How close are the cabanas to the beach?
This close! Please see photo to the left. These are the first four seaview quad cabanas. As you continue down the row farther left out of the picture (southward), we have seaview king cabanas and the casita.

Can I bring an ice chest?
We regret that due to local sanitary laws, it is prohibited to enter the cabañas with food and beverages. Food may not be stored inside the cabañas, as curiosity and hunger can make for unexpected roommates, such as mice, iguanas, and raccoons. For this reason, all coolers and ice chests will be stored in our general storeroom until check out. We are located in the jungle, and we appreciate your cooperation to maintain basic health standards in the accommodations.

Are there mosquito nets on the beds?
All of the beds have mosquito nets during the mosquito season, which is July through December. For the first half of the year, we offer nets upon request. Be sure to tuck the net underneath the mattress for mosquito protection.

Are there mosquitos in Tulum?
During the rainy season, July through December. there are some mosquitos. We recommend buying mosquito repellent sprays and spirals to make your stay more comfortable. Natural Mayatan repellent sprays and citronella candles are available in our store.

Is there electricity in the cabañas?
There is no electricity in the entire hotel zone of Tulum. We used to offer electricity for the few hours after sunset by means of a generator, but upon request of our guests, we have discontinued use of the generator and instead provide candles in all of the cabañas for a more romantic atmosphere. We have received many compliments on our decision to maintain electricity free cabañas. If you prefer cabanas with electricity, please check out Zahra.

When is the checkout?
12:00 p.m. We request that all cabañas be vacated by noon in order to prepare them for new arrivals, but all guests are welcome to store their luggage with us and enjoy the beach and common bathroom services if they decide to leave at a later hour.

When is the check-in time?
Check-in is at 3:00 p.m. You are welcome to arrive earlier if you wish, but there is a possibility that your cabaña will not be ready. We can offer you a place to store your luggage in the meantime, and you are welcome to use the common bathroom/shower facilities as you enjoy the beach or the restaurant during your wait.

What is your phone number?
For reservations and information, you can contact us at reservations@ecotulum.com or +1 888-898-9922 (toll free US & Canada). Para información y reservaciones en español, favor de hablar al +(52) 800-514-3066 (llamada gratuita dentro de México) o al +(54) 11 5918-6400 (en Argentina). ¡Gracias!

Where is the nude beach?
On the beach of the Riviera Maya many women go topless, and the beaches of Tulum have been traditionally known for years as nude beaches. However, while you are welcome to be nude on Copal´s beach, neighboring hotels may have different policies. On the beach of Copal, you can see nude sunbathers as well as topless or "fully dressed" people in swimsuits. Copal´s beach is considered clothing optional. If you are uncomfortable with nudity, you may consider another hotel as we strive to promote ourselves as clothing optional.

Where else are we allowed to be nude?
We consider Copal to be a clothing optional facility. You are welcome to be nude on the beach, on the sandy terraces, and among the cabañas. We only ask that you wear simple clothing, such as a sarong, for dining in the restaurant.

I´m not sure I´m comfortable with the nudity issue at Copal. What percentage of guests are actually nude?
All beaches in Tulum are traditionally considered topless/nude/clothing optional. We are not a swingers resort. Our vision is to provide an environment where everyone is comfortable and, if they want, to try something new. We have received some concerns by e-mail about our clothing optional policy, but have never received complaints from guests once they´ve arrived on site. Copal is a safe environment to be nude, but we encourage everyone to "dress" as they feel comfortable. If you prefer lodging that is not clothing optional, please check out Zahra.

Are families welcome?
Copal is not a family-oriented hotel, with kid´s programs and programmed activities. Most of our guests are couples, however there are always some families on site. It is a good place to come for families to enjoy nature: the sea, the jungle, and the sea turtles nesting in the summer. We estimate that about 20-25% of Copal guests are families. If you prefer more of an adult atmosphere, we recommend Azulik, next door.

Is Copal kid-friendly?
Many families come to Copal and love being able to share the experience of Nature with their children. Please keep in mind that we do not offer activities specially for children: we think that Nature is the best activity we have to offer. Children will enjoy nature tours, snorkeling, kayaking. Please keep in mind that this is a rustic facility, with sand pathways and rocky areas, where a small child could fall. We are also a clothing optional hotel, which means that you should be comfortable with your children sharing common areas with topless or nude guests. This is not a problem for most of our visitors, but it is something you should take into consideration. We are a resort that caters to guests seeking a relaxing vacation, so we would like to request that children behave themselves. Hotel Zahra is also family-friendly.

Can I bring my portable stereo?
Most Copal guests come to relax, and enjoy the sound of the waves. If your stereo is audible to other guests, you will be asked to turn it down.

What payment methods do you accept?
Mexican pesos is the preferred currency, but we accept travelers checks or US cash in small bills ($20 usd. or under). We do accept travelers checks for payment only, not for exchange. There is a money exchange booth within walking distance of Copal, next to Zahra. We also accept Visa and Mastercard.

Are there ceiling fans in the cabañas?
As there is no electricity, we do not offer ceiling fans in the cabañas. All seaview rooms are well ventilated with the sea breeze, and are very comfortable. The gardenview cabanas are a bit warmer. Please keep in mind that May and June are the warmest months of the year. If you are concerned about heat, you might want to look into Zahra, which has ceiling fans, which operate during the day.

Do I really have to place a reservation, or can I just show up?
It is recommended that you place a reservation, especially if you are interested in a cabaña with private bath or if you will be coming during the high season. These cabañas are usually booked year-round, and fill up far in advance in the high seasons. Generally the holidays are fully booked by August. Please e-mail us for information on availability.

Is the sea safe for swimming?
Of course! The sea in this area has no dangerous currents and is generally very calm. The reef is located about 300 m. from the land and is a great place to snorkel. Just head straight out from Copal; you can´t miss it! Please do not handle the coral, as many of them can leave you with a nasty rash. Please also be aware of sea urchins nestled between the rocks on the sea floor.

Are there any dangerous animals?
We are located in the jungle and it is likely that you will see some animals in the surrounding area, such as raccoons, tejones, foxes, wild turkeys, and iguanas. All of them flee from the presence of humans and are not dangerous as long as humans are respectful. We request that you not leave food inside your cabañas, which can invite ants or mice to enter. Otherwise, critters are not generally a problem. Those staying in the cabañas with sand floors may notice hermit crab tracks as they make their way through the sand. Please keep in mind that we are located in the jungle, which implies some insects and spiders. If you have a strong aversion to wildlife, Tulum is probably not the best travel destination for you.

How early should I start reserving for the holidays?
We usually start receiving requests by February for the holidays (December-January), and most seaview cabanas are usually fully booked by September. Please plan ahead so you can ensure that you reserve just what you want for the end of the year.

Can I bring my pets?
Sorry, pets are not accepted at Cabanas Copal.

Are there kitchen facilities available?, Where can I eat?
We do not offer open kitchen facilities, but we do have a restaurant-bar open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Are there any other restaurants nearby?
There are several other restaurants within walking distance, including a traditional Mexican restaurant at Zahra, 200 mts. south, or you can go into Tulum pueblo for more options.

Which airport should I fly into?
The closest international airport is the Cancun International Airport, located 120 km. to the north.

How else can I get down to Cancun?
Check out the new ferry service from Tampa, FL to Cancun. It makes bringing your own car down for a longer trip easier.

How do I get back to the Cancún airport for my flight?
When you´re ready to return to the Cancún airport, you can either arrange for a local taxi or you can take a bus: either a first- or second-class bus to Playa del Carmen, then the special Riviera bus that goes straight to the airport (10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, 19:30, 20.30, 21:30 hrs.) Schedule is subject to change.

Do I need to rent a car? How can I get around?
If you are looking to relax on the beach for a week, you won´t need a car. You can catch a taxi just outside Copal, or you can rent a bicycle or scooter to get to some of the area´s attractions. If, however, you prefer a more active vacation and want to be on the move, you will appreciate the convenience of having a rental car.

What is there to do at night?
Check out our restaurant and our nightlife pages for more info on music and live performances. There is also entertainment at Hotel Zahra nearby.

What is the weather like?
May is usually the warmest month of the year. The rainy season usually kicks in for June, July, and August making these months generally cooler. Check out weather.com for year-round averages in the area, or consult The Weather Network, which shows averages for Akumal, just a half hour north of Tulum.

What kind of transportation is available between the beach and Tulum pueblo?
There are taxis available to get into town. No need to call one; they pass by Copal every few minutes.

Can I walk to the Tulum pueblo? How far is it?
Yes, you can. It´s about 6 km. from Copal to Tulum pueblo. Don´t forget to bring a bottle of water for the walk!

Can I walk to the Tulum ruins? How far is it?
Yes, you can. It´s about 3 km. from Copal to the Tulum ruins. You can walk along the beach (which gets rocky at some points; bring good shoes) or along the road.

Is there a place for camping or to hang a hammock?
We offer hammocks inside or outside the cabañas for the use of our guests, however we do not permit camping or hanging hammocks outside for sleeping.

Where can turtles be seen?
From May to September, our beach is the best place in Tulum to see the sea turtles lay their eggs. Each night turtles crawl out of the sea to lay their eggs on the beaches of Copal. We invite you to witness this beautiful experience, following the instruction of our employees. Because any kind of light will startle the turtles, we request that flashlights not be used. If nesting turtles are scared into returning to the sea, they will not return to the beaches to nest again this season.

Where can I check my e-mail while I´m at Copal?
There is internet access at our neighboring hotel Zahra, just 200 mts. down the road from Copal. The cafe is open daily and offers internet access. If you bring your own notebook, you can connect at the Copal restaurant or the Maya Spa reception area.

Can I get married in Mexico? Is it difficult?
Of course you can get married in Mexico! It´s an easy process, just consult our list for details. We can help you arrange everything you need for a perfect beach wedding.

Are sheets and towels provided in the cabañas?
We provide sheets in all cabañas, and towels and blankets are available upon request in reception for a small refundable deposit. You can get them upon check-in or at any time during your stay. Beach towels are also available with deposit.

Where is the nearest ATM?
Four ATMs have opened in Tulum pueblo, three of them near the Palacio Municipal and one close to the ADO bus station. In Tulum there are several money exchange booths for exchanging cash and travelers checks, and a Bital bank just opened next to the Palacio Municipal.

How wide is the beach?
This all depends on the weather and the time of year. Generally, the beach is wider in the winter and narrower in the summer. However, occasionally, due to sudden changes in the climate, the beach may disappear for a week or so. It will just as suddenly return, sometimes from night to morning.

What time does it get dark at night?
During standard time, it gets dark around 17:00 hrs. During daylight savings, there are a couple of more hours of daylight.

Are singles welcome?
Of course! Most of our guests are couples or families, but singles are always welcome at Copal. We have areas on the property which are natural gathering areas where you will meet other guests and enjoy socializing. Alternatively, if you wish to be alone, it is very easy to find a space to be by yourself!

Are there special rates offered for singles?
The rates for the private cabañas are per cabaña, per night, based on double occupancy (excepting the cabañas with private baths and quadruple occupancy). We cannot offer special rates for singles.

Where can I get drinking water?
Bottled, purified drinking water is available in each cabana. If you want cold water, it is available for sale in the restaurant and at the beach bar.

Do the windows have screens?
All of the windows in the cabañas either have glass or screens.

What´s the difference between a double, a queen, and a king size bed?
A double bed is the smallest of the three, though it is intended for two people. A queen is slightly wider, and the king is the widest of the three.

Is there a safe available?
Yes! There is a safe in the Copal reception for storing documents.

Where can I do my laundry?
If you will be staying for several days and would like to wash your clothes, there are laundry facilities in Tulum pueblo that can return your clothes within 24 hours. We request that guests not wash their clothes on site due to the water shortage.

Does Copal have air conditioning?
Copal does not, though Hotel Zahra down the road does have ceiling fans in all rooms.

Where can I recharge batteries?
In the reception of your hotel you can request to recharge batteries during the hours of the generator.

How can I contact reception?
Reception is connected on MSN Messenger: copaldesk@hotmail.com. Please note that this email is for Messenger contact only, and all reservations requests should be directed to reservations@ecotulum.com.

How far away is the spa?
Most Maya Spa services can be requested for in-room service. However, if you would like to have them in our spa therapy rooms, you have two options to choose from: the Copal beach spa (near the seaview cabanas) or jungle spa (near the gardenview cabanas), or the Zahra cliff spa (near the Tunich cabanas). All spa facilities are within 2-3 minutes walking distance within Copal, or maximum 5 minutes between hotels.

How do I book a spa treatment online?
Please click here to book a spa treatment online for Maya Spa. Please note that not all treatments may be booked online. If you are interested in booking a treatment that is not available online, please email us with your question, or call us locally once you are within Mexico at 984 871 2750. You can book in person at the spa desk at Cabanas Copal. Please keep in mind that all therapists have changing schedules, so if you are coming from another hotel and have a specific therapist request, please give us a call beforehand so we can set up an appointment within that person´s schedule.

What credit cards are accepted at Copal?
At this time, we only accept Visa and MasterCard. While American Express is accepted for online reservations, we do NOT accept it in Tulum. Thanks!

Is what I read on TripAdvisor about poor service really true?
If you look at the date that comments are posted, you will notice that all recent comments are positive. We are always interested in improving customer service, and request that all guests fill out their questionnaire upon check-out to help us refine details in our guest service. See what´s been said about Cabanas Copal and EcoTulum Resorts in the media, including magazine articles and online reviews. Among the almost 70 posts about Copal, we think that this one from June 2005 is the most lengthy, accurate and informative: "Welcome to the Jungle."

Where can I see more photos of Cabanas Copal?
Visit www.webshots.com and run a search for "cabanas copal" in the community photos section. There are almost 200 photos that were taken by Copal guests during their stays. You can also purchase a 5-CD set of Mexico photos on eBay, including several shot at Cabanas Copal.

How do I choose between Zahra, Copal, and Azulik?
Cabanas Copal is the first of the EcoTulum hotels, and it´s the largest hotel on the largest property: 47 cabanas on 200 meters of beachfront. It has a rustic, jungle feel, and the cabanas are all situated among palm trees and thick vegetation. There is a mix of seaview and gardenview cabanas. Copal is popular among couples and families seeking an adventure. The Copal restaurant, Maya Spa, bikes, snorkel gear, kayaks and yoga classes are accessible no matter which hotel you stay at.
Azulik was designed with couples in mind, 15 villas on 65 meters of beachfront. All villas are perched on a cliff or are beachfront. Azulik is most popular with couples and honeymooners, as it is an adults-only property. Although it has no restaurant, Zahra and Copal are within a 5 minute walk and room service is available.
Zahra is a much smaller property than Cabanas Copal and Azulik. The cabanas and rooms are grouped together near the restaurant, so everything is conveniently close by. This also lends to a more social and family atmosphere. While the property is filled with palm trees and lilies, there is not much other vegetation, so the hotel has less of a jungle feel. Zahra has a boutique hotel atmosphere and most of the rooms and cabanas face the garden courtyard. The beach is close to all the rooms, and Zahra has 5 cabanas which sit right on the beach.

Does each cabana have its own bathroom with a toilet and hot water?
All cabanas have private bathrooms with hot water, except for the two common bath cabanas. The running water comes from our well, and is brackish. Water pressure may not be as strong as you are used to at home, and the water quality may vary from what you are used to.

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DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTION?
Please, write us at info@ecotulum.com or you con also contact us at the follwing telephone numbers:

USA/Canada: 1-888-898-9922
UK: 0-800-0516756
Mxico: 01 800 514 3066
France: 0800 901 360
Italia: 800 839 005
Argentina: 011 5918-6400 (+54 international).