A Week in Tulum: Where to Eat, Stay, and Explore
When living in the United States, Mexico is one of the top choices for a week-long vacation. It’s best to avoid visiting during peak tourism periods, like spring break, but it’s also worth considering the best times to go. The perfect combination is non-peak tourism dates with good weather. This way, you benefit from lower accommodation rates and still get plenty of sunshine.
My friends and I flew from JFK to Cancún and took a taxi to Tulum, which is about a two-hour ride. If I could do it differently, I might have spent a few nights in Playa del Carmen, but we decided to stay in Tulum and take day trips from there.
We stayed at Maria del Mar, a hotel on the pricier side. It’s right on the beach, centrally located, and within walking distance of restaurants and bars. Our week was a mix of exploring beaches, trying out restaurants, and dedicating one day to a full excursion.
Posada Margharita
There’s something special about dining at an Italian restaurant on the beach at sunset. I love having lemony pasta with a glass of white wine while feeling the breeze. I still remember the shrimp and zucchini linguine, as well as their olio pomodoro linguine.
It’s just a feeling I really enjoy, do you get me? The restaurant is a tiny gem right on the sand. I loved the atmosphere, the service, the food, and the drinks.
—> Recommended for sunset dinner and drinks
Kin Toh at Azulik
Kin Toh is definitely one of the most beautiful and unique restaurants I’ve ever been to. It’s in Azulik hotel, an eco-luxury property renowned for its unique architecture and commitment to sustainability. A floating treehouse in the jungle, Kin Toh sits high among the trees, making you feel like you’re dining in the heart of the Mayan jungle. The restaurant is built almost entirely from bejuco wood and local materials. Each private dining pod is crafted like a nest and serves elevated, beautifully plated dishes that are as creative as they are delicious, with refined flavors, artful presentation, and ingredients that truly highlight the region.
—> Recommended for a once-in-a-lifetime dinner.
Nomad Restaurant in the Nomad Hotel Tulum
I loved the setting and the tables, big wooden tables with cushions, perfect for large groups. The seafood is incredibly fresh and juicy, and you can enjoy your lunch while light tunes from the DJ play in the background. After lunch, you can relax by the beach, sipping on delicious cocktails, and easily spend the whole day there.
—> Recommended for a long boozy lunch
Gitano
Gitano is the kind of place where you feel like you’re in a jungle, enjoying modern Mexican food with bold flavors. Open-air and surrounded by greenery, it has a relaxed vibe. The wood-fired dishes are amazing, and their mezcal cocktails are a must. Come for dinner, stay for drinks, and soak in the jungle energy.
—> Recommended for dinner with a casual, fun jungle vibe
One-Day Excursion:
We decided to do a one-day excursion away from the beach, and it was the perfect mix of history, nature, and local charm.
Valladolid
It was refreshing to get out of the touristy areas of Tulum and see a different side of Mexico. Walking through this colorful colonial town offered a glimpse of local streets and daily life, with cobblestone roads, bright houses, and cozy cafés that made me want to explore every corner.
Chichén Itzá
Seeing the Mayan ruins in person is humbling. The history, the scale, and the story behind the pyramids are incredible. You can also hire a tour guide to get the full story and insider details.
Cenote Suytun
A natural sinkhole with bright blue water and a little stone walkway in the middle. Taking a dip after exploring the town and ruins felt like the perfect reward.
