Curator’s statement
Tulum has it all, from authentic food and experiences in town to boutique hotels, endless wellness and music options and gorgeous ocean views at the Playa. Not to mention the ancient ruins, stunning cenotes, and adventure waiting just outside town. With sustainability, art and fashion top of mind, Tulum is the conscious traveler’s mecca.
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Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Cancun international airport in the morning. Travel with ease to Tulum in a private shuttle to your hotel with Gypso Travel by Jade Tours.
After you check into your hotel, walk along the beach to Casa Jaguar for better Mexican food or the Funky Geisha for authentic Asian street food. After dinner, head back to the Playa for sunset.
End the night at Gitano Jungle nightclub with dancing and live music to Latin sounds.
Day 2: Shopping and local fare
Spend your day getting the lay of the land and exploring Tulum's town on foot. Stop into art galleries like Sfer Ik and Balam Art On Feathers and boutiques like La Troupe, World by Hand and La Tiendita. Be on the lookout for street art and gelato and try a floating lunch, grabbing a shared plate from any place that draws you in.
Spend the late afternoon at Ziggy’s Beach Club in a lounge chair with live music and DJs playing in the background. Watch the sunset with a margarita or sip on a local mezcal.
For dinner, go to Arca and try their small, seasonal menu. It is ranked in Latin America's 50 best restaurants and North America's 50 best bars.
Day 3: Yoga and spa
Stop at Holy Deer Cafe for your morning coffee and grab a selfie with the “Coming to Light” sculpture while fewer people are out and about. Then head to Papaya Playa for their 10 am yoga class. Start your morning off with a gentle Vinyasa Flow in their beautiful sea-view palapa. Both relaxing and invigorating, you will reboot body and mind through synchronized breath and movement as you flow through the postures and transitions. After yoga, head over to the spa for a couples massage and visit the Temazcal, a traditional Mayan steambath. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the famous El Papaya Beach Club.
After a quick refresh back at your hotel, head to dinner at Bal Nak, which feels like a wild jungle and back-yard party all at once. Return to the hotel for a casual night.
Day 4: Snorkel and sail
After a delicious breakfast and coffee at your hotel, head out for a romantic half-day sailing trip with Cancun Adventures. While on the excursion, you’ll explore the lively island of Isla Mujeres, snorkel with vibrant fish (and sea turtles if you're lucky) and enjoy lunch and an open bar.
After a long day of sailing and exploration, spend a couple of hours relaxing and reading on the beach. Take a taxi to Tulum's town, leaving plenty of time to explore the local streets and shops before taking a cooking class with Rivera's Kitchen. You will learn all about Mayan, Mexican and Aztec cuisine from a local home, while sampling local food and drink.
Stop in for a nightcap at Batey Mojito and Guarapo Bar before catching a taxi back to your hotel.
Day 5: Biking and ruins
If you are up for an adventure, rent bicycles from Muvon or a scooter from TAE Tulum and head to the Tulum Ruins. The visitor center is just off of Hwy 307, on the outskirts of town. From there, it’s another 1km to the ticket booth and archaeological site where you will buy tickets. If you’d like a more structured visit, opt for private transportation and a guide with Yucitan Eli’s Tours. You will want to start early to avoid the heat and crowds.
Stop at Playa Paraiso on your way home and enjoy the rocky beach views, iguanas, and a Cerveza or two from the Paraiso Restaurant. After dinner, bar hop through the main strip and let yourself get lost in the sights and sounds.
Day 6: Cenote adventure
Spend your morning working out at the one of a kind Tulum Jungle Gym then grab breakfast and a coffee at Antonella Breakfast & Lunch, known for their iced Mexican coffee.
It's not a trip to Tulum without a cenote visit. Join Tulum Adventure Mexico for a tour of Cenote Dos Ojos and Casa Cenote where you will get to swim in the crystal-clear waters and learn about these unique sinkholes, once worshiped by Mayans.
End the day with a romantic dinner for two at Autor, a Michelin Guide restaurant in neighboring Akumal featuring contemporary Mexican cuisine.
Day 7: Beach and depart
Take a quick dip in the ocean and grab a coffee at Matcha Mama before heading back to the airport with Gypso Travel by Jade Tours.
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Travel Advisor
Mallory VanderVelde
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This itinerary is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Tulum. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Clare Risman's guide, Tulum, Riviera Maya, Mexico: Something for Everyone.