Is Tulum Secure? (Up to date 2023)

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 seashore city that attracted hippie sorts who most well-liked the placid seashores and its Mayan ruins over Cancún’s wild, cacophonous nightlife.

Within 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 lately.

However that’s simply me. Lots of of 1000’s of individuals go to annually and love their time there. Journey is subjective, in any case.

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

However is Tulum protected?

That depends upon who you ask.

The Abroad Safety Advisory Council says that Tulum is “reasonably protected” — although there was a minimum of one kidnapping of a vacationer there earlier this yr, and two girls have been killed by gang crossfire whereas eating at a restaurant in 2021.

For the state of Quintana Roo, which incorporates Tulum, the data from the US State Division says to “train elevated warning” when touring there (versus six different states in Mexico, the place the report mentioned, “Don’t journey 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. Positive, it’s worthwhile to preserve your wits about you and preserve an eye fixed out for petty theft, however that’s what it’s best to do wherever you journey.

That can assist you perceive extra in regards to the metropolis and resolve should you really feel snug visiting, right here is all the pieces it’s worthwhile to know to remain protected in Tulum.

Is Tulum Secure for Solo Vacationers?

Typically, 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 most likely be extra crime. It’s cyclical.

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

Is Tulum Secure for Solo Feminine Vacationers?

Tulum is mostly protected for solo feminine vacationers. That mentioned, feminine vacationers have extra considerations and will train much more warning. Don’t stroll alone at night time, for instance, whereas in Tulum. By no means settle for a drink from somebody except you noticed it being poured or made. And at all times regulate your drink when out on the bar.
 

Are Taxis in Tulum Secure?

Taxi drivers have a fairly unhealthy status regardless of the place you might be on the planet. I’m comfortable to report that that status doesn’t lengthen to this seaside city. Simply you should definitely 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 could be certain you get a good driver.
 

Is Renting a Automobile in Tulum Secure?

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

The opposite concern is with hidden charges. There are exorbitant prices for insurance coverage that you simply’re solely instructed about on the final minute, so remember while you guide that you simply may get the deal that you simply suppose you’re getting.

Except for these points, it’s protected to lease a automobile in Tulum.

To seek out one of the best rental automobile offers, use Uncover Automobiles.
 

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

Sadly, 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 largely gang-on-gang violence and never geared toward vacationers.

The important thing right here is that this: don’t use or purchase medication whereas in Mexico typically, and Tulum particularly. You’re simply inviting hazard.
 

Can You Drink the Faucet Water in Tulum?

The faucet water throughout Mexico — not simply in Tulum — is infamous for not being as clear because it might be. That goes for ice cubes too. Discover 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 may be refreshing, however it could 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, stick with it, simply to be protected. It’s also possible to deliver a LifeStraw bottle, which has a built-in filter to make sure that your water is at all times clear and protected to drink.
 

Can I Stroll Round at Night time in Tulum?

It’s not beneficial — particularly should you’re alone. Making issues extra difficult, the seashore inns and the middle of city usually are 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 plentiful in Tulum.

So, except it’s an excellent quick distance, don’t stroll at night time in Tulum.
 

10 Security Suggestions for Tulum

Tulum is among the extra reliably protected spots in Mexico. That mentioned, it’s best to nonetheless train warning, notably while you depart the closely touristed areas of city. Listed below are some issues to remember:

1. Keep alert – When strolling round, particularly at night time, keep very alert and conscious of your environment. Do your greatest to slot in.

2. Hold your cellphone out of the attain of others – Pickpockets like to prey on careless vacationers, so preserve your cellphone out of the attain of others always. In case you stroll round swinging your smartphone far and wide, you may discover that merchandise instantly lacking.

3. Hold your valuables at house – Equally, you probably have lots of good jewellery and/or an costly watch, preserve it at house or within the lodge room protected. You don’t wish to appeal to the mistaken form of consideration.

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

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

6. Be taught some Spanish – Uttering a couple of phrases of the native language is at all times a very good factor. It may well open doorways and assist you slot in (and also you’re much less prone 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 might have in your pockets or pocket. Unfold 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. Obtain the Prey app to your cellphone and laptop computer – In case your cellphone or your laptop computer will get stolen, the Prey app permits you to observe the place it’s. You possibly can set up the app without spending a dime after which improve to a paid model (it’s simply $5 USD) if it’s worthwhile to observe your stolen gadget. Prey may also activate your cellphone’s digital camera and take a photograph of the thief.

9. Watch out when utilizing ATMs – Solely use ATMs inside a financial institution. Not solely can skimmers be positioned on outside ATMs (to steal your PIN), however robberies are way more widespread at them. To remain protected, solely use indoor ATMs.

10. Be careful for riptides – Whereas the seashores in Tulum are beautiful, the riptides could be harmful. By no means stray too removed from shore, simply to be protected. In case you’re not a robust swimmer, stick with the pool.
 

So, Ought to You Go to Tulum?

By way of security, sure. As I mentioned above, there was a fair proportion of drug- and gang-related crime in Tulum over the previous few years, however should you’re not searching for out medication — and you actually shouldn’t be — then probably you’ll keep away from experiencing any such points.
 

My Most Necessary Recommendation

Purchase journey insurance coverage. We by no means suppose that one thing goes to go mistaken on journeys. However it does generally — which I’ve discovered 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.

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

That’s why I by no means depart house with out journey insurance coverage. You shouldn’t both — particularly should you’re heading to Mexico. For simply a few bucks a day, you’ll get a security internet that ensures that you simply received’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.

Right here’s all the pieces it’s worthwhile to learn about choosing a complete insurance coverage plan.

Tulum has rapidly change into the epicenter of the so-called Riviera Maya, attracting every type of people that gravitate right here for its beautiful white-sand seashores hugging up alongside blue-green waters, in addition to the properly preserved Mayan ruins.

Whereas it’s a usually protected place for vacationers, it’s best to at all times be alert and train warning when you’re in Tulum. Do this, and also you’ll be capable to have a enjoyable — and protected — go to.