We flew directly from Toronto to Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport (TQO) in Tulum. It's a brand-new, eco-conscious airport that opened in 2023. When we arrived in late March, we were pleasantly surprised—no lines, smooth processing, and friendly staff. We were told January is the peak season, so March turned out to be the perfect time to visit.

✨ Travel Tip: Taxis in Tulum are notoriously expensive. Either negotiate your fare before the ride or, better yet, arrange a private driver through your hotel. Most drivers communicate via WhatsApp—Google Translate works great if there's a language barrier, and hotel staff are always happy to assist.

🛌 Staying at Kan Tulum — A Jungle Hideaway

We stayed at Kan Tulum, a boutique eco-hotel tucked into the jungle. The design is stunning—bamboo structures, lush palms, earthy textures—and the whole vibe is incredibly serene. Pro tip: Bring bug spray, it really helps! I only got four bites before I started applying 😂

We booked the Panoramic Suite, which came with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a private rooftop with a plunge pool and loungers. It was the perfect setup for a relaxing and stylish getaway.

✨ Travel Tip: Kan Tulum isn't all-inclusive, and the surrounding area is still developing. Plan to relax at the hotel or arrange targeted excursions—and budget for dining!

💧 Eco Hotel Realness: The water never got super hot—just warm showers. Do not flush toilet paper (common in eco-hotels). Use the bin provided. The vibe is like luxury glamping: stunning but rustic in some ways!

☕ On-Site Dining & Wellness

Even if you're not staying at Kan Tulum, definitely check out the restaurant! We tried nearly everything on the menu—starting with guac, tropical juices, and crispy potatoes right after check-in. The breakfasts were a highlight!

There's also a cenote-turned-bar—a super unique place to enjoy a cocktail. We took a morning yoga class for $25 USD and sipped cappuccinos in the sun every morning at the on-site café. Other wellness offerings like sound healing and Pilates are available for an extra fee.

📍 Day Trip 1: Tulum Beach Road (Zona Hotelera)

We spent a full day exploring Tulum Beach Road, known for its upscale boutiques, beach clubs, and photo-worthy landmarks.

🥥 Stop #1: Matcha Mam

This adorable café is iconic for a reason! With its tropical hut, rope swings, and fresh menu, it's a must-stop. Try the açai bowl, avocado toast, or matcha coffee.

Along the walk, we snapped pics at the "Follow That Dream" sign, browsed high-end boutiques, and admired handmade dresses, boho bags, and artisan jewelry.

Snack Tip:

Go Mart on Beach Road has every chip flavor imaginable! We picked up a few Mexican snacks for a fun poolside taste test. Top picks:

• Purple Runners (spicy!)
• Ruffles Queso 🧀

🌴 Stop #2: Libelula Tulum Beach Club

We reserved loungers through the hotel and walked through the Sian Ka'an Biosphere, spotting coatis (adorable raccoon-like animals) along the way along with fallen coconuts!

Libelula felt like a secluded oasis—just a few chairs, rustic tables, and a hidden bar surrounded by palms. While seaweed is common here, the soft sand and peaceful atmosphere made it feel like paradise.

Favorite meal: Veggie quesadilla 🌮 — one of my absolute favorites of the trip!

Beach Club Tips:

• Expect a minimum spend of $70–$100 USD
• Plan to eat, sip, and lounge for the day
• FYI: Tulum is on the east coast, so you won't get a sunset over the ocean—go for golden hour glow instead!

💵 Practical Tips for Tulum

• Cash is king: Our Canadian cards declined multiple times. Bring pesos (preferred) or USD as backup.
• Pre-book taxis: Especially at night, so you're not waiting around in the dark.
• Use WhatsApp to arrange rides and save your driver's number for the week!

🌊 Day Trip 2: Bagatelle Beach Club & Tacos Pappi

After a lazy morning and chip taste test at the hotel, we headed to Bagatelle Tulum, a glamorous beach club with hanging chandeliers, loud music, and a luxe pool vibe.

We split the Truffle Pizza (yes—it's $100!), which helped hit the expected spend alongside our drinks. Pricey, but delicious!

Later that night, we went for casual eats at Tacos Papi, where we tried their iconic fried tacos and creamy horchata.

Drink to try: Horchata—a cinnamon-sweet rice milk drink you'll want again and again!

✨ Missed Opportunity:

One of my only regrets? Not seeing the "Ven a la Luz" sculpture! It's literally right beside Bagatelle—an iconic 33-foot art piece of a woman opening her chest, representing the human connection to nature. If you're there… don't miss it like I did!

🏙️ Day Trip 3: Tulum Town (El Pueblo)

For authentic souvenirs and local shopping, head to Tulum Town. We started with coffee at Storyhorse and wandered the colorful streets full of:

• Pom-pom pillows & embroidered figurines
• Hand-painted ceramics
• Dreamcatchers & handmade jewelry
• Tequila sets (great gift—or pickup at airport if you don't want to put in checked-in bag)

Lunch Tip: Onyx Restaurant & Bar was a favorite—don't miss it & be sure to have shrimp tacos while in Mexico!

Vibe Check:

In town, shopkeepers are more eager (expect friendly persuasion). On Beach Road, it's more laid-back unless you strike up a convo.

⚠️ Safety Tip:

We walked back to our hotel from town, but I wouldn't recommend it solo. Even with Tyler, we were catcalled and saw heavily armed police. While Tulum feels safe overall, stick to tourist areas and take a cab at night for peace of mind.

🌅 Rooftop Vibes & Last Day Moments

We ended one evening at a local rooftop bar near Kan Tulum called Camaleon Tulum Rooftop Bar—way more affordable than the beach clubs and had cheesy nachos, cold drinks, and great ambiance.

Construction Note: Tulum is still growing, so you'll see lots of construction between luxury gyms, chic hotels, and jungle roads. It's up-and-coming in the best way!

Our final day was all pool dips, sunset swims, and capturing dreamy pics around the hotel. I even filmed an Island Girl-Inspired Makeup Look—linked here if you want to check it out!