3 Days in Tulum, Mexico

Tulum, Mexico has built up quite the reputation over the years as a beachside getaway for the young and able (and the beautiful). While the ruins, beaches and all-star cenotes are a main draw here, I would argue that Tulum has the most culinary diversity in the entire country. Enjoy Argentinian, coastal Italian, tacos, smoothie bowls and more, here.

DAY 1

ARRIVAL + LUNCH

Tulum is about an hour and half from Cancun airport, so take the opportunity to settle into your hotel and enjoy lunch on the beach upon arrival. I'd recommend staying at Habitas, a new beachfront resort with private rooms right in the jungle that make you feel completely at one with nature. Bonus: they have the destination's only secluded beach, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant called Moro that serves some of the best chicken tagine you'll ever have. Then, max leisure time poolside or beachside.

DINNER AT POSADA MARGHERITA

You’ll feel as though you’re dining on the Amalfi coast at Posada Margherita – from the airy, white interiors to the authentic Italian menu. Salt-baked fish, pasta with fresh prawns and caprese with imported burrata and tomato are just a few highlights from the perfectly simple menu. Come for lunch and make use of their beach (and uber-cool crowd) or opt for dinner, which is still as vibe-y as they come.

DAY 2

TULUM RUINS + GRAND CENOTE

The highlights here are of course the very famous (and very camera-friendly) ruins. The 13th century, walled Mayan site overlooks the sea and incorporates a watchtower and pyramid-shaped remples that overlook the sea. Take the morning to see the sights, hit a local restaurant for a sit-down lunch or pack it to-go, and then head to the Grand Cenote for a dip. Snorkel through the limestone caverns into the crystal blue water.

DINNER AT CASA JAGUAR

Casa Jaguar is a hidden gem located in the jungle that has the perfect dinner vibe with great dance parties that follow next door at its sister bar, Todos Santos. Order the tuna tostadas and pork tacos to start and cap the entree with a whole roasted fish.

HIT THE PUEBLA

If you’re feeling adventurous (and you should) grab a cab after dinner and ask to go to into la puebla. Here, you'll find locals spilling onto the streets eating, drinking and carrying on. It's like one big street party where local musicians are busting a beat. First stop: El Pescador.

DAY 3

BREAKFAST AT LA ZEBRA

La Zebra is a hotel and restaurant that serves an incredible breakfast and is located right on the beach. Scout out a spot in the sun and go with a power breakfast – oats and chia seeds soaked in almond and coconut milk and topped with yogurt, granola, nuts and fresh fruit. After, make use of their loungers or day beds for prime sun time.

LUNCH AT EUFEMIA

At La Eufemia, it’s tacos, tacos, tacos. The affordable beachfront restaurant is where the locals go to get their fix – you’ll see several lounging in the shade, filling their days with people watching. The place is understated in the best way with 40’s on offer in addition to some of the best tacos you will ever have, ever. Grilled fish, grilled shrimp and al pastor are the stand-outs, and they have a huge variety of housemade salsas and cremas to top them off. Get here before they open and grab a coveted lounger in the sand. Once they open at noon, prepare to feast.

SHOP ON BEACH ROAD

The only road on Tulum beach offers some of the best shopping you can find. Yes, it's a little pricey for the area but there are some fine market finds if you're willing to look. Scout out some souvenirs at a store that doesn't look like it has a flagship location in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

DINNER AT CASA BANANA

This wood-fired, Argentinian-inspired restaurant is a total sleeper hit – you may not have heard much about it, but Casa Banana it is arguably the best meal you’ll have in Tulum. Located on the jungle side you’ll notice a vintage foosball table in the front, elegant wooden furniture throughout, and tables upon tables of diners within. If you’re hankering for a steak, this is the place to get it with several on offer, however they do a whole roasted fish in the wood fired oven (caught mere hours before) that will change your life. Apps include roasted beets with goat cheese and toasted garlic and fried calamari (the most tender I’ve had) with red pepper sauce and chimichurri.

TEAR UP THE DANCE FLOOR AT GITANOS

If you're looking for a serious dance floor to move-and-groove, look no further than Gitanos. Get there after midnight for optimal crowd vibes.

3 Perfect Days in Tulum