Is Tulum Safe for Tourists? Here's What You Need to Know
Tulum is a beautiful town located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Once a haven for hipsters and spiritual seekers, Tulum has become increasingly popular with remote workers in recent years. However, with the rise in popularity, the town has also seen an increase in innovation, development and business opportunities. Unfortunately, it has also experienced an increase in crime, particularly related to the illegal drug trade.
While Tulum used to be one of the safest destinations in Mexico, an uptick in crimes has visitors rethinking their upcoming trips. Below we'll cover the most common safety concerns in Tulum, so you can make an informed decision about your visit.
Tulum Safety on Pickpocketing / Non-Violent Theft
As a popular tourist destination in Mexico, unfortunately Tulum is not immune to pickpocketing and non-violent theft issues that tend to plague many high-tourism areas. To ensure your safety, it's essential to be aware of your surroundings, stick the the main areas in town, avoid going into undeveloped area, and remain vigilant of people around you. Most areas in Tulum, even tourist attractions, are not overly concentrated with crowds and people so its relatively simple to stay cautious of your belongings. When attending major festivals or parties, its best to take extra care.
Tulum Safety on Gang / Drug Trade Violence
The Riviera Maya, which includes Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cancun, used to be relatively protected from the gang and cartel violence seen elsewhere in Mexico. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic making economic conditions worse, an increase in the hard-partying scene, and shifts in cartel territories, Tulum has become a place with more gang violence. In general, this is more related to gang violence and tourists are largely protected from this scene.
Given how important this region is for the country when it comes to Tourism, in general, tourists are kept safe from this scene. There are occasional scenarios where tourists will be in the wrong place at the wrong time. To avoid this, it’s best to avoid purchasing of drugs and other illegal substances in the area especially in the hotel zone.
Tulum Safety in popular Neighborhoods
The most popular areas, that are predominantly inhabited by tourists, are generally pretty safe. These include Aldea Zama, La Veleta and Centro and the Mayan Ruins. As a side note, one thing that often surprises visitors are the conditions of the roads in La Veleta which contain a lot of pot holes and doesn’t have many street lights. This can be unsafe to drive on at night. Centro and Aldea Zama have the best roads and more infrastructure in general.
Tips for Staying Safe in Tulum
Here are some general tips for staying safe in Tulum:
Don't drink tap water. Stick to bottled water.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid walking alone at night, and always keep an eye on your belongings.
Don't carry large amounts of cash or flashy jewelry with you.
Avoid getting involved with drugs, even if they are offered to you.
If you rent a car, keep your valuables out of sight and always park in well-lit areas.
If you're going out at night, take a taxi instead of walking.
Overall, Tulum is safe to visit as long as you keep aware of yourself and your belongings. Like anywhere in the world with a lot of tourism, petty crimes like pickpocketing or purse snatching are somewhat common. While gang violence has happened in the region, it generally does not affect the locals.
If you're planning a trip to Tulum and want to stay informed about travel safety you may start following these tips so you can help ensure a safe trip. Also, joining a community like CoWorking Tulum can help you get integrated . With access to the latest news and updates and other developments in the area, you'll be able to make informed decisions and enjoy your stay with peace of mind.
