Is Tulum Protected? (Up to date 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.

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 as of late.

However that’s simply me. A whole bunch of 1000’s of individuals go to every year and love their time there. Journey is subjective, in any case.

Residence to a few of the best-preserved Mayan ruins and picturesque white-sand seashores, Tulum is unquestionably a stunning 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 no less than 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 knowledge 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 occasions now — and have road-tripped across the area — and by no means felt unsafe. Certain, it’s essential to maintain your wits about you and maintain an eye fixed out for petty theft, however that’s what you need to do anyplace you journey.

That will help you perceive extra concerning the metropolis and resolve for those who really feel snug visiting, right here is every thing it’s essential to know to remain protected in Tulum.

Is Tulum Protected for Solo Vacationers?

Usually, 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, consequently, there would then most likely be extra crime. It’s cyclical.

For those who train some warning, as you need to do in any new vacation spot, you’ll possible keep away from any critical points.
 

Is Tulum Protected for Solo Feminine Vacationers?

Tulum is usually protected for solo feminine vacationers. That mentioned, feminine vacationers have further considerations and will train much more warning. Don’t stroll alone at evening, 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 regulate your drink when out on the bar.
 

Are Taxis in Tulum Protected?

Taxi drivers have a fairly unhealthy popularity irrespective of the place you’re on this planet. I’m joyful to report that that popularity doesn’t prolong to this seaside city. Simply be sure you agree on a value earlier than you depart.

Taxis are plentiful in Tulum so normally 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 Automobile in Tulum Protected?

There are some rental automotive scams that vacationers ought to pay attention to — 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 advised that they don’t have any vehicles for the time being.

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

Other than these points, it’s protected to hire a automotive in Tulum.

To seek out the perfect rental automotive offers, use Uncover Automobiles.
 

Is There an Situation 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 elevated by a whopping 783%. The excellent news is that that is principally gang-on-gang violence and never geared toward vacationers.

The important thing right here is that this: don’t use or purchase medicine whereas in Mexico normally, 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 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 typically be sweltering, and sipping iced drinks could be refreshing, however it could 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. You can too 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 beneficial — particularly for those who’re alone. Making issues extra difficult, the seaside motels and the middle of city should not essentially a fast jaunt from one another on foot, so you need to take a taxi. The excellent news is that taxis are ample in Tulum.

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

10 Security Ideas for Tulum

Tulum is among the extra reliably protected spots in Mexico. That mentioned, you need to nonetheless train warning, significantly if you go away the closely touristed areas of city. Listed here are some issues to bear in mind:

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

2. Maintain your cellphone out of the attain of others – Pickpockets like to prey on careless vacationers, so maintain your cellphone out of the attain of others always. For those who stroll round swinging your smartphone everywhere, you may discover that merchandise all of the sudden lacking.

3. Maintain your valuables at residence – Equally, when you’ve got numerous good jewellery and/or an costly watch, maintain it at residence or within the resort room protected. You don’t wish to appeal to the fallacious sort of consideration.

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

5. Obtain an offline map – For those who don’t have worldwide roaming, obtain an offline map to make use of for navigation. Simply be 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 an excellent factor. It could possibly 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’ve got 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 lets you observe the place it’s. You possibly can set up the app totally free after which improve to a paid model (it’s simply $5 USD) if it’s essential to observe your stolen system. Prey may activate your cellphone’s digicam 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 rather 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 will be harmful. By no means stray too removed from shore, simply to be protected. For those who’re not a robust swimmer, keep on with the pool.
 

So, Ought to You Go to Tulum?

When it comes to 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 for those who’re not in search of out medicine — and you actually shouldn’t be — then possible you’ll keep away from experiencing any such points.
 

My Most Necessary Recommendation

Purchase journey insurance coverage. We by no means assume that one thing goes to go fallacious on journeys. But it surely does typically — 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 go away residence with out journey insurance coverage. You shouldn’t both — particularly for those who’re heading to Mexico. For simply a few bucks a day, you’ll get a security web that ensures that you just received’t go bankrupt ought to one thing unhealthy and sudden occur.

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

Right here’s every thing it’s essential to learn about choosing a complete insurance coverage plan.

Tulum has shortly grow to be 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, you need to at all times be alert and train warning when you’re in Tulum. Do this, and also you’ll have the ability to have a enjoyable — and protected — go to.