I just got back from Tulum, and wow, what a whirlwind that trip was. If you're ever on the lookout for the best things to do in Tulum, I can share some wild experiences—most of which I never saw coming.
This spot? Total surprise.
So, picture this: it's my first day, and I'm already a little flustered. I had this grand plan to hit all the popular beaches right away, but I ended up wandering down some random street. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much; it was just a typical, dusty road lined with palm trees that looked like they'd rather be swaying in a beach breeze than enduring my clumsy navigation.
But then, out of nowhere, I caught a glimpse of this little place called Chacabar, tucked away behind some foliage. It didn't even have a sign—just this funky vibe radiating from within. I walked in, and, I don't know, something felt right. The decor looked like a hippie's paradise, bright, colorful, and totally laid-back. I grabbed a chair made from reclaimed wood, and before I knew it, a plate of tacos al pastor arrived in front of me.
Wow. Just wow. The flavors danced together like they were in a salsa competition. Each bite was an explosion of juicy pork, spices, and those pineapple chunks that somehow turned everything into pure magic. I almost didn't want to leave, but the beach was calling, right?
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Then there was the whole afternoon at the beach that turned everything around for me. I was in a bit of a funk earlier that day, feeling overwhelmed by too many choices and people asking me what I wanted to do next. It was one of those "should I or shouldn't I?" moments. Do I really need to go to Tulum's main beach when I could just chill and sip on piña coladas back at my hotel? But something nudged me to at least see if it lived up to the hype.
I stopped by Playa Paraiso, and wow, if you want to feel like you've stepped into a postcard, this is it. The sand? White and fluffy like powdered sugar. The water? This brilliant turquoise that sparkled under the sun. I threw my towel down, and honestly, for a second, I just sat there and let the ocean breeze wash over me.
What made it even better? I met this group of travelers who were almost the opposite of me. They were adventurous but super chill. A couple of them were yoga enthusiasts, and they invited me to join their impromptu session right there on the sand. It felt absurd at first. I mean, me in a beach yoga session? But once I dipped my toes in the water and followed their lead, it turned out to be the most liberating experience ever.
Honestly, it shifted my entire mood. I remember laughing so hard at how serious I took my “zen.” It was perfect timing because just before that, I was on the verge of spiraling into one of those “what am I doing with my life” thoughts.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Speaking of spiraling, let me tell you—I took a wrong turn on my way to Cenote Gran Jaguar, one of those magical natural swimming holes. Instead of getting there directly, I somehow ended up at a local market. Like, who knew these places existed? It wasn't on my radar at all, but I decided to wander, partly out of curiosity and partly from my dreadful sense of direction. Something about getting lost can feel like a small adventure.
I stumbled upon this tiny shop that sold handmade soaps and oils, and I spent a good half-hour chatting with this woman who ran it. She didn't speak much English, but she was so warm and passionate about her craft. Her smile alone was contagious. She even handed me a lime-infused lip balm to try out, and I had to buy it. It smelled like summer, and honestly, who doesn't want their lips to smell like summer?
Eventually, I asked for directions, and she pointed me in the right direction, but I left feeling richer, not just in terms of experiences but also in warmth from her kindness. The mistake turned into a delightful detour that made my trek to the cenote even more meaningful.
When I finally arrived at Cenote Gran Jaguar, the experience was surreal. The sun filtered through the trees and created this magical glow on the water. I leaped off some rocks into the cool, refreshing water, and it felt like diving into tranquility. Floating there, I couldn't help but think about how detours can lead to unexpected treasure.
The meal that changed everything
And oh man, let's talk about food—specifically a dinner at Trattoria Romana Tulum that left a lasting impression. I had heard mixed reviews, but sometimes you just have to dive in and try things for yourself. I went there on a whim after talking to a couple of locals who said it served the best pasta in the area.
I decided to go for the seafood linguini, and wow! It was a bowl of flavor ranging from sweet to savory, with perfectly cooked pasta mingling with fresh shrimp and clams. It was one of those meals that, right when you think it can't get any better, it does. And do you know what topped it off? The complimentary limoncello they served. Talk about a perfect palate cleanser. I felt like I was indulging in Italy right there in Mexico.
I ended up chatting with the couple at the next table who shared their travel experiences, and we instantly connected—it felt like serendipity. By the end of the night, I found myself laughing and swapping stories under twinkling lights. In a way, that meal wasn't just about sustenance; it was about connecting with new friends and sharing a moment over fantastic food.
It's funny; the best things to do in Tulum weren't all planned. Some were spontaneous, others were mistakes turned magical. I found myself navigating through moments of doubt, surprise, and serendipity, which, in the end, made the trip unforgettable.
So as I sit here, sipping the remnants of my coffee, I'm still mulling over the experiences and the little twists that turned a simple vacation into something far more enriching. It's these messy, human moments that make travel memorable—almost like savoring the flavors of that delicious meal all over again.
