20 Most Instagrammable Places in Tulum – Best Tulum Photo Spots and Tips

Last Updated on June 4, 2023

Tulum is one of those places every Instagrammer and blogger dreams of visiting. It is a dream destination for many and if you have been there, it is easy to see why! Tulum is known for its luxurious hotels, turquoise waters, and restaurants which has every food bloggers heart beat a little bit faster. Every restaurant, hotel, and beach club, seems to have made it their mission to come up with an instagrammable design that draws you in. You can hardly walk one minute here without wanting to snap a photo or take a video of some impressive sculpture, artwork, or building. The boho vibes are flowing with instagrammable places in Tulum everywhere you turn.

We have been to Tulum three times at this point and completely understand what all of the hype is about. There is no better place to take photos than here. Not only are there countless photo opportunities here, but also the Instagram algorithm seems to love all things Tulum which should help you get your Instagram posts seen!

These are our favorite 20 instagrammable places in Tulum. Most of these are right in the Tulum beach area but there are also a few other places which make for a great day trip when you’re visiting Tulum.

A note on cell service in Tulum: Tulum beach is known for hardly having any cell service at all, regardless of which service provider you use. Make sure you download a map with all the places you want to visit beforehand. Every restaurant and hotel in Tulum beach does have complimentary wifi though, so if you are consuming something there, you should not have any issues with connectivity.

Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in the below article are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission if you make a purchase. Click here for the full disclosure statement.

Map of the Most Instagrammable Places in Tulum

The beauty of Tulum is that there are two very concentrated areas where you can find everything. One area is Tulum town which is the actual city away from the ocean. This is where most of the locals live and you can find grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, and everything you need to live. The other area is Tulum beach. This is where all of the famous photos of Tulum are from with the hotels, beach clubs, restaurants, and instagrammable places. It is very easy to get around Tulum beach as you can just walk between the instagrammable places here.

This post also includes a few places further away from Tulum which make for a great day trip from Tulum. You can use this map to locate all the instagrammable places in Tulum and plan your content creation itinerary.

20 Most Instagrammable Places in Tulum

Tulum is by far one of the most instagrammable places in the world. With the bohemian and eco-friendly vibes, every corner is picturesque and on top of that, the Instagram algorithm seems to love photos of Tulum. These are the 20 most instagrammable places in and around Tulum.

Ven a la Luz at Ahau Tulum Beach

Ven a La Luz is likely the first thing you think of when you think of Tulum. It has become one of the Tulum photo hotspots and is incredibly popular on Instagram as well as in the city itself. The sculpture which resembles a woman showing the entrance to her heart was originally the entrance way to the ArtWithMe festival in Tulum. It is 26 feet (8 m) tall and is now permanently installed at the entrance to the Ahau Resort in Tulum Beach.

Best Time to Visit: The Ven a La Luz sculpture is probably the most popular in all of Tulum and if you get here during the day, you are likely to be met with an hour-long line up to take photos. The best time to take photos here is early in the morning, after sunrise. If you are here between 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, you should only encounter a small line, and might have to wait about 5 minutes.

Hours: The sculpture is accessible any time of the day, every day.

Entrance Fee: Free! The sculpture marks the entrance to the Ahau Resort and it is right on the street. You can access it any time of the day and it is free.

Which Hashtags to Use: #VenALaLuz #AhauTulum

Location: Ven A La Luz at Ahau Tulum Beach

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2021: The Ven A La Luz sculpture has been permanently moved to a new location with a larger collection, according to Ahau Tulum.

Follow That Dream Sign

Possibly one of the most photographed signs in the world is the Follow That Dream sign in Tulum beach. It is exactly as beautiful as you imagine and the perfect motivator to share on your Instagram account. It is no surprise that it is one of the most instagrammable places in Tulum. Taking photos here is incredibly easy as it is located right on the street by the Lolita Lolita Tulum boutique.

Tip: If you want to get a photo here with a bike, you can rent a nice turquoise colored bike at the nearby Alaya Tulum hotel. Bikes are available to rent for 24 hours and cost $15 USD. They will ask to keep a piece of ID as a deposit.

Best Time to Visit: Because the sign is a bit further away from the heart of Tulum beach, it is not as busy as other instagrammable places in Tulum and you can take photos here with minimal waiting in line any time of the day.

Hours: The sign is publicly accessible any time.

Entrance Fee: Taking photos here is free!

Which Hashtags to Use: #followthatdream

Location: Follow That Dream Sign

Swings at Coco Tulum Beach Club

Tulum is full of swings. Almost every restaurant and beach club has a set of swings to sit on and eat/drink on which makes the entire experience even more fun. Our favorite set of swings are at Coco Tulum. The black and white swings are right on the beach and with the pristine sand and turquoise water, these swings are one of the most instagrammable places in Tulum.

What is best is that you can spend the entire day at the beach club and enjoy the beautiful ocean view and a few drinks as you are taking photos.

Best Time to Visit: Coco Tulum can get relatively busy as it is a popular beach club. If you want to take photos on the swings here, we recommend going early in the day, around 10:00 AM.

Hours: The beach club is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Entrance Fee: Entrance is free but there is a minimum consumption of $25 USD during the week and $50 USD on weekends when you spend the day here and are not staying at the hotel.

Which Hashtags to Use: #cocotulum #cocobeachclub #cocobeachbar

Location: Coco Tulum Beach Club

Selina Tulum

Another instagrammable Tulum hotel entrance is the entrance to Selina Tulum. It is just a couple steps away from the other Instagram famous spots in Tulum and it’s a great place to take a photo. The design is made out of wood and looks like a circle with sun rays all around it. It’s very photogenic and with the right light, the perfect place to snap an Instagram photo.

Best Time to Visit: Selina Tulum is not as popular as other spots in Tulum Beach so you can visit this place later in the day without having to stand in line.

Hours: The entrance is open 24/7.

Entrance Fee: Free! The entrance is open to the public.

Which Hashtags to Use: #selinatulum

Location: Selina Tulum

Looking for more of the best beach clubs in Tulum? We’ve got them all!

Vagalume Beach Club

Vagalume is a relatively new beach club in Tulum Beach and very much like the other beach club, it draws you in with a very unique design and beautiful layout! It has direct beach access and outstanding food but the reason why you want to visit is for its instagrammable design and décor. The beach club consists of a semi closed in area which very much reminds of a cross between Morocco and Bali – with beautiful area rugs and wooden chairs. The outdoor beach and pool area has a large relaxation area and beautiful macrame sun umbrellas.

The most instagrammable place at Vagalume is their bridge which is held by a hand. The bridge leads from the indoor area to the beach and has a beautiful ocean view, making for a great Tulum photo spot.

The theme of the hand is apparent throughout the beach club and even the entrance features a floating hand which is very instagrammable. If you are short on time, you can easily just stop by and take a photo at the entrance.

Best Time to Visit: The entrance is not as popular as other places in Tulum Beach and you can easily take a photo here in the afternoon. If you are looking to take a photo inside the beach club, being here in the morning is best as the beach club tends to get busy around noon and will stay busy until well after sunset.

Hours: The beach club is open from 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM. The entrance is open to the public 24/7.

Entrance Fee: You can snap a photo in the entrance without any fee. The entrance to the beach club itself is free but you need to make a reservation and there is a minimum consumption requirement of $150 USD.

Which Hashtags to Use: #vagalume #vagalumetulum

Location: Vagalume Tulum

Wondering how to fit it all in? Check out our 3 day, 5 day, and 7 day Tulum itinerary!

I Scream Bar

Right across the street from Vagalume is the I Scream Bar. You really can’t miss the bar as it has an incredibly unique design with a turquoise tuk-tuk out front that serves as an ice cream truck as well as turquoise cars hanging upside down in the bar itself. The turquoise cars and tuk-tuk make the I Scream Bar one of the most instagrammable places in Tulum as they are a unique sight and pop of color for your feed. While you are here, make sure you also try some of their vegan and raw ice cream!

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is right at 2:00 PM when they open as they get quite busy and it can be difficult to take a photo without having a lot of other people in it.

Hours: Open daily from 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Entrance Fee: Entrance is free. We highly recommend trying their ice cream while you are here!

Which Hashtags to Use: #iscreambar

Location: I Scream Bar

Crooked Palm Tree on Playa Paraiso

Tulum wouldn’t be Tulum without its famous beach and clear turquoise water. However, given its popularity, it is not as easy to find public beach access if you are not looking to visit one of the beach clubs in Tulum Beach. One of the best places to get a beach photo without going to a beach club is on Playa Paraiso. This is also where you will find the Instagram famous Tulum crooked palm tree.

This is arguably the most posted palm tree on Instagram! Note that the palm tree you might have seen before has actually lost its crown in a storm. There is a similarly beautiful palm tree right next to it though which is also crooked enough to climb on to make sure you can still get one of those iconic photos of Tulum.

Best Time to Visit: Sunrise is the best time to take photos here as it is quiet, and the lighting is best. If you are here by car, getting here at sunrise is key to ensure you have a parking space. There is some free parking along the road, or a paid parking lot at the public beach access entrance.

Hours: The public beach is open 24/7.

Entrance Fee: Beach access is free!

Which Hashtags to Use: #crookedpalmtree #playaparaiso

Location: Crooked Palm Tree on Playa Paraiso

Conestesia Bunny

Not as well known yet, but quickly increasing in popularity is the straw bunny at the entrance of Conestesia. The bunny is made out of straw, colored in pink, and is becoming another main attraction in the Tulum hotel zone. It marks the entrance of the Conestesia restaurant and beach club and is as unique as the other instagrammable places in Tulum.

The bunny’s recognition value is undeniable and certainly worth taking a photo.

Best Time to Visit: This Instagram spot is starting to become popular which means the earlier you can be here the better. If you are here later in the afternoon, you may have to stand in line to take a photo.

Hours: The entrance is open 24/7.

Entrance Fee: Access to the entrance is free.

Which Hashtags to Use: #conestesia

Location: Conestesia Tulum

Casa Malca – Pablo Escobar Mansion

Casa Malca is a luxury boutique hotel and restaurant in the Tulum hotel zone and it is famous for being Pablo Escobar’s former mansion. It was purchased in 2012 by the art gallery owner Lio Malca who has since renovated the entire building and decorated it with pieces from his own art collection.

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The most instagrammable spot in Casa Malca is without a doubt the grand foyer which is decorated with 20-foot (6 m) curtains made out of hundreds of wedding dresses, as well as hanging swing couches. It is easily one of the most instagrammable places in Tulum and one of the most recognized ones as well.

If you are looking to take a photo here but are not staying at the hotel, you can always stop by and go for a drink at the restaurant. They don’t allow photos with professional cameras but you can take a few photos with your phone.

Best Time to Visit: Given that the grand foyer at Casa Malca is not open to the public, you can visit any time of the day and should not have to wait in line to take a photo.

Hours: Every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee but the minimum spend to stay here is 1,000 Mexican pesos which is about $50 USD.

Which Hashtags to Use: #casamalca

Location: Casa Malca Tulum

ROC Luxe Tulum

Another stunning hotel entrance in Tulum beach which is a perfect Instagram spot is ROC Luxe Tulum. The entrance structure looks like a white dome with different sized holes in it. It is incredibly beautiful when the sun rays shine through the holes in the morning and it is a great place to get creative and take some stunning photos.

Best Time to Visit: This is not a well-known Tulum Instagram spot yet but as it is a hotel, it can get busy in the late morning and early afternoon as people are checking in and out. The best time to take photos here is in the early morning.

Hours: The entrance is open to the public 24/7.

Entrance Fee: Taking photos here is free!

Which Hashtags to Use: #rocluxe #rocluxetulum

Location: ROC Luxe Tulum

Matcha Mama

One of the most instagrammable places in Tulum and without a doubt one of the most famous Instagram spots is Matcha Mama. The cute smoothie bowl and smoothie shop looks exactly like you have seen in photos. Nestled between trees and giving off a real jungle vibe, it is a little hut with swings instead of chairs, a “I love Tulum so Matcha” sign on a surfboard, and a menu sign written in turquoise. Everything about Matcha Mama is instagrammable and you can’t miss it if you are in Tulum to create content.

There are several Matcha Mama locations in Tulum. The most famous one is in Tulum Beach, not far from Vagalume, the I Scream Bar, and Casa Malca. There are also Matcha Mama locations in Aldea Zama and Tulum town. All three locations are incredibly cute and have the same design ideas with swings, a surfboard sign, and a jungle hut. The Matcha Mama in Tulum town also features a flamingo wall which is great if you are looking for something pink for your Instagram feed.

While you are taking photos here, make sure you try some of their smoothies and smoothie bowls. Our favorite is the Papacita which is made with almond milk, banana, vanilla, dates for natural sweetness and a shot of cold brew.

Best Time to Visit: Matcha Mama is incredibly popular and will get very busy during the day, especially if you are heading to the Tulum Beach location. Since it is a restaurant, you may have to wait a while to get your perfect photo on the swings if there are other guests here already. The best time to get here to ensure you have the place to yourself is right at opening at 8:00 AM.

Hours: Every day from 8:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee. However, it is a restaurant and we highly recommend you try one of their smoothies or smoothie bowls, especially if you are taking pictures on their swings. They are delicious!

Which Hashtags to Use: #matchamama #matchamamatulum

Location: Matcha Mama Tulum Beach (the famous one), Matcha Mama Tulum Town, Matcha Mama Aldea Zama

Cenote Calavera

One of the best things to do in Tulum to cool off is to visit a cenote. Cenotes are natural sink holes which are filled with water. There are several different types of cenotes, ranging from semi-open to fully open, which is also called a lagoon. The cenotes are filled with rainwater and water from underground rivers and they are the best way to cool down on a hot day in Tulum.

Cenotes are a lot of fun and a great place to spend the day but they also make for great Instagram spots. One of the most instagrammable cenotes in Tulum is Cenote Calavera. It features a swing and a steep ladder which make for great photo opportunities.

The cenote is only a 5-minute drive from Tulum town and one of the best kept secrets. It is not as popular as other cenotes in the area, and you can get it all to yourself if you come here early. The cenote is also great if you enjoy diving as the water is crystal clear and around 15-20 feet (4 – 6 meters) deep.

Tip: The cenote looks quite small from the outside but once you are in the water, you will see that the cave is quite large. The best way to enjoy the cenote is by jumping in the water. Please be careful when jumping through the smaller holes as they are very narrow, and many people have injured themselves here.

Best Time to Visit: Because of the proximity to Tulum, the cenote is gaining popularity and if you are looking to get the place to yourself, get here early in the morning or after 3:00 PM.

Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Entrance Fee: $250 MXN pesos ($12.60 USD) per person, cash only! If you want to bring a camera or a GoPro, you need to pay an extra $200 MXN pesos $10.00 USD).

Which Hashtags to Use: #cenotecalavera #cenotecalaveratulum

Location: Cenote Calavera

There are just some of the Top Cenotes in Tulum!

Cenote Dos Ojos

A bit further away from Tulum is the Cenote Dos Ojos. It is halfway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen and a 30-minute drive north from Tulum town.

The cenote is a system made of two different cenotes connected through a passage which explains the name Dos Ojos. The water at Cenote Dos Ojos is incredibly clear and blue and makes for the perfect Tulum Instagram spot.

The two cenotes at Dos Ojos are quite different as the main cenote is more open and thereby brighter. If you are planning to take photos, the main cenote is the place to go. Given the depth of the cenote, it is also a great place to practice your underwater photography skills and capture the beauty of the cave. For an in-depth experience, you can even opt for a full private tour of the Dos Ojos cenote.

Best Time to Visit: Cenote Dos Ojos is quite popular, especially for families and divers. If you are looking to get the cenote to yourself, make sure you get here early.

Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Entrance Fee: Entrance for the Dos Ojos Cenote is $350 MXN pesos ($17.00 USD) per person as of April 2021.

Which Hashtags to Use: #cenotedosojos #cenotedosojostulum

Location: Cenote Dos Ojos

Looking for some fun in Tulum? Try out one of the best Tulum tours!

Gran Cenote (Grand Cenote)

Possibly the most famous cenote in Tulum is the Gran Cenote. As the name suggests the Gran Cenote is big and is a system of several cenotes connected underground. The openings are not as large as the cenote system itself and you will only see how large it is once you are in the water and are exploring the caves.

The Gran Cenote is the perfect Instagram spot in Tulum if you are looking to show off the crystal blue water amidst the jungle. The platforms are very close to the water which makes it relatively easy to photograph. We did not have a chance to visit the Gran Cenote but our friend Talia from TravelWithTalia did.

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A post shared by Talia | Chicago Travel Blogger (@travelwithtalia)

One of the main draws of the Gran Cenote is the crystal blue water, the possibility to spot turtles, and being able to snorkel and dive here as well. If you are looking to explore the underwater world here and go diving, make sure you book your spot in advance.

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A post shared by Talia | Chicago Travel Blogger (@travelwithtalia)

Best Time to Visit: The Gran Cenote is very popular and can be quite busy. Make sure you get here right at opening or about 3:00 PM, an hour before closing, to have the cenote to yourself.

Hours: Every day from 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM

Entrance Fee: Entrance fee for the Gran Cenote is $180 MXN pesos ($9 USD) per person. Renting snorkeling gear is $80 MXN pesos ($4 USD) and the locker is $30 MXN pesos ($1.50 USD).

Which Hashtags to Use: #grancenote #grancenotetulum #grandcenote

Location: Gran Cenote Tulum

Papaya Playa Project

One of the most instagrammable hotels in Tulum is the Papaya Playa Project. The hotel is right in the hotel zone with direct access to the beach. The reason why Papaya Playa Project has become Instagram famous is no doubt because of their instagrammable jungle casitas with a rooftop pool. The rooftop pool not only makes for a great photo opportunity, but it is also a great place to relax and get away from the busy Tulum strip.

The hotel offers a variety of rooms such as ocean-view casitas, loft casitas and jungle casitas with a rooftop pool. Regardless of which casita you are staying at, your room is surrounded by nature and will feel like a luxury jungle getaway. The hotel has made it their mission to create a new form of sustainable hospitality and combine modern luxury with Mayan culture. We have not personally had the opportunity to stay here but our friends Claudia and Kaan from TheLostTwo have.

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Best Time to Visit: The best time to stay here at Papaya Playa Project is during shoulder season as there will be less people and prices are also going to be lower than during high season.

How to book: You can book your stay here.

Which Hashtags to Use: #papayaplaya #papayaplayaproject

Location: Papaya Playa Project

Las Coloradas

One of the most beautiful Instagram places in Yucatan is Las Coloradas. The vibrant pink salt lakes against the blue sky make for incredible Instagram photos and it is a great place to visit it you want to wow your audience. Las Coloradas has its vibrant pink color from the red and pink marine life such as red algae, brine shrimp, and plankton which thrive in high salt content water. It is a great destination if you are looking to do a day trip from Tulum as it is a 3-hour drive one way.

Given the increased popularity of Las Coloradas, you are required to visit the pink salt lakes with a guide, which you will be assigned when you enter. Swimming at Las Coloradas or even dipping your feet is strictly forbidden and the guides here make sure that everyone follows the rules. Because of the pandemic, current visiting times as of April 2021 are limited to 30 minutes per person. And yes, they will track the time to make sure you don’t stay longer.

Las Coloradas is incredibly beautiful and if you have never been to a pink salt lake, you will absolutely love it! It is a unique experience and will make for great Instagram photos. That being said, creating content here can be a bit challenging given the time limitations. Given how far out Las Coloradas is, going on a tour of the pink lakes where your transportation is handled is not a bad idea.

Tip: The watercolor is most vibrant when it is sunny and when the sun is directly above. Make sure you plan your visit on a sunny day as the lakes will appear dull when it is cloudy. Be prepared to see a lot of people here. It is a very popular place to go to.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit to have the most vibrant color is around noon on a sunny day.

Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entrance Fee: $75 MXN pesos ($4 USD) per person (as of April 2021). Due to how far this is from Cancun and Tulum, saving driving time by going on an organized tour is not a bad idea.

Which Hashtags to Use: #lascoloradas #lascoloradasyucatan

Location: Las Coloradas

Cenote Suytun

Another great day trip and one of the most Instagrammable places around Tulum is the Cenote Suytun. It is famous for having sunrays shine through a small opening in the cave ceiling, illuminating a ular platform. The cenote is every bit as incredible as you may have seen in photos and seeing the sunrays shine through the cave ceiling is incredible.

The cenote is a 1-hour drive from Tulum and it’s a great place to visit if you are looking to explore more cenotes and are wanting to get the iconic Instagram shot with the sunrays.

Note that the platform is not always under water. Whether or not the platform is flooded depends on the time of the year you visit. As the cenotes are filled with rainwater and with the underground river system, the water levels are usually higher during the wet season and if you visit at the end of the dry season, you may find that the platform is not under water. That being said, we visited in March which is in the dry season and during our visit, the platform was covered in about 4 feet (1.2 m) of water.

Tip: If you are planning to swim here, you are required to wear a life vest. Life vests cannot be taken off at any time, not even for photos. However, the guide has a smaller life vest belt which you can borrow that does not look as bulky as the standard life vests.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the cenote to see the sunrays is around 12 noon to 1:00 PM. This is when the sunrays hit the platform.

Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Entrance Fee: $120 MXN pesos ($6.05 USD) per person. Entrance includes life vests.

Which Hashtags to Use: #cenotesuytun

Location: Cenote Suytun

Cenote Chukum

If you decide to do a day trip to visit a few cenotes outside Tulum, you cannot miss Cenote Chukum. Cenote Chukum is one of our favorite ones we have been to and it is by far the best cenote when you are looking to do underwater photography. The lighting in Cenote Chukum is incredibly beautiful making it the most instagrammable Cenote around Tulum to take underwater photos.

Cenote Chukum is semi-open and has a few small openings in the cave ceiling which let in some beams of sunlight. On a bright and sunny day, the light coming through these openings hits the water beautifully leaving you with incredible underwater sunrays. The natural phenomena looks spectacular above water but it is even more impressive if you put your snorkeling gear on and go for a dive.

Given the size and the depth of the Cenote Chukum, it is the perfect place for underwater photography. Cenote Chukum also has a zip line through the cave which is used as a different way to jump into the middle of the cenote. There are also three jumping platforms with different heights for every diving level.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Cenote Chukum to see the sunrays is on a sunny day around noon. However, during this time, the cenote can be quite busy. If you are looking to have the cenote to yourself, the best time to visit is early in the morning or around 3:00 PM. We were there at 3:00 PM on a Monday and still had the perfect light for underwater photos while being the only ones in the cenote.

Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Entrance Fee: Day pass is $10 USD per person which includes parking, life vests, and lockers. There is also a day pass including lunch buffet which is $25 USD per person.

Which Hashtags to Use: #cenotechukum

Location: Cenote Chukum

Cenote Oxman

Another great cenote for Instagram photos is the Cenote Oxman. The cenote has a Tarzan rope swing to jump into the water which makes it one of the most instagrammable cenotes around Tulum. The rope swing is also a great prop to film a fun reel.

Cenote Oxman is semi-open and lets in quite a bit of light. There are beautiful tree roots cascading from the cave ceiling which make the cenote look like it’s straight out of a movie set. Even if you are not looking to take photos here, Cenote Oxman is a great cenote to add to your bucketlist. You can easily spend half a day here having fun and jumping in the water.

Best Time to Visit: If you want to avoid crowds, the best time to visit is right at opening at 9:00 AM.

Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (as of April 2021)

Entrance Fee: $150 MXN pesos ($7.50 USD) per person, cash only.

Which Hashtags to Use: #oxmancenote #cenoteoxman

Location: Cenote Oxman

Chichen Itza

One of the best Instagram spots near Tulum and also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World is Chichen Itza. In 1988, Chichen Itza was named one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and in 2007, it was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. If you have time, visiting and taking a photo here is a must!

Chichen Itza is an archeological site and used to be a Mayan city from around 600 A.D. to the 1200s. It is an incredibly impressive site to visit even if you are not a history and archeology lover. The main temple in Chichen Itza is incredibly beautiful and will make for a great Instagram photo backdrop.

The best time of the year to visit Chichen Itza is during equinox. The Mayans constructed the temple so that during equinox, the sun will cast a shadow from the edges of the temple which resembles a serpent slithering down the temple.

Regardless of what time of the year you visit, the site is full of history and worth exploring to get a better understanding of the Mayan culture. There are also many popular tour options which will handle your transportation as well as a guided tour of this famous site.

Tip: If you are looking to take unique photos here, try to frame the temple with some of the surrounding trees to make for a more interesting photograph.

Best Time to Visit: The best time of the year to visit is at the equinox and the best time of the day to visit is in the morning. Being here early allows you to explore the place by yourself and also to avoid the heat. It can get very hot here and there is not a lot of shade.

Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Entrance Fee: General admission for tourists is $533 MXN pesos ($453 MXN pesos entrance and $80 MXN pesos tax), about $27 USD. You will be asked to pay in two separate booths at the entrance. They accept cash as well as cards. Make sure you bring your ID if you are wanting to pay with credit card.

Which Hashtags to Use: #chichenitza #chichenitzamexico #chichenitzayucatan

Location: Chichen Itza

Looking for even more Instagrammable locations? Check out the best Isla Mujeres Instagram Spots!

Where to Stay in Tulum

There are so many great places to stay in Tulum for every budget. Most of the action happens on the Tulum Strip, which is a great place to find a Tulum beach club hotel to stay for a few days. Book your hotel in Tulum below!

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How to Get to Tulum

Tulum does not have its own airport. If you are vising from out of the country or a different state in Mexico, you will likely fly to Cancun as it is the closest major airport. From there, there are several ways to get to Tulum and the time it takes depends largely on what transportation method you chose.

Not sure whether Cancun or Tulum is best for you? Check out the Cancun vs. Tulum comparison!

One note about Uber in Cancun: Uber is illegal in Cancun, despite legally operating in other parts of Mexico. Getting an Uber ride to and from the airport is impossible as there is staff designated to make sure there are no Ubers. Generally, in the Cancun and Tulum area, it is incredibly difficult to find an Uber as there are hardly any cars available, however you may have some success in the Cancun area, however we found that it was not sufficiently reliable to use as transportation.

By Taxi

Regular taxis are not able to pick up passengers at Cancun Airport. However, there are Airport taxis available which you can book at arrival to take you to Tulum. The ride is about 1.5 hours and is generally $75 USD to $125 USD one way. You can get your taxi at airport arrivals; however, this usually involves haggling to get a fair price. The taxi union in Cancun is very strong, and they have been able to get away with overcharging tourists for years. This is not our preferred method for getting around, however it is possible to find honest and reputable taxi drivers that charge a fair price.

By Private Transfer

By far the easiest and most comfortable way to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum is by private transfer. You can easily book your private transfer in advance and they will meet you in the arrival hall and pick you up. The cost for a private transfer to Tulum is $100 USD for up to 3 people and if you book the round trip in advance, you will save 25% off your return price and pay $175 USD. The larger your group, the more it is worth it to look into private transfers as they make your trip to Tulum much easier. You can book your private transfer right here.

By Shared Shuttle

A cheaper option, especially if you are traveling alone or in a group of 2, is to take a shared shuttle to Tulum. Shared shuttles are also easy to book in advance and are $35 USD per person one way. The shared Cancun Airport Shuttle guarantees a driver that speaks English and Spanish, an airconditioned vehicle, and traveler insurance.

You can book your shared shuttle in advance as a one-way trip or also as a return trip if you already know when you will be heading back to the airport.

The shared shuttle will drop guests off at hotel lobbies which means it might make several stops along the way before dropping you off. If you are two people, the shared shuttle will save you $30 USD one way. If you would rather not spend the extra time sitting in a car and are happy spending $30 USD more, you can book your private transport here.

By Rental Car

If you are planning to spend more time exploring Tulum and visit a few sites outside of Tulum such as Chichen Itza, Las Coloradas, Cenote Suytun, etc. you might want to look into booking a rental car. We have had three separate car rentals while we were in Tulum and loved the freedom that comes with having your own car. We always use Rentalcars.com to find the cheapest car rentals and book through them. You can check the prices and availability for your car rental here.

Tips when picking up your rental car

Make sure you inspect the car for damage such as scratches, dents, and chips in the windshield. These should all be marked on your car rental form. If they are not, make sure you ask a rental representative to add them. Further, we always advise to take photos of the outside of the vehicle before driving off and when you return, as well as of the gas gauge (with the number of kilometers of the car also in the same picture). That way you have proof of your car’s condition upon pick-up and drop-off should they ever try to charge you for damage.

We have even more Essential Cancun Travel Tips you need to know before you go!

By ADO Bus

ADO bus is the main bus company servicing most airports in Mexico. It is by far the cheapest way to get from Cancun airport to Tulum. The ADO bus has pick up locations at terminals 2, 3, and 4, and will take you directly to Tulum. A one-way bus trip is $288 MXN pesos ($14 USD) and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

The bus schedule from terminal 3 is:

10:40 AM

12:00 PM

2:55 PM

4:55 PM

7:45 PM

9:15 PM

Make sure you check the ADO Bus website in case they made changes to their schedule.

How to Get Around Tulum

While most of these instagrammable places are right in the Tulum hotel zone and very easy to walk between, some of these spots will require you to use other means of transportation. There are several ways you can get around Tulum and get from one Instagram spot to the next or from Tulum Beach to Tulum Town.

By Taxi

Likely the most convenient way to get around Tulum is by taxi. Taxis are everywhere and quite easy to find. They generally charge $100 MXN pesos ($5 USD) or more to get from Tulum town to Tulum beach.

By Rental Car

If you have a rental car, getting to and from Tulum is incredibly easy. However, if you are planning to drive in Tulum Beach, you will likely struggle finding a place to park. The hotel zone is only one street and does not have much street parking available. Most beach clubs, restaurants, and hotels will have parking lots associated to them and those are free as long as you consume at the establishment.

If you are looking for a free parking spot without consuming anything, there is only one place we saw which fills up quite quickly. Click here for the Google Maps location of the only free parking lot we found in Tulum. As this location is also near the beginning of the Tulum hotel zone, it is not overly practical for walking the full Tulum strip.

By Bike

Given the almost non-existent public parking, getting around the Tulum hotel zone by bike is a popular choice. Bike rentals are available in Tulum town and in the Tulum hotel zone, with many hotels providing bikes for their guests to use, or to rent. Given how spread out the main attractions and restaurants are along the Tulum hotel zone, it’s impractical to walk the full length, however as it is all flat and often filled with traffic jams, traveling by bike is an excellent choice.  As an added bonus, you can even use your bike as an Instagram photo prop, which goes especially well with the Follow That Dream sign.

Do you Know of any Other Instagrammable Places in Tulum?

Have you been to Tulum and know of more instagrammable places we should add to this list? Please let us know in the comments. We are always looking to visit more places and would love to hear what you recommend.

Pin this post to your Mexico travel Pinterest board to save the most instagrammable places in Tulum and help you plan your trip!

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