What's Your Favorite?

[AdGuy]

Hey Gang,

I thought I'd get a "pulse" of the many Tulum lovers on the board. What are your favorite things when you're visiting this great area? Specifically, tell everyone your:

Favorite lunch spot
Favorite special dinner place
Favorite bar
Favorite excursion
Favorite beach locationI'll start this off...

Our favorite lunch spot is Bronco Pollo in town. You'll likely be the only tourist there. All the food two people can handle for under $5!!

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/DSCF1169.jpg

Favorite special dinner place...gotta be Posada Margherita (sorry...too busy eating the great food and enjoying the view to take a picture!!). It's pricey but if you're counting pennies that closely you should have vacationed at your neighborhood KOA!

Favorite bar, without a doubt, is the beach bar in front of Zazil Kin...

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/DSCF0963.jpg

Favorite excursion...definitely exploring all the great cenotes (like Gran Cenote)...

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/DSCF1178.jpg

Favorite beach location is anywhere in the Sian Ka'an with nobody near us!!

Okay, what about everyone else?

[firecop680]

How far is the Zazil Kin from Azulik? And, How far is Bronco Pollo from the azulik? Thanks!

[AdGuy]

Zazil Kin is on the north side of the beach hotels, near the ruins. It's probably 2 miles from Azulik. It's north of El Paraiso and south of El Mirador.
Bronco Pollo is in town on the same side of main street (Hwy 307) as Don Cafeto's. If you head south Don Cafeto's looks like this...http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/DSCF0995.jpg

Once you see Don Cafeto, you're very close. As mentioned, it's on the same side of the street, maybe another block to the south. As far as I know, they are only open for lunch. If they are open for dinner, I imagine it's for a very early one. Their sign looks like this...

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/ElPolloBronco-1.jpg


Not much atmosphere, but really good, fresh food at amazing prices. Also, they do not sell beer/wine but you can bring it with you...

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/DSCF1170.jpg


Enjoy! :)

[Jessie James]

We always stay at Zazil Kin and it's our favorite beach, beach bar, we never head into town untill night so always eat lunch there or Don Cafetos next door which are both just ok. One of my favorite meals for dinner in town was at an Italian place with this amazing seafood pasta dish with lots of octopus, squid and so forth, but I can't recall the name. I'm always grabbing tacos al pastor along the way as well. I love to eat hotdogs and hamberguisas from the carts that come out later in the evening as well.

[AdGuy]

We always stay at Zazil Kin and it's our favorite beach, beach bar, we never head into town untill night so always eat lunch there or Don Cafetos next door which are both just ok. One of my favorite meals for dinner in town was at an Italian place with this amazing seafood pasta dish with lots of octopus, squid and so forth, but I can't recall the name. I'm always grabbing tacos al pastor along the way as well. I love to eat hotdogs and hamberguisas from the carts that come out later in the evening as well.

Jessie,

Are you thinking of Il Giardino? It's at Satelite Avenue (about the first street as you come into town) and Sagitario Street (about two blocks west) in town. Tables are surrounded by stone carvings and tropical plants. Does that ring a bell?

[Vanessa]

Hi everybody!
My name's Vanessa, I fell in love with Tulum last summer. I didn't stay in Tulum (I stayed 6 weeks in PDC) but I went there quite often for cenote diving.
I hope to spend some weeks in Tulum next summer.:rolleyes:
My favourite....:
- breakfast/lunch/dinner place: Quino's (in front of the HSBC, in the same block of the Cenote Dive Center). Quino prepares gourmet crepes and sandwiches, excellent aguas de frutas and an incredible cappuccino (believe me, he makes the best cappuccino I've ever had abroad).
- hotel: Nero di Sole (cheap and convenient if you want to stay in Tulum pueblo)
- dive shop: Abyss and CDC, Nicola and her staff are great!
- bakery: there's a very good and cheap bakery near the CDC.

I've heard that Basilico makes a very good pizza but I didn't try it!
:) Sorry for the OT... but that's all I can say... ;)

[Juanito]

Molto grazie per l'informzione, Vanessa.

Per favore, perdone al mio italiano malissimo.

[Vanessa]

Molto grazie per l'informzione, Vanessa.

Per favore, perdone al mio italiano malissimo.

Hola Juanito! Your italian is very good! ;)

[Juanito]

Una della razone perche amo molto alla Riviera Maya e percche c'e molti europei e italiano la.

Ho bisogno di molto aiuto col mio italiano.

[TnTWalter]

Would love ideas for my trip...

Thanks.

[TheWindyCity]

Ahh Trish, just had to get my bud's goin', din-cha?
Well, on our last trip, I had to find the best Yucatan breakfast entree. Huevos Moltulenos. Originated in the Yucatecan town of Moltul. a town known for it's brickwork, these are refered to as "bricklayers" eggs, because of the construction of the dish. We visited 7 restaurants around Tulum, and I would say the best version was at La Pirimide, right at the intersection where the Coba road leads to Coba.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x216/TheWindyCity/IMGP1291.jpg

Huevos Moltulenos consists of a fried tortilla (tostada) with a layer of black beans, chihuahua cheese, a fried egg, ham, pigeon peas, red onion, sour crema, and cotija cheese. It is accompanied by fried plantains as a side, and a dish of Xni Pec salsa. Each restaurant will make it a little differently. Here is El Piramide's version:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x216/TheWindyCity/IMGP1282.jpg

Xni Pec is Mayan for "dogs nose", as the heat from the habanero pepper will make your nose wet, like a dog's:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x216/TheWindyCity/IMGP1284.jpg

So if you go to Coba, this dish will most definitely get you to the top of the tallest structure in the Yucatan:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x216/TheWindyCity/ChokMulAerialLarge.jpg

My second picks for the best Huevos Moltulenos are a tie. I really like the version at Don Cafetos (on the beach road):

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x216/TheWindyCity/IMGP1428.jpg

They also served a great side of pickled peppers and carrots, called escabeche, and Xni Pec salsa:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x216/TheWindyCity/IMGP1426.jpg

The version at Cabanas Copal was really good, and they serve fresh brewed coffee as well. You will find that a lot of places in the Yucatan serve instant coffee, which is a real shame, but they do. Copal had a great cup of coffee, and a great version of Huevos Moltulenos:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x216/TheWindyCity/IMGP0848.jpg

So there's my two cents....hope you get the chance to enjoy the local Mayan cuisine!

[mayaflya]

Ahh Trish, just had to get my bud's goin', din-cha?
Well, on our last trip, I had to find the best Yucatan breakfast entree. Huevos Moltulenos. Originated in the Yucatecan town of Moltul. a town known for it's brickwork, these are refered to as "bricklayers" eggs, because of the construction of the dish. We visited 7 restaurants around Tulum, and I would say the best version was at La Pirimide, right at the intersection where the Coba road leads to Coba.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x216/TheWindyCity/IMGP1291.jpg

Thanks Windy, we are planning a Coba visit in March, and I was just about to ask you where it was you had your top rated "Huevos". I remembered it was on your trip to the ruins, but did not find the restaurant listed on the Can-Do Coba map...What was your timing for the visit? When did you leave Tulum to make a breakfast stop and still hit Coba before the bus load rush?




So if you go to Coba, this dish will most definitely get you to the top of the tallest structure in the Yucatan:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x216/TheWindyCity/ChokMulAerialLarge.jpg

Man, that must be tall...even that big pyramid in the picture looks tiny from the top! ;-)

[TheWindyCity]

Thanks Windy, we are planning a Coba visit in March, and I was just about to ask you where it was you had your top rated "Huevos". I remembered it was on your trip to the ruins, but did not find the restaurant listed on the Can-Do Coba map...What was your timing for the visit? When did you leave Tulum to make a breakfast stop and still hit Coba before the bus load rush?
Man, that must be tall...even that big pyramid in the picture looks tiny from the top! ;-)

From the 307 intersection, about 45 minutes to an hour. The restauarant would be on the northeast corner of the tee at Coba. At the tee, if you turn left, you go to the parking lot of the ruins. If you turn right you head toward a hotel with "Beach Club" in the name, don't have the map with me to remember. But La Pirimide is right on that corner, on your right. We left our hotel by 7:00A.M. We watched a few busloads pass by whilst we were eating, but it wasn't too crowded once inside. Be sure to hire a guide ($25-$35). It's worth every penny. This site is more interesting to learn about the peaceful Maya than Tulum, in my opinion.
Once at the temple at the top, which was to honor the honeybee, you are still allowed to go inside. I see them shutting this down in the future, like they did at Chichen.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x216/TheWindyCity/IMGP1317.jpg

[TnTWalter]

Windy and AdGuy...I just love your pictures and details....really helpful!

Keep the lists coming....I know some of you are anti-list but hey this thread was started by Adguy.....

:eat-drink: I appreciate the help!!

[AdGuy]

Keep the lists coming....I know some of you are anti-list but hey this thread was started by Adguy.....


And with a name like AdGuy, it has to be good! Oh wait...that's Smuckers!

Seeing that I started this thread a while ago, I'd also add five more excursions and another dinner to the list...

1) Punta Laguna Monkey Reserve: Something you could easily do after Coba (it's within 30 minutes of the ruins) this is a must do for the nature lover that wants to venture into the jungles to see interesting plants, flowers, and (of course) primates...
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/December2006TulumPictureson16MB182.jpg

2) Sian Ka'an Canal Day Tour: This is an all-day commitment but well worth it. From 9A - 4P, you'll see/do/learn/experience more about the area than you'll ever imagine.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/December2006TulumPictureson16MB373.jpg

3) Muyil Ruins: About 20 minutes south of Tulum, you'll find a great set of ruins. And best of all...you'll likely be the only folks there!
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/December2006TulumPictureson16MB120.jpg

4) Cristal Cenote: On the way to Muyil, this cenote (and its sister "Escondido" across the highway) is an undiscovered treasure buried in the jungle...
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/December2006TulumPictureson16MB256.jpg

5) Ek Balam Ruins: By far the best ruins we've been to. Get a private guide for roughly 200 pesos (you'll likely have him for at least two hours) and explore this amazing site with incredible artwork and architecture...
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/December2006TulumPictureson16MB558.jpg

And special dinner honors to the most magical spot I've ever had dinner at while in Mexico...

6) Nacho's (now known as Mayan Grill): Read my December 2006 trip report for the complete skinny on our experience here. For the Cliff Notes version let me just say "fantastic location, wonderful food, and great service"...
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/December2006TulumPictureson16MB438.jpg

[cobeachgirl]

Hey AdGuy- is there a link to your Dec 06 trip report? I'm headed to Playa & Tulum in 2 days & would love to read about Mayan Grill. :)

[AdGuy]

Hey AdGuy- is there a link to your Dec 06 trip report? I'm headed to Playa & Tulum in 2 days & would love to read about Mayan Grill. :)


Here ya go...

Check out my four-part trip report, at:
Day 1 & 2: http://www.tulum.info/showthread.php?t=555 (http://www.tulum.info/showthread.php?t=555)
Day 3 & 4: http://www.tulum.info/showthread.php?t=561 (http://www.tulum.info/showthread.php?t=561)
Day 5 & 6:http://www.tulum.info/showthread.php?t=572 (http://www.tulum.info/showthread.php?t=572)
Day 7 & 8: http://www.tulum.info/showthread.php?t=586

[ab1]

http://tulum.info/images/icons/icon1.gif








2) Sian Ka'an Canal Day Tour: This is an all-day commitment but well worth it. From 9A - 4P, you'll see/do/learn/experience more about the area than you'll ever imagine.


If I may ask - who did you use for this tour? Just a local guide when you arrived at the Sian Ka'an?

Ideally I'll just rent a car for that day (maybe the next day too for Coba), and drive to Sian Ka'an.

[TheWindyCity]

http://tulum.info/images/icons/icon1.gif

If I may ask - who did you use for this tour? Just a local guide when you arrived at the Sian Ka'an?

Ideally I'll just rent a car for that day (maybe the next day too for Coba), and drive to Sian Ka'an.

If I may cut in in...you can arrange the tour yourself at http://www.siankaan.org/
They will pick you up at your hotel in a van, and drop you back off. Lunch and refreshments are included in the tour. The cost will be double if you let the hotel arrange it. You can arrange it over the internet yourself before you leave. You just have to provide the hotel name and phone number.

[ab1]

Thank you

This looks fantastic. Going to make a reservation for this weekend/next week if they have openings.

[TheWindyCity]

Hey...welcome to the board...Cubs or Sox???

[ab1]

SOX

Pitchers and Catchers warming up in AZ as we type!

[TheWindyCity]

Well, at least you have good taste in vacation spots! :beerchug:

http://re3.yt-thm-a02.yimg.com/image/25/m8/4193004620 (http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fs earch%2Fimages%3F_adv_prop%3Dimage%26fr%3Dush1-mail%26va%3Dchicago%2Bcubs%2Blogo%26sz%3Dall&w=160&h=160&imgurl=ultimateyankees.com%2FChicago%2520Cubs%2520 Logo%25202.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fultimateyankees.com%2FWrigleyFie ldRoadTRip.htm&size=7.4kB&name=Chicago+Cubs+Logo+2.jpg&p=chicago+cubs+logo&type=jpeg&no=11&tt=879&oid=10b87653a6ed5156&ei=ISO-8859-1)

[AdGuy]

If I may cut in in...you can arrange the tour yourself at http://www.siankaan.org/ (http://www.tulum.info/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.siankaan.org%2 F)
They will pick you up at your hotel in a van, and drop you back off. Lunch and refreshments are included in the tour. The cost will be double if you let the hotel arrange it. You can arrange it over the internet yourself before you leave. You just have to provide the hotel name and phone number.


Thanks TWC for pinch hitting while I took a break...you're dead on. http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_8_19.gif (http://www.tulum.info/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smileycentral. com%2F%3Fpartner%3DZSzeb001_ZNxmk762YYUS)

[cobeachgirl]

I'm getting baseball fever now! Thanks for the links to your TRs AdGuy!

[DougSR]

I'm getting baseball fever now! Thanks for the links to your TRs AdGuy!

Nooo! The Mavericks just got Jason Kidd today. More hoops, then baseball.

[AdGuy]

Nooo! The Mavericks just got Jason Kidd today. More hoops, then baseball.


Sorry Doug...no stopping it now. Spring Training starts in the Sunshine State next week!! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_7_3.gif (http://www.tulum.info/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smileycentral. com%2F%3Fpartner%3DZSzeb001_ZNxmk762YYUS)

[TnTWalter]

That would be great!

[rtd1030]

Favorite Website: This one - I sure wish I had found it before my trip!

Favorite Lunch: Que Fresco at Zamas - Fresh healthy food, my chicken tacos were great. Beautiful view by the Sea.

Mariachis Resaurant- across from the Supermarket in town we had an amazing dish with a combination all kinds of meats. It had incredible flavor and was listed in the house special section of the menu.

Favorite Dinner: Don Diego de la Selva- Just past town, after divided highway ends, look for sign to turn right. You can eat dinner even if not staying here. The guys are from France! Gourmet dining with a Mayan twist, reasonable prices and romantic setting. They were serving dinner every night but Wednesday and no reservations needed

Il Giordino- Incredible romantic Italian restaurant. The directions are posted above, and I did see the pasta dish they mention on the menu so this is the same place. I had scallopini (I meant to get the sea scallops) but it was great and my husbands lobster spaghetti was really good too. The tiramisu was to die for!

Favorite Place to Stay: Don Diego De la Selva- A resort feeling at a 2* price! Great swimming pool, lovely rooms w ac, thick towels, skylights in the shower, fantastic breakfast. Only 10 rooms so lots of privacy, friendly tri-lingual service. They provide free fillups on bottled water and snorkeling gear. Personable hosts and nice bar and music in evening with fantastic restaurant too. They rent bikes, but you really need a car to stay here.

Favorite Car Rental: Thrifty -They didnt expect more gas than they gave us like some that I have read and were friendly and helpful.

Favorite (least expensive) Souveniers: Parking Lot at Ek Balam (well worth the visit!), much better prices than Chichen Itza on leather sandals, silver, carvings, but I don't think they had Tshirts here.

Favorite Tip: To park on the beach rd at Tulum Ruins to avoid the long walk from the parking lot.

Favorite Stretch of Beach: By Mezzanine

[kcaraco]

Hey Gang,

Our favorite lunch spot is Bronco Pollo in town. You'll likely be the only tourist there. All the food two people can handle for under $5!!

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/DSCF1169.jpg

Okay, what about everyone else?

Stop!! You're making my mouth water for that chicken and tortillas!

[Hammock Girl]

here are mine (of course my experience is limited since i´m still here on my very first trip to the area so i can really only speak of individual meals/excursions):

Favorite lunch spot - on the beach: Mayan Grill - best grilled shrimp tacos i´ve ever had! in town, loved the pizza at Nero di sole (the Pizza Neus with marinated artichokes and shrimp = yum) and the chips/guacamole w/ceviche at Las Ranitas. i think they MUST put crack in that guac because i had it several times during my stay:)
Favorite special dinner place - grilled grouper at La Zebra! great great atmosphere and mojitos too. i want the music they played there! nice mix of loungey/exotica/salsa
Favorite bar - La Zebra in Tulum, La Buena Vida in Akumal - spent the 4th there and was surprised to see so many Americans. they decorated it with red white & blue too
Favorite excursion - i have TWO: 1) EDVENTURE TOURS (more about it in my trip report). their tagline `the best day of your vacation`is absolutely spot on! tour guide Judith is one of the most intriguing and fun people i´ve ever met anywhere. it was just her and i and she made me feel like i was hanging out with an old friend, not on an impersonal tour; and 2) Discover Scuba at Casa Cenote with Rob from CDC - i freaked out at first but he was very very patient with me. once i relaxed and realized he wasn´t going to let me drown it was INCREDIBLE. can´t wait to do my open water certification when i get back to LA!!
Favorite beach location - right in front of Las Ranitas! I loved being able to roll out of bed at sunrise and jump right into the ocean! also loved the Akumal bay in front of Lol-ha (omg, great food there)

[AdGuy]

Discover Scuba at Casa Cenote with Rob from CDC - i freaked out at first but he was very very patient with me. once i relaxed and realized he wasn´t going to let me drown it was INCREDIBLE. can´t wait to do my open water certification when i get back to LA!!


Glad to hear we have another scuba convert!! And, thanks for the "on-the-scene" report...it sounds like you're having a blast!!

How about you others recently back who've not yet contributed to this post (it was buried). What are your favorites???

[DougSR]

Favorite bar - La Zebra in Tulum, La Buena Vida in Akumal - spent the 4th there and was surprised to see so many Americans. they decorated it with red white & blue too

Great choices. I second both of those. La Z's prices are steep but I guess they gotta pay for the fancy sugar cane crusher somehow. La Buena Vida was my favorite bar in Akumal but the food was just ok.

[Hammock Girl]

Glad to hear we have another scuba convert!! And, thanks for the "on-the-scene" report...it sounds like you're having a blast!!



Oh yeah, i´m definitely a convert. i actually wanted to do the pool-coursework at home then do referral dives in mexico but didn´t have time so my LDS suggested discover scuba. i felt stupid for freaking out but i guess that´s a normal first reaction (or maybe Rob was just being nice). for a first dive, casa cenote was just perfect, not too overwhelming. i´m glad i didn´t do it in the ocean right off the bat. i can´t wait to come back fully certified so i can do the bigger cenotes like dos ojos and gran cenote, and of course the Caribbean!!

[irishgirl]

Just returned from first trip so my choices are a little limited but here it goes:

Best Breakfast: Don Cafeto's in the Pueblo. Great food, good coffee, fantastic service and fun to sit and "people watch". Also, they are one of the few places that we found that actually open before ocho:).

Favorite Special Dinner Place: LVB - their pasta was fantastic!! Also loved La Zebra. We ate there twice and both times we had great meals. We loved the atmosphere here.

Favorite Bar: La Zebra. We loved the atmosphere and the music. Have to admit though that our favorite "bar" was the front deck of our cabana with a cooler full of cold cervesas!

Favorite Excursion: Hands down the Tulum Ruins. The views of the beach are just breathtaking and their quite small and you have a breeze so not so hot. I could go back there over and over just to see that view!

Favorite Beach Location: The beach in front of our cabana at Tierra Del Sol, without a doubt.

[ChillyMutt]

Is El Pollo bronco still open? Still good? (review from 2006)

[minniemex]

Still open, still excellent!!

[ChillyMutt]

Oh yea .... :D I'm so there