Working Remotely in Tulum: Living the Digital Nomad Life
Tulum’s infrastructure isn’t the best. I had done some research before moving down to Tulum (more on that here: Emily in Tulum) and knew that there were a bunch of people here working remotely - in all industries. Working in finance and on the client side I needed to make sure I was going to be connected at all times. Not going to lie, the weather in Tulum can make it a bit tricky, sometimes it rains and your WiFi just randomly goes out for a few hours, causing major panic attacks. There are hurricanes and the power goes out for days. Fun. If you are planning to work remotely and live in Aldea Zama (where power goes out often) during hurricane season (October/November), I’d highly recommend getting a bicycle or a scooter so that in the event that the power goes out you can quickly get into town or one of the places listed below. In addition to praying for a strong WiFi connection daily, this is what I’ve learned/where I go.
Papaya Playa Project. PPP has the best WiFi here and even when the power goes out all across Tulum, they will still be up and running. It’s located at the top of the beach road so it’s right near Aldea Zama, making it an ideal place to run to if your apartment WiFi cuts out. PPP is a hotel with a huge restaurant overlooking the beach. You can pretty much find me here most days, except for if I have client calls, because the music sounds like you’re at a club. The place also has outlets at most tables, so you can charge your computer/phone and don’t have to worry about relocating for that.
My Apartment/Hotel. I was living in Aldea Zama and then on the beach at Selina and that’s where I worked from the most. Both have been reliable, quiet, and had the most professional backgrounds for VC meetings. Most hotels have good WiFi, but Airbnbs are hit or miss. If you’re planning to work from Tulum and need to take video meetings or calls without background noise, I’d aim to get a good Airbnb.
Mia at Selina. The restaurant at Selina has solid WiFi. It can be noisy, but if you need a place to connect, it works really well. It’s on a deck that’s covered so it’s perfect if you need to be out of the sun and protected from rain. Selina hotel also has great WiFi if you are staying there.
The Real Coconut at the Sanara Hotel. While they are not a fan of digital nomads, the WiFi is very reliable. However, the menu prices can really add up if you’re there all day. Maybe it’s because the menu is amazing and I stay the entire day/evening, but I legit always have a $100USD bill. But hey, at least it was a healthy day. Everything on the menu is sooo good - it’s plant “focused” with a ton of vegan options and everything is not only gluten free but grain free.
Coworking Space at Selina. For $15USD/day you can snag a spot at Selina’ coworking space. It’s quiet, right on the beach, and you’ll spend the day working with others that are also focused/working. The space also has private rooms you can book (for an extra cost) if you have to take VC meetings - a few that are telephone booth style and one with a 4-seat round table.
Amansala. Amansala has great WiFi at their beach club. Amansala has three locations in Tulum - Grande and Chica on the beach and the hotel/restaurant Palo Santo in town. While Grande is lively and has tons of seating, the restaurant, and a pool, Chica is nice if you need to take a call with a quiet background.
More on Amansala here
Ahau. WiFi was definitely reliable at the restaurant here. They are located on the beach along with the Raw Love hut.
Hotel Panamera. One of my new favorites. Their restaurant is quiet, not crowded, and has reliable WiFi and lots of seating. They don’t have a ton of beach chairs, but I’ve never had a problem getting a spot for just me.
More on Hotel Panamera here
Los Amigos Coworking Space. My friends have a membership to work from here and they said it is great. It’s $200 USD/month and located in La Valeta.
Digital Jungle. I just heard of this coworking space that recently opened in La Valeta by Holistika and Gypsea Market. Haven’t been yet, but definitely need to test it out. I did hear that it is pricey.
Most restaurants and cafes have WiFi. I’m still exploring to find the ones that are most suitable for work. If you find any good ones not listed here, please let me know! Good luck!!
xx Em
