Camera Ready Captures In Tulum
Why do we take photos?
It’s a question I ask myself regularly as I pull out my iPhone. For as long as I can remember, I have loved taking photos. I still remember bringing my bulky 35MM camera with me EVERYWHERE I went. There was nothing more satisfying than finishing a roll of film and dropping it off to have it developed. I would spend hours with my friends looking at pictures, making photo albums and reliving those special moments.
My how times have changed. Digital cameras and smartphones make it easier than ever to photograph and capture every moment. Some people may be looking to hold on to memories while others of us want to tell our story or simply see the world from a different perspective. Regardless of your reason, photography teaches us to be aware of our surroundings and find beautiful and unique moments in each and every day.
Suffering from a severe case of vacation hangover, I found myself scrolling through all of my photos taken in Tulum. It was a wonderful way to escape the mundane and relive some of those moments. I’ve put together a list of places where I enjoyed snapping a few photos while I was in there. Some of these are “insta-worthy” while others are places where I was captivated by the sheer beauty.
I Scream Bar
Carretera Tulum - Boca Paila Km. 8.5 77760
Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Regretfully, no ice cream for this girl. Instead, I had an evening filled with laughter and cocktails. I Scream Bar is one of Tulum’s quintessential bars where the bartenders are serving up boozy cocktails and unforgettable evenings.
If you’re looking to snap a picture sans crowd, I’d recommend swinging by during the day when it’s closed. Otherwise, be prepared for the people.
Know Thyself Sign
Perfect for selfies and self-reflection, the Know Thyself Sign is a popular place for photographs in Tulum. While I can’t pinpoint its exact location, you will inevitably stumble upon this famous sign when walking down the beach strip road.
Tulum
After you enjoy breakfast at Taqueria Honorio ( last seen here), pop a few streets over and you’ll find this vibrant city sign. The colors alone will make you smile.
Casa Malca
Carretera Fed, Av. Boca Paila km 9.5, 77780
Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Website and Instagram
Casa Malca may quite possibly be one of the most Instagrammed places in Tulum.
Why?
Not only is it one of Pablo Escobar’s former mansions but where else in Tulum will you find suspended furniture with this stunning backdrop! Locating this beautiful space can be a little tricky as there’s not a sign that says “Casa Malca here.” I’d recommend either asking your taxi driver or keeping your eyes peeled as you after you pass Nomade.
In hopes of beating the crowds, we tried to visit during an off hour as I had heard horror stories of the “line that forms at the swinging couch.” Luckily, we arrived and a couple was finishing up.
Don’t let your shyness get the best of you. People have no problem forming a line and waiting for you to finish and will silently/secretly shame you if you take too long.
As we wrapped up, we wandered through the hotel and enjoyed Lio Malca’s art collection and made our way to Philosophy for a cocktail. Such a perfect way to begin our evening out in Tulum.
Fun Fact: The impressive white curtain framing the scene is made of wedding dresses!
Matcha Mama
Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila 8.2,
Tulum 77780, México
Website and Instagram
Matcha Mama is another place you see on repeat in your Instagram feed. Not only is it one of the cutest spots in Tulum, their smoothie bowls are ALL THE THINGS. Grab some goodies, have a seat on a swing and start snapping away!
Cenotes
There’s a multitude of cenotes in and around Tulum and to be quite honest, it can be overwhelming to choose one. It’s easy to spend hours swimming and snorkeling in these unimaginable formations. Do a little research and see which one speaks to your soul.
Azulik
Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila, KM 5, Zona Hotelera, 77780
Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Website and Instagram
Azulik was by far the most difficult place we tried to visit. {Insert eye roll here.} I knew that I was going to be in for an ordeal but I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
Things to know before you go:
Unless you are a hotel guest, Azulik does not allow randoms to wander throughout the hotel. I appreciate that they want to protect their guests’ privacy and the “experience” but come on. Not even a peek into the lobby or a cocktail at the bar?
A “sunset viewing” on their rooftop opens to the public at 5:30 p.m. People begin lining up at least an hour prior in hopes of seeing what’s behind the bamboo walls. Of course, we fell victim to the hype and got in line so we could see what’s it’s all about. By the time they were ready to usher us to the rooftop (the only take ten people at a time), we had to leave for our dinner reservation. We snapped a few photos but to be honest, I didn’t have fomo and felt that we made a much better decision heading to dinner.
Of all the places on my list, this is one that I’d skip. There is so much beauty in and around the city of Tulum that you don’t need to pay $30.00 for a cocktail and a rooftop to see it.
Regardless of where you are, I challenge you to look for unique and beautiful moments each and every day. And whatever you do, follow that dream!
Until Next Time!