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Los Cabos Hotels

MexicoLos Cabos › Best Hotels
Updated: February 20, 2024

My Favorite Hotels in Cabo
• Cabo San Lucas: HaciendaCasa Dorada
• San Jose del Cabo: ViceroyCabo Surf
• Corridor: Esperanza
• For families: Casa DoradaCabo Surf
• For couples: Esperanza

Beach resorts in Cabo San Lucas.

The wonderful Hacienda Beach Club & Residences and Casa Dorada Resort & Spa in Cabo San Lucas.

Hotels in Cabo Area

  • I love the Cabo area. When visiting I usually split my time between the beaches near Cabo San Lucas and the downtown area of trendy San Jose del Cabo.
  • Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas: Hacienda Beach Club & ResidencesCasa Dorada Resort & SpaVilla La EstanciaBahia Hotel & Beach HouseSandos FinisterraMontecristo VillasPueblo Bonito PacificaPueblo Bonito Sunset Beach
  • Best Hotel for Families in Cabo San Lucas: Casa Dorada
  • Best Hotel for Couples in Cabo Area: Esperanza Resort (Corridor)
  • Los Cabos means “the capes,” and is made up of two towns, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, along with the coral reef marine park, Cabo Pulmo. Most of the hotels and attractions are in Cabo San Lucas, San Jose, and the Corridor (the stretch of Highway 1 linking the two towns). Cabo and San Jose are close in distance, about 30 km apart, but each town has its own distinct feel. Cabo is the livelier town, known for its nightlife, while San Jose is a more tranquil area, known for its Arts District. The Corridor is home to several golf courses and many of the area’s swimmable beaches.
  • The Cabo area can be divided into 4 distinct areas: Cabo San Lucas (beaches and nightlife) • San Jose del Cabo (famous art district) • San Jose Puerto Los Cabos (private and tranquil with the only swimmable beach in San Jose) • The Corridor (golf, surfing, snorkeling)
  • Best Resorts in Cabo: Esperanza Resort (most romantic and best spa) • Cabo Surf Hotel (best family boutique) • Hilton Beach & Golf Resort (best family resort).
  • Los Cabos is known for beautiful beaches, all of which are public, but few of which are swimmable due to a dangerous undertow. Those beaches that are swimmable also have some of the best snorkeling in the world; Jacques Cousteau has called the Sea of Cortez “The Aquarium of the World”. The best beaches for swimming or snorkeling are: Medano Beach, Playa Empacadora, and Lovers & Divorce Beaches in Cabo; La Playita in San Jose; and Chileno Bay, Playa Monumentos, Old Man’s Beach (aka Playa Acupulquito), Tequila Cove, Santa Maria Beach, and Palmilla Beach in the Corridor.
  • Taxis are expensive in Los Cabos, costing around $50USD one-way from the airport to the hotels. Round trip fare from Cabo to San Jose is usually between $80 and $100USD. Car rentals are fairly cheap here, while tours and some hotels offer their own transportation.
  • Pay in pesos whenever possible. Many hotels, restaurants, and tour operators accept payment in U.S. dollars. However, travelers will almost always overpay if using dollars, as the exchange rate for tourists favors the peso.
Best hotel in Los Cabos.

The Esperanza hotel on the Cabo Corridor.

The 18 Best Hotels in Los Cabos

1. Hacienda Beach Club & Residences – Cabo San Lucas

Best beach hotel in Cabo San Lucas.
Awesome location on Medano Beach and a short walk to downtown Cabo San Lucas. Two heated pools, three hot tubs, top notch fitness center, spa, pool bar, and one of the best restaurants in town. One-bedroom units are great for couples. Two and three-bedroom apartments are great for families. This is a fantastic place to stay.
Hotel phone: +52 624 163 3100
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2. Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa – Cabo San Lucas

Best hotel pool in Cabo San Lucas.
On the beach just down from the Hacienda is the four-star Casa Dorada. Not quite as lux but still a super hotel and one of my favorites. Great value with a gorgeous beachfront pool. Swimming on the beach is wonderful and town is an easy walk along the sand or through the backstreets. One and two-bedroom suites are available.
Hotel phone: +52 624 163 5700
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3. Esperanza – Corridor, Cabo del Sol

Best 5-star resort in Los Cabo.
Romantic, ocean view suites front a virgin beach in this luxury, boutique resort. Their award-winning spa features hand-made, indigenous treatments and is complemented by cascading infinity pools and a beachfront whirlpool. Breezy casitas, suites, and villas all feature local, artisanal furnishings, hammocks, and soaking tubs. Along with plenty of adults-only spaces (it’s a great honeymoon resort), amenities for children here include a kids’ club with cooking classes, mini-golf, and games. Though the beach here is rocky, the resort is only a short drive to several sandy, swimmable beaches. Located southeast of the Cabo del Sol complex in the Corridor.
Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6400
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4. Viceroy Los Cabos – San Jose, Hotel Zone

Best 5-star hotel in Los Cabos.
The most visually striking hotel in Los Cabos, the Viceroy’s architecture resembles a futuristic pueblo on a gorgeous golden sand beach. Its interior courtyard paths are set amid reflecting pools, meeting up at a pod-like restaurant designed like an inverted bird nest, before continuing on toward a chic swimming pool and further to the beach club. Rooms are spacious with minimalist décor, electronic lighting, and shades, and all feature large terraces with oversized soaking tubs, daybeds, and a breakfast table. Dining is remarkable here, with organic produce and local seafood served daily in Nido (the bird nest) and Casero, their contemporary Mexican fine dining restaurant. Their spa offers massage and body treatments with a special focus on aromatherapy and music. Located in the San Jose Hotel Zone, a fifteen-minute bike ride (complimentary bikes) or short taxi to the Downtown Art District.
Hotel phone: +52 624 104 9999
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5. Cabo Surf Hotel – Corridor, Palmilla

Beach hotel for couples in Los Cabos.
This upscale yet casual, family-friendly boutique sits on a long, sandy beach in a cove with the best surf break in Los Cabos. Ideal for families, the hotel offers connecting rooms, and the largest suite has three bedrooms and a full kitchen. The attached surf school offers classes for ages six and up; peak surf lasts from March through November, but there are gentle waves all year long for beginning surfers or swimmers. With a cozy spa, all-day dining, two pools and two hot tubs, there is something for everyone here. Located on Old Man’s Beach in the Corridor, just north of Palmilla Beach, about five minutes’ drive to dining, shopping, and art in downtown San Jose.
Hotel phone: +52 624 142 2666
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6. Marquis Los Cabos – Corridor, Tequila Cove

Great beach resort in Cabo area.
This five-star resort, a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World consortium, is one of the few adults-only, all-inclusive properties in Los Cabos. All suites offer sweeping ocean views, Jacuzzi tubs, and private balconies; master suites and casitas include private pools, some with rooftop terraces and gardens. Superb restaurants feature local, seasonal menus in a variety of cuisines, including French, pan-Asian, and Baja, alongside local tequilas and artful cocktails. Three divine pools, a holistic spa, and direct beach access ensure an unparalleled guest experience. Located in the Corridor on Tequila Cove, a short walk to a calmer beach, and near golf courses.
Hotel phone: +52 624 144 2000
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7. Hotel El Ganzo – San Jose, Puerto Los Cabos

Boutique beach hotel in San Jose del Cabo.
Stylish, adults-only boutique with a rooftop pool, glass Jacuzzi, and a private beach club accessed by boat. With picturesque views of the marina and Sea of Cortez, along with chic décor, original murals, and live music by visiting artists and musicians-in-residence, El Ganzo offers a creative alternative to the usual beach getaway. Exceptional restaurants and bars feature ingredients grown onsite in the hotel’s culinary garden. Local elements feature heavily in their spa menu, with Baja flowers, mezcal, and agave incorporated into traditions from Bali, India, and Thailand. Located in Puerto Los Cabos near the San Jose Estuary, a fifteen-minute ride on one of their loaner bikes to the downtown arts district.
Hotel phone: +52 624 104 9000
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8. The Cape – Corridor, Cabo Bello

Boutique beach hotel near Cabo San Lucas.
Mexico Moderno architecture lends an urban vibe to this intimate hotel, featuring an infinity pool, saltwater pool, and Cabo San Lucas’ only rooftop lounge. Contemporary rooms all boast views of the ocean and El Arco, along with copper soaking tubs and craft cocktail bars. Spacious one- to three-bedroom villas add full kitchens, while penthouse villas include private, rooftop plunge pools. Its spa is carved into the stone cliffs with a signature massage matching the sound and intensity of the ocean waves in real time. Fantastic dining options include Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) and Baja-American cuisine, as well as poolside and beachfront bar service. Located in Cabo Bello on Monuments Beach, a popular surf break in the Corridor, just fifteen minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas.
Hotel phone: +52 624 163 0000
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9. Montecristo Villas – Cabo San Lucas, Sunset Beach

Villa with pool in Los Cabos area.
A collection of spacious villas, each with its own private pool and hot tub, in a gated community overlooking the Sea of Cortez and Sunset Beach. Elegantly appointed units all have three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a full kitchen, two living rooms, and sleep up to ten people. Butler service and grocery shopping service are both complimentary. The common area features a free form infinity pool, tranquil spa, and a sports bar. Rates include shuttle service to Quivira Golf Club and all sister properties, offering access to twenty more restaurants and a private area on Sunset Beach. Located in the hills just above Downtown Cabo San Lucas.
Hotel phone: +52 624 142 9971
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10. Hilton Beach & Golf Resort – Corridor, Tequila Cove

Beach resort in Cabo.
A contemporary, family-centric resort, the Hilton offers exceptional pools, rooms, and plenty of activities for kids, families, and adults. The kids’ club for ages 4-12 hosts piñata parties and Mexican craft activities, while adults can take up mixology and cooking classes. Two fantastic, 24-hour pools overlook the only swimmable beach in the area; swim-up bars in the pools, swing bar on the beach. Rooms are spacious, beginning at 50 square meters, all with private balconies and some with outdoor Jacuzzis. Located in the Corridor next to Tequila Cove, exactly in between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose.
Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6500
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11. Hyatt Ziva – San Jose, Hotel Zone

4-star beach resort in Los Cabos.
Luxury all-inclusive resort with four pools surrounded by shady cabanas, a kids’ splash playground, a teen game room, and nightly entertainment. Spacious rooms and suites all include a private balcony or terrace; connecting, swim up, or club level options available, the latter with access to an exclusive lounge and upgraded room amenities. Sixteen unique restaurants and bars offer flavors from around the world, including Mexican, French, and Japanese, along with a tequila bar and 24-hour cantina. Its Zen Spa features peaceful massage palapas surrounded by water. Located in the San Jose Hotel Zone, near an amazing swimming beach, Palmilla.
Hotel phone: +52 624 163 7730
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12. Grand Fiesta Americana – Corridor, Cabo del Sol

Cabo San Lucas beach resort.
Family-friendly, all-inclusive resort, boasting six pools, four whirlpools, and fifteen bars and restaurants; truly something for everyone! Its unique spa specializes in “vinotherapy,” wine-based massage and therapeutic treatments. The resort offers a variety of rooms and suites, all with balconies, and some with private pools or gardens. Direct beach access fronted by a reef makes this an ideal spot for snorkeling. The Grand Fiesta sits in the Corridor, right next to the Cabo del Sol Ocean and Desert golf courses.
Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6200
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13. Hacienda del Mar – Corridor, Cabo del Sol

Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar in Corridor, Cabo del Sol
Elegant colonial-style resort with five pools, located between two golf courses in the Cabo del Sol complex. Its “Old Mexico” vibe is its most distinctive attribute, with ornamental cupolas, Catholic artwork, antique gold, red tile roof, and hand-painted tiles. Enormous suites from one to four bedrooms and two floors can sleep up to ten. Their amazing kids’ club features time in the kids’ pool with waterfalls and slides, Spanish lessons, and even camping. Spa days and romantic dining round out the experience.
Hotel phone: +52 624 145 8000
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14. Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Cabo San Lucas, Sunset Beach

Beach hotel with pool.
Exquisite adults-only, all-inclusive resort with two dazzling pools, an award-winning spa, and a private golf course. Sophisticated rooms and suites all include private terraces, some with personal plunge pools. Tower rooms and suites add 24-hour butler service, upgraded amenities, and access to an exclusive lounge. Sumptuous dining here focuses on contemporary Baja flavors using local, organic produce, fresh seafood, and fine meat cuts. The Pacifica’s design and style celebrate its desert surroundings with sand-colored buildings, cactus gardens, and raked sand landscaping. Located on Sunset Beach on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas, about ten minutes’ drive to the marina and downtown nightlife.
Hotel phone: +52 624 142 9696
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15. Bahia Hotel & Beach House – Cabo San Lucas, Downtown

Downtown Cabo San Lucas hotel near restaurants and nightlife.
Fashionable boutique hotel with a free-form pool and beach club on the edge of downtown Cabo San Lucas. This chic hotel is home to two of the top restaurants in Cabo San Lucas: Bar Esquina, known for its seasonal Mexican-Mediterranean menus, and SUR Beach House, with its craft cocktails and Asian-Peruvian-Mexican flavor fusions. Newly renovated rooms feature modern Mexican décor with rich woods, tree stump tables, and lots of natural light. Bahia Hotel is only one block from Medano Beach and walking distance to nearly every bar and restaurant in town.
Hotel phone: +52 624 143 1890
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16. Casa Natalia – San Jose, Downtown

Best hotel in downtown San Jose del Cabo.
This sunny boutique hotel with creative flair and a fountain-fed pool is home to one of the city’s best restaurants, Mi Cocina. Casa Natalia embodies the artistic vibe of San Jose, with colorful rooms featuring Mexican textiles, original artworks, and bold accent walls and furnishings. All rooms feature bright terraces with hammocks, while spa suites add outdoor whirlpools. Superior suites and above include complimentary, private breakfast delivered to your terrace. Complimentary transfer to the Beach Club at El Ganzo. Located in Downtown San Jose on the main square, walking distance to the town’s famous Art Walk, historic church, and restaurants.
Hotel phone: +52 624 146 7101
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17. Villa La Estancia – Cabo San Lucas, Downtown

Cabo San Lucas hotel with view.
Gorgeous resort on sandy, swimmable Medano Beach, with cascading, sea-facing pools and five Jacuzzis. This hacienda-style resort with Spanish colonial décor is home to well-appointed rooms and spacious suites that include up to three bedrooms. An oversized spa offers a wide menu: from romantic, couples massage and hydrotherapy packages to kids’ services in the Mini Spa. Guests may dine at the casual, poolside grill and upscale, Italian restaurant onsite, or choose one of the many restaurant options at the sister properties next door. Full meal plans are available here, or guest may take the short walk to Downtown Cabo San Lucas to check out the local gastronomy scene. Located on Cabo’s most popular beach, near nightlife, dining, and shops.
Hotel phone: +1 877-897-1951
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18. Sandos Finisterra – Cabo San Lucas, Downtown

Hotel near downtown Cabo San Lucas hotel.
Gorgeous all-inclusive, family-friendly resort carved into a cliffside boasting three pools, a kids club with activities, a nightclub, and a spa with hydrotherapy. Rooms feature contemporary décor with balconies, some with private Jacuzzis. The common areas are decked out in a retro style, and take the rugged landscape into consideration, using the natural rocks as interior walls. Its high vantage point offers unsurpassed, panoramic views of the Pacific, Sea of Cortez, and Cabo. The resort is walking distance to the Cabo marina, bars, and restaurants, but guests will want to drive back up.
Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6700
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Staying in Cabo San Lucas, Downtown

Cabo San Lucas Beach.

The main beach in Cabo San Lucas, a short walk from the Marina and downtown.

Cabo San Lucas, usually shortened to Cabo, was a tiny fishing village only forty years ago. But this sleepy town has been experiencing a tourism boom since the late ’70s, fast becoming one of the top beach destinations in the world. Downtown Cabo is best known for its lively bars and nightclubs, golden sand beaches, and relaxed attitude. The town is laid out in a C-shape, following the contours of the coast, beginning with Medano Beach to the northeast, the marina in the center, and wrapping around to Land’s End and the famous El Arco rock formation at the southeastern tip. All of the beaches in this area front the Sea of Cortez and are swimmable, including Medano (the most popular), Playa Empacadora (mostly locals), and Lovers Beach (accessible by water taxi). Beaches on the south side face the Pacific, such as Sunset Beach; these are closed to swimming due to the deadly current.

Just inland from the beaches, Downtown Cabo is home to casual and fine dining restaurants, and wild nightclubs and bars. The marina area includes Puerto Paraíso mall, water taxis to Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach, tour and fishing boats, plus more bars and restaurants, some that will cook any fish that travelers catch. A small main plaza with a historic church, local natural history museum, and souvenir shops sits to the southwest of the Marina. Everything is close; in fact, you can walk the length of Madero Beach, all the way around the marina, and to Land’s End in about thirty minutes.

Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas, Downtown & Beach

Staying in Cabo San Lucas, Sunset Beach

The Sunset Beach area sits on the southern edge of Cabo, overlooking the Pacific. This is the latest area to be developed in Cabo, so the beach itself is fairly secluded and unspoiled. Though not swimmable, Sunset Beach is the perfect spot to unwind in the sun or hit the links; away from the raucous partying of downtown, but still accessible to its dining, marina, and conveniences. This area is home to a few luxury resorts, high-end residences, and Jack Nicklaus-designed Quivira Golf Club.

Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas, Sunset Beach

Staying in San Jose del Cabo, Downtown and Hotel Zone

Best beach resort near San Jose del Cabo.

The Viceroy Hotel in San Jose del Cabo.

San Jose is a relaxed town with a boho vibe. Romantic colonial architecture, fine restaurants, low-key cantinas, and its famous Art Walk are the town’s biggest draws. San Jose is greener than Cabo and the surrounding area because of an underwater river that flows through here, eventually surfacing to create a lush estuary. The wetlands here are home to a bird sanctuary with walking trails, a small beach, and observation platforms, and it’s a popular spot for bicycling or horseback riding. The nineteenth-century Spanish church, Parroquia San José del Cabo, is the historic heart of downtown, with the Art District’s main galleries just one block away on Alvaro Obregon.

Most of the activities are in downtown, but most hotels are just southwest in the Hotel Zone. This is a 3.5 km strip of beach beginning at Costa Azul beach to the southwest and ending at the far northeast of Playa Hotelera (Hotel Beach). This long stretch of golden sand is popular for sunning and beach sports, but is not swimmable. The only swimmable beach in San Jose is further northeast in Puerto Los Cabos.

Best Hotels in San Jose, Downtown and Hotel Zone

Staying in San Jose, Puerto Los Cabos

Hotel on water in San Jose del Cabo.

The waterfront pool at Hotel El Ganzo.

Puerto Los Cabos is on the opposite side of the estuary from Downtown and is home to the Marina, the swimmable beach La Playita, and some of the newest hotels in San Jose. This area is generally quieter than downtown, though there are a few attractions here, including the Dolphin Discovery at the marina and the Wirikuta Cactus Garden, filled with sculptures, local flora, and hosting a nightly theater show. Puerto Los Cabos is less than ten minutes from Downtown by bike or car.

Best Hotels in San Jose, Puerto Los Cabos

Staying in The Corridor

Boutique hotel in Cabo Corridor.

The Cabo Surf Hotel on the Cabo Corridor but sill close to San Jose del Cabo.

“The Corridor” is a roughly 30 km stretch of Highway 1, connecting Cabo and San Jose del Cabo. Many of the area’s largest resorts are here, alongside a few golf courses, swimmable beaches, and adventure parks. Resorts and attractions here are spread out, so those who plan on exploring much outside their resort grounds will need to rent a car or arrange for other transportation; there is nothing within walking distance of most hotels here.

The best surf breaks on the Corridor are at Old Man’s Beach and Playa Monumentos. The best snorkeling is at Santa Maria Beach and Chileno Bay. The best beaches for swimming are Palmilla and Tequila Cove.

Best Hotels in the Corridor

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Where to Stay in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo

Mexico › Best Places to Stay in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
Updated: February 20, 2024

See Also

Ixtapa Zihuatanejo beach in Mexico.

Best Areas to Stay in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo

Separated by a mere five miles of highway along a prime stretch of Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are as different as can be. Ixtapa is a sedate, purpose-built beach resort community dating back to the 1970s, whereas Zihuatanejo – immortalized in the Shawshank Redemption – is a former fishing village turned busy little town, with a local feel to it and a picturesque setting on the Bahía de Zihuatanejo, framed by two hilly headlands. Ixtapa is centered on a stunning white-sand beach, whereas Zihua has appealing beaches of its own that stretch around the Bahía de Zihuatanejo, and numerous good restaurants and bars to boot. Unless you’re aiming for an all-inclusive vacation in Ixtapa, you’ll want your own wheels, since some of the outlying beaches and attractions both in Zihua and Ixtapa are fairly spread-out.

Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

The tranquil waters of Zihuatanejo.

Ixtapa has the lion’s share of all-inclusive, 4 and 5-star beach resorts, whereas if you’re looking for a place on a budget, then central Zihuatanejo, Lazaro Cardenas, and Playa La Madera are your best bets. Zihua’s boutique, upscale hotels dot the hillsides above Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas, south of central Zihua.

Flat and relatively compact, the purpose-built resort community of Ixtapa is centered on a long, white-sand beach and bookmarked at either end by a golf course. There are several quality guesthouses here, but the bulk of accommodations consists of upmarket, all-inclusive hotels that line the beach. There are a couple of natural attractions further west, and Ixtapa is connected to Zihuatanejo by frequent and cheap public buses.

Five miles south of Ixtapa by motorway, and flanked by the Lazaro Cardenas and Playa La Madera neighborhoods, Centro is the busy heart of Zihuatanejo, consisting of a compact grid of narrow streets. This is where you’ll find the municipal beach and seafront promenade, the food and craft markets, the most authentic local restaurants, banks, and Zihua’s sole cultural attraction: its waterfront museum.

Lazaro Cardenas is a quiet, hilly, and mostly residential neighborhood, just to the north of Centro and connected to it via a pedestrian bridge from the waterfront, right by the main pier. Several casual eateries and a smattering of midrange and budget hotels aside, the main attraction here is the quiet location that’s just a short walk from Zihua’s bustling center.

Linked to Centro by bridges over the narrow Rio Lerma, Playa La Madera is a mostly residential neighborhood that looks out onto a shallow, swimmable beach. It’s a quiet neighborhood dotted with inexpensive hotels and numerous good restaurants. Centro is a short and easy walk away, along the waterfront, while Playa La Ropa is a 20-minute, hilly walk south along the coastal road.

ixtapa busy beach

The beautiful and busy beach of Ixtapa. With its larger luxury resorts, Ixtapa has a very different vibe from nearby Zihuatanejo.

From Playa La Madera, the Escénica La Ropa road climbs uphill and then skirts the bay above Playa La Ropa, a wide sweep of white sand, connected to the coastal road by a couple of streets. It’s a rather spread-out, leafy neighborhood, and accommodations here run the gamut from friendly cheapies and midrange family hotels to exclusive, adults-only boutique places high up on the hillside, while restaurants range from cheap and cheerful beach shacks to sophisticated fusion places with cliff views and a smart-casual dress code. This is Zihuatanejo’s most popular base for gringos, and having your own wheels helps, since it’s a longish walk into town.

Adjoining the Playa La Ropa neighborhood, and located at the south end of the scenic road that loops its way south around Zihuatanejo Bay, sleepy Playa Las Gatas is a collection of tranquil, hilly streets, with boutique guesthouses and hotels looking out to sea from their lofty locations amidst a riot of lush vegetation. There are a couple of high-end restaurants here and the neighborhood is named after the sheltered beach below, reachable only by boat.

Halfway between Zihuatanejo Airport and Zihuatanejo proper, Playa Larga is a seaside community consisting of a couple of streets that look out onto the long sweep of eponymous white sand. Several inexpensive hotels and a handful of seafood eateries aside, its other attraction are some decent Pacific swells that draw surfers.

Flanked by mangrove wetlands and located at the south end of Playa Blanca, the tiny community of Barro de Potosí is just south of Zihuatanejo Airport and some 15 miles south of Zihuatanejo proper. Inexpensive beach restaurants and a few budget and midrange range hotels are found here.

Best Places to Stay in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo

Zihuatanejo beach bay

Zihuatanejo Bay, surrounded by forested hillsides.

Best Neighborhood in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo for Sightseeing & Shopping: Centro
Ixtapa and Zihua are rather short on sights. Pretty much the only cultural attraction is the Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande by the municipal beach in Centro. The museum gives you a decent overview of the Olmec, Tarascan, Mexica and Teotihuacan cultures of the Guerrero coast, though most displays are in Spanish only. Centro is also the best for shopping, whether you’re looking for touristy, mass-produced souvenirs (Mercado de Artesanías Zihuatanejo), locally grown coffee (Café Caracol, Café Zihuatanejo), fine textiles (La Zapoteca), or traditional and contemporary masks made by artisans from all over the Guerrero state, sold at El Jumil, by the waterfront.

Best Neighborhoods in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo for Nightlife: Centro, Ixtapa
Visitors generally don’t come to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo to party hard. Nightlife in Ixtapa consists of hotel bars, plus several sports bars and clubs that cater almost exclusively to tourists that are clustered in central Ixtapa, among the shopping malls, banks and restaurants found between the beachside Boulevard Paseo Ixtapa, and the Paseo de Las Gaviotas. If you’re looking for a less generic scene and want to mingle with locals, head for central Zihuatanejo. There are several excellent bars along the waterfront and in the tiny streets branching off from the beachside paseo. Standouts include the Angustina Mezcal bar, Tasting Room Por Capricho del Rey (for craft beer), and Malagua.

Best Neighborhoods in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo for Food and Restaurants: Centro, Playa la Madera, Playa de La Ropa, Playa Las Gatas
Centro boasts more traditional and inexpensive restaurants and eateries where you can try local specialties, such as pozole (meat-and-hominy stew) and tiritas (local take on ceviche); standouts include Restaurantes Mexicanos Any, Fonda Doña Licha and Carmelitas. It’s hard to get more local than the taco stands such as La Papa Loca and the 24-hour La Flechita Roja. Playa La Madera features a good mix of local and upscale offerings, such as Patio Mexica and El Arrayan, while Playa de La Ropa and Playa Los Gatos are known for their upscale, fusion restaurants with a view, such as Espuma, La Escollera and El Suspiro.

Zihuatanejo street

Early morning in the neighborhood in Zihuatanejo.

Best Neighborhoods in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo for Families: Ixtapa, Playa de La Ropa
Ixtapa is perfect for a family vacation with younger kids, particularly if you’re looking for the convenience of an all-inclusive resort. Family-friendly attractions in Ixtapa include Parque Aventura Ixtapa, with its zip lines, rope ladders and Himalayan bridges, plus the small Mundo Mágico waterpark with slides and pools. There’s also a small crocodile reserve off Playa Linda, just north of central Ixtapa, where kids can spot crocs and iguanas. If you’re looking for a more adventurous yet comfortable stay, and a good base for exploring Zihuatanejo, there are several family-friendly hotels in the Playa de la Ropa neighborhood. The beach is great for families, with its calm, shallow waters and water sports opportunities for older kids.

Best Neighborhoods in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo to Stay for First Timer: Centro, Playa La Madera, Playa La Ropa
It depends if you’re looking for a slice of local life, great dining or beaches. If you’re keen on proximity to all three, it’s hard to go wrong with basing yourself either in Centro, with its terrific restaurants and the beaches only a short drive away; Playa La Ropa, with its creative, upscale restaurants and great beach, or Playa La Madera – a halfway house between the two; its own beach is not amazing, but it’s closer to the La Ropa beach than Centro, and quieter than Centro, while being only a short stroll away from its restaurants and bars.

Most Romantic Neighborhoods in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo: Playa Las Gatas, Playa La Ropa, Lazaro Cardenas
It’s hard to beat the sea and sunset views from the intimate, high-end, boutique, adults-only luxury hotels high above Playa Las Gatas and Playa La Ropa; some come with private terraces and plunge pools. Or you can opt for romance on a budget and get similar sea-and-sunset vistas from midrange digs on the hillsides of Lazaro Cardenas.

Best Neighborhood in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo for a Local Vibe: Centro
For a local vibe, you can’t beat central Zihua, with its tight grid of bustling streets, busy local markets (check out the Mercado Municipal off Avenida Benito Juárez and the smaller produce markets found off Calle Mangos that branches off Avenida Benito Juárez), and excellent local eateries and taco stands. Wandering the streets and taking in local life is a joy and it’s hard to get more local than late-night bites at Zihua’ legendary taco stands.

Best Neighborhoods in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo for Water Sports: Ixtapa, Centro Playa La Ropa, Playa Las Gatas, Lazaro Cardenas
The majority of Ixtapa’s beachside hotels offer a plethora of water sports, such as parasailing, and rent out sea kayaks and Hobie cats. Snorkelling gear is rented out off Isla Ixtapa’s beaches, though the visibility isn’t amazing. Parasailing can also be done off Playa La Ropa, which also has outfits that rent out sea kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. If you’re looking for sports fishing, look no further than Zihuatanjeo Sports Fishing Charters in Ixtapa. A more wallet-friendly option is the Sociedad de Servicios Turísticos Triángulo del Sol fishing cooperative by the boat ramp in Centro that arranges fishing trips, with the price depending on your bargaining skills. There are two good scuba diving outfits along the waterfront in Lazaro Cardenas, and another one that’s based on the Playa Las Gatas, where the water is calm and great for snorkeling. Surfers should head for Playa Larga, 8 miles south of Centro.

Safest Areas of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo: Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo have a low crime rate, compared to other parts of the Pacific Coast. The main beach in Ixtapa, plus Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas neighborhoods are safest, and Centro is generally safe to walk around, even late in the evening. Standard precautions apply: don’t flash lots of cash, expensive jewelry or electronic gear, and avoid deserted, poorly-lit streets at night.

Unsafe Areas of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo: While not specifically off-limits, the mostly residential neighborhoods of Zihuatanejo east of the main Avenida José Maria Morelos y Pavón see practically no visitors and you may feel rather conspicuous there. Some of the streets in Lazaro Cardenas are poorly lit at night.

Best Neighborhoods in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo for Tourists

Zihuatanejo beach

A gorgeous long beach in Zihuatanejo.

Ixtapa

A state-tourism-planned resort to match Cancún, Ixtapa was built in the 1970s along a long, white-sand beach, Playa de Palmar. Unlike Cancún, Ixtapa didn’t take off in a huge way, but while there isn’t much here in the way of a local community, it’s an excellent place to stay for families with kids that are looking for creature comforts and hassle-free, all-inclusive vacations by the beach. 4- and 5-star hotels line the prime two-mile stretch of Playa de Palmar, with easy access to water sports, such as parasailing. Nearby attractions include a small water park, two excellent golf courses, a yachting marina, small crocodile sanctuary, and boat trips to Isla Ixtapa from Playa Linda, a short drive from central Ixtapa. Plus, Zihuatanejo and its beaches and restaurants are a short drive away and make for an easy day trip.

Best Hotels in Ixtapa

Centro

The heart of Zihuatanjeo is where all the action is. Downtown Zihua consists of a grid of narrow, busy streets, and this is where you’ll find all the essentials: banks, large produce market, lots of inexpensive, authentic Mexican eateries, 24-hour taco stands, as well as cheap hotels, tacky t-shirt stores, and pretty much the only cultural sight in town: the archaeological museum dedicated to regional history. The municipal beach is not particularly clean; this is where fishermen clean their catch, and the pier is where you catch boats to Playa Las Gatas. But the waterfront is great for a stroll, and tacky souvenir sellers aside, there are several excellent stores near the waterfront that specialise in quality keepsakes: regionally-made masks, locally grown coffee, and hand-woven textiles. Come evening, the bars along the waterfront and in the tiny streets nearby get pretty lively.

Best Hotels in Centro

Lazaro Cardenas

Flanking the Zihuatanejo Bay to the west, and a short walk from central Zihuatanejo, Lazaro Cardenas is a quiet, hilly neighborhood with winding streets, great sea views from its smattering of midrange and budget hotels and guesthouses, and a hanful of places to eat. Two diving centres are found along the coastal Calle de la Noria, and Picante catamaran cruises depart from the headland. Some of the streets are poorly lit at night.

Best Hotels in Lazaro Cardenas

Playa La Madera

Reachable from the east end of the Paseo El Pescadór – the waterfront promenade in central Zihua – Playa La Madera is a compact, leafy neighborhood overlooking a clean stretch of sand and calm waters. On the hill above the beach there are some pricey condos, as well as some decent midrange hotels. There are several inexpensive seafood restaurants along the beach, and more sophisticated offerings along the canal-facing Calle Adelita. And if you’re looking to learn to cook the Mexican way, the owner of Patio Mexica café runs excellent cooking classes.

Best Hotels in Playa La Madera

Playa La Ropa

A mile so over the headland from Playa La Madera, and reachable via the scenic, winding Escénica La Ropa road, Playa La Ropa is Zihua’s best road-accessible beach – a mile-long stretch of white sand, with calm waters and casual waterfront restaurants serving a mix of local seafood and international dishes. This neighborhood is quite spread-out, with a handful of streets connecting the scenic coastal road to the beach. Near the south end of the beach, accommodations are a mix of budget and midrange hotels, with the upscale and exclusive boutique options found high above the bay, near the headland viewpoint. Along the coastal road you’ll also find LOOT – a hipster café and art showroom, with a rooftop bar and occasional live concerts.

Best Hotels in Playa La Ropa

playa las gatas

The view from under a shaded palapa at Playa las Gatas.

Playa Las Gatas

Named after the sheltered, popular beach cove below its cliffs, this quiet, affluent neighborhood is located at the south end of the Escénica La Ropa road that connects it to central Zihua via Playa La Ropa and Playa La Madera. There’s a scattering of well-to-do houses along the hilly street here, along with a handful of Zihua’s best boutique hotels, most boasting lofty sea views. The beach itself is great for snorkelling and has crystal-clear, calm waters for swimming and a restaurant. To reach the beach, you have to head all the way to Centro, to Zihuatanejo’s main pier, to catch a boat out there.

Best Hotels in Playa Las Gatas

Playa Larga

A surfer magnet when the conditions are right, this tiny seaside settlement just north of Zihuatanejo Airport is a good choice if you’re looking to hit the waves or ride horse on the beach. Or just come for a wallet-friendly seafood lunch on the wide, white-sand Playa Larga.

Best Hotels in Playa Larga

Barra de Potosí

Technically not part of Zihuatanejo proper, this tiny, laidback community is just south of Zihuatanejo Airport, and worth a stay if you’re looking for tranquility, great seafood at a beachfront enramada (eatery), and some serious beach time along the long sweep of Playa Blanca. Even if you don’t stay here, it’s a worthwhile 30-minute drive from Zihua, and there are boat trips into the surrounding mangroves for keen bird watchers.

Best Hotels in Barra de Potosí

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Mexico City Itinerary

MexicoMexico City › Itinerary
Updated: January 11, 2024

See Also

Highlights of Mexico City.

The Best of Mexico City

    Best Things to Do in Mexico City: Cruising the waterways of Xochimilco; Visiting museums dedicated to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera; Enjoying a night of mariachi in Plaza Garibaldi; Visiting Museo Nacional de Antropología
    Best Tours: Mexican Food ToursMexico City Urban AdventuresSabores Mexico Food ToursAmigo Tours
    Best View: Torre Latinoamericana
    Best Restaurant: Pujol
    Best Nightlife: Zona Rosa
    Best day-trip: Teotihuacán
    Best Hotels: Gran Hotel Ciudad de MéxicoHistórico CentralZócalo Central

      Top 5 Mexico City Highlights

      1. The Zócalo

      The traditional heart of Mexico City is the vast central plaza known as the Zócalo, and any visitor to the city should aim to spend a good chunk of time here. Once the focus of Aztec Tenochtitlán, today it hums with tour groups, drummers, street vendors, buskers, souvenir markets, and political protesters. Dominating it all is the Catedral Metropolitana, the largest church in Latin America and one of the oldest, dating back to the 1570s. Its cavernous interior is crammed with ornate altars and side chapels. Not much remains of the Aztec city, but the nearby Museo del Templo Mayor preserves the remnants of its once great pyramid temple – mostly foundations, but spine-tingling nonetheless. The connected museum adds context and displays artifacts retrieved from the site. The other key attraction here is the Palacio Nacional on the east side of the Zócalo, which is free to enter and contains a series of stunning Diego Rivera murals. Rivera began working here in 1929, his México a Través de los Siglos a vast, multi-colored trip through Mexican history from Quetzalcoatl to Pancho Villa. The best view of the Zócalo can be had from the rooftop restaurant in the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México on the west side of the plaza.

      2. Museo Mural Diego Rivera

      Mexico City is crammed with fabulous art museums, from the classical Museo Nacional De Arte to the relatively new and space-agey Museo Soumaya, but the Diego Rivera Mural Museum really is a must-see. Rivera’s huge Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda encompasses almost every famous Mexican historical figure (Cortés is depicted with his hands stained with blood).

      3. Museo Nacional de Antropología

      Anyone even slightly interested in the great civilizations of ancient Mesoamerica should aim to spend at least half a day in Mexico’s top museum. Every Mexican culture is represented here, from the Olmecs to the Maya. Some of the objects on display are truly spectacular, such as the iconic 24-tonne Piedra del Sol, or “Aztec Calendar Stone”. The galleries are arranged chronologically around the central courtyard – it’s advisable to buy a guidebook in the museum shop or rent an English audioguide before you start, to make the most of your visit (most labels are otherwise in Spanish only). The upper floor focuses on the cultures of Mexico’s indigenous groups today.

      4. Coyoacán

      The affluent southern suburb of Coyoacán makes for an enticing day-trip, its blossom- and tree-lined colonial streets perfect for exploring on foot. The Museo Frida Kahlo is a fitting tribute to the beloved Mexican artist, displaying Kahlo’s signature tehuana dresses and numerous examples of her work – including her famous final painting, Viva la Vida, the inspiration for the Coldplay song of the same name. The museum occupies the “Blue House” where Frida was born and spent most of her life (sometimes with husband Diego Rivera, who also has work displayed here). Soviet exile Leon Trotsky was often a guest here in the 1930s, and his abode has been preserved as the Museo Casa de León Trotsky. This where Stalin had Trotsky assassinated in 1940 – with an ice axe – and the rooms have been preserved as he left them.

      5. Xochimilco

      Cruising the flower-lined canals and floating gardens in the suburb of Xochimilco is an iconic Mexico City activity, made even more enticing at the weekends when locals come out to eat and drink, creating a festive atmosphere. Renting a candy-colored boat (with captain) is relatively easy and cheap, allowing for a few hours of chugging along the canals, passing vendors in small canoes selling flowers, fruits, and hot snacks, as well as marimba players and entire mariachi bands. The floating gardens themselves – or chinampas – are rafts of mud and reeds anchored to the canal floors by tangles of roots. Xochimilco itself is a great place to sample the city’s pulquerias, traditional bars specializing in pulque, an alcoholic drink produced from agave plants since pre-Hispanic times.

      Planning a Mexico City Itinerary

      One Day in Mexico City

        • Explore the Zócalo, Mexico City’s huge central square, home to the cathedral, the Aztec ruins of Templo Mayor, and the Diego Rivera murals in the Palacio Nacional
        • See Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda at the Museo Mural Diego Rivera
        • Visit Museo Nacional de Antropología, the country’s premier museum, with displays on all of Mexico’s major pre-Hispanic cultures
        • Eat or drink at the historic Bar La Ópera, or Enrique Olvera’s vaunted restaurant Pujol
        • Listen to the roving mariachi bands in Plaza Garibaldi, or see a performance by the Ballet Folklórico de México

      Two Days in Mexico City

        • Explore the Zócalo and stroll the streets of the old city
        • Visit Museo Nacional de Antropología and Museo Mural Diego Rivera
        • Eat at the historic Bar La Ópera and Enrique Olvera’s Pujol
        • Check out the roving mariachi bands in Plaza Garibaldi
        • See the Ballet Folklórico de México
        • Explore Mexico City’s largest and most colorful retail market, La Merced
        • Spend time in the upmarket suburb of Coyoacán, visiting the Frida Kahlo and León Trotsky museums, and its art and craft markets

      Three Days in Mexico City

        • Take in the views from the Torre Latinoamericana (if it’s smoggy wait till sunset when the lights highlight the city far more clearly)
        • Soak up the history in the Zócalo and old city
        • Visit the stunning Art Deco Palacio de Bellas Artes, home to some of the city‘s most flamboyant murals
        • Peruse La Merced market
        • Eat at Bar La Ópera and check out the mariachi bands in Plaza Garibaldi
        • Explore Coyoacán and San Ángel, home to the studios of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, and the historic restaurant San Ángel Inn (housed in a 17th-century Carmelite monastery)
        • Take a cruise around the floating gardens of Xochimilco, and visit local pulquerias (traditional bars) such as Pulqueria El Templo de Diana
        • Visit the Museo Nacional de Antropología and Museo Mural Diego Rivera
        • Dinner at Pujol, with cocktails in the Zona Rosa
        • Devote a half-day to visiting the giant pyramids of Teotihuacán – go early before the crowds arrive (it opens at 9am). Take a organzied tour (Amigo Tours) or go solo with a direct public bus from Terminal Norte
        • Shop for regional crafts and souvenirs from all over Mexico at La Ciudadela market
        • See the Ballet Folklórico de México

      One Week in Mexico City

        • Explore the Zócalo and visit all 7 of Mexico City’s big art museums: the Museo Mural Diego Rivera, the Museo Nacional de Antropología, Museo Soumaya, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Museo Rufino Tamayo, Museo de Arte Moderno and Museo Nacional de Arte
        • Lunch at rooftop Terraza restaurant, on the7th floor of Gran Hotel Ciudad de México, with sensational views over the Zócalo
        • Enjoy a few nights out in the Zona Rosa
        • Peruse the shops and top-class restaurants in upmarket Polanco; or grab a gourmet burger at Butcher & Sons
        • Check out the outdoor cafes and bistro-style restaurants of Condesa – and slurp an ice cream at famous Neveria Roxy
        • Spend an afternoon in leafy Chapultepec Park, boating on the lake and visiting the Museo Nacional de Historia in Chapultepec Castle
        • Trawl the food stalls and mescal bars at Mercado Roma
        • Spend a day in San Ángel and Coyoacán
        • Soak up the scene in historic cafes and restaurants like Café de Tacuba, Café del Palacio inside Bellas Artes, Hostería de Santo Domingo and El Taquito
        • Pay homage to Mexico City’s wrestling culture and take in some live lucha libre at Arena Coliseo
        • Shop at the Ciudadela market
        • Catch a Mexican soccer match at Estadio Azteca, home to América (“The Eagles”), the nation’s most successful club
        • Ride the ancient waterways of Xochimilco
        • Visit the Museo Dolores Olmedo Patiño, housing a huge collection of work by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, and the Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli, home to Rivera’s collection of pre-Columbian sculpture
        • Listen to the mariachi bands at Plaza Garibaldi
        • Explore La Merced market
        • Visit the giant pyramids of Teotihuacán
        • Visit the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Mexico’s most important religious site

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Tulum Cenotes

MexicoTulum › Best Cenotes
Updated: January 3, 2024

See Also

Cenote near Tulum, Mexico.

What is a Cenote?

Cenotes are limestone sinkholes filled with fresh water, formed when bedrock collapses and exposes groundwater below. Most of the Yucatan’s 6000 cenotes are small, underground, and inaccessible, though a notable number are large enough to swim, snorkel, or dive in. Many are crystal blue and open to the air, while others are accessible by stairs leading down into caverns and are connected to large underground river systems. If you do only one thing during your time in Tulum visit a cenote.

Cenote Dos Ojos in Tulsayab, near Tulum

Dos Ojos (Two Eyes) is the most famous cenote, made up of 5 cenotes including the its namesake cenotes: the Blue Eye and the Black Eye.

Tulum Cenotes: My Advice

  • Most cenotes have a charge of 80 to 150 pesos to enter and offer lockers, restrooms, and snack bars. Just take a towel, taxi money, and snorkel-mask (optional), and you’ll have an amazing time at any of these cenotes.
  • Getting to cenotes by bike is easy from Tulum. Pedaling 10 to 30 minutes north from the pueblo along Avenida Coba takes you past Cenote Zacil-Ha, Cenote Car Wash, and Gran Cenote to name a few. Cycling 20 minutes west along the main road through the pueblo Carretera Cancun-Tulum (aka Carretera Cancun-Chetumal) leads to Cenotes Cristal y Escondido; 15 more minutes leads to Kaan Luum Lagoon. Heading east along the same road leads to Caleta and Cenote Tankah in 15 minutes and Casa Cenote in 30 minutes. These are all open-air cenotes, cheap to enter, no guide required.
  • Some of the farther-flung cenotes (some of which are part of underground cave systems) are easily accessible by driving or taxi. These include Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote Sac Actun, Jardin del Eden, Cenote Azul, Yal Ku Lagoon, and the Cobá cenotes Choo-Ha, Multum-Ha, and Tamcach-Ha. Taxis in Tulum do not use meters; instead, they charge a flat rate based on what zone they travel through. There is no Uber in Tulum. Reaching most of these should cost between 400 and 600 pesos. It is best to have the driver wait for you at the cenote to take you back, rather than standing on the highway trying to flag one down. The open-air cenotes and Cobá underground cenotes are cheap to enter and don’t require a guide. The cavern cenotes Dos Ojos, Sac Actun, and others listed in the article below will require a guide and gear, and cost 400 to 600 pesos to enter.
  • Do not wear sunscreen. Cenotes are fragile environments interconnected by underground river systems. The chemical agents in sunscreens, even the biodegradable types, can cause irreparable damage to the already threatened ecosystems here. Many cenotes have showers near the entrances, where guests are required to rinse before entering the water.
  • You can easily visit cenotes on your own, but if you don’t want to worry about arranging transportation, I highly recommend this cenote and snorkeling tour with hotel pickup and drop off.
Scuba diving lessons at Casa Cenote in Tankah, near Tulum

Scuba lessons at Casa Cenote.

The Best Tulum Cenotes

1. Cenotes Dos Ojos • Tankah, northeast of Tulum

Snorkeling at Dos Ojos in Tankah near Tulum
Dos Ojos (Two Eyes) is the most impressive cenote group in Tulum, named for its two largest cenotes, the Blue Eye (a sparkling, open-air cenote) and the Black Eye (a pitch-dark cavern with stalactites and stalagmites; you’ll need a guide and a flashlight to see this one). Dos Ojos is a flooded cave system with 5 cenotes total and connecting with Sac Actun (more info on Sac Actun below). Public access is available for its 2 open-air cenotes for 350 pesos (definitely on the high end for cenote rates), while its 3 cave cenotes require a guide (rates vary, but it’s worth the price). Experienced divers can also set up scuba tours through parts of Dos Ojos inaccessible to swimmers and snorkelers. • Map

2. Cenote Zacil Ha • Avenida Coba, northwest of Tulum

Cenote Zacil Ha in Tulum
Popular with local families, Zacil Ha is a small, open-air cenote with a zip line, diving platform, and 2 pools. The cenote is only about 3 meters deep, but the zip line is what keeps people coming back (it’s just 10 pesos a zip). There is a small, affordable snack bar on site, but most local families bring their own picnic. At 80 pesos to enter, this is among the cheapest cenotes to visit. • Map

3. Jardin del Eden Cenote • Xpu Ha, northeast of Tulum

The rock islands of Cenote Jardin del Eden in Xpu Ha near Tulum
Enormous, open-air cenote in the jungle with emerald-sapphire water. Jardin del Eden has a cliff at one end topped with a diving platform, and toward the center is a group of flat rocks just beneath the surface of the water (formerly the roof when the cenote was inside a cave), where people tend to sit and hang out. Visibility is excellent and many people bring their masks to snorkel (though there is not much aquatic life to see here), while divers visit to explore the cenote’s deep underwater caves. There are restrooms, life jacket rentals, and a small snack bar here. Entry is 200 pesos. • Map

4. Cenotes Cristal y Escondido • West of the Pueblo

Diving into Cenote Cristal in Tulum
Though very close to the Tulum pueblo, these two open-air cenotes with lovely, clear waters are off the tourist radar, so they tend to be pretty quiet. Cenote Cristal is the busier of the two, with a round shape, a diving platform, and a few little hangout spots built around. Across the street, Cenote Escondido is a long, skinny strip of water teeming with fish and with a rope swing at one end. Both cenotes are connected by an underwater tunnel, though you’ll need scuba gear to swim its length. 120 pesos includes entry to both cenotes. Enter and pay at Cristal; park at either cenote. Don’t confuse Cenote Cristal with Cenote Cristalino. Though Cenote Cristallino in Xpu Ha is beautiful, the operators have made life jackets mandatory, which takes the fun out of swimming there. • Map

5. Cenote Azul • Xpu Ha, northeast of Tulum

Cenote Azul near Tulum and Playa del Carmen
Cenote Azul is a collection of open-air pools all connected by a network of walkways with a few diving platforms spread throughout. The main cenote is the deepest, though there are a few deep pools mixed with mostly shallow pools radiating out from the central area. This is a popular cenote for families, as there are plenty of shallow areas for younger kids to enjoy. The cenote is shaded by jungle and rocky shelves over the water, letting in dappled sunlight for most of the day. Several flat, partially submerged rocks offer a perfect spot to chill in the water while tiny fish nibble your feet. There is a small store with snacks and drinks for sale. 120 pesos to enter. • Map

6. Casa Cenote (formerly Cenote Manatí) • Tankah, northeast of Tulum

Kayaking at Casa Cenote in Tankah near Tulum
This busy cenote is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba lessons. What makes Casa Cenote so special is its mix of freshwater and saltwater, its lazy-river current (the vast majority of cenotes don’t have a current at all), and its abundance of wildlife. Coati, birds, and butterflies visit its banks, while tropical fish and blue crabs flock around the mangrove roots. Panchito, a solitary little crocodile, lives near the back of the cenote; he’s never bitten anyone in all his years living there, but still, be sure to give him a wide berth. 120 pesos to enter, no guide required. There is a security checkpoint after you turn off the highway on the road Fraccionamiento Tankah leading to Casa Cenote. Tell the guards you are headed to Casa Cenote, and they will let you pass. There are not many services here other than porta-potties and life jacket rentals, but there are a handful of good restaurants in the area (the best is Chamico’s, about 2.5 km north along the beach). • Map

7. Cenotes Choo-Ha, Tamcach-Ha, and Multum-Ha • Cobá, northwest of Tulum

Cenote Multum Ha, near Cobá
On the same patch of land about 6 km from the Cobá ruins are three underground cenotes, each with unique features. Choo-Ha is the most “cavey” filled with stalagmites and stalactites and shallow, jewel blue water. Tamcach-Ha is the largest, deepest, and most popular with 2 diving platforms set at 5 and 10 meters high. Multum-Ha, the quietest of the three, is an almost perfect dome with hanging vines coming down through a small hole in its top. Life jackets, showers, and restrooms are available. The cenotes cost 100 pesos each to enter. • Choo-Ha Map Tamcach-Ha Map Multum-Ha Map

8. Yal Ku Lagoon and Cenote • Akumal, northeast of Tulum

A school of fish at Yal Ku Lagoon and Cenote in Akumal
Yal Ku is a large park with a cenote that flows into a lagoon that flows into the sea. This the best snorkel spot in the whole of Riviera Maya (aside from the coral reef) due to its mix of fresh and saltwater. Snorkelers will find tons of wildlife here with the small colorful fish (angelfish, parrotfish, and more) mostly near the cenote and mangroves and the larger fish, barracudas, rays, and sea turtles near the ocean end of the lagoon. There are two companies sharing control of Yal Ku with two different entrances. The blue and white entrance (cenote end) is the best for snorkelers, as they do not require life jackets, but there are few facilities here and almost no shade. The pink entrance (ocean end) offers palapa rentals, a snack bar, and cabins, but life jackets are mandatory, even for certified divers. Once in the lagoon, you can swim to any part of Yal Ku, no matter where you came in. Both companies charge 280 pesos to enter and both have snorkel masks available to rent. • Map

9. Cenote Chaak Tun • Playa del Carmen

Cenote Chaak Tun in Playa del Carmen
Two underground cenotes, one with a hole in the top letting in sunbeams and dramatic hanging vines, the other low lit (even pitch black in parts) with impressive stalagmites and stalactites. Chaak Tun is available to visit only as a 2-hour snorkeling tour package, beginning with a shaman’s blessing and ending with a Maya meal and tequila with a little hiking and over an hour spent in the water. Tours in English and Spanish begin every 30 minutes from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; come early or at the tail end of the day to avoid the tourist crowds that flock here on day trips from Cozumel. The 550 pesos admission includes an enthusiastic guide, all gear, a wetsuit, and food. • Map

10. Kaan Luum Lagoon and Cenote • West of Tulum

Kaan Luum Lagoon and Cenote in Tulum
Kaan Luum is the only spot on this list that is still more popular with locals than travelers (though that is fast changing). This family-friendly lagoon is ideal for young swimmers with most of it shallower than 1.5 meters. Its pale jade water abruptly turns dark blue where a deep cenote begins. The cenote is also marked off with a rope and buoys; only scuba divers are allowed in. Facilities include a large palapa (where locals picnic), a pier and group of small palapas (where everyone hangs out), 2 overwater swingsets, and an outhouse. 100 pesos to enter; to discourage drones, they charge an extra 150 to bring one in. • Map

11. Cenote and Caleta Tankah • Tankah, northeast of Tulum

Cenote Tankah near Tulum
This hidden gem offers the best of both worlds: an open-air cenote in the jungle and a caleta (small cove) on the beach. The caleta is a nearly circular cove at the edge of a sandy beach with saltwater waves washing in and freshwater heading out to sea from an underground river system; the clash of waters is fun for stronger swimmers. Walking inland along a jungle path leads to a shallow, round cenote ringed with palm trees. The cenote is fairly rocky, better for lounging than swimming. Entry to both is through the beach club at Caleta Tankah Hotel. 150 pesos includes access to the restaurant (good drinks, so-so food) and restrooms there. • Map

12. Cenote Car Wash (aka Cenote Aktun Ha) • Avenida Coba, northwest of Tulum • $

Cenote Car Wash, as seen from the platform
An open-air cenote with crystal clear water, a diving platform, great visibility, and underwater caves popular for diving. This is one of the quieter, less crowded cenotes, known for its natural beauty and tranquility. Its nickname comes from its history as a pit stop for taxis traveling between Tulum and Cobá, who used to wash their cars here. Like Casa Cenote, there is a current (though not as strong) and a small, elusive crocodile living here (just a little baby – for now). Facilities include restrooms, showers, lockers, and snorkel gear. Cenote Car Wash is the cheapest cenote near Tulum, only 50 pesos to enter (200 pesos for divers). • Map

13. Cenotes Sac Actun • Tankah, northeast of Tulum

Blue water of Sac Actun in Tankah near Tulum
Cenote Sac Actun is part of Sistema Sac Actun, the longest underwater cave system in the world. Archaeologists have found remains of a mastodon here, as well as a skull and partial skeleton of a teenage girl dating back 13,000 years – the oldest skeleton ever found in the Americas. Located near and connecting with Dos Ojos, Cenotes Sac Actun offer a similar feel with its flooded caverns studded with stalagmites and stalactites, but unlike Dos Ojos, Sac Actun’s cenotes are all underground. A guide is necessary here, but advanced reservations are not. 600 pesos includes entrance and guided tour. • Map

Map of Cenotes Near Tulum

Map of cenotes near Tulum.
Hotels on Map: JashitaUna VidaMezzanineAhau

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Maps of Tulum

MexicoTulum › Tulum Hotel Maps

See Also

Map of Tulum Hotels

Map of Tulum Hotels.
Hotels on Map: JashitaO’ TulumHotel MerevaAleaNereaConradHiltonBespokeBardo • Una VidaHotel MilamHotel Tiki TikiHolistikaNaaySecretsKimpton AlunaMezzanineMi AmorOur HabitasEl PezTagoDuneThe Beach TulumCabañas TulumHotel ShibariAhauKananLula HotelLa ZebraAlayaCasa VioletaSueñosHotel PanameraXelaEncantadaRadhooLa ValiseNestBe TulumNômadeCasa MalcaCasa Gitano

Map of Where to Stay In Tulum

Map of where to stay in Tulum Peublo and Tulum Beach.
Hotels on Map: 1. Jashita 2. Conrad 3. Hilton 4. O’ Tulum 5. Mereva 6. Alea 7. Nerea 8. Bespoke 9. Bardo 10. Una Vida 11. Casa Don Diego 12. Milam 13. Holistika 14. Hotel Tiki Tiki 15. Naay 16. Secrets Resort 17. Kimpton Aluna 18. Villa Pescadores 19. Mezzanine 20. Diamante K 21. Mi Amor 22. Our Habitas 23. Azulik 24. Punta Piedra Beach Posada Hotel 25. Zamas 26. El Pez 27. Hotel Esencia 28. The Beach Hotel 29. Shibari 30. Ahau 31. Kanan 32. Lula 33. La Zebra 34. Casa Violeta 35. Sueños 36. Encantada 37. Xela 38. La Valise 39. Nest 39. Be Tulum 40. Nômade 41. Casa Malca

Map of Cenotes Near Tulum

Map of cenotes near Tulum.
Hotels on Map: JashitaUna VidaMezzanineAhau

Map of Cancun to Tulum

Getting from Cancun to Tulum map

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Cancun Restaurants

Mexico › Best Cancun Restaurants
Updated: January 3, 2024

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The 9 Best Restaurants in Cancun

  1. Casitas • $$$$
    Romantic, special occasion dining in Cancun
    Beachfront fine dining at Kempinski Hotel with a sumptuous menu of grilled fresh seafood and tender steaks. Specialties include their elevated version of Yucatecan tikin xic, a whole fish coated in spices and citrus and cooked in a banana leaf, as well as their flawlessly prepared steaks. The wine selection is robust, featuring international labels as well as Mexican wines (Mexico is known for their reds, especially cabernets and tempranillos). The romantic ambiance is most profound in their signature private casitas directly on the beach, wrapped in sheer veils with softly illuminated tabletops, though they also have tables on a nearby terrace. Service is impeccable, attentive, and friendly. Reservations are required for the beachfront casitas and there is a surcharge, but it is entirely worth it, especially for special occasions. Reservations are recommended for terrace seating.
  2. La Fonda del Zancudo • $$-$$$
    Date night dining in Cancun
    Atmospheric dining in an old abandoned house, serving gorgeous, Mediterranean-inspired dishes using fresh, local, organic ingredients, some grown onsite in their tiny garden. Standout dishes include their rich tuna tartare, baked figs, and empanadas, along with their refreshing cucumber martini and sangria. They also have a chalkboard menu with daily specials, with a lot of variety, especially for seafood and veggie dishes. Seating is in an open courtyard surrounded by crumbling stucco walls with dramatic vines climbing up the sides and fairy lights strung through the trees. Reservations are not required for small groups, but larger tables may want to reach out via Facebook; they answer very promptly. This Downtown restaurant is open for dinner only.
  3. Les Cepages • $$$$
    The best French restaurant in Cancun
    Contemporary, French cuisine in an elegant setting with rich flavors, exquisite presentation, and fantastic wines. The sophisticated menu changes seasonally, taking inspiration from locally-sourced produce and fine meat cuts, though certain popular items appear regularly, like the brie salad, lamb chops, and chocolate soufflé. The restaurant is helmed by the amiable and talented Chef Sal Luna, who makes sure to personally greet all guests he’s cooking for and to answer any questions or make suggestions, even going off-menu. Table service is always warm, attentive, and personal. Les Cepages is located in Downtown and is open for lunch and dinner.
  4. La Habichuela • $$$$
    Garden patio dining in Cancun
    Flavorful Mexican-Caribbean restaurant, famous for its unique recipes featuring delicious seafood and beef and its tropical garden vibe. Their most popular dish by far is their cocobichuela (so popular it ended up being a $600 question on Jeopardy): curried lobster and fish over rice served inside a coconut and topped with a grilled pineapple ring. Decorated with Maya statues, dense palm fronds, and strings of lights, the garden patio is the preferred spot for dining. Save room for dessert and order a Mayan coffee to end the night; it comes with a fun tableside fire show. There are two locations, but you definitely need to visit the original one in Downtown, open since 1977, to experience the true Cancun spirit.
  5. Surfin’ Burrito • $
    Cheap eats budget dining in Cancun
    This well-loved hole-in-the-wall has a full menu of California-style comfort food, like coconut shrimp, fish tacos, and ceviche. But they are best known for their massive mahi-shrimp burritos, loaded with grilled veggies, beans, and rice; topped with tamarind and habanero sauce, as featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Their build-your-own burrito option is super popular, especially for those who don’t do seafood; their arrachera beef is particularly delicious. Burritos are always finished off on the grill to give a little crunch and a fuller flavor. Go easy on the drinks here; the cocktails are bigger than your head, ice-cold, and strong. Seating is limited to three high-top tables and assorted bar stools, so waiting for a table can take a while; food and cocktails are all available to-go, and they deliver from 8:00 a.m. until midnight. The restaurant is in the middle of the Hotel Zone, near the nightlife and open 24 hours.
  6. El Galeón del Caribe • $
    Best local dining in Cancun
    The only authentic, local-style restaurant in the Hotel Zone, El Galeón serves tasty, affordable seafood dishes under a palapa roof with a dirt floor and picnic tables arranged near the lagoon. The specialty of the house is pescadillas (fish tacos); order 3 or 4 per person. Their mixed ceviche with shrimp and octopus is outstanding and huge; two people can share this one. Pair your meal with a michelada and finish it off with their sweet fried bananas. Service is friendly but very casual, so don’t expect to be doted on. This gem of a restaurant is hidden from the street. At kilometer 19.4, you’ll see their sign and a small parking lot on the lagoon side of the street. The restaurant itself is down a set of wooden steps hidden in the foliage. Hours are loose, from noon-ish to 7:00ish. Cash only.
  7. Los Aguachiles • $$-$$$
    Best Ceviche in Cancun
    Casual, authentic spot for super fresh seafood and ice-cold drinks. The restaurant is best known for its house ceviche, made with shrimp, octopus, or a combo of the two served with their house salsa blends. Other menu highlights include the tuna tostada, grilled octopus, and chilorio tacos (spicy pork) for the non-seafood eaters. Mezcal features heavily on the drink menu, mixed with various aguas frescas, most popularly the pepino fresco (cucumber lime) and the maracuyá (passion fruit). This humble Downtown spot is a favorite among locals – clean, welcoming, and family-friendly. Open for lunch and early dinner from 1:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
  8. Sushi Go • $$-$$$
    The best sushi in Cancun
    Unassuming local chain serving super fresh and affordable sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese favorites. Rolls are definitely the stars here, with the Dragon Roll (tempura shrimp, cream cheese, and eel sauce) topping the list of favorites, along with the #4 (salmon, mango, cream cheese) and #21 (spicy tuna wrapped in avocado). Their tempura udon, ribeye roll, and gyoza are also top-notch. Diners will also find a few Mexican-inspired appetizers on the menu, like spicy tuna tostadas and salmon taquitos. The atmosphere is casual and clean, with friendly staff, table service, a full bar, and killer tempura fried ice cream. They also deliver to anywhere in the Hotel Zone. Open daily from 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm.
  9. Porfirio’s • $$$$
    Upscale Mexican restaurant in Cancun
    Upscale, Mexican restaurant with a lively atmosphere. Porfirio’s serves a wide range of Mexican staples like tamales, chicharones, and elote, along with more traditional, adventurous fare, like chapulines (fried grasshoppers) on guacamole. The cocktail menu features unique house recipes, like their chilimango (with fresh mango, vodka, chili and peach liqueur) and a robust selection of Josefinas (spicy mezcal cocktails with sweetened lemon and fresh, local fruits). Dinner is accompanied by live mariachi performers dancing among the tables, miming along with the music over the speakers. Yes, it’s cheesy but way fun. Open for lunch and dinner from 1:00 pm -1:00 am in the Hotel Zone.

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Tulum’s Best Tacos

MexicoTulum › Best Tacos
Updated: January 2, 2024

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The Best Tacos in Tulum

    Taqueria Honorio – Pueblo

    Counter service at Taqueria Honorio in Tulum
    A family-run taco stand best known for their Yucatecan pork fillings, including conchinita pibil (slow-roasted pulled pork), lechón al horno (roast suckling pig), poc chuc (grilled pork with citrus marinade). This spot has become popular in recent years, so expect to pay a little more here than at other taco stands (though it’s still super cheap). Open from 6:00 a.m. until they run out of food, usually around 1:00 p.m. Cash only, limited seating.

    Location

    El Carboncito – Pueblo

    The dining area of Taqueria El Carboncito in Tulum
    Tulum’s best tacos al pastor (spit-roasted pork with a Mexican-Middle Eastern spice blend). Chorizo and beef tacos are also amazing, especially when washed down with a glass of jamaica (sweet hibiscus tea) or horchata (sweet cinnamon rice drink). Though the seating area is large, it’s usually super busy with a long wait for a table, so arrive early or take it to go. Cash only.

    Location

    Antojitos la Chiapaneca – Pueblo

    Night scene at Antojitos la Chiapaneca in Tulum
    Some of Tulum’s best tacos are also the cheapest, starting at 10 pesos each (15 pesos with cheese). Go for the al pastor. This stand is also known for its Yucatecan snacks, especially salbutes (open-face, deep-fried, mesa flour tacos) and panuchos (salbutes with refried beans added). Covered or open-air seating is available, but it’s standing room only most nights. Hours are not strictly kept, but usually the shop is open after 5:00 p.m. Cash only.

    Location

    Tacos y Tortas El Tío – Pueblo

    The taco stand Tacos y Tortas El Tío in Tulum
    Authentic, cheap, delicious street tacos and tortas. There are only 5 chairs at this popular little cart, so plan on ordering to go. Hours aren’t set, but the cart is open at night only and usually on weekends, though you may catch them some weeknights, too. El Tío parks in front of the Oxxo convenience store at the corner of Avenida Tulum and Calle Geminis Sur. Cash only.

    Location

    Burrito Amor – Pueblo

    Outside Burrito Amor in Tulum
    Not technically tacos. But Burrito Amor cooks up a rich, flavorful menu based around a clean-eating philosophy. Burritos are made with their fresh, homemade tortillas (flour, gluten-free, or grain-free) and stuffed with a variety of fillings (meat, vegetarian, vegan, egg-free, dairy-free, and/or paleo-friendly). They also have a killer bar, mixing up signature cocktails, aguas frescas, fresh squeezed juices, and fragrant coffee. Great menu and service all day. Cash only.

    Location

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Tulum Restaurants

MexicoTulum › Best Restaurants
Updated: January 2, 2024

See Also

tacos beer Gitano beach club

Tulum Dining – Tips & Advice

  • Cash: Most restaurants in Tulum accept cash only, even the fine dining restaurants. Some accept U.S. dollars, but most require payment in Mexican pesos. If given the option, pay in pesos to get the best rates; you will always overpay if using dollars. Many restaurants that do allow credit cards charge an additional 3% surcharge.
  • Tipping: Tipping is part of the custom here, and 10 to 15% is the standard rate. But first, check bill for the word “propina” (meaning tip) to see if it has already been added to the bill. If so, add the necessary amount to bring the propina total up to 10 to 15%. Tipping in pesos is best, so the staff don’t have to pay a bank to exchange it into pesos.
  • Most of Tulum’s best restaurants are in the Pueblo or Middle Beach Zone. The Pueblo has more authentic, affordable restaurants, while the Middle Beach Zone has more chic, upscale spots. Most restaurants in the beach zones are on the jungle side of the road with outdoor seating.
  • Best Cooking Class : Rivera’s Kitchen (Pueblo)
  • Best Breakfast: Potheads (Beach Town) • Del Cielo (Pueblo) • Taqueria Honorio (Pueblo)
  • Best Sunsets: Kin Toh (Beach Town) • Mateo’s Mexican Grill (Beach Town)
  • Best Ice Cream: Campanella Cremerie (Pueblo) • Panna e Cioccolato (Pueblo)
  • Best Coffee: Ki’bok Coffee (Pueblo)

Tulum’s Best Restaurants – Video

The 19 Best Restaurants in Tulum

  1. Arca – Middle Beach Zone • $$$$
  2. The entrance to Arca Restaurant in Tulum
    High-end restaurant serving contemporary, flame-cooked, Maya-Mexican dishes. The menu changes often, but always offers the freshest, local seafood, meat, and produce from nearby Maya farms. Open for dinner Tuesdays through Sundays. Reservations strongly recommended. Cash only.

  3. Hartwood – Middle Beach Zone • $$$$
  4. A full house at Hartwood in Tulum
    Tulum’s premier fine dining restaurant offers a new menu each night highlighting seasonal produce from local markets and farms, along with sustainable seafood and meats. Totally off-the-grid, all food is cooked over fire and most of the lighting comes from candles. Open for dinner only from Wednesday through Sunday. Email for reservations about a month in advance. Cash only.

  5. Cetli – Pueblo • $$$
  6. Outside Cetli in Tulum at night
    A romantic, candlelit hacienda-turned-restaurant just outside of town, Cetli serves up amazing Oaxacan mole (rhymes with olé) dishes. Local, fresh ingredients are ground with a metate stone in pre-Hispanic style. Open for lunch and dinner; reservations recommended for dinner. Cash only.

  7. La Gloria de Don Pepe – Pueblo • $$
  8. Night tapas at La Gloria de Don Pepe in Tulum
    Charming little spot for Spanish tapas and fantastic wine. Their greatest hits include paella, fideuà (seafood pasta), and chistorra sausage. Buzzing atmosphere, especially in the evenings. Open for lunch and dinner. Cash only.

  9. – South Beach Zone • $$$$
  10. Dining in the jungle at Nü in Tulum
    Contemporary Maya-Mexican cuisine served in the jungle under the stars. Dishes feature traditional, local ingredients prepared in a creative, modern style. Its romantic ambiance makes this an ideal spot for special occasions. Dinner only; reservations recommended.

  11. Posada Margherita – Middle Beach Zone • $$$$
  12. tulum restaurant Posada Margherita beach dining
    Upscale yet unfussy beachfront Italian restaurant serving delicious handmade pasta and outstanding pizza made according to an old family recipe. The wine list is broad with an ever-changing selection of excellent labels. The restaurant is open all day, but the lunch and dinner menus are best. Cash only; no reservations.

  13. Safari – Aldea Zama • $$
  14. The fire pit and kitchen at Safari on the beach road in Tulum
    Rustic, Yucatecan-Mexican dishes prepared in a retro-chic Airstream trailer, and cooked campfire-style over an outdoor fire pit. The menu is small and simple, pairing well with Mexican craft beer, signature cocktails, and house-made aguas frescas.

  15. WILD – South Beach Zone • $$$
  16. Open-air dining space at The Wild in Tulum
    Ultra-chic, open-air dining in the jungle. The menu features gourmet Mexican-international gastronomy, using locally-sourced ingredients cooked over a wood fire. The inspired cocktail bar offers signature drinks made with fresh juices, homemade syrups, and edible flowers. Ideal for weddings and special events. Reservations recommended.

  17. El Asadero – Pueblo • $$
  18. Sidewalk dining at El Asadero in Tulum
    The best steakhouse in the Pueblo, El Asadero serves up succulent meats (don’t miss the arrachera) with Mexican accompaniments, including chorizo, grilled cactus, and roasted potatoes. Dinner only; reservations recommended.

  19. Casa Banana – Middle Beach Zone • $$$
  20. Outside Casa Banana in Tulum
    The best steakhouse on the beach road. Casa Banana offers a high-end Argentine-Mexican menu with excellent meat cuts, homemade chorizo, local beer, and a long list of mezcal cocktails. Open all day, but dinner service is the best. Cash only.

  21. MEZE – Middle Beach Zone • $$$$
  22. Dining area at Meze in Tulum
    A stylish Greek taverna specializing in meze plates (the Greek version of tapas) and creative cocktails. All dishes are made to share, so bring a friend and an appetite.

  23. Potheads – Beach Town and Pueblo • $$
  24. Exterior of Potheads Restaurant in Tulum
    A hearty menu of Mexican and international favorites, from chilaquiles to eggs Benedict, with friendly faces and a relaxed vibe. Excellent coffee. All day brunch from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Cash only.

  25. Del Cielo – Pueblo • $$
  26. The entrance to Del Cielo
    Del Cielo Tropical Bistro offers a mix of Mexican, Caribbean, and international favorites. Don’t miss the tartine and French toast. The restaurant is open all day, but brunch is when they truly shine. Cash only.

  27. Raw Love – Middle Beach Zone • $$
  28. The dining space at Raw Love in Tulum
    Vegan, raw food restaurant on the beach and in town. Gluten-free superfoods fill the menu, while standout dishes include the raw pad thai and the açai bowl. Find them in Ahau Tulum hotel. Cash only.

  29. Mateo’s Mexican Grill – Beach Town • $$
  30. Outside the ground floor bar at Mateo's Mexican Grill in Tulum
    Multi-storied, Tex-Mex bar and grill with a rooftop deck offering sunset views over the jungle. Another terrace is filled with hammocks. Standouts include the fried fish tacos, ceviche, and cocktails. Open all day; live music most nights. Cash only (ATM onsite).

  31. Ukami – Middle Beach Zone • $$
  32. The entrance of Ukami in Tulum
    Unique fusion menu of “Mayapanese” creations, blending Maya and Japanese culinary traditions. Expect fresh sushi alongside wild concoctions, like gyoza made with yuca, teriyaki tacos, and miso soup with fried tortillas. The restaurant has covered and open-air seating with colorful murals, eclectic décor, and a casual atmosphere. Dinner only.

  33. Mezzanine – North Beach Zone • $$$
  34. The dining room at Mezzanine in Tulum
    Mezzanine Hotel is home to a surprisingly authentic Thai restaurant. Run by 2 Thai chefs and incorporating local ingredients, the restaurant offers subtle twists on classic dishes and pairs them with Asian-inspired cocktails. Elegant yet casual atmosphere, perfect for a date night.

  35. El Vegetariano Mar y Tierra – Pueblo • $$
  36. Outside El Vegetariano in Tulum
    Tasty, casual vegan/veggie restaurant in the heart of town with a savory menu of Mexican and international dishes. Great chile relleno, burgers, falafel, and more, best enjoyed on the cozy garden patio in the back.

  37. Kin Toh – Beach Town • $$$$
  38. The lounge area of Kin Toh in Tulum
    Stylish treehouse restaurant and bar with striking architecture and dreamy sunset views over the jungle. This so-cool-it-hurts spot is all about the atmosphere, so come for sunset cocktails in one of their nest perches or have a shisha while lounging on their hanging nets. The food is Maya avant-garde and a bit pretentious, but the ambiance is truly original and well worth the trip. Reservations recommended. A 25 USD minimum consumption fee will be charged to a credit card on arrival.

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Cheap Hotels in Tulum

MexicoTulum › Budget Hotels
Updated: December 29, 2023

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The 8 Best Budget Hotels in Tulum

1. Teetotum – Budget

Featuring four contemporary guest rooms, this charming, good value hotel offers free breakfast, an outdoor plunge pool, restaurant, spa services, and free bicycles for guest use. Each guest room has air conditioning and a minibar, and the hotel is located 3 km from the Archaeological Zone and 4 km from the beach.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 143 8956
Hotel website • Check prices for Teetotum

2. Casa Don Diego – Budget

Within walking distance of the restaurants of downtown Tulum, this colorful hotel features free breakfast, an outdoor pool, restaurant and bar, spa, free parking, laundry service, and bike and scuba equipment rentals. Rooms have air conditioning, terraces, private bathrooms, and no TVs. Located 5 km from the Archaeological Zone and the beach.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 745 9305
Hotel website • Check prices for Casa Don Diego

3. Posada Yum Kin – Budget

Located just north of downtown Tulum, this eco-friendly budget hotel is 5 km (15-minute drive) from the Archaeological Zone, and offers complimentary continental breakfast, outdoor pool and hot tub, free parking, and a lush garden. All rooms feature traditional architecture and local artwork, and most rooms have air conditioning, terraces with hammocks, and kitchenettes.
Hotel phone: +52 1 920 858 2127
Check prices for Posada Yum Kin

4. Mango – Budget

Located 3 km from the Archaeological Zone and 4 km from Gran Cenote, this cozy and affordable hotel is positioned just outside the center of Tulum, but within walking distance of many restaurants and shops. Minimalist guestrooms feature air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, and refrigerators, as well as free coffee, tea, and filtered drinking water. An outdoor pool and a garden are on-site.
Hotel phone: +52 984 142 6462
Hotel website • Check prices for Mango

5. Cabañas La Luna – Moderate

Beachfront property made up of 10 bungalows, a pool, and a restaurant, and situated about 8 km from downtown Tulum as well as the Archaeological Zone. Bungalows vary in size but all offer direct beach access and filtered drinking water, and some feature multiple bedrooms, air conditioning, and private bathrooms.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 146 7737
Hotel website • Check prices for Cabañas La Luna

6. Villas Geminis Boutique Condohotel – Moderate

Situated in the heart of downtown Tulum and 4 km from both the beach and Gran Cenote, this art-focused hotel offers an outdoor pool, garden, free continental breakfast, and free bicycles for guest use. Every spacious room has a balcony or patio, traditional decor, and air conditioning, while some rooms feature full kitchens and sitting areas.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 277 6298
Hotel website • Check prices for Villas Geminis Boutique Condohotel

7. Biwa – Moderate

Known for its scenic rooftop bar, this modern mid-range hotel offers free breakfast, free bicycles for guest use, an outdoor pool, several lounge areas, free parking, and an elevator. Rooms feature air conditioning, minibars, coffee makers, desks, private bathrooms, and bathrobes. The hotel is located 4 km from the Archaeological Zone and within walking distance of the restaurants of downtown Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 871 2200
Hotel website • Check prices for Biwa

8. Naay – Moderate

Charming boutique hotel situated 4 km from the beach with complimentary breakfast, free bikes for guest use, and a large rooftop deck with two pools, cabanas, and a restaurant. All rooms feature modern amenities like air conditioning, smart TVs, Bose speakers, and memory foam beds; some rooms have balconies.
Hotel phone: +52 1 800 504 5000
Hotel website • Check prices for Naay Curamoria

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The Best Tacos in San Jose del Cabo

MexicoLos Cabos › Best Tacos
Updated: March 7, 2022

See Also

The best tacos in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.

Lateral Crudo y Asado in San Jose del Cabo.

The 5 Best Tacos Places in San Jose del Cabo

La Lupita

Tacos in San Jose del Cabo.
Trendy taco restaurant in downtown San Jose del Cabo. They also specialize in mezcal. Reservations highly recommended.

Taqueria El Paisa

Pastor tacos in San Jose del Cabo.
Fast food taco joint with a street food feel. The best pastor in San Jose del Cabo.

Taqueria El Fogon

Tacos in San Jose del Cabo.
Fantastic local taco restaurant that’s open for breakfast.

Lateral Crudo y Asado

Tacos in San Jose del Cabo.
The best taco place near some of the best hotels in San Jose del Cabo.

7 Seas

Tacos at San Jose del Cabo beach.
The best tacos along the beach are found at the Cabo Surf Hotel’s beachfront restaurant.