Travel

Plant-Based Paradise: The Best Vegan Eats and Experiences in Tulum

October 17, 2025

Dreaming of turquoise beaches, jungle vibes, and plant-based perfection? 🌴 Tulum is a vegan traveler’s paradise—filled with fresh smoothie bowls, vibrant beach cafés, and flavorful Mexican dishes made with love (and no compromise on health). In this guide, I’m sharing the best travel tips.

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I'm SANDRA!

Licensed clinical psychologist + plant-powered foodie on a mission to help women over 40 embrace radical self-care.

I’ve been vegan for 15 years (vegetarian since I was 12 ). Here you’ll find plant-based recipes, hormone-friendly hacks, and a little joy sprinkled in (because health should feel good!).

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Guys, I’m so excited to take you on a vegan food tour of Tulum, Mexico! 🌮✨

Tulum is a town on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula that has transformed from a sleepy fishing village into one of the most popular tropical getaways in the world. With its pristine beaches, boho-chic vibes, and the ancient Mayan ruins that overlook the turquoise sea, it’s no surprise that Tulum has become a magnet for wellness lovers, creatives, expats, and retirees seeking sun, serenity, and smoothies.

Woman standing in front of huge art installation

Knowing my love of health, wellness, and good food, my brother had been urging me to visit for years — and I’m so glad that I finally did!

Compared to the more touristy Cancun, Tulum feels more relaxed and soulful, yet it’s bursting with healthy cafés, organic restaurants, and plant-based options that made my vegan heart so happy.

I visited in July 2022, right in the middle of the pandemic, so I know a lot has changed — but one thing’s for sure: Tulum is still a vegan traveler’s dream. 🌿

Here’s a look at my favorite vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants from my trip:

🥑 1. Burrito Amor

Location: Tulum Centro

On our first morning in Tulum, we kicked off our trip at Burrito Amor, a must-visit spot that kept popping up on every foodie’s list. I fully intended to try one of their famous vegan burritos — until I saw the words vegan chilaquiles on the menu.

Being the food adventurer that I am, I couldn’t resist! (After all, burritos are easy to find in California.) The chilaquiles were delicious, but the drink I ordered — a refreshing, tropical smoothie — completely stole the show.

Sadly, I didn’t make it back to try the burrito, but this spot is definitely worth adding to your Tulum breakfast list!

🌞 2. The Pitted Date

Location: Aldea Zama

Breakfast the next day was at The Pitted Date, a fully vegan restaurant in the trendy Aldea Zama neighborhood. We arrived right when they opened… a little too early. The chef was still waiting on his fresh produce delivery, so we had a limited menu to choose from.

Plate on a table with omelette, ketchup and potatoes

I ordered the mushroom omelette — made with caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, vegan egg, and topped with spinach, cashew cream, and vegan Parmesan. It came with a side of perfectly seasoned potatoes and an Inspired Indigo smoothie (a vibrant blend of açai, berries, watermelon, and dates).

Even though I couldn’t try what I originally wanted, I’d still give it a solid 7/10 for taste and ambiance.

🇻🇪 3. Kaxapa Factory (Playa del Carmen)

Location: Playa del Carmen

That afternoon, we ventured north to Playa del Carmen and stumbled upon Kaxapa Factory, a family-owned Venezuelan restaurant serving up traditional favorites. While it’s not 100% vegan, there were plenty of delicious plant-based options — and we tried them all!

Think arepas, empanadas, cachapas (sweetcorn pancakes), and patacones (fried green plantains). My favorite? The Veggie Cachapa filled with stir-fried veggies and tofu, and a side of Papelón con Limón, a refreshing sugarcane-and-lime drink.

A plate of tostones with guacamole in the center

Everything was flavorful, fresh, and deeply satisfying — a hidden gem worth the short trip from Tulum.

🥥 4. Raw Love Café

Location: Inside Ahau Tulum Hotel

If you’ve never eaten at a raw vegan restaurant, Raw Love is the perfect introduction. This outdoor café feels like a jungle paradise — colorful, creative, and full of good vibes.

smoothie bowl on a table

We ordered the Living Pizza (sprouted seed crust, almond cheese, and marinated mushrooms), Coconut Curry, Avocado Toast, and a Tropical Kiss Smoothie Bowl made with pineapple, mango, and passionfruit.

The flavors were bright and fresh, and I loved how nourishing everything felt. Don’t skip dessert — the Lemon Pie Love Cake and Chocolate Love Cake were heavenly.

piece of chocolate cake garnishished with raspberry on a plate

This was hands-down one of my favorite meals of the trip.

🌮 5. La Hoja Verde

Location: Tulum Centro

For dinner one night, we visited La Hoja Verde, a cozy restaurant offering vegan and vegetarian Mexican and international dishes.

hand holding a taco with two tacos on a plate

We ordered a Taco Trilogy (mushroom, pastor, and barbacoa), a barbecue soy sandwich, Pizza Fortachona (pear, spinach, and walnut with vegan cheese), plus dessert — a chocolate brownie, and mango-coconut ice cream.

Everything was flavorful and beautifully presented. Pair your meal with their refreshing passion fruit juice and thank me later.

🌊 6. The Real Coconut

Location: Inside Sanara Hotel, Tulum Beach

This beachfront restaurant isn’t fully vegan, but it’s clean-eating paradise. Their menu is free from grains, gluten, dairy, and refined sugar — perfect if you’re looking for something light and nourishing.

drink on table with dried blood orange on top as a garnish.

I ordered the Plantain Hash, and while it was tasty, what truly won me over was the stunning beachfront setting and boho-chic décor. The Sanara Hotel itself looked like the ultimate wellness retreat — and if Tulum’s too far, The Real Coconut also has a location in Malibu.

🥙 7. Macondo

Location: Inside Nomade Hotel

Dining at Macondo felt like stepping into another world — a mix of Middle Eastern and Mexican flavors set in one of the most beautiful atmospheres in Tulum.

Lady sitting and laughing

The food was colorful, aromatic, and artfully plated — perfect for sharing and savoring. Even though the portions were petite, every bite was full of flavor. If you go, take your time to enjoy the setting — this spot is an experience in itself.

🌽 8. Suculenta Tamalerría

Location: Downtown Tulum

For a taste of traditional Mexican comfort food, Suculenta Tamalerría is the place to go. This family-run, all-vegan spot specializes in tamales and classic local dishes.

I ordered their house mole (a savory cocoa-based sauce) over rice and veggies, plus a papadzul tamale filled with roasted pumpkin seeds, tomato, and habanero. To cool off, I sipped on their green juice made with ginger, pineapple, apple, and orange.

The food was simple, homey, and full of authentic flavor — proof that inexpensive doesn’t mean low quality.

☕️ 9. Alfonsina Café

Location: Tulum Centro

We instantly fell in love with the warm, welcoming vibes at Alfonsina Café. The décor was charming, the patio was peaceful, and even though the menu was entirely in Spanish, we managed to order — and loved every bite!

Entrance of cafe

If you’re a coffee lover or brunch enthusiast, this café should be on your Tulum list.

🌺 10. Boho Vegano (Private Brunch Experience)

Location: Airbnb Experience

This was one of the most memorable parts of our trip. I discovered Boho Vegano through a YouTube interview, and after learning that the chef had run a vegan dessert business in Dubai before moving to Tulum, I booked her private brunch experience.

Lady with an apron on standing in front of a house with a large tree in front.

Let’s just say — it was a feast! From Jamaican-style cornmeal porridge (by request!) to quiche, tostones with cashew cream, Indian onion bhajis, and fermented cashew cheesecake, every dish was stunning and full of love.

If you’re looking for a unique, intimate dining experience, this is it.

🌅 11. El Vegetariano Mar y Tierra

We ended our trip with dinner at El Vegetariano Mar y Tierra, and it was the perfect “last supper.”

Lady sitting at table with a plate of food at night

We shared vegan tacos, enchiladas verdes, and fried sweet potato and yucca, with a creamy Puut Smoothie made from berries, guava, and orange. Every dish was packed with fresh ingredients and traditional Mexican flavor.

Things to Do in Tulum (Between Meals!)

Because Tulum isn’t just about the food — it’s about the experience. Between bites, make time to:

  1. 📸 Plan an Insta-worthy photoshoot at Azulik, an immersive art experience.
  2. 🐢 Snorkel and swim with the turtles.
  3. 💦 Explore Tulum’s magical cenotes (natural sinkholes).
  4. 🌊 Float down a lazy river and soak in the beauty of nature.

🌿 Final Thoughts

Tulum completely lived up to the hype — it’s a place where wellness, adventure, and conscious living meet. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to eat more plant-based while traveling, you’ll find plenty of delicious, nourishing options here.

Would I go back? In a heartbeat. 💚

🧭 Planning Your Own Vegan Tulum Trip?

Save this guide for your next adventure — and follow me on Instagram @plantpowereddocta for more vegan travel inspiration, recipes, and radical self-care tips.

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I'm Sandra, your plant powered docta.

Licensed clinical psychologist + plant-powered foodie on a mission to help women over 40 embrace radical self-care.

I’ve been vegan for 15 years (vegetarian since I was 12 ). Here you’ll find plant-based recipes, hormone-friendly hacks, and a little joy sprinkled in (because health should feel good!).

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