If you are going to Tulum any time soon keep this in mind before you arrive, eco-travel is the only way to go. Do not expect fresh water showers, A/C or any other luxury of that sort. Tulum is a hippy town along the coast of the Riviera Maya and global jet-setters are starting to love it. Last year I planned Tulum trips for clients in Russia, China and Germany. How they learned about Tulum? It beats me, but I am sure glad they did because they are putting this tiny charming town under the radar of people looking for exotic trips.
12:00pm– Check-in to the best hotel in the city, Be Tulum. This is the perfect place if you like eco-travel without sacrificing luxury.
If you do not mind not having A/C and fresh water, Coqui Coqui is a cute spot design wise. *Note: Most hotels are Eco-hotels, so their electricity shuts off, showers and sinks have only ocean water and they have no A/C. If you are going in the Summer, stay at BE Tulum, if you are going in the winter your options should range between Coqui Coqui and Ana y Jose.
2:00pm– Order a bottle of rose at the Coqui Coqui beach and enjoy the sun. If you are feeling antsy visit their perfumerie and clothing shop, they are so cute you will end up buying everything in sight.
4:00pm– COBA: Mayan City in the Jungle that’s 40 minutes from Tulum. This city has the only pyramid that they will supposedly let you climb to the top of. The view is incredible.
8:00pm– Dinner at Casa Jaguar. Beautiful ambiance and beautiful place. I love it. Order the ceviche and kale salad.
10:00pm– Batey: Beautiful Bar to get a drink at night and sometimes they have live music.
7:00am- Tiburon Ballena. Whale Sharks are probably the most incredible thing to see while you are visiting the Riviera Maya. The season is June until mid September so be sure to plan your trip around this.
9:30am- Breakfast at Be Tulum. Their chilaquiles are worth every bite.
11:30am– Cenotes. A cenote is an underwater cave ideal for all the scuba divers out there. Dos Ojos is the most popular due to its beauty. The setting is perfect as you walk a short distance through the jungle to get there.
1:00pm– Posada Margherita. Good Pasta and Fish
3:30pm– If you like diving, there are many fantastic PADI offices around Tulum. If diving is not your style, rent some snorkel gear and head out from your hotel.
8:00pm– Dinner at Hartwood. This rustic spot has no stoves, no convection ovens or anything of that sort. In fact he only uses wood fire to cook with. The kitchen is open air and every element of the kitchen is bare and simple.
10:30pm– Drinks at Gitano. This place is decorated in a very cute way, and it is perfect for an after dinner drink.
9:00am– Grab a smoothie or acai bowl at one of the many amazing juice spots. Insider Tip: Il Barino Tulum Juice & Co are the best.
11:00am-Head over to the end of the beach highway to the Tulum ruins. They will probably be the most exotic ruins you will ever lie your eyes on. After walking the grounds make sure to take a dip in the ruin beach. After, head over to the Cenote Delfi, a few feet away. You should go there one day as well. It costs $4 to get in and they take you to a bridge in the middle of the jungle and then you arrive to a lake/cenote where the water is beautiful. This will only take 30 minutes of your time and is worth it.
1:30pm– Matteos: Good for lunch. Mexican Food (Fajitas and Quesadillas). Amazing to watch the sunset. Another great spot is Coqui Coqui, their tostadas are amazing.
8:00pm– Hemingway: Really yummy food and right on the ocean.
10:00am– What a better way to start your day than with a morning yoga class? Yoga Shala is the best studio in town. Surrounded by a lush tropical forest, the open air studio is perfect to get in touch with your senses.
11:00am– Enjoy a last dip in the crystal clear water before sadly leaving. However, if you want to make this a 120 hour trip, rent a car and start driving to my favorite island in the Riviera Maya, Holbox. This place is so stunning, you will change your upcoming Maldives trip to this off the beaten path island.
