My short birthday trip to this much sought out destination in the Maya Riviera was filled with chill vibes and tropical jungle aesthetics, and I wouldn't have it any other way. If it's one thing Tulum does expertly, it's setting a mood. Although Tulum has blown-up in popularity over the past few years, its for good reason: delicious local eats and seafood, stunning beaches, otherworldly accommodations and of course, all the Mezcal and Tequila your heart desires. This once laid-back beach town even still caters to the yogis and vegans of the world with holistic yoga retreats and locally-sourced, vegan, and gluten-free eats. Below I'll give you the rundown on how best to enjoy this beautiful getaway with many tips along the way. Note that any pricing listed below is the cost at the time I booked, and may have changed.
*Several links below are of affiliate nature, meaning that a small commission may be received by myself when you purchase through them. This is in support of Black Girl Wanderer, to create more travel blogs for you to enjoy!
Table of Contents
4. What To Do
What to Bring (Besides the Basics)
Passport & ID (Print copies of both and keep them on hand in a separate area in case you lose the originals)
Cash (Tulum is cash heavy if you aren't at the more touristy establishments), credit/debit cards
Sunscreen (Tulum is hot and humid!! Make sure yours is at least SPF 30)
Bug repellant (The mosquitos are no joke)
Multiple bathing suits/swimwear
Athletic wear and walking shoes
Water shoes (for use in cenotes; some have slippery areas but most times you'll be fine without them)
A waterproof phone case (you’ll most likely be doing lots of activities in/near water)
*October-December is noted to be the best time of year to visit Tulum, as the temperatures aren't as hot and it's low season, meaning you'll likely avoid the ridiculous crowds and hotel prices.
Transportation
Car Rental - MEX -$202 for 4 days
When traveling to Tulum, you actually have to fly into Cancun International Airport and choose from either a car rental, private shuttle, or public bus to drive about 1 hour and 45 minutes into Tulum. Your decision on the available options will depend on the amount of money you'd like to spend, and how comfortable you are driving abroad. A private shuttle will run you around $120 USD roundtrip (there are some companies that are cheaper, just do your research!) and car rentals can run as low as $20 a day! Buses are the cheapest option but take the longest to get to your destination, so my group of 4 decided on getting a rental since we didn't want to worry about catching taxis and haggling their costs while in the city.
Tip #1: Much of Tulum is still in development, including their roads, so you will come across some bumpy driving. Also, make note of the exchange rate and any extra fees that your car rental company will charge; because of this, you'll more than likely pay more than advertised on the websites.
Accommodation
Copal Tulum Hotel - $271 per night
This gorgeous hotel in the Aldea Zama region of Tulum is part of an up-and-coming area with many new hotel sites, right in the quiet center of the jungle. The surrounding greenery and wood detailing are apparent in all aspects of the hotel's design; from the front desk lounge, to the pool and in-house restaurant. The staff is also very friendly and knowledgeable. This spot is a bit pricier than most, but it's ideal for groups of 3 or more and is very much worth the price once split. You have the option to choose the amount of rooms/beds in the suite as well as whether or not you'd like access to a private pool or terrace! In our particular suite, we had a terrace that overlooked the pool, two rooms (one with a Queen bed and the other with 2 double beds) and 2 1/2 baths. It was more than enough space for 4 people to rest comfortably.
Other Stays We Considered:
Tip #2: Much of Tulum's internet and wifi access is spotty, so be sure to download any offline versions of Google Maps/Google Translate before your trip or right after landing in Cancun.
What To Do
1. Swim in a Cenote
There is no shortage of cerulean-blue cenotes to enjoy while in Tulum, and each provides its own unique experience. Cenotes are actually sinkholes that were created from the collapse of limestone that lead to the exposure of fresh groundwater! Some cenotes are open water, while others are deep in caves, and there are even quite a few where you can snorkel and scuba dive! Be sure to do your research to find which ones interest you the most. In particular, Cenotes Casa Tortuga is a natural park that hosts four different cenotes, two are in caves and the others are open air. Entrance to the park is $25 USD or 400 pesos (It's cheaper to pay in pesos!) and includes a life vest, goggles, tour guide, and "locker". The locker is actually just an open cubby behind the counter where a tour guide keeps watch, so if you want an actual locker with more secure storage for your belongings, its an extra fee. The tour itself is around an hour and 30 minutes, and takes you through each of the cenotes with your group's guide, who gives you ample free time in each location. While walking to each cenote, there are areas that serve drinks, snacks, and light meals for an extra fee if you so choose. After the tour finishes, you can go back to any of the cenotes and spend as much time as you'd like. It was an amazing experience, especially seeing the underwater caves, and the views were endless! Highly highly recommend.
2. Visit the Tulum Ruins
The Mayan city of Tulum was built in the 13th century and served as a seaport for the trade of gemstones like turquoise and jade. It is also noted as a city built during the Mayan post-classic period that was once protected by a 784-meter tall limestone wall on three sides, and whats left is open for visitors to explore. The most prominent structure still remaining is the Castillo, and once getting a good look around the area you'll notice the beautiful views off of the cliffside out to the Caribbean Sea, which is a great photo op!
Tip #3: Entrance to the site is 80 pesos (~$4 USD, cash only) and is open from 8AM-5PM, but get there early to avoid crowds and the crazy heat of midday. Also, be prepared for street vendors and tour guides bombarding you from the entry of the parking area up until the ticket center itself. You DON'T have to use their services, and the walk to the ticket center isn't horrible but it depends on how hot it is and whether or not you want a guide through the ruins. Be prepared to pay for parking, which will be approx. 200 pesos.
3. Be a Beach Bum
This is one of the main reasons why Tulum is such a great vacation spot! Tulum is known to have some of the most beautiful beaches, and I definitely agree. Besides the public area of Tulum Beach, you can walk the strip and find a beach club to spend your time relaxing (or turning up) in a nice environment with music, food, and drinks while enjoying the beachside. Another beach that comes highly recommended is Playa Paraiso, for its white sand and turquoise waters. But don't just stop there, as theres a couple other beaches that are well-loved in the area. Go exploring!
4. Vibe Out/Turn Up at a Beach Club
The Hotel Zone of Tulum is right on the beachfront of Tulum Beach, which means many beach club options are available. You have more than enough to choose from: Taboo, Ziggy's, and Mia are some of the more popular spots to enjoy food, drinks, and great ambiance under a cabana while also having access to the beach. Many of these beach clubs have minimum spend limits, but you'll easily meet this when you order food and a few drinks with friends.
5. Have a Beachside Massage
Nothing is more relaxing than receiving a massage while hearing soothing ocean waves. You can easily book a variety of spa treatments and massages to enjoy from different spas along the hotel strip, and prices range from $30 USD and up. I had a great holistic/aromatherapy massage that cost me $99 for 70 minutes.
6. Rent Bikes
Everywhere you turn in Tulum, you'll notice people riding around on bikes. To best take advantage of this, try booking through your hotel or browse through the shops in Tulum town, because rental costs are as low as $10 a day! At Copal, a bike rental is $5 for three hours, and $12 for a full days use.
7. Walk the Hotel Zone Strip
There's lots to see while walking down the main road of the Zona Hotelera, and its very walkable since its a straight shot, one way. Take the time to wander through one-of-a-kind boutiques, stop for some amazing tacos at one of the food trucks, take pictures in front of the many murals and famous structures (like Ven a la Luz), or just chill for drinks and good conversation at one of the many bars and restaurants.
Tip #4: The Hotel Zone gets ridiculously busy on the weekends, and traffic can be an issue. Stay vigilant while walking on the side of the roads and also if you have reservations at one of the many amazing restaurants in the area...definitely plan to leave about an hour in advance so you don't end up late.
8. Take a Day Trip to See a World Wonder
This UNESCO World Heritage site by the name of Chichén Itza is a large area of Mayan ruins that is most notable for its massive step pyramid, built around 600 AD. The ruins are only about a 2 hour drive from Tulum along the Yucatan Peninsula, and thats not too far of a distance to be able to see one of the 7 Wonders of the World. There are tons of tours available that will take you to and from the site, and some even include amenities like lunches and visits to nearby cenotes! Its best to check for these through either Airbnb Experiences, Viator, or Get Your Guide! Make sure to check through the reviews.
Where To Eat/Drink
1. Burrito Amor
Burrito Amor is a restaurant born from the shared love of Mexico and its fresh eats by husband and wife duo Cameron and Paula. The menu is filled with fresh food items that also cater to individuals with diet restrictions, like those who are vegan or gluten-free. Burrito Amor is best known for their delicious, you guessed it-- Burritos. They're wrapped and cooked in banana leaves, creating an amazing taste in combination with whatever burrito filling you choose. I went with the shrimp burrito and loved every single bite! The restaurants cocktails and fresh juices are also winners.
2. Mistico Shisha Bar
From the moment you walk into this dark, intimate shisha bar you are surrounded by lush greenery and good vibes from the DJ's variety of Reggaeton, Hip Hop, Afrobeats and Caribbean music played all night. This spot seems to be one frequented by lots of young, black travelers and I understand why. Mistico is a VIBE. The T-Bone steak, potatoes, and salad were so satisfying and I LOVED their Passion Fruit Margarita made with Mezcal. The margarita was so fresh (made with the actual fruit) and the chili powder along the rim added a nice kick. Muy delicioso!
3. Rosa Negra
This restaurant is a MUST VISIT, and is actually one of the most recommended food spots in all of Tulum. It definitely lives up to the hype because of their amazing food and drinks, lit atmosphere (be ready to dance in between bites of food), and celebrity-esque treatment (all of the waiters have small LED lights to shine on you so that you can take that perfect instagram shot), its amazing! Although pricey, Rosa Negra is more than worth it, and much of the other restaurants in Tulum are cheaper to enjoy, so you can plan this around your budget. Their seafood rice was absolutely delicious and tasted like a mix between paella and Chinese fried rice with all sorts of seafood mixed in. I also love a good crab bisque, and theirs was a 10/10! I even got to try their churros (you can share this with at least 2 people, no problem) and even got a little birthday dessert to ring in my 25th :)
Tip #5: Be sure to make a reservation in advance to enjoy this hot spot in Tulum. Walk-ins are almost always turned away. You can call the restaurant or reserve a table online via their website, Open Table or Google Reservations. Also, if you decide to come here during the weekend and you are staying outside of the Hotel Zone, make sure to leave with enough time to get through heavy traffic and find parking.
4. La Taqueria
An unexpected spot on the trip that made a big impact! This food truck serves up some of the BEST corn tortilla tacos I've ever tasted; they were so well seasoned and so fresh! If you like variety, try getting two sets of 2 different meats. I chose to get 2 chicken and 2 shrimp! Also make sure you try out the bar right next to this food truck and try out their passion fruit mojitos: SO GOOD.
Ziggy's Beach Club has everything you need: chill vibes, beautiful cabanas by the beach, tasty food and scrumptious cocktails. Cabanas do not have to be reserved in advance, but there is a $50 minimum spend fee per person. The cabana and beach also close at 6pm, while the restaurant portion of Ziggy's remains open until 11pm. Their lentil burger and fries are great for anyone who is vegetarian or just looking for a satisfying, meatless meal. Their cocktails were beautiful and the perfect thing to sip on while lounging by the beach.
6. The Funky Geisha
The Funky Geisha is an asian-fusion restaurant that is a part of the same restaurant group as Rosa Negra, and the proof is in the aesthetics and customer service. The decor here is absolutely STUNNING, and I loved that our group was able to eat in a traditional-style sitting area, where we sat cross-legged on cushiony pillows. I decided to try their green chicken curry, and it didn't disappoint! It had a ton of vegetables cooked in the dish, and the curry itself was on the sweeter side, served alongside a small bowl of white jasmine rice. I'm always a fan of asian cuisine, and this was an excellent choice. I also tried their version of a passionfruit margarita with mezcal, and I don't know which I enjoyed more: theirs or Mistico's!
A final tip for your trip: Be sure to take cash out for your trip to Tulum, as most places are cash only, and pesos will stretch further during your stay. Try to exchange your money before you reach Mexico, or exchange at one of the local ATMs in Tulum town. Try to avoid the airport because their exchange rates aren't all that great.
Happy Wandering!
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