Tulum, Mexico is becoming more popular each year. I want to share a recap of my week spent in Tulum, located along the Mexican coast of Quintana Roo. Before I start, I’m intentionally staying away from big, well-known names in Tulum, like Nômade or the Papaya Playa Project, because they’ve already been so exposed. This article will focus on more low key yet equally stunning locations. I’ll give a rundown of Tulum’s best restaurants, trendiest resorts, and the famous nightlife.
Food
Of course, some of the best food in Tulum is found right on the streets (taco venders and smoothie stands are reliable, quick, and delicious). The town of Tulum is rich in culture and local cuisine. The bustling streets mingle with the smell of warm spices and crisp tropical fruit. With plenty of restaurants to choose from, here are my downtown Tulum highlights…
Botanica Garden Cafe
Botanica Garden Cafe delivers a vibrant brunch menu at a reasonable price point, for both locals and tourists. Nestled in greenery and surrounded by flowers, this spot is great for photos.
Must Try: The avocado toast or tartines, which paired perfectly with their vegetable & hummus platter.
Address: Andromeda Ote Manzana 16-lote 23, Tulum Centro, Col Huracanes, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Hours: Wednesday-Monday 8:00AM – 6:00PM / Tuesday Closed
Ajala Jungle Cantina
Located in an open-air palapa, Ajala Jungle Cantina invites you to enjoy every minute of your meal in nature. Come here for a light lunch if you need some midday fuel.
Must Try: Mexican Quinoa Salad.
Address: Centauro Sur 10 Esq, Andromeda Ote, Centro, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Hours: Wednesday-Monday 10:00AM – 11:30PM / Tuesday Closed
La Gloria De Don Pepe
This mom-and-pop restaurant boasted the best paella in town, and they did not disappoint! Beloved by locals, La Gloria De Don Pepe offers hearty tapas and unbeatable seafood for a price we all love. Prepared, cooked, and served in the same paellera, this is the perfect meal to enjoy with friends.
Address: Orion Sur, Andromeda Ote 57 Esquina, Tulum Centro, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 1:00PM – 11:00PM / Monday closed
Bites by the Beach
While I mentioned great restaurants in the town of Tulum, the most renowned eateries are right on the ocean. Beach resorts line the shore of Tulum, inspired by local architecture and detailed with glamorous minimalism. For those gastronomers reading, this is where Tulum’s elevated restaurateurs distinguish themselves. With immersive dining experiences and celebrated chefs, these seaside bistros will have you coming back for more. Mind you, these restaurants are very popular, so make sure to book a reservation before your trip.
Taboo Tulum
Taboo Beach Club is no stranger to Mexico’s most attractive destinations, with resorts in both Tulum and Cabo. Taboo Tulum’s beach restaurant embraces Mediterranean food as a lifestyle. Made with the freshest ingredients, take in the views and contemporary music for an eclectic atmosphere. Book a table for sunset if you can, Taboo concludes the day with sparklers and a show!
Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Zona Hotelera Km 7, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Hours: Everyday 11:00AM – 2:00AM
Nü Tulum
NÜ is run by 7 talented Chefs, lead by Cesar Castañeda, who was elected as one of Mexico’s 10 best Chefs under 30 by Gourmet Magazine. Discover the richness of the modern Mexican cuisine through flavorful and original recipes, derived from Mayan tradition. Tables are sheltered by jungle flora, creating an intimate ambience that’s perfect for a romantic night out.
Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila KM 8.7, Tulum Beach, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Hours: Wednesday-Monday 5:30pM – 10:30PM / Tuesday closed
Kin-Toh
Kin-Toh is one of Tulum’s most famous restaurants, and reservations book up fast. High above the jungle canopy, enjoy your meal with truly breathtaking views that you cannot find elsewhere. If you aren’t able to grab a nest at Kin-Toh, you can still explore the treehouse bar attached to the restaurant for a small cover charge (which includes a free drink!).
Address: Carretera Tulum-Punta Allen KM 5, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Hours: Everyday 7:30AM – 10:30AM, 11:00AM – 2:30PM, 5:30PM – 11:30PM
Arca
For those who want the best of the best, this is the place to hit. Open-fire cooking is integral to their menu with a dozen of small plates to choose from.
Must Try: Bone Marrow
Address: Av. Boca Paila, Tulum Beach, 77766 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Hours: Everyday 5:30PM–10:30PM
Resorts
Tulum is most famous for its cutting-edge resorts and their true to form designs. These resorts are pricey, but given the amenities, it’s definitely worth to check out. Here are the best beach resorts in all of Tulum:
AZULIK Villas
Appreciate the Caribbean Sea with one of Azulik’s oceanfront villas. Not many properties could compare to Azulik, and there are more than enough options to choose from. When you book with Azulik Resort, your stay is complete with room service, round trip VIP transport, mosaic stone baths, & artisanal mosquito nets.
AZULIK SKY Villa pictured to the left.
Address: Carretera Tulum – Punta Allen KM 5, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Be Tulum Beach & Spa
Energized by the rustic charm and raw natural beauty of the Maya Riviera, Be Tulum is comprised of 65 exclusive suites, chosen from 14 different design rooms. Immerse yourself in the coziness of Tulum by booking a private room that fits your taste. If you’re traveling with a group and feeling ritzy, look into their Villa packages.
Be Tulum Tierra Suite pictured to the right.
Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km.10, Tulum Beach, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
La Valise Hotel
La Valise Hotel perfectly encapsulates the je ne sais quoi of Tulum. In this Robinson Crusoe meets Crafted Museum-curated villa, you can experience the simplicity of a beachfront bungalow added with sophistication and luxury. Each bungalow is exotically furnished and fitted with art hand-picked by local craftsmen.
La Valise Master Suite pictured to the left.
Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km 8.7, Tulum Beach, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Excursions and Activities
Beyond the food and the resorts, there is a lot more to do in Tulum. Known for pristine white sand beaches, hidden swimming holes, and ancient history, Tulum has a range of options for any tourist. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a low-key traveler, Tulum has an excursion for everyone! I’ll list some of my favorites below.
SFER IK Museum
SFER IK Museum is an interdisciplinary creative sphere comprising exhibitions of some of the world’s finest visual artists, including innovative artist residencies that culminate in new ways of experiencing art. SFER IK is attached to Azulik’s property, so stop by before grabbing a drink at the bar. The indoor/outdoor museum is interactive and unlike any museum I’ve been to before. This is a great spot for photos.
Address: Carretera Tulum-Punta Allen KM 5, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Hours: Everyday 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Cenote Tours
There are dozens of cenotes scattered around the Yucatán Peninsula. Each cenote contains a different kind of magic. To access the cenotes, most require some kind of scheduled guide or entry fee. It’s not hard to find a private cenote tour online, but be sure to know which kind of cenote you most want to visit:
If you want to lounge all day at a crystal clear lagoon, visit Cenote Dos Ojos or Casa Cenote. For those wanting an Instagram post, get to Cenote Calavera in the morning before it gets busy. If you desire an underground expedition amongst stalactites, see Cenote Sac Actun (pictured left).
Tulum Mayan Ruins
To me, the Tulum Maya Archeological Site is the heart and soul of this beautiful place. Built on a bluff facing the rising sun, this spot will stir your imagination, providing glimpses of the tradition and achievements of the Mayans. You can pay for a tour, but I recommend simply paying for the entry fee and exploring self-guided. In addition, the site has ramps and wheelchair accessible paths to make this spot enjoyable for all.
Address: Carretera Federal, Cancun – Chetumal Km 230, 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Hours: Everyday 9:00AM – 4:30PM
Clubs and Nightlife
Tulum has a soaring electronic music scene, and people flock worldwide to party in this Mexican paradise. Surrounded by impressive landscapes, Tulum congregates the best DJ’s alongside open minded travelers from around the globe. If you’re anything like me, you can’t go on vacation without hitting the club. I’ll give a day vibe and a night vibe, in case you want to dance from sunrise to sundown.
Buuts’ Ha’ Cenote Club
This is a three story club built inside of a cenote. Buuts‘ means smoke in Mayan culture and Ha‘ means water. Two essential elements to achieve maximum purification of the soul. Natural waterfalls, private cabanas, and base jumping make this place feel like a tropical Disneyland. You have to see it to believe it. The club is located on the property of Casa Tortuga, which requires a small entry fee. From there you have choices of cenote tours, ziplining, etc… if you’re into that go for it, but I personally would go straight to the club. Your only direction is to follow the music. You literally walk through the jungle on a loosely marked path, trust me, it’s not that hard to do! An oasis for sure.
Address: Carr. Tulum – Cancún 239, Ejidal, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Hours: Everyday 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Mía Tulum Beach Club
Mía Tulum has an active party scene and top notch DJ’s that make it worthy of your Tulum bucket list. This club is great during the day, but at night is when it truly shines. The palms leading to the club are lit with neon green and purple, the path twists and turns, eventually opening up to a seaside stage. Feel free to walk to the water, get your feet in the sand, and hear some of the best house and techno in town. It’s an LA vibe with actual fresh air, relaxed seating, elevated viewing, and incredible music (I’m still thinking about one of those sets).
Address: Carr. Tulum – Cancún 239, Ejidal, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Hours: Everyday 10:00AM – 8:00PM
THE WATERS EDIT 