Tulum Travel Guide: Best Hotels, Food & Cenotes

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Advisor - Cathy Hamel
Curated By

Cathy Hamel

  • International Travel

  • Mexico

  • Tulum

  • Beaches

  • Nature Escapes

  • Solo Travel

  • Relaxation

  • Local Culture

  • Local Cuisine

Green plants next to sand and ocean with clouds in the sky during daytime
Curator’s statement

Tulum, Mexico offers the perfect balance between relaxation, partying and healing. The sun is always shining and when the rain comes it never lasts long. This city is full of history and art and the food is simply delicious. You can find not only Mexican favorites, like tacos and ceviche, but also Italian, Thai and more. Tulum is a good place to go for partying, but also ideal if you want to relax and read a book by the ocean; there's a place for everyone in Tulum. Even better, since it's close to Cancun, it is easy to get to! Around the city, you can find adorable little places to discover including restaurants owned by locals - that's where the magic really happens. Go to Tulum and fall in love with the city, your friends, your partner, the ocean and (most importantly) with yourself!

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Where to stay in Tulum, Mexico

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Things to do in Tulum, Mexico

Large body of water next to rocks and trees during daytime

Visit the best cenotes! There are so many cenotes in Tulum, but for me its the Casa Cenote, which is an open-type cenote. It is not filled with many tourists so it is intimate. Plus, on the other side of the street you'll find a nice beach with a restaurant - where I highly recommend eating fried fish tacos! It's a nice place to relax for the rest of the day and maybe read a book. Another recommendation is Gran Cenote, which is a cave-type cenote. It's simply beautiful.

Cenote Cristal (open-type cenote) and Cenote Escondito (hidden cenote) can be visited together because they are next to each other. Swimming in crystal-clear water is simply relaxing and a very beautiful way to connect with nature and appreciate the present moment.

Discover Sian Ka'an Tulum's National Park and its natural beach for a water adventure far from the crowds.

Dive in The Mesoamerican Reef (the second largest in the world). With more than 65 species of rock corals, 350 species of mollusks and over 500 fish species, it's a natural refuge for protected and endangered species.

Visit the SFER IK museum near Tulum in a little village called Francisco Uh May! You will never regret this and you'll feel one with the jungle. The museum is approximately 30 minutes by car from Tulum Beach and this museum will make your whole trip magical.

Have a Temazcal ceremony, which is tradition in Mexico. tThey've been doing this for centuries and it is a sacred ritual. You'll feel physically, mentally and emotionally healthier. It's a cleansing process and an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.

Let yourself be carried away by unique live music at Batey Mojito - their mojito's are absolutely delicious!

Places to eat & drink in Tulum, Mexico

Wooden tables surrounded by trees during daytime

Breakfast in Tulum

Ki'bok Coffee Tulum: Best place to start the day with traditional Huevos rancheros. They're making very good Cuban coffee! Take out coffee or breakfast with the fam/friends, the service here is impeccable.

Raum Gallery: Smoothie bowl, burritos breakfast, in La Veleta this place is such a vibe. art pieces in every wall. Friendly services. You'll feel like home there.

Lunch in Tulum

Posada Margherita: In Tulum Beach, Posada serves authentic Italian cuisine. Have your favorite pizza here with a beautiful ocean view. They serve gelato and they a have bed on the beach to relax with all of your family or friends. Pizza, pasta and salads. Ideal for your Italian cravings.

Taquerias La Riviera Costena: This is an authentic shop serving shawarma tacos in La Veleta. It is very cheap and is where the locals go. In Tulum, it costs almost nothing to have one of the best tacos. A must try while you are in La Veleta.

El Camello Jr: The best ceviche in Tulum - period. The prices are cheap but this is another restaurant where locals go because its simply the best ceviche in town.

Dinner in Tulum

Asian Bodega Restaurant & Bar: Thai restaurant in La Velata. The must try is the Thai-radito and the pad thai! The restaurant suggests a share menu, where you should order few meals and share with your loved ones.

Arca: In Tulum beach, A Mexican traditional gastronomic experience. If you are looking for bold flavors this is the place to go for a special dinner date night.

NÜ Tulum: Candlelit restaurant serving cuisine made with ancient Mayan farming techniques. A true gastronomic experience.

Need to know

I recommend Tulum as a travel experience to heal, eat and reconnect with nature. Take one day at a time, daydream, fall in love with life and get inspired by this beautiful and safe city.

Advisor - Cathy Hamel

Travel Advisor

Cathy Hamel

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