Tulum, Quintana Roo has become a very popular (and very Instagram-able) tourist destination, and it is easy to see why! But there is always more going on behind the scenes than the photo. So before you travel to some of the more popular photo spots I am going to highlight a few tips on things you should know before you go.
Kin Toh and Tseen Ja, the Restaurants at Azulik Resort
Azulik has become one of the more popular resorts to stay at inn Tulum and a large part of that is due to the fact that every inch of their hotel is photo-worthy. This includes their restaurants! Luckily, even if you are not staying on property, the restaurants offer you an opportunity to take photos at some of their more popular spots in the restaurant. During something called the cocktail hour, patrons are allowed to line up and take photos at their nest tables and even on the popular nets. All that is required is that you purchase a cocktail from the bar.
My advice?
- Get there early! We showed up 5 minutes before the restaurant opened and we were able to get most of the photos we wanted before the lines got long (and before we lost the light since we visited in December).
- Be patient, they are also trying to run a restaurant so sometimes the area you would like to take a photo may be blocked off due to a patron wanting to have dinner in the spot.
- Go on a weekday night of you can, it will be less crowded.
- Make sure you cross the bridge to see Tseen Ja as well!
Chichen Itza
One of the 7 Wonders of the world, Chichen Itza is a 2 hour drive from Tulum. There are many tour busses you can take that will get you to your destination, however if possible I recommend renting a car for the day to drive. This way you can beat the crowds and be on your own schedule. Because Chichen Itza is a popular tourist destination, it will be very crowded, but remember that there are 4 sides to the structure so if one side is too crowded you can walk around and get pretty much the same shot.
If you are looking to have lunch while you are there, I recommend skipping the restaurants at the entrance and walking to the beautiful Mayaland Hotel for lunch by the pool! Amazing food with a view and without all the crowds.
Cenotes
Personally, the only cenote I have been to is Grand Cenote. There are tours that you can sign up for that will take you to a few of the more popular cenotes, however I recommend either driving or taking a cab. Why? Less people. When you travel on your own you can go to avoid the crowds. We were given the tip to NOT go right when the cenote opened (that is supposedly when the tour buses go), so we went around 10 am and were happy to be one of only 4 cars in the parking lot. We even had one section of the cenote all to ourselves for about 20 minutes!
Like I said, the only cenote we made it to was Grand Cenote, but I highly recommend checking out Cenote Calavera, Cenote Dos Ojos, and Cenote Suytun (the one with the skylight!)
The Sideways Palm
I had read somewhere before traveling to Tulum that this popular sideways palm tree was located near the Tulum Ruins, and while that is true, it is not quite as close to the ruins as I thought. If you are traveling to the ruins, my advice would be as you approach the ruins to take a right and walk along the street until you can gain access to the beach. And as you walk towards the beach take a moment to stop and take a photo among the beautiful palm trees!
Once you get to the beach, turn right and keep walking along the water away from the ruins. I am not the best with calculating distances, but it is about a 10-15 minute walk and you honestly can’t miss the tree!
Casa Malca
Casa Malca, formerly Pablo Escobar’s Tulum Mansion, is another popular spot for photos. Unfortunately, the day we visited it was raining so they took away the rugs and seat cushions, but you can still get a sense for how impressive this place is!
There is no sign for Casa Malca out front. Instead there is a narrow pathway with an information booth to the right. The hotel is located right next to Nomade so once you pass that hotel is a good time to start looking for the entrance.
“Follow That Dream” Sign
One of the most iconic street signs in Tulum! The sign is located on the main road along the beach, specifically in front of the store Lolita Lolita Tulum. The only advice that I have is that since the sign is located on a main road, just be patient and mindful of the traffic going by.
Matcha Mama
Matcha Mama is the cutest shack along the main beach road in Tulum. They have the most adorable swings next to a surfboard to tell everyone just how much you love Tulum. While you are there, I recommend checking out their menu and ordering something off it. Not only is their hut cute but they also have delicious and healthy food and smoothie options!
Coco Tulum
The hotel most known by the beautiful white swings they have at their beachside restaurant. In order to take photos here they do ask that you order food, but their menu has many delicious options to choose from!
