Tulum Guide
Seems like everyone and their mom is heading to Tulum as of late; Yes, it’s trendy, relaxing, and beautiful, but above all, it’s super convenient. The best of Tulum can be found on one long road stretching the entire beach, making it the perfect place for quick effortless vacay from the US.
Where to Stay:
betulum/photos: @zaynab_issa
Be Tulum
If there was ever a decision I've made with 0 regrets, it’s booking this hotel. It was beautifully designed, had incredible food, and staff that was beyond welcoming. It’s further down on the strip making it a bit more private & quite than some of the others on this list.
Azulik
You’ve probably seen someone instagram a pic at their “treetop” restaurant that sits above the Mayan Jungle. If you’re looking for a more luxurious stay, this might not be the right choice; being eco-friendly is this resort’s top priority (more so than any other hotel on the list - eg. communal showers). Instead, visit Azulik for dinner or a stroll through the property.
Casa Malca:
This is Pablo Escobar’s Tulum hideaway. It’s a massive property with the work of noteworthy artists dispersed throughout and unique common areas.
Papaya Playa Project:
This hotel sits closer to the beginning of the strip, meaning it’s a bit more loud and crowded. You can expect weekend parties, good food, and friendly staff.
Nomade Tulum:
This property is known to be both peaceful and sustainable. Similarly to Be Tulum, much of its design is inspired by nature.
casa malca / photos: @zaynab_issa
Transportation:
Tulum’s nearest airport is Cancun International Airport, about 1.5-2 hours away. As far as getting in and out of Tulum, you’ll likely have to book transportation to and from the airport through your hotel or a third party.
For traveling within Tulum, most hotels will have bikes available for their guests to use. Otherwise, there’s plenty of taxis and almost all rides cost 100 pesos.
What To Do:
Relax at the Beach!
The most obvious option, and definitely the best. Tulum’s waters are turquoise, clear, and so so so stunning.
Visit a Cenote
Take the afternoon to explore Tulum’s multitude of Cenotes (basically swimming holes similar to lagoons), perfect for snorkeling, diving, and swimming. Be sure to look into which cenotes are better for your desired activity, and check with your hotel to see if they can help coordinate travel to and fro. Cenote Choo-Ha, Cenotes Labnaha, and Cenote Ponderosa are a few options that are likely to be less crowded than Gran Cenote.
Visit Tulum National Park
13th Century Mayan Ruins overlooking the sea.
Get a Spa Treatment
Yaan Wellness Center offers both traditional Mayan spa treatments and familiar favorites in a relaxing oasis. You can pass by and book an appointment in person or reach out via their contact page to book a treatment in advance (deposit required). Almost all treatments include a complimentary hour in their healing waters.
Maya Spa at Azulic and Maya Clay Spa are other options worth considering!
Visit nearby Coba
Coba is an easy 45 minutes outside of Tulum. Home to Mayan Pyramid Ruins, it’s definitely worth the trip if you’re a history buff.
Go Shopping
Tulum’s boutique scene is hard not to notice. Each selling something different, and a few selling different renditions of the same. Either way, you can find definitely something to love.
Where to Eat:
Breakfast:
Founded with overall health and nutrition as the main focus, The Real Coconut is the perfect place for a healthy and hearty meal that won’t leave you feeling too guilty
A quick and easy spot to grab breakfast on the go. Their menu is full of smoothies, breakfast bowls, and matcha!
* Macondo
Peaceful cafe located at Nomade Tulum inspired by the culture and aesthetics of Morocco.
Breakfast is also the perfect time to hotel hop! Most hotels will let into their breakfast restaurants for a small entry fee.
macondo at nomade tulum / photos: @zaynab_issa
Lunch:
HashtagPoke: Fast casual spot serving poke and the best charcoal lemonade I've ever had.
Charly’s Vegan Tacos: Vegan or not, these tacos are worth a try.
Posada Margherita: A quaint italian spot for when you’re really craving pizza. It’s pretty small and usually busy, so be prepared for a bit of a wait.
Dinner:
Arca: A seafood restaurant known for their phenomenal tapas style menu.
Rosa Negra: This place is just amazing.
Hartwood: Hartwood’s menu changes daily, and it’s best known for its farm-to-table approach. Usually reservations book out a month in advance so book this ASAP.
Kin Toh: Situated in Azulic’s dreamy tree top space, Kin Toh serves modern Mexican-Japanese fusion cuisine.
Gitano: Gitano offers a lively atmosphere with great music and good for dinner or dessert.
Wild: An open air jungle kitchen concept serving international cuisine with a mexican flare.
Loyal order: Mediterranian restaurant situated close to the Tulum Ruins.
Casa Jaguar: A visual experience for your palette.
