SFER IK Tulum: My Guide to the Azulik Museum
As a pioneer in Tulum’s thriving art scene, SFER IK is a contemporary art gallery/museum with a unique nature-inspired concept. Here’s our guide on how to visit SFER IK Tulum.
Tulum is no stranger to art. From its countless murals to a hoard of art galleries, creativity runs free in this town. But if there’s one place that takes artistic expression to the next level — literally and figuratively— it’s SFER IK. The museums are surrealist art spaces where nature and design collide in the most aesthetically bewildering way possible.
Located deep in the Mayan jungle, these galleries amplify the beauty of imperfection. There are no flat floors or ceilings and it’s simply a makeup of timber, vines, and concrete working in unison to create a magnificent architectural masterpiece. As you stroll through the museums, you are immediately taken to another world. In this guide, we are going to look both locations in great detail, covering fees, getting there, and what to do on your visit.
Table of Contents
- History of SFER IK Tulum
- Where is SFER IK Tulum?
- Why Visit SFER IK Tulum
- Best Time to Visit SFER IK Tulum
- SFER IK Map
- How to Get to SFER IK Tulum
- Cost of Visiting SFER IK Tulum
- How Much Time to Visit SFER IK?
- Visiting SFER IK with Kids
- Rules at SFER IK Museums
- Additional Experiences at SFER IK
- Where to Eat at SFER IK
- Staying at Azulik Tulum
- Final Tips for Visiting SFER IK
- Enjoy SFER IK Tulum!
History of SFER IK Tulum
SFER IK is the masterpiece of Azulik, one of the most unique treehouse hotels in Tulum, founded in 2003 by Eduardo Neira also known as Roth. With Azulik Resort, Roth aimed to create an alternative form of luxury, where art enthusiasts could disconnect from mundane art concepts.
Roth’s vision culminated in the opening of the SFER IK gallery in 2018. SFER IK, pronounced “spheric,” derives its name from the flowing, organic structure of its design. The gallery features no right angles, flat walls, or straight lines. The word “Ik” in Yucatec Maya means “wind,” symbolizing dreamers, imagination, and creativity.
The structure was completed in 2017 but Roth wasn’t sure how to utilize the space. Later that year, Santiago Rumney Guggenheim visited the vacant space and proposed a collaboration to transform it into a gallery. Santiago is the great-grandson of renowned art collector Peggy Guggenheim.
Within hours, the two agreed on a partnership which led to the creation of SFER IK. The gallery has since become a hub for artists, creative conferences, and community workshops, attracting numerous visitors and inspiring countless Instagram posts. The enormous success of the Azulik gallery led to the opening of a second location in Francisco Uh May. For more stunning and inspirational locations, check out my list of Instagram-worthy spots in Tulum!
Where is SFER IK Tulum?
Located along the Tulum beach road, SFER IK Tulum is only an 11-minute drive from the pueblo. Attached to Azulik, the museum is easy to spot in the Zona Hotelera. I wouldn’t advise driving there because parking can be hard to find there, particularly in the high season. Your best bet is to rent a bike or take a cab there.
The second location, Azulik Uh May, is located 25 km from centro in the expansive jungle. To get there, you’ll need to hire a car or take a taxi. For those driving, take Highway 109 in the direction of Cobá, pass through the small village of Macario Gómez before continuing onward to Francisco Uh May. Once you arrive in the town, keep an eye out for the police station — just before reaching it, make a left turn onto a side road.
Why Visit SFER IK Tulum
Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply looking for the most beautiful backdrops for your photos, SFER IK museums should be on your Tulum itinerary. More than just a visual marvel, these avant-garde museums symbolize the deep connection between human creativity and the verdant jungle. Here, the architecture itself competes with the art, as plants weave through pathways of logs and concrete walls flow like drapes.
Almost like a nest, the gallery in Zona Hotelera has tree trunks piercing through the floor and continuing through the museum’s roof. It’s a harmonious dialogue between the organic and the man-made. I left the museum with a renewed sense of environmental consciousness and a refreshed perspective on art.
Beyond its cultural significance, SFER IK enriches the local community by supporting artists and providing an educational resource. The museum hosts several exhibits from time to time in its 13,000-square-foot exhibition space. It is a beloved landmark, representing Tulum’s growing global cultural presence.
Best Time to Visit SFER IK Tulum
SFER IK Tulum is open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., 365 days a year. The last entry is at 6.30 pm. Azulik Uh May opens 10 a.m. and closes 5.30 p.m. with the last entry being 5 p.m. The staff usually don’t allow any leeway for this time, so plan to come early accordingly.
Both locations are usually free in the morning. So, you’ll have the place to yourself unless there’s an event. The late afternoons are also an excellent alternative. They offer a unique aesthetic as the golden light adds a soft touch to the beautiful structure. Please check out their website and see which dates don’t have any events.
SFER IK Map
Here’s a map where you can see where the two SFER IK galleries are located.
How to use this map: Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. To open a larger version in a new tab, click on the top right corner of the map. Star the map to save it to your own Google Maps.
How to Get to SFER IK Tulum
By Car
SFER IK Tulum is located just 11 minutes to the south of Tulum pueblo (town). If you rent a car, it’s an easy, straightforward drive along Av. Coba/QOO15, the road that leads to Zona Hotelera. If you want to explore Tulum and the nearby ruins and cenotes, it’s best to rent a car.
Having a car allows you to explore freely at your own pace and do several day trips from Tulum. The second location is found 25 km from centro in Francisco Uh May. The road there is rugged and unpaved, so drive slowly so as not damage your car.
The average price for a car rental from/to Tulum Airport ranges from 600-800 MXN (US$30-40) per day. I always use DiscoverCars.com for car rentals worldwide, as they’ve consistently given me cheaper rates and the best services.
Search for car rentals in Tulum here.
By Bicycle
If you’re on a budget, it’s best to rent a bicycle or scooter in Tulum for around 200 MXN (US$10) daily at La Morgana. For an experienced cyclist, the ride to SFER IK in Zona Hotelera is manageable and it only takes 30-40 minutes from town.
However, I wouldn’t advise cycling to Azulik Uh May. While you can technically reach there by bicycle, it’s not the most practical option for the entire trip. The gallery is located in Francisco Uh May, roughly 25 km northeast of Tulum, which makes for a long and potentially challenging ride.
While some sections of the route may be manageable, the roads can be uneven, unpaved, and not always ideal for cycling. If you’re set on biking, consider combining it with another mode of transport, such as taking a taxi part of the way and cycling the rest.
By Taxi
Taxis are easily accessible from any part of Tulum but the fares to get to the Hotel Zone are ridiculously high. Expect to pay around 315 MXN (US$16) to SFER IK each way. Make sure to confirm the price before you get in.
I wouldn’t recommend taking a taxi to Azulik Uh May because it can be really expensive. A one-way trip to the gallery will set you back between 1,000 MXN (US$50) and 1,600 MXN (US$80), depending on your negotiating skills. It’s much cheaper to rent a car or take a colectivo.
For budget travelers, a colectivo is the cheapest way to get to both locations. A ride costs only 30 MXN (less than two dollars). These shared vans can be found in the corner of Parque Rotario, and they’re easy to spot. Just flag them down as you would flag a taxi.
Cost of Visiting SFER IK Tulum
SFER IK museums have reasonable prices, especially if you intend to spend a couple of hours here.
SFER IK Tulum
- Entrance fee: 400 MXN (US$20) for adults
- A reduced fee of 200 MXN ($10) for those who present tickets on the same day. This fee also applies to students, teachers, citizens of Quintana Roo, and seniors (ID required).
- Free entrance for kids under 13.
- An extra 2000 MXN (US$100) for the use of professional cameras and GoPro.
- Taking pictures with your phone is free.
Azulik Uh May
- Entrance fee: 400 MXN (US$20) for adults
- A reduced fee of 200 MXN ($10) for those who present tickets on the same day. This applies to students, teachers, citizens of Quintana Roo, and seniors (ID required).
- Free entrance for kids under 12.
- An extra 2000 MXN (US$100) for the use of professional cameras and GoPro.
- Taking pictures with your phone is free.
How Much Time to Visit SFER IK?
Both SFER IK museums aren’t particularly large areas, give yourself around 1.5 hours to fully take in the aesthetics of the galleries. This will give you enough time to observe the installations, snap photos and wander around.
SFER IK Uh May is bigger than the original museum in Tulum, with more lounging space and lots of greenery surrounding the gallery. Take your time to wander the grounds , make sure to stop by the Jungle Cuisine even if you’re not dining there. Swinging chairs, hammocks and luscious foliage make it a beautiful spot for photo taking.
Visiting SFER IK with Kids
SFER IK are fantastic museums and a great spot to introduce your kids to nature-inspired art. My daughter loved wandering the grounds of the gallery and the ceramic workshop we did.
While kids aren’t allowed in certain sections of the museum (the second floor as there are no railings), we still covered considerable ground in areas where they are allowed. It was a great bonding time for both of us.
Rules at SFER IK Museums
SFER IK are private museums and have some guidelines for all visitors. These include the following:
- Selfie sticks and tripods aren’t allowed in the museum.
- Outside photographers aren’t allowed in the museum.
- Special productions and props aren’t allowed.
- Entering in swimsuits or wet clothes is prohibited.
- Bags larger than 40X40 cm are prohibited.
- All kids must be accompanied by an adult.
- Kids are allowed access to only the ground floor.
Additional Experiences at SFER IK
Ceramic Workshop
SFER IK occasionally organizes ceramic workshop for visitors (open to the public). Surrounded by the creative energy of the studio, you’ll work with your hands to shape a beautiful ceramic piece, guided by skilled artisans. This immersive process lets you the natural elements—earth, fire, water, and wind—while infusing each creation with your personal touch.
The event runs for a limited time every year, usually during Tulum’s high season (January to April). Book your tickets here.
Temazcal (Traditional Mayan Steam Bath)
The museum also offers visitors the chance to take part in the Zum Pul Che ceremony, a profound ritual designed to cleanse and rejuvenate the body. This experience is rooted in Mayan medicinal practices and is experienced through four phases or doors.
Each phase represents one of the four elements—earth, water, fire, and air. As hot stones radiate heat, medicinal herbs purify, and shamanic songs fill the air, you’ll sweat out fears and negativity, leaving you feeling reborn. To participate in this transformative ceremony, be sure to book at least one day in advance. Also, it’s worth noting that this is an adult-only activity. Book your tickets here.
Express Your Fashion Sense in a Workshop
Immerse in a world of creativity and self-expression by joining the SFER IK Tulum fashion workshop, where you’ll be guided by AZULIK’s visionary creatives. The moderators of the workshop will teach you sustainable dyeing techniques using natural pigments.
This hands-on experience blends art and nature, letting you play with vibrant hues while embracing eco-conscious fashion practices. After a fulfilling afternoon of artistic exploration, your workshop ends with a breathtaking sunset at the iconic Copa del Pintor. Book your tickets here.
Where to Eat at SFER IK
Jungle Cuisine at Azulik Uh May
The Jungle Cuisine in Azulik Uh May is more than just a meal—it’s a sensory journey through medicinal gastronomy and natural mixology. The experience is deeply immersive, with tableware designed to reflect the breathtaking jungle surroundings.
The restaurant’s design harmoniously blends with its environment, featuring organically integrated tables, a cascading waterfall, and a vast pool that enhances the serene ambiance. A winding pathway leads to unique nest-like dining spaces, elevating the setting into something truly extraordinary. It’s one of the most unique dining experiences I have had in Mexico.
Open throughout the day, guests can indulge in a nourishing breakfast from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. They also serve lunch (11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) and dinner (from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) for those visiting the gallery in the evening. Book your reservations here.
Kin Toh
Just a few steps from the SFER IK museum in the Hotel Zone, you will find this beautiful food spot with sweeping views of the jungle. The restaurant is part of the Azulik entity and is one of the best restaurants in Tulum.
If you love a meal accompanied by breathtaking views, this is the place to be. Their menu features a delectable array of international cuisines as well as Mayan-inspired treats. Check out the reviews here.
Raw Love Café
This all-vegan cafe is hugely popular for good reasons: their mouth-watering vegan dishes are all ridiculously good and photogenic. Plus, its dishes are 100% plant-based, free of refined sugar, diary and preservatives. Everything on the menu is made from scratch, with organic and local ingredients.
Raw Love Beach is a part of Ahau Tulum, one of the most beautiful beachfront hotels in Tulum. Here is also where you’ll find the Ahau Sculpture Park where the famous Ven a la Luz wooden sculpture stands. Check out reviews here.
Taqueria la Eufemia
Perched right on Tulum beach in the Hotel Zone, this is taco place of the most popular beach hangouts in Tulum – for its great prices and free beach access. It’s one of the very few spots where you can spend less than $10 on a meal and get to lounge on the beach benches all day.
After having closed down for a while, La Eufemia is now back in business, at a new location next to Coco. Enjoy a caguama (40 oz beers) and a taco al pastor while watching the waves crash on the beach–Taqueria la Eufemia is not your ordinary taqueria next door. Check out the reviews here.
Staying at Azulik Tulum
SFER IK forms part of the legendary Azulik Tulum, one of the most famous hotels in Tulum. This one-of-a-kind beach resort was a pioneer in creating Tulum-style beach houses with its nature-inspired design and artistic styles. The private, adults-only hotel features some of the coolest tree houses in Tulum, made from Mexican royal ebony, Khatalosh. They offer floor-to-ceiling windows providing views of the lush jungle and the Caribbean Sea.
The rooms are free of TV’s, phone or electricity so you can relax and reconnect with nature. Each tree house also has a unique Mayan mosaic bathtub, where you can have a special invigorating bath in rich mineralized cenote’s water, considered as sacred water within Mayan culture. Azulik offers a magical, back-to-basic experience. Check rates here.
Final Tips for Visiting SFER IK
To make the most of your trip to the museum, I have a few tips for you to keep in mind.
- Depending on the experience you seek, browse their website and see which dates have an exhibition or not to help you plan your trip.
- The entrance fee can be paid by cash or card. If you’re paying in cash, only Mexican pesos are accepted.
- If you are visiting SFER IK with kids, keep an eye on them and make sure they do not enter the forbidden areas.
- For unforgettable scenery, arrive in the late afternoon and stay for the sunset.
Enjoy SFER IK Tulum!
Have I answered all the questions you had on SFER IK museums? I hope you’ve found this SFER IK travel guide useful. I’m sure you can see why SFER IK museums are among my favorite spots in Tulum! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any other questions!
For those who are planning to travel more of Tulum, check out other articles I’ve written on Tulum:
- Best time to visit Tulum
- Where to Stay in Tulum
- How to avoid the Tulum seaweed problem
- Best beachfront hotels in Tulum
- My guide to Cenote Calavera, Tulum
- My guide to Cenote Azul, Tulum
- My guide to Cenote Jardin del Eden, Tulum
- Is Tulum safe to visit
- Things to do at night in Tulum
- Best restaurants in Tulum
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