# 1  Cenotes are a must

Hit up as many cenotes as you can. They are a beautiful part of Tulum’s magic and are everywhere. Our favourite was Dos Ojos as it is made up of an underground network of caves filled with bats, startling coloured fish and deep underwater tunnels which you can also scuba dive in if you feel brave enough. If a clear head prevails, try and get there for 9am as it will mean you will have far less snorkels and flippers churning up the water around you. Swimming in a body of glowing water in a cave is best enjoyed in peace.

# 2  Tubo Hostel – perfectly close to everything

Staying in our serene little tube, perfectly located between the beach and the town, was the perfect way to spend time in this fascinating part of the world. The ladies running the hotel were lovely, there was a kitchen available, supermarket across the road and the best icecream truck I have ever been privy too, a couple of minutes away. With a couple of pet dogs and bikes available for hire thrown in the mix, we were in heaven. The tube was around $35 USD a night but well worth the slightly over budg price.

# 3  Buena Estrella – best ice cream in town

This brings me to my next wonderful recommendation – Buena Estrella. If this transported to Perth’s sunny west coast highway along the beach front it would absolutely pop off! The slow talking Mexican will yarn away while he mixes any three ingredients you choose from his board, together with coconut milk. You HAVE to try avocado, cacao and Nutella. I don’t even have words to describe the decadently creamy deliciousness that seduced my tastebuds that day.

# 4  Where to go for Yoga – Tribal Yoga School

Also next door to the Tube Hostel is the fabulous Tribal Yoga School (which also offers short term stay apartments). We frequently visited the morning classes which range in style, instructor and pace. The yoga room looks out to a canopy of tree tops and picturesque blue skies, and the teachers all speak English. If you are there for a longer period of time you can purchase a card of 5 lessons for a cheaper price.

# 5  Best tacos in town – Antojitos La Chiapaneca & La Euphemia

I can’t choose between these two taco eateries because you have to visit both! Antojitos La Chiapaneca is a local secret, which isn’t so secret anymore. Located in town, this sweaty hot box restaurant offers the cheapest rate around – one taco will set you back about 70c. People move quickly in and out of here because it is a million degrees inside but worth every bead of sweat. The food is great and atmosphere even greater!

The second taco heaven – La Euphemia – is positioned right on the beach where you will be served fish tacos and guac whilst sunning yourself on mattresses on the sand. From lunch time onward, this quirky beachfront restaurant instantly ticks all boxes with its chilled vibe, great tunes, lazy patrons and comfy nooks and crannies. Stretch out on a bed, pull your sombrero over your head and truly slip into Mexican time.

# 6  Affordable beach bar – Coco’s

One of the most instagrammed shots of Tulum is at Coco’s. It was the stalking of these photos that I based my interpertion of what Tulum would be like. Certainly, the beach side lives up to these ultra-suave snapshots and Coco’s is definitely worth visiting. It is one of the more economico beachfront bars and the only way you can swim in the picture-perfect beach in front of it. The swinging chairs, white decor, shell shower and ocean views are definitely worth the gram!

# 7  Live music – Batey

Downtown, a rustic, art covered mojito bar is easily recognised by the VW Beatle-converted-bar parked out the front. Batey offers a down-to-earth, inexpensive night out with their famous mojitos prices starting at around 100 pesos. Ranging from the classic style, to wild local fruits, to weird and wonderful combinations; this place needs to be added to your list. Along with fantastically priced drinks, the Italian style share plates on offer will perfectly compliment your evening of live music, relaxed feels and around midnight – a dance if you dare. If you are looking to kick on, head to Santinos afterward for classic 90’s hits and a highly overcrowded dance floor. It’s fun!

# 8  Vegetarian eats – Raw Love & Co Con Amor

For lovers of beautifully arranged, colourful superfoods, there are two vegetarian eateries which you will absolutely cream yourself over. The first is Raw Love, hidden within the grounds of Ahau Tulum. Set between the beach and the jungle, this hammock-slinging, sand covered, palm tree shadowed cafe is exactly the type of setting you want to be eating your brightly decorated acai bowl in. With a menu sitting delicately between breakfast and dessert, this is a feast for the senses you do not want to miss out on.

The second, less-hyped gem I am a little hesitant to share, is Co Con Amor. We were lucky enough to stumble upon the narrow little entry which led us into the boho garden of this beautiful space. Vintage couches, graffiti art, festoon lighting and a scrumptious menu was enough to keep us bunkered down here for a good part of each day. We found the tranquil setting and life-altering quinoa salads especially good for hangovers.

# 9  Shuttle Buses are great transport options

There are ongoing shuttle buses which run through town to cenotes, beaches, and other areas in the outskirts of Tulum. We learnt about these far too late, but they offer such an easy way to get around. Most shuttles stop at designated bus stops but they are also really easy to flag down, and charge about 30 pesos one way. Make sure you can offer them the right amount of change. As well as being consistent, they are an authentic way to travel as many locals use as their main mode of transport.

Where we stayed: Tubo Hostel (address: Evendia Coba, Tulum) & Mama’s Hostel (address: Calle Orion SN Entre Venus y Sol Oriente, Centro Tulum)