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Is Tulum Safe? Top Safety Tips For Tulum (2023)

ByJordan Simons

Tulum is undoubtedly one of the hottest beach destinations in the world right now. But when it comes to your next trip, you might be wondering about the safety of this popular Mexican hot spot.

The truth is that Tulum is generally very safe, with most tourists able to travel here without any problems. I lived here for 6+ months in 2021 without ever feeling unsafe, but I’ll tell you more about that below.

That being said, it’s always important to be aware of your surrounding,s and there are a few simple tips and recommendations that you can follow to make your stay in Tulum the safest possible.

Here are our top safety tips for your next trip to Tulum.

is tulum safe?

Is Tulum Safe? (My Personal Take)

Generally, I have found Tulum safe for tourists whenever I have traveled there. There are a few exceptions to that rule though, which I’ll go into below.

For tourists staying in the Hotel Zone, there isn’t a lot you need to worry about. You can walk around at night without feeling unsafe and the only thing you might encounter is petty theft.

There is also plenty of security and the Mexican police patrol the roads too.

TOP TIP: Try not to keep too much cash on you and lock your valuable things in the hotel safe.

My first impressions of Tulum

The Cartel Caveat

This is said with a strong caveat though, as there have been instances of cartel-related violence over the past couple of years.

Unfortunately, a few tourists were even caught in the crossfire while I was living in Tulum.

The possibility of gang violence is the harsh reality of Mexico in 2023 – and while it’s unlikely that you would experience it yourself – it’s something that you should be aware of if you plan to travel here.

Some more context on the Tulum shotings.

The Background Of Gang Violence in Tulum

Mexico has been severely impacted by drug-related violence in the aftermath of Covid 19 – and Tulum was no exception.

As more tourists and more money came to the area, the violence between rival gangs increased. This ultimately leads to a gang member opening fire on competing drug traffickers at the ArtBeach Tulum restaurant.

The Mexican police then reacted by deploying 1500 armed troops to the area – both for extra security and to find the attackers – and Tulum has been increasingly policed since then.

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  • food costs tulum

I’m not sharing this information to scare you – but to make you aware that gang violence is a possibility anywhere in Mexico.

You would be very unlucky to be caught in the crossfire – and it is very unlikely that you would be targeted by gang violence – but it’s still something to be aware of.

Putting this section aside for now, we’ll go into some important safety tips for Tulum below.

Tulum Safety Top Tips

tulum cost of living

Visiting Tulum is something that should absolutely be on your travel bucket list. There’s a reason it’s one of the hottest tourist and digital nomad places in Mexico.

But as the hippy-chic coastal town has become more popular, it’s become even more important to be aware of a few safety tips before your visit. After all, safety should always come first.

Here are some tips for a safe trip to Tulum in 2023:

  • Be aware of your surroundings as you explore the streets of Tulum, particularly at night and in secluded areas; make sure to trust your instincts and always exercise caution if you feel something might not be right.
  • Put all valuables such as cash and important documents in a money belt or pouch that can be tucked away under your clothes to help protect against theft; additionally, invest in a travel insurance policy in case something gets stolen or damaged during your trip.
  • Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night to avoid potential danger; make sure someone knows where you plan on going and check in with them regularly so they know you’re safe
  • Taxi rides from reputable companies are generally considered safe but try not to hail cabs from the street or negotiate prices with drivers as this could potentially put you in an unsafe situation
  • Keep copies of important documents such as passports, driver’s license,s and credit cards so that if anything does get lost or stolen there is less worry about replacing them

By following these tips for a safe trip to Tulum, you can have peace of mind before setting off on any adventure – allowing you the confidence necessary to explore without worry!

Do’s and Don’ts in Tulum, Mexico

tulum safety tips

Visiting Tulum, Mexico can be an eye-opening and life-changing experience. The allure of exploring the ancient ruins is hard to resist and the festival atmosphere of the beach can be incredible.

But it’s important to understand what to do (and not do) in Tulum in order to stay safe in this amazing part of the world.

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts for your trip to Tulum:

  • DO travel in groups or with someone you know. That way you have someone watching out for each other and can stay together when going out.
  • DO research where you’re going before you go so that you know where is safe and where should be avoided entirely – it’s always better to err on the side of caution when venturing into unfamiliar territory!
  • DO carry a medically approved mosquito repellent at all times as dengue fever is no joke.
  • DON’T wear flashy or expensive jewelry while exploring the area. While the locals are friendly, they may assume that tourists are carrying money if they look too flashy and could cause problems if they think they’re being targeted by thieves.
  • DON’T leave your belongings unattended in any public areas such as beaches and parks as there is a risk of theft or damage if left unattended for too long.
  • DON’T forget that alcohol consumption can be illegal in certain places, so make sure you read up on relevant laws before indulging in refreshments during your stay!

Try to keep these do’s and don’t on your mind and you’ll be sure to have a great time in Tulum.

Check Out Our Complete Guide to Tulum

tulum safety tips

Is it Safe to Drive from Cancun to Tulum

Whether you’re driving or taking a taxi or shuttle, it’s important to take the necessary safety precautions when traveling from Cancun to Tulum.

Here are some top safety tips for driving from Cancun to Tulum:

  • Be aware that many of the roads will not be well maintained and they may not have clear signage.
  • Be cautious of animals and other vehicles on the road as they can pose a potential threat.
  • If there are tolls along your route, make sure you have enough cash on hand in case there are any unexpected fees.
  • Plan your route ahead of time in case road closures occur due to bad weather or construction delays.
  • Many roads in Mexico can be unpaved and even closed due to natural disasters such as floods and landslides, so knowing an alternate route may come in handy.
  • Never drive after dark because it is more difficult for drivers and pedestrians alike to see hazards at night time.
  • Lastly, make sure your vehicle has adequate fuel before leaving as petrol stations can often be far between and access telephone services might not always be available in remote areas.

All these details should be taken into consideration for a safe driving experience from Cancun To Tulum.

How Far Is Tulum From Cancun?

Is Tulum Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

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Tulum is a popular destination for all sorts of groups, couples, and families – but what if you’re a solo female traveler?

Safety is an important concern when traveling alone to any new place, so it’s essential to know what you should look out for in Tulum and how to keep yourself safe while exploring the area.

Here are some top safety tips for solo female travelers in Tulum:

  • Try to read up on local crime trends and take note of any necessary precautions, such as avoiding certain areas or avoiding traveling alone at night.
  • Be sure to keep your belongings secure at all times and keep cash or valuables out of sight when in public spaces.
  • Your accommodation can play an important role in your overall safety while traveling. If you are staying at a hostel, do some research online regarding their reputation.
  • Reviews can provide information about general safety, cleanliness of rooms, security measures taken by owners or staff, etc., which can help ensure that you have a comfortable stay while visiting Tulum.
  • It’s also important to remain aware of your surroundings at all times – scope out local police stations if needed and remember that using common sense goes a long way towards helping keep yourself safe from harm!
follow that dream tulum

How to Have The Best Trip to Tulum

As important as it is to be aware of our safety tips, we also want to make sure that you have the most enjoyable trip possible.

Here are some tips to help you make sure your visit to Tulum is the best it can be:

  • Do your research ahead of time: Make sure you know exactly where you’ll be going in Tulum so that you can plan accordingly. Look up travel advisories from your local government so that you’re aware of any current safety rules or regulations before arriving.
  • Be respectful of local customs: Always dress modestly when out and about and speak respectfully with locals at all times. Following these social customs will ensure you’re welcomed warmly into the community during your visit.
  • Avoid walking alone at night: Stick with others while exploring Tulum after dark— either take part in organized tours or join a group of friends— but be sure to do it safely by staying in well-lit areas where there are plenty of people around (not just pubs or clubs).
  • Don’t leave personal items unattended: Keep all valuables secure by never leaving them unattended; don’t even leave them behind while using a restroom or getting something at a nearby store! Consider leaving items such as passports or other important documents securely tucked away at home instead if possible.

Following these simple tips, planning ahead, being mindful about security measures, understanding local customs & laws – all of this will help guarantee an amazing trip to Tulum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tulum safe?

Yes, Tulum is generally considered a safe place to travel. There are a variety of precautions you can take to ensure your safety while visiting, such as being aware of your surroundings, avoiding walking alone at night, and not leaving valuables unattended.

What are some top tips for staying safe in Tulum?

Some top tips for staying safe in Tulum include: avoiding walking alone at night, being aware of your surroundings, avoiding walking in unfamiliar areas, keeping your valuables out of sight, and carrying only the cash you need. Additionally, it is recommended to only take licensed taxis.

Jordan Simons

Traveler & Content Creator

My name is Jordan Simons and over the past few years I've learned how to travel the world continuously. Now I want to show you how to do the same.

One Comment

  1. I’ve been visiting Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Tulum for the past 30 years and have been about a dozen times without a problem until this past week when my husband and I were robbed by police who pulled us over and said we were being fined for driving on the wrong road. They took all of our cash, split it amongst the 3 of them, hugged my husband and off they went.

    Reply

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