Curator’s statement
Tulum is a stunning destination in Mexico, offering a one-of-a-kind experience in the Mayan jungle, surrounded by lush greenery and a rapidly growing tourism scene. By day, you can find tranquility and healing, while by night, the vibrant party scene comes alive. Tulum truly has something for everyone.
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Things to do in Tulum
Cenotes:
You can’t come to Tulum without swimming in the crystal-clear waters of a cenote. These natural waterholes were thought by the Mayans to be gateholes to the underworld, where the gods visited. There are thought to be up to 10,000 cenotes in the Yucatán. I visited Cenote Gran, a very popular stop on the way to the Coba ruins. Tickets to Cenote Gran will run you about 500 pesos.
Shopping:
Check out the many clothing boutiques on the main strip by the beaches. There’s so many with beautiful handmade crochet clothes and swimwear. My favorite store was Shakti. The sales associates are so helpful.
Check out the historical sites:
Tulum is a heavily touristic area with an emphasis on health food and the party scene, but it’s so great to take in some of the rich culture as well. I highly recommend stopping by the Ruinas de Coba or Chichen Itza.
Participate in a traditional temezcal ceremony:
A temezcal ceremony is a traditional Mayan ritual involving intense heat to remove toxins from the body and cleanse our energetic fields. Deeply symbolic, this ritual represents our connection to Mother Earth.
Soak up the sun on the beach:
Most Tulum beaches are private, meaning you’ll have to pay a fee. Taboo is one of the most popular beach clubs and there is a hefty charge here, but it will count towards your food and beverage as well. You can get a day pass at most other hotel beach fronts. I recommend looking at Nômade and Vagalume.
Heal yourself at Holistika:
Holistika is a beautiful wellness resort in Tulum, offering sound baths, yoga, breathwork and more. You can also explore their property grounds to see their art.
Day trips
Vallodolid is the perfect day trip from Tulum. This is a cute little colonial town where you can find a plethora of handmade goods from local artisans, boutique shopping, historical sites (you can’t miss the cathedral) and all the elote and churros your heart desires. You can also catch a Mayan performance in the park.
Ruinas de Coba is a must stop for the ancient history buff. You’ll find bikes for rent and even personal bike chauffeurs for those who can’t take all the walking. And just before you get to the archaeological site you can stop at a small restaurant called Encanto for a quick meal to get your energy up. I sat on the top floor patio to feel the sun on my face and overlook the honey stand across the street.
Places to eat & drink in Tulum
Xkeban: The dining area on the main floor was one of my favorite breakfast spots. I had the most delicious açaí bowl. This restaurants/rooftop party spot is so well designed, it really is a vibe. Step inside and you still feel very much in the jungle. Stop by in the morning for breakfast or the night for a reggaeton dance party.
Burrito Amor: This one is a must stop for after a long day of exploring, before you retire to your hotel.
Palma Central: A hidden gem in Tulum for the casual foodie. Palma Central is a food truck haven with cuisines from around the world, but I obviously recommend the tacos - you are in Mexico. Complete with a bar, ambient lighting and a playground for the kids.
Nômade: For a sit-down dinner, you need to reserve a spot at Nômade’s Maconda if you like Mediterranean food. I had the beef kabob and can personally guarantee you’ll love it. I loved the smell of the burning copal, to add an earthy fragrance and to keep the night time mosquitos away. After dinner, we danced to a live Moroccan band followed by a DJ.
Need to know
Places to party:
Santino’s: Located in El Centro, a taxi drive away from the main beach resort strip. Buy your tickets in advance because they won’t be available at the door. This is the spot to be if you want to be shoulder to shoulder, dancing with strangers among disco balls and discoteca.
Pro tip: When you head out, stop at one of the Oxxo’s down the street to grab an electrolyte drink to rehydrate from the morning. In the late hours, you’ll order through a window in the door. It’s an experience.
Nômade: Yup, the same place you had dinner. In the evening, they have live music before transitioning to a bass heavy DJ.
Tips:
There are two main areas in Tulum to stay on. You’ll either choose the beach strip, which will have plenty of resorts, beach clubs, restaurants and boutique shopping, or El Centro, where you’ll find the more authentic vibes of Tulum. The food, drinks and accommodations will be less expensive than on the beach. Taxis from one area to the other will be more expensive, costing about $30 USD, and the drivers are less likely to allow haggling due to the inconvenience for them to drive to and from these areas.
For transportation from Tulum airport to your hotel, consider taking the ADO bus. This is a significantly cheaper option than private transportation, running you about $12 USD. It’s about a 40-minute ride and very comfortable in my opinion.
Travel Advisor
Kait Avila
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