Things To Do
Pocna Tulum Hotel, Beach Club & Restaurant
This is where the wedding and celebrations will be! This hotel is also home to four amazing restaurants: -Ramon: Inspired by Mexican cuisine. Also includes vegan, gluten-free and pescatarian options. -Kogure: Japanese cuisine with a menu curated by Chef Yusuke Kogure. -Cleo: "Bohemian Soul Kitchen" offers a multisensorial cuisine and innovative mixology. Rated 5 stars on Trip Advisor. This is where we will host our reception. -Benrna: Caribbean food with vegan options.
Tulum Archaeological Zone
This archaeological site features Mayan ruins which are perched on the edge of a cliff in Quintana Roo overlooking the Caribbean ocean. Located only 1 mile away from Hotel Pocna, this place is a must-see! If you are looking to make a day out of exploring, ask your hotel concierge about tour recommendations or look online. Many tours will take you to this site and give you a guided tour followed by a trip to one of the many breathtaking cenotes afterwards with admission included. Tulum Tours charges $800 MX / $45 USD per person for this experience.
Coba Ruins
Coba is a great choice you're looking to explore Mayan ruins and cenotes in one trip. Coba is a large and important Mayan archaeological zone located in the eastern portion of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is one of the few sites to retain its original Maya name, Ko'ba a, which translates to ruffled/uneven water. Unlike the cenotes in Tulum which are open-air or semi-open air cenotes, the ones in Coba are entirely enclosed underground in a cave. Their stalactites, clear water, fish (and bats!) are worth seeing. Only 45 minutes away from Tulum.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza, one of the New 7 Wonders of The World according to UNESCO. If you have the time to make the drive, definitely check out this archaeological site. We recommend booking a guided tour so that you can learn all there is to know about the ruins you are exploring. An added bonus to booking a tour guide is that you get to skip the long line of tourists waiting to get in. You can find guides offering their services in the parking lot or main entrance to the site. Bring a lot of water to drink as it does get quite hot there! Located in the state of Yucatan. About 2 1/2 hours from Tulum.
Gran Cenote
This is the first cenote we visited together :) Limestone cenote & cavern with snorkeling areas, equipment rentals & boardwalks. Gran Cenote is a great place to snorkel with turtles and explore the underwater caves. This cenote also has a shallow section that you can sit and relax in. Only a 15 minute cab ride from Hotel Pocna.
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage site. In the language of the Mayan peoples who once inhabited this region, Sian Ka'an means 'Origin of the Sky'. Located on the east coast of the Yucatán peninsula, this biosphere reserve contains tropical forests, mangroves and marshes, as well as a large marine section intersected by a barrier reef. It provides a habitat for a remarkably rich flora and a fauna comprising more than 300 species of birds, as well as a large number of the region's characteristic terrestrial vertebrates, which cohabit in the diverse environment formed by its complex hydrological system. Here you can take a boat ride through the fresh water lagoons, float down the ancient Mayan canals (a real life lazy river), and so much more!
Humo
Of all the restaurants we've ate at in Tulum, this one has always remained our favorite! Located near Tulum's city center in a cool outdoor atmosphere under a domed bamboo structure. There are lots of pillows for low lounger seating areas as well as traditional table seating. Authentic and original blended flavors of Mexico done mostly on the grill and in a gorgeous atmosphere. Vegan menu options are available. Craft cocktails with a variety of liquor options are available. If you are staying at Xscape Hotel this restaurant is only two blocks away.
XscapeTulum Hotel
The first hotel we stayed at together during out first trip to Tulum :) We loved this boutique hotel and would definitely stay there again. If you are on a budget or would prefer staying close to Tulum main square, we definitely recommend staying here. Tucked on a quiet side street in Tulum’s boho-chic city centre. Airy rooms, cheap eats and a sparkling pool surrounded by tropical gardens makes for an ideal base from which to explore the area’s white-sand beaches, cerulean cenotes and archaeological sites. Only 1.5 miles away from the beach and 0.5 mile away from Tulum main square where there are tons of shops to visit and fantastic restaurants to dine at.
Kin Toh Restaurant at AZULIK
Hotel Azulik's flagship restaurant, Kin Toh, serves innovative Mayan-Mexican cuisine in a trendy atmosphere. The restaurant is located on the second floor and feels like dining in a treehouse with views of the jungle on either side. You can even book a table in a "nest" for a fee if you wish to heighten your experience. Treat yourself and make reservations at this amazing restaurant!
Papaya Playa Project Hotel & Beach Club
This is where we got engaged :) Papaya Playa Project is one of the most popular beach clubs in Tulum situated within a sustainable boutique hotel along Mexico’s Caribbean Sea. The Papaya Playa Project prides itself on its sustainable approach and is known as one of the artsiest eco-resorts in Tulum.
Hip Hotel Beach Club
This was the first beach club/restaurant we went to together during our first Tulum trip. Relax on the beach here and order some yummy food and drinks. Beware of the friendly stray dogs enjoying the beach and digging in the same- you'll want to take them all home!
Casa Malca Hotel & Beach Club
Casa Malca was once a mansion owned by Pablo Escobar. The mansion was abandoned following Escobar's death in 1993 and wasn't discovered until 2003. It later caught the attention of renowned Colombian contemporary art collector Lio Malca, who bought the estate in 2012 and turned the property into one of the world's most artistic hotels. A day pass is required for those who are not staying at the hotel, but still want to explore and enjoy the property. A day pass is $160 with $110 of that being drink/food credit. There is a beach club and three restaurants onsite: Philosophy, Ambrosia and Head of a Man.
Mia Restaurant & Beach Club
Mia is a fun Beach Club and Restaurant for underground house and techno music. It hosts well-known international artists and has body painting, food, "brand shows", and the ocean. Mia Tulum has become popular amongst travelers and locals due to its important role in the underground electronic music nightlife in Tulum.
Nomade Tulum Hotel & Beach Club
A unique luxury hotel and beach club with sophisticated boho vibes, great cocktails, and a private beach area that is cordoned off from the public. The Nomade Tulum beach club is also home to a beachfront restaurant, La Popular. La Popular offers a variety of incredibly fresh seafood dishes, serving daily catches delivered by the local fishermen. It’s worth noting that this is a cashless property, so be sure to bring along cards to cover any expenses. ‘Violet’ comes highly recommended, especially for gin lovers!
Coco Tulum Hotel & Beach Club
This hotel is sectioned in two areas, so you can choose the area that suits better to the experience you want to get. Either area you stay in, you'll be able to enjoy all of the services around the hotel! In the daytime, you can sit on the swing and enjoy the breathtaking view of the wave, or you can spread a towel and lay under the sun while you sip a chilled drink. At night you can go clubbing, enjoy a bonfire or chill out under the stars.
Tulum Jungle Gym
If you feel the need to work off all those snacks and tequila, check out this unique gym. The Tulum Jungle Gym is a real-life Fred Flintstone gym, with almost all of the gym equipment constructed of wood, bamboo, and stone. Training in nature with nature is a passion project that combines a love of fitness and nature. Allowing you to work out while enjoying the splendor of the beach and jungle. Their equipment is designed by them and then hand-carved by local carpenters using natural materials found in Mexico. A single day pass goes for $500MX / $30USD
SFER IK
If you're in the area and are looking to take pictures with some stunning architecture, check this place out! Located within Hotel Azulik. A tour costs $20USD or is complimentary if you have dinner at their hidden jungle restaurant, Uh May-Jungle Cuisine.
Mystika
Near Hotel Pocna and the archaeological zone is an exhibit, Mystika. This is a one-of-a-kind sensory experience exhibit, designed to take the viewer on a journey to connect with Mayan cosmology, with Mexico's most impressive nature sanctuaries, and with the spiritual power of horses: healing, wisdom and evolution totems.