Travel Guide | Tulum, Mexico
Ryan and I went to Tulum to celebrate my 30th birthday. Tulum is unlike any other city in Mexico I’ve seen - it is full of high end boutiques with goods made by local artists, art installations dotting the streets, well designed beach resorts, and incredible restaurants with next level seafood dishes and made-from-scratch mexican food. Be warned, it is not cheap, but you truly get what you pay for in service and comfort in this town. The water in Tulum is bright crystal clear blue. Swim in the ocean or jump into a fresh water pool under the ground (cenote). There is so much history in this area to explore - this is the ultimate vacation for beach bums and adventurous travelers alike.
Accommodation:
Papaya Playa Project - A large resort right on the beach, with small private cabanas, perfect for couples or groups of friends. Multiple pools overlooking the ocean and beach bars. Artsy, a little hippie, and regular beach parties. The food is pretty good, the grounds and gardens are spectacular and the service is excellent. We loved our time here and would go back. Located at the far end of the Tulum beach strip, so it can take a bit to walk to restaurants, but definitely do-able.
Nomade Tulum - health focused retreat, beachfront rooms, suites and villas. Very cool moroccan themed restaurant with floor seating. Rustic and natural decor.
Be Tulum Hotel - Eco-chic suites with private pools. Modern, tropical decor. Beautiful private beach and delicious healthy restaurants.
NEST Tulum - Hip beachfront boutique hotel with cool rustic-chic rooms. Private balconies with hammocks, clean and quiet gardens, excellent gourmet mexican food served on the beach. No pool, but a fantastic private beach with beds. Love how small and chill this place is, you feel removed from the resorts and people.
Chiringuito Tulum - Stunning bright hotel with large rooms and balconies, multiple pools and plenty of places to lounge. More of a boutique style hotel, but with lots of amenities. Excellent beach with lounging. Located in the middle of the beach strip, close to shops and restaurants.
Azulik - this hotel is an art installation that is beyond impressive. If you have the money to dish out to stay in a villa, go for it! It’s not cheap, but is a cool experience. If you don’t want to stay here, you can pay a few bucks and go to their art museum that is very neat.
Hotel Bardo - more affordable option because it isn’t directly on the beach, it is inland in the town of Tulum. Still VERY beautiful adult-only hotel with restaurant and bar, stunning private plunge pools outside your room and quiet and relaxing jungle areas to lounge in.
Eat:
Burrito Amor (downtown) - Casual outdoor eatery in downtown Tulum with yummy burritos, vegan and gluten-free options as well
Botanica Garden Cafe (downtown) - healthy, colorful brunch food in a garden setting. Avo toast, smoothies, pancakes etc. with fresh fruit and lots of superfoods!
DelCielo (downtown) - popular brunch spot with hearty and healthy options. If you like huevo rancheros, go here!
Don Churro (downtown) - the spot to get churros in Tulum. A small cart with lots of topping or filling options for your churro.
Casa Banana (beach) - Argentinian wood-fired steaks, seafood in a cozy and intimate outdoor restaurant. Loved our dinner here and highly recommend!
Gitano (beach) - Top rated restaurant, make sure you make a reservation early and go here! Incredible modern Mexican cuisine, popular for fancy cocktails and lounge.
Hartwood (beach) - another top rated restaurant where you have to make reservations in advance. Open-air restaurant, everything is cooked in a wood-burning grill, and tastes so fresh and gourmet. Small, intimate outdoor area and bar.
Rosa Negra (beach) - latin american cuisine, large restaurant with rustic beachy decor. Great for bigger groups. Meat, seafood, cocktails and unique desserts.
Matcha Mama (beach and downtown) - trendy, colorful little shack with smoothies, acai bowls and matcha drinks for breakfast or a snack.
Macando (beach) - a hotel restaurant right on the beach inside Nomade Tulum. Moroccan themed, pillows and rugs on the floor for sitting and Mediterranean style cuisine.
Fresco’s (beach) - bright healthy brunch food in casual environment near the beach. Toast, smoothie bowls, french toast etc.
Boccanera Pizzeria (beach) - wood-fired pizza when you are craving some italian or want a quick takeout dinner.
What to See & Do:
Swim in a cenote - Cenotes are underground pools with crystal clear refreshing water. Swimming in a cave is something you HAVE to experience in Tulum. You can take a taxi or rent a car to drive to them. There are a lot of cenotes, some of the best include Tak Be Ha and Naharon are closer to Tulum, while Ik Kil, Suytun, Zaci, Oxman, Xkeken, Dzitnup, and Saamal are a drive, but worthwhile. Note: the cenotes have small entrance fees. Some have lockers for belongings.
Day trip to Chichen Itza - a must-see in Mexico is this large Mayan pyramid from the 5th century AD. We booked a day trip here from Tulum, so we didn’t have to drive. It included entrance to the site, a stop to swim in a cenote, and a fantastic lunch in Valladolid.
Day trip to Valladolid - a beautiful Mexican city with colorful buildings, a baroque-style cathedral, and excellent food. Perfect stop on your way to Chichen Itza. I highly recommend eating at Las Campanas right by the city square - the guacamole will blow your mind! So fresh.
Explore the Tulum Ruines - Playa Ruinas are ancient Mayan city ruins, located at the end of the beach strip (easily within biking distance), with ocean views. It is a nice place to walk around for an hour or two, bring cash for entrance.
Shopping in Tulum - take the bus from the beach strip to downtown Tulum and shop for more affordable Mexican souvenirs. Or walk this beach strip to shop the high end boutiques for hand made local art, pottery, clothing and jewelry. Some of my favorite places include Wanderlust, Malvia, Mr. Blackbird, and Mixik (downtown).