x 71″)
$19.99
A roomy mesh beach tote with multiple pockets – four exterior and one interior with zipper – for easy organization.
KPX Mesh Beach Bag in Khaki
$9.99
Between sand, sea, chlorine and the region’s famed cenotes (natural limestone sinkholes), there’s no denying a waterproof phone case is a packing priority when headed to Tulum. This pick is sleek, streamlined and floats – meaning you don’t have to worry about retrieving your phone, ID and otherwise from the depths of the ocean floor when you accidentally drop the case mid-snorkel. Plus, a handy pocket stores keys, cards and cash.
Pelican Marine Series Waterproof Phone Pouch with storage pocket and Detachable Lanyard in Black/Lime (2 CT)
$35.94
Related: 18 Best Lightweight Sweaters & Cardigans for Breezy, Year-Round Tropical Travels
What to Pack For a Trip to Tulum: Boho Beachwear
Tuluminati style is real. Think anything floaty, flowy and seemingly effortless, with definitive bohemian undertones. With few exceptions you’ll want to stick to breathable materials like cotton and linen, and while neutrals may reign supreme, that doesn’t mean you can’t rock a bold splash of color too.
This chic pullover kaftan is what effortless beach days are made of.
By Anthropologie Patterned Sheer Kaftan in Tan Print
$148.00
An airy slip dress for balmy jungle nights.
Celandine Ethereal Printed Dress in BOTANICAL PRINT
$148.00
It doesn’t get any easier than this stylish, sand-hued set you’re bound to wear everywhere.
Fixmatti 100% Cotton Button Down Shirt and Short Set in Colorblock2
$32.99
This seriously chic black & white bikini boasts a flattering balconette top with supportive underwire and soft, adjustable shoulder straps, plus a tie-side bikini bottom for the perfect fit.
Monday Swimwear Cala Roja Top + Le Marais Bottom in Black/Ivory
$111.00 + $86.00
An effortless slip dress seamlessly transitioning from beach to bar to beyond.
NAP Loungewear Relaxed Midi Dress in Yellow
$59.00
A statement set that’s billowy, kitschy and begging a seaside brunch.
Maaji Tropic Camouflage Octavia Shirt + Ophelia Pants
$140.00 + $143.00
A boho beach-to-bar cover up with lace-up plunging neckline, gold hardware accents and nostalgic flared sleeves.
Monday Swimwear Corossol Dress in Ivory Lace Crochet
$228.00
A statement one-piece in a transportive tropical print with a hint of whimsy.
Maaji Solar Bliss Luster Cheeky Cut Classic One Piece
$211.00
This easy beach pullover is sexy, unexpected and in Tulum, wearable to dinner too.
By Anthropologie The Levina Wide-Strap Open-Side Midi Dress in black
$88.00
Your wear-everywhere shirt dress complete with semi-sheer coverage, a plunging v-neck and leg-bearing hem.
L*Space 100% Linen Capistrano Tunic
$228.00
A stylish, easy and reversible extra layer for evening beach strolls, breezy seaside dinners and A/C powered indoor dining.
Urban CoCo Fringed Open-Front Poncho
$34.80
