Are you looking for the best destination for a digital nomad lifestyle in Mexico? Then Tulum should be at the top of your list!
Located on the tropical Riviera Maya in Mexico, Tulum is not only a popular destination famous for its bustling nightlife and gorgeous white sand beaches.
It’s also one of the world’s digital nomad hotspots, with remote workers and expats from around the globe.
In this ultimate Tulum digital nomad guide, I’m sharing with you everything you need to know – from where to stay in Tulum long term, where to eat and things to do in your free time to tips on best coworking spaces, getting about and renting a car in Tulum.
Just to let you know… This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon Associates links. I may receive a small commission from them at no extra cost to you.
Visa for Mexico
Getting a visa for Mexico is super easy for digital nomads.
Mexico welcomes all nationalities with open arms, offering a generous 180-day tourist visa on arrival.
The best part is there’s no need to provide proof of income or meet any other complicated requirements.
For the majority of us, this is more than enough time to spend in Mexico.
However, if you want to stay longer without leaving the country, you’ll need to apply for residence.
It’s a bit more complicated and includes various paperwork and requirements, including minimum income.
Where to stay in Tulum long term?
When it comes to the best neighbourhoods for digital nomads in Tulum, Downtown and Aldea Zama stand out.
If you’re looking to stay longer term, Tulum town is way more affordable compared to the touristic Zona Hotelera (hotel zone) situated by the coast.
Here you will also find all the amenities required for day-to-day life, such as grocery stores – my absolute favourite is Chedraui – and a range of gyms and fitness studios.
Booking.comAnother excellent area of Tulum where I personally stayed and really liked is Aldea Zama, an up-and-coming expat neighbourhood of Tulum.
Aldea Zama has a great choice of brand-new apartment blocks, each boasting a rooftop pool and an on-site gym for comfortable living.
Plus, with an increasing number of cafes, coworking spaces, and yoga studios, Aldea Zama is buzzing with energy and is the perfect place to connect with like-minded individuals.
How to get around Tulum
Tulum is quite spread out, and if you decide on staying longer, you will need to have some sort of mode of transport!
Bicycles are a popular mode of transport, and you’ll find rental shops dotted all over the place. It’s a fun, cheap, and eco-friendly way to explore.
Just remember, always to wear your helmet and be cautious of the local driving style – it can get a little wild out there!
With a bicycle, you can get from the city centre to the beach or even visit a few nearby cenotes, but for anything else, you will need an ATV, scooter or a car.
Taxis in Tulum are expensive, and I would only use them if nothing else is available.
If you’re planning a trip to a nearby city, just like in Mexico City you can also use local buses known as colectivos.
Best Coworking spaces in Tulum
If you enjoy working from coworking venues – or just need reliable WiFi – you’ll be spoiled for choice in Tulum.
Digital Jungle
Located just off the main road in Tulum downtown area, Digital Jungle is one of the most popular coworking spaces in Tulum and for a good reason.
The prices vary, with a day pass starting at $24.
Location: Tulum Downtown
WeNomads
WeNomads is a small coworking space located in the heart of Aldea Zama.
They offer different packages, from day to monthly passes.
And, if you buy a coworking pass, it will also give you access to their two other branches – downtown and seafront.
Location: Aldea Zama
Other coworking places:
- WeNomads Tulum Centro
- Animo Cowork
- Los Amigos
Places to eat in Tulum
Tulum has a fantastic choice of restaurants and cafes, including very affordable options.
Here are some of my favourite places to eat or shop for food in Tulum:
Chedraui – Chedraui is a large supermarket, and if you’re planning on cooking and staying healthy, it’s the best place for shopping for groceries in Tulum downtown.
Burrito Amor (Tulum Centro) – Burrito Amor is probably the most popular restaurant in downtown Tulum for digital nomads and, as the name suggests, an eatery that specialises in burritos.
Matcha Mama (Aldea Zama & Tulum Centro) – A cute little coffee shop, Matcha Mama has various locations and is a great spot for morning coffee and a delicious smoothie bowl.
Rossina Cafe (Aldea Zama) – Located in Aldea Zama, Rossina Cafe is an excellent place for a weekend brunch date with your partner or bestie.
El Bajon Vegan Tacos (Tulum Centro) – If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you’ll love this place! They have a selection of tasty taco fillings, and the menu prices are very affordable.
Things to do in your free time
Tulum is a fantastic base with plenty of things to do and interesting places to visit outside of your working hours.
Join a gym
Joining a gym in Tulum is not just a fantastic way to keep up with your fitness regimen but also an excellent opportunity to socialise and connect with fellow digital nomads.
Here are two of my favourite gyms:
- UNITY Fitness Club & Gym (Tulum Centro)
- Rooftop Fitness Center (Aldea Zama)
Swim in cenotes
If you’re in Tulum, you simply can’t miss out on visiting the nearby cenotes, a perfect way to spend your weekends.
My personal favourite is Cenote Escondido, which is way less touristy compared with other most famous cenotes.
It resembles a lake, and it’s not too far from downtown, so even if you don’t have a car, you can take a taxi or even cycle here.
Another fantastic place to visit at the weekend is Laguna Kaan Luum boasting a vibrant blend of emerald and turquoise hues and an 85-meter deep cenote right in its centre.
Explore Mayan ruins
If you’re a history buff like me, you’ll absolutely love exploring the nearby Mayan ruins.
The Tulum ruins, perched on high cliffs by the sea, are the city’s staple attraction, and the view alone is worth the trip.
If you don’t mind a bit of a journey, take a day trip to Coba and Ek Balam.
The ruins at Coba are nestled in the jungle, giving you that ‘Indiana Jones’ feel, and Ek Balam near Valladolid, though lesser-known, offers beautifully preserved sculptures and a peaceful atmosphere.
Or, if you fancy an overnight trip or weekend away, Chiapas and all of the beautiful Chiapas waterfalls isn’t too far.
Have fun at Xcaret Adventure Parks
And, if you’re an adrenaline junkie, spending a day at Xplor, one of the Xcaret amusement parks, is an absolute must.
I’m talking heart-pounding zip lines, underground river rafting, and off-road adventures that you’ll be talking about for weeks.
If water activities are more your thing, Xel-Ha Park may be a better fit.
Here you can snorkel in crystal-clear lagoons, float down lazy rivers, and even do cliff jumping if you’re feeling brave.
Staying safe in Tulum
Before wrapping up, it’s absolutely crucial to mention the importance of insurance for digital nomads.
I personally use SafetyWing, which is one of the most affordable insurance options out there.
As digital nomads, we’re always on the go, exploring new territories, and with that comes an element of unpredictability.
That’s no different in Tulum, especially if it’s your first trip to Mexico.
SafetyWing offers comprehensive coverage, and they understand the unique needs of those leading a nomadic lifestyle.
Final Word
I hope you found this digital nomad guide to Tulum helpful.
Tulum is one of the best digital nomad destinations in the world.
It is still very affordable and offers a wide range of facilities such as coworking spaces, gyms and cafes, but most importantly, it’s a place where you can connect with like-minded people who lead a similar lifestyle to yours.
Contributed by Mal from Raw Mal Roams.