Is Tulum Secure? (Up to date 2022)

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

Tulum, positioned within the southern part of Quintana Roo on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, was a sleepy seaside city that attracted hippie varieties who most popular 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 a giant fan of Tulum nowadays.

However that’s simply me. Tons of of 1000’s of individuals go to every year and love their time there. Journey is subjective, in spite of everything.

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

However is Tulum protected?

That is dependent upon who you ask.

The Abroad Safety Advisory Council says that Tulum is “moderately safe” — although there was at the very least one kidnapping of a vacationer there earlier this 12 months, 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 information from the US State Department says to “train elevated warning” when touring there (versus six different states in Mexico, the place the report stated, “Don’t journey to”).

That stated, I’ve visited Tulum a number of occasions now — and have road-tripped across the area — and by no means felt unsafe. Certain, you might want to hold your wits about you and hold an eye fixed out for petty theft, however that’s what it is best to do anyplace you journey.

That will help you perceive extra concerning the metropolis and determine if you happen to really feel snug visiting, right here is every thing you might want 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 endure, and, because of this, there would then in all probability be extra crime. It’s cyclical.

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

Is Tulum Secure for Solo Feminine Vacationers?

Tulum is usually protected for solo feminine vacationers. That stated, feminine vacationers have further considerations and may 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 until you noticed it being poured or made. And at all times control your drink when out on the bar.
 

Are Taxis in Tulum Secure?

Taxi drivers have a fairly dangerous repute irrespective of the place you might be on the earth. I’m completely satisfied to report that that repute doesn’t lengthen to this seaside city. Simply make sure to agree on a value earlier than you depart.

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

Is Renting a Automotive in Tulum Secure?

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

The opposite situation is with hidden charges. There are exorbitant prices for insurance coverage that you simply’re solely informed about on the final minute, so bear in mind once you ebook that you simply would possibly get the deal that you simply assume you’re getting.

Apart from these points, it’s protected to hire a automotive in Tulum.

To search out the very best rental automotive offers, use Discover Cars.
 

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

Sadly, crime has elevated in Tulum, and the vast majority of it’s drug-related gang exercise. Since 2019, drug-related gang crimes have increased 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 basically, and Tulum specifically. 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 could possibly 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 typically be sweltering, and sipping iced drinks could be refreshing, however it might 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 probably the most eco-friendly factor, however when in Tulum, keep on with it, simply to be protected. It’s also possible to carry 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 advisable — particularly if you happen to’re alone. Making issues extra difficult, the seaside motels and the middle of city usually are not essentially a fast jaunt from one another on foot, so it is best to take a taxi. The excellent news is that taxis are considerable in Tulum.

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

10 Security Ideas for Tulum

Tulum is likely one of the extra reliably protected spots in Mexico. That stated, it is best to nonetheless train warning, notably once you go away the closely touristed areas of city. Listed here 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 hold your cellphone out of the attain of others always. Should you stroll round swinging your smartphone in every single place, you would possibly discover that merchandise immediately lacking.

3. Hold your valuables at house – Equally, in case you have lots of good jewellery and/or an costly watch, hold it at house or within the resort room protected. You don’t need to entice the incorrect form of consideration.

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

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

6. Be taught some Spanish – Uttering a number of phrases of the native language is at all times 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’ve gotten in your pockets or pocket. Unfold it round (some in your pockets, some within the resort 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 means that you can monitor the place it’s. You’ll be able to set up the app without cost after which improve to a paid model (it’s simply $5 USD) if you might want to monitor your stolen system. Prey can even 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 frequent 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. Should you’re not a powerful swimmer, keep on with the pool.
 

So, Ought to You Go to Tulum?

When it comes to security, sure. As I stated above, there was a fair proportion of drug- and gang-related crime in Tulum over the previous couple of years, however if you happen to’re not looking for out medication — and you actually shouldn’t be — then probably you’ll keep away from experiencing any such points.
 

My Most Essential Recommendation

Purchase journey insurance coverage. We by no means assume that one thing goes to go incorrect on journeys. Nevertheless it does typically — 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.

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

That’s why I by no means go away house with out journey insurance coverage. You shouldn’t both — particularly if you happen to’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 dangerous and sudden occur.

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

Right here’s every thing you might want to find out about selecting a complete insurance coverage plan.

Tulum has shortly change into the epicenter of the so-called Riviera Maya, attracting every kind 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 is best to at all times be alert and train warning when you’re in Tulum. Try this, and also you’ll be capable of have a enjoyable — and protected — go to.