Posada Los Mapaches Might Just Be Tulum’s Best-Kept Secret

Posada Los Mapaches Might Just Be Tulum’s Best-Kept Secret
Dhruva
Dhruva 
Updated
| 2 min read

A quaint family run and operated hostel, it’s a unique accommodation that caters to each individual’s needs. A clean, hospitable environment greets you as you enter through the fence. Don’t be surprised if not one, but all, the pets owned by the family come to greet you as soon as you enter the hostel. Chelo, the hotel owner, is what makes the hostel great. She has her own set of simple rules one must abide by, but they’re not an inconvenience in a beautiful location such as Tulum.

The hostel is so close to the ruins

posada los mapaches might just be tulum’s best-kept secret | the hostel is so close to the ruins

Located just outside the city centre, the hostel provides free bikes and head-torches (included in the price) for easy access to and from the city - a short 5-minute bike ride. Just across from the entrance is the majestic Tulum ruins. Whereas people line up for hours or have to drive a while before entering, Chelo will direct you towards the convenient footpath that leads directly to the ruins entrance, bypassing the massive queue of cars waiting to go inside. Once you’ve accustomed yourself well to the ruins, the beach is right next-door and with the hostel a ten minute walk from the beach, you can shower and get ready for your next adventure.

The hostel’s compound is gorgeous

posada los mapaches might just be tulum’s best-kept secret | the hostel’s compound is gorgeous

The guesthouse itself is a beautiful concept with private rooms located both in the treehouse and on the ground level. A massive garden area surrounds the rooms and you’re more than likely to bump into one or two of the pets Chelo owns, from the dogs to the birds that fly around the location. Hammocks line up against the far wall giving you a great, warm place to have a mid-day nap when the rooms become unbearably hot in the afternoon sun. Wooden huts comprise the ground-level rooms while a windy staircase leads up to a beautiful treehouse where the rest of the rooms are located. With a capacity of only twelve people, everyone becomes fast friends with one another. Breakfast is served every morning for free - also included in the price - with a new creation every morning from one of Chelo’s sons. It’s always guaranteed to be a hearty meal that’ll give you loads of energy for the day ahead. Quesadillas, fresh fruit, large servings of coffee and tea barely make up half of this free breakfast - arrive hungry!

The hostel’s hospitality is incomparable

posada los mapaches might just be tulum’s best-kept secret | the hostel’s hospitality is incomparable

There’s electricity 24/7 with a back-up generator automatically switching on when the power goes off - which is frequent. There’s hot water available in the communal bathrooms as well with free, high-speed Internet - a rarity in Tulum - available in all spots of the compound. For those sweaty, hot summer nights, large fans are located in each room with mosquito nets providing safety from insects as you sleep. Prices vary depending on the room. It’s best to check online for availability and rates before booking. Tip: Bring cash with you, as the hostel doesn’t accept card at check-in.

A diamond in the rough

With the bikes provided, it’s relatively safe to get to and from the hostel. Chelo’s hospitable atmosphere is unmatched and her family will, if you’re lucky, take you along with them on their diving trips to the cenotes. They’ll also guide you and tell you the best spots to check out in Tulum and give you the much-needed local advice when arriving in a city for the first time.

Posada Los Mapaches should be your one and only choice when you go to Tulum with a significant other or a friend and want to stay outside of the city in the quiet comforts of a welcoming, gorgeous hostel.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Dhruva Balram, a versatile freelance journalist, essayist, and travel photographer, explores the intersections of societal critiques, cultural commentary, and captivating travel and editorial...Read more

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