Imaginetulum's Guidebook
Aldea Zama Neighborhood
Our neighborhood is rapidly changing and restaurants come and go. Search to confirm reviews & openings.
Although many places are within 10 minutes by foot, walking is fine in the daytime, but driving/riding a bike in unlit areas during the night is probably better.
Recently opened, 7 Eleven & Cinco restaurant just took over Chacabar’s old space.
Delicious breakfast just 10 min walk away from ImagineTulum Penthouse
17 locals recommend
ROSSINA CAFE
Delicious breakfast just 10 min walk away from ImagineTulum Penthouse
Alegría Cafetería Tulum
l 1 Andador WeechAnother delicious breakfast place. The chilaquiles are very good!
Spider Sushi Tulum
Fresh, delicious, reasonably priced sushi. Casual dinner
Safari Campfire food
MANZANA 26 Aldea ZamaTacos & Ceviche just a few minutes walk away!
5 min walk from ImagineTulum Penthouse at the Highline. Serves breakfast & ice cream!
139 locals recommend
Campanella Cremerie
Avenida Tulum5 min walk from ImagineTulum Penthouse at the Highline. Serves breakfast & ice cream!
Los Morros Aldea Zama
Delicious, casual seafood.
SPRITZ BY HEMINGWAY TULUM
Another good breakfast place in the neighborhood
Matcha Mama
lt 6 Andromeda OteA guest highly recommended it! Fresh sushi, on the expensive side. On the rooftop of Copal.
Kokoro Tulum
Aldea ZamaA guest highly recommended it! Fresh sushi, on the expensive side. On the rooftop of Copal.
Norita Tulum
Aldea ZamaHaven’t been but was also highly recommended by an ImagineTulum guest
Nikkori Tulum
Aldea ZamaSimple, casual Japanese food
ZAMARKET
Aldea Zama5-10 minute walk away to grab some provisions
Fresh Market
Mz 12 Aldea Zama5-10 minute walk from the Highline
Cafe Maya-Xel & Marine Museum
Mz12, Lt65 Aldea ZamaHaven’t been, but the tables were full and the food looked good.
7-Eleven
Sightseeing
Archeological Zone of Tulum - Mayan Port City Ruins
Km 230 Cancun - ChetumalBeautiful lagoon, arrive early (9am) to beat the crowd. Cover yourself with the revitalizing mud for softer skin! Prices has gone up to $17US we hear.
194 locals recommend
Kaan Luum Lagoon
Beautiful lagoon, arrive early (9am) to beat the crowd. Cover yourself with the revitalizing mud for softer skin! Prices has gone up to $17US we hear.
Swim with turtles🐢Magical setting but get there early before the tour buses come.
410 locals recommend
Gran Cenote
Swim with turtles🐢Magical setting but get there early before the tour buses come.
One of the best places to go snorkeling. Get there at opening to beat the crowds!
107 locals recommend
Cenote and Yal-ku
One of the best places to go snorkeling. Get there at opening to beat the crowds!
Less developed, more rustic than Tulum ruins. Renting a bike to cover a wide area is worth it
232 locals recommend
Cobá Archaeological Zone
307 Carretera Federal TulumLess developed, more rustic than Tulum ruins. Renting a bike to cover a wide area is worth it
To tour Sian Ka’an you need an authorized outfitter and this group is wonderful. Very ecologically aware and kind people.
Yucatan Outdoors Sea Kayak School
To tour Sian Ka’an you need an authorized outfitter and this group is wonderful. Very ecologically aware and kind people.
Amazing Bioreserve. You can book tours through the reception or Yucatan Outdoors or you can go independently if you tell the guard you are going to the restaurants. There is an entrance fee but there are two restaurants where you can lie on the beach, away from all the crowds.
There is a nice restaurant called Ka'an where you can rent a beach bed for the day, or just put a towel on the beach. The restaurant is a little pricey but the location is secluded.
Further down is another campsite called 'El Ultimo Maya' that has simple food and drinks. You might be able to just put a towel down on the beach if you have lunch here.
316 locals recommend
Sian Ka'an
Amazing Bioreserve. You can book tours through the reception or Yucatan Outdoors or you can go independently if you tell the guard you are going to the restaurants. There is an entrance fee but there are two restaurants where you can lie on the beach, away from all the crowds.
There is a nice restaurant called Ka'an where you can rent a beach bed for the day, or just put a towel on the beach. The restaurant is a little pricey but the location is secluded.
Further down is another campsite called 'El Ultimo Maya' that has simple food and drinks. You might be able to just put a towel down on the beach if you have lunch here.
Nice, quiet cenote tucked off the road to Muyil. Has a small cliff jump for a little bit of fun. Across the street is Cenote Cristal which has a platform jump if you want a little more height.
62 locals recommend
Escondido Cenote
Mayan Blue RoadNice, quiet cenote tucked off the road to Muyil. Has a small cliff jump for a little bit of fun. Across the street is Cenote Cristal which has a platform jump if you want a little more height.
Cenote Dos Ojos
Cenote Dos OjosSFER IK
Iconic Tulum. Good to do when it’s not so good to go to the beach!
Cenote Car Wash
Rivera's Kitchen Tulum
24 CiricoteCooking Lessons!
Beach Clubs
The public beach (left) is simpler and more local. There is a 60MXN daily entrance fee. Parking might be extra. Always try “we’re eating here” as some places will otherwise charge”. Biking is easy.
The hotel side (right) is more limited in parking and often requires consumption a fee at the beach club. The entire beach is public so lying on the sand is free for everyone. Clubs range from fancy/eco-chic to downright hippy. Something for everyone.
Delek and Ahau are the local favorites for getting onto the beach without a hassle.
Good overall vibe, above average food, Raw Love Tulum restaurant located here, centrally located. Loud DJ on the weekends. Parking fee ~200MXN, single entry
Has the best ceviche in Tulum so far!
112 locals recommend
Ahau Tulum
Good overall vibe, above average food, Raw Love Tulum restaurant located here, centrally located. Loud DJ on the weekends. Parking fee ~200MXN, single entry
Has the best ceviche in Tulum so far!
Delicious brunch buffet. Free parking across the street with a dining receipt. Dinner menu($$) is different than lunch so please check the menu beforehand.
Rent a bed or put a towel down on the beach.
Great hospitality, consistent standards of service. Same group as Mezzanine.
187 locals recommend
La Zebra Hotel Tulum
Km 8.2 Carr. Tulum-Boca PailaDelicious brunch buffet. Free parking across the street with a dining receipt. Dinner menu($$) is different than lunch so please check the menu beforehand.
Rent a bed or put a towel down on the beach.
Great hospitality, consistent standards of service. Same group as Mezzanine.
60 MXN entry to public beaches
Public Beach side, local scene. Various minimum consumption for beach lounges or just lay out on the beach. Standard tacos, ceviche, beer, etc
159 locals recommend
Paradise Beach
60 MXN entry to public beaches
Public Beach side, local scene. Various minimum consumption for beach lounges or just lay out on the beach. Standard tacos, ceviche, beer, etc
Eco Chic, magical, quintessential Tulum. Various Yoga, sound healing, etc programs here.
84 locals recommend
Nômade
Km 10.5 Carr. Tulum-Boca PailaEco Chic, magical, quintessential Tulum. Various Yoga, sound healing, etc programs here.
Casa Malca
Carretera Tulum-Boca PailaZiggy Beach
km 7.5 Carr. Tulum-Boca PailaNice Beach club in the Hotel Zone
If sargasso is heavy at the regular beach, this place is relatively sargasso free. Get there early 9am!
23 locals recommend
Club De Playa Caleta Tankah
If sargasso is heavy at the regular beach, this place is relatively sargasso free. Get there early 9am!
For those who want to relax without the loud music. One of the oldest established places in Tulum
14 locals recommend
Ana y José Charming Hotel & Spa
Km. 7 Carr. Tulum-Boca PailaFor those who want to relax without the loud music. One of the oldest established places in Tulum
CINCO Tulum Beach
Food Scene- Beach
There are too many restaurants to choose from with great new ones opening all the time. A list of some of our favorites.....but go explore!!
Delicious food, lives up to its reputation as one of the best restaurants in Tulum. Reservations needed although you can line up before the restaurant opens for a stand-by spot. There are two seatings each evening.
243 locals recommend
Hartwood
7 Carr. Tulum-Boca PailaDelicious food, lives up to its reputation as one of the best restaurants in Tulum. Reservations needed although you can line up before the restaurant opens for a stand-by spot. There are two seatings each evening.
Fresh Homemade pasta & Pizza. Pricey but delicious. Beautiful to have a glass of wine at dusk
148 locals recommend
Posada Margherita
Carretera Tulum-Boca PailaFresh Homemade pasta & Pizza. Pricey but delicious. Beautiful to have a glass of wine at dusk
Touted as one of the best gastronomical experiences in Tulum. Nice, artful, minimalist food if that is what you are up for.
113 locals recommend
Arca
Carretera Tulum-Boca PailaTouted as one of the best gastronomical experiences in Tulum. Nice, artful, minimalist food if that is what you are up for.
Simple menu with a few but amazing dishes . Local source driven cooking, and open kitchen . jungle setting.
Reservation Needed.
75 locals recommend
kitchen table
Simple menu with a few but amazing dishes . Local source driven cooking, and open kitchen . jungle setting.
Reservation Needed.
Delicious breakfast bowls & smoothies, good vibe. Part of the Ahau hotel/beach club. Nice 'tropical' salad. Get there early enough for free parking.
There is also a branch in town.
56 locals recommend
Raw Love
Delicious breakfast bowls & smoothies, good vibe. Part of the Ahau hotel/beach club. Nice 'tropical' salad. Get there early enough for free parking.
There is also a branch in town.
Safari Campfire food
MANZANA 26 Aldea ZamaOpen BBQ, all kinds of tacos!!
This Japanese restaurant is noted for its good food. Next to Rosa Negra so you’ll get some of their overflow music. You might be able to park for free at Rosa Negra, not sure.
13 locals recommend
Tora Tulum
5 Carr. Tulum-Boca PailaThis Japanese restaurant is noted for its good food. Next to Rosa Negra so you’ll get some of their overflow music. You might be able to park for free at Rosa Negra, not sure.
Casa Jaguar
Avenida Boca PailaThursday night food, drinks, & party 🍸
Kin Toh
an Italian restaurant in the heart of Tulum’s hotel zone, surrounded by jungle, and mangroves. intimate atmosphere
Reservation Needed
15 locals recommend
Parole Tulum
Carretera Tulum-Boca Pailaan Italian restaurant in the heart of Tulum’s hotel zone, surrounded by jungle, and mangroves. intimate atmosphere
Reservation Needed
Lalu restaurant opened in its place. On the beach, quiet, beautiful setting.
16 locals recommend
The Real Coconut
Lalu restaurant opened in its place. On the beach, quiet, beautiful setting.
Iconic Tulum beach front setting at the Nomade hotel. Eat a delicious meal under the bedouin style canopies. A bit pricey but memorable.
La Popular
Km 10.5 Carr. Tulum - CancúnIconic Tulum beach front setting at the Nomade hotel. Eat a delicious meal under the bedouin style canopies. A bit pricey but memorable.
Mi Amor
Km. 4.1 Carr. Tulum-Boca PailaReally nice place for a calm, beautiful breakfast.
Mina
Km 5 Carretera Tulum RuinasMEZE Tulum
Los Bowls de Guadalupe
Carretera Tulum-Boca PailaGood breakfast bowls
A great place to watch a sunset above the canopy of the jungle below you.
6 locals recommend
Ciel Rose Sunset Bar
A great place to watch a sunset above the canopy of the jungle below you.
Food Scene- Town
Taqueria Honorio
The best tacos in town, vegetarian included!
One of our favorite restaurants. Cute, intimate setting. Delicious food with plenty of vegetarian options. Amazing staff.
TU
manzana 04 Andromeda OrienteOne of our favorite restaurants. Cute, intimate setting. Delicious food with plenty of vegetarian options. Amazing staff.
Amazing Italian Pastries & Breakfast. The best flaky, soft croissant in town. Their iced latte is yum.
106 locals recommend
ITALDO
Amazing Italian Pastries & Breakfast. The best flaky, soft croissant in town. Their iced latte is yum.
Considered one of the better pizza places in Tulum. They also deliver!!
144 locals recommend
Pizzeria Manglar
Calle AsunciónConsidered one of the better pizza places in Tulum. They also deliver!!
Consistently good Italian food with an easy local atmosphere. Reasonable prices, centrally located in town
61 locals recommend
IL BACARO
y Calle Sol Ote.Consistently good Italian food with an easy local atmosphere. Reasonable prices, centrally located in town
El Camello Jr.
Favorite local restaurant for a casual meal
Good, consistent, casual place for your burrito fix. At the edge of town.
If you are from LA…. don’t judge.
212 locals recommend
Burrito Amor
Mz 05 Av. TulumGood, consistent, casual place for your burrito fix. At the edge of town.
If you are from LA…. don’t judge.
DelCielo
5 Satélite SurClean & Healthy food. ❤️ this place for reliable meals & good coffee.
Humo
Avenida TulumLos Aguachiles
Chetumal-CancunKi'bok Coffee Tulum
Calle 12 SurGood coffee & internet.
VIVO
Libra SurRecommended for a good Vegan Option
Mestixa
y Calle Polar PonienteAsian Mexican fusion. Seems to be getting a good buzz.
La Hoja Verde
A Vegetarian favorite
Raw Love
La Gloria de Don Pepe
57 Esquina Andromeda OtePaella in Tulum!
Great breakfast/lunch place with the everything done right. Large menu selection with healthy/vegetarian options.
Coworking space & wellness also on location
6 locals recommend
Potheads Tulum
Avenida TulumGreat breakfast/lunch place with the everything done right. Large menu selection with healthy/vegetarian options.
Coworking space & wellness also on location
Curry by Po Thai
77760 Calle 7 SurA new authentic Thai restaurant in La Veleta
Asian Bodega Restaurante & Bar
Calle TulumLa Negra Tomasa
14 Andromeda OteFavorite local seafood
La Guarida
Simple menu, good young vibe
Wellness- Yoga, Massage, Sound Therapy, Temazcal
Hotel Dos Ceibas Eco Retreat Tulum
KM 9 QROO 15https://www.dosceibas.com/holistic-center
Yoga, temazcal, meditation, massage
https://web.bewe.co/holistika-tulum/classes
119 locals recommend
Holistika
Calle 10 SurYoga, temazcal, meditation, massage
https://web.bewe.co/holistika-tulum/classes
Check their wellness calendar
https://ikaltulumhotel.com/awakened-heart-summer-solstice-retreat#page-section-628bed47ef89f35bbd2c301c
27 locals recommend
IKAL BOUTIQUE HOTEL TULUM
Check their wellness calendar
https://ikaltulumhotel.com/awakened-heart-summer-solstice-retreat#page-section-628bed47ef89f35bbd2c301c
Los Amigos Gym & Climbing
con PalenqueProbably the most equipped gym in Tulum
Traveler advice
Don't miss
Food Delivery
Tomato.mx offers food delivery from a lot of the local restaurants
Don't miss
Chedraui App for grocery delivery
The app is in Spanish but allows you to order things for delivery to the Highline.
Getting around
You'll have more flexibility by renting a car
We are located between the beach and town, which we believe is the best location as it is away from the busy-ness of each and provides a peaceful retreat after a long day of activities.
We recommend America Car Rental as the quotes are reasonable and the prices are transparent with the cost of insurance.
Cancun Airport
https://americacarrental.com.mx/en/cancun-airport-car-rental
Please introduce yourself and WhatsApp a screenshot to Gladys +52 1 998 133 3328. She might be able to give you a discount.
Tulum
https://americacarrental.com.mx/en/cars/tulum
Getting around
Biking
It is easy to bike to/from the public beach area (60 MXN, takes Visa & Apple Pay) entrance fee. The hotel side is tight with traffic unless you go early in the AM. Get back by sunset to avoid riding in the dark. Make sure you lock the bike through the frame, not just the wheel.
Getting around
Collectivos
These are vans that locals use to travel up/down the local highways. The stops are usually in town under a palapa and they come frequently. For example, a van to Akumal/Yalku might cost 40MXN. Great if you want to save money and don’t mind walking.