Explore Tulum
Plan Your Tulum Holiday: Best of Tulum
Essential Tulum
A high/low eating tour of Tulum
- El Camello Jr.15This open-air eatery has plenty of delicious grilled seafood dishes on the menu. But the thing to order here is the ceviche, which is served in a variety of ways and comes in heaping portions. But you'll never complain about small servings at this Tulum Centro mainstay, a reliable go-to when you’ve got a big appetite. Don't love fish? There are also nachos and other Mexican favourites.
- ARCA991The kind of place where you may need to make a dinner booking long before you book a plane ticket, ARCA is one of the crown jewels of the high-end dining scene in Tulum. The menu is designed by chefs who are mad geniuses at combining traditional flavours and locally sourced ingredients while using the most sophisticated techniques. As a nod to traditional Mexican cooking, all the small plates are cooked over an open fire.
- Negro Huitlacoxe293Once you get a taste for huitlacoche, Mexico’s little-known fermented corn, you’ll order it every time you see it on a menu. I'm a super fan, in case you couldn’t tell, which is why Negro Huitlacoxe is such an exciting addition to the Tulum dining scene. The kitchen showcases heirloom varieties of corn from across Mexico, serving it up in tortillas and tamales, as well as grilled with the must-have sprinkle of cotija cheese.
- Wild504Toward the end of the Beach Road, this jungle oasis shaded by an Instagram-worthy concrete canopy is a cool spot for cocktails. (And it gets even better after the sun goes down.) The tasting menu is consistently inventive, with dishes that embrace classic Mexican snacks like chicharrones (pork rinds) and satisfying mains like sea bass flavoured with hoja santa (a peppery herb). The star dish is the ravioli, stuffed with huitlacoche and white truffles.
- Sabor De Mar644It has a reputation for being one of the best spots for seafood in Tulum, so you might encounter a long wait at Sabor de Mar. It’s worth it for the quality of the dishes that come out of the kitchen, particularly the coconut-fried shrimp. Visually, you can’t beat the drama of the gravity-defying towers of shrimp, octopus, and fish. Whatever you order, expect traditional Mexican flavours that more than live up to the hype.
- Cetli568This off-the-beaten-path eatery is perfect for when you’re on your way back to Tulum, maybe from a day of exploring the ruins of Coba. When you're tired and just want some traditional food, it hits the spot. The menu is inspired by cuisine from the city of Puebla, giving you the chance to try many different kinds of mole (not just guacamole). The decor is folksy in a Day of the Dead kind of way.
- NÜ Tulum347Every time you drop by Nü Tulum the menu is going to be completely different, but there are a couple of things you can always count on: fresh seafood from the Caribbean, locally sourced ingredients from around the Yucatan, and traditional cooking methods. It's a simple formula, and one that works beautifully. I love the romantic atmosphere, the tables set in a lush garden, and the Mexican wine list at this Beach Road eatery.
- Los Morros Aldea Zama25The traditional aguachile—shrimp and fish marinated with lime juice, peppers, and other ingredients—is the speciality at this casual outdoor dining spot in Tulum Centro. The dish is best paired with a local craft beer. Los Morros might seem quiet at first, but you can expect the crowds to arrive at mealtime. In addition to classic Mexican dishes like seafood tostadas, you'll also find solid vegetarian and vegan options.
Tulum Is Known For...
Crystal-clear cenotes
Breezy beach bars and clubs
Spectacular water activities
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Tulum
In the words of those who've been there before ...
What is the best way to get there?
Flying:
Cancun International Airport serves Tulum and the wider Yucatan region. It’s around a 1.5-hour drive away.
Bus:
Buses from popular Yucatan destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Laguna Bacalar, and Merida all arrive into the main ADO bus station in the town centre. There’s also an ADO terminal close to the ruins.
Driving:
If arriving by car, travelers usually approach Tulum from the Carretera Cancun-Tulum/Chetumal road.
Do I need a visa?
If you’re visiting Tulum from overseas, see if you need a visa.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Tulum is between October and December, when the weather is warm but not oppressively hot and hurricane season is over. Average daily temperatures this time of year are highs of 30 C/87 F and lows around 19 C/67 F.
Peak tourist season is January through March, and the rainiest months in Tulum are June, September and October.
Bicycle
Bicycles are a popular way to explore Tulum and are available to rent from plenty of places on the main drag. Avoid cycling during the peak hours of sunshine.
Taxis
Taxis are available to hail from the street or at two dedicated taxi stands in the town center, from which fares are fixed.
Colectivo
Colectivos are shared taxis that run frequently between the town centre and the beach. Jump into a cost-effective colectivo at the stop between Venus Oriente and Orion Sur.