Tulum, Mexico: slow travel guide
Tulum, the bohemian heart of Mexico, is located on one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the country, the Rivera Maya, and is home to beautiful beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and unique hotels, from eco-luxury and slow travel to party and beach club resorts. Even though this travel guide is all about quiet adventures and exploring Tulum alongside the parties.
Tulum in a nutshell
Things to see & do – The ancient Tulum Ruins, Cenotes, Tulum Beach Road, Sculpture Park, Beach clubs, parties & yoga classes
Best time to visit – The ideal time is from November to April when the weather is dry and warm
Where to stay – Papaya Playa Project for party & nightlife, Casa Malca for a more luxurious getaway, La Valise & NEST for the perfect beach experience and Radhoo for an urban jungle escape
Where to eat & drink – Hartwood, ARCA, Casa Jaguar, Nü, Gitano, WILD, Raw Love, Matcha Mama
How to get around – biking or renting a scooter to drive along the coastal road or zona hotelera, walking to explore the city and take taxis or rent a car if you’re planning to explore cenotes and ruins
Things to see & do
We visited Tulum in March 2024 and it was definitely more of a calming and deeply relaxing time than exploring the surroundings, the town itself and all the things to do in and around Tulum. I can say that we spent the whole day at the hotel, sunbathing on the beach and enjoying the crystal clear turquoise waters of the ocean as we needed a few days to slow down. So there's not really much in the way of activities and things to do that we can recommend from our last visit, but I've been to Tulum a few years ago so I'm basing the recommendations on that visit.
The Tulum Ruins are located on a cliff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea. They offer an glimpse into ancient Mayan life in front of the breathtaking backdrop of the ocean. A unique atmosphere awaits you as you walk the paths of the site and admire temples and stone carvings that reflect the history of Tulum.
Cenote Dos Ojos is known as one of the region’s most spectacular cenotes. It offers a refreshing escape in natural underground pools with crystal-clear water. There are plenty of quieter cenotes nearby too, like Gran Cenote or Cenote Calavera, where you can experience nature in a serene setting.
Yoga Retreats and Wellness: Tulum’s bohemian culture is rooted in holistic wellness, with lots of yoga retreats and meditation classes. Many hotels, such as Azulik & Ahau offer yoga classes but you’ll also find opportunities for sound healing, and wellness workshops everywhere. There are also various offers for different retreats.
Playa Paraiso is open to the public, which means you can access it freely without having to stay in a nearby hotel or resort. This picture-perfect beach lives up to its name: powdery white sand and gently swaying palm trees. It is one of the quieter spots along the coast of Tulum, ideal for sunbathing or a relaxing swim in the clear, calm waters.
Tulum’s Beach Road, stretches along the Caribbean coast. It is an iconic strip filled with bohemian vibes, boutique hotels, small shops, restaurants and trendy beach clubs. The Road is divided into two main parts — Beach Zone North and Beach Zone South. The road offers a mix of luxury and rustic charm. The Beach Zone North is close to Tulum’s ruins, where you’ll find more of a tranquil vibe and smaller beach clubs. Beach Zone South is where Tulum’s lively scene unfolds, with many well known hotels, great restaurants, and boutique shopping nestled under palm trees and the urban forest of Tulums beach zone. Biking and walking are popular ways to get around, as traffic can get heavy, especially during peak season.
The sculpture park in Tulum, known as SFER IK Museion at Azulik, is an immersive art sanctuary blending nature, art, and architecture. It’s an iconic, organic space filled with large-scale sculptures, suspended walkways, and natural materials like wood, vines, and stone.
Where to stay
Papaya Playa Project is definitely a good choice if you want to experience the party culture on Tulum beach without leaving the property. This eco-chic hotel attracts those who are looking for dance parties on the beach and live music events. By day, the place is laid-back and artsy, with rustic rooms and oceanfront cabanas where you can unwind in style.
Casa Malca blends luxury with art, featuring stunning installations and unique décor throughout the property. It’s the perfect choice if you’re seeking refined luxury in a more private, secluded environment for a relaxing and tranquil vacation.
La Valise is located directly by the beach, making it a peaceful, intimate escape with stunning ocean views. This hotel is the place with definitly one of the most know beds in the world: the unique beachfront “rolling bed” that can be set up outdoors so you can sleep under the stars. It is definitely the perfect place for honeymooners and beach lovers seeking a serene, upscale stay.
NEST offers a curated, boutique hotel experience that’s beautiful in its simplicity and located directly by the beach. It’s perfect for those who want a quiet retreat that still offers plenty of charm and character. The beachfront setting and beautiful boho décor enhance the calming, down-to-earth atmosphere. It is ideal if you want to explore Tulum without the noise of big parties.
Radhoo is the urban jungle in Tulum since it is located on the jungle side of the beach road and not directly by the beach. It offers an immersive escape surrounded by nature, with its grounds filled with tropical plants, wood decor, and a tranquil pool. This boutique hotel brings a sense of the jungle to each room, making it feel like a sanctuary while keeping you close to Tulum’s main attractions. It’s designed for relaxation, with shaded walkways, secluded hammocks, and beach access through the partner hotels.
Where to eat & drink
Hartwood is known for its wood-fired cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. Located on the southern part of the beach road, it offers a frequently changing menu with seasonal flavors and freshly caught seafood. Reservations are recommended as it is one of the most popular restaurants in Tulum.
Nestled in the jungle, ARCA serves innovative dishes with tropical flavors. The rustic ambiance and focus on locally-sourced ingredients make it a unique dining experience.
Taqueria La Eufemia serves some of the best tacos in Tulum. Taqueria La Eufemia is affordable, relaxed and located right on the beach, with a friendly atmosphere that's perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Raw Love is a favorite for healthy, plant-based options and is known for its fresh smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices and vegan dishes. There is a beachfront location with a smaller menu and the jungle cafe is just a few minutes from the beach.
NÜ specializes in modern Mexican cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. The ambience is enchanting: the tables are set in a lush jungle setting under hanging lights and lanterns, creating a cozy and magical atmosphere.
Matcha Mama is not only known for its “I Love Tulum So Matcha” sign, but also for its delicious smoothie bowls, filled açai bowls, matcha creations and refreshing cold-pressed juices. It is a small open-air café where all dishes are made from organic ingredients.
Gitano Jungle is a lively, funky place in the jungle area of Tulum, decorated with lush plants, candlelight and disco balls. The atmosphere is upscale and glamorous, but with the rustic style typical of Tulum. The menu at Gitano features contemporary Mexican dishes that focus on traditional flavors with a twist. The cocktail menu offers some of the best mezcal cocktails in town.
WILD is known for its luxurious and rustic ambience, offering a blend of earthy décor and elegant design to create a tranquil yet elevated dining experience. The menu features dishes inspired by local and seasonal ingredients. They offer creative dishes such as fire-roasted octopus and traditional Mexican flavors in a gourmet setting. The handcrafted cocktails, made with local herbs and in-house liqueurs, are also a specialty.
How to get around
Biking – Renting a bike is the best way to explore the Beach area of Tulum. The beach road is bike-friendly, and there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Walking – If you’re staying in the Tulum Beach Zone or town center, walking is an enjoyable and practical way to get around. Most places are within walking distance, especially the boutiques, restaurants, and beach clubs along the main stretch.
Taxis – Taxis are widely available and convenient for getting to and from the beach, cenotes, and other nearby areas. Agree on a price before starting your ride, as taxis can sometimes be costly in Tulum, especially along the beach road.
Car Rental – Renting a car is recommended if you want to explore beyond Tulum and visit nearby cenotes, Mayan ruins, or quieter beaches. Parking is generally accessible, though it’s best to ask hotels or restaurants if they offer dedicated spaces.