Tulum has become one of the most well-known Mexican beach towns, and for a good reason: it has an impressive stretch of sand, a fascinating Mayan archaeological site, and a growing population of creative types, business owners, and remote workers who have discovered it to be the ideal place for a luxurious escape from the rat race. But is it risky to visit Tulum at the moment? Never forget that safety is priority number one. Additionally, safety in Tulum and the rest of Mexico has long been a worry for first-time visitors or anybody reading unfavorable news about safety in Mexico on TV or the internet.

Can I Go To Tulum?

As long as you take normal precautions with your safety and possessions, Tulum is a fine place to visit. Unfortunately, little crimes like pickpocketing and pocketbook snatching are rather frequent if you aren't paying attention to your surroundings, as they are in every tourist destination. Murders committed by gang members and drug traffickers are a major issue in Tulum. Robberies with guns and drug sales to tourists, including marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy, have also been on the rise, according to reports from vacationers. The safety of tourists in Tulum depends on several factors, not the least of which is the prevalence of crime. Tap water is a health risk since it may contain protozoa or other gastrointestinal parasites. In addition, major storms may inflict significant damage to buildings and infrastructure during hurricane season (June to November).

Typical Crimes In Tulum

Tulum was formerly considered one of the safest tourist spots in all of Mexico, but a recent spike in violent crime has caused many potential tourists to reconsider their plans. To help you make the best choice, we've included a discussion of some of the most prevalent safety concerns about your trip to Tulum.

Non-Violent Theft And Pickpocketing

Pickpocketing and other forms of non-violent theft are common problems in areas with many tourists. If you're not vigilant, you may become a victim of opportunity crimes like having your wallet stolen from your back pocket or having your pocketbook snatched from the back of a chair while eating al fresco. Thieves will often distract you or draw you near so they may take from you in plain sight. Pickpockets are notorious for "wiping you down" as though you had bird poop on you and snatching your belongings.

Gang And Drug-Related Violence

Historically, the Maya Riviera—including cities like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum—was safe from the gang and cartel violence that plagues the rest of Mexico. Tulum was formerly a safe tourist destination, but the worsening economic situation brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic, the growth of the hard-partying culture, and territorial changes among the drug cartels transformed the city into a location of horrendous gang violence. Unfortunately, this violence sometimes spreads to popular tourist destinations. Intentional homicide rose by 80% that year. When visiting Mexico, it used to be possible to escape drug cartel violence simply by avoiding drugs.

However, killings involving drug gangs are commonplace in tourist hotspots like nightclubs and restaurants. The tragedy happened in October of 2021 when a gang boss hid in a busy restaurant to escape being shot by a rival gang member. Instead, the gunman pursued him inside and fatally wounded three more visitors while killing two.

Armed Robbery

There have been more gunshots and armed robberies recently. Most gun crimes occur at night and are often done by gangs of three to five young males. The only way to get your stuff back from them is to give it to them or let them take it by force. Do not respond with force or argument if this occurs. Put your belongings down and give them over. Borrow a phone when you return to your hotel to cancel your cards. It's annoying, but you shouldn't risk your life over it. Reduce the risk of complete financial ruin by carrying just a minimal quantity of cash at all times. That way, you can safely leave your cards and passport at the hotel while you go out and earn some more cash to afford to return home.

Sexual Assault

While the Mexican government does not publicize sexual assault crime statistics and sites like TripAdvisor have been accused of removing rape warnings, female tourists have expressed concern about the prevalence of severe sexual attacks in the country. Many advise against going out at night by yourself and against being very drunk or taking drugs from strangers. It's not safe to believe you're in the clear simply because you're with another hotel guest; the culprits might be anybody, from the locals to those who are just passing through. Always be aware of your surroundings and careful of anybody who comes too near.

Keeping Out Of Bad Neighborhoods

There are no safe or unsafe neighborhoods in Tulum since the violence is dispersed across the city. The rise in violence has affected South Tulum, the Hotel Zone, and the communities around the Mayan ruins. The city's less-visited core is no safer than the major tourist districts. Isolated regions are more likely to be targeted by armed robbers. Thus it's best to avoid them rather than specific communities.

Conclusion

How risky is it to go to Tulum? This is undoubtedly one of the most common concerns voiced by potential visitors to this picture-perfect vacation spot. Because of its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and outstanding dining options, thousands of tourists visit Tulum each year. However, rumors about Tulum's risk to visitors are likely to dampen your enthusiasm for a trip there.