Mayan Magic Meets Modern Airports: Tulum's Time to Soar

Following the COVID-19 pandemic that threw a global curveball, Mexico's charismatic President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, rolled up his sleeves and announced a game-changing project. Fast-forward three years, and the plan to construct an airport in Tulum is about to take off. You heard it right, this picturesque Mexican paradise is all set to welcome travelers by air, and it's not just any airport – it's a mind-boggling fusion of military might, eco-consciousness, and Mayan magic.

Tulum, nestled 120 kilometers south of the ever-popular Cancun, is a place that's seen quite the transformation. With just around 33,000 residents, this charming town has exploded in popularity over the years. It's a hypnotic blend of cenotes (natural sinkholes), meandering underground rivers, powdery beaches, and the dramatic ruins of an ancient Mayan city, perched precariously on a cliff.

And oh, did we mention it's smack in the middle of the Riviera Maya? The Riviera Maya, a magical strip that stretches from Puerto Morelos in Quintana Roo all the way to the Belizean border, boasts an annual estimate of 32,000 flights ready to transport 5.5 million travelers. Impressive, right?

The Tulum International Airport is no ordinary project. Sprawled over 1,200 hectares in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, this bad boy is just 20 kilometers southwest of downtown Tulum. If you're wondering how to reach it, fear not – there's a 10.5-kilometer road that'll whisk you from the airport to Federal Highway 307, your ticket to a commercial and service corridor that'll have you exploring the best of Tulum in no time.

The airport will also play a pivotal role in connecting to sections 5 and 6 of the Mayan Train, yet another ambitious project of López Obrador's administration. Choo choo, travelers!

A Gateway to Uncharted Beauty

But it's not just about Tulum; this airport opens doors to the treasures of the Mexican southeast. Situated 76 kilometers from Playa del Carmen, it's your portal to Valladolid's magical town and the awe-inspiring Chichén Itzá archaeological zone in Yucatán. And if you're up for some eco-adventures and beachy bliss, it's your gateway to the quieter southern Riviera Maya – an untouched gem where coastal towns and the Sian Ka'an nature reserve beckon.

Picture yourself in Sian Ka'an, where the jungle boldly intersects with subway rivers, mangroves, and the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest coral reef on Earth. Snorkelers and nature enthusiasts, take a bow.

In case you're already dusting off your passport, here's the big news: The Tulum International Airport is set to start operations on December 1, 2023, alongside the Mayan Train. And it seems the airline industry can't wait to get in on the action. Aeromexico and Viva Aerobus have announced exciting routes to connect with Tulum Airport. From Mexico City to Monterrey, Guadalajara, Tijuana, and more, you've got options galore to touchdown in style.

Mexicana de Aviación, the recently state-acquired airline, is also getting in on the action, promising domestic connections from all corners of the country. Looks like Tulum will be quite the hot spot!

Javier Aranda Pedrero, the man behind the Tourism Promotion Council of Quintana Roo, is pretty stoked about the Tulum airport, and for good reason. It's not just going to bring in more travelers; it's also paving the way for new hotels. Two Grupo Posadas hotels, Life Aqua, and Grand Fiesta Americana, are on the horizon, offering nearly 1,100 rooms.

And, if you're desiring some Hard Rock vibes, RCD Hotels, the masterminds behind the iconic Hard Rock brand, are gearing up to open another hotel with a whopping 1,600 rooms. Who's ready to party like a rock star in Tulum?

Tulum, Mexico's crown jewel of the Caribbean, is ready to take its place on the international travel stage. With an airport that's as eco-conscious as it is game-changing, there's no stopping this tropical paradise. So, whether you're an explorer, a beach bum, or a history buff, Tulum's got something special waiting just for you. Get ready to be swept off your feet because Tulum is on the horizon!