We've made a list of the most commonly asked questions about our Tulum, Mexico Spanish School, we hope you find their answers helpful. If there is something we have missed or if you would like information about our Tulum, Mexico language school south of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, please contact us.

Where is Tulum, Mexico?

The town of Tulum is located in Mexico’s state of Quintana Roo, 80 miles (132 km) south of Cancun, or 39 (63 km) miles south of Playa del Carmen. Located in the Yucatan's Riviera Maya, the coastline stretching from about 100 miles south of Tulum to Belize is called the Costa Maya. More driving distances >>


View Instituto Chac-Mool current location in a larger map

Where is the school located?

Instituto Chac-Mool is on Calle Palenque located a block and a half from Avenida Tulum, Tulum pueblo's main street. A good landmark on Av. Tulum is Aguachiles Restaurant which is on the corner of Calle Palenque. Aguachiles is one block down from the popular El Camello Jr. restaurant also on Av. Tulum. (Note on Google Map, Av. Tulum is shown as Carretara Federal 307.)

The school is located in Casa 8 in the gated Villas de la Hacienda condominium community. The building easily stands out on the street, it is large, white and three stories tall. A staff member will be expecting you and will meet you at the gate.

The phone number of the school in Tulum is (984) 160 00 63. We expect a move to a neaby location in the next few months so we will confirm arriving details shortly before your trip.
Tulum Town and Beach Maps >>

Is there a bus from the Cancun airport to Tulum?

There is not a direct bus from the Cancun airport to Tulum town, you will need to change buses about halfway through your trip in Playa del Carmen. Instructions: Take an hourly red ADO bus from the Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen (~$110 pesos, one hour). Transfer to an ADO bus to Tulum pueblo, buses run every hour (~60 pesos, one hour). Note: when you arrive in Playa del Carmen you'll purchase your next bus ticket at the "taquilla" which is in the same place you get off the Cancun airport bus. Your Tulum bus will first stop at the ruins, do not get off the bus, take it all the way to the town of Tulum.

Is there an airport pick up and delivery service available?

Instituto Chac-Mool can set this up for you, airport transfers to Tulum from Cancun are $100usd each way and include up to 4 in the transport.

Delivery back to the airport can be scheduled while you are at the school.

What is the weather like in Tulum?

Check the Tulum, Mexico weather at weather.com.

What are the people like in Tulum pueblo?

Tulum pueblo residents are Mexican people and many are descendents of the ancient Maya who settled in this region. The Mayan people do speak Spanish as their second language, Maya being their first. The town is also home to foreigners looking for a laid back lifestyle and a safe, secure environment. Many of these residents are writers, painters and musicians.

Are there many restaurants in Tulum pueblo?

There are quite a few places to eat in the pueblo, including traditional Mexican fare, as well as seafood, French, Italian, Argentinian and Chinese food. New restaurants are opening all the time and many serve beer and cocktails and draw diners throughout the afternoon into the evening. Some have live music. From gourmet cuisine to taco stands, you'll find it in Tulum pueblo.

What types of businesses are in Tulum town?

The town is growing with the increase of tourism in the area. In addition to restaurants and night clubs, you'll find ice cream shops, coffee houses, gift shops, clothing stores, internet cafes. Plus a gym, art and dance and music schools, car and bicycle rental, two supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, art galleries, churches, dive shops, spa services, transportation services, and babysitters. There are also youth hostels, vacation rentals, and other accommodations available.

At the "Casa de la Cultura", you can take classes in tae kwan do, zumba, hata and kundalini yoga, capoeira, salsa, ballet and hip hop. The fee is about 50 pesos per class or 400 pesos monthly.

Loco Gringo keeps a fairly complete list at www.locogringo.com.

Are there churches in Tulum?

Yes, there are several including a Mayan church near the school campus.

Are there volunteer opportunities in Tulum?

There are and Instituto Chac-Mool Spanish School will be happy to make arrangements for you to give your time and talents to the Tulum community. Read more about Service Learning at Instituto Chac-Mool.

How far is Tulum pueblo, where the school is located, from the famous Tulum white sand beaches?

The town of Tulum is not right on the water, it is a couple of miles from the sea. You can walk in about 30 minutes but may people ride bikes along the "cycle pista" which is dedicated to those walking and riding. Bike rentals are available by the day for about 40 pesos (you'll get a cheaper rate by the week). Iguana Bike is one rental company. Taxis to and from the beach is about 20 pesos plus Instituto Chac-Mool will be offering transport at a scheduled time each day.

What form of payment is accepted in and around Tulum?

U.S. dollars and Mexican pesos are easily spent in Tulum. You can purchase pesos at one of several "casa de cambios" in Tulum pueblo. You can also get them at the Cancun airport (or your home airport) however the exchange rate is not favorable. Banks offer three lines, one for those that speak Mayan, one for Spanish and one for English speakers. ATM machines at area banks will dispense pesos.

Traveler's Checks are no longer readily accepted by businesses in Mexico as a result of the large number of fraudulent checks being passed. If you wish to travel with Traveler's Checks please be aware that only YOU, not the business or individual made payable to, will be able to exchange them for Mexican pesos at a bank or "casa de cambio".

You will find some businesses will accept Visa, MasterCard or American Express.

Are there ATM machines in Mexico?

Yes, you will find ATMs that dispense only pesos in the airport in Cancun as well as in banks around Tulum. In advance of your trip find out your bank's international ATM fee and notify them that you will be using your ATM outside of your home country. This step is helpful as your bank is trying to protect you from fraudulent use of your card.

Will my cell phone work in Mexico?

Cell phone usage is popular in Tulum. Please check that you have an international phone with your phone service provider or you can purchase disposable cell phones in Tulum or at the Cancun airport.

What should I pack?

Dress is informal and shorts are acceptable. Be sure to pack a hat, sunscreen lotion, and insect repellent. And don't forget your swimming suit and snorkel gear if you've got it. Divers should bring their certification if they plan to dive. For class, pencils or pens and papers are necessary. Bring any medications you might need, be sure to put these and any other valuables ONLY in your carry on luggage (do not check this bag).

Does my host family provide towels and linens?

Yes, and they will launder them once a week for you. Please bring your own towel from home for use at the beach.

How much spending money should I bring?

This is difficult to say without knowing your spending habits, but students generally budget anywhere from approximately $10-30usd on average per day for incidentals, shopping, nightlife, etc. There are many things to see and do in the area free of charge, but there are also a few activities with a hefty entrance fee.

Will I need an electrical converter?

Electrical current in Mexico is the same as in the USA and Canada.

What is the Natural Approach to learning?

The Natural Approach allows students to "naturally" acquire a new language in a low-anxiety, comfortable setting using real life situations and objects to support their learning. This approach is distinct from a grammar memorization approach, where generally you learn, not by doing, but through studying a book and memorizing grammar rules. The Natural Approach at Instituto Chac-Mool stresses communication skills and conversational fluency and our goal is to have you communicating in Spanish as quickly as possible.

On what date do new classes begin?

New classes for all levels begin each Monday throughout the year, although mid-week starts may be arranged. Students usually begin their homestay the Saturday or Sunday prior. (Please note school holidays.) Students may study for any number of weeks.

What time to classes begin?

Most classes begin weekdays at 8:50 am, however private classes (when available) may begin at the hour of your chosing.

What are registration, tuition and accommodation costs at Chac-Mool?

Tuition and accommodations are priced separately, rates can be found on our rates page. Registration fees are required by all first time students, they are the only fees quoted in U.S. dollars and payable in advance of arrival. Registration fees are per person, children under 13 pay 1/2 the adult registration fee.

How and when do I pay my fees?

Typically only the registration fee is required in advance of your arrival, this fee may be paid by check or credit card. The balance of fees are paid upon arrival and cash payments are requested. Upon registration, your confirmation for classes will confirm all payment proceedures.

What is the Instituto Chac-Mool Money Back Guarantee?

Instituto Chac-Mool guarantees that all actively participating students will learn, or their money back. This guarantee is offered only on tuition and to adult and teen students that are enrolled for 2 weeks or longer and that have been an active participant in the classes. Requests must be made by the student to the school's director no later than 1:30 pm on the second day of study.

What is the Instituto Chac-Mool refund policy?

Class attendance is the student's responsibility and tuition refunds will not be made for classes missed. However, if a student formally withdraws from their course prior to their scheduled ending date, days missed may be made up at a future time. Registration fees are non-refundable, however they are life-time fees.

How can I get college credit?

Instituto Chac-Mool is a fully accredited institution by the Mexican Ministry of Education. Many colleges and universities accept study abroad credits granted by a higher education institution recognized by the Mexican Ministry of Education. Since each institution has their own policy about transferring credits, we recommend that students verify that credits are accepted by their home school before enrolling in Spanish immersion classes. If your school requires copies of documents proving accreditation, they are available upon request. Be sure to bring your photo ID with student number, and the name and address of the school as the transcript must be mailed. Also include the name of the person in the office who should receive your transcript, along with their telephone number. A mailing fee applies.

What is the excursion schedule?

The excursions vary in destination and are tied to the interest of the students attending classes. Saturday excursions are scheduled, plus Sunday excursions during the busier times of the year, typically summer weeks. Some overnight excursions too may be scheduled upon request.

How can I get college credit?

The Tulum campus of Instituto Chac-Mool Spanish School does not offer college credit, however Instituto Chac-Mool Cuernavaca is accredited as a Mexican university and you may receive a college transcript from your studies there.

Do you offer a certificate of completion?

At the end of your course, the school will provide an official Certificate of Completion free of charge upon request. You must request this while at the school as they cannot be mailed to you.

Yes, you will have access to free WiFi at Instituto Chac-Mool. For those who want to travel light, there are many inexpensive internet cafes near the school.

How can I make long distance calls from Mexico?

Stores around town sell prepaid phone cards that can be used from the school or from most host family homes. Since not all prepaid phone cards are alike do not purchase in your home country prior to arriving in Mexico.

What meals are included with the home stay?

The host families provide three (3) meals a day: breakfast (desayuno), lunch (comida), and dinner (cena). On the days of an excursion, students can request a sack lunch to take with them. The sack lunch consists of a sandwich or torta, a fruit and a drink.

Do the families provide laundry service for personal items?

The host families will launder your sheets and towels, but for personal laundry we suggest you use one of the neighborhood laundry services for inexpensive washing and drying of your clothes.

Does Chac-Mool have a doctor on staff?

Chac-Mool has a doctor on call and a hospital is located very near the school.

Tulum Spanish school in other languages:

Tulum école d'espagnol. Tulum Spanischschule. Tulum spagnolo scuola. Tulum espanhol escola. Tulum Escuela de Español.