I visited Tulum briefly a few years ago, whilst backpacking through Central America. I only had a few days left before returning home, and I really wanted to see my friend Alvin who lives in Tulum, so I decided to stop for a few days, before heading over to Cancun for my flight back to Europe.
Alvin is a proper local, born in the Yucatan peninsula, in Chetumal, just a bit further down, then Tulum. I met him in Romania, where he lived for a few years, and where he cooked a feast for a Mexican night. Alvin is also a chef, who since moving back to Mexico, has been managing his own restaurant. I knew I was in for a treat, spending my time in Tulum alongside a local.
I arrived in Tulum from Belize City late in the evening, and Alvin picked me up from the station. I spent two great days in the city, exploring and indulging in the local cuisine.
Inspiration
The inspiration behind this article comes from Rock Luggage, who challenged me to remember my trip to Mexico through their new limited edition Tulum inspired suitcases.
Tulum is one of Riviera Maya’s most fascinating cities. Here, history blends in with a young vibe, a vibrant atmosphere, and the most beautiful sandy beaches. When I think of Tulum, I remember the pastel colours of the city, which Rock Luggage incorporated so well in the design of their new suitcases. I received the large Tulum suitcase, which features 8 wheels, making it glide easily through the airport or train station. The Tulum suitcase is expandable, increasing its capacity by 20%, for all that much needed space for souvenirs and that bottle of aged Mezcal which you can’t leave Mexico without. If you plan taking trips across the ocean, the TSA integrated lock keeps your belongings safe, and the luggage easy to open by aviation security agents without any damage being caused.
The Amazing Beaches
When I unpacked my Tulum Rock Luggage, I immediately recognized the beautiful colour of the sea in Tulum, which inspired this range of suitcases.
I remember the first time I met the Caribbean Sea in Tulum. The water was so clear, with an almost unbelievable shade of turquoise. I have never seen the sea such a beautiful colour anywhere in the world. I stepped onto the hot, soft sand and walked to the sea. I let the waves touch my feet, then I went further into the water, deeper and deeper. The sea was warm, with the perfect temperature to refresh my body from the high heat of the day! I understood then why so many people love Tulum so much.
The Incredible Cenotes
Tulum is home to many cenotes, which are water-filled, sinkholes formed when underground caves collapse in on themselves, exposing the groundwater underneath. The most famous cenote in Tulum is the Gran Cenote, but this is one of the most popular as well. Usually, the water inside the cenotes is quite cold, which makes them great places to cool off from the scorching Mexican heat.
Fortunately, if you don’t like crowds, there are plenty of other cenotes that you can explore without too many other people around.
If you want to experience a unique cenote, check out the Dos Ojos, an underground cenote where you can join a snorkelling or diving tour. Other cenotes worth visiting are Jardin Del Eden, Cenote Escondido and Xcanche.
If you plan on visiting Chichen Itza on a day trip from Tulum, you must stop at the fascinating Cenote Ik Kil.
The Great Mayan Ruins
Tulum is famous for the popular Mayan Ruins located up a cliff, overlooking the sea. I would highly recommend visiting the ruins first thing in the morning when they open, as the site usually gets very crowded. Also, later in the day, the sun is too strong to make the experience pleasant.
The city of Tulum was built here as a fortress to protect against the attacks coming from the sea. It was an important seaport as well as a trading centre.
Underneath the ruins of Tulum you can find a secret beach, so don’t forget your bathing suit when you visit the site.
The Delicious Food
I had the most incredible traditional Mexican food when I visited Tulum. The moment I stepped into the city, my friend Alvin took me to his own restaurant where I sampled a great variety of seafood dishes. I still remember how tender and perfectly cooked the octopus was, as well as the tangy, delicious ceviche.
In Tulum, I also had some of the best tacos I have ever tasted in my life. Visiting the city with a local, I received some great suggestions where to have the best street tacos. The small taqueria on the side of the road, with red plastic chairs and tables, was buzzing with locals ordering tacos al pastor, fish, or carne asada. I ordered one of each and indulged in the mouthwatering flavours.
When it comes to fine dining, I sampled traditional Yucatan meets fusion dishes, such as the delicate Huarache Azteca – tender marinated pork served with cactus and Oaxaca cheese or the flavoursome beef fillet served with cuitlacoche risotto.
The Dreamy Hotels
Tulum is a city for everyone: rich or on a budget, adventurous or beach lovers, foodies or fussy eaters. And that is highlighted by the hotel offers in town as well. If you want to treat yourself to a unique stay, Tulum has an array of unique boutique hotels that would satisfy even the most eccentric traveller.
The hotel I stayed at was incredible, with plenty of restaurants, pools, in a fantastic location with its own beach.
For more articles about Mexico, check out my recommendations below:
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The dreamy hotels are fun to look at, but the real Tulum is near the city Center and much more authentically interesting. Such a healthy destination!
Heading to Tulum and would love to know your friends Restaurant!!
Never knew of this place until your post, and it certainly has so much to offer.. I know I will enjoy a place with beaches for sure.. And I recently read about cenotes – so very cool.. I want to experience visiting a cenote for myself soon
Tulum is wonderful! We often go there to unwind and relax. The best Riviera Maya hotels are there as I think. The ruins are unique for the sea front (it’s great for tourists too because many find it hot here). I can’t agree on beaches, there is a huge sargasso issue with Tulum most of the year, local island are much better experience. Yes, Tulum beaches are so-so for locals🙈 I love it that you mentioned street food! Street food beats all the restaurants in Quintana Roo literally everywhere! I am so happy you enjoyed Tulum too
There’s so much to see and do here. I’d love to see the ruins and great to know there are lots of cenotes to chose from.
Just like you I’ve been wanting to visiting Tulum too. I still haven’t been to Central America and high up on my wishlist. It is always nice to know a local which makes the trip more authentic. Tulum Rock Lugagge sounds awesome and it’s beautiful that it brought back the memories of Tulum to you. Good that it has TSA integrated locks which is really helpful.
I really enjoyed reading the article. I especially like the part where you can snorkel or scuba dive at a cenote in Mexico. Sounds like a promising experience since Mexico is usually hot. What a great way to cool off.
I also visited Tulum a long time ago. If we get back to this area of Mexico we would certainly plan to re-visit. Great beaches would be a draw. But we would certainly check out the cenotes – especially the ones that are good for scuba diving. I know we would find a great resort to use as a base for relaxation and exploration.
Wow! You definitely convinced us to visit Tulum. This place is beautiful and we look forward to exploring the many cenotes. The Mayan Ruins are a must too. Thank you for sharing this. We’ll consider a trip early next year.
I’m a big fan of cenotes and ruins! Although one of my favorite things about Tulum is definitely the food. You gave folks so many great reasons to go!