In the past decade, Tulum has exploded in popularity among tourists and digital nomads. With the crowds have come rapidly developing villas, boho chic stores, and trendy raw food cafes (with prices to match, of course). Despite the crowds you’ll find on the hotel strip, you can still find hidden gems in the center of Tulum—like the gorgeous Sfer Ik Tulum!
What Is Sfer Ik?
Sfer Ik is an interdisciplinary art space located in the middle of Tulum’s famous zona hotelera, or the hotel strip where all the most expensive boutiques and resorts are located. However, Sfer Ik is a spot that very few people know about even today!
Opened in 2018, this one-of-a-kind museum was conceived by Eduardo Neira, better known as “Roth,” the founder of Azulik. Its name, derived from Mayan and English roots, is supposed to reflect the harmony of nature, art, and technology. Known for its locally sourced and natural design, the museum and art exhibition space is seamlessly integrated with the surrounding environment. The curved architecture, suspended bridges, and organic shapes make it feel like you’re exploring the inside of a living organism!
Inside, Sfer Ik hosts rotating art exhibits and large installations by internationally acclaimed artists. The museum encourages artists to explore themes like sustainability, cultural heritage, and the relationship between humans and nature. You’re invited to touch and interact with exhibits, even to the point that you must take your shoes off before entering the space.
What Is Azulik?
Sfer Ik is part of the Azulik ecosystem and brand, a collection of experiences and spaces that emphasize sustainability, creativity, and community. Probably the most famous of Azulik’s spaces is the luxurious Azulik Tulum eco-resort.
The high-end, non-air conditioned, all-natural-living “hotel” is famous in Tulum for its incredible design and unique experience. The resort’s villas are built without electricity, encouraging guests to disconnect from modern distractions and immerse themselves in natural rhythms. I’ve never stayed there myself, but it certainly looks gorgeous—despite guest reviews that explain the all-natural policy is as novel as it is sometimes inconvenient.
🌴 Read more: The Best Hotels in Tulum, Mexico From All-Inclusive to Boutique!
There’s also another, larger exhibit located deeper in Tulum’s jungle called Azulik Uh May. It’s about a 30 minute drive from the center of Tulum, which makes it a little harder to get to (but also less crowded and more spacious).
Sfer Ik is actually located right next door to the Azulik resort, though you can easily blink and miss it as the entrance is extremely nondescript!
How to Get to Sfer Ik Tulum
Sfer Ik is conveniently located in the center of Tulum, on the gorgeous Caribbean coast and in the center of the hotel strip. It’s very straightforward to get here, especially if you have a car (which I highly recommend in Tulum).
If you’re staying at the Azulik resort, just pop out of the hotel and Sfer Ik will be immediately on the left. If you’re staying in La Veleta, Tulum’s main town, drive south along the beach road (Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila). Sfer Ik Tulum is just about ten minutes down the road and there’s street parking near Azulik for free, though space is pretty limited.
Sfer Ik Tulum Rules, Opening Times, and Ticket Prices
Sfer Ik Tulum and Azulik as a brand have some specific rules that you’ll want to know before you arrive.
- Opening Times: Sfer Ik is open daily, typically from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It’s best to check the Sfer Ik website or contact the museum directly for any updates or special events.
- Ticket Prices: Admission prices vary but are usually around $20 USD for adults. Children and students can get a discount. You can buy a ticket online here so you don’t have to deal with it on site (the wifi there is, to be honest, really bad).
- Rules: While you can touch pretty much everything inside Sfer Ik Tulum, there are a few rules. Shoes are typically not allowed to preserve the organic flooring, and you’ll be given a cubby to put your shoes when you step inside. Photography is permitted, but only with phone—DSLR, mirrorless cameras, flash, and tripods are not.
What to Expect At Sfer Ik Tulum
Sfer Ik Tulum is really small, and your first instinct when walking in might be to feel like it’s not worth the money. However, this is the kind of place that reveals itself to you the longer you stay.
First of all, the space itself is an artwork, with curved walkways, suspended bridges, and reflective surfaces. If you’re into design like me, you’ll already be delighted by the different textures and sensory experiences provided by stone, wood, and textile. The building also relies on almost all natural light, so you’ll have a different experience depending on if you come on a sunny or cloudy day.
You can also see some large-scale installations and videos explaining the creative process behind various works. Sfer Ik Tulum often features collaborations with international artists, combining traditional techniques with modern concepts. Some of the pieces are so large that I thought they were just part of the building structure and didn’t realize they were art pieces.
Don’t forget to walk the entire “canopy” and also check out the small room at the back. There’s plenty to discover if you’re willing to take a moment to breathe. In fact, visiting Sfer Ik feels kind of meditative in a way, maybe because you’re forced to confront the quiet and your own senses. I really enjoyed it!
Other Spots to Visit Near Sfer Ik Tulum
While you’re on the hotel strip, you can hit plenty of other interesting sights and activities in Tulum! Here are some of my nearby picks:
- Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park: If you enjoyed Sfer Ik and want to check out more art, Ahau Tulum has a small exhibit (including the famous Ven a La Luz sculpture).
- Vagalume Tulum: My favorite beach club on the hotel strip for its cute hand sculpture and amazing service. In the low season, they have no minimum spend!
- Selina & Mia Beach Club: The popular coworking hotel with a trendy beach club and restaurant attached. Great for meeting people and perfect environment for digital nomads. It’s also on my list of the best hotels in Tulum, Mexico!
If you want to explore all the awesome spots that Tulum has to offer, check out my Tulum travel guide or list of the 7 best cenotes in Tulum!
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