Curator’s statement
Tulum, Mexico has become a hot spot for its bohemian lifestyle, yoga retreats, impeccable dining experiences, high-end boutiques, nightlife, snorkeling, ancient Mayan ruins and wanderlust. Tulum’s perfectly azure Caribbean sea is just as much of an allure as its mysterious cenote caves – offering activities both in the sea and in the jungle. While many guests come here for one of its formidable techno parties, its wellness side offers a bounty of beauty for the conscious traveler.
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Where to stay in Tulum, Mexico
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Things to do in Tulum, Mexico
Is it time to chill out, soak up the sun, eat amazing seafood and drink delicious margaritas? If so, the beach in Tulum is just the place. Tulum’s perfectly Bounty commercial-like beaches are the place to lay back and saunter in the sun. If you’re looking for a more exciting day on the beach, Tulum provides a daytime and nightlife scene that can take you from a laid-back bar with mariachi music to a sleek cocktail lounge, to a dance party on the beach under a full moon.
Tulum, Mexico also offers plenty of exploration for the adventurous traveler looking to get out beyond the hotel zone. Its pueblo and surrounding areas feature cenotes, lagoons, ruins and more offering quite an itinerary.
Cenotes
Don’t miss out on exploring natural freshwater pools called cenotes – which offer unique swimming holes all around the Yucatan Peninsula. You can spend days exploring the multitude of freshwater cenotes, the main ones around Tulum include Gran Cenote, Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote Calavera, Cenote Zacil Ha, Cenote Angelita.
Bike Tours
An inspiring journey on a bike will take you through the outskirts where you can discover a variety of caves, caverns and cenotes that are hidden underneath the jungle of the Yucatan. Explore secluded cenotes by bike, far from the crowds and get in an additional workout.
Mayan Ruins
Tulum’s Mayan ruins are a very interesting place to visit because they are the only Mayan ruins in front of the sea. They are perched above white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.
A note from Jenny
This is also a great time to take a day trip out of Tulum. Akumal Beach is perfect for a day full of snorkeling or diving with the turtles. Selva Maya Eco Adventure Park is another great option for a day trip featuring zip lining, hanging bridges, cenotes and more. You can also visit Isla Mujeres with a high-energy ride on the Caribbean Sea via a luxury, restroom-equipped catamaran departing from Tulum.
Place to eat & drink in Tulum, Mexico
Breakfast
Raw Love: Start with an açai bowl and/or avocado toast. Wash it down with a freshly brewed cup of organic coffee, and you’ll be energized and fueled for the rest of the day!
Matcha Mama: Try one of the best açai bowls in Mexico by making your way to Matcha Mama. They use fresh fruits, seeds and toppings that are delectably creamy. The matcha colada bowl is a big hit too. It comes topped with bananas, kiwi, flax seeds, coconut and a scoop of matcha ice cream. Every single item on their menu is perfectly Instagram-worthy, so don’t forget to bring your camera.
DelCielo: This award-winning restaurant has a tropical bistro vibe and is a welcome break from other traditional Mexican restaurants in the area. Their menu features breakfast favorites like veggie omelet, quiche and granola. However, their sliced brioche French toast is the star of the show.
Lunch
La Zebra Beach Restaurant and Bar: La Zebra’s vibrant dining room showcases one of the best beachscapes in Tulum. This is a longtime favorite from locals to travelers, and couples to families – there is definitely something for everyone at La Zebra.
Dos Ceibas: Ready to chill at the beach and pig out on scrumptious shrimp tacos? Dos Ceibas Restaurant has the most delectable ceviche and taco plates. This is the perfect low-key place to chill on the beach, listen to the waves and eat delicious seafood!
Cocktails
GITANO: Friday nights at Gitano offer an awesome party with a DJ. Drinks are pricey but worth it. Gitano is the ultimate trendy cocktail bar.
Dinner
Loco Tulum: This unique spot offers the opportunity to taste impeccable Mediterranean cuisine dishes, tacos and more – which offer a fully authentic delicious experience. The lively atmosphere and the quaint little bar are the perfect places to hang out in the high-end area of Tulum.
Sushi Club Tulum: Experience a super fun atmosphere, where sushi and service truly become a work of art. The innovative and dynamic cuisine is an immersive experience in itself. With a team of personable and friendly service, performances and dance parties – Sushi Club is the place to indulge.
Hartwood: Created from sustainably-sourced ingredients found in Mexico. The menu is always evolving, but past dishes include jicama salad, snapper ceviche, short ribs and cheese-flavored ice cream. Each dish is cooked over an open fire by hand, which only adds to the sea-to-table ambiance. Hartwood is off the grid. Everything that keeps the restaurant running – lights, music – is entirely powered by solar energy. Their 100% organic compost efforts also decrease their carbon footprint and eliminate any unnecessary waste.
The Kitchen Table: Serious foodies have most likely heard of Kitchen Table. This restaurant is in the jungle side of Tulum. This is an eco-friendly restaurant where everything is cooked in its open kitchen. The menu is creative while still being authentically Mexican.
KIN TOH: Looking for a posh experience? Visit one of the most expensive restaurants at AZULIK hotel. It’s a Mayan-Mexican restaurant that serves avant-garde cuisine. Reservations are required for this high-end experience.
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Jenny Ballou
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