With an estimated 17.3 million Americans now joining the ranks of digital nomads, Mexico has emerged as a hotspot for remote workers looking to swap their office cubicles for turquoise waters and tacos al pastor. Tulum is the crown jewel of the movement with aesthetic coworking spaces, zen jungle yogi energy, and flight prices so cheap they make spontaneous trips feel like self-care.
Seriously, tickets from the US can go for as little as $100 (shoutout to travel comparison sites for helping us find the cheapest flight times and dates). For travelers from UK and Europe, flights to Cancun (Tulum’s nearest airport) can range from £250–£400 return from London or €200–€350 from major cities like Madrid or Berlin, depending on the season. That means more budget for cenote swims, mezcal-drenched golden hours, and, oh yeah, accommodation. It’s affordable, it’s giving paradise, and the energy is unmatched.
So grab your laptop, your cutest swimsuit, and a charger long enough to stretch from your hammock to your outlet because Tulum is calling.
Where to Stay
You might have heard that Tulum is split into two main places: Playa (beachside) and Pueblo (downtown). But for the truly in the know, there are also some newer neighborhoods where remote workers are setting up shop.
Tulum Beach (Playa)
If you’re here to soak up the sun and live that beach life, Tulum Beach is your spot. Think luxury stays with a side of laid-back, barefoot vibes. You’ll find plenty of beach bars and restaurants to sip your margarita at, but heads up, the beach road can get crowded during peak season. Bikes or scooters are your best bet for cruising around.
Tulum Town (Pueblo)
This is where you’ll get your fix of authentic tacos, local culture, and funky boutiques. It’s a bit more affordable than the beach, plus it’s close to cenotes and nature spots. There are still a ton of nomads here, and unlike backpackers who are just passing through, this is a place where you can truly settle in and feel part of the scene.
Aldea Zama
Aldea Zama is the modern gem of Tulum. It’s quiet, stylish, and just a short ride from both the beach and downtown. With sleek condos and trendy cafes, it’s the perfect place to chill if you want a mix of peace and proximity to the action.
La Veleta
If you want to feel like a true digital nomad, La Veleta is where it’s at. This neighborhood is booming with coworking spaces, yoga studios, and hip cafes. It’s a bit pricier than Aldea Zama, but it’s got that cool, international feel and is just a quick bike ride from downtown (though a bit far from the beach). Think of it as the perfect mix of trendy meets nature.
Where to Work
Since you’ll be working just as hard as you play, finding the perfect coworking space is a must. Whether you need a quiet spot to crush deadlines or a community to connect with, Tulum’s got plenty of options to keep your productivity on point.
Digital Jungle
For a coworking space that’s as fresh as it is functional, Digital Jungle is the spot to be. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and completely flooded with natural light. This jungle-inspired haven helps you focus while staying chilled and connected to nature.
With reliable Wi-Fi, it’s perfect for virtual meetings or tackling that ongoing to-do list you have. They offer day passes for 400 MXN (that’s about $20 FYI), or if you’re staying longer, a monthly pass for 5000 MXN or $250. On top of all that, they host lots of networking events, talks, and workshops, which are great for meeting fellow digital nomads, making new friends, and finding fresh inspiration.
Selina
Ahh… Selina, a digital nomad’s dream. If you haven’t yet heard of it, you’re in for a treat! With their brilliant co-living hostels dotted all around the world, Selina has mastered the art of mixing work, play and wanderlust. The coworking space here is lush, offering free teas and coffees (for when you’ve got a looming deadline that’s making you work to the early hours), as well guaranteed high-speed WIFI.
Plus, with a flexible range of passes (daily, weekly, or monthly) you can work here as long as you need. And if you’re feeling at home, why not stay too? They have everything from affordable dorms to plush suites.
Where to Play
You’ve handed in that big project that had you stressing at your computer screen for a hot minute. All your meetings are done. You even squeezed in some time for that side hustle that you swear you’ll turn into a full-time gig. Now, it’s time to let your hair down and enjoy Tulum’s party scene. Here’s where to go when it’s time to shake off the workweek and dance like no one’s watching:
- Papaya Playa Project: One of the OG party spots in Tulum, Papaya Playa Project is still holding it down as a must-visit on the Tulum nightlife circuit. If you’re in town on a Saturday, cancel whatever plans you had. Also, check the lunar calendar – PPP is famous for its monthly full moon parties under the stars.
- Zamna Tulum: Looking for a jungle rave that’ll have you dancing until the sun comes up? Zamna’s your spot. This festival takes over 10+ nights in December and January (and a few extra one-offs throughout the year for good measure), bringing in some of the world’s best house and electronic DJs like Afterlife, Keinemusik, and John Summit.
- Bagatelle Tulum: For when you want to class things up but still keep it fun, Bagatelle is where you’ll find a beach club that’s sleek yet still full-on Tulum. With a pool, resident DJs, and cocktails that make you feel fancy, it’s perfect for sipping during the day. And when night falls the place transforms into an Italian supper club akin to its other locations in Cabo, St. Barth, and Mykonos. Day-to-night Tulum at its finest.
Final Thoughts
We hope you now have a much better idea of what it’s like to live and work in beautiful Tulum. The only thing that’s left to do is get here.
We know that traveling can be a little long and frustrating sometimes, especially if you’re flying in from somewhere far. So, we thought we’d end by spilling on the tea on what we do to make that travel time fly. Here are some little tips from us for you:
- Read a book: We love to escape the realities of delayed flights or loud people on public transport with a little fiction. A quick scan of the New York Times Best-Seller list will give you heaps of recommendations. However, if non-fiction’s more your jam you can always learn how to build your empire while you commute.
- Journal: You’re about to visit a brand new place, meet so many people and have the time of your life. But that’s not to say that it’s not a big (and scary) step. Check-in with yourself and do some journaling on your upcoming trip.
- Zone out to music: Pop in your airpods and start playing some cool artists you’ll be proud to find on your Spotify Wrapped next year.
Once you land in Cancun, grab a shuttle bus or rent a car, it’s just a quick 90-minute ride away.
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.
