Tulum Pueblo – translated means Tulum’s Town, is where you can find Tulum’s deeply embedded culture and long held traditions. Tulum’s Pueblo is separate from the beaches, resorts and ruins.
You will find true Mexican cuisine prepared right in front of you with the freshest ingredients and spices from the region. Add to this the fresh fish, chicken and pork and you will not want to leave until you are completely full.
The local craft and gift shops – like the ones pictured left, are filled with lots of handmade items such as clothing, ceramics and jewelry to mention a few. Many of these handcrafted pieces come from the person who you will be negotiating with. And yes, I did said “negotiate”. This is to be expected between both vendor and customer. It ends up being a win – win situation for everyone involved.
Strolling down main street familiarizes you with what old town Tulum has to offer. The open air shops are hard to miss on either sides of the street.
One particular arts & crafts shop displays a sign that reads, “Viva Zapata”. The words symbolize a 1952 John Steinbeck movie staring Marlon Brando that idolizes a Mexican Revolutionist by the name of Emiliano Zapata. The owner proudly displays his other works of art in and around the shop.
There are a collage of unique store fronts up and down main street that will surely capture your attention. You have to always be twisting and turning in different directions trying to find unique differences that are not normally noticed when looking straight ahead.
The colorful glass lighting – shown left, must be a sight to see when the sun sets and they are lit up. Places like this are frequent along the pedestrian friendly streets of Tulum’s Pueblo.
If you happen to make a left when you needed to take a right, I would suggest to “Not” follow a few of the make shift street signs. You never know where you might end up!
One of the most important features of this fascinating little community are the people. They are friendly, helpful and so laid back that you just want to sit back and join them for a casual conversation.
I just happened to come upon this cute little girl who wanted to show me how she could walk the curb with no help. Life is so easy when you can enjoy the simple things it provides.
The neighborhood dog even gave me a nod of approval. 
Hummmmm…. Haven’t I seen this particular dog on television a few times?
The side streets that turn away from the main thoroughfare – Tulum highway, are not only filled with residential homes, but local businesses as well. There are some pretty interesting shops and restaurants bordering these quiet streets.
Take a look at one of the restaurant and cantina’s ingenious way to capture your attention. They use an old flamboyantly painted Volkswagen Beetle to draw your curiosity. It seems to also second as a support anchor for the thatch covered roof.
They start serving breakfast at 8 am. Then at 5 o’clock , Happy Hour begins with appetizers. Wherever you visit a small town, try to explore the side streets as well. You will most likely get a more authentic meal at a lower price.
The brief video below captures some of Tulum’s main street shops and restaurants.
Spending a several hours walking around the Pueblo’s business district offers quite an experience in Mexican culture and artwork. The people are filled with charisma. The stories told about their special trades being handed down from generation to generation will amaze you. The restaurants are filled with traditional atmosphere and savoring smells that delights all your senses. The people who make up this small community live a simple life, and that suits them just fine. This is a part of Tulum you must not pass up.
Author: Anthony Scopel
Photography: Anthony Scopel
Videography: Anthony Scopel & crew
Article Formatting: Anthony Scopel
Video Production: Anthony Scopel & Matt Kemper
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Web Support: Matt Kemper
Publisher: You, Me and The Dock
