Just returned

[cici]

Well, back to reality yesterday in cold snowy Ohio. We love Tulum Pueblo. The most friendly, charming town I have been in yet. We stayed at Sunscape Tulum for the second time and enjoyed it as much as the last time. There is so much to do down in this area. People always say that Tulum is too far. I always wonder... too far from what? The ruins at Tulum, Coba are there. Some of the best snorkeling reefs, cenotes, beaches are there. We shopped, had wonderful food at several restaurants, and went out at night. Don't get me wrong, I love Playa, but sometimes it is just to busy for me. Too much pressure from shop keepers and tour people on the streets and in the stores. The friendly mellow people in Tulum are so laid back. I paid half as much for items than what they wanted in Playa. I got good deals on booze, T shirts, silver, hammocks, decorative plates, that were all Christmas presents. We went to Xel-ha and it wasn't busy as they had only been open for a week. I had always avoided places like those as I hate tourist traps, but it was very fun. I felt safe walking the street with my girlfriend at 1am. Never a hassle. The Taxi's are inexpensive if you do go from the beach to the town. Collectivo's also, if you go North to south on the main road. Don Cafetos had awesome lobster. We had pizza at one of the shops and it was sooooo good. South end of town, west side of the street. I forget the name, sorry. We went to the ruins one day and walked south and hit some of the beach bars. It was so relaxing. No boats tied on the beach obstructing your view of the ocean, there weren't 100's of people in beach chairs all crammed together. It was fantastic!!!! I am hesitant to tell how nice it is there, as I want to keep it a secret, so as not to ruin it by too many touristas. :p

[Ginger]

Glad to hear you had a great time! Thanks for posting about it.

[caramba]

Glad to hear you had a good trip, Cindy, and it was great to see you.
We went to Tulum a couple of times this trip and you are right about how peaceful it is there.

[kokonut]

Sounds Great. Do you have pics to share? We are heading to Playa
Dec 26 - Jan 4. We plan to spend a day in Akumal and one in Tulum. We are going to jump in a taxi early in the morning and head to the Ruins and then enjoy the beaches and beach bars in that area the rest of the day. Would like to have some great fresh ceviche and lobster.

What do you recommend when we are finished at the Ruins? Walk down the beach? Taxi to Tulum town? We have no idea what to expect and if everything is within walking distance. We are very Laid back people as well and are a little worried about staying in Playa due to the crowds. We are excited though.

Any info you could provide to us on this area as far as the perfect day would be great. We love a small cool beach bar with great drinks and good food. Great view,etc...

Thx :cool:
Kokonut

[cici]

I think you will love Tulum. The collectivo is cheaper, though. That is the way I would go. Just as fast and soooo much cheaper. If you stay late in Tulum, you could take a taxi back to Playa, as the collectivo's are not available late. As you walk out of the ruins, go south on the dirt road and there are some wonderful beach bars. We hit about 4 of them. The view of the ocean is so beautiful down there. I would take a taxi to the town from the beach, though. It is way too far to walk. Tulum is a wonderful place to shop. No pressure. The people are very kind. I do have pics, yet due to Christmas pressures, they are still on my memory card in my camera. Sorry! Have fun. I am missing Tulum.

[kokonut]

CICI

Thx for the info. How long of a ride was it both by bus and taxi? From the ruins, did you walk to the beach bars or taxi to them? Can you walk to Zamas and the El P beach club on the beach from the ruins?

Best place for lunch, Zamas or EL P BEACH CLUB? Ceviche and other seafood?

Thx:cool:

kokonut

[JimmyMN]

Thx for the info. How long of a ride was it both by bus and taxi? From the ruins, did you walk to the beach bars or taxi to them? Can you walk to Zamas and the El P beach club on the beach from the ruins?

Best place for lunch, Zamas or EL P BEACH CLUB? Ceviche and other seafood?

As you exit the Tulum Ruins, follow the roadway immediately to your left which parallels the ocean. It's about a mile walk down to El Mirador's bar/restaurant entrance (big sign at the entrance). Follow the driveway in, have a cold beverage and enjoy their beautiful cliff-side view. When you've finished absorbing the fantastic scenery, just follow the steps down to the beach. The beach stretches southward for about two miles and ends at Diamante-K or Nachos Latitude 20, where you're forced back out to the roadway due to the rugged coastline. From there, you can easily catch a taxi to Zamas (about $3) which is several miles south.

If you're looking for good food along that 2-mile stretch south of the ruins, you're best bet is at Mar Caribe which is about a half mile north of El Paraiso's beach club. The restaurant there is run by Don Cafeto, a popular restaurant in Tulum Pueblo. The restaurant is set back from the beach a few hundred yards but they do have a little beach hut that sells cold beer and beverages.

The view at El Paraiso Beach Club is fabulous and a terrific place to rent a lounger or hang at the bar. The food is adequate but there's nothing overly enticing on the bar-food menu. You could also travel to the next place south (La Vita e Bella) which has a nice indoor restaurant or even further south to Mezzanine (up on the cliff) which serves up Thai and other specialties. Mezzanine is quite polished and comparatively expensive.

I have a tendency to patronize Nacho's Latitude-20, a holdover from Gringo Daves (now closed). Diamante-K also offers some pretty decent food which you could enjoy on a very private secluded beach. If you need wine to make your day, they also have a fairly nice selection.

Jimmy