Gay Tulum

At its heart, Tulum may seem like a hippie-chic alternative to the more party-pockmarked Cancun. Thanks to influencers and free-spirited adventurers, however, it's become one of the trendiest (and gayest) places in the Yucatán Peninsula. Speaking of those influencers, don't be too turned off: Though Tulum may be touristy to a T and a little overpriced, it's also enriched by local cuisine, national history, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Whether you're being woken up by howler monkeys, chomping on street tacos, admiring psychedelic street art, seeking inner balance in a Maya sweat lodge, or slathering on restorative mud in a local lagoon, you're never at a loss for adventure. Tulum is also very welcoming to queer travelers, in part due to its reliance on tourism. There are no actual gay bars or clubs here, but you won't have a problem finding fellow Marys. Whether you're staying in a luxe beachside resort or a more affordable B&B in the town center, you're bound to find like-minded travelers and friendly, welcoming locals. You might also meet vacation buddies in one of the colectivos (shared vans) that shuttle people back and forth from town to the beach. (You don't want to walk from town to the beach, trust us.) That said, biking is also a great way to beat the local traffic. Ultimately, Tulum's main attraction is its coastline -- and for good reason. With sapphire-blue water, alabaster-white sand, and its very own Maya ruin, Tulum's long, languorous beach is not to be missed. But once you've strolled the beach, hit the clubs, and sampled the local tacos al pastor, you can find plenty of attractions just outside of town. You really shouldn't leave Tulum without diving into a cenote or snorkeling in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Maybe you'll even meet some cute boys along the way.