Tulum a town on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is known for its beaches, well-preserved Mayan ruins, and vibrant atmosphere.
Over time, Tulum has grown to become the most popular destination in Mexico for travelers. If you want to travel to Mexico and want to explore Tulum then you might be thinking about your safety. You might be searching for answers to your questions, “Is Tulum Mexico safe?”, “Is Tulum safe for female travelers?”
Yes, Tulum is on level 2 at the US State Department travel advisory, but that’s not the whole truth. Today in this blog we will discuss the safety of travelers in Tulum, Mexico, safety tips for traveling to Tulum, and give you a straight answer to your question “Tulum Mexico is safe?” Let’s find out
Is Tulum Mexico safe to travel?
Recent increases in drug cartel activities and petty crimes here and there put Tulum on the list of most travel advisories. The government is trying its best to protect the image of Tulum and has successfully reduced the crimes in Tulum to some extent.
According to the reports from Numbeo, the Tulum safety index is very high, precisely 63.52%. Where its crime rate is low as 36.48%
So yes, Tulum is safe for travelers, solo travelers, and female travelers. Although you need to take some precautions for your own safety. We will discuss some tips for traveling to Tulum Mexico later in this blog. For now, let’s explore more on Tulum safety.
Tulum safety management
The Mexican government’s continuous efforts and practices to protect travelers and reduce drug gang activities are the core reasons for the increase in Tulum’s safety. The National Guard Forces are responsible for maintaining law and order in Tulum.
Strict police, improvement in surveillance, and neighborhood security help Tulum become safe for locals as well as travelers.
Dangers in Tulum, Mexico
Tulum still has some problems and has to work on them to improve it more. Let’s see what are some common dangers in Tulum, Mexico:
Drug Cartels and Shootings in Tulum
In recent years, Tulum has emerged as a party spot for people. That unfortunately increases drug use and purchase. It is not good for you or anyone to do drugs or buy drugs.
Gang violence is another danger in Tulum. Although it’s between the gangs and not aimed at travelers, there have been some unfortunate exceptions.
Petty Theft
Petty theft is very common in Tulum. Mostly in crowded areas and popular tourist spots. Pickpocketers target these places because they believe most tourists are naive and trusting. So, keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items openly.
Common Scam in Tulum, Mexico
Like most of the tourist destinations. Tulum is no exception, as it runs multiple kinds of scams for tourists. Here are some common scams in Tulum, you can avoid:
ATM Scams
Always avoid ATMs that are not secured and supervised. You can go to legitimate banks where they have ATMs with extra security for your cash. This will help you to protect your cards and information and also prevent it from snatching.
Car Rental Scams
Rental companies in Tulum run scams like charging high rates for insurance and blaming you for pre-existing damages to the cars. To avoid these, use reputed car rental services.
Safe places to visit in Tulum, Mexico
In Tulum, there are several safe places to visit for your trip to Tulum. Tulum is separated by a long road through the jungle, which divides it into 2 parts: Tulum Pueblo and Tulum Playa.
Also Read : Qualities of a Travel Guide: How to Address Tourists?
Safe places in Tulum
Here are some of the safest places you can visit in Tulum and enjoy your vacation:
Tulum Playa
Tulum Playa is a stretch of coastline where white sands and turquoise waves meet. This area is known for its environmentally conscious resorts and hotels, surrounded by tropical jungle. The Tulum Playa is one of the safest areas in Tulum due to the high number of tourists and increased police presence.
Tulum Pueblo
Tulum Pueblo is a vibrant center with charm and authenticity. Tulum Pueblo offers a taste of local life with its crowded streets and diverse mix of shops, restaurants, and bars. Here, you can find markets and shop handcrafted goods, taste sample street food, and dance to live music.
Aldea Zama
Located off Coba Road, which connects to the beach zone, Aldea Zama is a residential area popular among digital nomads. The area has seen major development in recent years, compared to the jungle it initially was.
La Veleta
Like Aldea Zama, La Veleta is also a residential spot at the edge of the town. There are a few cafes and restaurants you can enjoy in La Veleta. There are also lots of Airbnb’s here, and prices here are much better compared to the beach.
Is Tulum safe for female travelers?
Thanks to well made tourist paths and friendly people, Tulum is safe for female travelers. You can explore the town and navigate easily via taxis and legitimate taxi services because Uber does not work in Tulum. Most of the locals speak English and are helpful to visitors.
Due to its small size, it is easy to connect with other travelers. It is important to know your surroundings and take travel safety precautions to enjoy your trip to Tulum. If you are traveling to Tulum solo, then you can join tours and book a day trip to Tulum.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Tulum
There are safety tips and precautions you can take while traveling to Tulum, Mexico. It is important to follow these tips for your safety in Tulum. Here are some tips and precautions you can consider taking while traveling to Tulum, Mexico:
1. Always stay alert
When you are in Tulum enjoy your trip, but you need to stay alert while walking around, especially during nights. Always keep track of your path and your surroundings while you are in Tulum.
2. Keep your phone safe
Don’t be a careless tourist always keep an eye on your phone and keep it safe and out of the reach of pickpocketers. It is the most common item anyone can snatch from you.
3. Do not carry your valuables
Many tourists carry jewelry, watches, and many expensive items with them. Keep your valuable items at home or at where you are staying safely. You don’t want to grab the attention of bad people.
4. Be careful at night while traveling alone
Tulum is usually safe at night, but in some places, you need to be careful and stay alert while traveling during the night. Avoid traveling alone at night in places like the center of the town and beach area.
5. Learn some Spanish
Although most people around you speak English, learning a few words of the local language won’t hurt you. It can help you fit in. It’s also useful in case of an emergency. The emergency number in Mexico is 911.
6. Don’t carry too much cash
More cash gets you into more trouble. Carry enough money for traveling in Tulum you don’t need to carry too much cash in your wallet or pocket. You can keep them safe with your valuables in the hotel or in your bag.
7. Use only secured ATMs
Do not use ATS outside instead, you can use secured ATMs at banks to prevent your cash from being stolen by thieves and pins from scammers.
8. Stay away from riptides
While exploring the beach side of Tulum. You need to watch out for riptides, as they are very common in this area. Make sure you are not too far from the seashore.
9. Buy travel insurance
It is the most important thing for a traveler. Most travelers don’t have travel insurance, and that is why they suffer. Travel insurance is important if something goes wrong during your trip and you lose your important items or they get stolen by someone.
Also Read : Travel Safe: Top 10 Safety Tips for Senior Travelers
Conclusion
Tulum is a wonderful place to visit for a vacation. We hope this blog answers all your questions regarding Tulum, Mexico safety. Just follow the safety tips we provide in this blog and take precautions for an enjoyable experience of this Caribbean coastline town.
Is Tulum Mexico safe? Yes, it is a safe destination for your next trip. Is Tulum safe for female travelers? Yes, Tulum is safe for female travelers. Plan your vacation in Tulum and explore the unexplored!
