3 perfect days in Tulum

I’ve been visiting Tulum for nearly 25 years and the city looks very different these days. What was once a tiny fishing village with a few rustic buildings has transformed into a full-on resort beach town. Meditation retreats, celeb restaurants, and raging parties are now part of the mix. But that doesn't mean the relaxed vibe, gorgeous beaches, and beautiful Mayan ruins are gone. And for adventure travelers, Tulum's outdoor activities have gotten bigger and better, with cave diving in cenote-filled jungles and ATV riding over sand dunes and through nature reserves.

This three-day itinerary takes you to the best parts of Tulum, both old and new, with help from Tripadvisor users who've been there, loved it, and know all the great spots.

When people ask me about my favorite things to do in Tulum, I always include an early morning bike ride to the beach. It’s the perfect way to get to know the area. If you happen to be staying in town, there’s a bike path that runs parallel to Highway 15. Avenida Kukulkan, which cuts through the jungle, is another of my favorite paths. A tip: Many hotels in the area have bikes available but there's also a rental spot in town.

You’ll probably want to stop for breakfast along the way. There are a ton of little beach shack stops, but my go-to spot is Aroma Café. I love the yummy tower of pancakes, hash browns, and bacon. Or try the Botanica Garden Cafe, not far from the road to the beach. It’s an open-air eatery set in a garden with veggie dishes like broccoli bagels and beetroot lattes.

Since you’re already at the ocean, spend the afternoon at a beach club. Many have an entrance fee but Delek Tulum is free as long as you order from the menu at the restaurant. Relax in the beach lounge chairs or take a dip in the small infinity pool. For lunch, I love the seafood tower or fried fish served with kimchi. On Friday, Saturday, and Sundays, DJs come to spin around sunset, so stick around if you can. It's a good time.

Another beach club rec is IKAL Tulum Hotel and Wellness Center. It has a relaxing vibe ( as you’d expect from a place with “wellness” in the name) and attracts a local crowd. People rave about the restaurant's ceviche, but I’m partial to the vegan burger topped with fried onions.

After a day in the sun, I recommend a chill evening listening to some local bands play. The place for that: Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar, in the middle of Tulum (just look for the wildly colored VW Bug parked outside). You can't go wrong with any of the favorites from the hand-written menu. If you want somewhere even more casual, Palma Central Tulum is a cluster of food trucks turning out authentic Mexican dishes.

You can't come to Tulum and not visit one of its swimming lagoons. There are several to choose from in the area, but my favorite is the Laguna Kaan Luum. The colors of the lagoon vary throughout the day, ranging from deep blue to emerald green, and it’s surrounded by mangrove trees and tropical foliage.

A tip: You can get to the lagoon by bike in about 30 minutes from Tulum. But if you don’t feel comfortable riding along the highway, hire a taxi and ask the driver to pick you up later in the day.

After spending the morning at Laguna Kaan Luum, head to lunch at the open-air Taqueria Honorio. Don’t pass up the outstanding tacos de cochinita pibil, which are made with slow-roasted suckling pig. (Tripadvisor readers call them the “best tacos in Mexico.”) Wash them down with a Mexican Coca-Cola made with real cane sugar.

Time for a visit to a cenote. There are many scattered around the Yucatán Peninsula, but my pick is the stunning Grand Cenote, about three miles north of Tulum. Take a dip in the freshwater pool where you'll come face to face with the turtles that make their home here. Snorkelers and divers can go even deeper, exploring the caverns beneath. A bonus: The cenote has wooden platforms where you can hang out, along with facilities like changing rooms, restrooms, and picnic areas.

It's no secret that Tulum knows "wellness" and an early evening class or treatment is a great way to unwind. Holistika Tulum offers a range of holistic activities like yoga classes, sound baths, and cacao ceremonies.

For dinner and drinks, I love Mezzanine, on a beachfront terrace in the Zona Hotelera. It serves great Thai food—which isn’t easy to find in Mexico. Order the Riverboat Soup and take in the water views. And if you aren't ready for bed after dinner, the beach is just steps away for a quick stroll.

One of the main reasons to come to Tulum is to explore the Mayan ruins and especially Tulum National Park. It’s the only Mayan ruin in Mexico that overlooks the waters of the Caribbean. The well-preserved Templo del Dios Descendente—Temple of the Descending God, named for a carving of a winged god falling to earth—has the best view of the coastline.

If you are new to the Maya world, I recommend you go with a local guide or hire one at the entrance. You'll learn about the impact the Maya people had in the region. A tip: Get here as early as you can to beat the crowds and the heat.

Tulum isn’t the only Maya archeological site in the area. About an hour’s drive to the south is the much less crowded Zona Arqueológica de Muyil. While Tulum can sometimes feel a bit too perfectly preserved, Muyil is the opposite with its crumbling temples rising out of the jungle. It’s hard not to be impressed by the ruins and the views of nearby Laguna Chunyaxché.

Even closer to town is the Zona Arqueológica de Cobá, about 45 minutes to the northeast. It’s centered around a truly massive pyramid that's almost completely covered in jungle, so you feel like you’re discovering it for the first time.

For a quick lunch, head to Burrito Amor. I’m a huge fan of the grilled fish filet burritos, but there are also lots of options for vegans and vegetarians. Good to know: Staples like the coconut tortillas are wheat-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

I always try to take myself out to at least one nice dinner in Tulum and my choice for a splurge is Arca (make a reservation weeks or months in advance). The interiors are sleek and sophisticated and the tasting menu blends traditional flavors with locally sourced ingredients. Expect dishes like Mayan octopus, whole squash, and suckling pig. And don't skimp on dessert.