From incredible art installations to trendy beach resorts, Tulum is a definite must if you are traveling in the Yucatan. As the epicenter of art, culture, and sustainability, this sleepy little coastal town has everything from world-renowned art collections to fusion-inspired restaurants. There’s something for everyone in Tulum, but what if you only have an afternoon to see it all?

Tip: Ditch the car and travel by bike! Parking isn’t really all that available once you get near the coast so rent a bike from any of multiple vendors in the area. It’s the best way to get around in Tulum!

An Afternoon in Tulum –

We started our afternoon at Ahau Tulum, a luxury beach hotel featuring lavish cabanas, well-appointed rooms, and a rustic (yet elegant) restaurant capably blending Mexican and Caribbean fare. We were greeted by “Ven a la Luz” (Come into the Light), an impressive work of art from South African artist Daniel Popper. Situated at the entrance of Ahau Tulum, this towering installation symbolizes a connection with nature, and was commissioned for 2018’s “Art With Me” event to raise awareness about the delicate ecosystem of Tulum. We had the chance to spend a few moments with this beautiful work of art before stopping in for a quick snack. It’s a must see if you’re ever in Tulum!

Tip: If you’re looking for a place to park at Ahau Tulum, but aren’t staying at the resort, there is a driveway directly across the street that you can park in. Just let them know you’re heading to the resort and they’ll keep an eye on your car for you. Make sure to leave a hefty tip!

After a couple of delicious smoothies at the quaint Raw Love Cafe, we made our way to the Zamas Tulum, a boutique beach hotel and restaurant in Tulum. Zamas is filled with vibrant and vivid colors, island-style decor, and friendly and helpful staff. After walking some of the beautiful grounds, we sat down at resort’s restaurant to have some lunch.

Tip: Literally EVERYTHING on the menu is to die for. Our favorites included the chorizo omelette, carnitas tacos, and the “DannyBurger.” Seriously… an epic burger… in Mexico.

After we finished our food we walked through the bar, played a little foosball, and thumbed through some selections from the hotel’s “library.” 🙂

There are a plethora (“Jefe, would you say I have a plethora of pinatas?) of exquisite little mom and pop shops, boho chic stores, and trendy bars along the beach walk in Tulum. Too many to count, in fact, but plenty to keep you busy if you’re on the lookout for authentic gifts, a cute top, or an afternoon buzz.

Hotels and Resorts in Tulum –

If you do have the chance to spend more than the afternoon in Tulum, make sure to check out a few of the AMAZING resorts in the area. As we suggested, Ahau Tulum is a wonderful little resort, replete with glorious white sand beaches, fine dining, and charming beach cottages. You’d be hard pressed to find a better value for your money than this little Tulum hideaway.

Near the entrance to Tulum, you’ll find Azulik, a stunning amalgamation of art, nature, and decadence. Make sure to take the time to take in its eclectic architecture, a wondrous and playful mix of natural lines and modernist flair. If you’re not a guest of the resort, don’t worry! You can visit the restaurant to gain access to Azulik’s stunning grounds.

Other noteworthy resorts to consider are La Zebra Beach Hotel and Restaurant, Be Tulum, and the quaint (but divine) NEST.

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Top Essentials for An Afternoon in Tulum – 

• Insect Repellant – Unfortunately, “Boho-chic” does not mean “without bugs,” and some parts of Tulum are chock-full of them. Protect yourself and your travel partner with this very effective insect repellant. As we visited Tulum during the height of the rainy season, there were TONS of mosquitos pretty much everywhere we went. This spray helped keep them off of us and made our adventure all the more enjoyable.
• Biodegradable Sunscreen – Part of the allure of Tulum is the great care local resorts and residents pay to the environment. Local trees are used in structures, building materials are locally sourced, and the landscape is very much a part of your overall experience. As such, make sure to be a little enviro-friendly yourself by picking up this sensitive skin, organic formula sunscreen spray!
• Impanema Women’s Sandals – Look classy and chic (and still be environmentally-conscious) with these absolutely comfortable and durable women’s sandals by Impanema. Daphne walked around for hours in these and looked ravishing!
• Vintage Sunglasses – Keep the sun out of your eyes and feel that vintage vibe with these vintage round sunglasses.