Is Tulum Safe? (Updated 2022)

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

Tulum, situated within the southern part of Quintana Roo on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, was once a sleepy seaside city that attracted hippie sorts 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 an enormous fan of Tulum today.

But that’s simply me. Hundreds of 1000’s of individuals go to every year and love their time there. Travel is subjective, in any case.

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

But is Tulum protected?

That will depend on who you ask.

The Overseas Security Advisory Council says that Tulum is “moderately safe” — although there was not less than one kidnapping of a vacationer there earlier this 12 months, and two ladies had 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 mentioned, “Do not travel to”).

That mentioned, I’ve visited Tulum a couple of instances now — and have road-tripped across the area — and by no means felt unsafe. Sure, you’ll want to hold your wits about you and hold a watch out for petty theft, however that’s what it’s best to do wherever you journey.

To assist you perceive extra concerning the metropolis and determine when you really feel snug visiting, right here is the whole lot you’ll want to know to remain protected 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 protected. If vacationers begin getting robbed (or worse) in Tulum, guests will cease coming, native companies will undergo, and, in consequence, there would then in all probability be extra crime. It’s cyclical.

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

Is Tulum Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Tulum is mostly protected for solo feminine vacationers. That mentioned, feminine vacationers have further issues and will train much more warning. Don’t stroll alone at evening, for instance, whereas in Tulum. Never settle for a drink from somebody until you noticed it being poured or made. And all the time control your drink when out on the bar.
 

Are Taxis in Tulum Safe?

Taxi drivers have a reasonably unhealthy repute irrespective of the place you might be on the earth. I’m glad to report that that repute doesn’t prolong to this seaside city. Just make sure to agree on a value earlier than you depart.

Taxis are plentiful in Tulum so usually you shouldn’t have an issue discovering one. If unsure, although, have your lodge or hostel name one for you so that you will be certain 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 frequent, 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 automobiles in the intervening time.

The different problem is with hidden charges. There are exorbitant prices for insurance coverage that you just’re solely instructed about on the final minute, so remember if you guide that you just would possibly get the deal that you just assume you’re getting.

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

To discover the very best 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 usually, and Tulum specifically. 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 may very well 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 might be even worse to be caught in your lodge room with abdomen points since you drank faucet water or an iced drink that was contaminated with faucet water.

Bottled water isn’t probably the most eco-friendly factor, however when in Tulum, keep on with it, simply to be protected. You may also carry a LifeStraw bottle, which has a built-in filter to make sure that your water is all the time clear and protected 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 should not essentially a fast jaunt from one another on foot, so it’s best to take a taxi. The excellent news is that taxis are ample in Tulum.

So, until it’s a brilliant brief distance, don’t stroll at evening in Tulum.
 

10 Safety Tips for Tulum

Tulum is among the extra reliably protected spots in Mexico. That mentioned, it’s best to nonetheless train warning, significantly if 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 conscious of your environment. Do your greatest to slot in.

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

3. Keep your valuables at house – Similarly, when you’ve got quite a lot of good jewellery and/or an costly watch, hold it at house or within the lodge room protected. 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 probably the most harmful place at evening, however in some locations, it’s not as properly lit accurately. Don’t stroll round alone late at evening when you can keep away from it — particularly between the middle of city and the beachfront lodge zone.

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

6. Learn some Spanish – Uttering a couple of phrases of the native language is all the time an excellent 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 conscious of your cash – Don’t carry each peso you could have in your pockets or pocket. Spread it round (some in your pockets, some within the lodge protected, 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 cellphone and laptop computer – If your cellphone or your laptop computer will get stolen, the Prey app permits you to observe the place it’s. You can set up the app without cost after which improve to a paid model (it’s simply $5 USD) if you’ll want to observe your stolen system. Prey may also activate your cellphone’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 outside ATMs (to steal your PIN), however robberies are rather more frequent at them. To keep protected, 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 protected. If you’re not a robust swimmer, keep on with the pool.
 

So, Should You Visit Tulum?

In phrases of security, sure. As I mentioned above, there was a justifiable share of drug- and gang-related crime in Tulum over the previous couple of 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 assume 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, unhealthy issues can occur whilst you’re touring.

That’s why I by no means go away house 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 just gained’t go bankrupt ought to one thing unhealthy and surprising occur.

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

Here’s the whole lot you’ll want to find out about choosing a complete insurance coverage plan.

Tulum has shortly turn out 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 protected place for vacationers, it’s best to all the time be alert and train warning whilst you’re in Tulum. Do that, and also you’ll be capable to have a enjoyable — and protected — go to.