Tulum Guide

The beach “Hotel/Jungle Zone” and the “Downtown” and surrounding jungle adventures. Both options have something to offer in an authentic Mayan experience in paradise. The beaches are amazing with plenty of chic upscale shopping, beach clubs and beautiful people. The town is charming and more authentic Mexican, including the prices, which are generally about half of what you pay in the captive beach zone. Enjoy them both, they have a lot to offer!

If you don’t have a rental car, the most popular form of transportation in Tulum is taxi or bike. You can easily get around downtown Tulum and the beach areas by bike and have fun doing it. You can rent bikes for around $8 per day and less if you do it for a week. This is a really fun way to get around. Most bikes have baskets to tote your beer in and if you bring a backpack for groceries, you can get more beer in your basket! ALWAYS get a rate from taxis before taking the ride!

As you are leaving customs in the Cancun Airport, and walking out of the building towards your rental car or shuttle service, you will walk through what we refer to as “The Gauntlet”. Do not stop to talk to any of these tour guides, shuttle service providers, or taxi drivers. You will be caught up for quite some time as they try and sell you their services. I promise you will get better pricing working with the local tour guides here in Tulum. Look straight ahead, and get outside!

Farmers in Mexico use manure to grow their produce, not a lot of pesticides and chemicals. Because of this, the produce may look a little different than in the U.S. or other countries. It may not be as big or as shiny, but it tastes just as delicious. Fresh fruit and vegetable stands are found throughout town and on main street. Use sanitizer soak. Look for stands with brightly colored pineapples and various fruits in front of the store. Two of the best ones recommended are; Pool (located 1 block off main street behind Scotia bank) and the other is Gypsy Market on the south end of town.

For those who might be staying in private homes or condos, the main grocery store in Tulum is called Chedraui and is located on the Boca Paila Beach road (beach road) approximately 1⁄4 mile from the stoplight. This American style grocery store contains most of what you need. They have many American brands, great produce and a large deli, bakery, small electronics and a sporting goods area. You can use your credit or debit card here and get the bank’s current daily exchange rate on transactions. There are also 4 ATM machines in the store.

On the beach road parking is limited and areas where it is prohibited are well marked with a crossed out “E” as the Spanish word for parking is “Estacionamiento”. There are areas where one can park on the road parallel, but you are always better off finding a spot to park off street. Just be sure that the parking lot you choose matches the hotel or beach club you plan to visit. We are also seeing more paid parking areas along the beach road now.

Dining in Tulum can best be expressed as cultural variety with authentic quality. Local flavors include Chile peppers, cacao, habanero, cilantro, vanilla, corn, lime, pineapple and nuts such as pepitas and walnuts and much, much more. Mayan cuisine is complex and is an important component of holiday celebrations and social events. During the Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead (November 1), foods such as tamales and mole are set out on altars for loved ones as well as served to family members and visitors. The food is meant to bind families and communities together.

The Best of The Best Individual Honors! To Eat … Best FISH TACOS at Mateo´s Mexican Grill. Best PIZZA at Manglar. Best ICE CREAM Best GELATO at Pana E Chocolate. Best SUSHI at Nao. Best PORK TACOS at Honorio. Breakfast only. Best STEAK TACOS at Encanto Cantina. Dinner only. Best CEVICHE at Camellos Jr. Best CHILAQUILES at Don Cafeto. Best TACOS AL PASTOR at La Chiapaneca. Best OCTOPUS at Ahau. Best WAFFLES at Campanella. Best BAGUETTES at El Gourmet. Best BURGUER at Mateo´s Mexican Grill. TexMex Burger Best STEAKS in Town El asadero.

Best FRENCH TOAST at Teetotum. Best PASTA at Posada Marguerita. To drink … Best COFFEE at Babel Best CRAFT BEER is Mundo Maya Best MARGARITAS at Mezzanine Best MOJITOS at Batey Bar Best DRINKS SPECIAL at La Trattoria Romana Best PARTY is the Full Moon Party at Papaya Playa Project Hotel Best BEACH PARTY: Sundays afternoons at Coco´s Hotel

The pace of dining in Tulum is different than dining in the US, UK and Canada. Restaurateurs expect you to stay and linger. Most waiters are quick to pick up your dish on the table, don’t be surprised if you feel abandoned once the plate is gone! This is not to be rude but to give you time to digest before offering desert or an after-dinner drink. Waiters believe it’s impolite to present the check before you ask for it. While dining, don’t be surprised if total strangers nod their heads at you and say in Spanish, “Buen Provecho” (Pronounced “Buen Pro-vay-cho”). This means “Enjoy your meal".

If you would like to practice your Spanish skills, here are some helpful phrases while dining in Tulum: “To drink, I would like” / “Para beber, quiero el” “I am ready to order” / “Estoy listo para ordenar” “The check please”. / “La cuenta por favor” “Is the gratuity included?” / “Está incluida la propina?” “No change necessary.” / “No necesito cambio.” “I need change” / “Necesito cambio.”

Tulum has many amazing cenotes both on the beach and surrounding jungles, which is a different experience than swimming in the ocean. Cenotes on the Yucatan Peninsula are part of the LARGEST underground river system in the world. There are about 1500 miles of underground rivers and cenotes charted by exploratory divers. They contain fresh cool water rather than salt water. A few nearby are Casa Cenote -MUST SEE (Hwy 307 north of Tulum - 10 minutes), Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos (Hwy 307 north of Tulum - 15 minutes), and the Coba Cenotes (Past the Coba Ruins well marked).

BEST local food delivery service is www.tomato.mx just get on the website, set up your account and you will have access and delivery options for almost every restaurant in Tulum! They have a great map application so they can find you easily. It is helpful to have WhatsApp too, but not required. The go to service for food delivery in Tulum.