Tulum, Mexico - LOCAL Guide
We are thrilled to host you in Tulum, where ancient Mayan history, pristine Caribbean beaches, and lush tropical jungle come together to create an unforgettable escape.
Whether you are looking to unwind on powdery white sands, swim in crystal-clear cenotes, explore world-class dining along the Hotel Zone, or simply soak in the town's laid-back, bohemian energy, this guide is designed to help you make the absolute most of your stay. Relax, explore, and let the magic of the Riviera Maya surround you!
Concierge Services - We partner with our dear friend Marco who is a tour operator and lives in Tulum. Here is his number, he can help you with anything in Tulum (+ 52-984-198-2818) - We plan, you enjoy!
- Transportation services
- Restaurant reservations
- Excursions
- Local transportation in Tulum & taxis
- Chef service (Mexican cuisine)
- In-house massage services
- Supermarket shopping service
- Decoration services for special celebrations
- Bartender service
Welcome to paradise!
Beach Road Restaurants
Arca
(Mexican Contemporary | $$$ | 13 min drive)
An exceptional high-end dining experience featuring micro-seasonal Mexican cuisine cooked over an open fire. Set in an intimate jungle atmosphere, it’s one of the most sought-after dinner reservations in Tulum.
Bal Nak
(Mexican Contemporary | $$ | 14 min drive)
Offers a modern, innovative twist on traditional Mexican flavors in a stunning open-air jungle garden. A fantastic mid-to-high option if you want refined regional dishes paired with creative craft cocktails.
Hartwood
(Wood-Fired / Seafood | $$$ | 13 min drive)
A world-famous Tulum pioneer where every dish is prepared exclusively over an open wood-burning fire. The menu changes daily based on the catch of the day and local harvests—arrive early or book in advance!
NÜ
(Yucatecan | $$ | 17 min drive)
Nestled under the lush jungle canopy, NÜ highlights authentic Yucatecan ingredients through modern culinary techniques. It’s an enchanting spot for a romantic or special group dinner.
Casa Banana
(Argentinian Grill | $$$ | 13 min drive)
A rustic-chic steakhouse serving premium open-fire grilled meats, fresh seafood, and fantastic wines. Its lively, warm ambiance makes it a classic Beach Road favorite.
Wild
(Mexican Contemporary | $$$ | 19 min drive)
Combines international techniques with fresh local Mexican ingredients in a beautifully designed jungle setting. Known for its stylish design, outstanding food presentation, and signature cocktail program.
Mezzanine
(Thai | $$ | 19 min drive)
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Mezzanine serves authentic, flavorful Thai cuisine with breathtaking beach views. Perfect for a breezy lunch or a scenic seaside dinner.
Mi Amor
(Mexican | $$ | 4 min drive)
Located just minutes away near Parque del Jaguar, this romantic oceanfront spot serves delicious Mexican-inspired dishes with stunning coastal views. (Note: Access may require a short, scenic walk through the park area).
In-Town Restaurants
Sabor de Mar
(Seafood | $ | 19 min drive)
Famous for serving some of the freshest seafood downtown. Known for creative towers, ceviches, and seafood tacos packed with flavor in a casual, unwinding setting.
Negro Huitlacoxe
(Traditional Mexican | $ | 11 min drive)
A cozy local downtown gem celebrated for its authentic Mexican dishes, rich mole flavors, and traditional corn-focused specialties at friendly prices.
Aguachiles
(Seafood & Tacos | $ | 15 min drive)
A bustling, casual spot famous for serving the best tuna tostadas in town, along with fresh aguachiles, ceviches, and cold local beers.
Mestixa
(Asian / Mexican Fusion | $$ | 11 min drive)
A creative fusion restaurant blending vibrant Mexican ingredients with Asian street food flavors (like bao buns and ramen). Trendy, colorful, and packed with flavor.
Akuma Tiger
(Sushi | $$ | 10 min drive)
The go-to spot in town for fresh sushi, flavorful rolls, and Japanese small plates served in a sleek, intimate environment.
Canova
(Italian | $$ | 15 min drive)
A charming Italian bistro offering freshly handmade pasta, authentic thin-crust wood-fired pizza, and a great selection of wine.
Nimeño
(Bakery & Breakfast | $$ | 16 min drive)
An exceptional local bakery known for fresh sourdough, flaky pastries, great espresso, and delicious breakfast and brunch plates.
Holistika
(Plant-Based / Breakfast | $ | 18 min drive)
Located inside a serene jungle wellness center, this spot offers fresh smoothies, healthy bowl options, and wholesome breakfast dishes surrounded by nature and art installations.
Walicho
(Wood-Fired Cooking | $$ | 8 min drive)
A close-by neighborhood favorite specializing in wood-fired dishes, grilled meats, and rustic savory plates cooked over open flames.
El Asadero
(Steakhouse & Tacos | $$ | 13 min drive)
A hugely popular downtown Mexican steakhouse serving tender cuts of meat, massive arrachera platters, and melted cheese dishes in a vibrant street-side atmosphere.
Honorio
(Local Tacos | $ | 13 min drive)
An absolute must-visit local legend in Tulum. Go early in the morning for their famous cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) and lechon tacos served on handmade corn tortillas.
La Negra Tomasa
(Ceviche & Seafood | $ | 10 min drive)
A colorful local staple serving cold, refreshing ceviches, fresh seafood cocktails, and ice-cold micheladas—perfect for a sunny afternoon lunch.
Tropi Tacos
(Tacos al Pastor | $ | 9 min drive)
A classic downtown taco spot famous for authentic tacos al pastor sliced fresh off the vertical spit, served late into the night.
Batey
Guarida
Guarida
(Every day | $ | 11 min drive)
An iconic Tulum staple famous for its freshly pressed, sugarcane-infused mojitos (made right in front of you in a retro VW Beetle). Head here any night of the week for lively atmosphere, outdoor seating, and regular live music.
Guarida
Guarida
Guarida
(Every day | $ | 11 min drive)
A local favorite that doubles as a cultural hub, bar, and live music venue. It offers an artistic, intimate, and welcoming vibe perfect for enjoying craft drinks and discovering local musicians and creative gatherings.
Walicho
Guarida
Palma Central
(Best on Saturdays | $ | 8 min drive)
A quick drive from the condo, Walicho comes alive on Saturday nights. It's a great local spot to catch live entertainment, social night vibes, and open-air food cooked over open flame.
Palma Central
Palma Central
Palma Central
(Best on Tuesdays | $ | 14 min drive)
A bustling open-air park filled with food trucks, local artisan vendors, and plenty of space to relax. Tuesdays are an absolute must for their energetic live salsa night—bring your dancing shoes or just enjoy the music!
La Pizzine
Palma Central
Veleta Market
(Best on Mondays | $ | 16 min drive)
Kick off your week with a casual Monday night gathering featuring delicious artisanal pizza, cold drinks, and a cozy neighborhood atmosphere.
Veleta Market
Palma Central
Veleta Market
(Best on Fridays | $ | 16 min drive)
Start your weekend right at this popular Friday gathering spot in La Veleta. Browse local craft vendors, enjoy street food bites, and soak up the lively community market vibe. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yhp7Enq2kPLQFh6f6
BEACHES
Public Beaches
Public Beach Access #1
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ABCcVkC7MTVGJYjv8
(Free Public Access | 3 min drive / 18 min walk)
The closest public beach access to Amira. Quick and easy to reach whether you're taking a short walk or driving down for a quick dip in the sea.
Public Beach Access # 2
https://maps.app.goo.gl/G1WzAPBC8qFmZWmq9
(Free Public Access | 4 min drive / 22 min walk)
Another convenient local access point just down the road, ideal for avoiding beach club minimum spends and enjoying a relaxed, DIY beach day.
Playa del Pueblo
(Public Beach | 8 min drive)
A lively, accessible public shore located closer to the town side of the beach road, popular with locals and visitors alike.
Playa Punta Piedra
(Public Beach | 5 min drive / 27 min walk)
A beautiful stretch of coastline located along the rocky and sandy transition of the hotel zone. Great for scenic ocean views and seaside walks.
Playa Ruinas
(Public Beach & Landmark | 12 min drive)
Located directly below the ancient Mayan Ruins, offering a dramatic backdrop of cliffside historical structures overlooking the ocean.
Playa Pescadores
(Public Beach | 9 min drive)
A iconic, scenic bay filled with traditional wooden fishing boats. Perfect for launching local reef snorkeling tours or snapping photos of the classic turquoise waters.
Rosa Negra
Gitano Jungle
Papaya Playa
(Every day | $$$ | 13 min drive)
An explosive, high-octane venue offering Latin American cuisine, sparklers, live percussionists, and a celebration-centric atmosphere every single day of the week.
Papaya Playa
Gitano Jungle
Papaya Playa
(Best on Saturdays | $$$ | 2 min drive)
Located right around the corner, this iconic eco-resort beachfront is famous for its massive Saturday night parties, world-class DJs, and gorgeous ocean views.
Gitano Jungle
Gitano Jungle
Gitano Jungle
(Best on Fridays | $$$ | 13 min drive)
A stunning jungle-enclosed venue known for its signature disco ball under the canopy. Friday nights here are a Tulum institution for mezcal cocktails and dancing.
Taboo
Bagatelle
Gitano Jungle
(Day Party | $$$ | 9 min drive)
A high-energy, vibrant beach club known for its lively daytime party scene, Mediterranean cuisine, chic sunbeds, and energetic poolside music.
Bagatelle
Bagatelle
Bagatelle
(Day & Night | $$$ | 11 min drive)
Brings French Riviera elegance to the Mexican Caribbean. Expect high-end dining, champagne-fueled day parties, and seamless transitions into evening entertainment.
Vagalume
Bagatelle
Bagatelle
(Day & Night | $$ | 12 min drive)
A stylish beach club and night spot famous for its iconic giant hand sculpture over the pool, artistic bohemian aesthetic, and deep house DJ lineups.
Panamera
Ciel Rose
Ciel Rose
(Sunset Party | $$ | 17 min drive)
A stylish boutique hotel and beach venue featuring a central pool, great design, excellent food, and intimate, warm-vibe sunset sessions.
Ciel Rose
Ciel Rose
Ciel Rose
(Sunset Party | $ | 4 min drive)
A budget-friendly favorite just minutes away. Boasts incredible rooftop jungle views, making it one of the absolute best spots on the coast to grab a drink for sunset.
Cenotes
Gran Cenote (13 min drive)
One of Tulum's most iconic water caverns. Offers sparkling, crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling alongside swimming freshwater turtles and dramatic rock formations.
Cenote Zazil-Ha (17 min drive)
A swimming-pool-style open cenote with shallow, clear water, ideal for a relaxing dip. Features on-site amenities, sun loungers, and a small zipline over the water.
Casa Tortuga (22 min drive)
A natural park featuring four unique cenotes in one location (two cavern-style and two open-air). Great for guided swimming tours, cliff jumping, and exploring underground caves.
Cenote Calavera (11 min drive)
Also known as the "Skull Cenote," this fun open-air sinkhole features a wooden ladder, rope swings, and smaller holes you can jump directly into. A fantastic, adventurous spot close to town.
Cenote Corazón del Mar (24 min drive)
A peaceful, heart-shaped open-air cenote surrounded by lush greenery. Its clear emerald waters and quiet atmosphere make it a wonderful spot to unwind away from the main tourist crowds.
Cenote Vesica (19 min drive)
A stylish, upscale cenote day club set around a natural pool in the jungle. Offers comfortable daybeds, food, craft cocktails, and relaxing music for a luxurious day in nature.
Cenotes restaurants / on beach road and close by
Tuuch Cenote at Shibari (10 min drive)
An exclusive, jungle-surrounded dining and lounging space built right alongside a private natural cenote. Perfect for combining high-end gastronomy with a picturesque swim.
Atta Restaurant & Cenote Club at Shibari (16 min drive)
A sophisticated culinary destination inside Shibari Tulum. Offers elevated cuisine and craft cocktails served right beside an illuminated jungle cenote.
Must-See Natural Landscapes
Kaan Luum Lagoon
(31 min drive)
A massive, breathtaking turquoise lagoon with a deep blue cenote in its center. The shallow, warm perimeter waters and wooden boardwalks are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and relaxing.
Caleta Yal-ku / Akumal Caleta
(36 min drive)
A tranquil coastal inlet where freshwater springs blend into the sea. Calmer than the open ocean, it’s an exceptional natural aquarium filled with sea turtles, tropical fish, and marine life.
Mayan Ruins
Chichén Itzá
(2 hour 13 min drive)
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Home to the legendary El Castillo pyramid, this ancient city is an absolute bucket-list day trip.
Tulum Ruins
(11 min drive)
Perched dramatically atop 39-foot limestone cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this ancient walled city is one of the most scenic archeological sites in Mexico.
Coba Ruins
(53 min drive)
An immersive ancient site buried deep within the jungle. Rent a bicycle to explore the ancient stone roads (sacbeob) and marvel at Nohoch Mul, one of the tallest Mayan pyramids on the peninsula.