Mexico : Safety by City
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- San Miguel de Allende
- Sayulita
- Tijuana
- Tulum
- Valladolid
- Veracruz
- Zacatecas
- Zamora
- Zapopan
- Zihuatanejo
Tulum, Mexico is a beautiful destination that many travelers visit every year.
The popular city has a rich history that dates to the Mayan Civilization.
The Mayans called their coastal city Zama, which means sunrise, perhaps because of its location facing the great sea.
Although the Maya are known to have settled what is now Tulum about 1,500 years ago, skeletal remains discovered in the area tell the story of people living in Tulum thousands of years ago.
The ancient skeletons found in cenotes and underwater cave systems date to at least 10,000 years ago.
Some of these same cave systems and cenotes are popular with divers and other travelers to Tulum today.
The pristine beaches, the ancient archaeological sites, the many things to see and do attract tens of thousands of visitors every year.
Some details about crime and other safety issues in Mexico may lead some people to wonder if Tulum is safe for travelers.
Learn about the attractions, why so many people visit Tulum, and if it is safe for travelers right now.
Warnings & Dangers in Tulum
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Although there have been recent warnings about high crime levels in Mexico, most serious criminal activities are away from popular tourist areas like Tulum. People who visit Tulum still need to take precautions that help keep them safe to minimize their risk of becoming a crime victim.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Take a taxi from a reputable company. Do not use an unregistered taxi company. Agree on the price before you get in the taxi. Fares are not metered in Tulum Public buses and other reputable, trustworthy public transport are generally safe for travelers. Visitors need to stay alert to petty crimes such as pickpockets when using public transport. They should also stay alert for fast-moving scooters, taxis, and other people on the road.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Travelers who do not take precautions can become the target of pickpockets. There is usually a low risk of becoming a pickpocket victim for travelers who secure their wallets, phones, purses, and other belongings.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Tulum is a relaxing place for residents. It is a fascinating and beautiful place for travelers to visit. One risk that visitors need to pay careful attention to is the risk of natural disasters. Hurricanes, floods, and landslides during the rainy season are some risks. A few recent hurricanes wreaked havoc on Tulum, leaving millions of dollars of damage in its aftermath. Tourists should also stay alert to any warnings of earthquakes.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
People who visit Tulum usually do so without any safety or crime issues. Travelers can become mugging victims if they do not follow safety precautions. Staying away from unsafe neighborhoods, dark streets, and avoiding getting intoxicated are some tips to avoid being a mugging victim.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Tulum does have a cartel presence. The cartels are often too busy targeting each other and engaging in their drug trafficking to target travelers. Tourists who stay in popular tourist areas and who do not engage in drug activities are likely to stay safe from these criminals.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Travelers who take a taxi in Tulum need to agree on their fare upfront. Taxi scams target tourists by drivers overcharging them for their ride. It is easy for travelers to fall for this scam if they do not agree on the price, because taxis in Tulum are not metered. Scooters are a popular means of getting around Tulum. Tourists may want to choose another mode of transportation. One scam that targets visitors is that the cost of their scooter rental significantly increases because of scratches that companies claim were caused by the renter. Taking pictures before leaving the shop can help prevent this scam. Do not fall victim to dating app scams or scams targeting tourists in nightclubs or bars.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Several thousand women visit Tulum every year and have a great time without any safety issues. Women still need to take precautions to protect themselves and to make sure that they do not become an easy target for criminals. Solo female travelers should always stay vigilant of their surroundings. Women should never tell anyone that they do not know that they are traveling alone or staying in their accommodation alone. The person they are talking to at the bar or nightclub may seem overly friendly. Women should be aware that there may be a reason that someone asks them these questions. Walking with their group, making friends with other female visitors to Tulum, and never walking alone after dark can help women stay safe.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Do not drink tap water in Tulum. Several sources say that it is not safe for people to drink. Drink bottled water or filtered water. Travelers should also use bottled water for things like brushing their teeth and washing fresh produce.
Safest Places to Visit in Tulum
Tulum has many safe, must-see and must-do attractions and fun for visitors of all ages.
Family-friendly activities, water activities for all ages and skill levels, historical and adventure tours and activities.
People who prefer to have a quieter, more relaxing trip can enjoy the historical sites, the gorgeous beaches, or awe-inspiring nature.
Dive into one of the many cenotes in Tulum for an unforgettable experience.
Swing from a rope or jump in from a platform to explore the cenotes.
Check out Gran Cenote, Calavera, and Cenote Dos Ojos in Tulum.
The Zacil-Ha Cenote got its name because the name means clear water in the language of the Maya.
There is even a cenote named Carwash Cenote.
Cenote Azul is shallower, compared to some others, and good for families who want to enjoy a cenote in Tulum.
Relax on the white sand beaches of Tulum while gazing at the crystal-clear water or watch people having fun with water activities.
Playa Ruinas gets crowded early, so travelers want to get there early in the day.
It is probably the most popular beach in Tulum.
Take a boat ride from the beach to see the archaeological ruins.
Las Palmas Beach has easy access from Downtown Tulum.
Visit Playa Paraiso, a beach that is in Tulum National Park.
Visitors have many beaches to choose from to soak up the sun, engage in water sports, or enjoy food and drinks.
Have fun kiteboarding, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or engaging in other water activities.
Explore the art murals as you take a stroll through Tulum.
The vibrant murals brighten the streets of Tulum and give visitors a true sense of the culture and vibrant art scene.
Explore the Ruins of Tulum for an unforgettable experience.
See the walled city with structures like the Castillo, the main building at the ruins, and the Temple of the Descending God.
See the House of the Cenote, and the artwork at the Temple of the Frescoes.
Travelers also enjoy taking bike tours, touring the best restaurants and food spots in Tulum, and horseback riding through the jungle.
Places to Avoid in Tulum
Most areas frequented by tourists are safe for travelers.
There are some areas that tourists need to stay away from for safety reasons.
One thing to remember is to stay away from Beach Road after dark.
Travelers should also stay away from alleyways and avoid walking alone at night.
Stay away from neighborhoods that are considered unsafe.
Two examples are Colonia Dos Iglesias, and La Veleta.
Travelers may want to avoid driving at night.
Some tourists have become victims of robbery in Tulum when driving at night.
Lock your doors and windows at your hotel, cabana, or other accommodation, especially at night.
Check travel advisories for current information before traveling to Tulum and while visiting the area.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Tulum
- Leave your valuables at home: You do not need your expensive jewelry, designer handbag, or shoes for diving into a cenote, going snorkeling or kayaking, or drinking at a bar.
- Use reputable taxi companies: Avoid getting scammed by taxi drivers by using reputable companies. Make sure that you get a price upfront because taxis in Tulum do not have meters.
- Do not leave your belongings unattended on the beach: You will likely return to the place where you left your belongings and find them gone.
- Do not leave your drink unattended: Some travelers have had their drinks spiked when visiting bars and clubs. Do not leave your drink unattended and do not accept drinks from strangers.
- Use inside ATMs: Do not use ATMs on the street or in small shops. Use ATMs in reputable banks and stores.
- Avoid getting intoxicated: Getting intoxicated in Tulum makes you an easy target for pickpockets, robbers, and other criminals.
- Do not walk alone at night: Even if your hotel is a short distance away, it is safer to take a taxi, rather than to walk by yourself.
- Stay in popular tourist areas: Do not go anywhere in Tulum that is off the beaten path or not popular tourist areas. It is better to be safe than to become a victim of a crime.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions: Tulum has had recent devastating hurricanes. Stay alert to weather forecasts and get to safety in the event of storms, hurricanes, or other natural disasters.
- Check travel advisories: Tulum is much safer than some other areas in Mexico that have high crime rates. Still, it is important for travelers to check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State before traveling to Tulum.
So... How Safe Is Tulum Really?
Tulum has breathtaking natural beauty, amenities, and other things that lead to so many people visiting every year.
It is not one of the high-crime areas of Mexico.
Tulum welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year, including many solo female travelers, families, and retirees.
There is so much to see and do in Tulum, which is in safe areas.
Visiting gorgeous beaches, participating in various watersports, people-watching, and visiting ancient ruins are just some things that tourists do when they come to Tulum.
People can also enjoy great restaurants and nightlife.
Travelers need to stay aware of their surroundings and stay vigilant in complying with safety tips.
Keeping personal belongings secure, not flashing valuables, and being aware of scams and not falling for them are important for travelers in Tulum.
Travelers should stay away from all aspects of the drug trade to avoid becoming involved in dangerous safety risks or getting arrested.
Staying aware of natural disasters that occur and monitoring weather reports also helps to keep visitors safe in Tulum.
How Does Tulum Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Tulum |
75 |
| Chichen Itza |
70 |
| Valladolid |
90 |
| Los Cabos |
78 |
| Hermosillo |
75 |
| Puebla |
75 |
| Cancun |
70 |
 Gary | 52 |
| Rogersville | 76 |
| Minocqua | 84 |
 Edmonton | 86 |
 Ahmedabad | 67 |
 Alexandria | 45 |
Useful Information
Visas
Visas are only required for tourists if they plan on staying in Mexico for more than 180 days.
Currency
The official currency in Tulum is the Mexican Peso. Many businesses accept U.S. dollars.
Weather
Tulum is hot and humid year-round. The rainy season is from May to October. Travelers need to be aware of the possibility of hurricanes.
Airports
Tulum International Airport opened in 2023. It serves international and domestic air traffic for Tulum and the entire state of Quintana Roo. It is also a gateway to other key destinations.
Travel Insurance
Purchasing travel insurance is important for travelers who visit Tulum. The U.S. Department of State says that it strongly recommends that people purchase travel insurance. Protect yourself by getting travel insurance before your trip.
Tulum Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 27 |
| Low °C |
21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 21 |
| High °F |
81 | 81 | 82 | 84 | 88 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 86 | 82 | 81 |
| Low °F |
70 | 70 | 72 | 73 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 73 | 70 |
A nice destination
I was a bit skeptical about going to Tulum. It’s not a very known location, at least not to me, and I don’t like seeing natural disasters risk as being high or the muggings risk as medium. I actually have heard of someone getting mugged while I was in Tulum so this does happen. But, nothing bad happened to me while I was there. I was careful as I would be almost anywhere else and didn’t flash goods or money around. Make sure to get protection for mosquitoes as they are present in decent amounts.
Good honeymoon spot.
We stayed in a wonderful boutique hotel called Love Tulum. They do a very simple breakfast and supper which is delicious, our room was right on the water and clean and bright the sound of the sea sent us to sleep in minutes very night. Staff very nice and charming. But, mosquitos in the town are a nightmare I was virtually spraying myself with OFF as I ate in the nearby restaurants. The place is obviously controlled by ‘hidden’ forces’ but their priority is to look after the tourists obviously. There seems to be a militia hidden away in the town for added security.
For younger tourists ideally but there are some five star lodging hidden away there if you fancy de luxe living.
Tulum is safe guys!
Stop worrying so much, with the pandemic, people care about themselves and don’t bother other people as much, also you have a good excuse to social distance and move away from others. stay safe!
Resident’s perspective
I think this must have been written a while ago. We live in Tulum and it has become a hugh party scene town. The beach clubs are LOUD and go on until all hours. The cabs are one of the most expensive in the world! The beach restaurant prices are equal or higher than NYC or LA. Cartel is here and here to stay. Party people keeping them all in business. With all of that said we love it here. We stay away from the party scene beaches and find other ways to spend our time. There is theft, like everywhere, just be smart. Do not wear flashy Jewlery or clothes. The pueblo is still charming and has lots of great and affordable restaurants. There are currently over 380 construction projects underway in Tulum so no more sleepy town here. Sad really but such a beautiful location it was bound to happen.
Very safe and we enjoyed it a lot
Tulum is probably one of the safest places in Mexico. Here you will really feel the Mayan energy coming from the fortified stones of the Tulum ruins. If you’re in Mexico for more than a week or two, you have to visit Tulum. It’s an experience you won’t regret.
The beach in Tulum might not be very big but it does have a certain charm to it, with the wonderful turquoise water and the white sand. Such a great way to refresh yourself on a hot day!
The Temple of the Frescoes is, believe it or not, built in 1450! And it still holds up well today and will probably still be here 1000 years from now if not more. And it’s a great place to visit and explore.
While here you should also explore the Castillo which is a big, imposing building, where human sacrifices used to occur. Then there’s the Temple of the God Descending or the Temple of the Initial Series. If you’re into old buildings you’ll love them.
Casa del Cenote which was believed to be used as a mausoleum is just one of the many cenotes found in Mexico. Cenotes were believed to be entrances to the spiritual world.
There are a few tours of Tulum and this is a great way to experience the place and learn about its history, buildings and people. A guided tour is one of the better ways to experience this hotspot and normally such a tour will last around 4 hours.
Like I said, this place is very safe and we did not encounter any thieves or pickpockets on our trip. We took a tour of it and it was a great way to learn more than we would have on our own. Nothing bad happened while we were here and it was a very special experience for us.
I never expected to feel so connected to nature while just lounging on the beach, and the sight of baby sea turtles making their way to the ocean was truly unforgettable.
Did you get to see any of the baby turtles while you were there, or was it too early in the season?
It’s incredible how the combination of ancient Maya ruins and those stunning beaches feels like stepping into another world; the laid-back vibe really lets you forget everything and just soak it all in.
It’s crazy to think about the history beneath our feet while lounging on those beautiful beaches.
Did you really get to dive in those cenotes? I can’t imagine floating above ancient skeletons while trying to relax!
I get that Tulum has its charm with the beaches and history, but I can’t shake off the safety concerns everyone keeps talking about. It seems like a beautiful place, but are those worries really just exaggerated or something we should take seriously?
Beautiful and ancient, sure, but after hiking to the cenote at noon and getting stuck behind a tour group while sweating sunscreen into my eyes I felt more annoyed than awed.