The Ultimate Guide to Tulum, Mexico

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UPDATED: 09/2020

Tu-Tu-Tu-Tulum I want to go… It is a town filled with magic, color, crystal clear waters and happiness (in the form of tacos).  I absolutely love immersing myself in a new place, and I couldn’t get enough of the laid-back, peaceful feeling of Tulum.

I took my first trip to Tulum back in 2015 and have visited about once a year since then. While I’ve seen the town change and grow in my ways, I still enjoy visiting and find that the beauty of the Yucatan peninsula is just as spectacular each time I visit.

In this ultimate guide to visiting Tulum, I’ll share all of my favorite activities in Tulum and around the Yucatan peninsula, where to eat and drink in Tulum and finally all the best hotels to stay at in Tulum.

Here’s the ultimate guide to visiting Tulum, Mexico!

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WHAT TO DO IN TULUM:
Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Tulum has got you covered.

• The Beach – This one is obvious!  Tulum is known for its turquoise water and white sand beaches.  So grab a good book and a drink and get your relaxation on.
• Tulum Pueblo – I spent one of my visits to Tulum in the town (‘Tulum Pueblo’).  While most people stay on the beach and just visit the town, I loved staying here for a night or two and really immersing myself in the neighborhood. The locals were having a street festival one night with live music and street vendors selling tacos, churros and Mexican street corn, which I wouldn’t have found unless I was staying nearby!
• Rent a Bike – Bikes are a popular way to get around in Tulum.  You can rent one and ride into town or to the ruins.  We also rented a scooter one day to visit the cenotes (a little scary on the highway, only recommend if you are adventurous and experienced with scooters!)
• Cenotes – My favorite thing to do on the Yucatan peninsula is visit the cenotes.  They are beautiful, natural fresh water pools often with caves where you can swim and dive.  We swam in Cenote Dos Ojos, which means ‘two eyes’ and has two swimming holes with caves that connect them.  It is very popular with tourists so try to get there early to beat the crowds!  We also visited Cenote Aktun-Ha (also known as Cenote Car Wash) which was my favorite.  The water was turquoise blue surrounded by the green jungle, and there was no one there at all… we felt like we were in a real life Fern Gully!
• Tulum Ruins – These ancient Mayan ruins are right on the water and are fun to spend the morning exploring.  Get there at opening to avoid major crowds (it’s so much more beautiful without all the tourists!).  Alternatively, if you’re up for a day trip, check out the Coba ruins or one of The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Chichen Itza.
• Akumal Beach – One of my Bucket List items for this year was to swim with sea turtles.  I had never seen one before so I was determined.  We made the 25 minute drive north to Akumal Beach and found turtles within 3 minutes of swimming in the ocean.  They love the sea grass (such hungry little guys).  We also saw sting rays and other colorful fish.

       
WHERE TO STAY IN TULUM:
Tulum has no shortage of beautiful beach bungalows…

• Coco Tulum – Tulum has not become a Cancun-type destination with high-rise hotels (and hopefully it stays that way!), so the hotels mostly consist of bungalows on the beach and many of them are eco-friendly.  We loved Coco Tulum with its cute beach bungalows in the jungle and prime beach access.  We also loved the beach bar where you can drink tropical-flavored, delicious daiquiris (they have passion fruit, my fav!) while swinging (yes, they have swings at the bar) and talking with the friendly bartenders and fun crowd.  You can read my full review of Coco Tulum here.
• Papaya Playa Project – I absolutely loved staying at this unique hotel!  Papaya Playa Project is a complex of standalone bungalows set on the beach and in the jungle — most with their own private pool.  What more could you need?  The hotel is also known for its DJ nights and monthly full moon parties.
• Casa Malca – Fancy staying at the former vacation home of Pablo Escobar?  Well, now you can as it’s been converted into a luxury hotel.  The rooms are comfortable and modern and it’s located on a secluded stretch of beach near the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Preserve.  If you don’t end up staying here, you can also just pop by for drinks and see the property!
• Habitas Tulum – Another stunning luxury hotel set on an intimate stretch of beach but still close enough to the hotel zone to be near the action.  Great for couples or those looking to relax in a serene spot!
• Nomade Tulum – A favorite of yogis and wellness lovers, Nomade is a beautiful, boho resort that is the perfect mix of jungle and beach.  They offer tons of wellness focused activities like yoga classes, breathwork, and sound healing.
• La Valise – Another gorgeous property on Tulum beach, La Valise is a smaller hotel that feels secluded and private — perfect for a relaxing getaway.
• Copal – If you’re looking to save some money on lodging, staying off the beach is your best bet!  But just because you’re not on the beach, doesn’t mean you can’t stay at a beautiful hotel. Copal has a jungly vibe with modern rooms and, the best part… a rooftop pool!
• Airbnb – I’ve stayed at several Airbnbs around Tulum — both in Tulum pueblo (better for budget lodging options!) and in Sian Ka’an which has a lot of great houses for larger groups. (New to Airbnb?  Get a credit on me!)

 WHERE TO EAT + DRINK IN TULUM:
Did you know Tulum was also a foodie destination?

• Loyal Order – Who would thought that some of the best Turkish food I’ve had would be from Tulum?!  This vibey spot is right on the beach and has the most delicious food.
• Kin Toh – Azulik’s restaurant has one of the coolest settings in Tulum… it’s basically a giant treehouse!  And, the food and service is just as good. Just be prepared for lots of photographers and bloggers “getting the shot” on their beautiful net hammocks!
• Posada Margarita – Do I really want to eat Italian food in Tulum was my first thought…  But after trying it, the answer is yes!  Plus, the ambience and decor is amazing, and it’s right on the beach.
• Gitano – Set in a jungly outdoor setting, Gitano has delicious craft cocktails and is a great option for a fun night out.
• Arca – This upscale, progressive restaurant is run by a chef that trained at world-renowned Noma.  
• Hartwood – Perhaps the most well-known restaurant in Tulum, make sure try try this spot at least once!
• Taqueria La Eufemia – This taqueria is right on the beach with a lively, fun atmosphere and a great selection of drinks and tacos.
• Matcha Mama – If you love matcha like I do, then you won’t want to miss this cafe that serves matcha, smoothie bowls and more.
• Taqueria Honorio – We found this place by asking around with the locals in town about the best tacos (it’s located in Tulum Pueblo). They all sent us here and told us to get the Cochonita Pibil (a traditional Yucatan slow-roasted pork dish).  They did not disappoint, we’re still dreaming about these tacos.  Also, get the homemade horchata!
• Antojitos La Chiapaneca – Similarly, this place serves locals and tourists alike in Tulum Pueblo.  Super simple, delicious and authentic tacos.
• Flor de Michoacan – I’m obsessed with paletas… fruity, sweet, chocolate, any type of paleta.  They are so refreshing and delicious!  This place (located in Tulum Pueblo) had THE BEST selection and the most delicious paletas I’ve ever had.
• Chamico’s Lobster Shack – This is a hidden beach spot north of the main beach strip.  Stop here for drinks + food and relax in one of their many hammocks on a less crowded beach.
• Batey Mojito + Guarapo Bar – A fun bar with an outdoor patio, DELICIOUS mojitos, and live music in Tulum Pueblo.

 
SHOP MY TULUM STYLE FAVORITES

READ NEXT:

Top 5 Day Trips from Tulum

Guide to the Coba Ruins

6 Reasons to Visit Tulum

Staying at Coco Tulum

Guide to Laguna Bacalar

Tulum in 25 Photos