Last winter, I booked a last-minute getaway to Tulum, Mexico with my mom while David was traveling for work. Tulum has gained a lot of attention (read: crowds) over the last decade. What originated as a retreat for yogis and backpackers has recently attracted world-renowned restaurants, boutique hotels, and lots of visitors. My mom was just along for the ride, but I had high expectations!
3+ days
Best Time to Visit: November – March is the high season with milder temperatures
Getting Around: rental car, bike, or taxi
Currency: Mexican Pesos, although many places will accept US Dollars
Where to Stay
When it comes to accommodation, Tulum is divided into three main sections: Tulum town (pueblo), Tulum beach (playa), and Aldea Zama (a residential area in between the beach and the town where many Airbnb’s and rentals are located). If possible, I highly recommend staying in one of the many boutique hotels in Tulum beach, along Boca Paila Road. I was surprised by how spread out Tulum is. Staying in Tulum Beach will provide beachfront access and allow you to walk, bike, or take short taxi rides to the many restaurants and shops in the area.
Ginger Hotel $ – affordable, centrally located option in Tulum town.
Playa Xcanan $$ – basic but comfortable beachfront accommodation in a great location in Tulum beach. The service was great and the friendly staff serves you with a complimentary breakfast spread on the beach each morning. If you want to be on the beach without breaking the bank, this is the place to stay!
Central Park Resort and Spa $$ – design-centric accommodation in Tulum town.
Ahau Tulum $$$ – simple, natural luxury in the heart of Tulum beach with a quality onsite restaurant.
Kanan Tulum $$$ – a design lover’s dream, centrally located on Tulum beach with an incredible rooftop terrace and a private beach.
Sanara Tulum $$$$ – this property was ranked third in 2017 for Harper’s Bazaar‘s 150 Greatest Hotels in the World. It also boasts a serene yoga studio that’s right off the sand of Tulum beach.
Where to Eat
Matcha Mama – a popular smoothie shack serving delicious smoothie bowls with a whimsical, bohemian exterior.
Raw Love – a vegan cafe located at Ahau Tulum.
Real Coconut – beachfront dining with a paleo dairy-free menu.
Ki’Bok – a trendy, modern coffeehouse in Tulum town. The perfect energy boost for exploring town!
Antojitos La Chiapaneca – delicious, reasonably priced street tacos located in Tulum town.
Burrito Amor – a well-known spot for burritos in Tulum town.
Hartwood – widely known as one of the best places to eat in Tulum, Hartwood serves farm-to-table Mexican fare. Be prepared to face extensive wait times.
Posada Margherita – a cozy Italian establishment located on the north end of Tulum beach. They make their pasta in-house from scratch.
Rosa Negra – upscale Latin American eats with a great atmosphere and impeccable service. Perfect for date night!
I Scream Bar – an outdoor bar that also serves up vegan ice cream. It gets extra spirited in the evenings!
Origami – if vegan ice cream won’t satisfy your sweet tooth, then hop right next door to this gelato shop. Note: like many places in Tulum, they only accept cash!
Kin Toh at Azulik – I recommend stopping here for pre-dinner drinks to take in the amazing sunset views from a bohemian rooftop treehouse.
Kanan – a more centrally located option for rooftop pre-dinner drinks in Tulum beach. You can enjoy ocean views on one side and lush jungle on the other.
Where to Go
Cenotes – there are many incredible cenotes (natural wells or sinkholes) in the area to swim in and enjoy. We went to one of the most well-known cenotes in the area, Gran Cenote, and had a blast swimming with turtles, paddling through a cave, and even viewing a few friendly bats! The water was the most incredible shade of blue, and you can rent lockers and snorkel gear onsite. You can access Gran Cenote for a fee of 180 Pesos or they will accept $10 per person. If we had more time, we would have loved to check out Cenote Calavera, Cenote Dos Ojos, and Cenote Car Wash. Tip: go early if you want to beat the crowds!
Explore the Mayan Ruins. You can take a short taxi ride or bike to the Tulum Ruins. Sign up for a tour or opt to explore on your own as we did for around $3 per person. When conditions permit, you can also enjoy the Mayan beach here. I would recommend going right when it opens at 8:00 AM for a cooler, less crowded experience. Note: this is also a great place to spot some local wildlife such as iguanas and coatimundis.
Tulum Town – it’s worth it to visit Tulum town for an afternoon to peruse the many shops and enjoy one or two of the restaurant options here. Wandering around town has a completely different vibe than the beach! Note: you will find much better deals in town if you’d like to take home a gift or souvenir from your trip.
Kaan Luum lagoon – this pristine stretch of water is perfect for sunning, swimming, or snorkeling and is located about 15 minutes south of Tulum.
What to Do
Relax on the Beach. This seems like a no-brainer. Ordering guacamole or a mezcal margarita right to your hammock is the best way to spend an afternoon by the ocean.
Take a beachside yoga class. Many of the boutique hotels along Tulum beach offer classes if you stay at their property. If you aren’t staying onsite, you can still take their class for a fee. I’ve heard great things about the classes at Sanara, where you can enjoy a yoga class for around $20.
Indulge in a spa treatment. The Yaan Wellness spa is a renowned facility that has been recognized by both National Geographic Traveller and Conde Nast Traveller. Some of their treatments can be quite pricey, but there are affordable day passes that will allow you to enjoy the steam room, sauna, warm and cool pools, and lounging areas. If Yaan if out of your price range, there are many options to get a massage all along the beach.
Take a kitesurfing lesson. Tulum is a great place to learn! The windy season generally lasts November through May. Tip: Ahau Tulum has a kite school right on its beach.
Bike along Boca Paila Road. Many hotels will have bikes for you to use or rent for your stay. Taking a leisurely bike ride along Boca Paila Road is a fun and relaxing way to explore the beach area. Stop at any shop or restaurant that piques your interest!
Extend your trip to explore the surrounding area. The Yucatán peninsula has so much to explore. Chichén-Itzá is only a two-hour car ride from Tulum, and the ruins of Coba are even closer. Consider Mérida, the vibrant capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, for a cultural city break. Add Isla Holbox if you can’t get enough of the beach and want to truly unplug.
What to Bring
Bug Spray – mosquitos and other insects are common in Tulum’s tropical, humid climate.
Cash – there are many places in Tulum that only accept cash. Fraud is common among the ATMs on the beach so I recommend converting to Mexican Pesos at the airport for convenience.
Reef Safe Sunscreen – the sun can get very intense here. Note: privatized cenotes, such as Gran Cenote, will require you to rinse off any sunscreen or other chemicals before entering the water.
Ear Plugs – depending on where you stay, these may come in handy. I had no issues sleeping soundly while on our trip, but my mom is a lighter sleeper and had a harder time falling asleep on weekend nights.
Adapter – don’t forget this if you’re coming from outside of North America!
