Mexico travel diary | Last minute trip back to Tulum (after Medellín)

Cyni picked me up from the ADO station with her car, and we headed straight to Hotel Babel, where I’m staying as part of a partial collaboration I was really excited about. I checked in alone, since I’d be enjoying the place all to myself. And honestly—it was stunning. A full apartment with a private jacuzzi on the balcony, a kitchen, beautiful bathroom products… everything felt just right. I love having a place like this just for me. Waking up in a big bed, taking my time, moving at my own pace. Especially when I already know people in town, I really prefer a private space over a hostel—unless I’m on a tight budget.

Later, I picked up a bike from Tulum Bike Rental in downtown—they’re my go-to every trip. I cycle everywhere here because I try to avoid taxis as much as possible.

That evening, Cyni and I went for dinner at our usual favorite: La Negra Tomasa. I had my classic order—the Taco de Atún. It never disappoints. Cyni was pretty tired, so she dropped me off at the hotel, and I had the rest of the evening to myself. I made full use of everything Babel has to offer—steam room, jacuzzi, the pool… and even had a lovely chat with the woman at reception. The team here is honestly so warm and welcoming. And just like that, my first evening back in Tulum had begun.

Today I was heading to Vesica with Cyni and Leon, who were DJing. I’d only seen them live once before, so I was really excited. I took some photos at Babel, had breakfast in La Veleta, and FaceTimed my mom. The café was fine—not my favorite—but the slow morning felt right. I stopped by Meteora to drop off stroopwafels—something I had promised on my last trip. Cinthia treated me to a coffee, and it was so good to see them again. The energy at Meteora always feels familiar and real—it’s a hostel I truly recommend.

In the afternoon, Cyni and Leon picked me up, and we spent over 7 hours at Vesica. The weather, the people, the vibe—it all just worked. I ran into familiar faces, met new ones, and felt completely in flow. A photographer offered to do a spontaneous shoot, and a boutique gifted me something in exchange for photos. It felt like everything aligned.Tulum brings out something in me I don’t find anywhere else. I feel like the truest version of myself here.

That evening, after they dropped me off, I met up with Jana, a friend who works at Gitano. Her friends—who happen to live next to my hotel—picked me up. We clicked instantly. The night at Gitano was so much fun. Jana treated me to drinks, I met new people, and the ride home was full of deep, meaningful conversations. Without a doubt, one of my favorite days in Tulum.

After breakfast, I headed back to Babel, because I had plans to go to the beach with Cyni and her mom Tanya. We spent a few hours at Lula Beach Club, which has free entrance and no minimum spend—rare in the hotel zone these days. The sun was perfect, we relaxed, tanned a bit, and it was just what I needed. And honestly, the more time I get to spend at Babel, the better. It’s such a peaceful place.

That evening, I took myself out for dinner—of course, to Burrito Amor, my all-time favorite. I ordered the mushroom latte (non-magical, haha) and their classic shrimp burrito. The staff even recognized me from previous trips, which actually happens a lot here. It means a lot to me—to be remembered like that. It’s such a sweet compliment.

Later, I joined Cyni and Leon at Gitano for a few hours—we had free entry again, which is always a plus. I didn’t stay long though. I was tired, so I just spent a little time with Jana, and headed home early. It was a calm but meaningful day—filled with small, perfect moments.

After getting ready, I biked to Raw Love for a cacao smoothie bowl and an infusion latte. I got recognized there again—which happens more and more here in Tulum. It honestly feels like I live here. People greet me by name, I’m sitting in people’s living rooms, invited to their barbecues… it’s not just a trip anymore, it’s a place where I genuinely feel at home. Later, I met up with Cyni and Tanya, and we went to the public beach, which now sadly costs €20 if you’re not a resident. Just a few months ago, it was free—or maybe €3 at most. It’s wild how fast that changed. But we found a nice beach club, met some people, and I grabbed a golden latte at Matcha Mama, just to support my gut health.

In the evening, we had dinner at Burgerito in La Veleta with Leon, Tanya, and Cyni. Afterward, I chilled for a bit at Babel, until I got a sweet message from Jana’s friends—who have truly become my own friends now. They live just around the corner from my hotel and invited me to stop by for a late-night barbecue.

Even though I’d already eaten, I went. And I’m so glad I did. We drank fresh juice and had the best conversations—just the four of us: Marcelo, Daniela, Alex, and me. We sat outside by the grill, and later inside on the couch, laughing, talking about life. No pictures, no videos—just being there. And honestly, those are the moments that stay with me the longest. It was a calm, grounded day—full of small, beautiful things.

After that, I went to Harrtoo, La Negra Tomasa’s sister café just a few minutes away. Sweet Yocelyn, the lovely waitress who’s remembered me for three trips in a row, came running over and hugged me. It was such a warm, unexpected moment. Just before Aline arrived, something truly moving happened. A woman who collects donations for orphaned children came by with a small basket of nuts. I wanted to help, but realized I didn’t have any cash left. She smiled and walked away gently—but then came back and placed a small bag of nuts on my table. No words, no expectations. Just pure giving. I nearly cried. That moment reminded me of exactly why I love Mexico so deeply. Tulum is where I feel most like myself. Everything flows. I feel seen, safe, and incredibly grateful.

Aline—my Brazilian soul sister—arrived shortly after. We had coffee, and then took her scooter to Cenote Atik, a place I recently dreamt about. The entrance fee has nearly doubled since last year, and I found out it’s a man-made cenote. But still—we enjoyed the water, the photos, and the moment. On the way back, we found a tiny cacao shop near La Negra. Aline and I share a beautiful bond with cacao, so this stop felt really special. The cacao was delicious, and I’ll definitely be back. We ended the afternoon with a light bite at La Negra Tomasa.

That evening, I had a salad and some lovely conversation with Jana, Daniela, and Marscelo. The energy was calm, warm, and honest. This day—and these people—were an unforgettable gift.

I started the day with breakfast at Kibok, just two minutes from my hotel. I ordered the breakfast burrito without bacon (I try to avoid pork) and a cappuccino—so delicious. Mexican food really is my absolute favorite. After breakfast, I did some last-minute shopping and enjoyed one last moment by the pool. Aline and I were supposed to meet for breakfast, but she overslept, so I waited at a little café in La Veleta. When she didn’t show, I decided to head back and soak up a final bit of sun on my own.

Later in the afternoon, I took the ADO bus—the last one of the day—to the airport. My flight was scheduled around 8:30 PM, but when I arrived at the gate, I found out the flight was suddenly overbooked. So was the flight to Paris. I was traveling standby as an IPB passenger, so it got a little tense… but to my surprise, I got a seat as the third person from the IPB list. That was thanks to Air France–KLM, through Air Europa, and apparently I had great seniority on Cancun Airport. That was a huge relief.

In Madrid, I had a connection with Iberia to Amsterdam. I got a seat almost immediately at the gate. Madrid Airport is huge, but it’s honestly one of my favorite transfer points—especially for flights from South America. (And for Asia, I usually go through Dubai—just a little tip for fellow Stand-by travelers!)

Onboard, I was treated so kindly. Despite being completely jetlagged and sleep-deprived, I had a really cozy flight. The crew was lovely, and I sat next to a super sweet passenger. We had such a nice chat.

That marked the end of my Mexico adventure—for now. But… if all goes well, I’m planning to return in November, this time for six weeks. Thank you so much for reading my travel diary. For following along with the beautiful, spontaneous, and deeply meaningful moments. Until the next one.