Copal FAQs

When is the checkout?
12:00 p.m. We request that all cabanas 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 cabana 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?
There are no telephones in the Tulum hotel zone. For reservations and information, you can call us for information at 01 800 123 327 (toll free for Mexico) or see our contact info.

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 cabana with a seaview or if you will be coming during the high season. These cabanas 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.

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!

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.

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.

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 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!

Where are the ruins located?
Copal is only 3 km. south from the Tulum ruins, which can be reached by taxi, car, bicycle, or on foot. We recommend waking early and walking along the beach.

How close are the cabanas to the beach?
This close! Please see photo. These are the first four seaview quad cabanas. As you continue down the row farther, 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 cabanas with food and beverages. Food may not be stored inside the cabanas, 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.

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. As there is no electricity, we do not offer ceiling fans in the cabanas. 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.

Where can I check my e-mail while I´m at Copal?
There is internet access at Copal & Zahra Restaurants and reception.

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

Is there electricity in the cabanas?
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 cabanas for a more romantic atmosphere. We have received many compliments on our decision to maintain electricity free cabanas. If you prefer cabanas with electricity, please check out Zahra.

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

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.Remember this is a rustic facility, with sand pathways and rocky areas, where a small child could fall. 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 pets?
Sorry, pets are not accepted at Cabanas Copal.

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 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 Zahra nearby.

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.

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 singles welcome?
Of course! Most of our guests are couples or families, but singles are always welcome at Copal.

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.

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.