October
La Ofrenda Mayaxel
Chilaquiles wrapped in omelette, bathed in pasilla mole, with a touch of beet and sweet potato cream. Served with a freshly brewed café de olla.
Dish + café de olla: $199 MXN.
Coffee Shop & Marine Museum · Aldea Zama, Tulum
Brunch under a handmade reef.
Specialty coffee, Mexican, international and healthy dishes, served under a ceiling of more than a hundred seashells that artist Kevin Haley spent 3 years building.
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Breakfast and brunch café-restaurant.
Maya Xel is a café-restaurant in Aldea Zama where breakfast is served slowly: Mexican breakfasts, international brunch and specialty coffee, in a space that's both a marine museum and an art gallery made of seashells.
Fan Favorites
The dishes everyone orders.
More from the Menu
Coffee, juices and pastries, made fresh.
A little taste of what else makes us special.
Current Promotion
What's happening this month.
October
Pan de Muerto + Coffee or Hot Chocolate
Freshly baked pan de muerto, paired with coffee or hot chocolate on our Aldea Zama terrace.
Combo: $99 MXN.
Filled option +$30. Limited time only.
The Reef
A ceiling made of a hundred seashells.
Every corner of Maya Xel is a masterpiece by artist Kevin Haley: an expanded-foam reef covering the ceiling, hanging gardens, a water fountain and more than a hundred seashell lamps carved and assembled by hand, one by one, over two decades.
The shells come from local fishermen; the result is a space reviewers from around the world describe as "being inside a reef" — and which also doubles as a small marine museum and sustainable art shop.
Reviews
What our guests say.
The ceiling has to be seen to be believed — like being inside a reef.
Google Review
Delicious food and very attentive staff; they made us feel right at home.
TripAdvisor Review
The best spot in Aldea Zama for breakfast and getting some calm work done.
Google Review
Hours & Location
We're waiting for you.
- Monday — Sunday8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Andador Kanbul, Manzana 12 Lote 65 - 77760 Tulum
mayaxelcafetulum@gmail.com · +52 984 312 6341
- Free wifi
- Air-conditioned room
- Coworking
- Walkway terrace
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- Inclusive space
- Family friendly
FAQ
Everything you need to know.
Does Maya Xel have wifi?
Yes, we offer free wifi throughout the space — perfect for working while you enjoy breakfast or coffee.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, Maya Xel is family friendly, with a comfortable space and a varied menu for all ages.
Do you accept card payments?
Yes, we accept credit and debit cards, as well as cash.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes, there are parking options near the venue, in Aldea Zama.
Is it air-conditioned?
Yes, we have an air-conditioned room as well as an open-air terrace under our reef ceiling.
What makes Maya Xel different from other cafés in Tulum?
Our ceiling is a handmade reef that artist Kevin Haley built in 3 years, decorated with over a hundred real seashells he has spent two decades crafting — we function as both a café and a small marine museum.
Can I work from Maya Xel?
Yes, we have an air-conditioned room, wifi, and a calm atmosphere, ideal for working in the morning before midday.
Can I buy pieces from the museum or décor?
Yes, part of the space doubles as a sustainable art shop with pieces inspired by the same handmade process as the ceiling.
Is Maya Xel wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the space is wheelchair accessible: the entrance and the rest of the area are step-free.
Can I come with a large group?
Yes, we have space for up to 40 people and take reservations for large groups. Message us on WhatsApp to arrange your date and party size.
Do you have vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options?
Yes, we have vegan options and plant-based milks available for your coffee or drink.
Reservation
Save us a spot.
Tell us when you're coming for brunch and we'll confirm by email.
Prefer something faster? Message us on WhatsApp →