I’ve just returned from a whirlwind three-week adventure across Mexico to officially launch my travel company, Go Tulum Travel. Along the way, I uncovered fresh experiences, stunning spots, and new local favorites in Tulum. I’m excited to share them with you in the most honest, helpful, and straightforward way possible. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Before You Go: Tulum Travel Essentials

While Mexico has remained accessible to travelers during the pandemic, Tulum is best enjoyed with thoughtful planning. To make the most of your time, I highly recommend the following before you arrive:

•Book private transportation in advance, including airport transfers, bike rentals, or even a rental car if you’re confident navigating Tulum’s streets.

•Pack Natrapel insect repellent wipes (12-count). These are one of the few options that truly work in the humid, mosquito-friendly climate.

•Reserve beachfront restaurants at least two weeks ahead of time, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

•Bring a pair of sturdy shoes for exploring ruins and cenotes, flip-flops for the beach, and a spacious, practical beach bag.

Getting Around

Tulum’s beach road, the main route connecting most of the coastal hotels, restaurants, and attractions, has taken a hit from recent storms like Hurricanes Delta and Eta. Expect heavy traffic and large potholes, especially on weekends. It once took us an hour to drive half a mile. With that in mind:

•Book your airport transfer ahead of time for a stress-free arrival with Go Tulum Travel.

•If you’re a confident, defensive driver, renting a car can be a great way to explore beyond Tulum.

•Biking is popular and often faster than driving along the beach zone, but be cautious of uneven roads.

Where to Stay: Beach vs. Town

Tulum offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious beachfront eco-resorts to charming boutique hotels in town. On this trip, I stayed over seven nights on the beach and four nights in Tulum Centro, giving me a great perspective on both experiences. Here’s my take:

•If you’re staying for a full week, split your time between the beach zone and town to enjoy the best of both worlds.

•For weekend getaways, either location works well, but if your budget allows, add at least two nights on the beach to soak up the magic of waking up by the sea.

Must-Do Experiences

Visit the Tulum Ruins – An iconic cliffside Mayan site overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and heat.

Swim in the Cenotes – Tulum is surrounded by otherworldly cenotes—natural freshwater sinkholes considered sacred by the ancient Maya. They believed cenotes were gateways to Xibalba, the underworld, where the rain god Chaac resided. These pools are not just beautiful; they hold deep cultural and spiritual significance.

Tip: Avoid wearing sunscreen when swimming in cenotes to help protect the delicate ecosystems. Respect the space and nature that surrounds you.

To explore our favorite cenotes and book a tour, you can visit our curated experiences here: https://gotulumtravel.com/tours/

Bonus Experience: Charter a Yacht with Tulum Yachts

No Tulum getaway is complete without a day on the water. Tulum Yachts offers private charters that take you across the turquoise Caribbean in pure style. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to elevate your itinerary, a half-day or full-day yacht experience includes snorkeling stops, open bar, and panoramic coastal views you’ll never forget. It’s the perfect way to balance land-based adventure with luxury at sea.

Where to Stay

Tulum offers a wide variety of accommodations, from rustic-chic boutique hotels to stylish Airbnbs tucked away in the jungle. You could easily spend hours falling down a research rabbit hole—so here’s a bit of firsthand guidance to help you decide.

On this trip, I stayed over seven nights in the beach zone and four nights in Tulum Centro. I’m constantly scouting new stays, so you can trust this is an informed perspective. Both areas offer something unique, and I recommend splitting your time between them if you’re staying for a week or longer.

•The beachside is where you’ll find dreamy ocean views, eco-luxury hotels, and direct access to white sands and vibrant beach clubs. It’s immersive, romantic, and ideal if you’re craving a full unplug.

•Tulum Centro (the town) has a local charm, a growing food scene, budget-friendly options, and a more laid-back energy. It’s great for exploring by bike, discovering hidden taquerías, and connecting with the community vibe.

If you’re only in Tulum for a quick weekend trip, either area works well—but if your budget allows, add at least two nights by the beach. There’s something magical about waking up to the sound of the waves.

Jashita Tulum, https://www.jashitahotel.com/. Beautifully designed and away from the public crowds. Feels like a boutique resort. Ideal for romantic couples or those who don’t want to deal with the loud party scenes or nightlife. We stayed here for 2 nights, and it was lovely. Some of the best sleep I’ve had.

Jashita Villa (aka Villa Virginia) in Aldea Zama – jashitahotel.com – This gorgeous sister property to Jashita Tulum is perfect for groups of 8–10 looking for a stylish and serene stay. The vibe is clean, minimal, and effortlessly chic. It’s gated, totally private, and super spacious—ideal for relaxing and reconnecting. Think rooftop pool, oversized dining room, and dreamy outdoor concrete tubs. We opted to stay in and order food… 10/10 decision.

For more accommodations, visit Go Tulum Travel’s certified partners HERE.

Where to Eat

 

Tamales Don Taco (no website, street food) – If you’re craving fresh, homemade tamales without breaking the bank, this is your spot. We’re talking under $1 USD! I’m obsessed with the soft, spongey kind—colados are my fave. Perfect as a pre-dinner snack… or let’s be real, the ultimate post-drinks bite.

 

Negro Huilacoxe – One of our favorite sit-down Mexican restaurants in Centro Tulum. Don’t miss their corn ribs and quesadillas—so much flavor, so much comfort.

Pinches Tacos – Hands down our go-to taco spot in La Veleta. We love both the asada and vegetarian options. Pro tip: don’t skip the elote and guac on the side.

El Agavero | Cocina Ancestral & Mezcalería – A cozy spot serving up local Mexican cuisine with a modern twist and beautifully crafted mezcal cocktails.

Il Bacaro – Our favorite place for pizza in La Veleta. Wood-fired, crispy, and delicious. Bonus: the cocktails are great and reasonably priced.

Wang Tulum – Yes, Tulum has legit Shanghai-style dumplings! This laid-back spot is owned by Chef More, who uses her family’s recipe to make them fresh daily. You’ll be sitting on crates, but trust—it’s worth it.

Sukothai – Craving Thai food? This place hits the spot. We love their flavorful curries, comforting soups, and refreshing boba drinks. Asian food cravings = satisfied.

Burrito Amor – So good we went twice. Think clean, healthy burritos packed with top-notch ingredients. I’m obsessed with the rib eye burrito—marinated in epazote and loaded with black beans, purple onion, pico de gallo, and avocado.

TU – Rustic, boho, and romantic, this spot is perfect for couples or intimate dinners with friends. Gorgeous presentation, delicious food, and cocktails to match.

ilios – Our top pick for celebrating something special in Tulum. Mediterranean dishes that wow, a stylish crowd, and an unforgettable dinner show. It’s a full-on experience.

Fonda Huauzontle (no website), located near Scotia Bank – Stumbling upon this little hole-in-the-wall spot totally made my day. For just $5 USD per person, you get a full meal: a drink, a comforting soup, and a hearty main dish. Their daily specials are packed with flavor—don’t miss their chilaquiles. So simple, so good.

Burrito Amor – We loved this place so much, we went back twice! If you’re into clean, healthy eats made with fresh, quality ingredients, this is a must. My favorite? The rib eye burrito—marinated in epazote and stuffed with whole black beans, purple onion, pico de gallo, and creamy avocado. Total flavor bomb.

And this is just the beginning — I’ve got so many more Tulum gems and photo moments to share. Stay tuned for more posts!

Follow along on Instagram: @ohsobetty

Need help planning your Tulum trip? Shameless plug: check out my travel company, Go Tulum Travel. We’ve got a full team ready to help you book hotels, transportation, tours, you name it. We’ve got you covered.