Tulum

GITANO - Gitano is a MUST!! It is HOT! The Servers, bartenders, hosts, everything, and everyone is fire! It is set in the jungle side, on the beach road. It is a super trendy spot, but there are no rules! I admire that this locale equally caters to gypsies, influencers, celebrities, visitors, locals, and have nots! The rhythm, dining, music, and vibe somehow, always brings everyone together! Gitano offers a variety of traditional and fusion dishes! You cannot go wrong with any selection! If you are not hungry, and want to skip a meal, just order one of their signature cocktails drinks or sip on a Mezcal from their extended list. Make your reservations with plenty of time, otherwise, you may not get in, as it is jam-packed nightly, and for a good reason!

BATEY MOJITO BAR - Now, what if there was a place that specialized in Mojitos, offered nightly entertainment, and catered to the best-looking people all in one!!? Well, there is! It goes by Batey and it’s in the Pueblo (Tulum Town Center)! This artsy spot makes their Mojitos—to order—with freshly-pressed sugar cane juice out of the back of a multi-colored converted VW Beetle. It’s worth the IG pic! So, swing by and try one, two, or all of the Mojito flavors available! Apparently, they serve food too, but I’ve never tried it. LOL It is decently priced, per US standard. It is the best! And as they locally say: Good day, bad day, every day, BATEY!!

LAGUNA KAAN LUUM - I selfishly didn't want to share this location because I wanted to keep it a secret! This lagoon is a local hidden gem, and it is located less than 15min from Tulum town. For ONLY 50 pesos, you can enjoy the electrifying crystal-clear waters, use the IG props (hammock, swing, and nest) exfoliate your skin with the sand, and/or let the little fish nibble on your toes! Before you go, please note that reception is bad, so set your return into town accordingly BEFORE you arrive. Also, there are no lockers, the snack bar is not always open, and the bathrooms are in the mangroves. Nonetheless, it is worth the visit: it is relaxing, charming, inexpensive, and you can meet locals. Bring your ice chest, biodegrade sunscreen, and a trash bag! Occasionally, you might even see divers coming up from the Cenote (a natural water-filled sinkhole) that is in the middle of the lagoon.

POOK CHUUK BURGERS - Skip the tacos and eat the burgers!! Yes, I know! Who goes to Tulum to eat a burger? I do! And so should you, and here’s why!! I may get some backlash for saying this, but in MY OWN opinion, these burgers are better than the most famous and BEST Burgers in CA. And while I LOOOOVE those other Burgers, Pook Chuuk is on a different level– IYKYK! These Burgers are freshly made to order! They are so big, juicy, and tasty! Yuummmmmmmm!!! The chef/owner is so creative; he carefully and thoughtfully crafted several burgers to meet everyone’s needs! I recommend that you also try their oatmeal apple or Rosemary and Hibiscus (Jamaica) drink!! Trust me, you will thank me later!! Feel free to let them know that I raved about this place!

CARR. TULUM-BOCA PAILA - Ah, the beach road, my absolute FAVE and undoubtedly, the main reason why EVERYONE comes to Tulum! It is dreamy and fascinating lengthy, two-lane scenic road that divides the beach and the jungle. Surrounded, in full splendor, by rustic eco-chic and boutique hotels, over-priced shops, beautiful women, gorgeous men, beach clubs, scooters, taxis, cyclists, hippies, delicious restaurants, cenotes, and off course, many bars! Parking is scarce and traffic jams are the new norm, for no particular reason, so I suggest that you leave your heels at home and just walk, walk, and walk! You. WILL. fall. in. love with everything! Bring your mosquito repellant, some cash, and a full appetite, as many hotels will grant you access to their grounds and allow you to use their amenities, as long as you purchase a drink or order a meal! So, enjoy! Salud!!

DEL CIELO BISTRO - It is the best breakfast spot in Tulum! If you do not mind waiting and possibly sharing a table, and making new friends, then Del Cielo is for YOU! Del Cielo offers great, delicious, and healthy specialty dishes that are reasonably priced. Their menu consists of local nutritious ingredients, which are mostly organic and homemade (gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options are also available)! Their freshly pressed juices/smoothies, hydrating elixirs, but above all, their coffees are ahhhmazinggg!!!! They close early, so get there quick and take a seat—they will call you! You will not be disappointed!

BIKE RENTAL - If you wanna explore all of Tulum, but do not want to get swindled by outrages taxi fees and don’t mind a slight work-out, then rent a bike! Rentals run about $10 per day and they will take you everywhere—you will certainly navigate right by. There’s plenty of bike parking available; hence, I deeply encourage you to take a picture of your parked bike’s location, for easy identification, as it can be slightly overwhelming on the beach and near the Pueblo’s nightlife. Also, be sure to rent a bike with a basket (for your belongings) and with a front-facing light to illuminate the roads, as there are areas with limited, or no, streetlights. So, get peddling and be careful! **FYI There’s are currently no UBER services available in Tulum**

TULUM ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONE - It is a popular and touristy must-see attraction! The archaeological ruins of Tulum were built by the Mayans right on the coast, and with its beautiful picture-perfect views of the Caribbean, it is worth a visit! For 80 MXN pesos (**Foreign currency not accepted**) you can explore the grounds at your pace, or you can hire a local tour guide for a steep 600 MXN pesos—it’s totally up to you! Doors open at 9am, so get there early (or much later in the day) because the crowds can get hectic. The weather is HOT & HUMID, and the sun WILL drain you, so wear a hat, apply sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Also, make sure to bring a towel and swimsuit, as there is beach underneath the ruins. And don’t forget your selfie stick—they are welcome!