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 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 lately.

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

Dwelling to a number of the best-preserved Mayan ruins and picturesque white-sand seashores, Tulum is certainly 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 at the very least one kidnapping of a vacationer there earlier this yr, and two girls had 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 number of occasions now — and have road-tripped across the area — and by no means felt unsafe. Positive, it is advisable to maintain your wits about you and maintain a watch out for petty theft, however that’s what you must do anyplace you journey.

That can assist you perceive extra concerning the metropolis and resolve should you really feel comfy visiting, right here is the whole lot it is advisable 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, because of this, there would then in all probability be extra crime. It’s cyclical.

In the event you train some warning, as you must do in any new vacation spot, you’ll seemingly 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 may 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 regulate your drink when out on the bar.
 

Are Taxis in Tulum Protected?

Taxi drivers have a fairly unhealthy repute regardless of the place you’re on the earth. I’m completely satisfied to report that that repute doesn’t prolong to this seaside city. Simply remember to agree on a worth 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 might be positive you get a good driver.
 

Is Renting a Automotive in Tulum Protected?

There are some rental automobile scams that vacationers ought to pay attention to — not simply in Tulum however anyplace in Mexico. It’s fairly frequent, 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 intervening time.

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

Other than these points, it’s protected to lease a automobile in Tulum.

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

Is There an Concern 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 largely gang-on-gang violence and never aimed toward vacationers.

The important thing right here is that this: don’t use or purchase medicine 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 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 may be refreshing, however it will 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 essentially the most eco-friendly factor, however when in Tulum, follow it, simply to be protected. It’s also possible to convey 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 really helpful — particularly should you’re alone. Making issues extra difficult, the seaside motels and the middle of city will not be essentially a fast jaunt from one another on foot, so you must take a taxi. The excellent news is that taxis are ample in Tulum.

So, except it’s an excellent brief distance, don’t stroll at evening in Tulum.
 

10 Security Suggestions for Tulum

Tulum is likely one of the extra reliably protected spots in Mexico. That mentioned, you must nonetheless train warning, notably while 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 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. In the event you stroll round swinging your smartphone everywhere, you may discover that merchandise all of the sudden lacking.

3. Maintain your valuables at dwelling – Equally, when you have loads of good jewellery and/or an costly watch, maintain it at dwelling or within the resort room protected. You don’t need to entice the flawed sort of consideration.

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

5. Obtain an offline map – In the event you 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. Study some Spanish – Uttering a number of phrases of the native language is at all times a very good factor. It could 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 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 permits you to monitor the place it’s. You’ll be able to set up the app free of charge after which improve to a paid model (it’s simply $5 USD) if it is advisable to monitor your stolen machine. Prey can even 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 out of doors 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 might be harmful. By no means stray too removed from shore, simply to be protected. In the event you’re not a powerful swimmer, follow the pool.
 

So, Ought to You Go to Tulum?

By way of security, sure. As I mentioned above, there was a justifiable share of drug- and gang-related crime in Tulum over the previous few years, however should you’re not in search of out medicine — and you actually shouldn’t be — then seemingly 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 flawed on journeys. Nevertheless 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.

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

That’s why I by no means depart dwelling 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 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.

Right here’s the whole lot it is advisable to find out about choosing a complete insurance coverage plan.

Tulum has rapidly 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 typically protected place for vacationers, you must 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.