Tulum is one of the most insta-famous destinations in the world, and it has increased in popularity significantly over the last few years. No longer the quiet, laid-back beach town it once was, it now welcomes hoards of travelers year-round.
See below for everything you need to know about visiting some of the most isntagrammable Tulum photo spots.
Cenote Calavera
Cenote Calavera is one of the two most popular cenotes close to Tulum centre (the second being Gran Cenote).
Location: Carretera Tulum Coba Km 1.7, 77796 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Getting here: Just a 5‑minute drive north of the main intersection in Tulum town, you can either drive, take a taxi (MXN200‑250), or bike to this cenote.
Entry: MXN250 per person.
Other: Life jackets for swimming cost extra, and if you plan to use a non‑phone camera for photos/videos (e.g., Go Pro, drone, pro camera), you will be charged MXN200‑250.
Pro‑tip: Arrive in the afternoon or an hour before closing to avoid crowds. (Check out my reel showing the BTS of this location to see for yourself.)
Casa Malca
Casa Malca is a former mansion of Pablo Escobar. It was turned into a beautiful boutique hotel in the ’90s and is absolutely stunning! The entire property is like an art gallery, and I definitely recommend people visit, even if just for the day or a meal!
Location: KM 9.5, Carr. Tulum‑Boca Paila, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Getting here: Taxi or cycle all the way down the Zona Hotelera road. It’s about a 20‑minute drive from the entrance of Zona Hotelera.
Entry: A day pass costs USD150 per person (USD50 for entry, USD100 for food/beverages) or USD80 per person minimum spend at either of their restaurants (Filosofía & Ambrosia).
Follow That Dream Sign
The Follow That Dream sign has become a symbol of Tulum’s Zona Hotelera and a must-see Tulum photo spot.
Location: Lolita Lolita Shop (Carr. Tulum‑Boca Paila km 8.5, Tulum Beach, Zona Hotelera, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico)
Getting here: Taxi or cycle down the Zona Hotelera (it’s located ~18 minutes in).
Entry: None. The sign is located right outside the shop!
Other: The area doesn’t get too busy, so don’t worry about tons of other people or having to line up.
Pro‑tip: Unless you already have one, rent a bike from across the street (you can inquire with Lamat Tulum, a boutique hotel)! It costs USD15 per hour, and you can get them in really cute colours (pink, baby blue, yellow, etc.).
Ven A La Luz Installation (by Daniel Popper)
The Ven A La Luz installation by Daniel Popper has become the universal “tell-me-you’ve-been-to-Tulum-without-telling-me-you’ve-been-to-Tulum” photo spot. You cannot miss it!
Location: Ahau Tulum (Carr. Tulum a Boca Paila Km. 7.5 Zona Costera, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico)
Getting here: Taxi or cycle down the Zona Hotelera road (it’s ~15 minutes from the entrance by car).
Entry: MXN60 per person
Other: The Ven A La Luz installation used to be located on the street level, but has been moved behind a wall. It’s still at Ahau Tulum, but you won’t see it from the street so you might miss it! Once you arrive at Ahau, ask the person in front where to go and they will direct you to the appropriate entrance.
Pro‑tip: Go as early as possible. Although it’s no longer as busy as it used to be (probably because people can’t see it from the street anymore, and may think it has been removed), a shorter line (usually of 10‑15 people) does form. Getting there early will avoid the hassle of standing in line and the rush to get the perfect shot before leaving.
Orchid House Tulum
Orchid House Tulum is a boutique hotel and restaurant I discovered when looking for a nest dinner experience that was *not* Azulik/Kin Toh. It hasn’t blown up as a location yet, but it definitely deserves more attention so I had to include it.
Location: Aldea Zama 77760, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Getting here: Taxi, walk (if staying in Aldea Zama), or cycle!
Cost: Nest reservations cost USD99 per person for either brunch or dinner.
Other: You can choose between a regular or vegan tasting menu (6 courses are provided and it includes a cocktail on the house).
Pro‑tip: Order the passionfruit mojito and thank me later.🍹
Other Popular Instagrammable Tulum Photo Spots
Other popular Tulum photo spots include:
1. Azulik (including Kin Toh & Uh May)
2. Playa Paraíso (specifically, the bent palm tree)
3. Coco Tulum
4. Gran Cenote
5. Cenote Azul
6. Hun Tulum
7. Papaya Playa Project
8. Tantra Tulum
9. Tulum Town
10. Tulum Ruins
11. Matcha Mama
12. Nômade Tulum
13. Vagalume Tulum
Tulum is arguably one of the most photogenic and instagrammable destinations you can explore—so even if you don’t visit all or any of these spots, you will be certain to find many other great ones. Tulum is full of beauty beyond these locations–make sure not to miss out on it!
For example, my airbnb ended up being perfect for photos!
If you think I’ve left out any important spots, please comment below & I will update the list with your suggestions!
As a Newbie, I am always exploring online for articles that can be of assistance to me. Thank you