Good Views and Good Eats: Where We Stayed and Ate During our Trip to Tulum

Abraham and I were with a group of work-friends in Miami when we all decided to book an impromptu trip to Mexico. The next day, we boarded our flight and headed to the popular jungle town of Tulum. What ensued was 6 days of balancing work, planning, experiencing what Tulum had to offer. In this blog, I’ll highlight the the places we stayed and some of the delicious food we enjoyed. Feel free to bookmark this post when you’re ready to plan your next trip to Tulum!

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Where We Stayed

For the majority of the trip, there were 9 adults present. We stayed in two different Airbnbs with 9 adults in the first one and 5 adults in the second one.

Airbnb #1: VILLA NIMI

• Can accommodate up to 10 guests

• $660 USD a night

• Location: a few blocks away from Tulum Centro (downtown Tulum); it’s located a bit “in the cut” in the jungle off of unpaved roads

• Includes concierge and daily housekeeping/pool cleaning

• Super clean and had great AC units in each room

• Pool is heated and felt amazing

• There was a weird smell throughout the property, but this didn’t come as a surprise since this entire neighborhood was hastily constructed

• I loved the expansiveness of the main common area. It was great for the sense of community and collaboration

Airbnb #2: Inspired Living Private Pool & Chef-Style Kitchen

• Can accommodate up to 10 guests

• $562 USD a night

• Location: a few blocks away from Tulum Centro (downtown Tulum); it’s located a bit “in the cut” in the jungle off of unpaved roads; close proximity to HOLISTIKA

• Absolutely stunning space

• Incredibly well-stocked kitchen with all of the appliances you could imagine

• Property includes a private plunge pool, two bicycles, and workout equipment. Plenty of outdoor and indoor areas for entertainment

• The water pressure in the shower was pretty much non-existent, but then again, look where we are

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What We Ate

Palma Central Food Truck Park

Plama Central is a food truck park in Tulum Centro that includes a full bar and a wealth of food trucks that serve a variety of cuisines (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options galore). Palma Central often features live music and has a childrens’ play area. It’s a great place to casually grab quick food and meet up with friends. I got a vegan sushi roll and vegan fried rice at one of the trucks, the name of which escapes me now.

• Food 8/10

• Atmosphere: 8/10

• Price: $5-$20 USD

Mama Matcha

As someone who delights in trying new things, I’m not one to visit the same place over and over. However, Matcha Mama proved me wrong. I visited this smoothie/bowl joint once a day for the majority of my trip. I got the peanut butter and banana smoothie each time because it was that good. Matcha mama offers healthy snacks and juices, and has the most adorable seating (including swings!). At dinner time, the space converts to Pizza Papi, which offers a completely vegan pizza menu.

• Food: 10/10

• Atmosphere: 10/10

• Price: $5-$12 USD

La Cordobesita Vegan Street Tacos

I had a lot of good food in Tulum, but the absolute best food I had during the entirety of the trip was also the least expensive. That’s right — you can’t visit Mexico and not get the notoriously delicious street tacos. La Cordobesita has the most delicious vegan tacos I’ve had in my life so far. No, I’m not exaggerating. I still think about those tacos over a month later. If only I could teleport some here to Atlanta. Please try to go to Tulum Centro and support this small business.

• Food: 10/10

• Atmosphere: 10/10 [it's clearly a food cart on a gritty side street, but there’s so much culture]

• Price: $2-$8

Tú Tulum

Tú Tulum is an intimate and moody restaurant in Tulum Centro which is perfect for a date. The tiny restaurant is dimly-lit (it’s pretty much dark, actually), filled with smoky incense, and decorated in the quintessential “Tulum aesthetic.” The menu offers craft cocktails, meat and seafood options, as well as a full menu for plant-based options. I enjoyed Tu because it has the atmosphere of an expensive restaurant but is actually really affordable.

• Food: 8/10

• Atmosphere: 10/10

• Price: $10-$25 USD

La Taquería

Located a bit off of the beaten path in Tulum Centro, La Taquería serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and bowls out of a converted truck container. There is ample outdoor seating and the restaurant is located in a small plaza which consists of other trailers. Ad you might’ve already guessed, there’s vegan options galore. I had a vegan burrito that was yummy and filling.

• Food: 7/10

• Atmosphere: 8/10

• Price: $7-$12

Kin Toh

Kin Toh is one of three restaurants at the famous AZULIK resort (I gave this experience its own post, which you can find here). Dinner is served with complimentary bread and spread — super delicious! We were both happy with our cocktails. I didn’t order an entreé because I wasn’t hungry, but Abraham ordered the roast and said it was delectable. The portion looked small, but he ended up feeling satiated shortly after finishing the meal. If I were hungry, I would’ve gotten their pumpkin vegan entreé.

Here’s my ratings:

• Food: 8/10

• Atmosphere: 10/10

• Price: $28-52 USD

Burgerito

Burgerito is a cool, vibey restaurant right on the main road in Tulum Centro. There’s seating in the garden that’s located at the back of the restaurant. Abraham and I ordered to-go because we had to catch the bus to Cancún. We almost missed our bus while waiting for the food to be ready, but we made it to our seats at the nick of time. Once we were seated, we tore into our delicious, piping hot food. I have vegan loaded fries with guac and Abraham had hot chicken loaded fries. These fries from Burgerito were our favorite meal after La Cordobesita.

• Food: 9/10

• Atmosphere: 9/10

• Price: $5-$12 USD

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This was my first visit to Tulum, but it won’t be my last. What were some of your favorite accommodations and places to eat in Tulum? Drop your recommendations in the comments!