Experience Tulum Like a Local

Tulum, with its pristine beaches, incredible cenotes, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture, offers a unique experience that goes beyond typical tourist attractions. To truly immerse yourself in the essence of this charming Mexican town, follow these insider tips to experience Tulum like a local:

1. Explore the Beach Clubs:

While Tulum's beaches are world-renowned, experiencing them like a local means finding the hidden gems away from the crowds. Venture beyond the popular beach areas to discover secluded spots favored by locals. Consider exploring lesser-known beach clubs for a more authentic beach experience. Among our favorites are Ikal, Cinco, Dos Ceibas, Panamera, El Ultimo Maya among others...

2. Indulge in Local Cuisine:

Skip the tourist traps and dine at authentic local eateries where you can savor traditional Mexican flavors. Head to Tulum Pueblo (the town center) and explore the bustling streets lined with taquerías, street food stalls, and family-owned restaurants. Don't miss out on trying local specialties like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), ceviche, or freshly grilled fish tacos. Among our favorites are Taqueria Honorio with the best cochinita pibil tacos, Sabor de Mar has our favorite shrimp tacos with cheese crust, El Capitan has delicious ceviches, La Norteña Barbacha has the best barbacoa in tulum (but they only open on weekends), among others...

3. Visit the Tulum Ruins at Off-Peak Times:

While the Tulum Ruins are a must-visit attraction, they can get crowded during peak hours. Experience these ancient Mayan ruins like a local by visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene ambiance. Take your time exploring the ruins and soak in the breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea from this historic site, we recommend hiring one of the park's guides, the history of the site and the Mayan Civilization is very interesting, and the guides make the tour much more enriching. Don't forget to bring a hat, apply sunscreen, and bring your water bottle. You'll need them on the tour since there is little shade.

4. Join a Community Event:

Immerse yourself in Tulum's vibrant community by participating in local events and activities. Keep an eye out for art exhibitions, live music performances, or cultural festivals happening in town. Engaging with the local community not only provides valuable insights into Tulum's culture but also creates unforgettable memories. Our favorites are:

• La Guarida, is a cafe, bar, cultural center that has a broad schedule of events including music, poetry, dance, theater, among others.

• Palma Central, a food truck park with a stage in the middle where there is a weekly schedule of events, featuring Tuesdays with their salsa night where you can take dance classes and enjoy live music, a popular local fiesta!.

• Ikal, a space to connect, learn and build a collective future. Ikal retreats is a platform for one of a kind curated experiences.

• Holistika, a community center with yoga classes, wellness services, temascal, art walk and healthy food.

5. Embrace Eco-Friendly Practices:

Tulum is known for its commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious living. Follow in the footsteps of locals by supporting businesses that prioritize eco-friendly practices, such as zero-waste stores, sustainable fashion boutiques, or eco-friendly tours and activities. Take part in beach clean-up initiatives or volunteer with local conservation projects to contribute to the preservation of Tulum's natural beauty. Our favorites are:

• Co Conamor is a zero-waste store where you can find natural products for personal care, beauty, food, beverages, crafts, and more.

• Sendero Verde, a space for rescuing native vegetation, as well as for recreation and harmonious coexistence with flora and fauna. A place open to all residents of Tulum to spend time and learn more about the characteristics of the place where we live.

• Ecocaribe, is a volunteer group focused on carrying out activities for the environment, talks, and ecosystem clean-ups, with the aim of contributing to the care of the Mexican Caribbean and raising funds for civil associations working on the research and conservation of this region.

• Tulum Sostenible, a Cooperative Society, has a project called “Puntos Limpios” to promote recycling culture and environmental care in the area, as well as to promote the efficient management of various recyclable waste, including Tetra Pak packaging.

6. Explore Cenotes Off the Beaten Path:

While popular cenotes like Gran Cenote or Dos Ojos attract crowds of tourists, discover hidden cenotes favored by locals for a more secluded and authentic experience. Rent a bicycle or hire a local guide to explore off-the-beaten-path cenotes tucked away in the jungle, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush greenery. Our favorites are:

• Cenote Encantado

• Cenote Cristal y Escondido

• Cenote Corazon

• Cenote Mayan Blue

Conclusion:

By following these insider tips, you can experience Tulum through the eyes of a local, immersing yourself in the rich culture, natural beauty, and vibrant community that make this destination truly special. Embrace the laid-back pace of life, connect with the local community, and create memories that will last a lifetime in this captivating Mexican paradise.