Cabanas Copal & Tulum Ruins/Beach Questions

[BeachDude]

I'm going to Tulum and staying at Cabanas Copal in May and had a few questions - thanks for your help/advice! :)

Is it possible to walk along the beach from Copal all the way to the Tulum Ruins?

I've read many conflicting reports on this. Some people say it is an easy, nice walk with a few small rocky areas along the way. Then other people say it is impossible because of big cliffs that require major rock climbing skills to get around. So which is it, has anyone every actually done this?

In regards to the CO status of Copal what is the percentage of the guests that actually take advantage of this "option"? I realize that it varies from day to day, but I can't understand why anyone would go to a "clothing optional" facility and not take advantage of it!

What kind of guests (where from?) usually visit the area in May? I've heard that the summer months it's mostly Europeans and some Americans, but I'm just curious - dosn't make a difference for me either way.

Is topfree/nude sunbathing allowed at the beach near the Tulum Ruins itself? Again, I've read many conflicting reports on this - same say that yes it is ok, there are people that do it, while others say it is highly offensive there.

[Gale in KY]

Walking to the ruins, well I guess it is possible, but, it will be quite a hike in the hottest time of the year. The beach has some rocky outcroppings that make walking difficult at best..at one point, cliffs make it necessary to walk the road, unless you are part mountain goat.

Clothing optional: It is a do as you want atmosphere, some do, some don't..and while the beach at Copal is CO, they do request that you cover up in the "public areas" such as the restaurant, the bar, and reception areas. It is really just what you are comfortable with..if ya want to, kewl, if you don't that's kewl too.

Nudity at the ruins: The ruins is a public place, lots of families and locals, as well as being a sacred place to many who visit there..IMO, it would be very disrespectful to be nude here...especially considering that the mexican people are rather conservative and would not appreciate being exposed to nudity here..remember, you are in their country and should respect their wishes. I have not seen any nudity at the ruins beach, ever.

There are a few cabanas/hotels that are closer to the ruins than Copal, that may allow nudity.

Best bet for total nude walks on the beach would be south of Copal where the beach widens and gets better and better as you go, as well as being more secluded.

[MikeW]

I'm going to Tulum and staying at Cabanas Copal in May and had a few questions - thanks for your help/advice! :)

Is it possible to walk along the beach from Copal all the way to the Tulum Ruins?

I've read many conflicting reports on this. Some people say it is an easy, nice walk with a few small rocky areas along the way. Then other people say it is impossible because of big cliffs that require major rock climbing skills to get around. So which is it, has anyone every actually done this?

In regards to the CO status of Copal what is the percentage of the guests that actually take advantage of this "option"? I realize that it varies from day to day, but I can't understand why anyone would go to a "clothing optional" facility and not take advantage of it!

What kind of guests (where from?) usually visit the area in May? I've heard that the summer months it's mostly Europeans and some Americans, but I'm just curious - dosn't make a difference for me either way.

Is topfree/nude sunbathing allowed at the beach near the Tulum Ruins itself? Again, I've read many conflicting reports on this - same say that yes it is ok, there are people that do it, while others say it is highly offensive there.

Gale's post pretty much hits it on the head. Not sure what it is like in May, March was really nice.

About 1/3 to 1/2 on the beach were CO when we were there in March, the rest except for one or two were topless. One couple walked around the restort CO, not in public areas.

People that went there and not take advantage of CO, are taking advantage of a very quiet, relaxing resort. Massages, secluded beach, good food, etc. Cabanas that seemed safe, with staff watching the grounds at night.

[BeachDude]

Hi - thanks for your responses! :)

Yeah, I got the idea of walking to the ruins via the beach from Copal's website... they say it's possible, but I have also heard the same thing from other people - that you need to jump on to the road at a certain point. Thanks for clarifying that! As for the heat, that's why I think a beach walk would be great - just hop in the ocean if it starts to get too hot! At least it sounds like a good idea, lol.

As for the CO part - thanks again, I've heard that some do, some do not. To each his own, I suppose.

Nudity at the ruins - The reason I ask is because I saw some photos of a beach that had many topfree women on it and appeared to be very close to the ruins. You could see the ruins in the background, perhaps this part of the beach is further south than it looked. I have read that there is a CO beach just south of the ruins, some referred to it as "San Francisco Beach", has anyone heard of this before or have any info?

I was under the impression that ALL of the Tulum beaches were traditionally topfree/clothing-optional, so I just want to double-check on that before I go and do something foolish! :o

Oh, one last question!
Copal seems to be very packed for May. When I looked at their availability, they only had ONE Partial Seaview cabana and a few Garden/Jungle cabanas available, nothing else! So I reserved the last Partial Seaview.... has anyone stayed in one of those cabanas and is it *really* a partial seaview? Thank you so much!

[Gale in KY]

In May, the heat and humidity will be alot worse away from the breezes on the water. The parital seaview cabanas sit back from the beach farther than the seview kings etc. and they will be alot warmer..believe it or not, the bugs will be worse too.they can't handle the strong breeze on the beach,but they thrive the farther you get from it..and the mosquito netting over the bed blocks a lot of the breeze you do get..I don't think I would want to stay in a partial seaview in May..In Jan. maybe, but, not in May, or the summer months.
They are all quite unique, but, all have thier own special qualities..the garden and jungle cabanas are set in the most beautifully landscaped grounds, some say they like them better because they feel more private. The seaside and seaview are all close to the water and you benefit from the awesome sunrises as well as the strong cooling breezes.

Truthfully, this time of year, I would opt for one of the shared bathroom/sand floor cabanas directly on the beach before I would stay in a garden/jungle cabana, and maybe even the partial seaview..but, I don't tolerate the humidity well without the breezes...if you can stand the heat, and perspiring alot, you probably won't mind being back from the beach.

Did you check at Papaya Playa right next door? They share the same beach and may have something available. When we were there, you couldn't tell who was from Playa and who was from Copal, at least on the beach. www.papayaplaya.com

Next to PapayaPlaya, first place after you turn on the hotel road, is Tribal Village..they have some comparable cabanas etc.
www.tribalvillagetulum.com

Up closer to the ruins, the area you mention, there are a couple of places too..El Parasio, El Mirador, and a couple of others, I would have to look up..cabanas on the beach etc. Zazil-Kin, I think is there too.

There are several options like Copal in the area, check them all out before you book..but, as for being crowded, they were completely sold out when we were there, it didn't feel crowded to us at all.

They have gotten some bad press, but, we checked them out and they seemed comparable to Copal..they have an awesome beachbar..it is made from the hull of a boat.

[BeachDude]

Wow, thanks for all of the great info!
However, it's too late and I've already made reservations at Copal.

I will look into getting some battery powered fans maybe, just to help at night. But I think I'd rather have a private bathroom and just try to deal with the heat. I live in California, so I'm used to a fairly warm climate year round, hopefully that will allow me to tolerate it more, lol.

I was kind of surprised that Copal was so booked since May is supposed to be the "low season" - then again, it's also when the prices drop too, lol. Despite the heat, I think I'll still have a great time - really looking forward to it! :)

[Gale in KY]

You will have a blast..we fell in love with the place. The atmosphere is kind of a funky cross between Survivor and Margaritaville, with a bit of Mayan Mysticism thrown in. We had the best time hanging out (and when I say hanging I mean it, the bar stools in the restaurant bar are swings) with the bartenders and just meeting people who came in. The food is more expensive, but, I didn't eat a thing there that wasn't good, and the service was great, Jorge was the best waiter. Gave us spanish to go lessons.

My husband gave me a small battery operated lantern for Christmas, it came in very handy. It is dark at night..especially in the bathroom..we put it behind the shower curtain and left it on all night..just the right amount of light so you can see without being too much.

Had a small flashlight, that is helpful walking the pathways at night too.once you get away from the restaurant, they aren't lit.

Cell Phones-We have Nextel, and they assured us we would have service..and of course, we didn't have any. They have a payphone in the spa services reception area, and phone cards at check in reception...if you are planning on calling home, or anyone, with either collect or phone card calls, be sure to tell whoever you are gonna call to take privacy block off their phone so you can..the calls won't go thru with it on there..very frustrating, I finally thought to call hubby's cell the day before we came home..lol!

We bought a cheap starfoam cooler at the grocery store, and filled it with ice, that we went to the same grocery to get..San Fransico Market..bought beer, enough for the day..and some great Mexican wine coolers..kept the cost down for drinks on the beach. And a jug of water..that came in handy for teeth brushing and middle of the night thirst..the water in the sink and shower is salt, and you really dont want to use it for consumption anyway. Same water came in handy for washing the sand off your feet before you get into bed.

The sand is very powdery, sticks to you, but, also brushes and washes off easier than coarse sand like we have on the east coast. Very cool, too doesn't get hot.

If I think of any more tips, I will pass them on, you will figure it out quickly, and you are gonna have a great time.

[BeachDude]

Wow - thanks again, Gale! :)
I've been wondering about cell phones too, I have AT&T/Cingular so I'm curious to see if that will work... of course they all tell you it will work, but you just never know until you get there. Good to know that they have a pay-phone at Copal though.

I've been researching on the web and this site/forum is the best I've found so far. There are sooo many conflicting and contradictory trip reports out there, you have to wonder if people are even talking about the same place, lol. It's been kind of frustrating to find good info, so I guess I'll have to wait until I get there to find out for sure!

Is the grocery store, San Francisco Market within walking distance from Copal? About how far? thanks!

[Gale in KY]

It is on the corner of 307 and Coba Rd, where you turn to get to the hotel zone.

As you are coming into town from Cancun (S on 307), it will be on your right at the stoplight. Can't miss it. At this light, you will turn left to go to Copal, or straight takes you into Tulum. When you turn left towards Copal, I guess it is about a mile or so, this deadends, have to turn either left or right on the Hotel Rd. (Boca Paila Rd.) Turn Right, Copal is the third place on the left, third place period, nothing but jungle on the right..

I guess it is about 1 1/2 miles from Copal back to the grocery..give or take.