Tulum, Mexico

4 min read
January 2024

PICTURE THIS

It’s one early January day and stepping off the ADO bus, I can already smell the incense. (no joke). People are walking barefoot, in the very typical Tulum style clothing: Brown or black hats, sunglasses; beige and light-colored clothing in linen. Sporadically, long, black robes, a style also known as Tuluminati.

There are also people in shiny, navy blue bikes, in a very slow-paced style. Scooters are driving by alongside modest cars and black SUVs. Someone chops a coconut nearby and a voice softly tries to sell a tour to nearby cenotes, Chichén Itzá or Isla Mujeres.

A smile starts to spread on my face and I can’t help it, I walk in amazement because the energy of this place always puts me in a great mood. People walking past me look at me funny, but I promise the only high is just that moment.

Tulum is a very famous place nowadays and it’s quickly growing. I’ve heard the stories of locals and expats who have been here for a while and have seen it mature from a small beach town to an almost exclusive, VIP gem in the Mexican Caribbean.

With fame, it also has grown a reputation and it’s either loved or hated. But I firmly believe that looking at the right places, you’ll find your crowd, as with any place in the world. Tulum has the bonus that, nature-wise, you’ve got the jungle and the ocean and they meet seamlessly: so dreamy.

There are things for everyone here: Nature and spirit meet at cacao ceremonies, yoga, and holistic accommodations. Endless bike and scooter rentals for hire to explore beaches, cenotes, and lagoons at your pace. Beauty and luxury meet in beach clubs whether for day or nighttime.

Whichever your approach, or all of them- example, spirituality isn’t at odds with partying. after all, we are extensive, sometimes complex human beings- let’s start easy with Tulum: here are 10 of the most Instagramable spots along Tulum’s Hotel Zone :)

🌴Azulik/ Sfera Ik

Famous for its jungle design, Sfer Ik (museum) and Azulik have a gorgeous design to visit. There's also a free entrance to the beach right beside Azulik. It's a bit hidden, so look out. Highly recommended for sunset☀️

🌴Stay Present Sign

This is one of the first positive messages you'll see in this area. Stay Present and Embrace the Mystery on either side. Plus, you'll get your first real peek at the gorgeous, baby blue color of the Mexican Caribbean

🌴Playa Punta Piedra

One of the free beaches in Tulum, this spot is a great mix of locals and tourists. You can hike the boulder jutting out into the ocean for a great view

🌴Confessions | DJ Sessions & Bar in Tulum

"Bad decisions make better stories" is the motto at the entrance, where you can lounge in the sofa and take a quick photo.

🌴Escultura Ven a la Luz (Come to the light)

This beautiful sculpture done by Southafrican artist Daniel Popper shows the connection between people and nature and is inside Hotel Ahau. Nowadays, a fee is required to see the sculpture (around 30 USD)

🌴 Kanan Tulum
There's a cool tree bark tunnel you walk through, woodsy-chic beachfront hotel

🌴 Matcha Mama

Delicious matcha and cool swings in the front, a perfect spot for making pictures.

🌴 Follow That Dream

Probably the sign that first led me to Tulum, this famous street sign is a bit down the hotel zone but it gives more space for exploring.

And there you have it! As long as you're deep in the hotel zone, and made it this far, here's a bonus: Dos Ceibas is a hotel that offers a free entrance to the beach and with reasonable prices to hang out. Enjoy! ☀️

You can check out the interactive map in Thatch, a great travel platform with guides and other creators, here.

Thank you for joining me on this journey! If the stories shared here have inspired or helped you in any way, please consider supporting this space. Your contributions, big or small help sustain and encourage the creation of meaningful content :) -JC

PICTURE THIS

Carnival in Brazil 🇧🇷

Belice- español