Best Photo Spots in Tulum, Mexico

Tulum Mexico is the most photogenic place I’ve ever traveled to. Its sustainable hotels and beautiful art sculptures surrounding the small town will deliver you beautiful photography content for weeks! Not to mention the unique and great restaurant scene that has popped up in Tulum over the past few years. All of this is a great reason enough to visit Tulum, Mexico and that’s why I’ve created the “Best Photo Spots in Tulum, Mexico”. A guide to giving you tips and tricks in order to plan out your photography journey in the jungle and make your Tulum vacation picture perfect!

Follow That Dream Sign, Tulum, Mexico

Located just north of Nomade & Casa Malca, this sign is in front of a cute little shop on the main beach road (you can’t miss it). During our stay in Tulum, we never noticed a queue of people waiting so it’s safe to say you can get the shot at any time during the day. But plan for golden hour, as that is the best time of the day to shoot!

Ven a La Luz Sculpture

Located directly in front of the Ahau Tulum hotel, this 10-meter high sculpture made out of wood and steel and is an absolute must-see. Make sure to get here before 10 am otherwise, you will be waiting a bit for your turn to photograph this beautiful art piece. This was hands down my favorite sculpture in all of Tulum, Mexico!

Address: Carr. Tulum a Boca Paila Km. 7.5 Zona Costera, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Casa Malca, Tulum

This famous hotel is located on the southern part of the beach road. It was by far the most Instagram friendly place I have ever seen. Endless pieces of art scattered across the property (including an underground pool that Pablo Escobar used to chill in), wedding dresses as curtains cascading the lobby entrance, and a watchtower that gives you a birds-eye view of Tulum beach. If you’re visiting Tulum you can not miss this place!

Insider Tip: There is a spiral staircase across from the hanging wedding dress curtains. Make sure to head up there for a beautiful view.

Address: Carretera Fed, Av. Boca Paila km 9.5, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Azulik Tulum

Located 5-10 minutes inland from the Tulum Ruins this is one of the most beautiful cenotes Tulum has to offer. Make sure to get there early about 15-30 minutes before they open if you want the place all to yourselves. The below photos are of the second entrance on the right side of the property. Make sure to head here first!

Address: Quintana Roo 109, 77796 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Nomade Tulum

Located south on the beach road this hotel is one that can’t be missed! From the lush jungle-side beach views to the sunbeds with hanging macrame, every corner of this property is like a bohemian dream. 

There is a minimum for the beach club around $60 USD to enjoy the facilities or you can just get here before 9 am, take your photos, and then leave like we did. We entered on the beachside since our hotel was not far from the Nomade Tulum.

Address: Carretera Cancún – Tulum KM 10, 77880 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Chichen Itza, Yucatan

Located two hours inland from Tulum, Mexico is this ancient Mayan city that is filled with pyramids and ruins dating back to 600 AD. Get here within one hour of opening times for somewhat empty shots, and a cooler temperature – it can get extremely crowded and hot mid-day.

Address: Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico

Tulum Ruins

Previously known as Zama, meaning “City of Dawn”, the Tulum ruins are another Mayan treasure located in Tulum. It’s a few miles north of the beach road and easy to find. Sometimes, depending on the seaweed levels, the beach is accessible for more photo opportunities, but unfortunately, it was closed when we went.

Insider Tip: get here just after opening or just before closing for an empty ruins ground.

Address: Carretera Federal, Cancun – Chetumal Km 230, 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Matcha Mama

Located in front of La Zebra hotel this coffee and acai place is not only delicious but has swings that you can enjoy your smoothies on that make for the perfect Instagram shot.

Insider Tip: Try to visit during 10:30 am – 12 pm for an empty swing set.

Address: Quintana Roo 15 470 Zona Hotelera • 77780, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Located on the north side of the beach road this hotel has a swing set facing the beach which is very insta-famous and a fun beach club if you’re into that sort of thing.

Insider Tip: Tell the lobby you are going to the beach club. They will likely tell you there is a minimum but just head to the back, get the shot, grab a drink if you’d like, and head out. We arrived at 10 am and there was no one else around.

Address: Carretera Tulum – Boca Paila Km 7.5, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

This is a newer installation located just north of Matcha Mama. You will have to stand in the street to get this shot so make sure you’re safe when shooting and watch out for those bicycles!

Insider Tip: For the best angle have your photographer or tripod across the street.

What to pack for Tulum to make your photos stand out

The entire city of Tulum has such a neutral background so you can either wear whites/neutrals to blend in or opt for bright colors to stand out. The choice is yours and yours alone but below I’m sharing some must pack items for your trip:

• Bathing suits! If you overpack anything in your suitcase let it be this. Being that Tulum is full of beautiful beaches, ocean activities, and multiple cenotes you’ll always want to have bathing suits handy! I always find great suits at Aerie, Cupshe, + Revolve.
• A sturdy pair of flip-flops. These Olukai Sandals are my go-to and have lasted me years!
• Sunscreen: This GOOP FACE SUNSCREEN BRUSH is perfect for traveling because it adds SPF to your face all while not messing up your makeup. It’s my new holy grail product and you need to add this one to your packing list! Also, my daily moisturizer with SPF is incredible for traveling + every day!
• Flowy Dresses: These really come in handy when the temperatures are high in the spring/summer. My favorite white dress for photos is linked here, here + here.
• A wide brim sun hat: I love this one from Brixton I have it in multiple colors. Also, I’ve been eyeing this Lack of Color Boater Hat and I just purchased and it has easily become my new favorite!
• Shorts: Abercrombie has the best shorts for all sizes and shapes. Check my favorite pairs that have lasted multiple seasons here and here.
• Basics: I always find the best basics at either Free People & Abercrombie. It’s nice to have some neutral tees and tanks handy during your stay.
• Workout sets: I love getting mine from Lululemon because they last forever. If you’re on a budget, Amazon has some amazing Lululemon dupes that you can shop here.

Thank you for reading my Best Photo Spots in Tulum, Mexico. If you take your own pictures make sure to say hi so I can see! Finally, if you want to know more about what to do in Tulum when you’re visiting, make sure to check out my Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide by clicking the link below.

Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide

If you’re in need of packing help, head here for my What to Pack for Mexico: A Packing Guide.

Adios,

Courtney

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