Best Vegan Food & Coffee in Tulum
Welcome to your one-stop shop for the best vegan food and coffee in Tulum!
Having been mostly plant-based and gluten-free for over seven years, I make it a priority to find the best vegan food (and coffee, of course) wherever I travel. With Tulum becoming a popular destination for eco-conscious digital nomads and expats, I knew it would be a great place to explore and try some vegan spots during my month-long stay. Below, I list the best vegan food and coffee in Tulum that I discovered, along with some of my favorite dishes for you to try. The list is in no specific order.
Warning: Extreme hunger may arise….
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Best Vegan Food & Coffee in Tulum
Burrito Amor
A health-conscious and eco-friendly Mexican diner that focuses on fresh, clean, and pristine restaurant quality food. Burrito Amor has a paleo and vegan-friendly menu, offering gluten-free, dairy-free, and even egg-free options to accommodate all diets. They have indoor and outdoor seating.
Location: Tulum Centro
Hours: Wednesday-Monday, 8 AM - Late
Pricing: $$
Preferences: Caters to paleo, gluten-free, vegan, and plant-based diets.
Food Items: Contemporary Mexican food including egg dishes, burritos, breakfast items, and a wide variety of beverage options.
Recommendation: The vegan grilled deluxe burrito with the homemade gluten-free coconut tortilla. It may have been a bit over my budget, but mhmmm, it was worth it! The cactus was a surprisingly tasty addition. I would 10/10 recommend trying a burrito when you are here.
Raw Love
The next place on the list of best vegan spots in Tulum is a 100% plant-based café where every dish is crafted to balance texture and taste. Raw Love has a cozy jungle feel and is a great spot to set yourself up for a day of work, offering delicious drinks and healthy meals. The food here is all made from scratch with love and is free of refined sugar, dairy, preservatives, and animal products (except honey). They even do their best to be chemical-free in terms of disinfecting and to be as eco-friendly as possible.
Location: Tulum Centro and the Beach Area
Hours: Monday-Sunday 9:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Pricing: $$
Preferences: Plant-based, gluten-free, raw vegan
Food Items: Salads, soups, pizza, pasta, burgers, coffee, desserts, juices, smoothies, etc.
Recommendation: The frappachino! I do not normally enjoy chocolatey food items, but WOW, this was so freaking good and rich. The Zucchini Alfredo and Tropical Kiss Smoothie Bowl were both incredible as well. Each bite was fresh and exploding with taste.
La Vegan Taqueria
This is a very small and local vegan restaurant. All of the food at La Vegan Taqueria is made freshly before you in this intimate, tiny location. There is not too much seating available, but the food is worth the wait.
Location: Tulum Centro
Hours: 7 days a week, 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Pricing: $
Preferences: Vegan
Food Items: Tacos, burritos, breakfast items, and beverages
Recommendation: Tofish and Coliflor con Mole tacos. They were bursting with flavor.
Liefs
This next spot is a van and farm-based cafe located in the heart of town. Created by a lovely couple from the Netherlands, Liefs focuses on a plant-based diet, sourcing its ingredients locally and trying to create a more health-conscious atmosphere. The vibe and cozy outdoor shaded seating area are the perfect spot to stop for lunch or a morning coffee. They serve you a fresh and yummy welcome beverage on your arrival. Liefs also offers catering and retreat opportunities.
Hours: 7 days a week, 9 AM - 9 PM
Pricing: $$-$$$
Preferences:
Food Items: Coffee, tea, burrito, soup, smoothie bowls, desserts, mushroom-based drinks, etc.
Recommendation: The coffee here is unparalleled. It was so dang delicious and energizing. I have had a lot of coffee in my adult years, but this one takes the cake. The burrito was also just as delicious.
Carlito Burrito
A Mexican-owned, hipster restaurant and cocktail bar with an authentic and upbeat ambiance. Carlito Burrito has made the list of best vegan food in Tulum with its’ good vibes and tunes, alongside a friendly staff and delicious food. The seating area is spacious and decorated with lively colors and local art.
Location: La Veleta
Hours: Thursday-Tuesday (Closed Wednesday) 2 PM - Late
Pricing: $$-$$$
Preferences: Gluten-free and vegan options
Food Items: Cocktails, Mexican-based dishes, etc.
Recommendation: The Mean Veg Machine Burrito, Fresh Vegetable Tacos, and Vegan Nachos. The vegetables in the tacos were some of the freshest and flavorful I have had in Tulum. I thought the portion sizes here were larger than most too! The food was incredible and the atmosphere made everything even better.
El Bajon Vegano
This vegan restaurant has some of the best tacos in Tulum, with each being only 25 pesos! The service at El Bajon Vegano was speedy, and the staff was attentive and kind. The place is decked out with a variety of veganism stickers and signs, making it a very hip atmosphere. They always have a fresh beverage of the day that includes a free refill. This restaurant is a must-visit (and taste) on the list of best vegan food spots in Tulum.
Location: Aldea Zama
Hours: Monday - Saturday (Closed Sundays) 11:30 AM - 8 PM (Saturdays close earlier)
Pricing: $
Preferences: Vegan and gluten-free
Food Items: Tacos, tortas, huaraches, tostadas, desserts, and beverages
Recommendation: The tacos and tostadas! I tried every gluten-free taco on the menu, and my boyfriend tasted every other taco. They were all insanely good—probably some of the best tacos we had in Tulum. The tacos come with the protein filling and add-ons you select. There is an area to add lime, onions, cilantro, and different salsas based on the “heat” level. Our favorite fillings were the pastor (jackfruit) and red chorizo.
Café.Si.To.
An Italian-inspired cafe on Calle 7 that is adorably decorated with plants, creating an inviting and cool atmosphere. Café.Si.To. is a newer spot in La Veleta, with a pool set in the center of it and seating surrounding it. They have some of the best Italian coffee in Tulum.
Location: La Veleta
Hours: Sunday- Friday (Closed Saturdays) Opens around 7:30 AM
Pricing: $$
Preferences: Dairy-free milk options available
Food Items: Breakfast items, smoothies, coffees, etc.
Recommendation: The Latte—so smooth and delicious. Made me want to go back to Italy.
Vaivén
Located within a food complex, Vaivén is the perfect spot on Calle 7 to stop for breakfast and a coffee. The staff is friendly and kind making an enchanting and cozy atmosphere. It is another great spot to set up for a work day or to catch up with friends. Most seating is outside, but umbrellas and small coverings are placed around the area in the case of rain.
Location: La Veleta
Hours: 7 days a week, 7:30 AM - Late (closes earlier on Tuesdays)
Pricing: $$
Preferences: Vegan options and non-dairy milks are available
Food Items: Coffee, teas, beverages, and breakfast items.
Recommendation: The coffee and chai latte! They were very delicious and smooth.
General Information: Tulum
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Tulum for optimal weather and minimal seaweed is from November to April. However, the best deals on accommodations and other expenses are during the low season, which is the opposite of these months.
High Season: December - April
Seaweed Season: April - October
Hurricane Season: June - October
Travel Tip: Tulum is prone to frequent power outages, especially during the windy and rainy hurricane season. I experienced them regularly during my time here.
How to Get to Tulum:
FLYING:
Tulum has a relatively new international airport (TQO), situated approximately 40 minutes from La Veleta and 45 minutes from Aldea Zama and the Tulum Beach/Hotel zone.
Note: Taxi fares from the airport into Tulum can be pricey.
PRIVATE TAXI:
A private taxi is always an option but can be quite pricey. From Playa del Carmen, I was quoted anywhere from 1200-2000 pesos (70-120 USD) by drivers.
ADO BUS:
ADO is the main Mexican bus company throughout the country, and most routes are safe for tourists. You can take an ADO bus from nearly anywhere else in Mexico to get to Tulum. The best routes are from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Prices vary depending on the time of year and time of departure. My bus from Playa del Carmen was 120 Pesos (around $7 USD) and only took a couple of hours.
COLECTIVO:
A Colectivo is a shared van with other people heading to the same destination you are. They are a favored form of transportation by backpackers and travelers with less luggage.
The Colectivo from Playa del Carmen to Tulum can be found under Highway #307, (below Juarez Avenue) near Chedraui. Find the Google Maps location here.
The Colectivo ride costs a little above or below 40 pesos and stops near the Tulum Ruins and the ADO bus station. They do not always stop at Tulum Ruins, so if this is your destination, be sure to tell the driver ahead of time and be on the lookout during your drive. You will need to either walk or hire an additional taxi to get to your accommodation.
Note: Colectivos can be small, cramped, and timely. Sometimes they will wait for a full van before departing. They do not always have working air conditioning. If you have a lot of bags or a large bag, they may turn you down for more passengers instead (more money for the driver).
Mode of Transport in Tulum:
Options: Taxi, bicycle, motorbike/ATV. If you are going to be here long term, your best option is to purchase one of these outright because of how overpriced rentals are here. Tulum is not very walkable, with everything being spread out and still under development. Each section of Tulum, such as Aldea Zama, is walkable on its own. However, walking between areas, such as walking to Tulum Beach, is not always advisable due to heat and safety concerns.
Bicycle: A bicycle is the cheaper option, but it can be quite difficult with the lack of infrastructure in some areas, such as La Veleta. However, there are bike lanes on most main roads. Bicycles cost, on average, about 150-200 pesos daily. Longer-term rentals offer a better chance at discounts. Bike locks are necessary here.
Taxi: If you're here long-term, relying on taxis to get around isn't feasible due to high prices. I've only used one taxi during my time in Tulum, from the ADO bus station to my stay in La Veleta. The fee was 200 pesos.
Motorbike/ATV: This is probably your best option for getting around Tulum on its bumpy, unpaved dirt roads. However, they can be quite costly. I was quoted anywhere from 400 pesos (rarely) to 800 pesos per day for a motorbike. ATVs are more expensive. In addition to the base fee, many places require a deposit starting at 2,000 pesos plus your passport.
Note: Rental places are known for scamming tourists, and motorbikes and bicycles are known to be stolen. I recommend doing your research ahead of time, reading reviews, and having a way to lock your rental up at night. I used a bicycle lock to secure my motorbike kickstand to a small tree outside my accommodation. I always put my helmets in the locked compartments on the motorbike as well.
Where to Stay:
There are four main areas in Tulum to stay:
La Veleta (I stayed here): Best for long-term visitors who want a luxury stay at a good price and some quiet. You need a form of transport to move about here.
Best Accommodations For Every Traveler:
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Maui Hostels Tulum
Best Low-Budget: Little Gem Hotel Tulum La Veleta
Best Mid-Budget: Hotel Boutique TerraNova
Best Luxury: Hotel Muaré
Aldea Zama: Known as the spot where the majority of digital nomads and expats live, mixed in with some locals. It is a safe and modern neighborhood with many cozy cafes, dining options, grocery stores, gyms, and more. You will still need transportation to get to the beach and tourist attractions.
Best Accommodations For Every Traveler:
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Mayan Monkey Tulum
Best Low-Budget: Macondo Tulum or La Bella Vita Tulum
Best Mid-Budget: NAJ TULUM
Best Luxury: Copal Tulum Hotel
Tulum Centro: Best for travelers and backpackers on a hostel budget or those seeking immediate access to local action. Transportation is still necessary to reach the beach area and main attractions of Tulum, this area offers plenty of food options, grocery stores, shopping, and more. For me, this area exuded an authentic Tulum vibe and felt like the heart of the action.
Best Accommodations For Every Traveler:
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Moonshine Tulum Hotel & Hostel
Best Low-Budget: Los Arcos Hotel - TULUM
Best Mid-Budget: Botånica Tulum
Best Luxury: Layla Tulum (Adults Only) or Coconut Cave Tulum
Tulum Beach Area: Best for short-term, luxury travelers who want to be on the beach and not have to leave the area if they don't want to. There are lots of food options, clubs for night owls, and other things to do. You would need transport to visit the ruins and cenotes.
Best Accommodations For Every Traveler:
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Selina Tulum
Best Low-Budget: Mamasan Treehouses & Cabins
Best Mid-Budget: Alaya Tulum or Casa Ganesh Tulum
Best Luxury: Mi Amor Boutique Hotel (Adults Only) or Casa Malca
Note: If I could do Tulum differently I would stay in Tulum Centro or Aldea Zama.
Food Recommendations:
Carlito Burrito (La Veleta)
El Bajon Vegano (Tulum Centro)
Burrito Amor (Tulum Centro)
Raw Love (Tulum Centro)
IS IT SAFE?:
This is a huge debate with Mexico in general, and it all depends on what you will be doing and where you will be going. I want to preface by saying that I do not drink, wander around after 7:00 PM, or engage in any illegal activities. I have heard some absolute horror stories of people's experiences in Tulum that shocked me. However, I have not experienced any safety issues whatsoever while here.
Never travel without the right insurance in case of any sickness, injuries, or theft. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Emergency Contact Number: 9-1-1
