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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I appreciate the picturesque beaches in Tulum, which are famed for them! The magnificent cenotes are also the perfect location for a peaceful dip. I definitely look forward to trying the real Mexican food when I go here. Tulum has so much to offer that no one could refuse this paradise!
I have been to Tulum several times, and I agree with all your reason why it is worth visiting. My favorite place is the ancient Mayan ruins in Tulum, which look great against the sea. The beaches are heavenly, and it is worth spending the day in one of the boutique beach hotels. I also love the restaurants in Tulum. They are of the highest standard.
Would love to go to Tulum, we didn’t make it there when we went to Mexico – so will HAVE to go back!
I have visited Tulum more than ten years ago and ever since then wanted to go back, mainly for the beaches and the food. We stayed at a small hostel that allowed camping right by the beach. One of the highlights for me was a visit to the nearby Sian Kaan National Park.
I’ve never been to Tulum before but this seems like such a cool place to go, esp to see the cenotes, they look so cool. And the beaches remind me of the Caribbean x
Those are all great reasons to me. I love the beaches in Mexico they are stunning. I never managed to visit a Cenote though as I didn’t find out about them until recently which is such a shame.
Take me there right now, I could do with a nice long relaxing break away. The ruins look cool and that beach…how fab x
Wow this looks like an amazing place to visit and relax and unwind something I need to do. Will look at visiting
The beaches and cenotes sound amazing, but I think it would be the traditional Mexican food that would be the real highlight for me 🙂
I have always wanted to see the Mayan Ruins but the whole of Tulum looks absolutely stunning. I dont think I would want to leave!