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Plan a trip with
credit card points
Pick origin + destination + month → see best award flights, top hotels bookable on points, attractions, signature events, and the cards whose welcome bonus would cover the trip. 41 US origin airports, no bank link required.
Latin America
Tulum
Ancient ruins, turquoise seas, and jungle cenotes await your perfect escape
Pay in cash
$2,670
$420 flight + $2,250 hotel
Pay with points
140,000 pts
+ $55 taxes & fees
Best card for this trip
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Two economy roundtrip flights NYC–CUN via Aeroplan transfer (~60K UR)
Weather in June
⚠️ Off-season — weather can be challenging
Air temp
75°–90°F
24°–32°C
Rainfall
high
Crowds
Low
Rainy season starts, daily afternoon showers, hot
Flights — JFK → CUN
EconomyChase Ultimate Rewards → United MileagePlus
via United
JFK → CUN — check direct flights from JFK. Transfer Chase UR to United and book NYC–CUN nonstop on United or partners. Saver award rates apply; ~17,500 miles each way in economy.
35,000
roundtrip
+ $55 taxes
Amex Membership Rewards → Aeroplan
via Aeroplan
JFK → CUN — check direct flights from JFK. Transfer Amex MR to Air Canada Aeroplan and book on United or Air Canada codeshares. Excellent value with low carrier surcharges.
30,000
roundtrip
+ $60 taxes
Top hotels for your points
Picked for best points value — Hyatt has the only fixed award chart left in major US hotels, so your points stretch the furthest here. Tap each option below for why it stands out.
Hyatt Ziva Tulum
Hyatt·All-inclusive couples and families seeking beachfront luxuryAll-inclusive property on a stunning clifftop above the Caribbean. World of Hyatt points redeem well here especially with free night certificates.
21K/27K/33K
off / std / peak · Hyatt Cat 5
$450/night cash
5 nights = 105,000 pts (~$2,250 value)
More hotels on points
Marriott Tulum Hotel & Residences
Marriott·Travelers wanting a stylish resort close to Tulum townModern resort near the hotel zone with pool, spa, and proximity to beach clubs. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer 3:1 from Amex MR.
50,000/night
$380/night cash
5 nights = 250,000 pts (~$1,900 value)
Be Tulum Boutique Hotel
Independent·Eco-chic travelers seeking a design-forward boutique experienceNo points redemption available, but a celebrated adults-only eco-boutique property in the Tulum hotel zone worth paying cash for.
Cash only
$320/night
Trip Strategy — open these cards and the trip is mostly free
Earn the Chase Sapphire Preferred welcome bonus (60,000 UR points after $4,000 spend) and transfer to Aeroplan for two economy roundtrips from NYC. Add the World of Hyatt card (30,000 points after $3,000 spend) for two free nights at Hyatt Ziva Tulum, covering the majority of a 5-night stay.
Two economy roundtrip flights NYC–CUN via Aeroplan transfer (~60K UR)
$95/yr annual fee
Two free nights at Hyatt Ziva Tulum (30K Hyatt points welcome bonus)
$95/yr annual fee
Your out-of-pocket budget for this trip
🚗 Colectivos (shared vans) run between Cancun airport, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum for ~$5-10 USD. ADO buses are comfortable and cheap. Taxis and rental bikes work well within Tulum. · vs. $2,670 full cash trip
What to see & do in Tulum
Tulum Archaeological Zone
SightDramatic Mayan cliff-top ruins overlooking the turquoise Caribbean, one of the most photogenic ancient sites in Mexico.
Gran Cenote
OutdoorCrystal-clear freshwater cenote just outside town, perfect for snorkeling amid stalactites and tropical fish.
Tulum Beach Club Strip
BeachStretch of powder-white sand lined with chic beach clubs like Papaya Playa Project and Ahau offering daybeds and cocktails.
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
Day tripUNESCO-protected wetland and jungle reserve with boat tours, bird watching, and floating down ancient Mayan canals.
Hartwood Restaurant
FoodLegendary open-air wood-fire restaurant in the jungle, book weeks ahead for inventive Mexican cuisine under the stars.
Coba Ruins Climb
Day tripOne of the few remaining Mayan pyramids you can still climb, rising 138 feet above the jungle canopy with panoramic views.
Events to know about
- Nov
Día de los Muertos Celebrations
Vibrant Day of the Dead altars and festivities blend indigenous and Mexican culture throughout the Riviera Maya in early November.
- Jan
Tulum Wellness Festival
Annual gathering of yoga practitioners, healers, and wellness enthusiasts held on the beach each January drawing global visitors.
- Jan
BPM Festival
World-renowned electronic music festival drawing top DJs to beach and jungle venues across the Riviera Maya for 10 days in January.
- Mar · Apr
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Mexican spring break and Easter week brings large domestic crowds and festive energy, book accommodation well in advance.