Tulum Travel Guide: Unforgettable Food, Pristine Beaches & Ancient Wonders in Mexico
Oh, Tulum. Friends, if I didn’t already live in this beautiful world, Tulum would undoubtedly top my list of places I’d yearn to visit. This isn’t a statement I make lightly, especially after experiencing the romance of Paris and dining within the iconic Eiffel Tower. Tulum possesses a magic that simply transcends. In fact, our entire first wedding anniversary trip to Tulum felt so utterly surreal that if someone told me I had dreamt it all, I would easily believe them. It’s truly the kind of destination that feels crafted from the most vivid of dreams.
A significant part of this enchantment for me, as a food lover, was discovering that over 50% of the town boasts exclusively vegetarian/vegan restaurants, with countless plant-based options available everywhere else. It was an absolute culinary paradise, a true food heaven. If you’re eager to discover some of this magic for yourself, join me on a journey through our unforgettable Tulum experience!
Our adventure to Tulum took place last July, marking our first wedding anniversary. We yearned for a tropical escape, and Mexico naturally emerged as the most fitting choice – it had always been our backup honeymoon destination anyway. A single captivating YouTube video sealed the deal, showcasing Tulum’s breathtaking scenery, incredible food culture, and pristine beaches. We booked our tickets without hesitation, and I’m thrilled to report that Tulum exceeded every expectation.
For a little background, Tulum is nestled deep within the rainforests of Quintana Roo, a region rich with Mayan history and home to magnificent ancient ruins. What truly drew us in was its profound connection to nature and commitment to ecological preservation. The efforts to protect its flora and fauna are evident everywhere; for instance, you’re prohibited from wearing toxic bug spray when swimming in the sacred cenotes. Supporting local vendors is highly encouraged, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a single franchise or fast-food chain in this authentic town, allowing its unique charm to flourish untouched.
During our stay, we found a truly stunning Airbnb boutique hotel located in Tulum town, completely enveloped by lush nature. It’s difficult to articulate the sheer beauty of this place! Our room even featured a remote-controlled sky roof, offering magnificent views of the stars at night – an absolutely magical touch. The hotel’s location was ideal, perfectly positioned between the vibrant town restaurants and the more ethereal beachside eateries. I genuinely adored both distinct areas.
To clarify, Tulum is essentially divided into two main zones: the lively town strip and the bohemian beach strip. The town exuded a wonderfully down-to-earth vibe, offering incredibly delicious and affordable food. I discovered an abundance of fantastic culinary options and countless amazing local vendors. We purchased many souvenirs from the town, knowing they were 100% locally made, and it felt incredibly rewarding to buy directly from the artisans themselves. The beach strip, on the other hand, presented a more ethereal, almost otherworldly atmosphere. It felt as if you’ve been transported to a modern-day hippie central, teeming with unique energy. Here, the food offerings tended to be not only healthier but also leaned more towards plant-based options. Overall, every single meal we enjoyed in Tulum was an absolute delight.
Breakfast Delights in Tulum
Burrito Amor
Our discovery of Burrito Amor was a happy accident. One early morning, as we prepared for our excursion to Chichen Itza, we desperately needed a quick breakfast. Fearing only a 7/11-type store would be open, we were delighted to spot lights on at Burrito Amor across the road, around 6:30/7 am. With no prior recommendations, we were instantly charmed by its inviting appearance and decided to stop. What a wonderful surprise it turned out to be! Not only was the food exceptional, but the sauces were truly outstanding. The Jamaica hibiscus flower dressing, in particular, was amazing – a perfect blend of spicy, flavorful, and complementary. While I’ve always loved avocado, the avocados in Mexico truly taste out of this world. Burrito Amor offered great prices and was well worth the visit. I savored their aguacate tostada (avocado toast) generously topped with fresh pico de gallo, smoked salt, and that incredible hibiscus sauce.
Tulum’s Best for Lunch & Dinner
La Zebra Beach Restaurant and Tequila Bar
Ah, La Zebra! It seems my husband and I always find that one restaurant we utterly fall in love with during our travels, and in Tulum, Mexico, La Zebra was it. The picturesque beachfront views combined with the world’s friendliest staff were enough to win me over instantly. But then, we tasted the food, and it was simply phenomenal. On our initial visit, I ordered the vegan ceviche and the cauliflower vegetarian tacos. The tacos immediately brought to mind my own cauliflower wings recipe, featuring a very light batter surrounded by an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Both dishes were incredibly delicious! Our meal came with complimentary house chips and three types of vibrant salsa, along with refreshing infused water and delightful cane sugar Mojitos. I honestly can’t recall what we ordered on our second visit – I think we were so hungry that photos were an afterthought! – but suffice it to say, we enjoyed it just as much. The staff even remembered us, making the experience feel even more personal. Our third and final stop was on our last night in Tulum, specifically for dessert (more on that below).
La Coqueta
La Coqueta defies expectations of a typical roadside restaurant. Adorned in vibrant native Mexican colors, featuring whimsical Frida Kahlo sugar skull paintings, and pulsating with lively music throughout the day, La Coqueta immediately captivated us with its authentic local charm and unpretentious atmosphere. We stumbled upon it before heading to Gran Cenote for breakfast and had read that it was ranked as the number one restaurant in the town strip. One bite confirmed it. First, the portion sizes are surprisingly generous; what you see above was my breakfast alone! Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t even finish half, making it perfect for sharing. This was also our most affordable meal in town, and my goodness, it was exquisitely delicious. It was at this point in my life that I wholeheartedly embraced corn chips, corn tortillas, and anything corn-based when it came to Mexican cuisine – I simply fell in love with them in Mexico! Once again, the invaluable Mexican avocado crowned my dish. I ordered chilaquiles, a dish I’d attempted to make at home previously, and dove right in. What an absolute treat. We even made another stop at La Coqueta later in our trip, just for dessert!
Hartwood
Hartwood offered an absolutely unbelievable dining experience! If you’ve heard anything about Tulum’s culinary scene, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Hartwood. It’s consistently touted as the number one destination in the entire town, and let me assure you, it did not disappoint! We were fortunate enough to secure a reservation, and it was a good thing we did – within ten minutes of opening, they were completely booked out! I savored pumpkin/butternut squash stuffed empanadas and a beautifully stuffed poblano pepper. This meal quickly became one of my absolute favorites of the entire trip. The “plataños” (plantains) are an absolute must-try, which my husband and I happily shared. I even filmed myself enjoying my poblano pepper for you to see below! While it’s true that Hartwood is not the quietest spot for a romantic, intimate dinner, due to its vibrant hustle and bustle, it was absolutely perfect for me. I still can’t get over how incredibly friendly and accommodating the staff were! I took numerous pictures of the entire restaurant, and they even graciously posed for me. What a truly beautiful and lively location.
Gitano
Gitano was, without a doubt, my husband’s favorite spot of our entire trip. In fact, it was the very first place we ventured to after landing in Mexico, settling into our Airbnb, and heading out for dinner. Walking into Gitano feels like stepping into a magical fairyland fantasy. It’s dimly lit, the DJ plays the coolest, most ambient chill music, and people gracefully dance barefoot under the twinkling fairy lights that adorn the entire restaurant. To illustrate the lasting impression these restaurants made on me, I didn’t even need to write down my orders; I still vividly remember them from July 2016! We indulged in exquisite blackberry and dragonfruit cocktails, savory jicama guacamole, and I once again enjoyed a perfectly cooked poblano stuffed pepper. I honestly never wanted to leave Gitano. If it were possible, I would have happily slept there under the stars. It was utterly enchanting.
Restaurare
Oh, Restaurare! By our third night, we had a clear realization: Tulum does not compromise on portion sizes. Everywhere we dined, despite the exquisite flavors, we found ourselves unable to finish our meals due to their sheer generosity. Restaurare particularly stood out to me because it is 100% plant-based (a huge thank you to my darling husband for finding it!) and incredibly eco-friendly. mirroring the sustainable ethos of Tulum, their bug spray consisted of natural smoking logs passed through the restaurant to deter mosquitoes, always with the paramount priority of protecting the rainforest. I cannot express how much I admired this commitment. Restaurare even provided natural bug repellant oil for us to use – I desperately wanted to bottle it and take it home! We started with crispy corn chips accompanied by a variety of house-made sauces, then I enjoyed their Pibil Tacos, while my husband opted for the plant-based ceviches. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal at Restaurare, but for me, the dessert here was the absolute highlight (details coming below)!
Sweet Endings: Tulum’s Memorable Desserts
La Coqueta
At La Coqueta, we indulged in corn ice cream, served innovatively in a corn husk! As you know, I have a deep appreciation for natural, artisanal ice cream, so this was an absolute revelation. It offered such a pure, fresh taste and, consistent with Tulum’s generosity, came in a huge serving. I’ll confess, I even had this incredible ice cream for lunch one day because it was simply divine. Having never tried corn ice cream before, I’m so thrilled I experienced it here.
Restaurare
While I do have a photo of my Restaurare dessert, it was taken in a dimly lit Airbnb room, so I won’t bother sharing it. However, I must tell you about the banana cake I ordered – it was incredibly light, wonderfully fluffy, and just so darn delicious. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone visiting!
La Zebra Beach Restaurant and Tequila Bar
On our third visit to La Zebra, which culminated in our very last meal in Tulum the night before our crazy 6 am flight, we had just left the one place in Tulum we genuinely did not enjoy. I’ve honestly scrubbed the name from my mind, but I will update this if I ever recall it. We should have known better, and now I just laugh at the painful memory – it felt nothing like the other authentic restaurants in Tulum, possessing a distinct “Friday night franchise” vibe. We saw a sign for happy hour and, misguided by hunger, followed it. Upon arrival, I ordered a veggie burger, which, to put it mildly, was unmistakably a reheated frozen patty. Without dwelling too much on it, we didn’t finish or enjoy our food, and quickly disappeared after paying, making a beeline back to La Zebra to wash away the unpleasant experience. The ironic part was that we were headed to La Zebra anyway, and only made that detour on a whim. To be honest, I don’t regret it. The laughter my husband and I shared – “of course, this would happen on our last day!” – and wiping away tears of mirth are precisely what make a trip truly unforgettable. After we recounted this misadventure to the staff at La Zebra, they were incredibly empathetic, actually apologizing on behalf of the other restaurant for the single bad experience we had.
Friends, I share this story because it truly encapsulates the heart and soul of Tulum, Mexico. I actually cried upon leaving this country, so deeply touched was I by the people who call it home. Never once did I feel like an intrusive tourist; instead, I felt welcomed into their homes, and they genuinely seemed saddened that we had any negative experience while guests in their beautiful town. That meant the world to me. Anyway, a few mezcal drinks and some delightful lemon meringue pies later, I was fully immersed back in my Tulum bliss. We spent the remainder of that evening on La Zebra’s beach, simply doing absolutely nothing. It was the perfect, serene end to our unforgettable trip.
To ensure an unforgettable culinary journey in Tulum, make sure you eat/drink:
- A Tulum-style taco: Fresh, flavorful, and distinctly local.
- A spicy cocktail: Embrace the vibrant Mexican flavors in your drinks.
- An avocado-based dessert: A unique twist on a beloved fruit.
- Homemade corn chips AND homemade chip sauces: The freshness makes all the difference.
- Something you’ve never tried before: Be adventurous! Think corn-based ice cream, cactus, or another spicy, exotic cocktail.
And because no Tulum guide would be complete without highlighting some of our favorite adventures…
Explore Tulum: Must-Visit Attractions
Cenotes
Cenotes are natural sinkholes, typically found in underwater caves and caverns, filled with unbelievably clear freshwater. These natural wonders are teeming with unique sea life and boast the clearest water I have ever witnessed in my life – and that’s after experiencing the famous waters of Negril, Jamaica! As you can clearly see from the photo above, you’re looking directly into the water at the very bottom of the cenote. Yes, that’s the bottom! Gran Cenote is an absolute must-visit if you’re traveling to Tulum. It’s truly difficult to describe the experience once you’re underwater; you simply have to see it for yourself. Everything is crystal clear, giving the sensation that you’re still above ground. I’ll admit, at first, it was absolutely terrifying how lifelike and expansive it felt. I sometimes “suffer” from that strange phobia where people feel overwhelmed by looking at Google Earth because it makes them feel tiny, and I had that exact sensation. The views felt almost artificial, and being so close to these tiny fish initially freaked me out. But, needless to say, since my husband and I had done something similar last September and I was thrilled, I quickly got over it. I decided to live in the moment, and now I can’t wait to be that close to sea life again! It’s truly like exploring an underwater cave; simply beautiful.
Chichen Itza
If you can spare a full day, a trip to Chichen Itza is highly recommended! I won’t delve into too many details about the site itself, as learning about the rich history and culture firsthand is what truly makes the experience unforgettable. We had an absolute blast, gaining a wealth of knowledge during our fantastic tour with Santiago. Hearing his personal story, as he hails from a nearby town with some of the last surviving original Mayan families, was truly moving and enriching. As a side note, we chose to skip buying souvenirs at the main tourist venue and instead stopped by a local vendor who was crafting the most breathtaking handmade pieces. It felt incredibly special to acquire something unique, hear the story behind its creation, and connect directly with the artisan. Just a heads-up: ATM access is very limited here, so remember to bring sufficient cash!
The Beach
There’s so much, yet so little, to say about the beaches in Tulum. Simply put, make plans to go to the beach, but plan nothing else once you’re there. Allow your mind the freedom to decide whether you want to swim all day, or simply stop and nap under the sun. These beaches are far too beautiful and breathtaking to constrain with any structured schedule. We spent hours luxuriating in the turquoise waters, then retreated to the shore for impromptu naps, and even ended up making some new friends who were staying at the same Airbnb as us! It’s the ultimate place to unwind and let serendipity guide your day.
Mayan Ruins (Tulum)
Surprisingly, I found myself enjoying the Mayan ruins located right in Tulum even more than Chichen Itza, primarily due to their unique coastal setting and accessible history. Tulum actually translates to “wall” in Mayan, and it was once a significant port for the entire region. Learning about the daily lives of the Mayan royalty compared to the common people, discovering their incredible inventions, and seeing how many of the houses and properties within the ruins still stand to this day was incredibly intriguing. For these tours, remember to bring essential items like sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable sneakers for exploring.
Tulum Travel Tips: Maximizing Your Experience
5 Tips for finding amazing food and having a blast in Tulum, Mexico:
- Unplug and Disconnect. There’s a reason why this post primarily features iPhone pictures – we made a conscious effort to unplug for the majority of our trip, leaving our big DSLR camera at home. I even left my phone at our accommodation for one entire day, and it felt incredibly liberating. Being away from constant technology was truly a breath of fresh air and allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in our surroundings. We took pictures to capture and remember our memories, but I cherished how much of the trip we spent simply being present in the moment.
- Ask a Local for a Recommendation. Whether you’re seeking a restaurant, an attraction, or just their favorite drink, the people of Tulum are genuinely some of the kindest individuals I’ve ever encountered. Even the policemen waved to us! Everyone is friendly and eager for you to enjoy your visit. Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with a local; you might just discover an amazing hidden gem or a fantastic food suggestion you wouldn’t find otherwise.
- Roam the Beach Strip. Many of the incredible dining spots and vibrant atmospheres we experienced were found simply by leisurely exploring the beach strip. Doing this in the evening is particularly magical. It’s a safe and well-lit area, offering an abundance of fun nightlife options and charming establishments to discover as you stroll along the coast.
- Be Crazy Adventurous! I had the opportunity to try cactus (nopal) during my visit, and I regret not taking it. I’m trying not to beat myself up over it, but the glowing reviews I’ve since read about its deliciousness mean it’s now at the very top of my list for when we inevitably return to Tulum. On the flip side, I was initially terrified to swim alongside impossibly tiny fish in the cenotes, but I pushed past my fear and did it anyway! Challenge yourself to try something new, something you’ve never experienced in your life. In a beautiful and diverse place like Tulum, you truly won’t regret it.
- Have a “Keeper” Restaurant – I know, this might sound contradictory to being adventurous, right? But I believe it’s beneficial to have a go-to restaurant that you know and love, even while you’re exploring new culinary experiences. This means you can relax, confident that the food will be divine (even if you’re ordering something new from their menu), and truly focus on the ambiance and company. Plus, in case you find yourself unexpectedly hungry and a misleading “half-off happy hour” sign distracts you, you’ll always have a reliable, delicious fallback plan, friends!
I sincerely hope this post provides helpful guidance if you plan to visit the magical Tulum, Mexico, anytime in the near future. Until next time, friends!
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