TULUM
City Guide
Tulum is one of those magical places where going once just gives you the itch to go again. The town itself is small and quaint – but there’s SO much to offer! From ancient Mayan ruins, amazing food, rich Mexican culture and beautiful beaches, I felt like I could have stayed for weeks without running out of things to do.
Mad and I went for our babymoon – so surreal to look back on our time there now that we know Navy James :). We had heard about Tulum from so. many. people. – ha! It seriously felt like everyone we knew was going or had just recently gotten back from their trip so it had been on our bucket-list of places to visit for a while. Without a doubt, it lived up to all the hype. It was the perfect place to go unplug.
Everything about Tulum has a laid-back feel. The beach and the down-town area are about a 20-minute drive apart, so it’s fun to explore each area. It’s not ALL beach or ALL shops & food – in this case you get to have your cake and eat it too :).
Keep in mind there isn’t an airport in Tulum! I would recommend flying into Cancun and renting a car – this will give you the most flexibility to explore throughout your trip!
This really was one of me and Mad’s favorite spots to visit. Sharing some snaps from our time below! But this is one you need to see it for yourself!
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M
There are only a few Italian spots in Tulum, so if you have a craving, you need to know where to go! This spot was one of my faves – the food was amazing – some of the best burrata I’ve had. And they make THE BEST fresh juice!! I would have gone back everyday just for the juice if Mad would have let me – ha! SO GOOD.
Gitano is a MUST. We went here on the recommendation of a friend and it did not disappoint! The atmosphere of this place is unreal. Amazing texture – woods, concretes, palms with dreamy lighting – and all the food is made with seasonal local ingredients cooked in a wood burning oven & open fire grill. Most of the menu is created to share so I recommend getting a few thing to try together!
The best gelato in Tulum! Located in the cutest shop, Origami is the perfect place to stop and cool down with a sweet treat (my guilty pleasure)!! Quick note – they only take cash so make sure you have some on hand!
The Beach was not only a good place to stay, but also to EAT! Their restaurant – Ziggy’s – is SO good! For sure worth a stop. I loved going here for breakfast – the view is incredible and such a peaceful way to start off the day. Their dinner is also amazing.
This place is unlike any restaurant I’ve been to! They spend the week traveling to the Yucatan to markets and farms to collect ingredients that have existed for centuries. Everything they do is sustainable – from cooking by open fire to using solar panels. It gives this place such a special vibe that feels so connected to the history and culture of Tulum. Absolutely make a reservation! Mad and I got there at 5:30 and waited in line an hour before we got seated. People travel from all over the world to eat here, and for good reason!
We loved renting bikes and riding through the town! It was such a fun way to explore and really allowed us to experience more of Tulum. We could stop at a local shop – or to get gelato :). Because the town is pretty quaint, it’s very bike friendly!
A MUST! The Mayan Ruins were breathtaking. It was incredible to be surrounded by these structures that were so complex and ancient! Truly a once in a lifetime experience!
The water really is as clear as they say it is! The Gran Cenote – made up of a few cenotes connected by wooden walkways – is located just a few miles from Tulum. It’s one of the most popular spots to visit – and for good reason! The water is crystal clear. You can see all kinds of fish without snorkeling. So beautiful!!
Tulum is known for its beautiful beaches. And there is almost nothing better than getting a lazy beach day – especially when eight months pregnant :). Amazing weather, clear water and white sand – it really doesn’t get better. And the vibe of the Tulum beach is so relaxed. It really is the perfect spot to unwind.
This cute little candle shop was actually in front of our Italian restaurant, Posada Margherita. There were a ton of fun storefronts to walk through in this area which is another reason why was one of my favorite dinner spots!
Our stay at The Beach was an absolutely DREAM. Literally every room has amazing views of the ocean. Our room offered had a jacuzzi inside in our room with a private plunge pool overlooking the beach – so luxurious and THE PERFECT babymoon vacation.
On my list of places to stay for my trip back! Crazy enough, this hotel was previously the home of Pablo Escabar. Renowned New York art collector and gallery owner Lio Malca bought the property in 2012 and renovated the space to have more of a modern art vibe in contrast to a lot of the beach/boho infused hotels in the area. Definitely worth checking out!
Also on the bucket list! If you want something remote, than Mukan Resort is right up your alley! About 24 miles from Tulum, your view is nothing but tropical forest, beautiful beach and water. The resort itself is fairly small – only five beach rooms, four bungalows total.