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 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 today.

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

Residence to a number of the best-preserved Mayan ruins and picturesque white-sand seashores, Tulum is certainly 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 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 data from the US State Division 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 just a few instances now — and have road-tripped across the area — and by no means felt unsafe. Positive, it’s essential to maintain your wits about you and maintain an eye fixed out for petty theft, however that’s what it is best to do anyplace you journey.

That can assist you perceive extra concerning the metropolis and determine when you really feel snug visiting, right here is every little 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 undergo, and, in consequence, there would then in all probability be extra crime. It’s cyclical.

If you happen to 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 Protected for Solo Feminine Vacationers?

Tulum is mostly protected for solo feminine vacationers. That stated, feminine vacationers have extra issues 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 except you noticed it being poured or made. And at all times control your drink when out on the bar.
 

Are Taxis in Tulum Protected?

Taxi drivers have a reasonably dangerous popularity regardless of the place you might be on the earth. I’m completely satisfied to report that that popularity doesn’t prolong to this seaside city. Simply you’ll want 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 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 instructed that they don’t have any vehicles 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 bear in mind if you ebook that you simply would possibly get the deal that you simply suppose you’re getting.

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

To search out one of the best rental automotive 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 on the whole, 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 generally be sweltering, and sipping iced drinks could be refreshing, however it will 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, persist with it, simply to be protected. You too can 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 Evening in Tulum?

It’s not really helpful — particularly when you’re alone. Making issues extra difficult, the seaside resorts 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, except it’s an excellent quick distance, don’t stroll at evening in Tulum.
 

10 Security Ideas for Tulum

Tulum is without doubt one of the extra reliably protected spots in Mexico. That stated, it is best to nonetheless train warning, significantly if you depart the closely touristed areas of city. Listed below 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 finest to slot in.

2. Preserve your telephone out of the attain of others – Pickpockets like to prey on careless vacationers, so maintain your telephone out of the attain of others always. If you happen to stroll round swinging your smartphone in every single place, you would possibly discover that merchandise instantly lacking.

3. Preserve your valuables at house – Equally, in case you have a variety of good jewellery and/or an costly watch, maintain it at house or within the lodge room protected. You don’t need to entice the mistaken type 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 effectively 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. Obtain an offline map – If you happen to 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 just a few phrases of the native language is at all times a superb factor. It may 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 have got 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 telephone and laptop computer – In case your telephone or your laptop computer will get stolen, the Prey app lets you observe the place it’s. You may 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 machine. Prey also can activate your telephone’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 way more frequent at them. To remain protected, solely use indoor ATMs.

10. Be careful for riptides – Whereas the seashores in Tulum are gorgeous, the riptides will be harmful. By no means stray too removed from shore, simply to be protected. If you happen to’re not a powerful swimmer, persist with the pool.
 

So, Ought to You Go to Tulum?

When it comes to security, sure. As I stated 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 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, dangerous 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 when you’re heading to Mexico. For simply a few bucks a day, you’ll get a security internet 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 danger.

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

Tulum has shortly develop into 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.

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. Do this, and also you’ll be capable to have a enjoyable — and protected — go to.