(3 minute read)
Currently, the Caribbean’s hottest destination, Tulum is growing in popularity and fun. There is so much to do and see that even many visits can leave any list unfinished. Whether you are here for a short getaway or for a good set of days, here is what we believe is something truly special to experience. Enjoy!
WELLNESS
- Yoga class at Holistika – amazing hotel and wellness center in Tulum’s downtown that offers many different practices in a pretty setting.
- Oceanfront yoga class at Lula – beautiful seaside hotel with a stunning yoga studio with the best view. Have a healthy ginger shot after.
- Workout at Jungle Gym in what seems to be the Flintstones workout facility, they have one in town and another on the beach at Ahau hotel, for a really cool way to stay fit.
- Mayan Clay is a traditional and beneficial clay that offers a delightful treatment and a detox session in a unique way. Visit this Tulum original and get mudded up for super relaxation.
BREAKFAST
- Before going to the gorgeous beach or head out for an adventure, a delicious meal with a large coffee, gets things started right. There are plenty of options, like any beach town, the breakfast game is on! Here are our favorites: Rossina for fab benedictine eggs, Alegria for a salty french toast to die for, Botanica for any kind of tartine, Italdo for heart stopping pastries and OG’s for all things mexican.
- If you are on the hotel zone, our heart goes out to Posada Margarita for Uovo in nido or La Zebra for deliciosos huevos rancheros.
STREET FOOD
- Cochinita pibil is one of the region’s staple dishes – marinated pork, cooked literally underground – enjoyed either in tacos or tortas (small loaf of bread cut in half with a hearty filling). The best place to have some is at Honorio. Once a small street food cart, now a three door establishment, a long queue of taco lovers line up from early morning until they close at 3pm.
- Tacos de canasta are a Mexico City original, yet on Satelite avenue in town, outside Asadero restaurant, with their basket atop a small stand, a delightful couple offer a delicious yucatecan version. Have them there or to go, try frijoles, requeson, chicharron prensado and scrambled eggs with chaya. Their salsa verde is glorious. Catch them before they run out between 10am and noon.
- Churros are one of those desserts that you don’t know you needed until you are biting into one. And if they are the perfect mix of crispy outside and gooey on the inside, like Lupita’s, then they are heavenly. Located on Satelite Avenue, catch these amazing sweet treats before they run out between 6 and 8pm.
- Yucatan Peninsula is one of Mexico’s richest areas in agricultural diversity and quality, fruit and vegetables are particularly abundant and rich in flavor. You can find incredible mangos, dragon fruits, guayabas and citrus, whole or in juice, find them available at Fruteria Pool everyday.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
- Macario Gomez and Francisco May are home to the artisanal hands that feed the Tulum aesthetic. Cotton threads woven into wall hanging pieces, colorful hammocks, beautiful and interesting woodwork, all sorts of baskets and the best gift shopping. Its a quick 15 minute ride by car outside Tulum. Go straight to Francisco May, there visit Sferik – a gorgeous architectural piece and art installation gallery, then grab delicious tacos at Chan Paal and shop your way back from here to Macario and back to Tulum.
- Rent a bike and visit the Tulum ruins first thing in the morning, to avoid the crowds and make the best of the stunning beach. Once the visit is done, go over for coffee and brunch, to Mi Amor for adults only, or Pocna for families. Enjoy the morning in the beautiful beach and walk on the pristine sand to catch Happy hour Margaritas at 1pm at Mezzanine with the best view.
- Nature in this area offers some truly amazing sights, very unique. Besides the Caribbean waters, there is also an incredible network of underground rivers that give way to sinkholes or “cenotes”, some cave like and almost dry and some filled with fresh water to different depths, from shallow rocks to diving with tanks in order to see some of it. They are all interesting and beautiful, for observation or a toe dip or a swim. Refreshing and grounding, Cenotes are something not to be missed. The nearest to Tulum that are definitely worth a visit: Cenote Dos Ojos , Jardin del Eden y Cenote Tortuga.
- The beautiful beach water color can also be seen in a couple of lagoons in this region, with a bottom made of a white clay that gives water a peaceful and stunning shade of blue. Laguna Nopalitos is beautiful and allows for great swimming, Its a different way to spend the day. Only 20 minutes away from Tulum, head out to Neek for a cocktail and a bite, at noon or for sunset, this is the best place to hang out at this gorgeous natural setting.
MUSIC
- Mondays at Negro Huitlacoche in town are a great night for good tacos and witness amazing local talent get together in an open mic like no other.
- La Guarida has interesting artistic propositions every day, live music mostly, but at times also interesting and fascinating performances and other kind of artistic expressions. Its a great way to blend in and peek at the local life with a mezcal in hand.
- Batey stands as one of Tulum’s classic night spots, with legendary Mojitos made with fresh sugar cane juice and the best music talent playing live every night.
- Tuesday night is for Salsa lovers, enthusiasts or first timers, this night is a must at Palma Central food truck park in town. A great band of Cuban and Mexican musicians plays live while locals twirl and visitors try to dance with a giggle.
PARTY
- Tulum’s has established itself over the last years as one of the world’s most sought after electronic music party scenes. Great production displays take place at both the jungle and the beach with acclaimed international DJ’s and amazing setups. Dance the night away at Casa Jaguar’s amazing jungle vibe on a Thursday night or feel the magic of dancing on the sand at Papaya Playa on a Saturday night, especially if it’s a full moon.
- Catch any of the big festivals for an experience like no other where world class music meets the jungle and mayan nature, incredible grand productions can be seen at Day Zero, Mayan Warrior, Saga, Circoloco and Woomoon.
We hope the magic of Tulum wraps you up in an unforgettable time and plenty of memories to revisit.
