Is Tulum Safe in 2025? What You Need to Know Before You Go

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Let’s get right to it: Is Tulum safe? The short answer is yes, but with a few important caveats, like using common sense and not buying drugs.

I’ve been to Tulum multiple times over the years, and while the jungle-chic hotels and beachside restaurants are still dreamy, it’s not the sleepy, off-grid town it used to be.

Like most places that go from hidden gem to international hotspot overnight, the vibe has shifted and so has the crime.

Now, before you start canceling your girls’ trip or honeymoon plans, let’s add some context. Tulum is in Quintana Roo, a Mexican state that’s home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel.

According to the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory, Quintana Roo is listed as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. This means you should be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, but it’s not considered a no-go zone.

To put it in perspective, this is the same advisory level given to France and Spain.

Now, I won’t sugarcoat it there have been some headlines about cartel-related violence in the region. But the reality on the ground is that most incidents have nothing to do with tourists, and the vast majority of travelers (like me) visit Tulum without a single issue.

What often does trip people up is carelessness: flashing designer bags, getting too drunk to get home safely, or trusting the wrong people.

And honestly, that can happen in Miami or Mykonos, too.

The links in this post may be affiliate links.  That means that if you click them and make a purchase, this site makes a commission.  It will have no impact on the price you pay or the experience of your purchase.

If you’re planning a trip and want to feel confident, not paranoid, I recommend downloading my Comprehensive Travel Safety Guide.

I created it because I was tired of hearing “just be careful” without any real advice. This guide is packed with checklists, safety essentials, and practical tips especially for women travelers who love adventure and good judgment.

The bottom line? Tulum is still worth visiting. Yes, it’s changed. Yes, you need to be alert. But it’s also full of culture, beauty, and moments that will have you pulling out your phone to capture it all just make sure you’re also paying attention to what’s going on around you.

If you’re wondering if Tulum is safe for solo female travelers, let me break down what I actually experienced, not what the headlines say, cause you all can’t believe anything from the U.S. media.

I’m sharing the Tulum travel safety tips I wish someone had told me before I packed my bags and booked that boutique hotel.

Yes, Tulum is safe for tourists… but it’s not the untouched paradise it used to be.

I know the news can make the Tulum crime rate in 2025 sound wild but most of the issues are far from the tourist zones where I stayed.

But like many popular tourist hotspots, it’s also dealing with increased crime, over-tourism, and some safety concerns that travelers need to be aware of.

That doesn’t mean you should cancel your trip, but it does mean you should travel smart.

Want to see the full breakdown? Click here to watch the entire video on YouTube.

Is Tulum Safe Right Now?

As of 2025, the main safety concerns in Tulum aren’t violent crimes against tourists but rather:

• Petty theft and scams – Pickpocketing, ATM skimming, and overcharging at restaurants and taxis are common.
• Nightlife risks – Some bars and clubs are tied to organized crime, and there have been reports of drink spiking.
• Police corruption – Some tourists have experienced bribery situations, especially with traffic stops or minor infractions.

That said, the majority of travelers go to Tulum, enjoy their trip, and come back with nothing but amazing beach photos.

But ignoring the realities of the area won’t do you any favors, so let’s talk about who should be extra cautious and how to stay safe.

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.

My Personal Experience

Every time I’ve visited Tulum, I’ve felt safe overall but that’s because I took precautions. I stayed in well-reviewed hotels, used private transportation instead of random taxis, and avoided certain areas after dark.

And guess what? I still had an amazing time, enjoyed the beaches, and ate my weight in tacos.

Tulum isn’t unsafe, but it’s not carefree, either. If you go in with the right mindset and awareness, you’ll be able to enjoy everything this gorgeous destination has to offer without unnecessary stress.

In this guide, I’ll break down the safest areas to stay, common scams to avoid, and the best tips for staying safe in Tulum so you can have a worry-free trip.

In the state of Quintana Roo, which includes Tulum, the US State Department travel advisory is at Level 2, or “exercise increased caution” (as opposed to six other states in Mexico, where the advisory is Level 4, which is “Do not travel”).

Tulum Travel Advisory

• UPDATED: February 26, 2025
• Warnings for Travelers Heading to Mexico

According to the U.S. State Department, violence related to crime such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery remains a serious concern in many parts of Mexico.

These crimes are reportedly widespread and frequent, and local law enforcement struggles to contain them in several areas.

The U.S. government has limited its ability to provide emergency services in certain regions, as U.S. government personnel are prohibited or restricted from traveling to specific parts of Mexico.

This information comes as the State Department emphasizes that many states in Mexico have limited emergency services outside their state capitals or major cities.

Tourists heading to more rural or remote locations are encouraged to be extra vigilant, as these regions may not have the same access to emergency assistance that major urban centers provide.

I know you want to take your beautiful Fendi bags and jewelry on vacation, but please keep them at home because they are not worth losing your life over to flex on vacation.

You should also review the general Mexico Travel advisory for the latest recommendations before booking your trip to Mexico.

Statistically speaking, despite media sensationalism, U.S. travelers are safer in Riveria Maya than in most U.S. cities.

Tulum currently has a crime index of 36.15. When you look at the crime rate in Memphis, Cancun is much lower than the rating of 76.27. See the comparison here.

Most Common Scams in Tulum 

Be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for fake taxis, watered-down drinks, car rental scams, and foreign exchange scams, which are just a few of the scams you should be on the lookout for while in Tulum.

Most locals aren’t out to rob you or get over on you, but you should always be careful and aware of your surroundings to avoid falling prey and becoming a scammer’s next lucrative customer.

• 🚗 Mexico car rental scam: This (deceptive) practice is not exclusive to Mexico but is something car rental companies worldwide do by trying to upsell you things you don’t need. 
• 💶 Fake ATMs: Use only ATMs inside reputable banks; never a random ATM on the street, convenience store ATMs, or gas station ATMs.
• 🚕 Fake Taxis: Use Uber in Mexico or only take authorized taxis from official stations, called sitios (taxi sites), instead of hailing a cab on the street. Better yet, use Uber, especially at the airport.
• 🥟 Restaurant Scams: Always double-check your bill to ensure everything adds up correctly; you may have been charged only for what you ordered, etc.
• ⚠️ Police Corruption –  The timing and locations of these incidents can be unpredictable, but corrupt authorities often seek opportunities for bribes in situations where tourists might stray from the rulebook—such as being under the influence, carrying drugs, or speeding. To avoid trouble, it’s crucial to prevent public impact, especially alone, and strictly adhere to the local laws.

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 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. 

Which 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 allow the media to make you believe Mexico is unsafe. 

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.

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.

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.

They can contact your family or friends for you if you wish.

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

Drinking Tainted Alcohol

The country has a robust illegal trade in alcoholic beverages that has either been unlawfully adulterated or produced under unregulated conditions, and people in Mexico occasionally become ill, with some dying, from drinking tainted alcohol.

The last time I visited Cabo San Lucas, I got sick from tainted alcohol, and it was from a swanky upscale restaurant 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!

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 t 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.

Is Tulum Safer than Cancun

Yes, Tulum is safer than Cancun, but because it is much smaller, there is less crime.  Cancun is the ultimate party and spring break destination, and with that comes crime like pickpocketing and sexual assaults.  

Wear Sunscreen in Tulum

You didn’t fly to Mexico to stay inside but please beware that Mexican rays are intense and can lead to a severe burn or sun poisoning, especially during the warmer spring and summer months.

The sun in Tulum is pretty strong and high in damaging UV rays. Stay hydrated and limit the amount of sun you get based on your skin type.

• Staying in the shade as much as possible.
• Protecting skin with clothing.
• Applying sunscreen to protect skin from harmful rays.
• Wearing a hat, preferably with at least 2-3 inches brim.
• Wear sunglasses to protect yourself from UV rays.

Tulum Travel Restrictions

ASSISTANCE FOR U.S. CITIZENS

• U.S. Embassy
• Paseo de la Reforma 305
  Colonia Cuauhtemoc
  Mexico, D.F., Mexico C.P.
  06500
•  Telephone
• 011-52-55-5080-2000
•  Emergency
• American Citizen Services: 01 800 681 9374 (toll-free in Mexico) / 81 4160 5512 (from within Mexico) / 844 528 6611 (toll-free in the U.S.)
•  Fax
• 011-52-55-5080-2201
•  Email
• ACSMexicoCity@state.gov
•  Website
• U.S. Embassy Mexico City

Please Follow the Rules Below for Traveling to Mexico:

• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make locating you in an emergency easier.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Mexico.

U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergencies. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

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.

✈️ Get Travel Insurance NOW! Travelex Is my preferred Insurance

ADDITIONAL USEFUL RESOURCES TO HELP YOU EXPLORE MEXICO

• Expedia: the best website for finding cheap flight deals and hotels to and from Athens.
• Hotels.com: another excellent hotel booking website for finding fabulous Athens accommodation.
• Tripadvisor: this famous review website now allows you to book accommodation and tours directly as well.
• Get Your Guide: my favorite resource for finding tours and activities in Athens and elsewhere.
• Viator: another excellent option for finding fun things to do, skip-the-line tickets,   and fabulous tours in Athens.

FAQ Section

Conclusion: Is Tulum Safe and Tulum Travel Advisory 

Yes, Tulum is safe!

Thanks for reading my safety guide to Tulum! I hope I’ve helped answer the question: is Tulum safe for travel right now?

Again, while there is no doubt that there has been horrible violence in Mexico due to drug wars between cartels, the violence has, for the most part, been in isolated areas. 

Of course, there are certain areas to avoid in Tulum, but it is no different than being in your own hometown, where crime is restricted to certain areas. 

DO NOT allow the U.S. media to shape your thoughts and views of Tulum because they are not only misleading but wrong!  

💡 Need help getting travel-ready?
👉 Grab my Comprehensive Travel Safety Guide eBook – It’s just $19.99 and will change how you travel
👉 Shop my Amazon Safety Must-Haves – From TSA-approved locks to discreet travel pouches
👉 Get Trusted Travel Insurance – Because peace of mind is priceless
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ADDITIONAL ARTICLES

Is Cancun Safe for Tourists

Is Mexico City Safe for Tourists

Unique Things to Do in Cancun

Are you traveling to Tulum, Mexico, for summer or fall break? Are you worried about the uptick in crime the city is experiencing due to the influx of travelers?

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