Tulum Treasures: Unraveling the Beauty of Mexico’s Coastal Paradise
TULUM, MEXICO
Tulum, the not so hidden gem of Quintana Roo, is now one of the top destinations when visiting Mexico. If you have been on social media in the last year and a half then there’s little chance you haven’t seen a post about the instagram worthy town of Tulum. It’s no wonder it has grown in popularity with its gorgeous waters, rich culture experiences, freshwater cenotes and delicious food, all within a short reach of an international airport.
This adorable city has been on my radar for a long time now and with my 30th birthday arriving, I had a great excuse to make it a big trip! Who wouldn’t want Mexican food for dinner, and where else should one go rather than straight to the source (authentic is always better right?). As I haven’t spent my birthday with my parents in nearly a decade I knew this was one big family trip opportunity. Thankfully, they agreed and off we jetted.
Let’s take a look at what is included in this article:
QUICK GUIDE:
Language: Spanish is spoken and depending on the location English can be a hit or miss.
Voltage: 127V supply voltage and 60Hz
Currency: Pesos are the national currency, dollars can also be accepted in some locations but not the preference for most in our experience. Cards are accepted in some place but cash is still king in Mexico.
1 Mexican Peso = 0.059 USA Dollar
TRANSPORTATION:
Cancun International Airport and take the ADO Bus. It’s comfortable, affordable, and very easy. You can also have your hotel arrange a private transfer, though it will be more expensive. It takes 2 hours to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum. Your other option is to fly into Cozumel Airport and take the ferry to Playa del Carmen. From there, you can catch a taxi or the ADO bus for the hour-long drive to Tulum.
We decided to rent a car while in Tulum, as we were staying for two weeks and wanted to explore outside the region for a few day trips as well. We rented with Europcar Mexico through DiscoverCars and paid $245 for 10 days. They are located directly outside of the airport and have a shuttle that will pick you up from your terminal. The check-in process is relatively smooth but does take around 30 minutes to complete and you are required to purchase insurance (which is mostly refundable).
Driving around was by far the best choice for us and if you want the freedom to explore this is the route I personally would suggest renting a car for your visit.
ACCOMODATION:
Tulum is made up of five main areas where most travelers stay. In Tulum town, there are La Veleta, Aldea Zama and Tulum Centro. Then by the beach, there’s the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone or Tulum Beach Strip) and the area by Playa Paraiso.
Briefly put, if you’re on a budget and don’t mind a cycle to the beach every day but you want to be close to great restaurants and bars then go for Tulum town. Aldea Zama is a little closer to the beach than La Veleta but lacks the cafe and restaurant infrastructure of Tulum town itself. If being on the beach is the primary focus of your trip and you have a larger budget then you’ll probably want to stay on the beach strip. We split our time spending a week in both Zona Hotelera and Tulum Town.
KORE:
This is an all inclusive resort located only a few minutes drive from the Main Street in the town of Tulum. It is part of the Zona Hotelera and is at “the start” of one end to enter the strip. Usually I am not the all-inclusive sort of girl but my parents concerns about safety and food quality (or more specifically “Montezuma’s Revenge), made the compromise of spending half our time at a resort. While online they claim to be a 5 star resort, I would say it’s really a 3.5- 4 star resort. The location is beautiful with stunning views of the ocean, the staff is friendly and helpful, they have a lovely pool with lots of daily activities (yoga, water volleyball, water aeorbics), a gym on-site, a gift shop and a restaurant.
Originally when we booked it said there were 3 food options on-site but before we arrived we noticed lots of reviews about there only being the 1 open with claims of renovations happening. This was the case while we were there so the main dinner area was busy depending on the time you arrived. There was also construction on the streets outside making traveling by car a bit more difficult outside and our room for the first two days had no hot water! They did remedy this for us by moving us to another building finally which had working hot water and from then forward we had a lovely stay.
FOOD:
The only other thing was the food. While all of it was decent, only a few meals were worthy of calling it a 5 star. The staff were often quite slow and forgetful about food so on the nights there were buffets, you fended for yourself mostly. The drinks however were plentiful and we made friends with all the servers who would bring us refills before our cups were even empty! All in all it was a still a good time.
TUK TULUM:
The second half of our trip we stayed in Tulum town at Tuk. This is a co-living private complex that has many owners who rent out on long term or short term basis. Aesthetically, this place has so much potential and is very photogenic. There is a restaurant onsite with delicious food and a lovely owner but be aware the food is very high in price. They also have a massive gym on-site but it is locked all the time. Apparently you need to have reservations or classes ahead of time (not a free style gym). Some days of the week locals come in to create a mini market where they sell a wide variety of goods. There is a large supermarket right across the road you can walk to, or you can walk into town within 10-15 minutes for the main area.
ROOM REVIEW
Our room was very modern, had a mostly fully equipped kitchen, one bed-room with a “sleeper sofa”, two bathrooms, swing chair on the lower balcony and a private pool on the upper balcony area. While the accommodation itself was nice, the service here is terrible. We gave them an expected arrival time as requested, came a little after and still had to wait almost 2 hours for our room to get ready with all of our luggage in the heat!
Then we had items missing from the room such as linens and bedding for the “sleeper sofa” which was just a slightly wider sofa and they took hours to bring that. They never brought us a blanket so I ended up sleeping under a towel for the first night. The wifi connection was spotty around the complex and sometimes cut in and out. We were also missing some of the comforts such as outdoor seating or the lounge cushions that were shown in the listing. All in all it had potential to be a nice co-living space but the management is terrible and I wouldn’t recommend to others if you don’t have LOTS of patience.
If you want to look at a wide variety of accommodation options, here is a great place to start:
Hostels:
If you are more interested in parties, nightlife and having automatic meet ups then maybe a hostel is for you! Check out the options here.
SITES IN TULUM:
Tulum has become a popular tourist spot and with the increase in traffic you can imagine there is a lot to do these days. As some of you may have noticed from the majority of my trips, generally I am a go-go-go type of traveler and not a vacationer. However, this trip as it was with my parents, we agreed to spend the first half simply relaxing at the all inclusive resort, so I only managed to check off part of my wishlist this round! I will simply have to go back in the future.
CHICHÉN ITZÁ:
Chichén Itzá is the perfect day trip from Tulum. Even better, you can pair it with Coba, Cenite Suytan or Cenote Ik Kil for a full day of exploring! Located just two hours away from Tulum, this ancient Mayan site attracts two million tourists every year. Not surprising considering it’s one of the new 7 wonders of the world! After visiting Chichén Itzá myself, I’m sharing what first-time visitors should know before going.
TOP TIPS
Visiting early is the most important tip for visiting Chichen Itza I could give you! It is not uncommon for visitors to be lining up for the entrance prior to the site opening at 8 am. I went at opening and waited in that line. Keep in mind there is a time zone difference between Tulum and Chichén Itzá by one hour! Chichén Itzá is located in CST. On your way there, the time will set back an hour. Driving to Chichén Itzá from Tulum takes two hours. The park opens at 8 am. If you’re trying to reach the site at its opening time, leave Tulum around 7 am.
Chichén Itzá ’s parking fee varies. Visitors report paying 10 to 80 pesos for parking. It’s inconsistent, though some say the time of day, day of the week, and season could play a factor in what you’ll pay.
ONCE INSIDE
Look at the map boards once you are inside to see all the additional sites located around the main attraction: Temple of Kukulcan. There’s a few cenotes (not for swimming) and other buildings that are also worth visiting! My favorite is the Great Ball Court. This is thought to be the largest Mayan ball court in existence. If you stand near the right wall midway and clap, you can hear the clap bouncing off and echoing through the walls of the stadium. If you’ve seen the animated movie El Dorado, you might be familiar with the game!
There are also many, many stalls with locals selling a variety of items. I will say they are extremely pushy and you will need to get used to hearing “Best price, it’s almost free”. Just stand your ground, be clear and firm if you are not interested. They tend to start very high in price so absolutely negotiate! Never take their first price and be willing to walk away (trust me they will yell after you with the better offer). There are many of the same items at multiple stalls as well so shop around before you buy. These figurines were some of the coolest items I thought and I loved the bride and groom couple, too bad my fiancé didn’t think it would make a good cake topper for our upcoming nuptials.
Packing List: Bring sunscreen, a hat, bug spray, cash and plenty of water! Wear comfy shoes you can walk in and wear clothes that breathe. There’s limited shade in the main areas.
Price: The Chichen Itza entrance fee is 524 pesos. There is also a grounds maintenance fee of 90 pesos making it a total of 614 pesos ~ $38
Hours: 8:00 – 16:00
Time: You will need at least 1.5 – 3 hours to explore but you could easily spend much longer
TULUM RUINS:
The Tulum Ruins are the remains of a 13th century Mayan port city, dramatically set against a stunning beach backdrop. There’s a ton of history to learn about here, as this was once a major trade hub and a culturally significant site. While you’re there, make sure to snap a pic with the famous cliffside tower, El Castillo. You can usually walk down to the beach as well, which is really stunning.
Fun fact, Tulum’s original Mayan name, Zamá, means ‘place of the dawning sun’. The old stone structures are surrounded by leaning palm trees, flowering cacti and coastal cliffs. So not only is it historically important, but the ruins are also extremely beautiful. You can visit pyramids that were once used as lighthouses, or old temples with their original, well-preserved paints. The ruins can be busy, so visit as early as possible, around 8am, or visit near closing time, when everyone is tired of exploring.
Hours: 8:00 – 17:00
Price: ~ $5
Transportation: The Tulum Ruins are only a 15-20 minute drive from the hotel zone, or a 30 minute bike ride.
MYSTIKA IMMERSIVE:
Mystika, offers an unique sensory and immersive experience for its visitors. Pepe Soho’s photography is designed to transport the viewer on a journey that connects you to the Mayan cosmos as well as highlight the striking beauty of some of Mexico’s natural sanctuaries. He also includes various images of horses and other breathtaking pictures coupled with interesting anecdotes and quotes.
Mystika isn’t just a Photo Gallery however.
Aside from spectacular photos, Mystika’s art installation provides the visitor the opportunity to transcend the boundaries of the here and now. Upon entering the 360 degree dome, you will enjoy a 4 minute wonderous video tribute which highlights aspects of the Mayan cosmos. We decided to view it two times since there was so much to take in. There are also 3 other interactive installations!
Check Out this preview of the beautiful immersive experiences! Or scan the QR code below:
Hours: 10:00 – 20:00 Sunday – Tuesday and 10:00 – 21:00 Wednesday – Saturday
Price: ~ $25
FOLLOW THAT DREAM SIGN:
It’s safe to say that this is easily one of the most Instagrammable places in Tulum, Mexico. There is something about this random sign on the side of the road that just screams Instagram. The jungle-y palm trees definitely help as well! The Follow That Dream sign is located on the Tulum Beach Road, just in front of Lolita Lolita boutique.
Keep in mind please that this is a busy road and locals are not going to stop or be concerned about tourist wanting to take photos here! Be respectful that they have the right of way. When we visited there was no one else around but there were plenty of cars driving. It may take a while to get a few shots but be patient and wait until the road is clear, do not delay traffic.
Hours: 24 / 7
Price: FREE
AZULIK:
A visit to Azulik is truly an interesting experience – whether you’re spending a night at the hotel, enjoying a yoga class in their incredible studio, or dining at one of their restaurants. Not to mention, their outdoor hammocks!
You can visit a number of the Azulik facilities, even if you are not a guest at the hotel. I definitely recommend booking a class at their yoga studio, followed by a delicious brunch. If you want to dine at Kin Toh, be sure to make a reservation well in advance. You’ll find plenty of the best Tulum Instagram spots throughout this property.
VEN LA LUZ:
This is one of the most, if not THE most Instagram famous spot, and there has been some debate on if it is was worth it. To see the incredible art sculpture installation I think if you play the visit correctly, it is absolutely worth a visit. Located in front of Ahau Tulum, this spot is super cool. I recommend arriving by 7-7:30AM to avoid the crowds. If you come by during the day you’ll find a MASSIVE line to get your shot. This then can lead to the areas being overcrowded and you not getting to truly appreciate or experience the installations.
It’s a very small area inside but make sure to walk around to see the other installations after you get your turn with the famous statue. While we were one of the first in on our trip, I have been told that once it gets busier they limit each person to 1 minute of photos then you have to move on.
TOP TIP: Bring cash !!! They will not accept cards, they only accept pesos and they will NOT give you change. They are very strict (and rude) about it so be prepared!!!
CENOTES:
Cenotes are sinkholes that expose the groundwater underneath. Swimming through the crystal clear water is truly magical, and there are thousands across the Yucatan! Here are just a few of the most popular:
Gran Cenote
Located only a few minutes from downtown Tulum, this cenote is huge and super photogenic. Due to its proximity to Tulum, it’s one of the most popular cenotes to visit. Get there early to beat the crowds! Entry into Gran Cenote costs 300 MXN (~$15 USD), so it one of the pricer cenotes in the area.
Casa Tortuga Cenotes
Casa Tortuga is actually a park with multiple cenotes all in one area. They offer guided tours, which I highly recommend. They even have underwater caves you can swim in! If you want the most bang for your buck then I recommend visiting here and getting 5 for the price of 1 as long as you have the full day to spend here.
Cenote Suytun
This is often called the “most instagrammable cenote.” It’s very unique because it’s both very shallow, and completely enclosed. It also features the now-famous, circular platform illuminated by a single beam of light. The light rays change throughout the year so look for that when you are planning your trip.
Ik Kil
The Ik Kil Cenote is one of the most popular cenotes in the entire region, due to the view point from above. It is located right next to Chichen Itza, the most popular Cancun ruins. You have to shower before entering and you must wear a life jacket in this one. It can get pretty busy so go early.
DOWNTOWN TULUM:
One of the best things to do in Tulum is to actually leave the hotel zone, and venture into downtown. Here, you’ll get more of a glimpse into what local life looks like. You’ll also find some of the most affordable restaurants and street food here. While they do have some quite expensive stores as well, you can find lots of unique items and often handmade ones in the smaller stores. I found a dress that while not cheap, was handmade from a very sweet family (the wife was making dresses there while the husband was helping us try on what seems like 20 different dresses). The character of the streets was what I found most interesting about Tulum, where you could see some of the most “luxury for tourist” areas, mingling with the more ethnic and local flavors.
HIDDEN GEM: Blue Rabbit Head
This is the entrance to a beach club on the main road of the Hotel Zona. It’s close to the art installation of Ven a la Luz. Happy hunting !
WHERE TO EAT:
MATCHA MAMA:
Matcha Mama was one of my favorite places to visit in Tulum, not to mention one of the best Instagram spots. This roadside stand serves some of the best acai bowls in Tulum, topped with plenty of berries and granola. There are now three locations around town so make sure you figure out which one you want to visit, or better yet stop by all of them! It’s a great place to spend the afternoon relaxing or to grab a nice breakfast to start your day.
POTHEADS:
This street side cafe / restaurant seemed to be quite popular among the expat community. They serve up full menus and also fresh smoothies. I got a pineapple one to go while we continued to explore the Hotel Zona and it was delicious! While we didn’t try the food I have heard good things and perhaps next time will be able to have a full meal there.
DON CAFETO :
They have a couple locations and this is a cannot miss spot! The locals love it as it’s authentic and delicious food, large portions and reasonably priced! We ordered too much but we took it home and enjoyed every last bite! The margaritas are also incredible and they have some unique flavors! I had a pineapple jalapeño while my mother had a cucumber. The salsa is very spicy, even if you love spice as I do, be prepared for the tingling of the mouth (if you eat the whole bowl alone like my parents left me to do). Keep in mind their quest dip is not like Americans think of quest, it is much heavier and basically very thick melted cheese chunks mixed with spicy sausage.
KORE:
Obviously we spent half our trip at the all inclusive resort, so naturally half of our meals were here! They had themed menus and other days (most often) were buffets. Some meals were great, some were average but there was an always a decent variety. Staff was always friendly but often slow. They had incredible coffee and they kept the drinks coming!
TUK:
Our first night at Tuk we were tired from the long and exhausting check in process and decided to eat at the onsite restaurant. As I said before, it is extremely pricey but the food was incredible! My risotto was to die for even if it did break the bank a little. The owner is wonderful and if you need a quick place to go, this won’t disappoint taste wise!
If you are a fan of stunning beaches, beautiful art installations, incredible food and the warm sunshine, then Tulum might just be a place you need to add to your list! It has a little bit of everything for everyone. I am so thankful to my parents for taking me to celebrate my 30th birthday and helping me feel a little less sad about the passing times. If you are considering visiting Tulum I hope this article is a great guide for your stay!
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Happy travels xx
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Trip: November 2023
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