Kelly & Stevan
Things To Do
Tulum Ruins
The Mayan ruins in Tulum are about a 10 minute drive from downtown. You can hire one of the local guides to learn more about the history and culture. While the location is beautiful and the view impressive, a visitor will need ample imagination to find this more than an enjoyable walk through an archeological site.
Chichén Itzá
Far more impressive is the Mayan archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, a complex of 17 structures featuring impressive step pyramids, old living quarters, and intricate stone carvings. This is a must-see if you have the time. It is about three hours by car one way and there are all day excursions available. If you go, bring bottled water and consider booking a tour guide.
Cenotes
The cenotes of Tulum are a series of crystalline freshwater pools connected by a maze of underground rivers. They held a magical (and functional) place in Mayan society, There are many cenotes in and around Tulum and, while we have not explored many of them, Dos Ojos is frequently recommended. Some cenotes are very popular with SCUBA divers.
The Real Coconut - Breakfast
Best Breakfast / Brunch in Tulum. The Real Coconut is located in the Sanara hotel. The waterfront restaurant focuses on sustainably sourced, local ingredients. Amazing views. Strong coffee. Great smoothies. Solid brunch plates.
Nomade - Lunch
Perfect lunch spot for your feet in the sand. The beachfront restaurant has good food and drinks in an idyllic setting, often with a DJ set bumping in the background.
Casa Jaguar - Cocktails / Dinner
Casa Jaguar has the best cocktails in Tulum and, frankly, we would put them up against any bar. They also host a raucous dance party on Th. nights. Their delicious open grill themed menu makes it a great place for drinks and dinner.
Hartwood - Dinner
Best dinner option. Advanced reservations are typically required. In their own words: Hartwood's menu changes daily based on the sea and land that offer us new harvests each day. Throughout the week, we travel hours into the interior of the Yucatan to markets and farms where we collect ingredients that allow us to offer our customer a new and exciting taste of a community that has existed for centuries. All of these aspects come together each day and allow for a humble way of cooking within an environment that we are truly grateful to be a part of.
Arca - Dinner
Arca is also a fantastic dinner option with a styled restaurant bar and cool back lounge. Their website description: Our menu is micro-seasonal and is a current representation of the flora and fauna around us. We have curated a menu in tune with our roots and traditions, with bold and explosive flavors. Open-fire cooking dominates our menu which is composed of small plates intended to be shared, a way of eating that is inherent in Mexican culture.
Quick Bites
Food Truck Area - A food truck park with no name is on the southern end of the beach corridor. You will find 6-8 good, cheap, quick food options in this outdoor setting. There are quite a few small restaurants along the main beach strip. Raw Love is a standout. Ziggy's is another good breakfast option on the northern end of the beach corridor. Taboo Tulum has good food and drinks on the beach.
Late Night Nonsense
There are two late night spots we recommend for those chasing their youth. I Scream Bar is an eclectic mix of auto salvage and cheap drinks. Rosa Negra is a slick, upbeat operation from Mexico City. Either will make your eardrums hurt at night and head in the AM.