How I Finally Photographed Those Sneaky Tulum Statues in Forza Horizon 5

Let me set the scene: it’s 2026, and I’m still sliding my way through Forza Horizon 5’s Tulum Expedition like a caffeinated gecko. The ruins are gorgeous, yes. But they’re also a bit of a maze. If you’ve been asked to photograph the Jade and Golden Statues and you’re starting to question your life choices, I feel you.

The Tulum Expedition in Forza Horizon 5 isn’t just a scenic detour. It’s a checklist of objectives nestled among ancient stones. Two of those objectives—snapping the Jade Statue and the Golden Statue—have made more than a few players pull their hair out. I was one of them. After three confused laps around the same crumbling wall, I decided to actually pay attention. That helped.

📍 The Jade Statue: Northwest and Feeling Shy

The Jade Statue hangs out in the northwest section of the searchable area. It’s not hiding in some dark corner, but it does rest upright next to one of the largest structures around. Look for a cluster of wooden poles. They’re basically nature’s way of saying "over here, dummy."

Once you’re close, the game throws up a prompt to open Photo Mode. On Xbox, that’s up on the d-pad. Then tap A to take the picture. If you already nabbed the "Dust in the Lens" achievement earlier, this part is muscle memory. If not, no worries—just make sure the statue is actually in frame. My first attempt was a beautiful shot of a bush. The objective did not care.

I’ll admit it: the first time I opened Photo Mode, I accidentally took a picture of my rear bumper. The "Dust in the Lens" achievement popped up anyway, which tells you how forgiving this game can be. For the Tulum objectives, though, you need the statue in frame. It’s a small but important distinction. The Jade Statue sits next to a giant structure, and the Golden Statue perches on a ruin like it owns the place. Both are easy to spot once you know where to look.

🏆 The Golden Statue: Southeast and Slightly More Dramatic

The Golden Statue is a bit away from its jade sibling. It has chosen a more theatrical resting spot: on top of a ruin instead of on the ground. Head to the marker farthest to the southeast. It’s also directly east of the largest monument in the area. If you find yourself staring at a very important-looking pile of rocks, you’re probably close.

Same deal: get near it, wait for the Photo Mode prompt, press A, and make sure the shiny thing is in the shot. The objective checks off and you can breathe again. It’s really that simple once you stop overthinking it.

🗺️ Quick Tips From Someone Who Got Lost

Here’s what I wish I knew before burning a full in-game afternoon:

• The map markers are your friends. The game literally adds points of interest to your map, so don’t be a hero.

• If the photo prompt doesn’t appear, inch closer. The statues are shy.

• Use the wooden poles as a landmark for the Jade Statue.

• For the Golden Statue, think "east of the big monument" and you’ll save ten minutes.

Tulum is one of those areas that feels huge until you learn its rhythm. The expedition wants you to slide around ancient structures, which sounds cool until your car wedges itself between two pillars. But once you find the statues, it’s oddly satisfying. I spent a solid twenty minutes just driving in circles, and my only reward was a screenshot of a wall. Don’t be like me.

If you’re returning to Forza Horizon 5 in 2026, you’re not alone. The game still holds up as one of the largest and most vibrant maps in the series. Tulum’s jungle-cradled ruins remain a highlight, even if they occasionally turn into a labyrinth. Photographing both statues is a small but satisfying check on the expedition list. And once you’ve done it, the rest of Mexico awaits.

Forza Horizon 5 is available now on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. In 2026, that’s still true, and the Tulum statues haven’t moved an inch. Good luck out there. May your photo mode be prompt and your bushes be few.