Tulum, Mexico
Discover the Best of Tulum
Summary: Discover the charm of Tulum with our guide to the city's top attractions, culinary hotspots, and vibrant nightlife. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, we'll also help you find the best recreational activities to enjoy, and offer advice on making lasting connections with the friendly locals.
Welcome to Tulum! If you're planning to move to Tulum, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Tulum has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Tulum.
Tulum, is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance. One of the most iconic sites in Tulum is the Tulum Ruins, an ancient Mayan city perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The ruins are a testament to the architectural prowess of the Mayans and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Another must-visit site is the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans over a million acres of tropical jungle, mangroves, and marine habitats. Visitors can explore the reserve through guided tours, which often include bird watching, wildlife spotting, and snorkeling.
For those interested in the underwater world, the Gran Cenote is a natural sinkhole filled with crystal-clear water, perfect for snorkeling and diving. The Cenote Dos Ojos, a flooded cave system, is another popular spot for diving and snorkeling. Tulum is also home to the Tulum Monkey Sanctuary, where visitors can interact with rescued spider monkeys in a natural environment. For a taste of local culture, the Tulum Art Club hosts exhibitions, workshops, and events showcasing local and international artists.
The restaurant and nightlife scene in Tulum is vibrant and diverse, offering everything from traditional Mexican cuisine to international gourmet dishes. Hartwood, located on the beach road, is one of the most popular restaurants in Tulum. It serves up a daily changing menu of locally sourced dishes cooked on a wood-fired oven and grill. Another standout is Arca, known for its open-fire cooking and creative cocktails. Gitano is a trendy spot that offers a modern take on Mexican cuisine, accompanied by mezcal-based cocktails and live music. For a unique dining experience, Kin Toh, a treehouse-style restaurant, offers a fusion of Mexican and Mayan cuisine with breathtaking views of the jungle.
The nightlife in Tulum is a mix of laid-back beach bars, stylish cocktail lounges, and lively nightclubs. Papaya Playa Project is a popular beach club that hosts full moon parties and live DJ sets. Batey Mojito Bar is famous for its fresh sugar cane mojitos and live music, while Casa Jaguar offers a jungle setting with craft cocktails and a dance floor.
Recreational activities in Tulum are largely centered around its natural attractions. Water sports such as snorkeling, diving, and paddleboarding are popular activities, with many operators offering tours and equipment rentals. The Gran Cenote and Cenote Dos Ojos are popular spots for diving and snorkeling, while the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve offers opportunities for kayaking and wildlife spotting.
For those interested in yoga and wellness, Tulum is home to several retreat centers such as the Yoga Shala and Sanará Tulum. The Tulum Jungle Gym, often referred to as the 'world's most natural gym', offers a unique workout experience on the beach. For adventure seekers, the Selvatica Adventure Park offers zip-lining, ATV rides, and a cenote swim. Finally, cycling is a popular way to explore Tulum, with bike rentals available throughout the town.
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Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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Insider Tips from Expats in Tulum: Making the Most of Life and Connections
"Expats in Tulum often join a variety of clubs and activities to meet people and immerse themselves in the local culture. Many participate in yoga classes, which are popular in the area due to Tulum's reputation as a wellness destination. There are also numerous fitness clubs and gyms where expats can meet like-minded individuals.Language exchange groups are another popular choice, where expats can practice their Spanish skills and locals can practice English. Cooking classes are also a great way to meet people and learn about Mexican cuisine. For those interested in the arts, there are art collectives and workshops, as well as music groups. Expats with a love for the outdoors can join hiking or cycling clubs, or participate in beach clean-up activities. In addition to joining clubs and activities, expats often meet people through local events and festivals. Tulum is known for its vibrant music and arts scene, and attending these events is a great way to meet both locals and fellow expats. Volunteering is another excellent way to meet people and give back to the community. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer in Tulum, from helping out at local schools to participating in environmental conservation projects.Finally, many expats meet people simply by frequenting local businesses and restaurants. Tulum's community is welcoming and friendly, and many expats find that they quickly make friends by simply being out and about in the town," said one expat living in Tulum.
Welcome Home MexicoConnect
Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Tulum is often described as a tropical paradise with a laid-back lifestyle. The town offers a unique blend of ancient Mayan ruins, pristine beaches, and a vibrant nightlife, making it an attractive destination for those looking to work remotely. The cost of living is relatively affordable, with a variety of housing options ranging from budget-friendly apartments to luxury villas. The local community is welcoming and diverse, with a mix of locals, expats, and tourists. There are plenty of opportunities to socialize and network, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and co-working spaces catering to the digital nomad community. The food scene in Tulum is diverse and vibrant, offering a mix of traditional Mexican cuisine and international fare. The town is also known for its wellness culture, with many yoga studios, fitness centers, and health food stores. Despite its many advantages, life in Tulum also comes with its challenges. The town's infrastructure can be unreliable, with occasional power outages and slow internet speeds. The tropical climate also means dealing with high humidity and the occasional hurricane. Nevertheless, for many expats and digital nomads, the benefits of living in Tulum far outweigh the drawbacks. The town's natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle, and friendly community make it an ideal destination for those seeking a balance between work and leisure," commented an expat living in Tulum.
Welcome Home MexicoConnect
Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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