Exploring Tulum: A comprehensive guide for young travellers in Tulum, Mexico

Exploring Tulum: A comprehensive guide for young travellers in Tulum, Mexico

Lea Di Giovanni
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Tulum, Mexico with my curated guide designed specifically for young travellers! Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy and breathtaking beauty of this coastal paradise. Discover cultural sites, relax on pristine beaches, and indulge in the local cuisine. Thi guide takes you on a journey through Tulum's must-visit attractions, from exploring the iconic Tulum Ruins to snorkelling in the crystal-clear cenotes. Experience the bohemian charm of the town's trendy boutiques, art galleries, and (very) lively nightlife scene. Sample authentic Mexican street food and sip on refreshing cocktails at beachfront bars. With insider tips and recommendations, this guide ensures you make the most of your time in Tulum. Get ready to create lifelong memories as you dive into the unique blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation that Tulum has to offer!
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This guide was created in collaboration with Samantha McKee :)

A beautiful soul and traveller with a deep knowledge of Tulum and everything this magical place encapsulates:

Sam's instagram: 

Sam and I are part of What You Didn't See, led by talented creative and co-founder, Ayesha Taylor.

In her words:

”WYDS is a collaborative production company based in the City of Toronto.

Our vision is to lift Toronto’s uniquely talented artists, businesses, establishments, and events in a way that showcases their true passion and potential.

WYDS brings new opportunities through its artist collective to collaborate and create something fantastically different.”

Check out our site and instagram below :

Things to keep in mind :

Before embarking on a trip to Tulum, Mexico, it's essential to consider a few points.

Research the local weather; Tulum experiences a tropical climate, and the rainy season, from June to October, can sometimes lead to flooding.

The weather in Tulum right now: 

While English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, some knowledge of Spanish could really enrich your experience, especially in more remote areas.

Embrace the local cuisine, the food is just too good not to, but also remember to stay hydrated and avoid tap water.

When exploring, be careful to respect the local ecosystem, especially the fragile and sacred cenotes. 

Finally, although Tulum is generally safe for tourists, it's wise to stay alert, avoid isolated areas at night, and keep a close eye on your belongings.

Now that we got all of that covered, let's get onto the guide : 

Where to stay.

Areas:

La Veleta:

A tranquil, up-and-coming neighbourhood known for its chic boutiques, trendy eateries, and laid-back, bohemian vibe.

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Tulum Town:

More budget-friendly and gives you a local vibe. It's a short drive to the beach and you'll find plenty of shops and restaurants. 

Tulum Centro
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Beach Zone:

Ideal if you're looking for a beach holiday. It's more expensive but waking up to the sound of waves is worth it.

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Accommodation.

Hotels:

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Cormoran Boutique Hotel
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Great hotel attached to an insanely beautiful cenote, really affordable for Tulum
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Posada Lamar
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Sonido del mar hotel & yoga
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Hostels:

 If you're travelling on a budget and want a social atmosphere.

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Selina Tulum Downtown
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Airbnbs:

Tulum has a wide range of Airbnbs, from beachfront apartments to jungle hideaways. Great if you're looking for a more local experience.

MISTIQ Tulum Condominium
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The listing we booked our stay through: 

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Yaxtè Maya Tulum
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PalAlma Tierra
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PANACEA CONDO TULUM
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Grab a bite.

Breakfast and cafes :

Potheads restaurant
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Once Tulum | Restaurant, Bar & Coworking
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Good breakfast. good work spot. cafe vibez - Description by Samantha McKee
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Italdo
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One of my fav breakfast spots. croissants are insane - Description by Samantha McKee
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Vaivén /Drinks & Food
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Everything is homemade and absolutely delicious, their cacao smoothie is insane.
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BOTANICA Garden Cafe
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Vereda del Abasto
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Restaurants 

Sukhothai
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Hands down the best Thai food in Tulum, the pad Thai is just chef's kiss
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Palma Central
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In town (every Tuesday is salsa night / unless that changed. but it’s a place with a ton of awesome food trucks and a bar - and a centre place where there’s either vendors or dancing) - Description by Samantha McKee
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Billy Bob Tulum
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Best Tacos Pepe
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La Guarida
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Tulum’s well-known spot. insane vibes, set up like a treehouse. good food, games. working spot. live music sometimes - Description by Samantha McKee
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La Taqueria
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Great vibes for lunch or dinner. Mexican restaurant. They have table games. Good for groups. More social. - Description by Samantha McKee
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TacoBish
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Lovely human names Florentina runs it. Just a beautiful sit-down taco spot
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La Pizzine
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Best vibes, good pizza. great dinner spot any day. They have markets every other Sunday with music art and vendors) check out @vazaar_tulum to see when the markets are
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Raum Gallery
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Attached to La Pizzine, ramen and more. BEAUTIFUL atmosphere
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La pebeta
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Argentinian breakfast - ham and croissants are bomb
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CANOVA cantina
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THE BEST ITALIAN FOOD. Ask for a garden table :)
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Ukami Veleta
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Japan meets Mexico. specialty rolls. SO GOOD
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Burrito Amor
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Mistico Garden La veleta
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Hookah lounge with great food and atmosphere
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Plant-based

Seedling | Plant based & gluten free store | Cold Pressed Juice Cleanses
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Raw Love Tulum
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Raw Love Town
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Casa Vegana Mexican Green
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Laylo Tulum Vegan Lounge
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Grab a drink

Bars :

La Pizzine
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Best vibes, good pizza. great dinner spot any day. They have markets every other Sunday with music art and vendors) check out @vazaar_tulum to see when the markets are
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Raum Gallery
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Attached to La Pizzine, ramen and more. BEAUTIFUL atmosphere
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La Pizzine TRIA
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Same vibes as the other La Pizzine but they have events every Monday
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Shop around. 

Local shops :

Entre Dos Tierras
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Seedling | Plant based & gluten free store | Cold Pressed Juice Cleanses
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La Madre Tierra Tulum (ecosmeticos)
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Ganesha’s Lounge (Cacao, tea & event space)
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Tribalik Tulum Town and Beach
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Every single time I've walked into this shop, I've bought something. They have beautiful clothes with great fabrics.
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AFRODITA Fashion Clothes - La Veleta
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Beautiful cotton and linen dresses, their swimsuits are also such a nice fabric
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Groceries: 

Selecto Chedraui Tulum
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Súper Akí Tulum
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CHULTUN fresh market
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Frutas y verduras La Poblana
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OXXO
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There's Oxxos and 7/11's all over the city but they don't have much when it comes to groceries only basics
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Sightsee. 

Cultural sites and activities : 

Cenote Mayan Blue
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Cenote Encantado Nuan
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Cenote Calavera Tulum
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Cenote Escondido
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Ruinas de Tulum
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Cormoran Boutique Hotel
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Great hotel attached to an insanely beautiful cenote, really affordable for Tulum
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Neek Tulum
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Beautiful lagoon that sometimes hosts events
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Party until sunset. 

Day and nightclubs : 

Mía Beach Club in Tulum
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Taboo Beach Club Tulum
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GITANO Tulum
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Vagalume-Tulum
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Bonbonniere Tulum
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Straw hat Hostel & rooftop bar
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In town (crazy hostel bar, very cheap drinks, more people are young and just some silly fun. but don’t go if you aren’t ready to get shots poured down your throat or if you don’t want to get messy. DEFINITELY not a boujee place, just for a lot of locals and youngsters travelling around) - Sam
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Work away from home

Once Tulum | Restaurant, Bar & Coworking
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Vaivén /Drinks & Food
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Everything is homemade and absolutely delicious, their cacao smoothie is insane.
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Vereda del Abasto
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Mera Tulum
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Great coffee shop to work and meet people :)
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IKAL TULUM HOTEL
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On the beach (Sundays are usually filled with people, but it was a great place to work while I was there, sometimes vendors, classes, dancing. You can grab food and just chill) good coworking spot - Sam
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Wellness

Holistika Hotel
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Wellness centre with a ton of classes and things to do. also restaurants I believe. Absolutely beautiful and lots of picture worthy places. there is an art walk that anyone can go do - Description by Samantha McKee
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Pilates Tulum Holy Body
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Such an amazing pilates studio, Fernanda is THE best
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OM Collective
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Pilatestudio Tulum ( spinning/pilates/barre classes)
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Los Amigos Gym
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Enjoy Tulum!!! It is truly magical :)))

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lea Di Giovanni
Currently at 30 countries visited, and 165 to go! Where I am right now: Tulum - Mexico city - Puerto Escondido A little about me and the guides : I'm a world traveller and passionate explorer, dedicated to crafting interactive maps and curated travel guides that inspire wanderlust! My mission is to curate unique destinations, hidden gems, and must-visit landmarks for fellow adventure enthusiasts 🤩 Let's embark on this global exploration together and uncover all of the world's wonders, one guide at a time! 🌍✈️ All maps are free, and so are guides and itineraries until they’re fully complete :))
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