Tulum, Mexico

Tulum has a distinct split between the beach zone (more resort-style, and laid-back) and the town (urban vibes). By splitting your stay between the two, you get the best of both worlds.

We’re by no means experts—just sharing what we experienced and what we learned from talking to locals and seasoned travelers who’ve visited Tulum many times. Interestingly, everyone we met during our stay were repeat visitors, and most of them were European.

Tulum is typically thought of as a beach destination, but since we tend to prefer a more urban environment when we travel, we decided to break up our trip into two parts: town and beach.

After a lot of research, we learned that the area is essentially divided into two main zones: Tulum Pueblo (also known as Tulum Town), which offers a more local, urban vibe, and Tulum Beach, often referred to as the Hotel Zone, which is lined with boutique resorts and beach clubs. There’s also the deep jungle between the town and beach—something we’re very curious about and plan to explore on a future trip.

Tulum Town – Is It Worth It?

We’ve been getting this question a lot since coming home: Is Tulum Town (the Pueblo) worth visiting? Our honest answer? Yes—absolutely.

If you're looking to experience authentic Mayan culture along with a growing food and art scene, you’ll likely fall in love with the Pueblo. This is the downtown area of Tulum, and it's where we stayed for the first part of our trip. The main zones within town are Tulum Town (known as the Pueblo) itself, as well as the neighborhoods of La Veleta and Aldea Zama. (Fun fact: Zama was actually the original name of Tulum.)

Everything in the Pueblo is technically walkable, but we rented a scooter for three of the days and highly recommend it. Between the heat, humidity, and dusty roads, having the scooter made exploring way more enjoyable.

There’s a lot to do in the Pueblo, and it’s also much closer to the Tulum Ruins and many of the best cenotes. If you're traveling on a budget, this area is significantly more affordable than the beach zone. Just for perspective: meals and drinks near the beach can easily cost double what you'd pay in town.

Tulum Beach – Gorgeous

The water is warm, the sand feels like powdered sugar, and even as people who don’t typically gravitate toward beach vacations, we couldn’t tear ourselves away from our lounge chairs until sunset.

Our days were blissfully lazy—sunning, swimming, eating, drinking, and people watching. It was, honestly, perfect.

The beach itself is long, soft, and sandy, and is generally divided into four main areas:

• The North: Quieter, more peaceful, and closest to the ruins.

• Beach Town: The area where the main road meets the beach; considered “more affordable” by Tulum standards.

• The Middle: The heart of the action—bars, restaurants, nightlife, and vibrant energy.

• The South: Tends to be more family-friendly and relaxed.

We stayed in The Middle, and we loved it. The beaches were stunning, and there was always something going on—great for when you want a balance of relaxation and entertainment.

Is Mexico Safe?

This is the one question we’re asked every single time we go to Mexico:
"Do you feel safe?"

Our answer? Yes.
We’ve always felt safe traveling throughout Mexico—from cities like Guadalajara to small beach towns—and Tulum was no exception. We've never had any issues.

Our number one travel tip, no matter where you’re going:

Be aware of your surroundings, don’t dress or act flashy, and don’t do anything stupid—like buying drugs or getting drunk in public.

Use the safe in your room for anything you don’t need when you're out (passport, extra credit cards, extra cash), and bring the essentials. These are basic common-sense precautions, and if you follow them, you should be just fine.

For context: In 30+ years of travel, I’ve only been robbed once—and that was a smash-and-grab in Rome, right in front of a hotel.

Water Safety

Another frequent question: “Can you drink the water?”
Short answer: No. Not in Mexico, or in any developing country, in our experience.

We only drink bottled water, and we even brush our teeth with it.
These days, most restaurants and hotels in tourist areas use filtered ice, which is generally safe. (You can usually tell it's filtered if it has a hole through the middle.)

Stick to bottled or canned drinks opened at your table, and you should be fine. That being said we do drink the margaritas and they always have the filtered ice.

For what it’s worth:
I’ve never gotten sick anywhere I’ve traveled—and I eat and drink everything.
Lenny, on the other hand, has gotten sick a couple of times… and each time, it was after brushing his teeth with tap water.

Getting to Tulum

We flew Alaska Airlines, which offered a convenient non-stop flight from San Francisco to Cancun. From Cancun, it’s about a 90-minute drive to Tulum, depending on traffic.

Transportation – To Drive or Not to Drive?

Since we were looking for a relaxing, stress-free vacation, we chose not to rent a car—even though we were staying for a week. We’d read plenty of horror stories from other travelers, from frustrating rental experiences to issues with local police pulling people over and expecting bribes. Not worth the hassle, in our opinion.

Instead, we had our hotels arrange transportation for us in advance. It was super easy and cost about $89 one-way. It felt secure, comfortable, and one less thing to worry about.

Scooters – The Best Way to Get Around Town

While we were staying in Tulum Town, we decided to rent a scooter, and it ended up being one of the best decisions of the trip. It was perfect for zipping around town, heading to the beach, visiting cenotes, and even exploring the ruins.

We rented from Scooterama Rental, which happened to be right in the neighborhood we were staying in. The guys who run it are super helpful and gave us great local tips—including some hidden gems we wouldn’t have found otherwise.

Bonus: parking a scooter is a breeze just about anywhere.

Update – January 2025:
This time, we rented a scooter for the entire week, and it was fantastic. We paid about $20/day, and they gave us a bit of a discount since we kept it longer than just a couple of days. If you’re on WhatsApp, they’ll even send you PDF guides with curated local spots—like a surprisingly affordable beach club that wasn’t even on our radar.

Cars – When You Might Want One

We rented a car for the day to visit Coba (more on that below). The law now prohibits scooters outside of 15 miles radius from city limits. Initially, we were going to go with a small local rental place, but the guys at the scooter shop advised us otherwise—and we’re glad they did.

They recommended going with a recognized international rental company, and we chose Sixt, which we also use in Europe and have had good luck with. Their online reviews were better than most of the competition, and their service was excellent.

The cost? Just $36 for the day, including unlimited miles and insurance—a great deal and a totally smooth experience.

Sleeping

Tulum Town

We stayed at an incredible Airbnb called Acacia Tulum, located across the main road and about a 10-minute walk to the center of the Pueblo. It’s a beautifully designed, boutique-style property—definitely more of a romantic, couples-oriented spot, but we could also see it being perfect for a relaxing girls’ weekend.

We stayed in Room 9, which is tucked at the back of the property and felt quiet and private. It was spacious, had a private deck with a hammock (which got a ton of use), and was beautifully styled.

Other rooms we’d consider next time:

• Room 8 – Also has a hammock area.

• Room 7 – Features a private plunge pool and a really cool bathroom.

• Room 4 – Another plunge pool room with a very secluded feel.

Bonus: The staff can arrange in-room massages, which we highly recommend. We had a couples massage on our deck, and it was one of the highlights of our stay—so relaxing.

Update – January 2025:
We stayed here again and booked Room 7 this time. It was spacious, private, and the plunge pool came in handy on a hot afternoon. That said, by the end of the trip, we both agreed we missed the hammock in Room 9, so we’d probably go back to that one next time. Either way, we wouldn’t hesitate to return to Acacia Tulum.

Beach Zone

Coco Tulum

For the beach portion of our trip, we stayed at Coco Tulum, and it was absolutely heavenly. Our room (#31) opened directly onto the sand—we literally stepped out the door and onto the beach. At night, we left the doors and windows open and fell asleep to the sound of the waves crashing just outside. Pure magic.

The hotel has two zones:

• The Beach Zone, where we stayed—right on the sand with unbeatable views and atmosphere.

• The Zen Zone, closer to the road but still walkable to the beach, and a little more tucked away.

Spending the last three nights of our trip here was the perfect way to end our vacation—just relax, relax, and relax. The staff was fantastic, and the included breakfast was genuinely delicious, a lovely way to start each day. The rooms are romantic and thoughtfully designed, with air conditioning (which you'll be thankful for). We’d go back in a heartbeat.

Update – January 2025:
We're keeping this review here with hope that Coco Tulum will reopen in the future. As of now, it's closed due to hurricane damage in 2024. This time, we stayed at their sister property, Coco Unlimited, which we’ll cover separately.

Coco Unlimited

For our most recent stay (January 2025), we booked Coco Unlimited, the sister property to Coco Tulum, which is currently closed due to hurricane damage.

Coco Unlimited is a smaller, more intimate hotel—definitely not part of the party scene you often hear about in Tulum. The vibe is relaxed, peaceful, and low-key, which was exactly what we were looking for.

The hotel is right on the beach and has its own beach club, which guests can enjoy without any extra fees (aside from food and drinks). It also includes:

• WiFi

• Air conditioning

• Daily breakfast

• Filtered drinking water

• Free parking

• A lovely pool for when you want a break from the sand

We stayed in a garden view room (Room 20), which was beautifully designed, clean, and felt very safe. It had a private deck with two chairs and a hammock, which was a perfect spot to unwind at the end of the day. That said, the room was located closer to the front of the property, and it did get quite noisy at night due to barking dogs in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, the hotel was fully booked, so we couldn’t switch rooms—but ear plugs saved the day (check out my Travel Necessities post for my ear plug recommendation).

Despite the noise, we still really enjoyed our stay and were pleasantly surprised to see some of the same staff from the original Coco Tulum—they were just as welcoming and kind as we remembered.

If you’re looking for a chill, non-party beach hotel that’s well maintained and thoughtfully updated, Coco Unlimited is a great choice.

Activities

We were very active during our stay in Tulum Town, filling our days with sightseeing, local eats, and exploring. Once we moved to the beach, we completely switched gears and let ourselves fully relax—think hours of sunbathing, swimming, eating, and people-watching.

It ended up being the perfectly balanced vacation: a bit of adventure, a bit of culture, and a lot of rest.

Tulum Archaeological Zone (Seaside Ruins)

🗓️ Visited: January 2023 and 2025

Just a 20-minute scooter ride from our Tulum Town hotel, the Tulum Archaeological Zone is an iconic site perched dramatically above the Caribbean Sea. In 2023, we booked a fantastic Airbnb Experience with Tania, which we recommend for your first time there. Her tour was insightful, well-paced, and full of fascinating information about Mayan culture and the history of Tulum. It was the perfect way to start the morning—educational, beautiful, and not too crowded if you go early. Highly recommend booking with a guide like Tania to get the most out of it.

In 2025, we wandered and explored on our own. Having done the tour before we felt fine on our own, and it was a fun to relive what we learned in 2023.

Cooking Class with Lily

🗓️ Visited: January 2023

A few years ago, we started taking cooking classes when we travel—it’s a fun, immersive way to enjoy a meal, learn new skills, and meet fellow travelers (some of whom we still keep in touch with).

We booked this hands-on cooking experience through Airbnb with Lily, and it was a highlight of the trip.

Lily is warm, gracious, and inviting, welcoming everyone into her home to cook together. We learned how to make authentic Mexican dishes, and she even gave us a mini lesson on Mezcal. It was an evening full of great food, laughter, and conversation.

Cannot recommend this class enough if you're looking for a meaningful and delicious local experience.

Atik Cenote - A Hidden Gem

🗓️ Visited: January 2023

If you're visiting Tulum, experiencing at least one cenote is a must—but skip the tourist traps. We were originally planning to go to the popular Gran Cenote or Santa Cruz Cenote, but a tip from our local waitress at breakfast changed everything. She steered us away from the overpriced and crowded spots and pointed us to Atik Cenote instead.

Atik was peaceful, stunning, and only $17 USD per person—compared to $25+ at the other locations. When we visited in January 2023, there were just two other couples and three solo travelers there, making for a relaxed, crowd-free swim. We even chatted with the solo travelers, and they said they had visited several cenotes in the area—this one was their favorite by far. We almost don’t want to share this hidden gem, but it’s too good to keep to ourselves.

Coba Ruins – Worth It, But Know Before You Go

🗓️ Visited: January 2025

If you're planning to visit the Coba ruins while in Tulum, the easiest way to get there is by car—we just rented one for the day (see notes under Cars above). I had been looking forward to this visit since our last trip, and while it was lovely and the history is genuinely fascinating, I have to admit I was a bit underwhelmed compared to the in-town ruins.

We hired a guide at the entrance for 500 pesos (about a 45-minute tour), but there was a catch: he didn’t actually walk us through the ruins. Instead, he gave a quick overview while standing near the entrance and then sent us off on our own. Also, some areas were under maintenance at the time, with scaffolding and workers that took away from the immersive experience.

If I had to do it again, I’d definitely book an Airbnb experience or guided tour with someone who can walk you through the site and provide a deeper, more personal insight into Coba’s history. Or I would stay there for a night, Coqui Coqui Papholchac Coba Residence & Spa. It is a secluded luxury retreat nestled in the heart of the Yucatán jungle that looks dreamy.

Laguna de Kaan Luum – Beautiful, But Bring Cash and Expectations

🗓️ Visited: January 2025

We visited Laguna de Kaan Luum, and while it was undeniably beautiful, there are a few things to know before you go. Entrance cost us 300 pesos per person (cash only), and that’s just for entry—extras like kayaks and life jackets cost more.

The water is crystal clear but heads up: it’s actually a vivid green, not the bright blue you often see online. There are plenty of “Instagram stations” for photo ops if that’s your vibe. We had a great time walking around, people-watching, and snapping photos.

We didn’t end up swimming—there were tons of small fish (that nibble on you) and even an occasional eel swimming by. It was enough to keep us on the dock!

If you have a drone, bring it—they charge 100 pesos to fly one, and the aerial views would have been stunning. I regret not having mine.

Eats

Tulum Town (the Pueblo)

Breakfast

Sin Eriqueta
Tulum Town (Pueblo)
A charming local café with a relaxed vibe. The coffee is solid, and while the menu is limited to items like baguette sandwiches and croissants, it’s a nice spot for a light breakfast or midday break. The friendly service and the presence of adorable resident cats add to its charm.
🗓️ Visited: January 2025

La Hydra by Gigi
Downtown Tulum
We couldn’t stay away from this spot—amazing breakfasts and great coffee. But what really stood out were the margaritas and mezcalritas—hands down the best in downtown. Be sure to ask for Jazmin—she nails the drinks every time.
🗓️ Visited January 2025 Update: They’re not currently serving breakfast, but the cocktails are still top-tier. Fingers crossed they bring breakfast back!

Cetli
On the road to Coba
A hidden gem recommended by a friend—our waitress here gave us the hot tip for the best cenote we visited. This local spot is warm, welcoming, and serves a delicious, authentic breakfast in a beautiful setting.
🗓️ January 2025 Update: Returned for breakfast on our way to Coba and it’s still just as lovely and flavorful. Definitely coming back for dinner next time!

Del Cielo
Tulum Town (Pueblo)
A solid go-to for a classic Mexican breakfast and good coffee. We stopped in on our first morning in Tulum and it absolutely delivered. Great food, friendly service, and a cool, laid-back vibe make it a reliable breakfast stop.
🗓️ Visited: January 2025

La Guarida
Tulum Town
Recommended by our scooter rental guys—and they didn’t steer us wrong. La Guarida is more of a destination than just a café. They serve excellent coffee drinks, icy cold beers, and fantastic cocktails, with a small, mostly Italian-inspired menu. The real draw is the rooftop hangout, perfect for sunsets, with great music and an effortlessly cool vibe. We came back more than once just to chill out in the afternoons.
🗓️ Visited: January 2025

Tacos

Taco Son Tulum
Tulum Town (next to La Hydra by Gigi)
Run by the incredibly warm and friendly couple Patti and Enrique, this little street taco gem is an absolute must. We only wish we had gone more often! It was, hands down, the best street taco spot we tried in Tulum Town. Their beef is sourced from Sonora, and you can taste the quality in every bite.

Don't miss their Caramelo—a cheesy, layered taco masterpiece with a tortilla on top—or the Papa Asada, a decadent combo of fried potatoes, beef asada, and melty cheese. They don’t serve drinks, but luckily La Hydra by Gigi is right next door for a killer margarita pairing.
🗓️ Visited: January 2025

Taquería Honorio
Tulum Town
Often hyped as Tulum’s best tacos, but we’ve now tried it twice and still don’t get the hype. The tacos are fine, but the 30+ minute wait and chaotic lines don’t feel worth it.
🗓️ Visited: January 2023 and 2025.

Antojitos La Chiapaneca
Tulum Town
This spot shows up on a lot of travel lists for its Yucatecan-style tacos (like the al pastor with beans and cheese or the gringa), and they serve cold beer, but unfortunately, it was the worst meal of our entire trip. We were really disappointed and wouldn’t go back.
🗓️ Visited: January 2023

Restaurants

Negro Huitlacoxe
Cool up-and-coming neighborhood in Tulum
Absolutely phenomenal. This place crafts its menu around heirloom corn, and we were blown away by every single bite. We ate lunch three times and dinner once, and would go weekly if we lived in Tulum. The vibe is stylish but relaxed—ask to sit outside where you can watch the chefs cooking over open flames and clay comals. The menu is entirely in Spanish, but it's simple and approachable, with both meat and vegetarian options. Cocktails are excellent, and the desserts are next-level. A must-visit.
🗓️ Visited: January 2025

La Negra Tomasa
Same neighborhood as Negro Huitlacoxe
This adorable taco spot has a welcoming, laid-back vibe and was the only place we visited that brought out complimentary chips and salsa—a great touch. The menu is in Spanish, but the staff is super friendly and happy to help. We ordered the guacamole, ceviche, and a variety of tacos, and everything was delicious—we left completely stuffed. The cocktails were just as impressive.
🗓️ Visited: January 2025

Encanto Cantina
Tulum Tourist Strip
This place has a cool backyard setting and a chill vibe, but unfortunately, the service has consistently been an issue. On our first visit, it was so bad we only managed to get a beer.
🗓️ Update – January 2025: We gave it another shot and remembered why it’s not on our list. While the service was slightly better, the cocktail was watered down, a bird pooped on me, and I got eaten alive by bugs. Definitely skipping next time.

Los Aguachiles
Tulum
Known for dishes like grilled octopus, whole fish, and shrimp tempura tacos, along with mezcal-based cocktails. Our first visit was great—excellent shrimp tacos, passion fruit mezcal drinks, and attentive service.
🗓️ Second visit (January 2023): Completely different story—bad service, cash-only policy (out of no where), and a bartender who refused to make mezcal margaritas. We left after just one round of drinks. A hit-or-miss experience.

Palma Central
Tulum Town
A laid-back food truck park with a fun, social vibe. Spots are built from converted shipping containers, and there’s live music every night, which really adds to the atmosphere. On our first visit, we had great drinks and enjoyed just hanging out—though we never got around to trying the food.
🗓️ Update – January 2025: Returned for another visit. The cocktails were overly sweet, and the Mexico City street tacos were just okay, but the live music was excellent. We’d go back for the vibe and a cold beer, but skip the cocktails next time.

Campella Cremerie
Tulum Town
A charming little spot for high-quality coffee and homemade gelato. The flavors are incredible—toasted coconut, Sicilian pistachio, and passion fruit were standouts. If you're a fan of affogato, theirs is absolutely worth ordering. A sweet little place to cool off and treat yourself.
🗓️ Visited: January 2023

Tulum Beach

One thing to keep in mind—prices at the beach are easily double or triple what you’ll pay in town. From drinks to food to daybeds, everything comes with a premium.
🗓️ Update – January 2025: Prices were even higher than in 2023, so definitely budget accordingly if you plan to spend time along the beach strip. Prices in this area have gone up dramatically—some places are charging nearly three times what we paid two years ago.

Gitano
Tulum Beach
This spot is an absolute must for cocktail lovers—truly some of the best cocktails we've ever had. The setting is stunning, with jungle vibes, ambient lighting, and a chic, upscale crowd. It’s definitely pricey, but the vibe and quality make it worth the splurge.
🗓️ Visited: January 2023

Juanita Diavola (at Coco Tulum)
Tulum Beach
Used to be a great casual beachfront spot for breakfast or evening drinks, with friendly staff and a relaxed setting.
🗓️ Update – January 2025: Closed due to the 2024 hurricane, hoping it reopens.

Posada Margherita
Tulum Beach
It might seem odd to go for Italian food in Mexico, but this place nailed it. The homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas were fantastic, and it was the only night we opted for wine (which, yes, was expensive). They accept cash or Venmo only.
🗓️ Update – January 2025: Closed due to the 2024 hurricane, hoping to reopen.

Hartwood
Tulum Beach
A splurge-worthy dinner that was totally worth it. The food is incredible, the drinks are top-tier, and the vibe is energetic and local-focused, not overly touristy. You must reserve in advance.
🗓️ Visited: January 2023 | Tried again in January 2025 but couldn’t get in—book early!

Taqueria La Eufemia
North End – Tulum Beach
A local favorite recommended by several of our waiters—and it didn’t disappoint. This spot has killer margaritas (twice the size and half the price of other beach bars), okay street tacos, and fantastic sunset views. They play great music, the vibe is laid-back, and the staff is super friendly. There's also a beach club, so you can hang all day if you get there early—likely packed on weekends.
🗓️ Visited: January 2025

Checkpoint Ciao Pizza
Tulum Town
After a stretch of tacos, we were craving something different—and this Neapolitan sourdough pizza totally hit the spot. Really good crust, icy cold beers, and a chill-but-trendy atmosphere. Get there early—it gets busy later in the evening.
🗓️ Visited: January 2025

Tacos Papi
Tulum Beach
A fun, lively spot with tacos, margaritas, and a mariachi band—what more could you ask for? The vibe was upbeat, the staff energetic, and the live music was the highlight. Tacos were decent, the salsa was flavorful (but not spicy), and the drinks were cold. It’s a bit pricey for what you get, but hey—it’s the beach.
🗓️ Visited: January 2025

Next Time (list is long, better book tickets)

Coffee Spots to Try

Ki’bok Coffee
📍 Tulum Town
Locals say this is the best coffee in Tulum—and the constant line out front definitely supports that. We didn’t get a chance to try it this time, but it’s top of the list for next trip.

Caffeina Tulum
📍 Tulum Town
Great spot for coffee and breakfast—a solid, reliable choice with a mellow vibe.

Chai House
📍 Tulum Town
Known for good coffee and especially great chai tea. Casual, easygoing space to unwind.

Tacos To Try

Tacos y Tortas El Too
📍 Tulum Town
Street-style tacos from a simple food stand with just five small tables—sounds just like Ivan’s Tacos in Sayulita. High on our list for a casual, local bite.

Sabor de Mar
📍 Tulum Town
Known for seafood dishes and good tacos—expect shrimp, fish, and ceviche options. Feels like a great break from the usual carne asada.

Pepe – Best Tacos in Tulum
📍 Downtown Tulum (location not obvious)
Lily from our cooking class swears this guy has the best tacos in all of Tulum. She said to Google his name to track him down—definitely hunting this place down next time.

Restaurants to Check Out

Wang
📍 Tulum Town
Tiny little spot that everyone was raving about—for their Chinese-style dumplings. We didn’t make it this trip, but it’s a must for next time.

Wild Flour
📍 La Veleta neighborhood
Discovered this place on our last day, and we’re seriously bummed we didn’t go. Supposedly the best wood-fired pizzasin Tulum, and they are only open until the sell out. The neighborhood is super cute, and if they sell out, there are plenty of other great options nearby.

El Camello
📍 Tulum Town
Classic seafood spot known for tostadas and ceviches. The octopus and shrimp were are supposed to be very good, as well as the mango margaritas.

Burrito Amor
📍 Tulum Town
Recommended by our Airbnb host and always packed. Looked amazing, but we weren’t in the mood for burritos. Definitely going next time.

Pasha
📍 Tulum Town
Recommended by our host for incredible Middle Eastern cuisine with Lebanese influences—makes sense given the cultural ties in the Yucatán (look it up). Definitely on the list.

The Real Coconut
📍 Tulum Beach
Another host rec—farm-to-table, plant-focused dishes. Always packed. Expect elevated healthy eats in a beautiful beachfront setting. Next time for sure.

Arca
📍 Tulum Beach
Higher-end spot known for craft cocktails and elevated dishes. Heard amazing things. Ideal for a splurge dinner or date night.

Safari Tulum
📍 Tulum Beach (formerly)
Friends raved—they still dream about the food and drinks.
Update January 2025: Sadly, no longer there, but they say it may reopen.

Akuma Tiger Sushi
📍 Tulum Town
Recommended by a local yoga instructor as a must-visit sushi spot. We didn’t get the chance to eat here, but it looked fantastic and with Tulum's coastal location, we’re sure the seafood is ultra-fresh.

Cocktails to Drink

Todos Santos
📍 Tulum Town
Supposed to have fantastic craft cocktails. Didn't make it this trip, but it's a top priority next time for a pre- or post-dinner drink.

Sunset to Enjoy

Azulik
📍 Tulum Beach
Incredible architecture and jaw-dropping jungle-meets-sea views. Tip: Get there early if you want to watch the sunset.
Update January 2025: We tried to go but were told there’s a $50 USD per person minimum just to sit for sunset. Honestly, felt like a scene—we didn’t stay.

Mateos
📍 Tulum Town / Edge of Beach Road
Chill and more down-to-earth spot with a rooftop terrace, good drinks, and live music. Solid option for sunset without the scene or the price tag.

Experiences to Experience

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning natural areas in Mexico. Think: mangroves, wildlife, lagoons, and ancient ruins. A guided tour would make the most of it—this is definitely on the list for next time.

Akumal Turtles
Akumal is famous for its sea turtle snorkeling.
Update January 2025: Turtles are mostly there in fall months, so plan accordingly if this is a must-do.

SFER IK Museion
A sensory, immersive art experience housed in a wild looking architectural space. Curated by Peggy Guggenheim’s great-grandson, it’s as much about the building as the art. Definitely worth a visit for art and design lovers.

Art Walk Tour
Tulum Pueblo has a vibrant mural and street art scene. We saw some great ones just walking around, but next time want to book a mural tour—especially one by Tinas House Tulum.

Tulum Food Tour
Several people we met said this was the best way to start their trip—sampling street food and learning where the locals actually eat. Definitely doing this first thing next time.

More Hotel Options

On our last night in Tulum, we met a yoga instructor who lives locally and gave us the inside scoop on a few lesser-known but excellent beach hotel options. While we haven’t stayed at them yet, we looked into each one and they’re definitely on our list for next time. As well as her yoga sessions …

La Zebra Hotel
Located on the southern end of Tulum Beach, La Zebra has a classic Mexican beach vibe. The reviews say it is family-friendly, with a great beachfront, stylish decor, and high ratings across the board. Prices seem good too.

Lulu Hotel Tulum
Just up the road from La Zebra, Lulu is a chic and more budget-friendly option. It looks like a beautiful setting, great location, and a more accessible price point —without compromising quality.

Hotel Playa Pocna
This place looks dreamy and was a total surprise find while researching the above mentioned spots. It looks to be located on the north end of the beach, inside Jaguar National Park (a protected natural area), it’s surrounded by nature, and the rooms looks stylish at a fantastic price point. Honestly… we kind of wish we had stayed here!

Maya Tulum
Although the local yoga instructor didn’t recommend this one, we walked through the property and thought it looked adorable. A couple from New York that we met at the beach, said they checked it out and were impressed. The beachfront villas have plunge pools, and the rates were surprisingly affordable. Definitely keeping this one in mind.

Shopping in Tulum - these look fantastic

La Tiendita
Small boutique focused on housewares and clean beauty products. Think apothecary-style with a modern touch.

Auras
Made-in-Mexico boutique with housewares, textiles, jewelry, and great hats. Stylish and authentic pieces—perfect for gifts or souvenirs with substance.

Zac Be
Known for unique jewelry. Designs that blend artisanal techniques with modern style.

In the Middle
Specializes in men’s clothing and sandals. A solid option if you’re looking for something stylish yet beach-appropriate.

Wanderlust
A go-to for cute beachwear and flowy dresses. Feminine, relaxed, and very Tulum.

La Troupe
Beautiful, boho-inspired dresses and beachwear. High-quality materials and soft palettes—perfect for the Tulum aesthetic.