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 an enormous fan of Tulum nowadays.

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

Dwelling 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 will depend on who you ask.

The Abroad Safety Advisory Council says that Tulum is “moderately safe” — 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 information from the US State Department 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. Certain, it’s worthwhile to preserve your wits about you and preserve a watch out for petty theft, however that’s what it is best to do wherever you journey.

That will help you perceive extra concerning the metropolis and resolve in the event you really feel snug visiting, right here is the whole lot it’s worthwhile 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.

In the event you train some warning, as it is best to do in any new vacation spot, you’ll doubtless keep away from any critical points.
 

Is Tulum Protected for Solo Feminine Vacationers?

Tulum is mostly protected for solo feminine vacationers. That mentioned, feminine vacationers have extra issues 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 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 unhealthy fame regardless of the place you’re on the planet. I’m pleased to report that that fame 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 typically 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 automotive scams that vacationers ought to concentrate on — not simply in Tulum however wherever in Mexico. It’s fairly widespread, 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 in the meanwhile.

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

Except for 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 Concern 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 increased 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 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 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 is perhaps 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, follow 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 Evening in Tulum?

It’s not advisable — particularly in the event you’re alone. Making issues extra sophisticated, the seaside inns and the middle of city are usually 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 plentiful in Tulum.

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

10 Security Suggestions for Tulum

Tulum is without doubt one of the extra reliably protected spots in Mexico. That mentioned, 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 aware of your environment. Do your finest to slot in.

2. Maintain 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 the event you stroll round swinging your smartphone far and wide, you may discover that merchandise instantly lacking.

3. Maintain your valuables at residence – Equally, in case you have a number of good jewellery and/or an costly watch, preserve it at residence or within the resort room protected. You don’t need to appeal to the flawed sort of consideration.

4. Be cautious at night time in the event you’re touring alone – Tulum isn’t probably the most harmful place at night time, however in some locations, it’s not as nicely lit correctly. Don’t stroll round alone late at night time in the event 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 an excellent factor. It might 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 aware 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 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 observe the place it’s. You may set up the app free of charge after which improve to a paid model (it’s simply $5 USD) if it’s worthwhile to observe your stolen machine. Prey may 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 out of doors ATMs (to steal your PIN), however robberies are rather more widespread at them. To remain protected, solely use indoor ATMs.

10. Be careful for riptides – Whereas the seashores in Tulum are gorgeous, the riptides might be harmful. By no means stray too removed from shore, simply to be protected. In the event you’re not a robust swimmer, follow 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 in the event you’re not looking for out medication — and you actually shouldn’t be — then doubtless 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 flawed 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, unhealthy issues can occur whilst you’re touring.

That’s why I by no means go away residence with out journey insurance coverage. You shouldn’t both — particularly in the event 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 well worth the threat.

Right here’s the whole lot it’s worthwhile to learn about selecting a complete insurance coverage plan.

Tulum has shortly turn 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 whilst you’re in Tulum. Try this, and also you’ll be capable to have a enjoyable — and protected — go to.