26 Tulum Instagram Spots
Boho chic Tulum is speckled with tons of photogenic corners that are fantastic for photography. Here’s our curated list of the best Tulum Instagram spots.
With cute bougainvillea-clad cafes, colorful murals, gorgeous cenotes and the spearmint Caribbean Sea in the backdrop – Tulum is a dream for every photographer and Instagrammer. I find myself literally snapping photos at every street corner, every beach club, and every cenote that I visit, even though I’ve been to Tulum hundreds of times.
Living up to its name as a hip and chic destination, Tulum truly has no shortage of Instagram-worthy spots. From hidden lagoons to the cute cafes and busy streets of Tulum pueblo, these Tulum Instagram spots are going to add some colors and vibrance to your feed!
Table of Contents
26 Instagram Spots in Tulum
1. The Tulum Sign
One of the most prominent spots is the big Tulum sign along the Federal Highway just as you enter Tulum town. It’s a gorgeous shade of indigo blue, with a hammock on the letter “U” that you can actually swing in. It’s so conspicuous you’ll see it on your drive to Tulum from Cancun Airport. It’s located right in front of the Tulum Cerveceria Artesanal, just 10 minutes from Tulum Beach. Click for its Google Maps location.
2. Ahau Sculpture Park
Only opened in October 2021, the Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park was built to give a better home to the hugely popular Ven a la Luz sculpture. The 10m-tall giant wooden sculpture, depicting a woman, was first created by the South African artist Daniel Popper in 2018 as part of a festival. Today, it’s become an icon of Tulum and has definitely gained Insta-fame.
Previously, visitors had to line up for hours to take a photo here; so it was moved to its current location in the Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park. Ven a la Luz is the centerpiece in this sculpture garden, but more art installations are slowly being added. They are all made with wood and other natural materials, representing human’s delicate relationship with nature. The sculpture park is actually on the beach at the Ahau Tulum Resort.
3. Follow That Dream
Another popular Instagram spot for capturing the dreamy, aspirational vibe of Tulum is the green ‘Follow That Dream’ sign. It’s located on Tulum Beach Road, right in front of the Lolita & Lolita boutique, near several Tulum beach clubs like Ziggies and Mía. There’s also a ‘Live Your Own Experiences’ sign that looks similar, tucked in La Veleta, along Calle 7 sur, just down the road from Káapeh Smoothie Bowls (one of the best breakfast spots in Tulum).
The best times to visit the sign for a photo are early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds. Since it’s a well-known spot, it can get busy during the day. The sign is open 24 hours a day and is free to access, as it’s just a sign on the side of the road.
4. Matcha Mama
An icon in Tulum’s culinary scene, Matcha Mama has made a name for itself and become one of the most popular smoothie brands in Tulum. With fun, quirky decor and pastel walls, Matcha Mama is a popular Tulum Instagram spot.
My daughter loves the swinging chairs here and ‘I love Tulum so matcha’ surfboard sign. Matcha Mama has become so popular that they have opened 3 cafes in Tulum now – one in the Hotel Zone, and one in Centro and the newest one in Aldea Zama.
5. Holistika Art Walk
A wonderful stress-free zone in the jungle, Holistika is a magical retreat center with breathtaking architectural designs. One step through the portal at Holistka and you feel like you’ve entered a new dimension. Its jungly space is dotted with treehouses, art sculptures, workshops and yoga studios.
Holistika offers a free art walk in the jungle. Wander through a curated collection of clay sculptures and surrealist paintings commissioned by Holistika and Tulum Art Club, all gracefully integrated among the trees. This immersive experience allows you to appreciate creativity and delve into the boho-chic ambiance of La Veleta.
6. La Veleta Murals
Tulum’s street art culture is very much alive, thanks to the urban art collective TINASAH, that hosted the first Tulum art festival in 2019. 12 artists were invited to paint 12 walls in just 12 weeks. You’ll find many of the mural art pieces painted during this time in the up-and-coming La Veleta neighborhood.
Here are some of most Instagrammable places in Tulum Centro with street art:
- Calle Sagitario Ote
- Neptuno Pte.
- Acuario Pte
- Calle Sol Ote & Calle Centauro Sur
- Calle Sol Ote & Calle Orion Sur
- Calle Polar Pte and Calle Beta Sur
7. SFER IK Uh May
Tulum’s bohemian vibes have long drawn in a multitude of artists and designers, many of whom have set up shop here. SFER IK contemporary art museum, part of the AZULIK hotel, is truly one of its kind. Constructed mainly from bejuco wood with traditional Maya artisan techniques, this building was designed specifically to blend in to the backdrop of the Tulum jungle.
This place is perfect for your Insta feed. Wander barefoot through the weaving corridor and bridges made of knotted vine-like wood and take in the permanent art collection created by world-renowned artists such as Ernesto Neto and Artur Lescher. There are also sacred Mayan plants and traditional masks on display. Entry: 200 MXN or US$10 (be sure to remove shoes at the entrance). Here is my personal take on visiting SFER IK in Tulum.
8. Laguna Kaam Luum
Just a 15-minute drive from Tulum pueblo is one of the best kept secrets of Tulum. Kaan Luum is a stunning circular lagoon with shimmering waters that alternate between baby blue and dark indigo. This little-known spot has shallow swimming areas (great for those traveling with kids!), sparkling clean waters and mud that’s known to have healing powers.
There are endless photo opportunities here: Swing on the rainbow-colored hammocks and climb the lookout tower to get a picture-perfect view from above. Come before 12pm – mid day seems to be the time when locals pour in – and you’ll have the place to yourself! For the full experience, book this tour to see Kaan Luum, including cenotes and lunch. Additionally, your guide will take you to Canamayte Eco Park. Read my guide to Kaan Luum Lagoon.
9. Tulum Ruins
The Tulum Mayan ruins are often the main reason that brings travelers to Tulum, and rightfully so. This ancient site is considered one of the most important Mayan ruins in Mexico as it has the rare advantage of a waterfront location. It sits high above the turquoise Caribbean Sea, with different shades of blue as its backdrop.
Some of the best Instagram spots are along the walking trail that runs along the clifftops overlooking the sea and leading from one building to another. Looking for a truly special experience? Book this half-day private tour, where you’ll receive a deep dive into the history of archaeological sites, along with convenient hotel transfer.
10. Mystika Immersive Experience
Right by the Tulum ruins is the new museum, Mystika Tulum. It’s a one-of-a-kind sensory experience, designed to take you on a journey through large-format photographs and multi-sensory installations. This spectacular venue has behind the brilliant mind of its founder Pepe Soho, one of the most recognized Mexican photographers. The place is small and the entrance fee is higher than local museums, but those traveling with kids would love it.
Most Instagrammable Cenotes in Tulum
11. Cenote Taak Bi Ha
This stunning natural sinkhole, about a 10-minute drive or collectivo bus journey from Tulum, is part of the extensive network of natural swimming holes in the Yucatan Peninsula, formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock.
Located along the federal highway (close to Akumal), Taak Bi Ha is the most photogenic cenote in Tulum in my opinion. The glassy baby blue water is so ridiculously clear that you can see the bottom of the cave and all the stalagmites that grow from the cave floor.
12. Cenote Yax Kin
Also located along the highway just 15-minutes from Tulum town lies Cenote Yax Kin, a relatively unknown, open cenote with very shallow spearmint waters. In photos, Cenote Yax-Kin really stands out when the beautiful sunlight filters through the canopy above and reflects on the crystal-clear water. It’s one of the few cenotes with sundecks and benches out for visitors to lie on.
13. Gran Cenote
The most popular cenote in Tulum is perhaps the Gran Cenote, a gorgeous sinkhole filled with clear turquoise-colored waters, partly open to the sky and partly under a cave. Although its name suggests one large cenote, it consists of several cenotes that meander along the lush jungle floor and are connected by wooden walkways.
The deepest natural pool here is about 200 feet deep, and the water is beautiful turquoise. Rent snorkeling or diving gear to get up close to the caverns’ stunning depths or swim along the crystalline waters that are so clear, you can easily see the underwater marine life. Join this tour where your guide will lead you to Grand Cenote, Casa Cenote, and Cenote Zemway. Plus, you’ll receive snorkel equipment for an enhanced experience.
14. Cenote Azul
With shimmering aqua blue waters in shallow freshwater pools, Cenote Azul is one of the best cenotes in Tulum in my opinion. What I love most about Cenote Azul is just how open and big it is, compared to the other cenotes in Tulum. At 600-feet wide, Cenote Azul is said to be one of the largest cenotes in Mexico.
Unlike the typical cenote, the ceiling of the cave has collapsed, giving way to big, shallow freshwater pools that make for excellent natural playgrounds. Plus, you can tread the short hiking trails surrounding it and visit the tiny cenotes dotted around the jungle. For a more personalized adventure, consider this private tour where you can snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal Bay, departing from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Afterward, enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pool of Cenote Azul, surrounded by lush jungle for a full 60 minutes.
15. Cenote Calavera
At just a 15-minute drive from Tulum centro, Cenote Calavera is tucked deep in the lush jungle and feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle. The cenote forms part of the massive Sac Aktun cave system. Covering over a length of 230.8 km (143.4 mi), Sac Actun is known as the longest underwater cave system in the world. Sac Actun measured.
What appeals most to me about Cenote Calavera is how fun it is to jump into the water here! While you can climb the wooden ladder that leads into the water, it’s a lot more exciting to leap off the ledge and dive into the waters. At 50-feet (15 m) deep, this is one of the deepest cenotes in Tulum. Explore tours around this incredible cenote.
Most Instagrammable Beaches in Tulum
16. Akumal Beach
Just 15 minutes north of Tulum is the pristine Akumal Beach, with dreamy palm trees, crystal clear waters and slushy powder puff sand. It’s most famous for the turtles that live in the bay. All year round, loggerhead and green sea turtles can be seen swimming and feeding in the bay. As it’s protected by the reef, Akumal Bay boasts calm waters and plenty of sea grass that keep the turtles coming.
Unfortunately, it’s no longer possible to go snorkeling on your own (trust me, we tried) at Akumal. It’s mandatory to join a snorkel tour to see the turtles and it costs around 500 MXN (US$25) per person. A guide will take you in small groups to snorkel off the beach and into the reserve (part of the sea that has been cordoned off). Sightings of turtles are almost always guaranteed. Book your tour here.
17. Puerto Aventuras
An upscale residential area further north of Akumal, Puerto Aventuras is blessed with an absolutely stunning beach with crystal clear spearmint waters perfect for families with little ones. This is the perfect spot for Instagram photos on the beach, backed by dreamy palm trees and pristine white sand.
The beach is flanked by breakwaters that keep the waters along the shore shallow and clean, and the swells in the far end perfect for surfers. My daughter used to take surfing lessons here with Nohoch Surf. They run mini surf camps, for kids as young as four! If you feel confident enough to go it alone, the school also has rentals, from soft-top surfboards to fiberglass longboards.
18. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
About a 20 minute’s drive south along the Tulum beach road lies Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a vast wilderness area that covers an area of 1.3 million acres. In the language of the Mayan people, Sian Ka’an means ‘Origin of the Sky’. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of a wide array of ecosystems, ranging from tropical forests to mangroves and marshes. It’s a highly protected area and there’s a limit to the number of visitors each day.
For those who love nature, this is one of the best day trips from Tulum. The easiest way to visit Sian Ka’an is on a boat trip through its ancient canals dug out by the Mayans centuries ago. First, you’ll need to get to Muyil ruins, then walk the trail behind El Castillo to get to the dock. A 2-hour boat tour with a Mayan local costs a fixed price of 1,000 MXN (US$50) per person.
The speed boat will whisk you through two lagoons before dropping you in one of the ancient canals. It’s a glorious and relaxing 40-minute drift along crystal clear waters to your next pickup point. While drifting down canals, try to spot giant land crabs and manatees, and listen out for howler monkeys. As you walk along the boardwalk back to the boat, keep a lookout for jaguars in the savannas! I recommend this ideal half-day tour of Sian Ka’an, which includes lunch.
Most Instagrammable Beach Clubs
19. Kay Beach Club
Located in Akumal (20 minutes north of Tulum), Kay Beach Club is our favorite place to spend the day on the beach. This brand new beach club is part of the Gran Bahia Principe residential area and resort, but it’s open to all and best of all, prices are really reasonable (300 MXN or US$15 per person minimum consumption). The fresh, all-white interiors, gorgeous view of the beach from an elevated perspective, and the comfortable sunloungers all add up to make this an excellent spot to take photos and chill for the day. Read reviews here.
20. Kanan Beach Club
With a gorgeous treehouse setting, Kanan Beach Club is one of the hottest spots in Tulum. The beach club is made famous by its rustic club constructed out of twigs and branches, large lounging net and treetop nest tables. Perched above the jungle canopy along the beach, these nests reveal unbelievable views of both the beach and jungle. It’s an adults-only beach club (which we only found after they told me my daughter wasn’t allowed there!) Read reviews here.
21. Vagalume Beach Club
You’ve probably seen photos of Vagalume Beach Club, made famous by the hand sculpture that stretches across its beachfront pool. The space has plenty of cozy nooks and Instagrammable corners. Vagalume is best known as the place to go for all-day beach parties! The club has regular performances by world-class DJs on different nights of the week. Read reviews here.
22. Papaya Playa Project
Younger crowds will love Papaya Playa Project, particularly their newly renovated beach club. The highlight here is the swim-up bar built right into the infinity pool. This club is the perfect spot for photos, but it’s also great at night. The space has a thrilling energy, especially on the monthly full moon Saturday parties. The event features all-night beach bonfires and DJ parties, where dancing under the stars is the norm, and even a midnight dip is encouraged. Read reviews here.
23. Taqueria la Eufemia
Perched right on Tulum beach in the Hotel Zone, this is one of my favorite beach hangouts in Tulum – for its great prices and beautiful Instagram backdrop. Offering incredible value, 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 and listening to Cafe del Mar music in the backdrop – Taqueria la Eufemia is definitely not your ordinary taqueria next door.
Most Instagrammable Hotels in Tulum
24. Azulik
Tulum is home to a host of rustic yet stylish treehouse hotels – the most famous being Azulik. 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 tree houses made from Mexican royal ebony, Khatalosh, and floor-to-ceiling windows providing views of the lush jungle and the Caribbean Sea.
The rooms are free of TVs, phones, 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 water, considered sacred water within Mayan culture. Azulik is truly one of the most unique places to stay in Mexico, offering a magical, back-to-basic experience, with a hefty price tag of course.
Note: If you are not a guest at the hotel, there is a minimum spend at the resort of approx 50 USD.
25. Nômade Tulum Treehouse
Perched among the trees, Nômade Tulum offers a vibrant atmosphere with stunning decor and architecture perfect for capturing those quintessential Instagram moments.
Nômade’s wellness programs, music, communal gatherings, and exceptional dining experiences foster connections and exploration among its guests. The hotel also features a spa and private beach. For foodies, the hotel has 3 restaurants serving delicacies from different corners of the globe. If you’re curious about Mexican cuisine, you might want to check out my guide on Popular Mexican Foods and Traditional Mexican Desserts and Sweets. It’s a great way to dive into the flavors and dishes you shouldn’t miss!
La Popular serves fresh seafood and offers a breathtaking sea view. Macondo offers innovative Middle Eastern dishes like nowhere in Tulum. And finally, Kuu is a hidden gem featuring exquisite Japanese Omakase cuisine.
26. Casa Malca
Do you like taking photos with quirky, artsy backdrops? This will be right up your alley. Pablo Escobar’s old mansion in the Tulum beach has been turned into an art hotel called Casa Malca by collector Lio Malca.
The house is full of Leo’s contemporary pieces as well vintage furniture. It’s lavish as it is eccentric, and definitely makes for a unique experience. When you step into Casa Malca, the first thing you see are enormous, colourful curtains. Inside, the hotel is full of art, making for lots of great photo opportunities.
Note: If you are not staying at the hotel, get a day pass to Casa Malca for US$150, but US$100 goes towards food and drink.
Tips for Visiting these Tulum Instagram Spots
- Arrive early as some spots can get crowded, especially Ahau Sculpture Park.
- Wear sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes – it gets hot!
- Carry a powerbank too, to make sure your phone or camera is always charged.
- You will need cash in many places, so make sure to bring some Mexican Pesos with you.
- Please be respectful of others who are waiting and leave when you’re done.
- Some spots like Kaan Luum Lagoon charges an additional fee if you’re taking photos with a professional camera (SLR).
Where are Your Favorite Tulum Instagram Spots?
Thanks for reading up to the end of the article. Which of these Tulum Instagram spots have you been or are you planning to visit? Know of any other amazing photography spots in Tulum that aren’t on my list? Please share with us in the comments field below!
Please check out my other articles about hotels below;
- Where to Stay in Tulum
- Unique Places to Stay in Mexico
- Free Things to Do in Tulum
- Best Time to Visit Tulum
- 20 Day Trips from Tulum
- 30 Cool Things to Do in Tulum
- How to Get from Cancun to Tulum
- How to Visit Sian Ka’an Biosphere
- My Guide to Punta Allen
- Tulum Travel Guide
- How to Visit the Tulum Mayan Ruins
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