Eric Likhtiger

18.07.2025

During the off season (Summer) Cris unlists this place and only accommodates people by referral. Being in the jungle for a few days is a good way to unplug and reconnect with nature, but as of last week, due to being the off season, it was pretty run down with more big bugs in the rooms than I prefer due to screens and windows being in need of repair - the experience was pretty much like camping in an old cabin with a bathroom, stove, and comfy bed. Definitely not a place for anyone who is high maintenance The wifi works well, and Cris was pretty hospitable and I enjoyed connecting with him and the two other guests who were there at the time.

Michael R. Jacobs (Michaelangelo)

23.10.2024

I lived at qualia for a year and a half, and got to know the land and it’s creatures intimately. It’s eco-in-action. The lush Biodiverse ecosystem is the best source of entertainment with a natural surround sound system—the sound of crickets, frogs after a heavy rainfall, the toucans of the yucatan, the tiny owls and the wide variety of beautiful birds all communicating with each other will soothe your soul. Cristobal’s architecture is a marvel, cinematic, stylish and classy. I published a book, created some of my best art works in this environment, and lived an unforgettable chapter of my life. A part of me will always be at Qualia km19.2.

Kashi Hernandez

19.03.2024

This place is NOT how it is advertised and I am guessing that most of the good reviews are from volunteers/personal associates who came and want to help promote the place. I came and reserved the "single, private room in a bungalow" for 28 days and nothing about it was private. I immediately noticed that the walls are see through as well as the walls in the bathroom so that anyone can just peak through. The beddings was dirty as there were dog hair and fleas on the sheets even though I paid for a cleaning fee, I had to ask for a mosquito net and they gave me a very used one unlike what the picture showed. The first pictures are also wrong, there was no bedside table or place to hang clothes. They never told me that construction was being done in the adjacent room so a lot of noise and dust in the morning when I woke up. So I switch rooms and had to pay an extra $120 just so I can have decent privacy. I had to pay a cleaning fee again as well as management fee just to switch rooms. They also do not tell you that clean sheets, toilet paper and bathroom soap are extra, 100 pesos extra for clean sheets? These are basic housing essentials. And since they have no washing machine, you should expect to wash it by hand and hang dry it yourself. There are no locks on the doors or lockers, you have to pay extra fee for a lock. The manager, Pedro, is a liar and should not be trusted. He was mostly high when I stayed there, didn't wash his own dishes, or do any real cleaning, mostly neglected feeding the two dogs as he would sleep in a lot, and that was really really sad to see as one of them was skin and bones. Since everything was in open air, everything is mostly dirty. I couldn't enjoy the hammock since it was also dirty and dusty. I also didn't feel safe around Pedro at all. It only costs 20-30 pesos to go from the hostel to the grocery store but when I rode with Pedro, I suddenly had to pay 80 pesos and they make up all kinds of excuses for the price hike. And this is all just the tip of the iceberg because when I tried to cancel my reservation and Airbnb supported my claim, Cristobal decided to start making up false accusations of me not paying etc. even though I obviously paid, and wouldn't return the $120 I paid extra as advance payment for the month to switch rooms which I unfortunately paid to him directly. I am in the process to disputing this transaction now through my credit card. It's not a real jungle experience since you can hear the constant highway traffic which is just outside the gate. The nearest grocery market is 25 minutes walk in the hot and dusty highway where huge semitrucks pass because of major land development in the area. Expect to wait an hour or two or more for a collectivo or taxi. The wifi is intermittent even though they assured me it's good and strong. Oh, lastly, if you like paying to sit on ghastly dirty toilet seats, lied to, verbally abused and then scammed, then this place is perfect for you. Just take a look at Cristobals's response... because everything I said is true and I have evidence to back it up, he can say nothing except insult me. I hope no one has to ever go through the nightmare of dealing with their con.

Loai Naamani

19.04.2020

To fall in love with someplace is to fall in love with a race to that space with the race in that space (also known as qualiens; the aliens in Qualia!) I first stumbled upon Qualia when invited to a peyotes ceremony at the premise by a friend in February 2020. Not much came out of the medicine that night/morning, but - a few months into it - I ended up quarantining in Qualia from COVID-19 and dating the friend who invited me there. As I write this review, I'm in the process of moving into the house next door, which my same girlfriend and I ended up renting long-term, with the intention of developing a project here. Not to digress, but I wanted to underscore how pivotal Qualia has been for me at this time. And I've heard the same air of deep connection and magic being said of Qualia by many other qualiens I've happened to cross paths with here. Qualia is a physical manifestation and extension of Cristobal, the live-in owner and proprietor of the project. No review could do him justice, but if I must, he's a very resourceful, sensible, and driven individual, who is giving Qualia his everything; time, resources, and ingenuity. The same applies to his local community - wanting to empower prisoners through art-making - and to constantly thinking outside the box of ways to improve the place's amenities and experience for all qualiens. (Otherwise, you'll find him singing/playing his guitar or catching up on Game of Thrones or the like :-)) A lot has changed since I first visited the place: Expanded kitchen and BBQ, organized storage and policies, new futuristic Temazcal in the making, improved landscaping and lovely hammocks everywhere! There's an aura of extreme abundance when it comes to this place and all who it attracts. Seldom have I been somewhere where I'm at a loss as to "mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the most generous of them all" to be quickly reminded that abundance knows no separation (me vs you vs they) nor comparison (most vs less). I highly recommend Qualia for all the abundance that it is and all that it will be by the time you visit. Best, L. (P.S. The following was inspired in Qualia, as part of a longer poetic treatment of COVID-19: . . . artistry spun all and singled out humanity once upon all the quarantined in quality the heaven in heaven now just for us do you know how blessed we are what makes heavens heavens but that it’s new and better and not ever predictable new chances at things to become the best qualien of oneself to be freer still but sensible: abundance - sensible about it not I - is the we . we give gather together we string it together altogether we string it together the grander illusion is illusion of distance separations between us and between us and mama pachamama from babapasha we all grew only among other plants and genies and weathers from equators to form equations that rebalance time for time to fill the space between what beings will . . . L.)

Mateo Trevethan

14.04.2020

Perfect place for spacing out and relaxing your mind! Great hosts and company among other people staying. Always in a positive vibe and up for a great experience

Edi Opiate

26.03.2020

Honestly the best experience i’ve ever had. From the moment i arrived, the energy was amazing, our host was amazing, the people here are amazing. Definitely will recommend!!!

Noor Idrees

01.02.2020

Words can't describe Qualia. I felt like I was lost in time and space, a black hole that engulfed me in every positive sense of the word and from which I didn't want to depart. What was supposed to be a three day trip to Tulum ended up being more than twenty after stumbling upon this magical place. A gorgeous space built in the middle of the jungle, it took me away from the hustle and bustle of the city and embraced me tightly with its loving ambiance and powerful energy. Aside from its breathtaking physical beauty, Qualia has a very loving and calm energy, a fact that is strengthened by its dedicated and passionate owner, Cris. He has managed to create a space where everyone feels extremely comfortable and encouraged to contribute in whichever way they deem appropriate to the fulfillment of others, with a lot of freedom and self expression. A place that becomes your home in one day and people that become your family in another. I experienced many unforgettable moments there and I would never forget Qualia. Thank you Cris from the bottom of my heart for creating this magical oasis. You, Qualia and all its family members will be dearly missed.

jorge mañes

08.01.2020

Great place! Very convenient location between Coba’s archaeological site and the madness that Tulum is nowadays. So much peace nature and peace around you. Hosts were super helpful. Would love to come back soon!