Is Tulum Safe? (Updated 2022)

Posted: 12/1/2022 | December 1st, 2022

Tulum, positioned within the southern part of Quintana Roo on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, was once a sleepy seaside city that attracted hippie varieties who most popular the placid seashores and its Mayan ruins over Cancún’s wild, cacophonous nightlife.

In the final decade or so, although, the hippies have been overtaken by influencers, boho-chic digital nomads, and would-be yogis. So, whereas I loved seeing the ruins there, I’m not a giant fan of Tulum nowadays.

But that’s simply me. Hundreds of 1000’s of individuals go to annually and love their time there. Travel is subjective, in spite of everything.

Home to a number of the best-preserved Mayan ruins and picturesque white-sand seashores, Tulum is unquestionably a beautiful slice of Mexico.

But is Tulum secure?

That relies on who you ask.

The Overseas Security Advisory Council says that Tulum is “moderately safe” — although there was no less than one kidnapping of a vacationer there earlier this yr, and two ladies have been killed by gang crossfire whereas eating at a restaurant in 2021.

For the state of Quintana Roo, which incorporates Tulum, the info from the US State Department says to “exercise increased caution” when touring there (versus six different states in Mexico, the place the report stated, “Do not travel to”).

That stated, I’ve visited Tulum just a few instances now — and have road-tripped across the area — and by no means felt unsafe. Sure, it’s essential to preserve your wits about you and preserve an eye fixed out for petty theft, however that’s what you must do wherever you journey.

To assist you perceive extra in regards to the metropolis and determine when you really feel snug visiting, right here is every little thing it’s essential to know to remain secure in Tulum.

Is Tulum Safe for Solo Travelers?

Generally, sure. It’s within the native and nationwide governments’ curiosity to make an effort to maintain tourist-heavy locations like Tulum secure. If vacationers begin getting robbed (or worse) in Tulum, guests will cease coming, native companies will endure, and, consequently, there would then most likely be extra crime. It’s cyclical.

If you train some warning, as you must do in any new vacation spot, you’ll probably keep away from any severe points.
 

Is Tulum Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Tulum is usually secure for solo feminine vacationers. That stated, feminine vacationers have extra considerations and may train much more warning. Don’t stroll alone at evening, for instance, whereas in Tulum. Never settle for a drink from somebody except you noticed it being poured or made. And all the time keep watch over your drink when out on the bar.
 

Are Taxis in Tulum Safe?

Taxi drivers have a reasonably dangerous repute regardless of the place you might be on this planet. I’m completely satisfied to report that that repute doesn’t lengthen to this seaside city. Just make sure you agree on a worth earlier than you depart.

Taxis are plentiful in Tulum so most often you shouldn’t have an issue discovering one. If doubtful, although, have your resort or hostel name one for you so that you will be positive you get a good driver.
 

Is Renting a Car in Tulum Safe?

There are some rental automotive scams that vacationers ought to concentrate on — not simply in Tulum however wherever in Mexico. It’s fairly widespread, for instance, to lease a automotive on-line after which present up on the workplace solely to be instructed that they don’t have any vehicles in the mean time.

The different situation is with hidden charges. There are exorbitant prices for insurance coverage that you simply’re solely instructed about on the final minute, so remember whenever you e-book that you simply would possibly get the deal that you simply suppose you’re getting.

Aside from these points, it’s secure to lease a automotive in Tulum.

To discover the perfect rental automotive offers, use Discover Cars.
 

Is There an Issue with Gangs and Drug Cartels in Tulum?

Unfortunately, crime has elevated in Tulum, and nearly all of it’s drug-related gang exercise. Since 2019, drug-related gang crimes have elevated by a whopping 783%. The excellent news is that that is principally gang-on-gang violence and never aimed toward vacationers.

The key right here is that this: don’t use or purchase medicine whereas in Mexico normally, and Tulum particularly. You’re simply inviting hazard.
 

Can You Drink the Tap Water in Tulum?

The faucet water throughout Mexico — not simply in Tulum — is infamous for not being as clear because it could possibly be. That goes for ice cubes too. Find out first if the water in eating places is filtered after which ask if the ice cubes are too.

Tulum can generally be sweltering, and sipping iced drinks could be refreshing, however it will be even worse to be caught in your resort room with abdomen points since you drank faucet water or an iced drink that was contaminated with faucet water.

Bottled water isn’t essentially the most eco-friendly factor, however when in Tulum, persist with it, simply to be secure. You also can carry a LifeStraw bottle, which has a built-in filter to make sure that your water is all the time clear and secure to drink.
 

Can I Walk Around at Night in Tulum?

It’s not really helpful — particularly when you’re alone. Making issues extra sophisticated, the seaside lodges and the middle of city will not be essentially a fast jaunt from one another on foot, so you must take a taxi. The excellent news is that taxis are considerable in Tulum.

So, except it’s an excellent brief distance, don’t stroll at evening in Tulum.
 

10 Safety Tips for Tulum

Tulum is among the extra reliably secure spots in Mexico. That stated, you must nonetheless train warning, notably whenever you go away the closely touristed areas of city. Here are some issues to remember:

1. Stay alert – When strolling round, particularly at evening, keep very alert and aware of your environment. Do your greatest to slot in.

2. Keep your telephone out of the attain of others – Pickpockets like to prey on careless vacationers, so preserve your telephone out of the attain of others always. If you stroll round swinging your smartphone in all places, you would possibly discover that merchandise abruptly lacking.

3. Keep your valuables at residence – Similarly, in case you have a variety of good jewellery and/or an costly watch, preserve it at residence or within the resort room secure. You don’t wish to appeal to the incorrect form of consideration.

4. Be cautious at evening when you’re touring alone – Tulum isn’t essentially the most harmful place at evening, however in some locations, it’s not as effectively lit correctly. Don’t stroll round alone late at evening when you can keep away from it — particularly between the middle of city and the beachfront resort zone.

5. Download an offline map – If you don’t have worldwide roaming, obtain an offline map to make use of for navigation. Just ensure to not pull your smartphone out an excessive amount of, lest it get stolen.

6. Learn some Spanish – Uttering just a few phrases of the native language is all the time a great factor. It can open doorways and assist you slot in (and also you’re much less more likely to be a goal). It’s additionally helpful in case of an emergency. The emergency quantity in Mexico is 911.

7. Be aware of your cash – Don’t carry each peso you may have in your pockets or pocket. Spread it round (some in your pockets, some within the resort secure, some in your backpack), in order that if somebody steals your pockets or robs you, you’ll nonetheless have cash secured elsewhere.

8. Download the Prey app to your telephone and laptop computer – If your telephone or your laptop computer will get stolen, the Prey app means that you can observe the place it’s. You can set up the app at no cost after which improve to a paid model (it’s simply $5 USD) if it’s essential to observe your stolen system. Prey also can activate your telephone’s digital camera and take a photograph of the thief.

9. Be cautious when utilizing ATMs – Only use ATMs inside a financial institution. Not solely can skimmers be positioned on out of doors ATMs (to steal your PIN), however robberies are far more widespread at them. To keep secure, solely use indoor ATMs.

10. Watch out for riptides – While the seashores in Tulum are gorgeous, the riptides will be harmful. Never stray too removed from shore, simply to be secure. If you’re not a robust swimmer, persist with the pool.
 

So, Should You Visit Tulum?

In phrases of security, sure. As I stated above, there was a justifiable share of drug- and gang-related crime in Tulum over the previous few years, however when you’re not searching for out medicine — and you actually shouldn’t be — then probably you’ll keep away from experiencing any such points.
 

My Most Important Advice

Buy journey insurance coverage. We by no means suppose that one thing goes to go incorrect on journeys. But it does generally — which I’ve realized from expertise. I’ve misplaced baggage in South Africa, had my gear break in Italy, and popped an eardrum in Thailand. I used to be additionally knifed in Colombia.

While it’s not enjoyable to consider, dangerous issues can occur when you’re touring.

That’s why I by no means go away residence with out journey insurance coverage. You shouldn’t both — particularly when you’re heading to Mexico. For simply a few bucks a day, you’ll get a security web that ensures that you simply gained’t go bankrupt ought to one thing dangerous and surprising occur.

Don’t low cost out in your well being and security. It’s not definitely worth the threat.

Here’s every little thing it’s essential to find out about selecting a complete insurance coverage plan.

Tulum has rapidly grow to be the epicenter of the so-called Riviera Maya, attracting all kinds of people that gravitate right here for its gorgeous white-sand seashores hugging up alongside blue-green waters, in addition to the properly preserved Mayan ruins.

While it’s a usually secure place for vacationers, you must all the time be alert and train warning when you’re in Tulum. Do that, and also you’ll have the ability to have a enjoyable — and secure — go to.