Is Tulum Safe in 2026? What You Need to Know Before You Go

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I’ve visited this slice of Caribbean paradise five times over the past six years, and I’ve watched it transform from a bohemian beach hideaway into an international hotspot.

With that growth came some growing pains, and yes, safety concerns.

I’ve never once felt unsafe in Tulum. Not when I was solo traveling last February, during my annual girls’ trip or during my recent press trip.

Does that mean crime doesn’t exist?

Absolutely not. It means that, with basic street smarts and the right preparation, Tulum is as safe as, or even safer than, most major U.S. cities.

Yes, Tulum is safe for tourists in 2026.

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The U.S. State Department rates Quintana Roo as Level 2 (same as France). Crime index is 36.15 lower than that of most major U.S. cities.

The Real Safety Situation (No Sugarcoating)

The U.S. State Department lists Quintana Roo (the state where Tulum is located) as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.

That’s the same rating as France, Spain, and the UK. Let that sink in for a second. If you’re not scared to order croissants in Paris, you shouldn’t be terrified to eat tacos al pastor in Tulum.

Yes, there has been cartel-related violence in the region. But here’s the truth nobody wants to say out loud: nearly all of it is tied to drug trade disputes between rival groups, and tourists aren’t the targets.

During my visit in December 2024, I asked my Airbnb host about the violence I’d seen in the news. She laughed at the sensationalism of U.S. media.

“We live here,” she said. “This is our home. If it wasn’t safe, we’d leave.”

What actually trips up tourists in Tulum:

• Petty theft (pickpocketing, phone snatching)
• Taxi scams and overcharging
• Drinking too much and becoming vulnerable
• Accepting drinks from strangers (drink spiking has been reported)
• Police corruption and bribery situations
• Fake ATMs and credit card skimming

Notice what’s NOT on that list? Random violence against visitors. Kidnappings of tourists. Gang shootouts in hotel zones.

Tulum Safety Rating:

Tulum’s crime index sits at 36.15 according to Numbeo’s 2025 data, significantly lower than major U.S. cities like Memphis (76.27) or Detroit.

The U.S. State Department classifies Quintana Roo as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, the same rating given to France, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

While crime exists, the statistics show Tulum is statistically safer than many destinations Americans visit without hesitation.

The real risks are petty theft and tourist-targeted scams, not the cartel violence sensationalized in headlines.

Current Travel Advisory for Tulum (Updated December 2024)

As of December 2024, the U.S. State Department maintains a Level 2 advisory for Quintana Roo (where Tulum is located), meaning “Exercise Increased Caution.”

This is not a “Do Not Travel” warning.

The advisory cites crime and kidnapping concerns but notes that most violent incidents involve cartel disputes, not tourists.

The Mexican government has increased security in tourist zones, and over 35 million Americans visited Mexico in 2023 without incident.

Standard precaution if you are staying in touristy areas.

Who Needs to Be Extra Cautious in Tulum?

• Anyone renting a car – Be mindful of corrupt police stops and always obey traffic laws to avoid issues.
• Solo female travelers – It’s best to avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas.
• Partygoers – If you’re heading to Tulum for nightlife, always watch your drink and stick with a group.

10 Common Tulum Scams (And How to Avoid Them)

Tulum’s tourism boom started during COVID because it was the only destination accepting people, and it has been on a roll ever since.

Tulum not only attracted travelers but also scammers.

After many visits, I’ve learned to spot these common schemes and more importantly, how to avoid them.

Here are the ten scams you’re most likely to encounter and exactly what to do about each one.

1. Taxi Overcharging: Drivers quote inflated prices to tourists. Always negotiate the fare before getting in, or use Uber when available. Standard airport to Tulum Centro should be 800-1,200 pesos.

2. Fake ATMs: Street corner and gas station ATMs are often skimmers. Only use ATMs inside established banks like HSBC, Banamex, or Scotiabank during business hours.

3. Car Rental Upsells: Companies push unnecessary insurance and claim pre-existing damage. Take timestamped photos/videos of the entire vehicle before leaving the lot, and decline their insurance if your credit card covers rentals.

4. Restaurant Bill Padding: Extra items mysteriously appear on your bill. Always review the check carefully before paying and don’t be afraid to question charges you didn’t order.

5. Beach Club Minimums: Some clubs advertise low entry fees then enforce high food/drink minimums. Ask about minimums upfront and get it in writing if possible.

6. Fake Tour Operators: Street vendors sell “official” tours at discount prices that never materialize. Book through your hotel or established platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide.

7. Timeshare Traps: “Free” tours or gifts come with high-pressure timeshare presentations. Politely decline any offers that seem too good to be true.

8. Drug Dealer Setup: Beach vendors offer drugs then tip off police for bribery opportunities. Never buy drugs from anyone, regardless of how friendly they seem.

9. Credit Card Skimming: Servers take your card out of sight and clone it. Always watch your card during transactions or pay with cash for smaller purchases.

10. “Helpful” Strangers: Someone offers to help you find cheaper taxis/hotels then takes you to places paying them commission. Trust your hotel’s recommendations over random street advice.

My Rule: If someone approaches you unsolicited with an amazing deal, it’s probably a scam.

Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers in Tulum

I solo-traveled to Cancun and Tulum for seven days earlier this year.  Solo travel can be highly liberating, but you must do your research and make sure you understand the laws of the destination.  

Does Mexico have a bad reputation? Yes, but so does Memphis, and it doesn’t stop me from going home, and it shouldn’t stop you from traveling solo to Tulum or any part of Mexico. 

Here are a few tips to help you stay safe in Tulum as a solo traveler and take the Mexico Travel Warning seriously:

• Assaults do happen. Remember, DO NOT accept drinks from strangers because that is the main reason why assaults happen. 
• Know your surroundings. Don’t get lost and end up traveling down a back road alone.
• Be Nice.  Mexican people are amiable, and there is no need to be nasty or rude.  

Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member back home.

By staying connected, you can have peace of mind knowing that someone knows your whereabouts.

What if you are a victim of Sexual Assault in Tulum

If you’ve been sexually assaulted, it’s important to remember that it was not your fault. Rape and sexual assault are always wrong – no matter who commits it or where it happens.

It is traumatic, and it can affect you both physically and emotionally. Do not be afraid to get help.

First steps

It is your choice what to do next, but this information may help you decide. The most important thing is to make sure that you are as safe as possible.

You can:

• Contact the local emergency number 911 to request an ambulance or police support
• Contact your tour operator if you are traveling with one
• Contact your nearest United States Embassy or Consulate in Mexico:

Embassy staff will be polite, patient, sensitive, and non-judgmental and can provide information on local police and medical procedures. Anything you tell them will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Drinking Tainted Alcohol

Mexico has a robust illegal trade in alcoholic beverages that has either been unlawfully adulterated or produced under unregulated conditions.

I got violently ill in Cabo San Lucas at Sunset Monalisa from drinking tainted alcohol, and it is supposedly one of the more upscale, swanky restaurants overlooking the Sea of Cortez.

The staff kept trying to say I was drunk and drank too much, but I had only one vodka tonic. Thank Gawd, I was with friends because that could have ended badly.

The U.S. State Department warns travelers heading to Mexico to be alert to the possibility of inadvertently consuming illegal alcohol.

“There have been reports of individuals falling ill or blacking out after consuming unregulated alcohol,” the advisory says, including me!

How to Deal with Police Officers & Extortion in Cancun

We’ve all heard the stories about the corrupt cops south of the border. With stories ranging from extortion to kidnapping, the police in Mexico and the rest of Latin America do not have the best reputation.

Police extortion of tourists detained for minor offenses is often a problem, and there have been some grotesque incidents.

However, the authorities cracked down hard and dismissed hundreds of officers, including some top officials. They claim the problem is under control.

If you are stopped for a traffic violation in Mexico, you will be asked for your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. You will also be told what you did wrong.

 Of course, in the U.S., we would then be issued a ticket requiring us to pay a fine or appear in court later.

If it is a minor infraction, don’t bribe them; even so, they may ask for some money; the amount depends on the seriousness of the violation; if you pass a red light, it is better if they only give you the traffic ticket,

If you drive without a license, the car must be impounded, and the fine is higher; in that case, I suggest you offer 200 pesos (if you look Mexican) if you are blond with blue eyes, maybe about 500 pesos.

If you are stopped for drinking alcohol in the street, the fine is 1500 pesos or 24 hours of jail; you will probably have to pay your total fine.

Those are the most common crimes a police officer can pull you over for; the amount will be considerably higher if you steal or kill.

The key is to remain calm and accept your mistake.

When it is inevitable that they take you to jail, then subtly offer the bribe, it is like a negotiation: start with a low amount, and they will increase until they agree on an amount.

The Cartel, Tulum Crime Rate & Drug Use

The State Department recognizes that most of the crime in this region seems to be tied to criminal organizations’ “turf battles” between criminal groups, which have resulted in an uptake of violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens.”

Unfortunately, crime is increasing in Tulum, and the majority of it is drug-related gang activity. Drug-related gang crimes have increased by a whopping 488% in the last year.

While it is mostly gang-on-gang violence and not aimed at tourists, tourists have occasionally been caught in literal crossfire.

However, Mexico is not quite what people make it out to be because most Americans are killed because they are looking for drugs. 

What do you think is going to happen if you go to a foreign country seeking to buy drugs and then get on the news and play the victim when something terrible happens?

Consuming illegal drugs may leave you vulnerable, which will increase your chances of being robbed, so please do not go looking to buy weed from local drug dealers.

Tulum Crime Fact vs. Fiction

Before you go off the deep end and start imagining things that will likely not occur and cancel your trip to Tulum, please find out what is real vs fake about the Tulum travel advisory.

If you get up and go to the grocery store every day, run at your local park, or even go to a concert, you should always take precautions no matter the destination.

Are you worried about traveling to Chattanooga, Houston, Chicago, New Orleans, or Memphis? All of these cities have a higher crime rate than Tulum.

The Mexican Tourism Authority and the government want you to be safe because tourism is Mexico’s number 1 revenue generator.

They have pointed to the low number of victims of crime compared to the 35 million American tourists who travel to Mexico each year. 

This is a 27.7% increase compared to the same period in 2021.

Tulum is safer than most of America’s biggest cities.

If you are not worried about traveling within the United States, especially with the current racial tensions, you shouldn’t be asking if Tulum is safe.

You take road trips with the family to cities like St. Louis, New Orleans, Memphis, and Kansas City without giving it a second thought, so do not let the U.S. media lead you to believe Mexico is unsafe. 

Tulum vs. Cancun vs. Playa del Carmen

After visiting all three destinations multiple times, here’s what you need to know before you go:

Cancun feels the most secure with heavy police presence and resort-style safety in the Hotel Zone. The catch? If you step outside that tourist bubble you will need be on your P’s & Q’s.

Playa del Carmen has gotten sketchier in recent years. Rising petty theft on Fifth Avenue and increasingly aggressive vendor tactics make it feel less safe than it used to be.

Tulum sits comfortably in the middle. Safer than Playa’s congested downtown but requiring more street smarts than Cancun’s sanitized hotel strips.

My recommendation: Choose Cancun if you want maximum security and don’t mind staying in the resort zone.

Choose Tulum if you’re a confident and seeking culture over all-inclusive convenience. Skip Playa del Carmen unless you have a specific reason to be there.

What to do if you are a Victim of Armed Robbery in Tulum

If you get robbed in Tulum, I highly suggest giving the criminals what they ask for because your cash, wallet, or phone is not worth your life. 

Just comply with their demands, and they will leave you alone.

If you think you can fight the cartel or gang members in Mexico, you are in for a rude awakening.  There will be some slow singing and flower-bringing if you refuse to hand over your belongings or try to fight.

You will either end up in the hospital or 6 ft under.  The decision is yours on how you handle dealing with gang members in Mexico. 

The gang member will likely have an accomplice waiting nearby if you try to fight back.

While the police have a heavy presence in Tulum, the likelihood of a criminal being caught after a robbery is slim to none, so just comply.

You might lose money, a camera, or a phone, but you won’t lose your life.

Government organizations that offer further help

Name or organization	email/phone	services	state directory
Instituto Nacional de las Mujeres (National Institution for Women)	contacto@inmujeres.gob.mx	psychological and legal guidance	directory
Comisión Nacional Para Prevenir y Erradicar la Violencia Contra las Mujeres
(National Commission to Prevent and Eradicate Violence Against Women)	01800hablalo@segob.gob.mx	psychological and legal advice	directory
Fiscalía Especial para los Delitos de Violencia Contra las Mujeres y Trata de Personas (Special Prosecutor’s Office for Crimes of Violence Against Women and Human Trafficking)	telephone: 55 5346 2516	investigate and prosecute federal crimes related to acts of violence against women
Comisión Nacional de los Derechos Humanos (National Human Rights Commission)	telephone: 800 715 2000	receive complaints of alleged human rights violations

8 Tips For Staying Safe In Tulum

No matter the destination, always following these basic travel safety tips is a good idea.  Follow these tips while traveling to Tulum:

1. Steer clear of spots with a bad reputation, known gang activity, or places that give you bad vibes. Stick to well-traveled places.
2. Check in with friends and family back home as often as you can. Let someone know where you’re at and when you expect to check in next.
3. Be aware of your surroundings. This is a good rule of thumb in general, but it’s especially important when traveling alone.
4. Don’t drink too much. Make sure you know your limits. Don’t put yourself in a vulnerable position.
5. Only use ATMs that are found at reputable local banks or those at your resort.  
6. Do not wear expensive jewelry or watches that might attract unwanted attention.
7. Avoid taking excessive amounts of cash out and about with you.
8. Beware of the taxi drivers. The majority of taxi drivers will scam you with the outrageous rates.  So please make sure you negotiate the rate before getting in the taxi. 

Getting Around Tulum

While I stated above to be aware of Taxi drivers in Tulum – it is also the best way to get around. 

You can walk or bike to the beaches, ruins, and Tulum Pueblo, but you might not have enough energy to do anything else after you have walked to your destination.

You can rent a car in Cancún or Playa del Carmen, but I don’t think it is a good idea because of the uptick in car thefts in the area.

The only buses in Tulum are the shuttle buses that take travelers to and from the airport in Cancún to their hotel or Airbnb.

Tulum has no airport, so you’ll need to fly into Cancun (CUN), which is about 75 miles north of Tulum.

Safest Areas for Tourists in Tulum

If you do not go to crime-ridden areas in your city, do not go into crime-ridden areas when you travel.  While the crime rate is increasing in Mexico, so is the crime in the United States.

The Mexican government wants to keep tourists safe by providing extra security in touristy areas. You will not have to ask if the Tulum Travel Advisory is necessary.

Below are the safe areas of Tulum:

• Playa/Tulum Beach. 
• Pueblo. The Pueblo neighborhood is located at the heart of Tulum. 
• Aldea Zama. Aldea Zama is a small neighborhood located to the south of Tulum city center.

My Personal Rankings (After Visiting All 8)

Safest to Least Safe:

1. San Miguel de Allende – Could walk anywhere anytime
2. Puerto Vallarta – Felt completely comfortable solo
3. Cabo San Lucas – Upscale and secure (minus the booze)
4. Oaxaca – Surprisingly safe and welcoming
5. Tulum – Safe with precautions
6. Cancun – Hotel Zone only
7. Playa del Carmen – Has gotten sketchier recently
8. Mexico City – Requires the most vigilance

Best Value + Safety Combo:

Puerto Vallarta wins. You get beach beauty, amazing food, friendly locals, and excellent safety without Cabo’s luxury prices.

Safest Hotels Near Tulum

1. Hotel Esencia

Esencia isn’t exactly a secret. But once you tuck into your jungle-, beach-, or ocean-facing room, the place will feel like a hidden gem you want to keep all to yourself.

The property, set on secluded Xhu-Pa Beach just north of Tulum, recently expanded to 40 rooms and suites and added a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant led by international top chef Dimitris Katrivesis.

Beyond visits to the spa for hydrotherapy and the bar for fresh-pressed morning juices, you won’t be inspired to do much else—but then again, isn’t sitting and relaxing precisely what vacations are for?

 

2. Nomade Tulum

This 38-room retreat was designed Nomade style, with 20 exclusive suites, five treehouses, and 36 luxury Nomade-style tents built beneath large canopies.

You may have to eat while sitting on a pillow I suggest embracing the holistic vibes and allowing your inner flower child to emerge.

Whether you choose a luxury tent or the super-luxe pool villa, each room is filled with crafts made by local artisans and has everything you expect and need from a luxury resort.

3. Sanará Tulum

You don’t have to be a yogi to stay at this minimalist, 17-room hotel, but the glass-enclosed studio is the property’s centerpiece, so you’ll likely take a vinyasa class or two.

Here, it’s all about embracing Tulum’s eco-conscious way of life—and even if you do walk past a class on your way to the beach, you’ll still get your wellness feel at Real Coconut. This on-site restaurant serves many tasty vegan dishes, from chocolate chia pudding for breakfast to shiitake coconut cheese quesadillas for dinner.

5. Nest Tulum

Tucked away at the south end of Tulum Beach, Nest is one of the area’s most exclusive retreats.

The nine minimalist rooms (and a four-bedroom private villa) have whitewashed walls and an eclectic mix of furniture that will have you flipping over chairs to find out who made them.

Breakfast starts with a shot of probiotics (this is Tulum, after all), paired with whatever you fancy from the kitchen (huevos rancheros, pancakes, eggs, yogurt, or granola).

After a solid day on the beach, head back up to the bar for complimentary happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m.

Mexico Travel Insurance

I can’t say this enough, but please get insurance when traveling to Mexico! Even if you are only going on a short trip, you should always travel with insurance.

Have fun while visiting Mexico, but take it from someone who has racked up thousands of bucks on an insurance claim before; you need it.

 Make sure to get your insurance before you head off on an adventure!  I highly recommend Travelex Insurance.

Tulum Safety FAQs: Your Top 15 Questions Answered

Final Verdict: Is Tulum Worth the Safety Concerns?

After five visits to Tulum between 2019 and 2025 including solo trips, girls’ weekends, and press visits.

My answer is an emphatic yes.

Tulum is absolutely safe and absolutely worth visiting.

Although Tulum has changed dramatically since my first visit. It’s no longer the secret bohemian hideaway it was in 2015.

The tourism boom brought world-class restaurants, luxury hotels, and wellness retreats but also more people, higher prices, and yes, increased petty crime.

The crime index remains lower than Memphis, New Orleans, or Detroit, cities I visit regularly without giving safety a second thought.

Take these final steps before you go:

• Get comprehensive travel insurance (medical emergencies, trip cancellation, theft coverage)
• Download offline maps of Tulum
• Save U.S. Embassy contact numbers: 01 800 681 9374
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
• Learn basic Spanish phrases (por favor, gracias, cuánto cuesta)
• Book accommodations with verified reviews on Booking.com or Airbnb
• Pack a portable door lock and carbon monoxide detector
• Share your detailed itinerary with someone back home

Tulum remains one of the most magical destinations I’ve ever visited.

The crystal-clear water, jungle cenotes, incredible food, yoga retreats, and ancient Mayan history haven’t changed.

Don’t let fear-based travel advisories and sensationalized headlines keep you from experiencing one of Mexico’s most beautiful destinations.

Go to Tulum. Be smart. Be aware. Be respectful. And prepare to fall in love.

Last Updated: December 2025 | Based on my 5 personal visits to Tulum between 2019-2025

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