Is Tulum Safe in 2024: Explore Safety Tips and Crime Index Rate!

Is Tulum safe to travel in 2024? Tulum is a captivating city in Quintana Roo state. This is a popular tourist site due to its pristine beaches and ancient ruins. However, as Mexico is notorious for crimes, the city also has a reasonable portion of dangers. According to Numbeo, the overall crime index of the city is 37.98%. So, how can you visit Tulum safely?

Continue reading to learn about the situation of cartels and kidnappings in the area. Get to know about the most common scams in the city and how you can save yourself from them. Also, uncover the city’s transportation safety and bad and good neighborhoods. With that, let’s dive in!

Is Tulum Safe to Visit in 2024 – Key Takeaways

1. Cartel Violence Risk – MEDIUM
2. Kidnappings Risk – LOW
3. Fraud Risk – LOW
4. Petty Theft Risk – MEDIUM
5. Level of Danger When Driving – MEDIUM
6. Level of Danger in Buses – LOW
7. Level of Danger in Taxi – LOW
8. Level of Danger at Night – LOW
9. Bad Areas – Unpopular beach areas (Carribean Beach Resort), The city’s outskirts (Jungle Municipality of Tulum)
10. Safe Places – Playa Ruinas (Tulum Ruins Beach), Antojitos la Chiapaneca, Playa Pescadores, Cenote Aldea Zama, Batey Bar Tulum
11. Crime in Tulum compared to other cities in Mexico – Rating based on real reviews from travelers and locals according to Numbeo. Crime index meaning: 0-20 is very low, 20-40 is low, 40-60 is moderate, 60-80 is high, and 80-100 is very high.

How do we determine risk levels:

All material presented in this article is based on official Mexican and U.S. government data and recommendations, statistics from reputable publications, and local news reports. The information is intended for general guidance purposes only and does not constitute professional travel advice.

Our danger level study is based on:

1. Mexican government statistics National incidents of crime for 2023, January 2024.
2. US Government travel advisory levels and precautions in 2024.
3. US Government travel map in 2024.
4. Risk map analysis of the Mexico Cartel War in 2023.
5. Elcri map of most violent tourist destinations and homicides map upon on the Mexican Justice System and the INEGI in 2023 and 2024.
6. Numbeo’s statistics are derived from the real experiences of travelers and residents in 2024.
7. News summaries from local presses as well as authoritative resources from Mexico and the United States in 2023 and 2024. In some cases, these data are taken for an earlier period if the type of crime or hazard is not present in 2023 and 2024.

Each risk level will be indicated by a different color red for high risk, orange for medium risk, and green for low risk.

Risk Levels Meaning:

1. High Risk: High number of offenses in the last year, skyrocketing incidents, crime rate higher than the Mexican average. Regarding Numbeo travelers express fear and concern.
2. Medium Risk: The amount of infractions over the past year is close to the national average. Visitors’ worries and concerns are at a moderate level according to Numbeo.
3. Low Risk: Low number of prior year offenses, there has been a decrease in incidents, and crime is lower than the Mexican average. Travelers feel safe according to Numbeo statistics.

Is Tulum Safe For Tourists: Everything You Need to Know About Crime in Tulum

The 2024 report of the National Citizen Observatory (NCO) mentions a total of 212 crimes in Tulum as of February. Which is only 3% of the total number of crimes in the state – 8,631.

Now if we discuss the 2023 stats, only 1,155 crimes occurred in the city while 54,327 crimes were reported in the Quintana Roo state. This number is fairly small compared to overall offenses reported in the state and especially in the country.

Considering all these stats, let’s discuss the crimes that happen within the city in detail:

Cartel Violence Risk – Moderate

Tulum’s reputation as a tourist hub has grown, drawing visitors from the U.S. and Canada. Unfortunately, alongside its popularity, Tulum has become a focal point for drug distribution, leading to an increase in cartel-related incidents. Global Guardian mentions that the following are the cartels in Quintana Roo:

1. CDS (Sinaloa Cartel);
2. CJNG (Jalisco New Generation Cartel);
3. Gulf Cartel;
4. Grupo Regional.

However, the main gangs are CJNG and CDS. They have been involved in cartel-related violence in the city. On February 11, 2023, VICE News shared such a tragic report. 4 local workers from Playa del Carmen, a resort in Tulum, were discovered tortured and killed inside a vehicle.

Apart from this incident, around 89 homicides were reported in Tulum in 2023, as per research by the National Citizen Observatory. Extending these stats to 2024, 19 homicides have been reported as of February. So, please take necessary safety precautions like traveling in groups and avoiding outskirt areas.

Kidnappings Risk – Low

When it comes to kidnapping concerns, Quintana Roo as well as Tulum are quite safe. There hasn’t been a single reported incident of abductions in the entire state and Tulum in 2024 according to Semaforo’s official report.

When you look at the stats of the National Citizen Observatory in 2023, there were only 4 related incidents in Quintana Roo. But, there were no kidnappings in Tulum last year. However, to ensure you don’t fall into any unwanted abduction-related incidents avoid showing off, follow general safety tips, and stay in contact with local authorities.

Fraud Risk – Low

If you want to know about the fraud in Tulum, this place is very safe. The Mexican Government reported only 181 cases in 2023 in the state.

As per Tulum, the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System reported 22 reported incidents in January-February 2024.

Below are some of the most common frauds that you should be aware of:

1. Taxi Tricks: You may fall for exorbitant fares in Downtown Tulum and even bargaining doesn’t lead to significantly lower prices. Some tourists reported fares of 2400 pesos (around USD 140) for a 10-15 minute ride.
2. Excessive Tipping: Tipping in Tulum can be unique, with 15-20% typically included in your bill. However, being cautious is crucial as servers may ask for extra tips, creating awkward situations. Some restaurants go a step further, adding a 20% tip without your consent.
3. Change Check: When shopping in Tulum, stay alert, locals might attempt to replace a higher denomination bill with a lower one when giving change. Always stop and verify your change, even if it causes a delay in the line.

Petty Theft Risk – Moderate

The crime rate for theft in Tulum stands at 44.29 as per Numbeo. The most popular taken are belongings, like phones, wallets, and rare – vehicles. The National Citizen Observatory reported about robberies amid violent incidents:

1. 72 cases when passers-by were looted in Tulum in 2023;
2. 12 reported thefts in the city in January-February 2024.

Avoiding Bad Areas

Although Tulum is generally safe, some areas pose dangers for travelers. I have mentioned these bad places below:

1. Unpopular beach areas (Carribean Beach Resort): There are some places like secluded beaches which are not very populated. Going to these places can be dangerous for you due to high cartel-related activity. For example, 2 Canadian bloggers died in a cross-firing incident at a local coastal bar in 2021, The Guardian reports.
2. The city’s outskirts (Jungle Municipality of Tulum): You need to avoid the outskirts or less-populated areas of the city as many dangers can lurk there. For example, The Yucatan Times reports the absence of 3 minors in the jungles of Tulum in February 2024. However, due to timely notification, the police were able to find them.

Is It Safe To Travel To Tulum Mexico: The Detailed Guide on Transportation

Getting around Tulum is a breeze, thanks to its straightforward transportation. In the city, you have multiple options: rent a car, take a shared van, or hop on the ADO bus, costing USD 12 per person. If you are in town or planning to visit Tulum, continue reading as I have discussed all these transportation options.

Is it Safe to Drive in Tulum? Moderate Risk

When it comes to exploring Tulum, renting a car and hitting the road can offer a greater sense of freedom and is generally safe. This allows you to reach more secluded spots like

1. Cobá Ruins;
2. Punta Laguna Nature Park;
3. Dos Ojos Cenote.

However, you need to be aware of car theft in the city. As per a report from the National Citizen Observatory, there were 30 vehicle robberies in the city as of February 2024. Further, driving yourself can be a hassle as Numbeo mentions a high traffic index of 89.58. This means there could be high traffic or jams affecting smooth travel.

Safety in Buses in Tulum – Low Risk

Traveling on buses and collectivos in Tulum Mexico is generally safe. Also, there are low reported instances of mugging or robbery, as per Numbeo, at 33.09. Even the National Citizen Observatory’s 2023 report says that there were only 4 public-transport-related robberies in Tulum. On top of that, there was not even a single such reported case in 2024.

If you are traveling via public bus in Tulum, the following are the bus options:

1. Playa del Carmen;
2. Cancun;
3. Bacalar.

While the travel time is longer compared to a car ride, taking the ADO bus means a 3-4 hour journey from Cancun International Airport to Tulum. A few times, the ADO website poses challenges for users, especially those with U.S. credit cards. To simplify the booking process for Tulum ADO bus tickets, consider using platforms like BusBud.

Safety in Taxis in Tulum – Low Risk

Taxis in Tulum are quite safe and offer a convenient way to reach various destinations, such as nearby cenotes and ruins. While taxis are convenient, they can sometimes be a bit pricey. A minimum charge of 100 pesos (approximately $6) is common for a short 3-mile ride from town to the beach. Rates may increase, especially during nighttime.

However, always opt for official taxis rather than accepting rides from individuals approaching you. Official taxis have specific colors, such as:

1. White with Green Lines: For Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
2. White with Red Lines: For Cozumel, Tulum, and Playa Mujeres.

Moreover, you can also opt for Uber.

Is Tulum Mexico Safe at Night? Low Risk

Tulum is very safe even at night. The Safety Index for walking alone during the night is reported as 68.57% according to Numbeo which is considered high. The police didn’t report any notable case that put the city’s night safety at risk.

However, as previously mentioned, there have been 72 reported cases of robberies targeting passers-by in the city, as per the National Citizen Observatory. So, it’s essential to exercise caution.

Apart from the tragic incidents, there are many things that you can enjoy in Tulum at night time:

1. Appreciate a dining experience in the heart of Tulum Pueblo. Here, a private jungle garden sets the stage for a luxurious four-course dinner and a mezcal-tasting session.
2. Visit the Xplor Fuego Park, where nighttime adventures include cave rafting, and ATV riding under starlit skies.
3. Indulge your taste buds on a Tulum Mexico Street Food Tour, savoring traditional tacos like picadillo, chorizo verde, and al pastor.

Safe Places to Visit in Tulum

Tulum, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere, also offers safe havens for visitors seeking tranquility and security. The following are the 5 safest places that can make your Tulum visit much better.

1. Playa Ruinas (Tulum Ruins Beach): Located beneath the famous ruins, this Tulum beach is a calm and beautiful place along the azure Caribbean Sea. You can get there by going down from the ruins. You can find vendors selling cold water and snacks, and you can use the bathrooms at Tulum Ruins.
2. Antojitos la Chiapaneca: Known for its delectable late-night offerings, Antojitos la Chiapaneca provides a unique culinary experience. Open at night, you can enjoy flavorful and budget-friendly late-night dining, especially mouth-watering tacos.

3. Playa Pescadores: Considered one of the best public beaches in Tulum, it is also known as Fisherman’s Beach and offers clean shores. You can see local fishermen’s wooden boats in the early morning. The beach has amenities like restaurants, bars, and public restrooms, making it a safe and convenient choice.

4. Cenote Aldea Zama: In case you want a natural getaway, Cenote Aldea Zama is the only free cenote that’s open to the public when you visit Tulum. This small but beautiful cenote has clear water and allows jumping from heights of 3-5 feet.
5. Batey Bar Tulum: It serves as the perfect spot to relax and indulge in the local nightlife. This cozy bar is renowned for its signature mojitos, appetizers, and top-notch ceviche. Also, live music performances can take your drinking experience to the next level.

Tulum Safety Tips for Added Security

As we head to the conclusion, it is crucial to provide you with essential tips for safety in Tulum that will contribute to a secure and enjoyable experience:

1. Secure Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies and other unforeseen events. SafetyWing offers affordable travel insurance with up to $5,000 for trip interruption.
2. Steer Clear of Drug Transactions: In Mexico, strict anti-drug laws mandate severe penalties, with a $500-$1000 fine, and a maximum of at least one year in prison for drug-related offenses. Quintana Roo in Mexico addresses increasing drug use during spring vacations, urging tourists to sign the Drug Law Awareness Agreement to deter such activities.
3. Dealing With Police: When stopped by the police, stay calm, and verify the officer’s identity first as many corruption cases are reported. Avoid bribery, as fines must be paid at an official office within three days for potential discounts of 30-35%.
4. Avoid Nighttime Driving: For enhanced safety, favor daytime travel, particularly avoiding driving between 2-4 a.m. when the circadian rhythm is at its lowest, heightening crash risks. The NHTSA highlights a threefold increase in fatal nighttime crashes.
5. Stay Updated on Local News and Advisories: Travel advisories for Spring Break Travel were issued by the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico on 24th February 2024. These advisories provide a comprehensive overview of each state, including information on both secure and insecure areas.
6. Avoid Flashing Valuables: Exercise caution by refraining from showcasing valuable possessions. Leave high-end jewelry at home, carry modest denominations of currency, and hide smartphones to avoid potential theft.
7. Stick to Popular Tourist Destinations: While it might be tempting to explore untouched beauty, being in remote areas makes you an easy target. Visit secure areas like Tankah Bay, with guards available 24/7 that allow you to enjoy your stay with peace of mind.
8. Keep Emergency Contacts: Keep all the emergency-related contacts with you. For medical emergencies, immediately call Tulum Mexico General Hospital at (984) 871 2271. For violence, drug cartel, or petty theft-related issues, call Tulum touristic police at (984) 849 7133.

FAQs

Conclusion

So, let’s finalize, is Tulum safe to visit? As per NumbeoTulum has a low crime index of 37.98. The National Observatory Report further cements this stat by highlighting only 212 crimes in January-February 2024 and 1,155 in 2023.

According to US Travel Advisory, US employees have no restrictions to visit the parent state Quintana Roo, but travelers should exercise caution after dark when they are in Tulum. If you visit the city, avoid unpopular beach motels and jungle municipalities for a safe trip.

To have the best traveling experience, you can explore Tulum’s top attractions like Antojitos, enjoy diving into nature at Cenote Aldea Zama, and stay track at Batey Bar. But, as a precautionary measure, don’t forget to have reliable travel insurance, follow regional police instructions, avoid flashing valuables, and keep them within the hotel room safe.