Tulum, here we come!
Tulum is not Cancun Nor does he want to be. This little piece of the state of Quintana Roo has become in recent years the most fashionable city in the mexican caribbean and there is no lack of reasons.
If Cancun is the Mexico of the 90s, of extreme tans and mega-hotels and all-inclusive resorts, Tulum is the antithesis , is the modern, cosmopolitan, bohemian Mayan city, which knows how to speak both Mayan and French, which looks to the future -sustainable and realistic-, the one who prefers cabins instead of big hotels.
You will have seen many incredible photos of this coveted little paradise, many seemed only the result of magical Instagram filters, but here is the great truth. Tulum is like that, now envy her if you want.
Its climate means that the whole year is practically visitable. It is true that out of season -in what for us is winter-, tourism is less present.
We are not going to deceive you currently the entire Riviera Maya has a problem with sargassum , a genus of planktonic macroalgae. Still the Mexican government tries to keep the beaches clean on a daily basis. Here you can see the state of its beaches that changes frequently.
Even with the sargassum, its crystal clear waters, a bohemian aura , an elegant tourist offer, which has not lost sight of the traditions and a cool atmosphere They make you want to come back again and again. We tell you why!
These are the 7 best plans for those who discover it for the first time.
The Mayan city by the sea.
1. KNOW THE ONLY MAYAN CITY NEXT TO THE SEA
Tulum is the only preserved Mayan city currently by the sea, located between Playa del Carmen, Cobá and the Sian Ka'an Reserve. Perhaps this is the main reason why it deserves a visit.
In ancient times it was called " Zama" , which in Mayan means "sunrise" , and was one of the main commercial routes and ceremonial centers of the Mayan culture. His current name means "Wall" and refers to the wall that it preserves, visible in its archaeological zone.
To get to it you will have to cross the town, leaving aside the "cabin area" (this is how the new Tulum is known). The archaeological zone is made up of 70 well-preserved structures , most of which date back to the 12th to 15th centuries.
In it you can see the castle , which was considered a place of reference for the Mayan navigators, the Temple of the God of Descendants which portrays a god falling from the heavens; and the Temple of the Frescoes , used as an observatory and with interesting murals.
You can visit every day , from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and has guided tours that last around 45 minutes. Once you have made the visit, you can visit its beach with turquoise waters, which, together with the ruins, forms one of the best-known panoramic views of the city.
It's not a mirage, it's Kin Toh.
two. BIRD'S VIEW DINNER AT THE KIN TOH
There is possibly no place in Tulum more impressive than this, that respects the essence and is perfectly integrated into what we understand as the Mayan Mexico . It is true that in the area of the cabins there is a wide range of unique restaurants and hotels where you could stay, if not live, at least for a long time.
To get to Kin Toh, the restaurant of Blueik, you have to cross the road from the hotel zone of Tulum. On both sides of this road that can be crossed on foot and is completely covered with vegetation, are the hotels-cabins, restaurants and shops of the new Tulum, and just to the north, Kin Toh is located.
For 14 years Azulik has become a place of reference , not only for its organic villas perfectly integrated into the Caribbean jungle, but for its avant-garde kitchen . The same one that you will try in his Kin Toh restaurant, the living example of architectural surrealism.
Why is this place so magical? Kin Toh is a network of nests in the trees linked by wooden walkways that defy your vertigo as it is built at 12 meters high . A crazy architectural structure where you can dine and watch the best sunsets in Mexico.
There are private or shared ones, and in them it will be where you taste one of the best eight-course gastronomic menus in Tulum with pairing included. In addition to the landscape, you will be amazed by fusion dishes between Mayan-Mexican cuisine such as 'Bridge between the seas' or what is the same seared tuna, chaya sauce, basil oil, tempura huauzontles, coriander leaves and mustard. .
Kin Toh finds himself in a surreal complex called Azulik.
3. TULUM IS LIVED BY NIGHT
Tulum transforms during the night and it does so in a spectacular way. The cabin area is illuminated with lights, torches and candles that make this little piece of the Caribbean coast magical.
It is possible that there is no place here that we can consider unattractive: everything is done with taste. You can start the night in the trendy place par excellence, Nomad Tulum.
You should know that in Tulum the healthy food is the most popular, so at Nomade their chefs, experts in holistic wellness, will cook nutritious dishes for you. No lack live music , a decoration to drive your camera crazy and a very good atmosphere.
Oh Tulum you will be amazed by its beautiful sculptures on the beach. Its cuisine is fresh and it has a delicious grill. In the same highway of Tulum is Taboo , a place with a lot of atmosphere, live music and seafood.
black rose It is another of the restaurants that you should put on your list of addresses if you do not want to miss anything in this paradise. for those who seek vegan ice cream, kombucha or açaí, Matcha Mamma is the right place. And for those looking for more party, Gypsy Tulum He will always be ready to offer you music and margarita nights.
Malca House.
Four. NOT HOTELS, WORKS OF ART
It may be difficult for you to find a hotel in Tulum, not because there aren't any, but because you're going to want to stay in all of them . Our recommendation is that you stay in the hotel zone or the cabin zone because it is a unique experience. If you like art the best option will be **Casa Malca**.
They tell many legends about this place (they say it was owned by Pablo Escobar), the only thing certain is that it is worth seeing because everything in this hotel is a museum piece , in fact that was the intention of the owner and collector Lio Malca when he opened it in 2014.
What started as an 8-room shelter has become one of 71 luxury rooms each one with a different touch and without losing intimacy, another of its hallmarks. The pieces of art sneak into the rooms , in the hall and even practically in their 180 meters of beach extension.
You won't be able to relax anymore outdoor pool with sea views They are practically an extension of each other. Casa Malca continues with three restaurants , two bars and a roof with a 360º view where guests can watch the beautiful sunset over the jungle.
Hi my love!
In the northern area of the Carretera de Tulum (on the opposite side of Casa Malca) is another of the jewels of the Mayan city, Mi Amor Tulum Boutique Hotel , which as its name indicates it is ideal for couples.
This small charming complex is located on a rocky surface, so the views of the sea from one of its wonderful hammocks are a real pleasure . It has an outdoor pool that connects with the restaurant and the entrance, as well as six rooms designed to rest and be happy.
Our recommendation is that you choose the ones with sea views and a small outdoor hot tub , any problem will seem silly to you being here.
Mi Amor is also known in Tulum for its french and italian cuisine . Their lunches with homemade bread and 'eggs your way' are a delight; nods to Mexican cuisine are also not lacking with some good chilaquiles and the ranchero eggs. Without a doubt for dinner or lunch you cannot miss the beetroot ravioli or their grilled blue shrimp.
Tulum can be the ideal destination to travel alone.
5. 'SLOW LIFE' ALWAYS BEST IN TULUM
Tulum has long been positioning itself as one of the best places in the world to connect with oneself and enjoy the 'slow life' . Here you will find meditation services, yoga, temazcal (typical Mexican steam baths) and massages. Take note, here are some addresses.
Yoga Shala Tulum it is a hotel that offers yoga retreats and classes in the Ashtanga, Kundalini, Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga modalities, which you can access without having to be a guest.
Holistica Tulum it's a sanctuary to seek happiness and well-being They have individual rooms in case you want to undertake this adventure alone. They also carry out retreats and activities such as yoga, Pranacore or Capoeira.
Tulum will heal , as its name suggests, is a ecological boutique hotel to heal mind and body. It offers yoga classes and other activities in the middle of nature. The 'mermaid' experience is curious, the sound healing or the voice yoga . They also have spa with wellness treatments.
Pronounce the magic word: Cenote.
6. PRONOUNCE THE MAGIC WORD: CENOTE!
If the sargassum prevents you from enjoying the sea The cenotes will always be waiting for you . The sacred places of the Mayans are today one of the best kept treasures in this area of the Mexican Caribbean that you should not miss for anything in the world.
There are hundreds of cenotes, many of them still to be discovered. Most hotels work with agencies that offer private or group excursions to visit cenotes; although you can also rent a car and discover them yourself (always do it accompanied and with caution).
Before going you have to know that the cenotes They are places with pure water so you can not apply sunscreen to avoid damaging their biodiversity, do not expect warm temperatures in them either, much less if they are caves or covered cenotes . It will not hurt to carry a wetsuit in your backpack.
Near Tulum are some of the most famous in the area such as the Cenote Skull , the Great Cenote , the Sac Aktun and the Carwash , also know as 'Aktún-Há' in Mayan.
If you want to visit any of them and want to do it in privacy, you will have to get up early.
Your body and your skin will be renewed by bathing in a cenote.
7. KNOW THE OLD TOWN
You weren't thinking of leaving Tulum without knowing the old town, were you? In addition to the hotel zone, the one of the moment, Tulum has a lot to offer you in its interior area , which, let's say, is concentrated on its Avenida about 4km from the beaches.
This is where they concentrate Hotels and restaurants more affordable, and a much more Mexican culinary offer, as well as shops with cheaper souvenirs and handicrafts. Don't leave Tulum without going through the Taqueria Don Honorio , one of the most famous places in the Riviera Maya.
See how they prepare Corn tortillas and order your most mythical taco, the one with the piggy pibil . If you are a vegetarian like me, don't worry, there are also tacos made to measure just as delicious . Mexico is more flexible than you can imagine.
Mexico will also conquer you through the palate.