Palm-fringed coastlines, turquoise oceans, and ice-cold drinks on white-sand beaches create a paradisiacal setting for many digital nomads in Tulum. This quaint beach town, nestled on Mexico’s Maya Riviera, provides postcard-perfect views and endless sunshine as part of a daily routine for remote workers.
Amid ongoing global travel restrictions, remote workers have begun to relocate to Tulum to sidestep further lockdowns. Offering a growing remote work community, a six-month visa on arrival, and convenient access to Cancun airport, Tulum has emerged as a burgeoning digital nomad hotspot.
With winter approaching Europe, YouTuber Jordan Simons would typically settle in Canggu, Bali’s well-established digital nomad hub. However, with Indonesian borders remaining closed, he looked elsewhere and found himself among the increasing number of digital nomads choosing Tulum. “I noticed a few people coming here and thought ‘why not?’” Simons remarks. “It seemed like the next best option, especially with reliable internet, quality cafes, and affordable long-term rents.”
While the beach area in Tulum showcases higher costs compared to Bali, and there seems to be a scarcity of co-working spaces relative to Canggu, Simons believes Tulum is on track for increasing popularity among digital nomads. “I foresee Tulum becoming more well-liked going forward,” Simons states. “I receive messages daily from fellow remote workers eager to move to Tulum soon. It appears to be shaping into a new hotspot.”
Gaelle Lecourt has been working remotely along the Maya Riviera intermittently for five years. She manages a highly active Facebook group to facilitate connections among digital nomads in the region. Lecourt notes that Tulum’s nomadic community has witnessed remarkable growth over the past year, especially with improved infrastructure catching up to nearby hot spots like Playa del Carmen and Cancun. “I’ve seen a surge in Tulum’s popularity recently,” Lecourt shares. “Before this summer, fewer digital nomads frequented Tulum compared to Playa del Carmen due to unreliable internet. Since 2019, however, several co-working spaces have emerged in Tulum, making it a vibrant bohemian destination with excellent internet, co-living options, serene beaches, and lively full moon parties.”
Rebecca Georgia, head of content at Outsite, a new co-living and co-working space in Tulum, mentions that “the digital nomad scene has been brewing for the past two to three years.” According to Georgia, remote work in Tulum is becoming increasingly feasible. She emphasizes that Tulum attracts a unique category of digital nomad, highlighting the area’s focus on health, wellness, and spirituality. “There’s a certain allure about Tulum. It’s easy to find sound baths, meditation sessions, and temazcal ceremonies, often after a day’s work.”
As remote work opportunities expand globally, numerous countries are introducing long-term visas to attract travelers. For comprehensive insights into destinations welcoming digital nomads, consider exploring options that suit your preferences. Always verify with local authorities before making travel plans.
