Tulum is a perennially trendy vacation spot, and for good reason. Just about 90 minutes south of Cancun, Tulum is a laid-back, stunning piece of paradise with the perfect mixture of culture, relaxation, pristine beaches, incredible food, and nightlife.
Whether you're seeking a family vacation, romantic getaway, or friends-cation, Tulum offers something for every type of traveler. And you can experience the best of Tulum in just a few days. Here are some of the must-hit spots.
Treat yourself to some breakfast tacos.
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Upon arriving in Tulum, there's probably one thing on your mind: tacos. Luckily for you, tacos are perfectly appropriate here for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a 2 a.m. snack. So make Taqueria Honorio your first stop. It's located in old town Tulum, a stone's throw from the hotel strip. For about $1.50 each, you can fill up on warm tortillas filled with cochinita pibil and carne asada, pickled onions, salsa, and tomatillo sauce.
Head to the beach for some Vitamin D.
After all that traveling and a belly full of tacos, you're probably about ready to chill out. Head to the hotel strip and make your way to Playa Paraíso, Tulum's most happening beach. Whether your goal is to worship the sun, day drink, people watch, or swim in the Caribbean sea, you'll have no trouble passing time on this gorgeous stretch of sand.
Window shop 'til you drop.
The beach strip is lined with everything from eco lodges and luxury hotels to yoga studios and glamorous boutique shops, and it's all surrounded by lush jungles and swaying palm trees. Rent bikes or explore by foot: You'll pass smoothie stands serving cracked coconuts, open-air bars set beneath the canopies, and clothing stores selling bohemian kaftan dresses, hand woven dream catchers, and beaded necklaces.
Enjoy a meal that's literally worth traveling for at Hartwood.
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Hartwood is easily the most talked-about restaurant in Tulum, and for good reason. It's not just the incredible food, but the whole atmosphere that makes it a truly special dining experience. Hartwood has no roof and no walls. In fact, some low hanging trees are the only thing shielding diners from a sky full of stars. The seafood centric menu changes often depending on the daily catch and the produce bought from local Yucatán farms. There's no electricity and everything from the tender, charcoal grilled octopus to the hearty ribeye streak is cooked outdoors over an open fire. After a big dinner and a few cocktails, you'll be ready to call it a night.
Find your zen at morning yoga.
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Even if yoga isn't your thing, you should give it a try when in Tulum. There's something intoxicating about breathing in the fresh, salty air and practicing in such an idyllic setting. Also, you'll find classes at just about every hotel in town. Check out Maya Tulum where every morning there's a yoga class that's open to the public for $15. Try it once, and you just might find yourself returning the next day.
Take a step back in time at the Mayan ruins.
There are Mayan ruins throughout the Yucatán Peninsula — the most famous being Chichen Itza — but if you don't want to take a day trip, you can see fascinating ruins right in Tulum. Set against the backdrop of the glistening Caribbean Sea, the walled city of the Tulum Ruins dates back to pre-Columbian times (aka centuries). You can easily spend an afternoon taking in the views and wandering around the ancient temples and pyramids.
Enjoy lunch with a view at Chamico's.
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Just north of the ruins sits Soliman Bay, a quiet stretch of beach with calm, ombre blue water. Walk along the bay until you stumble upon a handful of plastic tables and hammocks tied to baby palm trees. Then you know you've arrived at Chamico's, an under-the-radar seafood shack you'll want to keep to yourself. Order a big bowl of guacamole, a heaping pile of fresh ceviche, and a few Modelos, and chow down to the sound of lapping waves.
Get back to nature at Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.
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Follow Soliman Bay north along the Riviera Maya and you'll wind up at Sian Ka'an. If you're a nature-lover, it's a can't-miss highlight. The nature reserve is made up of tropical forests, marshes, and a barrier reef, home to crocodiles, turtles, monkeys, dolphins, and manatees. Book a boat tour for the chance to snorkel in the coral reef and come face to face with all the amazing wildlife the biosphere holds.
Sip sunset cocktails at Gitano.
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Only in Tulum will you find a chic cocktail bar set in the jungle with a disco ball and drinks that pack a serious punch. Here at Gitano, it's all about the mezcal, so order a passion fruit and habanero margarita and watch the sun go down.
Eat under the stars at Kitchen Table.
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If there's one thing Tulum does well, it's open-air dining, and Kitchen Table is a perfect example. In the same vein as Hartwood, the atmosphere is casual, romantic, and exciting all at the same time. Each dish here is prepared on an open fire beneath a thatched hut. The menu is changing but expect things like grilled Caribbean lobster, huitlacoche quesadillas, and deviled avocado.
Dive into a cenote.
In addition to Mayan ruins, the Yucatán Penninsula is also famous for its cenotes, which are natural, fresh water swimming holes. There are a handful of these turquoise pools just a short drive from Tulum. Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos are two popular spots with crystal clear water, perfect for snorkeling with fish and sea turtles. Your best bet for avoiding the crowds is to go first thing in the morning.
Sample Tulum's best fish tacos at Mateo's.
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If you went to Tulum and didn't eat fish tacos...did you even go? For the best around, look out for Mateo's. While fish is the strong suit here, there's something on the menu for everyone like sizzling steak fajitas, coconut shrimp, and vegetarian burritos. Of course, you'll need a margarita (or two) to wash everything down.
Explore a new beach.
Only a fifteen minute walk from popular Playa Paraiso, Playa Pescadores feels worlds away from all the tourists. Peaceful and quiet with wide, white sand shores and warm water, it's the perfect spot to roll out your beach blanket and bask in the sun.
Take a seat for dinner and a sunset at Posada Margherita.
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You probably didn't travel to Tulum to eat Italian food...but then again, you haven't yet tried Posada Margherita. The flavors at this oceanfront restaurant are matched only by the views of the sun melting into the Caribbean. Order one of the homemade pastas, take your shoes off, and eat dinner with your toes in the sand.
End the night at Casa Jaguar.
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By now, you know that the theme in Tulum is staying outdoors from morning 'til night. Casa Jaguar is another bar nestled between sweeping trees where you can drink delicious cocktails and be intoxicated by the magic of Tulum. Every Thursday night, a different DJ turns Casa Jaguar into a jungle party you don't want to miss. The food is solid too in case the tequila puts in you in the mood for some late-night snacks.
