Weekend Getaway to Cancun or Tulum Using Points and Miles

Dreaming of pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins and vibrant nightlife? A weekend getaway to Cancun and Tulum might be just what you need. This Mexican paradise offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, catering to every type of traveler.

Cancun, Mexico is within easy reach of most of the United States, and there are many nonstop flights available. This fun tropical destination is just a short plane ride away, making it perfect for a weekend getaway! In just a few hours, you’ll be transported to a tropical paradise with stunning white sand beaches, warm Caribbean waters, clear blue cenotes and amazing Mayan ruins. And let’s not forget about the food!

There are a few ways to enjoy Cancun. Whether you’re an active traveler who likes to get out and explore, or if relaxing on the beach with a tropical cocktail in hand is more your style, you’ll have dozens of beautiful resorts to choose from. And the best part? Cancun is in the Eastern Standard Time zone, so there’s no jet lag! Plus, from Cancun you can take a day trip to Tulum, so you can explore both destinations in one trip.

Let’s dive into how you can make the most of your trip using points and miles, exploring everything from flight options to must-see attractions.

How to Get to Cancun or Tulum With Points and Miles

Almost all U.S. airlines have nonstop flights to Cancun from many airports, including smaller secondary airports all across the U.S. You can get there with only one connection from just about anywhere in the country.

And thanks to the new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport that opened in Tulum in December 2023, you now have more options for reaching your destination. However, flying into Cancun International Airport often remains the most cost-effective choice, especially if you’re going to pay with cash (award flights will often have more similar pricing). Let’s explore both options in detail.

Flying to Cancun

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is served by numerous major airlines, making it an excellent option for those looking to use points and miles.

Flying to Tulum

The new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport in Tulum offers more direct options for reaching this popular destination. While award prices are generally comparable to those for Cancun, the cash prices are likely to be higher, but the convenience factor might make it worth considering. You can get a nonstop flight into Tulum from the following U.S. cities:

• Charlotte, NC (American)
• Chicago (United)
• Dallas/Fort Worth (American)
• Detroit (Delta-seasonal)
• Houston (United)
• Miami (American)
• Newark (United)
• New York-JFK (JetBlue)

Award Flight Prices to Cancun and Tulum

American Airlines AAdvantage

• Economy: 15,000 miles each way (off-peak) / 25,000 miles each way (peak)
• Business: 25,000 miles each way

American Airlines offers one of the best values for flying to Cancun, especially during off-peak dates. Their extensive network and partnerships make it easy to find award flights from various U.S. cities.

United MileagePlus

• Economy: From 17,500 miles each way
• Business: From 30,000 miles each way

United’s extensive route network and partnerships with Mexican airlines like Aeromexico provide flexibility in booking award flights to Cancun.

Delta SkyMiles

• Economy: From 15,000 miles each way
• First Class: From 35,000 miles each way

While Delta uses dynamic pricing, you can often find good deals, especially if you’re flexible with your travel dates.

Southwest Rapid Rewards

• Points required vary based on the cash price of the ticket.

Southwest’s point redemptions are tied to the cash price of tickets, which can lead to excellent value, especially during sales. Plus, if you hold the Southwest Companion Pass, you can bring a friend for just the cost of taxes and fees.

JetBlue TrueBlue

• Points required vary based on the cash price of the ticket.

Like Southwest, JetBlue’s award pricing is tied to the cash price of tickets. This can sometimes result in great deals, particularly during sales.

British Airways Avios

• Economy: 11,000 Avios each way from Miami
• Business: 22,000 Avios each way from Miami

You might be thinking, why would I book a flight using British Airways points to fly from the U.S. to Mexico? This is where knowing a little bit about the airline alliances comes in handy. British Airways and American Airlines are both part of the same alliance, and using Avios to book American Airlines flights can offer excellent value, especially for short-haul routes like Miami to Cancun.

Air Canada Aeroplan

• Economy: From 12,500 points each way
• Business: From 25,000 points each way

Aeroplan’s distance-based award chart can provide good value, especially for shorter flights to Cancun.

Maximizing Your Points and Miles

To make the most of your points and miles for a Cancun/Tulum getaway, consider these strategies:

• Flexible point programs: Currencies like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Capital One miles can be transferred to multiple airline partners, giving you more options and potentially better value.
• Credit card welcome bonuses: Many travel rewards credit cards offer substantial welcome bonuses that could cover your flight to Mexico. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card often has a bonus that, when transferred to United MileagePlus, could cover round-trip flights for two to Cancun.
• Airline credit cards: Co-branded credit cards from airlines like American, Delta or United often come with perks like free checked bags, which can save you money on your trip.
• Off-peak travel: If your schedule allows, traveling during off-peak times can save you points. For example, American Airlines offers reduced mileage awards to Cancun during certain months.
• Companion passes: If you have the Southwest Companion Pass, you could essentially get two-for-one travel to Cancun or Tulum.

How to Earn Points and Miles for Your Weekend Trip to Cancun or Tulum

Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of our favorite transferable currencies. You can book your Cancun flights and hotels through the portal or transfer the points to a number of airlines, including Air Canada, British Airways, Southwest and United. Hyatt is also a transfer partner of Chase, so if you’ve got a good stash of Ultimate Rewards, you can easily book Cancun Hyatt Ziva or Zilara.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card comes with a generous welcome bonus and good earning categories. The Chase Ink Business Preferred® card is an excellent choice for a small business owner and will help you earn enough Ultimate Rewards points for a great weekend trip to Cancun.

If you need American Airlines miles, then consider the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®.

Marriott has a few cards that come with 15 elite night credits and annual free nights that will help you earn a free stay at one of the beautiful Marriott properties in the area. There’s the premium Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, or the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card from Chase. Both cards come with generous welcome bonuses and other perks.

If you are under Chase’s 5/24 rule, consider applying for the Chase card first.

Where to Stay in Cancun and Tulum With Points and Miles

Both Cancun and Tulum offer a range of accommodation options, from luxurious resorts to boutique hotels and vacation rentals. Let’s explore some of the best options you can book using points.

Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cancun

These two Hyatt sister properties both cost 25,000 World of Hyatt points a night for two guests. Ziva is a family-friendly property, and Zilara is an adults-only resort. Both get five-star reviews and have a very loyal clientele. Guests rave about the beautiful pools, the great food and the amazing beaches at both properties.

Additional guests can be booked for 12,500 points each at both properties.

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya

The luxurious Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya opened in 2022 and offers a high-end experience in a beautiful setting. With multiple dining options, a spa, and easy access to Tulum’s attractions, it’s a great choice for those with Hilton points to burn. This hotel typically costs between 90,000 and 120,000 Hilton Honors points per night, and you can also redeem your free night certificate from the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card here.

Alternative: Book a Hotel With Chase Travel℠

Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed through the Chase Travel portal at 1.25 cents each if you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and 1.5 cents each if you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Why would you want to use the portal rather than transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to Chase’s travel partner Hyatt? The short answer is options and price.

There are a ton of options available to book through Chase Travel℠ that aren’t chain hotels (like the top two and forth above). | Photo by Chase Travel

Chase Travel offers many hotels that aren’t part of hotel loyalty programs, which will give you hundreds of additional options at different price points. Find the property that best fits your interests and your points budget, and it might be a much better value than one of the chain hotels.

Keep in mind that if you book one of the chain hotels through the portal, you won’t get any status perks and the stay will not count toward elite qualifying nights. Don’t let this scare you, though. If you aren’t chasing status, then it shouldn’t make a difference anyway.

Also, consider that all all-inclusive resorts charge per person, not per room, and the standard price includes two people in the room. So, if you are traveling as a family, or are coming with a group of friends, check the rate for two people per room, as well as for the entire party. Sometimes it might make sense to book two rooms rather than cram everyone together in the same room.

Getting Around Cancun and Tulum

If you’re flying into Cancun and heading to Tulum, or if you want to explore both areas during your trip, you have several transportation options:

• ADO bus: This is the most economical option, with comfortable buses running regularly between Cancun and Tulum. The journey takes about two hours and costs around $15 per person. Buses depart from both the Cancun airport and downtown Cancun.
• Private transfer: For more convenience, a private transfer will cost about $100-$150 for the trip but offers door-to-door service and air-conditioned comfort. This can be a good option if you’re traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage.
• Rental car: If you plan to do a lot of exploring, renting a car might be a good option. Many major car rental companies have offices at Cancun and Tulum airports. Remember to factor in the cost of parking at your hotel, if applicable.
• Taxi/Uber: While more expensive than the bus, taxis are readily available. Uber operates in the city of Cancun, but not from Cancun Airport. It is not available in Tulum.
• Colectivos: These shared vans are a cheap way to travel between towns along the Riviera Maya, including from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. They’re more adventurous and less comfortable than other options but can be a fun way to travel like a local.

Things to Do in Cancun and Tulum

Oh, where do we start? There are so many fun things to do in Cancun and the surrounding area! And, if you are just craving relaxation, there is of course an option of doing nothing much at all. You can spend your time on the beach, swim, do some watersports or visit the resort’s spa. But if you’d like to venture a bit further afield, here are a couple of suggestions:

Things to Do in Cancun

• Xenses Park: This unique sensory park offers a series of mind-bending activities and optical illusions. It’s a great option for those looking for something a little different from the typical beach day.

• Isla Mujeres: Take a day trip to this beautiful island, known for its beaches and snorkeling opportunities. You can rent a golf cart to explore the island or simply relax on the pristine Playa Norte. If you’re traveling during the right time of year, there’s a whale shark migration path nearby the island and it’s possible to (respectfully) snorkel with the majestic giants.
• Mercado 28: Shop for souvenirs and try local cuisine at this vibrant market. It’s a great place to practice your bargaining skills and pick up traditional Mexican handicrafts.
• Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA): Snorkel or dive to see this unique museum featuring over 500 permanent life-sized sculptures submerged in the waters surrounding Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Punta Nizuc.
• Xcaret Park: This eco-archaeological park offers a full day of activities, including underground rivers, a butterfly pavilion and a spectacular evening show highlighting Mexican culture.

• Chichen Itza: While it’s a bit of a journey from Cancun (about 2.5 hours), this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and well worth a visit if you have the time.

Things to Do in Tulum

• Cenotes: Explore the area’s famous sinkholes, perfect for swimming and diving. Some popular options include Gran Cenote, Cenote Dos Ojos and Cenote Calavera.
• AZULIK Uh May: Visit this unique art center and eco-resort for a blend of nature, art and architecture. It’s a bit off the beaten path but offers a truly unique experience.
• Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: This UNESCO World Heritage site offers boat tours through mangrove channels, opportunities to spot wildlife and beautiful, undeveloped beaches.
• Gitano Beach Tulum: Enjoy the trendy atmosphere, delicious food and creative cocktails at this popular beach club. It’s a great spot for sunset drinks.
• Tulum Ruins: These clifftop Mayan ruins offer stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Try to arrive early to beat the crowds and the heat.

• Tulum Beach: Spend a day relaxing on Tulum’s beautiful beaches. The public beach at the foot of the ruins is particularly scenic.
• Kaan Luum Lagoon: This lesser-known cenote is actually a lagoon with a deep center. It’s less crowded than some of the more famous cenotes and offers a unique swimming experience.

Practical Tips

It’s a good idea to keep these tips in mind prior to your trip to the Riviera Maya:

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit Cancun and Tulum is between December and April when you can expect pleasant weather and less rainfall. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time. For fewer crowds and lower prices, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of November or May.
• Currency: While many places accept U.S. dollars, you’ll generally get better rates using Mexican pesos. Use a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees for most purchases.
• Tipping: Tipping is expected in the touristy parts of Mexico. In restaurants, 10-15% is standard. For tours and other services, 10-20% is appreciated for good service.
• Safety: While both Cancun and Tulum are generally safe for tourists, always exercise common sense. Don’t flaunt valuables, be aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit, populated areas at night.
• Water: Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Most resorts and restaurants use purified water for ice, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
• Sun protection: The sun can be intense in this part of Mexico. Bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
  Insect repellent: Especially if you’re visiting cenotes or jungle areas, bring insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for relaxation on pristine beaches, exploration of ancient ruins or vibrant nightlife, a weekend getaway to Cancun and Tulum offers it all. By leveraging your points and miles, you can experience this Mexican paradise without breaking the bank.

Remember, flexibility is key when booking award travel. Be open to different dates or nearby airports to find the best deals. Also, consider splitting your stay between Cancun and Tulum to experience the best of both worlds (though staying in both may not be feasible in a single weekend).

With careful planning and strategic use of your points and miles, you can create an unforgettable weekend getaway to this beautiful corner of Mexico. Start planning your trip today and get ready for an adventure filled with sun, sea and ancient history!