Tulum Guide
Tulum is both party and paradise. It’s eclectic, lively, beautiful, on trend, and historical. Located about an hour and a half from Cancun airport, along the beach and Mexican jungle, you get a great sense of modern and Mayan culture. This place went from a sleepy fishing town to a very popular party spot quite quickly. And it’s worth the hype. Here are my Tulum recommendations for a little bit of everything.
To Eat:
Tulum has some incredible restaurants. You get everything from locally sourced fresh fish to house-made pasta on the beach. You can find a place with a steak or indulge in some vegan tacos.
Casa Jaguar
Beautiful outdoor dining that turns into a fun club on Thursdays with a lively DJ next to the coffee + tequila bar. My two favorite things.
Hartwood
Located in the jungle you’ll get plenty of local sea-to-table flavors.
Gitano
Serving Mexican food and housing a mezcal bar, this delicious restaurant also turns into a popular spot on Friday nights.
Kitchen Table
A personal favorite also hidden in the jungle with locally sourced ingredients and a changing menu that will blow your mind.
Taqueria Honorio for breakfast tacos
Located in town this very local authentic taqueria is home to delicious (and budget friendly) breakfast tacos.
Campanella Cremerie for icecream, coffee
Late night sweet craving or want to cool off in the Tulum sun? This place has you covered.
Posada Margherita
The Amalfi coast isn’t the only place you can eat house made pasta with your toes in the sand.
The Real Coconut
A famous breakfast spot with healthy and tasty options for everyone.
Burrito Amor
Famous for their banana leaf wrapped burritos this place does not disappoint.
Matcha Mama
A sunrise shack that makes acai bowls, smoothies, and has Chale cold brew on tap? Sounds like a perfect morning or post-beach snack.
Origami (gelato)
Another place to cool down with some fresh gelato.
Charly’s Vegan Tacos
This is also a health blog, okay?
Mateos for authentic Tacos
I mean, it’s Mexico… you have to get tacos
Rosa Negra
Insanely fun and delicious spot for dinner and dancing (on tables)
To Do:
Swim in cenotes and visit ancient ruins of Coba
Wander around Tulum village to shop local goods and get to know the culture
Enjoy some yoga offered at almost every hotel in town
Yoga isn’t enough? Get a sweat on at the Jungle Gym
Explore more Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza
Swim with turtles at Akumal
Visit Las Coloradas. Otherwise known as the pink lake
Get a spot at one of the beaches: Playa Paraiso (public), El Paraiso (club)
Do a mud bath at Laguna de Kaan Luum
Get a day bed at Papaya Playa, Nomade, or Casa Malca beach
Visit Sian Kaan, a beautiful biosphere reserve
Bike around town. It’s the best way to get around.
To Drink:
It might not be quite as popular (yet) as it’s Mexican competitor, Cabo, but the Tulum club scene is one to remember. Each month it seems to house a new DJ and a new crowd ready to party. Some popular spots…
Batey
Casa Jaguar (Thursdays)
Gitano (Fridays)
Santino
I Scream Bar (happy hour)
Papaya Playa (Saturdays)
Salsa Night as La Zebra Hotel (Sundays)
Taboo Beach Club (Saturday day)
To Stay:
Tulum offers a wide variety of hotels that are unfortunately becoming more expensive as it gets more popular. But one of my favorite parts about Tulum is the ability to find a trendy spot for a good price. I also love that many hotels there are ecofriendly and pay respect to the jungle and ocean life it took over.
Papaya Playa Project
A bit away from the busy beach town Papaya Playa has lovely suites and villas with private plunge pools and roof decks, a perfect place to watch the sunset or the turtles nesting along the beach.
Be Tulum
Relaxing and natural with a white sand beach and 3 restaurants.
Azulik
Dedicated to art and nature, this hotel is truly a part of the jungle with rooms in the trees.
Nomade
Another perfect place to relax on the beach or up in the trees with their tree house suites
Casa Malca
Famous for being Pablo Escobar’s mansion, a bit of history
