I recently returned from a five-day, four-night trip to Tulum, Mexico. My friend Kenya hosted the trip to celebrate her and her husband’s 30th birthdays, and I couldn’t turn down the opportunity. Not only do I always try to be there for my friends, but I was also well overdue for a trip. This was my first time going on a group trip that I didn’t plan myself or have a hand in planning. However, Kenya outdid herself with this one. If you’re looking for a destination that blends stunning natural beauty with rich history and culture, Tulum, Mexico, is the place for you. Tulum is located along the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and is known for its beautiful beaches, insta-worthy tourist spots, ancient Mayan ruins, and delicious food. Tulum was truly an unforgettable experience. In this blog post, I’ll share some of the highlights of my trip, including where we stayed, what we did, and what we ate.
Accomodations in Tulum
One of the best things about Tulum is the variety of accommodation options available, from budget hostels to luxurious resorts and stunning Airbnbs. We opted to stay at a luxury Airbnb. Although it was off the beaten path, we weren’t too far from some of the popular tourist areas. This also gave us easy access to the restaurants, shops, and nightlife of Tulum Pueblo. We had more house than we needed, but we definitely made the best of it. On my instagram, I shared a mini home tour. Check it out here.
Activities in Tulum
Kenya had an entire itinerary planned for the trip, and our days were full.
Day 1: Travel Day & Dinner
Our home was an hour and a half drive from the airport. When we got there it was maybe around 9:30-10:00 pm. We were starving after flying all day, so we dropped our bags and went to grab food at Confessions.
Day 2: All Whites Yacht Part + All Black Dinner
We started our morning with a chef-catered breakfast. I don’t know how they cooked the eggs in Mexico, but they were amazing. I had about three servings myself. After breakfast, we headed out for the all-white yacht party. It was my first time on a yacht, and it was a vibe. We had ceviche, shots, and more shots, endless margaritas, and beer. The music was bumping, and everyone was having a great time. We spent about four and a half hours on the yacht, which also included snorkeling. I didn’t participate in that activity. Once that was over, we headed home to get prepared for Darien’s (Kenya’s husband) all-black birthday dinner at BAK.
Day 3: Excursion Day
Today was the day of adventure, excursion day. I was a bit on edge because I don’t like heights, and we were zip-lining today. We started the day with brunch before traveling what seemed like almost two hours to our excursion destination. The excursion consisted of ATV riding, tequila tasting, zip-lining, and swimming in the cenote. Everything was going well until I decided to jump into the cenote and bit my gums. After that, I sat out the rest of the time. Overall, it was a great time, and I made it through all five of the zip-lines without quitting. That’s a win in itself for me.
Day 4: Beach Day
Today was a chill day for the most part. We went out for brunch at an amazing restaurant, which was by far the best brunch experience of the trip for me. No trip to Tulum would be complete without a visit to the area’s famous beaches. The views, the drinks, and the food were all amazing. After brunch, we ended up exploring a little, which led us to Mia’s Beach Club where we spent the rest of the day and night. We got a lounge bed on the beach, drinks, food, listened to the sounds of the waves, sunbathed, and cooled off in the water until we were ready to go. After the past two days, the time to relax was needed.
Day 5: Exploring and Monochromatic Dinner
Today was our last full day. We had a late start and decided to skip breakfast. Instead we headed to sightsee at the Mayan Ruins. Listening to music at the Mayan Ruins or whatever Nip said. I’ll be lying if I said this wasn’t a workout that I wasn’t prepared for. Be prepared for a lot of walking, inclines, and steps. We opted not to use a tour guide and explored the Ruins on our own. It cost about $5 per person. The ancient structures dated back to the 13th century and were some of the best-preserved examples of Mayan architecture in the world. We were amazed by the intricate carvings and grand scale of the temples and pyramids, as well as the stunning ocean views from the clifftop location.
Food in Tulum
One of the things I loved most about Tulum was the incredible food scene. Below are some of the restaurants we ate at and what I ordered.
Confessions Jungle Bar and Tapas
BAK Steak House
Mia Beach Club International Cuisine
Rosanegra Latin Cuisine
Mia Amor Contemporary Kitchen
Overall, my trip to Tulum was everything I had hoped for and more. The combination of natural beauty, history, and culture made for a truly unique and memorable experience. If you’re planning a trip to Tulum, I highly recommend taking the time to explore the beaches, ruins, and cenotes, and to indulge in the delicious food options. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have an unforgettable adventure in this tropical paradise.
