Is Tulum Safe in 2024: Ultimate Guide to Tulum Travel Safety

If Mexico were as unsafe as it’s portrayed, people would just stop coming, wouldn’t they!? Well, they aren’t, so that might tell you something.

According to Mexico Secretary of Tourism statistics, an astounding 35 million international travelers visited Mexico from just January to August 2021. Even with all the sinister news reports, millions still flock to Mexico.

As a large country, looking at Mexico travel safety and Tulum travel safety are two different things, so let’s bring our focus down to Tulum itself.

In this article you’re going to discover everything you need to know about Tulum travel safety, so let’s get to it.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

Is Tulum Safe Right Now?

For the most part, Tulum is considered safe for the majority of visitors, with the biggest threats usually hurricanes, hangovers, sunburns and mosquitoes.

However, no place on Earth is 100% safe, and it would be untrue to paint Tulum among the safest places to travel in Mexico.

In Tulum, you’ll want to pay extra attention to your valuables and never leave anything unattended.

With such a big party scene, you’ll also want to watch your alcohol intake, never take a drink from a stranger and never leave your drink unattended with strangers.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

Crime in Tulum Statistics

As with most tourist towns in the world, petty theft isn’t uncommon in Tulum.

This isn’t a huge problem, and if you don’t leave your valuables unattended and stay aware of your surroundings, you likely won’t be a victim of petty crimes in Tulum.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

Shootings in Tulum

In recent years, there have been a few reports of shootings in Tulum Mexico. As with most violence in Mexico, it mostly has direct ties to the cartels, though there was one incident where tourists died from stray bullets.

In late-2021, two tourists visiting from the U.S. (Jennifer Henzold and Anjali Ryot) were hit by stray bullets in one of the Tulum bars, and tragically died.

While I can’t say definitely this won’t happen again, I can say it’s a rare occurrence — and largely related to the cartels.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

Drugs & Cartels in Tulum

The Mexican drug cartels cast such a dark shadow on an otherwise amazing country. As I live in Mexico, I know first-hand what a meta topic this is, and will try to navigate it carefully.

What I do know is not buying drugs in Tulum is the best way to avoid and not support the cartels.

I have lived in a few places in Mexico, including Mexico City, Oaxaca City, Puerto Escondido, Tulum and nearby Playa del Carmen.

I have never been approached to buy drugs as much as I have in the Tulum and Playa. There is definitely a cartel presence, as these are two of the biggest Mexico party towns. However, with a simple no gracias, I was always left alone.

In places where I was approached by multiple people in a row, I took it upon myself to find another place to hang out. This is the best advice I can offer — avoid anything related to the cartel to stay as safe as possible in Tulum.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

Is Tulum safe for solo travelers?

Mexico gets a bad wrap in the mainstream media, and perhaps you’ve been warned not to go solo, but make sure you consider the source.

As you probably know, the news has a habit of reporting the doom and gloom side of life because that’s what sells.

If you know any solo female travelers, especially those who have done solo travel in Mexico, consider asking them.

The best information on solo female travel will come from women who have done it, and for those who have, they’ll likely encourage you to go.

Tulum Solo Travel: Is Tulum Safe to Travel Alone?

As someone who’s traveled solo all over Mexico, I consider Tulum safe for solo travel in Mexico.

I know I am just one voice in this conversation, so check out this first-hand account from Claudia, who has also done solo travel in Tulum.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

Is Tulum safe at night?

There are a lot of things to do in Tulum at night, so don’t skip the nightlife. Also, Tulum is a pretty small town, so walking alone at night isn’t considered too dangerous.

However, always listen to your intuition, meaning that if it feels safer to take a taxi ride instead of walking, do that. While there’s no Uber in Tulum, taxis operate all day and night.

One quick Tulum Mexico safety tip is that the Tulum Beach Road is not well lit.

If you’re staying on the beach, or plan to spend a lot of time there at night, many people bring a head lamp to help them see. You can also use your phone flashlight, as long as it’s charged.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

Is Tulum safer than Cancun?

Many want to compare Tulum to Cancun — or wonder, Is Tulum safer than Cabo?

There’s really no way to give a definitive answer to these questions. These are all top Mexico destinations, and all have their share of good and bad points; they are safe for most visitors, though not all.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

Tulum Travel Advisories for Mexico

For any official travel advisories for Tulum, you can check the U.S. State Department website here.

Keep in mind they evaluate state by state, and not city by city, so it’s not always easy to get an accurate picture of the situation in Tulum itself.

As someone who lives in Mexico I know there are safe places in Mexico, and unsafe places.

💡 Tulum Travel Tips: Check The Yucatan Times and Riviera Maya News for coverage of current Tulum news in English. You’ll get updated info and maybe even some Tulum safety tips.

Top Mexico travel destinations, like Tulum, are mostly safe. Tourism is such a huge part of Mexico’s economy, so the government makes sure it stays that way so visitors keep coming back.

This is not to say that bad things don’t happen in Tulum; they do. However, isolated incidents happen everywhere — even your hometown.

The way to stay safe in Tulum is to use common sense, listen to your intuition, stay aware of yourself and surroundings and don’t buy drugs.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

Tourist Scams in Tulum

There aren’t a ton of things you need to be aware of while traveling to Tulum Mexico, but there are some common tourist scams in Tulum Mexico to be aware of.

These things aren’t exactly the norm, but you’ll want to be aware of them for the sake of staying safe in Tulum.

🏧 Tulum ATM Scams

A lot of places in Tulum are cash only, so you’ll need to use ATMs in Tulum. They are located all over town, but the safest ATMs in Tulum are located inside of banks, and not just on the street.

For safety, I recommend the ATMs in Tulum Town rather than the ones on the beach.

🚔 Police Corruption in Tulum

In Facebook groups for digital nomads and expats in Tulum, like Tulum Digital Nomads, you’ll see posts about corruption by police officers in Tulum.

It’s not that all cops in Mexico are corrupt, but some bad ones ruin it for the good ones.

For the most part, police will only approach you if you’re breaking any laws. One of the best ways to attract police attention is by being drunk and acting rowdy in public, so you don’t want to do that.

If you have a rental car, be sure to obey all Mexico driving laws.

💰 Robberies in Tulum

While not incredibly common, robberies and theft in Tulum can happen.

When packing for Tulum Mexico, you’ll want to leave all valuables at home. Also, only carry a small amount of cash on you; $1,000 pesos (about $55 USD) should be more than enough for the day.

👗 Wondering, What to Wear in Tulum? In Tulum, anything goes, from boho casual to high fashion. As it’s quite hot, think flowy sundresses, sun hats, sandals, sunglasses, bathing suits and sarongs. ▶︎ Head here for a Mexico outfits guide.

🚗 Tulum Car Rental Scams

If you’re renting a car in Tulum, make sure to take photos of the entire car, including the interior, in case there are any disputes when you return it.

Head here for more information on common Mexico car rental scams.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

Safety in Tulum: 10 Tulum Travel Tips for Mexico

Millions of visitors travel to Tulum each year to soak up the rays on the best Tulum beaches, sip matcha smoothies, swim in the Tulum cenotes, visit the Tulum Mayan Ruins, attend yoga classes and holistic healing workshops, and much more.

Before I go too far and make Tulum sound like some kind of travel utopia, I’ll stop here and say there are some things to be aware of.

While in Tulum, you’ll want to keep safety as your top priority by following the 10 tips below in this Tulum safety guide.

1. Stay Hydrated

Most people don’t associate hydration with safety, but the better hydrated you are, the more clear you are mentally.

If you’re hydrated, you’re making great decisions and able to stay alert and aware of yourself, your valuables and your surroundings at all times.

Can you drink the water in Tulum?

Unfiltered tap water in Tulum is not safe to drink, but you do need to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. These reusable Water-To-Go Bottles have a three-stage filter that makes Tulum water safe to drink, so you don’t get sick in Mexico.

2. Brush up on your Spanish

It’s always a good idea to brush up on your Spanish before traveling to Mexico, just in case.

Download the free Duolingo App and get in a little practice before your Tulum vacation, so you’re comfortable with everyday basics and casual niceties.

4. But don’t carry too much cash

For most travelers, $1,000 pesos a day (about $55 USD) should suffice.

One of my best Tulum tips is to use your credit card whenever possible, but in places you can’t, then pay with cash. Always try to reserve your cash, so you don’t have to keep going to the ATM in Tulum.

5. Leave valuables at home

Between the piña coladas on the beach by day, and the Margaritas at the Tulum bars by nigh — it’s very easy to lose things.

Also, anything with a very prominent designer label and any high end electronic gadgets can draw a lot of unwanted attention to you.

7. Never accept drinks from strangers

To reiterate: Never take drinks from strangers in Tulum (or anywhere), and this even applies to cute strangers

Also, don’t leave your drink unattended with a stranger, so if you’re headed to the restroom, you’ll want to take your drink with you for safety’s sake.

9. Don’t buy drugs in Tulum

I can’t stress enough that you’ll want to avoid the Mexico cartels at all costs.

Besides not supporting the cartels directly, buying drugs in Tulum can obviously land you in jail in a foreign country — and do you want to spend part of your vacation in Tulum in jail?!

10. Be extra careful at night in Tulum

As with most places, most crimes in Tulum occur at night.

Besides being extra careful at the bars in Tulum, you’ll also want to be extra careful when walking alone at night. If you’re staying in a more isolated area, take a taxi home at night instead of walking.

Also, keep in mind that Tulum Beach is not well lit at night.

If you’re staying on the beach, or plan to spend a lot of time there at night, many people bring a head lamp like this one to help them see, or you can use your phone flashlight as long as it’s charged.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

Where to Stay in Tulum? (Best Tulum Neighborhoods)

Tulum Beach

Tulum Beach is the part of Tulum you’ve seen on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

This is where all the Tulum beach houses and bungalows, boho shops, beach clubs, large art sculptures, beach cafes, Tulum Mayan Ruins, eco-chic Tulum hotels, and of course, the beaches, are located.

If you want to stay on Tulum Beach, you’ll be in the middle of all the action, and within walking or biking distance of anything you need.

With this convenience comes higher price tags, and this is the most expensive area of town to stay in.

Tulum Town (Downtown Tulum)

For those who have a smaller budget, you’ll want to stay in Tulum Town as you’ll find the best cheap hotels in Tulum here, as well as the best hostels in Tulum.

Besides the hotels, everything costs less in downtown compared to the beach, including restaurants, cafes, bars, shops and even ATM fees.

Tulum Town, though it’s not as Instagrammable as Tulum Beach, shows a more authentic side of Tulum.

This is where many Tulum locals live here, staying downtown often costs half as much as staying on the beach.

Aldea Zama Tulum

Aldea Zama is located between Tulum Town and Tulum Beach, about one mile from both.

The accommodations in Aldea Zama are quite nice, especially Hotel Holistika Tulum and Hotel Tiki Tiki Tulum, so don’t be afraid to stay off-beach to save some money.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

What are the best things to do in Tulum?

1. Visit Tulum Ruins

The Tulum Mayan Ruins are one of the must see Tulum sites. While it’s not a very big archaeological site, it is located right on Tulum Beach, so many do make the time to see it.

At only about $85 pesos ($4.50 USD) to get in, it’s one of the best cheap things to do in Tulum.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

2. Hit the Tulum Beaches

Tulum sits right on the bright blue Caribbean Sea, and has some of the best beaches in Mexico. You can’t go wrong with any beaches in Tulum, but don’t miss these visitor favorites:

• Playa Paraiso
• Playa las Palmas
• Playa Pescadores
• Playa Santa Fe
• Punta Allen: This so-called Tulum Secret Beach is located in the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

3. Enjoy the Tulum Beach Clubs

If you want to check out some of the best beach clubs in Tulum, know that most of them have a minimum spend of $100-150 USD.

This means you pay $100-150 to enter, then that amount is used to cover your food and drink tab, and you can use their facilities for the day.

If this price tag is high for you, just pack a cooler, grab a towel and head to one of the free beaches instead. To enjoy the fancier amenities in Tulum, head to the best Tulum beach clubs:

• Casa Malca
• Papaya Playa Project
• Nomade Tulum
• La Zebra Tulum

There are about 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatan, and some of the best cenotes in Mexico are just minutes from Downtown Tulum.

Located on Highway 109 just north of downtown, there’s Cenote Calavera, El Gran Cenote, Cenote Zacil-Ha, Cenote Car Wash (AKA Cenote Aktun Ha) and Cenote Atik.

These are some of the most popular cenotes in Tulum, but they aren’t the only ones. To see the hidden Tulum cenotes, you’ll need the knowledge of a local.

If you don’t know anyone in Tulum, book some of these best Tulum cenotes tours, and have a local guide show you around.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

5. Photograph the Instagram worthy Tulum sites

When it comes to Mexico Instagram worthy destinations, Tulum is among the best.

No visit to Tulum is complete without seeing some of the places, art and sites that put this town on the map, like these best Tulum photo spots:

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

What are the best restaurants in Tulum?

Tulum has everything from high end dining on the beach, to $1 USD street tacos in Downtown, and plenty of options in-between.

For the true Tulum experience, you should experience a nice mix of both styles — but definitely don’t miss the 🌮 best tacos in Tulum at Taqueria Honorio.

Best Cheap Eats in Tulum ($-$$)

For the best street tacos in Tulum, head to Taqueria Honorio and Antojitos La Chiapaneca, both located in Downtown.

There’s also Burrito Amor in Downtown, for when you want to switch it up from tacos to burritos, and El Camello Jr. with inexpensive, fresh seafood.

Best Tulum Restaurants ($$$-$$$$)

For foodies, head to Arca Tulum, led by Mexican/American Chef Jose Luis Hinostroza.

He is known as one of the best Mexican chefs working today. Before Arca, he worked at Noma in Denmark, which was often regarded as the best restaurant in the world, according to the prestigious 50 Best list.

If you can’t get a reservation at Arca, try Hartwood Tulum, Casa Jaguar and Gitano Tulum.

🥂 Looking for a fun night out? Book a reservation at Casa Jaguar Tulum, one of the best things to do in Tulum at night (especially Friday nights), for food, cocktails and fun.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

Tulum Mexico Travel: Frequently Asked Questions

This is one of the three states in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, along with Yucatan State and Campeche State. Of the three, Quintana Roo is the most visited, and Campeche is the least.

🗺️ Tulum Map

Quintana Roo, Mexico is a long, thin state, stretching the entire length of coastline along the Caribbean Sea.

Because of this, you may also hear this part of the Yucatan Peninsula called the Mexican Caribbean, where so many popular Mexico beach towns are located.

Quintana Roo has some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico — including Playa Paamul Beach, Playa Maroma Beach, which has the best overwater bungalows in Mexico, and Playa Xpu-Ha Beach.

Also in the state, you’ll find some of the top Mexico travel destinations, like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Holbox Island, Puerto Morelos and Laguna Bacalar.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

TQO Airport is located in the Felipe Carrillo Puerto Municipality, about 25 miles (40 km) from Downtown Tulum. The drive takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic.

However, in year’s past you’d have to fly into Cancun International Airport (code: CUN), as this was the closest airport to Tulum.

Many still use this airport, as it’s one of the busiest airports in Mexico so it usually easy to find direct flights to Cancun from most major cities in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

It’s also very easy to get from Cancun to Tulum, and many travelers make this journey each day.

As mentioned, Tulum is in Quintana Roo, the same state as Cancun Mexico. In fact, Tulum is located about 1.5 hours south of Cancun by car or bus.

🚌 ADO Bus to Tulum

ADO is the largest Mexico bus company, with a fleet of comfy buses that have reclining seats, AC and outlets to charge your gadgets.

You can take the ADO bus from Cancun to Tulum for about $20 USD each way, though it does take 3-4 hours versus 1.5 hours by car.

⚠️ Note: The ADO website is not user-friendly and they don’t take U.S. credit cards. For booking Tulum ADO bus tickets, I recommend using BusBud. ▶︎ Book your tickets now.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

How do I get around in Tulum Mexico?

Tulum is a small town, and only about five miles from one end to the other.

It is divided into two general areas, Tulum Town (AKA Downtown Tulum or Tulum Pueblo), and Tulum Beach. In between these two areas, there’s Aldea Zama, one of the best places to stay in Tulum.

Though Tulum beach is located only about 2-3 miles from Tulum Town, it is very hot and very humid for the majority of the year.

In short, Tulum isn’t very walkable, so you’ll want to take a cab to get around or rent a bike if you’re travelling to Tulum on a budget.

🚲 Renting a bike in Tulum

Many visitors, even those not on a strict budget, actually prefer to rent a bike in Tulum as an eco-friendly, inexpensive, fun way to explore.

Tulum bike rentals cost about $10 USD per day, and you can get one from a number of bike rental shops downtown with just your passport.

My recommendation for the best Tulum bike rental is Ola Bike, which offers FREE bike drop-off an pick-up to your hotel.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

As Tulum gets more and more popular, the traffic has been getting worse and worse, which is another reason biking is so popular. Also, parking can be a headache, and parking fees aren’t cheap.

If you do want a car, Cancun Airport has many more options than Tulum itself. Since you mayn have to drive from Cancun to Tulum anyway, Cancun is the best place to rent one for Tulum.

When I rent a car in Mexico, I always use Discover Cars and highly recommend them.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

As Tulum sits right on the Caribbean Sea, it is susceptible to hurricanes, and Atlantic Hurricane Season runs June 1 to November 30.

🌡️ Average Tulum Weather

You can use the chart above to get an idea of the annual temperatures in Tulum.

You should always check the Tulum forecast before your trip, but remember to add about 5-10°F to all temperatures to account for the Tulum humidity.

• Tulum busy season (high season): December to March
• Tulum slow season (low season): May to October
• Tulum shoulder season: October to November and April to May
• Tulum dry season: November to April
• Tulum rainy season: May to October
• Tulum Hurricane Season: June 1 to November 30

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

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To keep them at bay, pack some eco-friendly bug spray and these anti-mosquito bracelets.

There’s also this great reef-safe sunscreen from Bullfrog that has SPF 50. It repels the Tulum mosquitoes, as well as also other insects so you stay bite-free in your trip.

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

If you’re comparing Tulum to other top destinations, like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, Tulum is about average.

However, when compared to more off the beaten path Mexico destinations, Tulum is pricey.

There’s also Lake Bacalar, AKA the “Maldives of Mexico.” This is actually a freshwater lagoon but it looks like a beach.

Famed for it’s crystal-clear and turquoise waters, many compare Bacalar Lake to the famous Maldives Islands 🇲🇻

Is Tulum Safe for Visitors

For travelers who want a chill and relaxing beach vacation, stay in nearby Akumal and just visit Tulum.

If you understand what you’re signing up for — higher price tags by Mexican standards, large crowds and a big party scene — you’ll enjoy Tulum.

If you want the Tulum vibes, but not the crowds, nearby Isla Holbox Island is a great alternative.

Is Tulum Mexico Safe

Final Thoughts: Is Tulum Safe for Travelers?

You may have noticed there was never a yes or no answer to the Is Tulum safe to travel to? question.

The reality is there is crime in Tulum, and there’s also cartel presence, but most visitors travel to Tulum and have a great trip.

The minority of visitors have a negative experience in Tulum, but those are the voices you hear over the people who loved Tulum.

Personally, as someone who’s been to Tulum, I think it’s as safe as much of Mexico, but with Tulum’s popularity has come a rise in crime and violence. As mentioned, these are mostly isolated incidents.

Now, if you’re a victim of an isolated incident, that term has a different meaning that it does for someone like me who has visited Tulum without incident, and simply got to enjoy this pueblo magico (Mexico magic town).

In short, Is Tulum safe for tourists? has no definitive answer. It’s safe for the majority of visitors, but not all visitors — just as no place on Earth is 100% safe for all visitors.

When visiting, exercise caution, use common sense, follow the same general travel precautions you would when visiting most places, and know the odds are in your favor for having a safe trip to Tulum Mexico.