Explore Tulum Beyond the Tourist Traps: Embrace These Adventures Instead

 

Not too long ago, Tulum was regarded as one of Mexico's best-kept secrets—a stark contrast to the bustling, all-inclusive scenes of popular destinations like Los Cabos or Puerto Vallarta. While the label "Williamsburg of Mexico" might raise concerns about Tulum becoming an overhyped hipster haven, the reality is that, despite some areas turning into tourist hotspots, Tulum continues to hold delightful surprises for both first-time visitors and seasoned explorers.

Nestled on the Yucatán Peninsula's shores in the Quintana Roo state of Mexico, Tulum sits approximately 80 miles south of Cancún. Unlike Cancún, with its massive international airport and a population nearing 900,000, Tulum stands out as a more serene and intimate resort enclave. It exudes zen vibes, boasts chic restaurants embracing a jungle-to-table ethos, features boho-chic beach clubs, and offers boutique hotels that stand in stark contrast to the colossal resorts resembling theme parks.

While the past decade has witnessed an influx of visitors, reports likening Tulum to a tropical Williamsburg are somewhat exaggerated. From its stunning cenotes and Mayan ruins to natural lazy rivers and unforgettable tacos, Tulum unveils experiences beyond the social media spotlight.

Best Places for First-Timers in Tulum:

When envisioning Tulum, many may conjure images of sunbathers and night owls reveling on the beach. However, Tulum's prime location on the Riviera Maya, adorned with jungles, coastline, and lagoons, caters to those who prefer more than beach attire. Apart from the famed cenotes, Tulum offers diverse ways to connect with nature, extending beyond beachside lounging.https://www.inspedium.com/web-hosting/

To ensure a comprehensive experience, opting for an organized tour is an excellent approach. Among the available tour companies, Mexico Kan Tours stands out for its sustainable focus. The company offers various adventure excursions, such as cenote bike tours and explorations of Mayan lore at Chichen Itza. For a quintessential Tulum adventure, embark on a tour of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. These tours involve jungle treks to pyramids and temples, followed by a scenic coastal picnic. The adventure continues with a boat ride through the reserve's turquoise lagoons and waterways, culminating in a transformative "lazy river" experience, floating through mangrove canals with life jackets. It's an experience that will reshape your perspective on water parks.

However, the absolute must-do in Tulum, beyond savoring beachside cocktails and fish tacos, is taking a refreshing swim in a cenote. These natural limestone sinkholes filled with crystal-clear groundwater are scattered across Tulum, providing a unique and photogenic natural wonder. While many cenotes are hidden underground or on private property, some locations allow visitors to swim and explore these captivating formations.

Savoring Local Flavors in Tulum:

In Tulum, culinary delights abound, whether you're at a beach club, a street cart, or indulging in jungle-chic fine dining at the iconic Hartwood, often associated with the "Williamsburg-ification" of Tulum. Tulum's unique geographic location, nestled between lush Yucatan jungles and the Caribbean Sea, offers a perfect blend of surf and turf. The local gastronomy showcases a diverse range of signature dishes, from ceviche and fish tacos to cochinita pibil—a traditional Mayan method of marinating pork in citrus, giving it a vibrant orange hue, wrapping it in banana leaves, and roasting it in an earthen oven.

Hartwood - A Culinary Gem:

Hartwood stands as an integral part of Tulum, akin to the Mayan ruins and pristine beaches. Securing a reservation is a coveted experience, available a month in advance through their website, with walk-ins accepted for the more spontaneous. Situated in a jungle setting, Hartwood adopts an almost Noma-like ethos, emphasizing local sourcing and reinventing traditional dishes. With a daily-changing menu, prepared on a large grill or wood-fired oven, the ambiance resembles a jungle omakase in an open-air courtyard adorned with lanterns. From papaya empanadas to grilled Caribbean lobster with creamed yuca, each dish reflects the adventurous spirit of Tulum.

Tulum Centro - Culinary Hub: While hidden gems like Hartwood are nestled in jungles, Tulum's culinary epicenter lines Highway 307, passing through Tulum Centro. Mestixa Restaurant exemplifies the region's knack for transforming local ingredients and traditional dishes into innovative novelties, fusing Latin American and Asian culinary influences. Mestixa, with its dark, funky ambiance adorned with dragon murals, offers street food-inspired flavors such as jumbo shrimp tempura tacos and oyster mushrooms al pastor. Noteworthy dishes include Thai coconut raspado with miso flan, cacao brownie, and lemongrass.

Street Food Delights: For an authentic street food experience, Tulum Centro boasts numerous taquerias and carts. Taqueria Honorio is renowned for its cochinita pibil tacos, while Tacos y Torta El Tio, a no-frills cart, serves tortillas filled with grilled hanger steak and spicy chorizo. Each spot contributes to the diverse and delectable culinary tapestry of Tulum.

 

 

Discover Tulum's Skyward Sanctuaries:

While towering rooftop bars are expected in bustling metropolises, Tulum, despite its shorter stature, boasts a vibrant rooftop scene. One standout is Naná Rooftop Bar, nestled a block away from the main thoroughfare at the Maka Hotel Boutique. Exuding jungle treehouse vibes, it's a place where the Lost Boys, if into mezcal and of age, might gather. To access the bar, traverse stone steps over a serene pond, ascending a modern spiral staircase to a chic bungalow bar adorned with dark greens and wood. The ceiling mimics a tree canopy, with quirky decor like a Furby in a birdcage.

Another gem is Bhanu Sky Kitchen, crowning the Kimpton Aluna Resort Tulum. Offering small plates with grand ambitions, the rooftop affords a sweeping panorama of the Tulum jungle. Chef Rogelio Dominguez Vargas curates a dynamic menu featuring locally sourced, pristine ingredients. Cooked in an expansive, open kitchen and freshly grilled, menu highlights include sea scallop tostada with smoked chili oil, papaya and lobster ravioli, pork belly baos with beetroot and jicama kimchi, and barbacoa tacos with bone marrow sauce served in handcrafted tortillas.

Embrace the heights and flavors of Tulum's skyward sanctuaries.

Retreat in Tulum's Tranquil Havens:

After indulging in the culinary delights of Bhanu Sky Kitchen, Kimpton Aluna Resort Tulum beckons as the perfect jungle retreat. Nestled in the Aldea Zama neighborhood among tropical trees, this tranquil haven offers peace just off the main thoroughfare, yet close to the beach and Tulum Centro. Immerse yourself in a spiritual and zen ambiance, starting with a welcome ritual in the breezy lobby where guests burn pieces of paper symbolizing what they wish to leave behind.

Throughout the property, bungalow-style balconies adorned with jungle-themed thatched roofs, rooftop yoga sessions, fresh cuisine at Parallel 20°, and a serene pool winding through tree-draped surroundings create an immersive and rejuvenating experience.

For an all-inclusive escape, Catalonia Royal Tulum awaits—an adults-only oasis gracing the sun-bleached beach. Despite lacking ocean views in the jungle-facing rooms, the spacious accommodations offer excellent wildlife sightings. This laid-back and secluded haven is the epitome of relaxation, eschewing the party scene for a more chilled atmosphere.

Embracing the spirit of Tulum's bougie beaches and lantern-lit jungles, glamping enthusiasts find solace at Harmony Glamping. Decked-out tents inspired by Frida and Hindu god Shiva provide a unique experience. Alternatively, Casa Nawal offers RV-sized oceanfront tents with additional amenities like sound therapy and astrology readings, redefining camping memories in a blend of ancient and modern luxury.

Discover the serenity of Tulum in these tranquil retreats.