We were so excited about our upcoming trip Tulum. It’d been on our radar for awhile and we finally made it down to the Riviera Maya and had 5 days to explore this tropical paradise. What started as a yoga retreat in the 70's, Tulum is complete with a perfect white sand beach, organic farm to table restaurants, swanky jungle bars, and bohemian shopping. There are two sides to Tulum, the beachfront and the town. All of the best and expensive hotels are on the beach along with the pricier dining options. The small town of Tulum is a 15 minute bike ride away has cheaper lodging and more local style taquerias. We stayed at an AirBnB in the town for $30 a night which include bikes and was in quiet neighborhood called Villas Tulum. We rode our bikes down to the beach everyday but enjoyed the more local feel of staying in the town. Tulum is becoming more popular lately for good reason.
TO DO:
Visit the Mayan Ruins
People come from all over the Riviera Maya to visit the gorgeous Mayan Ruins of Tulum. Situated on the cliffs over looking the turquoise and blue water we were in awe of these ancient buildings. It is incredible to think that the Mayan Civilization picked this spot as a location for one of their cities.
TIP: Make sure to pack a swimsuit when visiting these ruins. Swimming is allowed at the beach (pictured below) and you will definitely want to take a dip after viewing the ruins in the heat. It was surreal swimming in the water with the ruins towering above you on the cliffs. This beach was also one of the cleanest and had the clearest water of any beach we visited this trip. Go early! We were here and had this entire beach nearly to ourselves, by 11 AM the beach was full! Riding your bike will provide the fastest way in and out!
Swim in the cenotes
When visiting the Riviera Maya you have to swim in a cenote. These natural fresh water pools are unique to the area and are scattered throughout the surrounding jungle. Rent a driver for the day to find some off the beaten path. We visited Cenote Samula and Xkeken on our way to the city of Valladoid and because we werer there early we were the only people inside the cave.
Cenote Samula
Swimming in these cenotes was one of the coolest experiences we ever had. We had the place entirely to ourselves with only the bats for company.
TIP: At 10:30am in Cenote Samula this magnificent ray of light beams down into the pool and creates a dramatic effect.
Cenote Xkeken
Relax at the beach
One of the most picturesque beaches in the world Tulum beach is what keeps visitors coming here time and time again. You couldn't ask for a more beautiful beach. Lined with chic hotels and bars you could spend days walking along the beach popping into fun little spots to eat and drink the day away.
Explore the city of Valladolid
If you have the chance head inland to the colorful little town of Valladolid. Only 45 minutes from Chichen Itza this Spanish colonial town is a great base if you would like to spend time at the biggest ruins in the area or is a fun day trip. In the center of the town the idyllic Cathedral de San Gervasio overlooks the main square. Spend the afternoon moseying along the winding streets amongst and the sherbet-colored walls of the its vibrant town square
Spend the afternoon moseying along the winding streets amongst and the sherbet-colored buildings. Stop at a local restaurant to indulge in traditional Mexican fare.
We ate at the restaurant in the courtyard of Hotel El Mesón del Marqués and had a fantastic meal. The tortillas were made right in front of you and the menu included a lot of local dishes. We are still drolling over the Yucatan lime soup we had here.
Fresh ingredients and handmade tortillas at Hotel El Mesón del Marqués
Go to a Tequila Distillery
One of our favorite things about Mexico is Tequila and Mezcal! We were lucky to have the opportunity to visit a tequila distillery on our way back to Tulum from Valladolid, We got a tour through the blue agave field and sampled different aged tequilas. While this is a small distillery it will give you some insight into the tequila making process. If you are looking for a real tequila focused trip you will need to head to the region of Jalisco.
TO EAT:
Posada Margherita
Km. 4.5, Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila, Tulum, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
After eating only Mexican food for two weeks Posada Margarita's homemade Italian pasta was just what we needed. We came here for lunch and ended up spending the entire day lounging on their beach chairs. The funky bohemian vibe at this restaurant/hotel was welcoming and relaxing. We never wanted to leave!
We loved the fresh made forccaia which was a free appetizer with every meal. (Pictured above) We also fell in love with these unquie beach huts in front of the restaurant (Pictured below). If you're lucky you can hang out in one of these for the day after your meal free of charge.
We loved Posada Margherita and want to stay in one of their few beachfront rooms next time we come to Tulum. Great food, awesome ambiance and a beachfront location! What else do you need?
Tacos Eufemia
Boca Paila Km8, Zona Hotelera, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Looking for a good time and some great tacos? Tacos Eufemia is one of the most happening spots on the beach. With cheap tacos and even cheaper beer this place is always packed. It's a fun place for a day party. Expect to leave with a full belly, sunburt nose and with lots of new friends.
Hartwood
Carretera Tulum Boca Paila 7.6Km, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
The most talked about restaurant in Tulum is undoubtedly Hartwood. All the food is sourced from local farms and is soley cooked over an open fire. People line up for hours to snag a table at this famous hot spot. For us, after all the hype the food fell a little flat but we still enjoyed our evening and watching the Chef cook over the hot coals right in front of us was a great experience.
Antojitos la Chaipaneca
Av. Tulum, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Head into Tulum town and search out this open air taqueria. You will know you've arrived when you see the giant al pastors roasting on spits. This no-frills taqueria is a local favorite and for good reason. The food here is insanely delicious and incredibly cheap. It's worth the journey into town to eat dinner at Antojitos, this place is perfect.
Raw Love
Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km 7. 5, Tulum 77760, Mexico
This cute cafe nestled in the jungle has a completely healthy and vegan menu. Grab a hammock and enjoy an homemade yogurt bowl with fresh local fruit while sipping on a cocconut milk coffee.
Casa Jaguar
Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km 7.5, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Another Tulum hot-spot Casa Jaguar has an incredible ambiance. Set back in the jungle the vibe here is swanky and the food and drinks are divine. We came here for one thing, churros dipped in chocolate, but we would also reccomend coming here for dinner. In Tulum there are so many amazing restaurants there is no way you could eat at them all. Looks like we will just have to plan another trip back soon.
TO DRINK:
Safari
Carrer Tulum Boca Paila Km 8 Frente a los Lirios, Tulum 77780, Mexico
This super unique restaurant and bar can be found along the main beach drag. Keep an eye out for the silver airstream trailer tucked in along the palms. This kitchen on wheels serves up tasty tacos!
Sit at the bar and check out the funky palm tree wall paper while the bartender mixes you up a delicious tropical cocktail.
CoCo's Tulum
Carretera Tulum Boca Paila Km 7, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Famous for its chic white bar swings overlooking the ocean, CoCo’s is definitely posh but the setting is rad. Expect to pay $12+ for a drink but it’s worth it to kick up for feet for awhile on one of their adorable white swings.
Ziggy's
Carretera Tulum - Boca Paila Km 7,5, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, QROO, Mexico
Ziggy’s cocktails were some of our favorite in Tulum. Like most of the beachfront bars the drinks are a little pricy but the bohemian design and cool vibe will make you never want to leave.
TIP: Try some of their incredibly unique mezcal cocktails!
Gitano
Beach Road Km. 7, Boca Paila, QRO, Mexico
Look for the shine of the neon pink sign out front and mosey your way into this jungle bar. Craft cocktails and tapas are the name of the game here. Come for a pre-dinner sipper or stay and dance the night away under the disco ball to the sounds of live music at one of Tulum’s most hip bars.
Batey’s Mojito & Guarapo Bar
Andromeda Ote & Calle Centauro Sur, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
One of the most lively bars in Tulum town, Batey’s Mojito and Guarapo Bar shouldn’t be missed. They are known for their can sugar mojitos which are made with freshly pressed cane sugar! You can see their sugar cane press built into this old VW bug. You can watch as they crush the sugar stalks emitting this delicious sweet sugar which is used in all the mojitos. Each drink is garnished with a raw cane sugar stalk. Make sure to chew on your stalk to taste the pure sugar. Delicious! When we were here you could hear this beautiful jazz music from a block away, as we followed the tunes we entered into this place and saw a 20 piece band setting the perfect tone for a fun night out.
Santino Bar
Av. Tulum, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
We stumbled across this bar one night in the town while we were shopping. The cool hanging Edison bulbs and chic interior design drew us in. We came back every night, chatted with the nice bartenders and enjoyed the rad music.
TIP: Come by after midnight, when the real party begins as a nightly DJ takes the stage.
Posada Margherita
Km. 4.5, Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila, Tulum, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
We had to add Posada Margherita to our favorite bar list as well as our restaurant list because these cocktails we just that good. Everything from the rustic wooden menu boards to the fresh unique ingredients blew us away. We loved this spot. If you could only go to one restaurant/bar in Tulum this should be it!
We hope you find yourself in Tulum and have the chance to check out some of these amazing restaurants. If you do make sure to leave us a comment and us know what you think!
