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The town of Tulum is a gorgeous destination situated on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. We’ve spent countless days exploring the majestic white beaches and sparkling ocean waters along with lush jungles, cenotes, beautiful lagoons, and ancient Mayan ruins.
But don’t just take our word for it! Every year, more than 2 million tourists make their way to this popular town, and yet the vibe is chilled and relaxed compared to other popular locations such as Cancun. Equally, the nightlife is fantastic, and of course, the restaurants in Tulum are spectacular, offering scrumptious local and international cuisine.
Feeling overwhelmed by choice when it comes to where to eat in Tulum? Well, we’ve narrowed it down, so you can take your palate on a mouth-watering adventure! So, on your mark, get set, and let’s explore the best restaurants in Tulum!
Don’t have time to read the full article? The food, the drinks, the friendly service, the relaxed atmosphere on the beach – these attributes made La Zebra a perfect spot to dine and we highly recommend checking them out. If you’re looking to try a variety of options (shout out to our fellow foodies), we really enjoyed this food walking tour that takes you off the beaten path.
The BEST Restaurants in Tulum
1. Akuma Tiger – Best Sushi
- Location: Right in the Centro (downtown) area. Location on Google Maps here.
- Price Point: 800 to 900 MXN ($47 to $52 USD) per person, depending on what you order/if you choose a dinner experience.
- Come here for: Authentic Japanese Cuisine/Sushi
Now you might be wondering, “Bailey, how come the first option on this list about a Mexican town is a sushi restaurant?” Well, I’m glad you asked!
Although Tulum has an incredible and mouth-watering amount of choice when it comes to Mexican food, I definitely wasn’t expecting to find one of the best sushi places I’ve ever been to here. We absolutely love sushi, and have visited a lot of sushi spots over the years, so you can imagine our surprise when Akuma Tiger blew us away.
And we’re not the only ones who think so either – Akuma Tiger has a super high rating on Google, with tons of raving reviews that I completely agree with. Their maki rolls were absolutely incredible, and every piece of sushi I had simply melted away in my mouth!
I thought the prices here were pretty reasonable, considering how expensive good sushi restaurants can be. They’re open from 6 pm to 11:30 pm, but as this is a pretty popular spot, I’d definitely recommend giving them a call in advance to make a reservation.
2. Taqueria Honorio – Best Cheap Tacos
- Location: Downtown Tulum. Google Maps location here.
- Price Point: Between 25 and 50 MXN ($1.50 to $3 USD) for a taco
- Come here for: Authentic Mexican street food
It is time for some authentic and spicy street food! Dan and I can never get too much authentic Mexican cuisine. Taqueria Honorio is a fabulous streetside restaurant in Tulum preparing excellent tacos and tortas. The portions are also generous, and the prices are pretty reasonable!
I tucked into the Poc Chuc tacos, while Dan opted for the Lechon Al Horno tacos. We both agreed the pork was perfectly prepared and rich in flavor and spice. The salad ingredients were fresh, completing an epic taco-eating experience.
We washed our meal down with a refreshing melon juice. While doing so, we enjoyed some live Mexican guitar music. You know you are in for excellent Mexican food when a restaurant in Tulum is packed with locals. The service is terrific, and the ambiance has a genuine Mexican vibe.
My favorite part was being immersed in the local culture. Certainly, one of the best restaurants in Tulum and well worth the visit.
3. Botanica Garden Cafe – Best Brunch
- Location: Downtown Tulum. Location on Google Maps here.
- Price Point: Around 100 MXN ($6 USD) for a dish
- Come here for: Tasty brunches and strong coffee
Botanica Garden Cafe is a quaint little brunch in downtown Tulum spot that serves the most delicious food for really reasonable prices! Seriously, Dan and I were so obsessed after stopping in here on our last trip that we came back three times in the four days we were in town – it was that good!
The super-friendly baristas whip up killer breakfasts, brunches, and lunches, so get ready to become a regular. The muffins, fruit bowls, and house specials are prepared fresh daily and are to die for. My personal fave was the Omlette Botanica…delish! You can peep their menu online here.
They’ve also got free Wi-Fi and host fun events like live music nights, craft classes, and more goodies. Open 8 am to 5 pm daily, this is our personal pick for a brunch spot that is affordable with great quality food. Plus, as it’s right in town, it’s super easy to go exploring in town straight after eating. Or maybe hit the beaches instead!
4. Boccanera Pizzería y Cervecería – Best Pizza!
- Location: Just north of Tulum Beach. Google Maps location here.
- Price Point: Around 300 MXN ($18 USD) for a pizza
- Come here for: Woodfired pizza!
Mamma Mia, you are in for excellent pizza! Dan needed his pizza fix, and Boccanera Pizzeria y Cerveceria came highly recommended by the locals. This streetside restaurant in Tulum near the beach may be small in size. Yet, their pizzas are big in taste.
Prepared the traditional way in a woodfire oven and dressed with toppings using only the finest and freshest ingredients, these pizzas are a hit! I adore all types of cheese, so the 4 Cheese Pizza was my choice. Dan ordered the Pizza Salame. The puffy crust was perfectly baked, and the toppings were very generous. Furthermore, the prices are great too.
The ambiance carries an awesome Italian feel, and the service is first-rate. After our meal, we ordered Margaritas and watched the people pass us by as the evening vibe set in.
There you have it! Where to eat in Tulum when needing an exceptional pizza? Look no further than Boccanera Pizzeria y Cerveceria.
Related Read: A food tour is one of the best tours in Tulum – learn all about the top tours!
5. Chambao Tulum – Best Steakhouse
- Location: South of Tulum Beach. Google Maps location here.
- Price Point: Average of 1,000 MXN ($58 USD) for a main
- Come here for: Steak and Seafood
Chambao Tulum is the perfect restaurant in Tulum to relax and unwind in a gorgeous bohemian setting. I loved the raised wooden walkways with clear water pools nearby. This beautiful setting is home to some of the best seafood and steak you will ever eat.
Our canine tastebuds were calling, but we decided to share a salad as a starter. The Pear Salad was an excellent choice. Oddly, I am not a huge goat cheese fan. However, it worked very well with the complimentary ingredients of red pear, blueberries, caramelized walnuts, and a delicious dressing made with beet and peppermint. Yum!
For our mains, I savored every mouthful of my braised Short Rib. Dan’s braised Brisket was scrumptious. Each cut of meat was braised for 16 hours, making this an unforgettable melt-in-your-mouth experience. We ordered a few sides to share, and the flavors were fabulous!
Dan was too full for dessert. Even so, he had to have one bit of my Brownie Cheesecake. It was too tasty! We enjoyed a local beer alongside our meal and some fabulous live entertainment. The service was impeccable. Definitely, one of the best restaurants in Tulum, especially if you are craving some steak or red meat.
Related Read: Ever get tired of the hustle and bustle in Tulum? Check out the best day trips from Tulum to escape for a little while!
6. Nao – Best Japanese Fusion Cuisine
- Location: Downtown (central) Tulum. Google Maps location here.
- Price Point: Around 300 MXN ($18 USD) for a main dish
- Come here for: Affordable Japanese food with a twist
After a relaxing morning on the beach, Dan and I decided to ask where to get some sushi for a late afternoon lunch. Nao came highly recommended, so we made our way to this restaurant in Tulum. The décor is simple with the traditional black elements of Japanese restaurants. I loved the striking Koi fish mural on one wall.
Chef Naoya did not disappoint with his sushi culinary skills. The service was efficient and friendly. We ordered a variety of sushi to share. Each piece melted in our mouths, and the ingredients were fresh and flavorsome.
The presentation was indeed a work of art. Beautifully laid out, scattered with fresh flowers and unique glass pyramids over the whole plate. Just stunning!
We made room for a few scrumptious dumplings too. The ambiance and music added to our wonderful late lunch experience. On top of all of that, the prices are very affordable too. We also heard from some friends that their Salmon Teriyaki is amazing! Certainly, an excellent Japanese Fusion restaurant in Tulum to try out.
7. Tora Tulum – Creative Asian Cuisine and Seafood
- Location: Tulum Beach. Google Maps location here.
- Price Point: Average dish is around 800 MXN ($47 USD)
- Come here for: Contemporary Japanese Cuisine
We always enjoy visiting Tora on our Mexican travels. The service is top-notch, and the ambiance is divine. I adore the natural décor and stunning light fixtures with a contemporary approach. There’s a good selection of traditional Japanese dishes to explore, and I’m never disappointed by their creative seafood dishes.
Dan and I decided to do exactly this. We ordered the Chef’s signature dish, a Hot Rice Pot or Takikomi Gohan. I tried the Japanese Mushrooms, and Dan opted for the seafood. So tasty and bursting with fresh traditional Asian mushrooms and seafood. So delicious!
I urged Dan to order his own dessert, so he decided the Deconstructed Cheesecake was an excellent choice. The peach and strawberry sauce was a win! I chose to indulge in something decadent. The ‘Nutella to Die For’ was the ideal choice.
We sipped on some Japanese whiskey as another outstanding Tora eating experience ended. Get to one of the best restaurants in Tulum for an exceptional meal!
Note: Tora also has a second location in Cancun that is often rated one of the best restaurants in Cancun!
8. Mezzanine Thai Restaurant & Bar – Best Thai Food
- Location: Right on the beach, just south of Playa Paraiso! Google Maps location here.
- Price Point: Average lunch or dinner main 250 to 350 MXN ($15 to $20 USD)
- Come here for: Healthy Thai Cuisine and ocean views
Do you fancy a bit of Thai cuisine in Tulum? Mezzanine Thai Restaurant and Bar is in a magnificent location with a breathtaking view. It’s a paradise with a backdrop of the lush jungle and right on the beach. I decided it was time to spoil us with a scrumptious Thai meal and a spa treatment.
After our Thai massage, a nutritious lunch was in order! We could not resist a spicy Thai Curry, so I decided on the Green Curry and Dan the Yellow Curry. My favorite part was their spiciness-level descriptions; Mild is “Tourist”, Medium is “Expatriate”, and Hot is “Truly Thai”. We had a good laugh as it is so true!
Needless to say, both our meals were outstanding and bursting with authentic Thai cuisine flavor and spice. Perhaps, we should have stayed “healthy” however, the Margaritas from the bar were too tempting in the Tulum heat.
We relaxed on swinging white hammocks, relishing in the view and trying not to spill our cocktails. By far one of the best restaurants in Tulum if you’re looking for a relaxed beachside dining experience.
Related Read: While in the area, why not consider swimming with the whale sharks in Tulum – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
9. La Zebra Beach Restaurant and Bar – Best Mexican Food (on the beach!)
- Location: South of Tulum Beach, right on the sand! It is attached to La Zebra Hotel Tulum.
- Price Point: Average dinner main is about 500 MXN ($29 USD)
- Come here for: Authentic Mexican Cuisine on the beach
La Zebra Beach Restaurant and Bar is a vibrant and colorful beachside restaurant in Tulum. These attributes are met with the tasty and authentic Mexican cuisine on their menu. My favorite part was sitting on the beach while we enjoyed our delicious meal with a sweeping ocean view.
Of course, with your feet sinking comfortably into the warm Caribbean sand, it only makes sense to order from the Beach Menu. Dan and I shared some Chorizo Nachos. The nachos gave that perfect crunch. The cheese sauce with chorizo, black beans, pica de gallo, and guacamole was freshly prepared with the spicy flavor you have come to expect from Mexican food.
For our mains, we tackled the tacos. I tucked into the Fish Al Pastor, and Dan munched away at the Octopus and Shrimp option. Definitely, a super tasty taco! The seafood was fresh and the condiments moreish.
We loved their range of unique spicy cocktails too. I tried the Anthony Quinn and Dan had the Mezcal Mule – refreshing and delicious! On top of that, the service was friendly and really without fault!
We completely lost track of time, and soon the sun was setting. Certainly, La Zebra is one of my preferred beach spots and up on my list of the best restaurants in Tulum. You will love it!
Related Read: Check out the best Mexican restaurants in Cancun!
10. Funky Geisha Tulum – Best Asian Cuisine
- Location: South of Tulum Beach. Google Maps location here.
- Price Point: Around 400 MXN ($23 USD) for a main dish.
- Come here for: Authentic Asian Street Food and bohemian vibes
Asian cuisine is spreading rapidly throughout the world and Mexico is no exception. The Funky Geisha restaurant in Tulum has embraced traditional street food from Japan, Thailand, and China onto one delicious menu.
The natural surroundings flow into the decor, which has a bohemian feel. The rustic simplicity is complimented by raw materials such as reclaimed wood, wicker, bamboo, and stone. You truly feel you are in a magical paradise.
I started with a yummy Miso soup and Dan the flavorsome Tom Kha Gai Soup. Both are excellent choices!
We decided to skip sushi this time. However, from what we saw in the Chef’s kitchen, it is worth the try. The Chef’s Specialty options grabbed our attention. The Lobster Curry Rice with Kaffir was delicious. Dan fancied the King Crab Marinated in Yuzu. The spicy authentic Japanese flavors were spot on. Truly scrumptious!
This restaurant in Tulum takes you on a food journey around Asia. The cocktails are amazing, and the service is efficient and friendly. Our decadent desserts of Lemongrass Crème Brulé and the Almond and Walnut Tower offered the ideal ending to our meal.
Your palate will thank you for visiting!
11. Ilios Greek Estiatorio – Best Mediterranean Cuisine
- Location: South of Tulum Beach. Location on Google Maps here.
- Price Point: 1,000 MXN ($58 USD) – fine-dining restaurant
- Come here for: Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine
If you are looking for an evening of fun and exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, then Ilios Greek Estiatorio is the best restaurant in Tulum to visit. The atmosphere is fantastic and jamming with upbeat vibes. Only met with stunning decor giving this restaurant in Tulum an authentic Greek appeal.
I love an assortment of Mezze to get my Mediterranean palate going. I ordered all our favorites, including Hummus and Dolmathes. Too yummy! The lamb burger caught my tastebuds’ attention, and Dan opted for the rib-eye. Melt in our mouth deliciousness!
Baklava is always my go-to for dessert, alongside a rich and aromatic espresso. I was smiling all the way to Greece! The entertainment is incredible. Our server was prompt, extremely knowledgeable, and hands-on throughout the evening. It’s a complete diner experience, and one foodies will absolutely enjoy.
After our meal, we sat back with an excellent bottle of wine and took this experience in. Definitely a must-visit spot on your Tulum restaurant journey!
Note: Ilios also has other locations in the Yucatán. Their Playa del Carmen location is often rated as one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen, too.
12. Babel Cafe – Best Breakfast
- Location: Downtown Tulum. Google Maps location here.
- Price Point: Average breakfast meal is around 120 MXN ($7 USD)
- Come here for: Best breakfast and coffee
When Dan and I were walking around downtown Tulum one morning, we came across this delightful coffee shop and decided to pop in for breakfast. As you enter this small yet comfortable restaurant in Tulum, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee meets your senses.
We both ordered a cappuccino while waiting for our meals. Once they arrived at our table, we couldn’t wait to tuck in. I ordered the waffle and Dan got the famous ‘huevos rancheros’.
Dan loved his ‘huevos rancheros’ and said it was one of the best he ever had! My waffle came with bananas and caramel – so sweet and fluffy!
Now, I cannot leave a coffee shop without sampling a pasty. Our cappuccinos were excellent, so we decided to have Americano alongside lemon meringue pie. The perfect pastry meets smooth lemon decadence! The meringue melted in our mouths.
With our energy levels boosted, we took a long walk around the town of Tulum and indulged in some shopping. Get your day going the Italian way and pull into Babel Cafe.
13. Fresco’s – Best Healthy Food
- Location: South of Tulum Beach. Location on Google Maps.
- Price Point: Average main 180 MXN ($11 USD)
- Come here for: Fresh, bright, and healthy food
Fresco’s beachside café is bursting with color, taste, and creativity. With our stomachs growling, we were in need of a wholesome lunch. And here, we got just that! This rustic restaurant in Tulum is an ideal spot to visit for a healthy scrumptious breakfast, brunch, or lunch.
Famished from the sunny weather, we decided to order a mixed juice. Jorge promptly met us and delivered our drinks to our table timeously. I enjoyed the digestive option packed with fresh papaya, pineapple, grapefruit, carrot, and chai. Dan’s energizing choice of red apple, beetroot, ginger, and carrot hit the hot spot.
We nibbled on some guacamole and chips while awaiting our mains. I ordered the Cauliflower Tostada and Dan was keen to try the pineapple and habanero ceviche. Both our meals were beautifully presented, bursting with vibrant color and Mexican flavor.
Our fruity desserts of lemon pie and passion fruit crème brulé were decadent with a sharp tart freshness.
The setting is beautiful, too. We relaxed next to the shimmering Caribbean Ocean. What a fantastic way to spend your day! Certainly, one of the best restaurants in Tulum.
14. El Camello Jr. – Best Shrimp and Ceviche
- Location: Downtown Tulum. Google Maps location here.
- Price Point: Average Main 250 MXN ($15 USD)
- Come here for: Authentic Mexican Cuisine – Shrimp and Ceviche!
There is only one shrimp restaurant in Tulum to visit, and this is it! El Camello Jr. has the traditional décor you have come to expect from most streetside restaurants. The vibe was abuzz with locals and travelers alike.
The tantalizing smell of the highly recommended shrimp had our mouths salivating in anticipation. Our friendly server delivered our order alongside various complimentary side dishes and crispy nachos.
The shrimp was fresh and cooked perfectly with a fantastic Mexican spice kick. I squeezed a generous amount of lemon over mine – just the way I enjoy my shrimp. Delish and mouth-watering! The portions are plentiful, and the price is excellent. My favorite part was sitting in a humble setting while enjoying a 5-star meal flavor-wise.
I overheard a group of travelers talking about the superb ceviche options available. As full as I was, it was tempting to order one. Dan suggested we return another day to try one. So, I guess we will be back tomorrow then! Where to eat in Tulum just became so easy for all shrimp fans.
15. Parole Tulum – Best Italian Food
- Location: South of Tulum Beach. Google Maps location here.
- Price Point: Average Main 500 to 1500 MXN ($29 to $87 USD)
- Come here for: Authentic Italian Cuisine
Shortly before leaving Tulum, I decided one more spoil was needed to complete our palate journey. Parole Tulum is a gorgeous restaurant in Tulum offering the finest in Italian cuisine. The natural décor carries a rustic Italian charm. In addition, the meals are beautifully plated and bursting with vibrant colors.
The dishes are classic Italian, and the Chef brings a subtle contemporary touch. We shared the classic Insalata Caprese as a starter. After much deliberation, pasta was the way to go. The mozzarella cheese was out of this world. An excellent starter choice.
I opted for the fettuccine alla carbonara al tartufo. The saffron fettuccine was al dente complimented with a velvety carbonara sauce, pancetta pecorino cheese, and black truffle. In a word, wow!
Dan tried the gnocchi di patate alla crema di Gorgonzola. A superb combination of potato gnocchi, creamy gorgonzola sauce, black truffle, and Parmigiano cheese. Dan had no words. So, I will go for outstanding!
For our dessert, we decided to share the degustazione di dolci parole. This way, we could sample a little of everything. A delightful and decadent selection of ricotta-fig cheesecake, white chocolate and blueberry mousse, lemon ricotta cake, chocolate cake, macaroons, and dulce de leche ice cream.
My favorite was the macaroons, and Dan loved the white chocolate and blueberry mouse. Even so, every sweet treat was divine!
Certainly, the perfect way to end our best restaurants in Tulum journey.
Go on a Food Tour While You’re in Tulum
One of the best ways to truly experience the flavors and culture of a new place is to go on a food tour, and Tulum definitely provides! Wandering from restaurants to local food stands and trying mouth-watering dishes you’ve never heard of with an experienced guide is such a fun way to explore Tulum’s culinary scene!
We had such a fun time trying out this 3-hour local walking food tour, and we were really happy to find out that the folks organizing the tour wanted to showcase the less touristy parts of town. With just a maximum of 10 people per tour, this tour feels really personal, which we also really appreciated.
The food, as you can expect, was amazing, and we visited 6 different local spots, from unassuming but mind-bendingly good taco stands to local fruit markets, restaurants, and so much more! Tickets for this tour cost $77 USD per person and can be booked online here.
Going on a food tour is such a delicious way to get your bearings when you first arrive in a new place, giving you an intimate taste of the local flavors, as well as local tips on where to eat! So be sure to book a food tour when you’re visiting Tulum, and you’ll be enjoying the food there like a local in no time.
Other Activities to do While You’re in Tulum
Besides eating amazing food, you have to see more of what this awesome city has to offer before you leave! Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Tulum:
- Check out the Tulum Ruins – Honestly, if you don’t do anything else while you’re here, make sure to check out the Tulum Ruins! This is an amazing place to get a glimpse into the area’s Mayan history, and with a 90 MXN ($5 USD) entrance fee, it’s also pretty inexpensive too. For the best experience, I’d recommend going with a private guide, which also includes early access to beat the crowds!
- Rent a bike and explore the city – Renting a bike is a fun and convenient way to explore Tulum. You can see the murals, visit cute shops, hit a brewery, and even explore the beach in just a few hours! My favorite bike rental shop is Ola Bike Tulum where you can get a bike for $12 USD a day!
- Visit Cozumel – Cozumel is a small island off the coast making it a great day trip from Tulum! Cozumel is well known for its white sand beaches and clear water. This is one of the best spots in Mexico for scuba diving and snorkeling. Cozumel has the second-largest coral reef in the world, only behind the Great Barrier Reef. This full-day island tour includes your ferry transport, snorkeling gear, a buggy tour, as well as plenty of snacks, so you’re in for an awesome day out!
- Have a beach day – With all the adventuring and exploring you’ll likely be doing in Tulum, a lazy beach day is a perfect activity to relax! Many people come to Tulum for the amazing beaches, as they are some of the best beaches in Mexico. The closest beach to Tulum is Paradise Beach, and the name speaks for itself. You can rent lounge chairs here for $10 USD and enjoy the nearby restaurants. You can easily get to Paradise Beach by walking, biking, or a quick taxi ride.
- Go ziplining – Traveling with kids? Or maybe you’re a big kid like us and still get a huge kick out of swinging through the trees? You’re never too old to let your hair down, and this 4-hour ziplining, rappelling, and cenote tour is a whole lot of fun! At $80 USD, I’d say this is great value and would make for an epic half-day out. While it doesn’t include transport, you can easily arrange this for about $15 USD from Tulum.
Where to Stay in Tulum
Tulum has become such a great vacation spot, and that is largely due to the great places to stay! With so much to do in Tulum, you’ll need great accommodation to rest up and keep adventuring. There are plenty of options ranging from hip budget-friendly hostels, resort vibes, or anything in between.
Che Hostel – $
For budget travelers, my favorite hostel is Che Hostel. This hostel is just steps from downtown Tulum and has a tropical vibe with gardens surrounding the property. There are lots of events that happen here, including salsa dancing and pool parties!
You can get a dorm room here for as low as $11 USD, which is truly a steal considering how nice this hostel really is! They also offer gorgeous private rooms. This can be booked on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
XscapeTulum – $$
XscapeTulum is a moderately priced hotel, that’s super comfortable with huge rooms! It has a great location only a few minutes away from the city center, but it’s off of the main road, so it’s quieter at night. Plus, it has a beautiful pool and garden that feels like an oasis in Tulum!
It’s great for couples and families as you can even rent an entire apartment. Prices are really good starting at only $60 USD a night – even in the peak season! But to take advantage of this awesome deal, you’ll want to book online well in advance!
Hotel Boutique TerraNova – $$$
Finally, if you’re looking to make your vacation a luxurious trip, there are plenty of good options in Tulum! Hotel Boutique TerraNova is a top-rated boutique hotel that truly makes your stay like paradise. The rooms start from 301 sq. ft (30 sq. m), so they’re really spacious, plus they have a garden patio, and there is an outdoor pool as well!
Rooms here in the low season start from around $100 USD per night, however this can rise to around $400 to $500 USD per night in the high season, so it’s a good idea to make your reservation in advance to beat the price rises!
Kan Tulum – $$$
Another fantastic luxury option here in Tulum is Kan Tulum. This hotel is actually built around its own private cenote, which is such an awesome feature! The rooms here have a unique jungle treehouse design, with gorgeous terraces to see the sunset – it would be a shame not to grab a photo or ten. You are also super well-located right next to beaches and nightlife.
Rooms here at Kan Tulum cost around $450 to $600 USD per night, which is on the higher end, but for a unique and truly memorable experience like this, you’re bound to walk away with a smile on your face!
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
I hope your mouth is watering after reading about all of these amazing restaurants in Tulum – I certainly know that mine is! I’m sure that if you make time to eat at even a couple of the restaurants I mentioned above, you’ll be more than impressed.
Be sure to check out our other blogs about Mexico including a few related reads below:
12 Things to KNOW Before Booking a Catamaran Cruise in Tulum
15 BEST Beaches in Cancun, Mexico