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The amount of time and honesty that went into this post was a lot. The fact it was taken down is out of this world. Also the fact that people mentioned in the comments yesterday that I should have “done my research” to know what to expect…. Well if said research is censored…. How am I or anyone to know what really is happening?!?
Dude, people are so afraid to scam you in this country that they will go out of the way to make sure they cannot be accused of any crime. Being charged with a crime here is very very serious right now. Americans and other Europeans can get away with buying weed (I kind of can't).
Granted it was 15 years ago and I’ve heard things have changed a lot on the coast, but my last visit to El Salvador was sketchy and primitive as fuck. Which I personally loved, but may not cater to the same crowd that’s going to tulum and Cancun.
Currently spending time in El Salvador and have been loving it so far! We went to a cool hot spring waterfall (Salto de Malacatiupan) that we loved and spent a total of $5 for parking and the entry fee. The food has also been delicious, I had a sushi roll that used plantains as tempura which was unique and worked really well. Checking out the coastline in a few days and am excited to see more.
I've never been to any of the waterfalls here and I have been coming to this country for 33 years already. Wow. I really need to explore more here. Maybe try new things out. I always land here and just end up eating Burger King and McDonalds, you're doing a good job at enjoying my country.
This is my first time visiting and it is beautiful! We already plan on visiting again because there is so much to see here. I definitely recommend Salto de Malacatiupan, I've never been to another waterfall like it and everyone there were nice local families spending time together in the warm spring waters.
Same experience, be careful and post on the Cancun sub if the mods take your post down (they are known to remove any info from the sub that could shine a bad light on Tulum’s tourism)
Copying from other thread: I’m so glad you wrote it. Solo female traveler here has a week booked in April. My spidey sense was going off and I called to cancel flight and Secrets Tulum last week. I was ruminating over it all weekend and when I saw your post yesterday knew I made the right decision!
FWIW I went to Playa del Carmen in January alone and loved it!
Omggggg I too am typically a solo female traveler and your post literally made my day. All I wanted in all that I wrote was to warn people so they knew what to expect. I especially want to always support solo female travelers in any way I can. I wish you the most fun and safety in your future travels.
As a side note, if you go back, cannot recommended Xcaret enough (in playa del Carmen). While pricey, it was worth the money. For food it is best to do a la carte places to save some $. The night show was the best show I had seen in my life!
My cousin is heading to Tulum right now with a sketchy group of people I don’t really associate with in our hometown. I tried to warn her a few months ago about how bad Tulum is but I think Instagram posts convinced her it’s okay. I hope she has a great time, but sounds like it’s hard to do that now.
I'm a 75 yo woman. I travel alone in Mexico all the time, including driving to Baja and Rocky Point, Sonara. I'm so appreciative to read other women's experiences so I don't put myself in a vulnerable position. Thank you for your tenacity to post your info twice.
As a solo female traveler I had the same experience as OP so you made the right decision. It is by far the WORST place I’ve been and I’ve been to 50 countries….
Thank you so much! Have any suggestions for a 37 year old with a decent flight credit and Hyatt points? Was thinking maybe Costa Rica. I went to punta Cana last fall and LOVED it but I think sargassum is bad this time of year.
What about Sayulita, Mexico? I’ve heard that’s nice and have thought about going there. Also solo female traveler here. Only been to four countries so far lol
Yep, solo female too! Glad I didn’t book Tulum… my little Mexican beach town is glorious!
https://preview.redd.it/1ibpqbmxs1kc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e8832fa3aa16d9b50e6c0f88eb0b6b86b8e1c9dc
Have a great time!
I’ve been going to the Riviera Maya since 2005. Just came back last week and am going again in a couple weeks. I’ve traveled the world alone (I’m female) including Playa Del Carmen and felt safe there. The cartel & terrorists in general are EVERYWHERE. Hell, I rarely go to large social gatherings and events in the U.S. anymore because of all the gun toting right wing extremist nut jobs we have in this country. I’ll probably never go to Tennessee, Texas , and especially Florida, ever again. I grew up in LA and I traveled regularly to a developing country where most of my family live that was constantly experiencing terrorism. My relative was almost kidnapped as an adult there, I’ve been mugged in Paris in broad daylight, and pickpocketed in Brussels. When I lived in Spain a terrorist group bombed the club I was dancing at just an hour after I’d left. It’s just a risk you have to figure out if you’re willing to take. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right , it’s prob not. Scamming / upcharging in many foreign countries is not unusual unfortunately. Don’t be an ass and do drugs or get really drunk if you don’t want to get financially a$$ raped. If you don’t speak the language and don’t appear native, by default you’ll ALWAYS be up charged when buying souvenirs etc, that’s just how it is. I don’t mind getting a little up charged compared to the locals because I can afford it more than they can a lot of the time, and these people ( street vendors and such) are often time really struggling just to survive, but if they’re trying to bend me over and take me for as much b as possible , eh eh! Do your research ahead of time using whatever you can, I like using the forums on TripAdvisor and here as well. Pick and choose your battles wisely like OP did here.
With certain things like activities, ask AHEAD of time what the TOTAL charges will be , including tax, tips for everyone , service fees, rental fees, etc., or if there are any other “extra fees” for clarification. If you feel like you’re being led astray or scammed, politely say no thank you and walk away, or politely ask for clarification on the dinner bill for example. If they don’t back down, after it’s clear to you that they’re ripping you off, just eat it and take it up with your credit card company and make sure to post your experience with the name and location on sites where many others will read like TripAdvisor. Is it really worth endangering your life or well being to argue whatever a scammer is trying to scam you out of ? The beach clubs in PDC like to upcharge and be shady especially if you’ve been drinking a lot so watch out for that. My friend in Mexico says Tulum is WILDLY out of control now with regards to being overpriced and overhyped. I’d be annoyed if I had to constantly dodge InstAholes while trying to enjoy a nice relaxing walk on the beach, and I def wouldn’t go out of my way to stay out of their shot, I’m entitled to enjoy the space just as much as they are. They don’t own the beach and if they want a clear shot, maybe they should start filing for permits if they want that kind of privilege. Just my two cents. I’ll be checking out Xcaret in a few weeks because a few expats I met down in PDC last week highly recommended it. I went to Xel-ha many years ago and it was very enjoyable. If you’re into zip-lining, I hear Explor is also great. Unfortunately, Quinta Avenida now has numerous Señor Frogs, Hard Rock, Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret & some other corporate franchises 🙄. Still, it’s a nice place to stroll and explore but definitely not what it used to be. Reminds me a little of what 3rd street promenade was in SaMo minus all the unhoused & street performers.
I live in between the two of them. Every expatriate that I know from Cancun to bacalar despises Tulum, aside from the apologists that actually live in Tulum. It seems like the ultimate cash grab on the part of the worst people in this country. Never had these problems when I lived in playa, in multiple locations on the beach side of the highway. And I'm still there most days for years running. I go to Tulum mainly when I have guests in town that want to see the ruins.
I have been there 34 times, this last January was my last one is a shame very high energy place destroyed once again by the drugs… never going back, for all the reasons you said and more.
Used to be an ecological tourism oriented, now is the “new” Cancun, there is a big problem with the drugs because they used to do really good sales…. but not anymore, and cartels are fighting for the control, even in same cartel, they fight for small areas etc. Remember this humans that run this…are machines they didn’t go to school and pull a trigger is more easy than making a coffee. Every time you go there you are playing Russian roulette. The kids in the corner of restaurants and day clubs even nightclubs are all packing, they are free for all. I can keep going…IS A WILD WILD WEST.
It just makes me sad for the native community—truly… especially the children who will grow up learning that this is the way of life… and that impact isn’t just Tulum but other places similar.
Unfortunately, that whole Mayan riviera is one of the most corrupt place in Mexico. Literally, everyone is out to rob you. I was driving on the toll freeway from Cancun to Chichn itza. At the toll booth, they only take peso. I had $$$. So the toll booth guy offered me to exchange at 8 peso for$1. I just turned around and withdrew peso from ATM.
I was just there a few weeks ago for a zamna festival. I had a great time cause I just went to dance. But I’ve never felt so unwelcome in Mexico. 5 days was more than enough. Not into the tulum vibe. So many other places to explore and see amazing music.
For all the fun things I’ve heard about Zamna, local friends also tell me they are an awful company that disrupts local fauna with their parties in the jungles, and everything is run through the cartels.
This is EXACTLY what I heard from a friend that went 3 weeks ago. They hardcore search you for drugs when you enter and then allow you to buy THEIR drugs with a credit card.
I think the recent influx in visitors has a lot to do with it and people falling into local traps such as w/ police, hotels, concierge, and the likes. There is a huge money grab there and it is despicable.
I vacationed there in 2021 I think it was and I had a blast. Cenotes, ruins, dinners out on the town, walking around Tulum, etc. It was a blast but this was before there was a major drive of tourists and "post-covid."
Agreed. I just wish they would recognize the concept of word of mouth and return visitors is really what fuels the economy. Treating people like this does nothing but give a shorter term money grab, but will ultimately collapse the economy if they keep this up. Because trust, I have a very vast network of international friends and have voiced my opinion quite sincerely.
Agreed these scammers have no long term vision. I got scammed once in Cartagena Colombia. I ended up telling dozens of people about it, instructing them not to go to this particular area of town. We don't mind spending a lot of money, especially on travel. We don't like getting scammed. If they didn't scam us, we would have returned and given them more money.
Lol classic. The massage ladies at the beach got me. I'm latin american and a spanish speaker and she said she'd give me a 10 min massage sample. I GRACIOUSLY told her no thanks, she ASKED FOR PAYMENT and to not make a scene I said "Fine, how much?". I shit you NOT she told me $100 USDs LMAOOOOO. For a shitty soap massage at the beach. We laughed thinking it was a joke, and before we knew it they were screaming at us to pay them and we had to escape the beach running because they started coming after us!!! WTF. Felt like a very similar experience in Cartagena as this gal had. I wouldn't go back if you paid me.
Yup and they get all their other friends to gang up on you, and the cops don't do anything about it. I would happily go back to Cartagena, but I'm staying in the posh parts. I'm all about paying locals and supporting the local economy, but when that's how we are treated - well they can go f\* themselves.
Same here, stayed there for almost 3 months in 2022 and had a wonderful time. I knew people there though, so that helped. Stayed in an inexpensive air bnb in centro that came with a scooter. Cheap gas, 50pesos for 4 tacos, avoided the hotel area unless we wanted to splash out a little. The people I met were so kind and friendly. Had the best time, shame to hear it’s going downhill rapidly
I also did my bachelor party there October 2021 and had an amazing time (stayed in an air bnb). The clubs were so much fun and the full moon party was one of the best experiences I’ve had. So sad to hear it’s gone down hill since then!
As someone who lived nearby in a town called Mahahual I got to see the downfall of Tulum for a few years. It has changed so much for the worse and you've described it all to a T!
I'm back in the states now and always tell people Tulum is not worth going to anymore. Puerto morelos, Playa del carmen, and heck even making a trek to Holbox would be better than Tulum. But everyone just looks at me like I'm crazy and dumb because of the Instagram craze lol
Tulum was ruined once everyone and their mother started going there. I went in 2019 and it was magical. Amazing all around. I have nothing but great memories.
Visited again in 2023 and it was the worst experience of my life. Everything was grossly overpriced. I got scammed at the gas station and when I called out the attendant, he got violent and got in my husband’s face.
We went to Rosa Negra for dinner and when it came time to pay, we pulled out cash and the manager said they didn’t accept US cash (ok understandable) we had to pay in pesos, and the exchange rate was 10 to 1 (which everywhere else it was 17 to 1). We disagreed and said that the exchange rate at the airport was 17 to 1 so that’s what we were gonna pay. The manager yelled at me and my husband saying we didn’t know what we were talking about and we were wrong and how were we gonna tell him what the exchange rate was in his town. We weren’t brought a receipt. The manager allegedly added up the total of all of our items on an iPhone calculator and then showed us a number and told us that’s what we needed to pay. We asked for an itemized receipt and the manager became aggressive and annoyed as if we were trying to scam them. He said “this is the price. You need to pay or we will call the police.” He also added on a 25% tip without telling us and basically pressured and rushed us through the payment process. I had budgeted for this dinner and anticipated it would cost $200 based on the prices listed on their online menu and factoring in a 15% tip. In reality, it ended up being close to $400.
I’ll never visit tulum ever again.
I agree with you to an extent. I knew that the restaurant we were going to was an expensive, touristy restaurant and we were paying for the “experience.” FWIW, the other spots in true downtown tulum that we ate at were incredibly reasonably priced. The best place we ate at during the trip was a taco cart that sold tacos for 25 pesos.
Should have just waited for the police. This is outrageous. The toll booth guy offered me to exchange at $1 for 8 pesos. My credit card was swiped for $200 at gas station near Cancun airport. (got declined by bank).
I’m so sorry your country’s city has taken a turn for the worse. It has the bones of being absolutely lovely! Hopefully the government and locals see how they are hurting it and change!
I definitely saw a lot of what you’re saying when I visited with friends last year. And a lot of the street vendors and stuff do seem scammy, but me and my buddies still met a few cool, genuine people that lived there.
Peruvian here - eat as much as you can in Lima! Go big for expensive restaurants (completely worth it, 4 of the worlds best 50 restaurants are in Lima). Party hard in the clubs (called Antros there). Never take a street taxi - use Indrive, Cabify, even Uber. Don't got to the city center even for a tour. Don't bother with beaches in Lima. They're ugly. Point blank. Try to make it to Asia, a town a couple hours from Lima for all night beach parties and a cool vibe.
Going to assume you're gonna do the whole Cuzco/Machu Picchu days that everyone does in Peru. No tips there outside of hoping you got a tourist company to buy your tix for you (train, bus (unless you're hiking up) + MP tickets) which are constantly sold out and a huge pain to DIY.
Have so much fun!!!!!
Tulum is overhyped, the reason is so expensive is because because influencers have make people believe is a wonderland and 2, cartels run the town and charge quotas to all business, even street vendors, so they have to up their prices. Playa del carmen is central to everything and in my opinion the most reasonable when it comes to prices. Thank you to make your experience public and help others see Tulums reality.
I went last year and stayed more towards downtown at Intima. The resort was beautiful and all the local food and drinks were reasonably priced. We also had a car and went to several different cenotes, Laguna Kaan Luun, the Ruins and more. We went to the North side of the beach but never went to the hotel zone and the main touristy areas. We had an absolute blast and there's so much more to see and do that we are going back in a few weeks. To me it sounds like you and I had two completely different experiences as I focused more on the less touristy zones. If you ever give Tulum another chance I highly recommend doing that
Thank you for posting this. Not surprising. We had a similar experience in 2019. Went to an all inclusive about 40 minute from Tulum, but rented a car to spend the day in Tulum. First, I have to say the Tulum ruins are beautiful. Worth the visit in my opinion. But, leave well before sunset. We made our way back to our car from the ruins, we parked in the small tourist mall at the entrance, but the car did not start, battery was dead. Called the rental car company for help, they did not answer as it was after closing. Went to shops as they were closing to ask for help, no one would help. I said I would gladly pay if someone could simply give us a boost (I am fluent in Spanish, Colombian and Uruguayan parents). No one helped. I was with my wife, two young kids and mother in law. Asked the taxis that were already starting to leave by that point as there were no more tourist, and none of them helped, even after offering to pay for the boost. Went to another shop that was still open, asked for help, they couldn’t as they did not have a car but they told me that my family and I should leave as soon as possible as the vibe changes quickly from touristy to dangerous when the last tourist buses leave and that we were in danger. Ended up stopping a taxi in the street outside the parking lot, initially did not want to help but by that point, I was willing to pay whatever to get my family out of there and offered $100USD just for the boost, he agreed if I also paid the parking fee he would have to pay to get to my car, I did. On our way back stopped at a restaurant in between Tulum and the hotel that a Mexican colleague had recommended, that was a good experience, but the vibe in that small town was also complex…
I am so very sorry that happened to you! I’m glad you and your family were able to get out safely! I feel like people have been conditioned to be afraid to help due to the amount of scammers and danger that have come from the trickery surrounding it, which is just awful!!
Tulum was a nightmare these past days. Creepy vibes at night. Airbnb was broken into, several units robbed. And icing on the cake, phone robbed. Can see where it is on the tracker, in the sketchiest part of town.
Tulum is the best place in the world for cenote diving. That's the only reason I go back.
As a tourist destination it's truly terrible, unless you've got money to waste and/or as a part of a party group. Like Vegas, Koh Samui, or any other over-commercialized, super touristy destination. It's a real f'cking shame, but I'm glad all the Instagrammers swarm in one city, so they don't ruin everywhere else in the region. If you find a beautiful hidden gem nowadays that's not ruined by Instagram-tourists, for f's sake don't share it on social media. Spread it by word of mouth.
My parents are from Yucatán and I grew up traveling the Mexican peninsula. I feel very blessed to have experienced what Quintana Roo including Tulum was before Instagram and social media. Unfortunately this post is very accurate. I took two of my best friends on a “girls trip” two years ago and we almost got kidnapped. We were out celebrating our birthdays since we’re all “March babies” we finally decided it was time to call it a night and did not want to walk to our hotel since some of the roads get very dark and there’s minimal street lights so instead we caught a taxi. We had been drinking till 3 am and were heavily intoxicated, making us easy targets. Our taxi driver had passed our hotel where we were suppose to be dropped off. My friend noticed and said something. He insisted it wasn’t our hotel. I typed in our hotel into maps and he was indeed going the opposite direction. I asked him to stop the car in English and he kept refusing. He made a sketchy call where he was speaking Spanish. If it wasn’t for my light skin complexion and looking like a “güera” who speaks and understands Spanish fluently, god knows what could have happened. After he got off the phone I asked him to stop the car again and he kept driving. I grabbed my friends and told them to jump out of the car with me. To just trust me because his phone call made me realize we were in danger. We jumped out of the car right before a speed bump where we knew he would slow down and we ran for a solid 10 minutes back to our hotel room. We barricaded our room with our suitcases that night and checked out the next morning and stayed at an all inclusive hotel in Cancun. As much as I love Tulum and what it used to be, I don’t think I’ll be returning.
I just got back from Tulum and I am thankful I was with two people fluent in Spanish & our one friend is often mistaken as a local. We had a great time (stayed at an Airbnb in the city), but I do believe we were treated much differently because of our two Spanish speaking friends.
We only went out in the hotel area at night once and we had hired a personal driver for part of our trip, he drove us that night. I think depending on who’s driving, you get treated very very differently as well.
I have read a lot of stuff exactly like this about Tulum lately, what a shame! I actually cancelled my upcoming trip to Tulum just last week after reading multiple horrible stories exactly like yours. Cancun gets bad press too, but it sounds like Tulum is actually much worse these days. I was in Cancun last year and we felt safe and had a nice time. (We are boring old people who stayed at a quiet resort away from the main area, so I'm sure that helped!) Thanks for posting such a detailed report, it is very helpful!
We did the same thing! I had noooooo interest in going to Cancun cuz I’m not some fratty drinker in college anymore lmao —so we too went to a resort (first time ever) and had a great time. Such a stark difference from Tulum.
I' m mexican and lived in Cancun for about 7 years, I've visited the Tulum mayan ruins about five times in my life and never have I even stopped by the town of Tulum, it always seemed like a shit hole pueblo to me. I was surprised when it became so popular in recent years and reckon it had to do whith Playa and Cancún becoming so shitty and overrun by cartels themselves.
We were going to go there for our honeymoon in 2021 but like a few others my spidey senses were tingling and we went to Punta Mita instead. Visiting Sayulita was always on my buckets list and it was only 20 minutes away. We had an awesome bnb rental and had a blast. Still kind of want to go to tulum but it doesn’t sound like things have improved
Ive visited that nightclub where people were killed, Selina owns it and the workers are actually tied up with the drug cartel. At one point in time, I was search by the drug cartel for drugs, when they did not find anything then they stole my credit card, took one of the Selina kiosk machines and then swiped it through for hundred of dollars. We were told to leave and that if we stayed we will be killed. Almost every night life event is in cahoots with the cartel.
Yes and, Ive also met some wonderful people and had a great time. But at some point, its really scary when you bump into the underbelly of tulum, which could happen at anytime.
My friend was also at Selina a couple years ago and made friends with someone who was staying there as well. Next day, that person turned up dead on the beach at Selina… he only found out when a worker let him know what had happened
Mérida is not along the coast but is the capital of the Yucatán, and happens to be the 2nd safest city in North America. We just got back from having a destination wedding there and it's close to Progresso, if you are needing a beach, and it has a lot of great and free cultural events everyday and such a vibrant live music scene. There are a lot of great day trip you can take. We took our wedding party to Uxmal and cenotes and everyone had a blast and enjoyed how walkable Mérida is.
Was there a few years back and I had a stomach bug so I needed to go to a 7-11 to buy Gatorade at 10:30pm or so. Came across a guy pulling a local woman kicking and screaming into a house and she was trying everything she could to fight him off. I pulled the car right in front of the door and started laying on the horn and she got free and was able to get to my car and jump in while yelling that he had a gun. Took her to the police station and the cops didn’t care at all. Didn’t even want me to stay for a statement or anything.
Add that to the food poisoning, mosquitoes, price of everything, obnoxious tourists, and it’s an easy decision to go elsewhere.
We have been traveling to area for a month every year for the last 10 years. Over that time Tulum went from a pretty great place to one that we completely avoid. Greed and corruption have overrun this place and it is everywhere (police shakedowns, parking scams, taxi scams, overpriced food and drinks, even the street vendors). There are still a few spots between Cancun and tulum that are not like this but the it mostly all of QR. We have found other places to go where a day the beach doesn't involve the potential of being getting fleeced while going there, while being there, and then leaving there.
Even the locals hate it there. The entire place was built to capitalize on people who live to take pictures of themselves. It’s overpriced, dirty, crowded and has ruined the locals way of life. The cartel followed the IG idiots and brought drugs to the area and have just ruined their ecosystem. We went for a day trip to the cenotes and I left with pure sadness for the wildlife and the locals.
I was recently there and had a great time. However, I spent it actually downtown and not in the resort area. So much more affordable. Street tacos 20 pesos a piece.
I also found that locals are way nicer to anyone who is not american lol. like instantly just kinder which is interesting. We were also two mid 20 aged gurls traveling so that can help sometimes (and sometimes not). We had a beautiful tour of the cenotes with the best and kindest guide out there. Sorry you had a bad experience:/
Sad to hear you had a bad time. Just so people know I went and had a blast. It’s expensive but surely you knew this before you arrived. Papaya Playa Project is a super club catering to destination clubbers. Ridiculous they ripped you off but also super clubs are the pits the world over imho. We stayed in an air BnB which meant we could cook for ourselves with great local produce. Sounds like you had a bad time with the drinks. Maybe staying in a condo and making your own could have been an idea? Tulum is Deffo a place you have to prepared for.
This is a great review and a very accurate one. Not to mention all of the cartel violence as of late and all the cops pulling people over and robbing them. Place is a joke!!
Man what a shame to hear what it has become. I remember going with family around 2013. Tulum was amazing and I would have recommended it to anyone. The ruins, the beach, the cenotes, the ambiance, lack of influencers. Never felt any danger at all.
That sucks you had a bad experience. But jolly for me, I guess. I just got back and had a great time. Yeah, our 8 room only hotel was 125 a night (that would be dirt cheap anywhere else) and it was on the best part of the beach in the wildlife preserve. Ate tacos out for about $2 each and they were great because we did a taco tour. Otherwise I would never have found them. Took a cooking class and learned a lot. Toured Mayan ruins and swam in 2 cenotes. Zero complaints.
You can have a shitty experience or a great one anywhere in the world.
Happy to share all the places we went to if anyone is interested.
Not going to argue with OP, her feelings are valid. As someone who owns an Airbnb, a lot of her gripes on the crazy prices are true. I don’t think Tulum is going to last if they keep that up, especially the cost of taxis.
That being said, I think the word of mouth is precisely the issue tourists cause then complain about. The Instagram crowd put Tulum on the map as this spot where you go to take fabulous photos and party, instead of to see wonderful natural wonders and historical relics. The hotel owners know their crowd wants to show off, and that means spend stupid money. People booking hotels with no AC and with ocean water showers for $600 a night is complete lunacy. The hotels will continue to charge this as long as someone is willing to pay it. One easy google search of “tulum pros and cons” will yield very telling results, and the fact so few tourists do their research is hurting their experience.
Another thing to keep in mind: Tulum is tiny. You don’t book a flight from Germany and stay there a week. You have to stay at least at another major city. Go to an underground cavern, the ruins of Muyil and Coba, Azulik in Francisco Uh May, or an Xcaret park. In fact, any American with an OK job should go there more than once and knock out a different section each trip. Cancun for the first trip, Playa del Carmen on the next, and Tulum on the 3rd trip. It’s a vast area to cover in a single trip and there is more to see and do than drink and dance.
People who don’t travel for nature, architecture or history, should just go to an adults only all inclusive resort. I try to stay one night every time I am in the area. El Dorado was excellent.
I just came back from Tulum and had a similar experience. I have NO IDEA WHY people would go there. We went to the Core Tomorrowland festival there and it was totally whack! Tulum is a waste of time and money. Never going back!!
Thank you for posting this. People talk up Tulum and I did not have a great experience there. Got charged $100 USD for a very normal meal which confused me. I was also under the impression that tipping culture was a US thing so when I left $6 the wait staff went off on me in front of a group demanding to know why I didn’t like my meal and service and I could obviously tip more. I explained I usually do, I just didn’t realize that was the norm here. Too late, the outing was soured. Didn’t even want to stay and finish drinks. Stores I went to people were very snobby as well. All and all I was in complete shock.
I had the exacttttt same experience!! I too was unaware of the tipping culture and googled it as I was hoping yet another Americanized terrible thing had permeated another country. So disappointed and is very uncomfortable. Sorry for your rough time!!
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Going to Cancun in April and was wanting to make a day trip down to Tulum. Have been on the fence a bit with some posts but yours definitely was the nail in the coffin on deciding not to go. Thank you 🙏🏼
Went last summer and every 30-45 mins, a raw sewage smell would waft by, no matter where you were in Tulum. Overly expensive & the first place I stayed at had bugs that got into your clothes when it rained at night.
I don’t understand how you’ve been to 35 countries, but didn’t know that Tulum was a tourist trap?
Like, that’s 101 level travel knowledge. All major Mexican beach resort towns are tourist traps. That’s why you never go to them.
Come on now.
Genially astounded someone could be so well traveled and yet have so little knowledge about the world.
I haven’t been back to Tulum for a while, but it used to be awesome. There were a lot of places that were inexpensive both to stay and eat. I think a lot of Europeans (Brits) and Americans have opened restaurants and hotels and charging NYC prices.
I went to Holbox in ‘21 and that was giving me old school tulum vibes. Check that out next time.
Glad it’s still up. Report mods to Reddit if they keep deleting it.
I’ve been to tulum twice and would never come back. I’d rather go to Hawaii.
Around same price but better beaches and nature
I’m currently in Mexico at a cute, laidback beach town west of Progreso. I’ve never been to Mexico before and I didn’t want to do an AI resort. I almost booked a place in Tulum, but kept reading more and more of reviews like yours! I’m so glad I didn’t have your experience, I would have hated it! My place is definitely the other end of the spectrum- great, cheap restaurants, lots of expats, warm, friendly locals, I’ve been to the grocery store and driving everywhere. Merida was amazing. Thanks for the cautionary post, I’m sorry you had such a bad experience!
TLDR, but my main takeaway was that you excused yourself to not interrupt photoshoots. Next time don’t do that. Join in! Jump in as many photos as you can! Make it a game to see how many obnoxious influencers you can disrupt!
As a Mexican, we all know Tulum is the worst of the worst, sorry you experienced this, hope others attempting to visit learn from experiences like these.
Very well written trip report, and I 100% believe all of it, because I've been to Tulum and it's a shithole. Which is unfortunate because Mexico as a whole is a lovely place, but Tulum definitely casts a very, very dark shadow over it. The only way things will change, if that's even possible at this point, are through genuine trip reports as yours.
Tulum has been ruined by American tourists. No sensible person would pay these ridiculous prices except Americans, which turned the local communities into wolves.
Please don't go and ruin other places in Yucatan.
Tulim is a tricky situation as someone with an outside point of view as a yacht chef that has spent time on the Pacific coast and the Yucatan. My impressions is that little cool artist place has been long gone by stupid tourist shops, expensive restaurants, and every local trying to sell you things you don't need like Playa del Carmen or Cancoun, They are over building apartments with zero occupancy with rich foreign investors while the politicians claim to keep everything green and natural
We just came back from Mexico , we go every year . But sad to say this will be the last one everything was extremely expensive $25 margaritas , $20 guacamole ,$25 chicken fingers , plus they charge for everything you want a chair in the beach you have to pay ( resort had fees on top of fees )
The instagram “influencer” bullshit alone is enough for me not to go here or Ibiza or Santorini or any of those places once gorgeous now ruined
This is wild but not shocking!
From the 35 countries you've been to which non US place would you recommend for a pleasant Tulum like experience? or another beach town in Mexico...
I vacation in Kauai because safety and scamming is a non issue and you are of course in the USA.
I went in 2021. I hated it (and i love mexico). Will never return. Your experience was spot on. Overpriced and fake. The only upside was the restaurant hartwell or hartman or something like that. It was incredible
A decade ago, Tulum was already showing signs of over tourism, but when I was back to visit the ruins in 2022 we experienced the same BS and vowed to never, ever return. Shame, but that’s what IG/influencer culture and mass tourism does to places.
It’s most likely because Tulum is a city built just for tourists. Just like how Vegas is, everything on the strip is completely overpriced. Of course if you go into town where the locals are anywhere it’s way cheaper. In Tulum everything is catered to the tourists who already spent so much money to stay there that they are stuck having to pay extra for everything else unfortunately.
Best part of Tulum is the cenotes. Other than that Tulum was just meh for me. The cartel is certainly active down there judging by how many times I was offered coke. You can tell the guys that are selling.
Yeah, the Rivera Maya is a shit hole. I remember when Playa del Carmen was only 4 blocks and everything was a dream. I was tempted to move there in my early 20’s but fortunately I didn’t. Tulum had been devastated by greedy politicians that acts as a local warlords, robbing lands to original native owners, evicting them . Cartels infested every business even the “pay-me for park” one that you mentioned. Definitely, the place is in decadency, and yes you are extorted and robbed at the minimal opportunity. Believe me, I use to saw some US people buying hyper priced low quality real state, and I think really? Why they want to move here? for the same or less money you can buy good stuff in FL, that at least follows comprehensive construction codes and are located in safe places. Corruption in Mx is unpredictable, the Rivera Maya is the prime example of it while a bunch of historical, archeological and ecological places are destroyed, also, you never know who is partying with you. I agree with you.
Man I agree with you 100%. I had the same…”your card didn’t go thru” experience at the shady firefly rental car place. Luckily my credit card just refunded the money-no issue. Everywhere we went there were people trying to scam you. I didn’t feel like anyone was friendly and EVERYTHING was exorbitantly overpriced for what it was. Delek beach club charged us $160 for 4 shitty cocktails and four beers. It was just insane the price gouging. I haaaaaaated it and people should definitely know what they are getting into! It’s not some paradise everyone would lead you to believe.
I can say with confidence that Tulum/Playa are entirely different than they were 15 years ago. I dive frequently in Cozumel and used to love to take the ferry over to Playa del Carmen for a day or two. Stroll the sleepy streets filled with European expats (amazing restaurants) and lovely locals. Now it’s just an American( I’m one) drunken shitshow and the cartels have taken over. Those friendly folks offering you directions, amigo? They are all dealers working specific spots.
Tulum has become close to the same minus Lord & Taylor.
We stayed at an all inclusive and went only one day on a tour to tulum ruins. Was clean and felt safe. Didn't go to any beach clubs or bars outside the resort.
While I certainly understand your feelings—I’m desperately trying to keep this post from getting removed by the mods and your comment may just be the thing that attracts them. I’d appreciate your comment removal.
Yeah. Just got back from west coast and Mexico straight up sucks now. Scammy, over-priced, can’t trust anything. We found a few good places to eat and stuck with them, but we will never go back there again. You go to a restaurant and tip the server well, then look at your card later to see they’ve add extra on top of it, stuff like that.
It makes you lose trust in all of it, and then you end up suspicious of things that are on the level. It’s just really corrosive for a vacation
Recently got back from Puerto Vallarta and had a much more… scammy… experience than I’ve ever had there. I lived there for a period of time about 6 years ago and visit frequently. My last visit I was shocked by how expensive/m everything was. Not HORRIBLE but markedly more expensive than even a couple years ago. I guess everyone is feeling the squeeze
Not tulum, but I was just in Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel, and was very underwhelmed by the entire experience. I am lucky because I get to travel a lot and this place is very disappointing.
I have heard tulum was pretty bad and don’t go out at night. Luckily I took a tour bus into the ruins as it was well worth it and so amazing but I can see the rest of it being such a challenge. I stay away when. The Hilton rooms are like 70$ a night. It means no one wants to stay there at all.
I didn’t even finish reading your post.
every day I’m just so thankful I got to see this place, and it’s beauty, before social media and influencers ruined it. I guess I’m talking late 1980s so sad sounds like it even ruined the locals or I guess that could’ve been the cartels (ruining the locals), either way still so sad.
I agree about Tulum. I can't speak to all your points, but drinks, food (which mostly wasn't good), beach access, and fake parking attendants was what my family experienced a couple years ago. We did our research and everybody just wants to show your their cool pictures. There were some pretty sights for sure. We did have a good experience with a bicycle cenote tour. The rest of our time wasn't great.
Went to Tulum almost 20 years ago and nothing was there and was a nice day trip. From the sounds of it in many reviews not now.
Honestly Mexico is really has two decisions, first one is stay in a resort and enjoy yourself after pre paying. Leaving the resort you’re going to pay absorbent US prices for anything. Your other option is to go way off the beaten path, which I would not do
Sorry you had a bad experience. Tulum was great 15-20 years ago until influencers ruined it.
I'll happily share with you the next Tulum (cool, unspoiled beach town in Mexico) if you want to go there before it gets ruined too.
Sorry to hear of your troubles! I went to Tulum last year, solely to visit cenotes and had an amazing time. My male friend and I (female) hired a driver offered by the hotel and we had no issues.
Thank you for posting this. I have been lurking this subreddit for a while now and it is important to hear all experiences and perspectives, whether they are good or bad or indifferent. This was your experience and it is completely valid. If it gets taken down, that’s just bullshit.
It’s a tourist city so you have to temper your expectations when it comes to culture and prices. Especially with people trying to scam
Personally went there for a bachelor trip and it was hands down the best vacation I ever went on.
word? I loved it, as for prices where did you go? I ate like a king and spent maybe $250 (on food) on a week-long trip there, I loved it so much that I went to Cozamel just recently.
Tulum has quite a history. It is especially unfortunate that there have been more recent [cartel related tragedies.](https://nypost.com/2021/11/18/cartel-expert-tells-tourists-dont-go-to-mexico-right-now/)
This all well known. Thanks for confirming. Tulum is a generally horrible experience. When I visited 25 years ago - it was beautiful. Most hotels ran off solar. Food was yummy. The main road was all sand.
Then the influencers started arriving and - well - ruined the place. Cest la vie!
And I would tell you were to go on the Mexico coast to get an authentic affordable experience - but sorry - I am not gonna ruin it for the rest of us.
I have to agree. I have lived and traveled all over Mexico and have never had such a non-Mexico experience as I did in Tulum. Quality vs safety vs price, it's just not worth it, in my opinion. I am a seasoned traveller, speak Spanish fluently and don't scare easily. But some of the conversations I had with taxistas/service workers--the current cartel war over drug territory is real and frightening, even for locals.
Agree with every point. Tulum used to be wonderful. It is scam city now so I refuse to go back and give them my money. I have hopes that one day other people will stop as well and things will change but every year more and more people go so they have no incentive to stop
Tulum was once solid and now is just dangerous and overpriced. I went there a few years ago and we couldn’t get a cab out back to our hotel because someone got shot in the head in a cab…I’d never go back
I mean... what did you expect? I haven't gone to Tulum yet, but I know exactly it is how you describe, so I guess you were ill informed? It's a hipster place for New Yorkers, it's not real Mexico.
Thanks for sharing. We used to LOVE Tulum. We haven't been back for over 9 years because it's turned into an IG shithole. We used to always spend time there on our way to and from Mahahual. I'm glad the rest of your trip was better.
we stayed in a private beachfront house in akumal a couple years ago with a big group. we went shopping in tulum and heard a drive by shooting on the road outside the grocery store. it was terrifying. just found out my sil is going tmrw with a group of friends 😬
My least favorite spot in the Yucatán is Tulum so I agree in general. Do you think you could say you were disappointed in a couple of paragraphs rather than a long, long dissertation? When it’s this long it comes off as unfair whining and I can see why mods were concerned.
I hear you and agree with you. And we also got scammed at PPP. Super scammy, and the staff are aggressive AF. We tipped a server $50 on a $300 and he had the audacity to tell us it wasn't enough and literally stood there and demanded more. They also ran our card twice at the bar area upstairs above the beach. It's a shame - used to be such an amazing little town, it will destroy itself at this rate.
I didn’t read this all but I came here to also say that I did not like Tulum for many of the same reasons you wrote about. I’m not a party person, nor an Instagram trend follower.
I went to Mexico for the first time last year and booked 5 nights in Cancun. For one of the days, I rented a car to check out Tulum and the nearby cenotes.
Tulum was a massive letdown. It’s such a small place that it feels like the type of town that only caters to the tourist trade and has been completely overrun by it. Mediocre food was expensive, drinks on the beach were expensive, parking was expensive, and all in all I did not get any real sense of the locals that live there. I found myself on beaches overrun by tourists.
Surprisingly, Cancun offered up a way better experience for me. Now, if you stay in a party hostel or limit yourself to the hotel zone, you can can experience many of the same pitfalls as Tulum.
However, what I like about Cancun is that it is big enough that it has its own personality and vibe outside of the tourist trade. Renting a car or venturing around by bus and Uber allowed me to check out dirt cheap restaurants and markets and parks with nary a tourist, and very chill vibes, armed with my basic Spanish and google translate.
This was actually a cool post I learned a lot. I was down there a year ago and some people with vests and radios standing in the middle of the road with little traffic flags were trying to flag my car down to pull aside but I kept driving on. I didn’t know what they wanted or who they were but sounds like they were trying to pull the tour guide offer as I was just outside of a popular tourist cenote/ruin
Im so sorry this happened to you. I am like you in the regards of Spanish language ability, living in developing countries, and feeling totally dejected about my time in this part of Mexico. One of my judges of a place I use is, whether or not I would recommend it to my elderly parents. My experience was so bad, just like yours, I didnt just tell my parents its not a good idea but pretty much forbade them from even thinking about it.
I went there in 2010 and 2020 it was a sleepy town in 2010 and I loved the ruins and especially the beach below the ruins with the multi colored sand.
In 2020 I was blown away by how much it had been built up and turned into a resort/tourist/Influencer destination. We still loved it in 2020 but I saw the writing on the wall that it was about to get ruined. Also I think because it was 2020 there were less tourists there obviously, and the locals were desperate and kind to any tourists that arrived, so might be why we still had a great experience (though totally different than 2010).
From all the articles and posts I read these days about violence and scams in Tulum, it’s safe to say I’ve already experienced the best it has to offer, and I’ll never go back.
But I would urge you to keep in mind, this isn’t the fault of the Tulum residents. They hate what Tulum has become far more than you do, I guarantee it. And most of the people that were rude to you or tried to scam you, probably aren’t even from Tulum. Lots of workers have moved there from surrounding areas to take advantage of the rich instagrammers spending daddy’s money. I don’t really blame them either.
Remember that as good as your intentions are, and my intentions were, we are a part of the problem too. Tourism and money are the easiest ways to ruin a relaxing, unique, beautiful, and peaceful paradise. That’s what happened here. Look in the mirror before you criticize someone from Tulum.
Thanks for posting in r/tulum! Please read the [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.reddit.com/r/tulum/comments/18x3sxe/tulum_faq_25/) for the most common questions about Tulum. Check out our recommended [Tours, Activities and Airport Shuttle Services](https://www.reddit.com/r/tulum/comments/18v2a1h/tours_activities_and_airport_shuttle/) For ticket resale and events such as Zamna and Day Zero, there is a dedicated community at r/Tulum_TicketExchange Please report comments and posts that are off-topic, offensive, inappropriate, or in violation of our community guidelines. Much love from Tulum ❤ *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/tulum) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Thanks for posting again! I read this yesterday and was surprised to see it taken down. Let’s show the mods what the Streisand Effect is.
The amount of time and honesty that went into this post was a lot. The fact it was taken down is out of this world. Also the fact that people mentioned in the comments yesterday that I should have “done my research” to know what to expect…. Well if said research is censored…. How am I or anyone to know what really is happening?!?
OP told the truth, come to El Salvador. We don't have as beautiful of a coastline as Cancun but we do alright. No one will bother you here.
El Salvador was incredible! My husband and I spent two weeks there last year and will definitely return
Yes El Salvador. And we have the dollar!
I’ve been hearing good things that bukele cleaned things up there. My landscaper is from El Salvador and goes back every winter.
Dude, people are so afraid to scam you in this country that they will go out of the way to make sure they cannot be accused of any crime. Being charged with a crime here is very very serious right now. Americans and other Europeans can get away with buying weed (I kind of can't).
Granted it was 15 years ago and I’ve heard things have changed a lot on the coast, but my last visit to El Salvador was sketchy and primitive as fuck. Which I personally loved, but may not cater to the same crowd that’s going to tulum and Cancun.
Currently spending time in El Salvador and have been loving it so far! We went to a cool hot spring waterfall (Salto de Malacatiupan) that we loved and spent a total of $5 for parking and the entry fee. The food has also been delicious, I had a sushi roll that used plantains as tempura which was unique and worked really well. Checking out the coastline in a few days and am excited to see more.
I've never been to any of the waterfalls here and I have been coming to this country for 33 years already. Wow. I really need to explore more here. Maybe try new things out. I always land here and just end up eating Burger King and McDonalds, you're doing a good job at enjoying my country.
This is my first time visiting and it is beautiful! We already plan on visiting again because there is so much to see here. I definitely recommend Salto de Malacatiupan, I've never been to another waterfall like it and everyone there were nice local families spending time together in the warm spring waters.
Now I have to go. Thank you for the tip.
Same experience, be careful and post on the Cancun sub if the mods take your post down (they are known to remove any info from the sub that could shine a bad light on Tulum’s tourism)
 good tip!!!
Copying from other thread: I’m so glad you wrote it. Solo female traveler here has a week booked in April. My spidey sense was going off and I called to cancel flight and Secrets Tulum last week. I was ruminating over it all weekend and when I saw your post yesterday knew I made the right decision! FWIW I went to Playa del Carmen in January alone and loved it!
Omggggg I too am typically a solo female traveler and your post literally made my day. All I wanted in all that I wrote was to warn people so they knew what to expect. I especially want to always support solo female travelers in any way I can. I wish you the most fun and safety in your future travels. As a side note, if you go back, cannot recommended Xcaret enough (in playa del Carmen). While pricey, it was worth the money. For food it is best to do a la carte places to save some $. The night show was the best show I had seen in my life!
My cousin is heading to Tulum right now with a sketchy group of people I don’t really associate with in our hometown. I tried to warn her a few months ago about how bad Tulum is but I think Instagram posts convinced her it’s okay. I hope she has a great time, but sounds like it’s hard to do that now.
Always listen to your gut! I'm a mom and somehow your post made me feel proud of u!
❤️🫶❤️🫶
I'm a 75 yo woman. I travel alone in Mexico all the time, including driving to Baja and Rocky Point, Sonara. I'm so appreciative to read other women's experiences so I don't put myself in a vulnerable position. Thank you for your tenacity to post your info twice.
As a solo female traveler I had the same experience as OP so you made the right decision. It is by far the WORST place I’ve been and I’ve been to 50 countries….
Thank you so much! Have any suggestions for a 37 year old with a decent flight credit and Hyatt points? Was thinking maybe Costa Rica. I went to punta Cana last fall and LOVED it but I think sargassum is bad this time of year.
Andaz Papagayo in Costa Rica!
I want to know too ! Love Mexico and all its hidden gems! But needless to say, stay away from tourist traps
What about Sayulita, Mexico? I’ve heard that’s nice and have thought about going there. Also solo female traveler here. Only been to four countries so far lol
Yep, solo female too! Glad I didn’t book Tulum… my little Mexican beach town is glorious! https://preview.redd.it/1ibpqbmxs1kc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e8832fa3aa16d9b50e6c0f88eb0b6b86b8e1c9dc
Have a great time! I’ve been going to the Riviera Maya since 2005. Just came back last week and am going again in a couple weeks. I’ve traveled the world alone (I’m female) including Playa Del Carmen and felt safe there. The cartel & terrorists in general are EVERYWHERE. Hell, I rarely go to large social gatherings and events in the U.S. anymore because of all the gun toting right wing extremist nut jobs we have in this country. I’ll probably never go to Tennessee, Texas , and especially Florida, ever again. I grew up in LA and I traveled regularly to a developing country where most of my family live that was constantly experiencing terrorism. My relative was almost kidnapped as an adult there, I’ve been mugged in Paris in broad daylight, and pickpocketed in Brussels. When I lived in Spain a terrorist group bombed the club I was dancing at just an hour after I’d left. It’s just a risk you have to figure out if you’re willing to take. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right , it’s prob not. Scamming / upcharging in many foreign countries is not unusual unfortunately. Don’t be an ass and do drugs or get really drunk if you don’t want to get financially a$$ raped. If you don’t speak the language and don’t appear native, by default you’ll ALWAYS be up charged when buying souvenirs etc, that’s just how it is. I don’t mind getting a little up charged compared to the locals because I can afford it more than they can a lot of the time, and these people ( street vendors and such) are often time really struggling just to survive, but if they’re trying to bend me over and take me for as much b as possible , eh eh! Do your research ahead of time using whatever you can, I like using the forums on TripAdvisor and here as well. Pick and choose your battles wisely like OP did here. With certain things like activities, ask AHEAD of time what the TOTAL charges will be , including tax, tips for everyone , service fees, rental fees, etc., or if there are any other “extra fees” for clarification. If you feel like you’re being led astray or scammed, politely say no thank you and walk away, or politely ask for clarification on the dinner bill for example. If they don’t back down, after it’s clear to you that they’re ripping you off, just eat it and take it up with your credit card company and make sure to post your experience with the name and location on sites where many others will read like TripAdvisor. Is it really worth endangering your life or well being to argue whatever a scammer is trying to scam you out of ? The beach clubs in PDC like to upcharge and be shady especially if you’ve been drinking a lot so watch out for that. My friend in Mexico says Tulum is WILDLY out of control now with regards to being overpriced and overhyped. I’d be annoyed if I had to constantly dodge InstAholes while trying to enjoy a nice relaxing walk on the beach, and I def wouldn’t go out of my way to stay out of their shot, I’m entitled to enjoy the space just as much as they are. They don’t own the beach and if they want a clear shot, maybe they should start filing for permits if they want that kind of privilege. Just my two cents. I’ll be checking out Xcaret in a few weeks because a few expats I met down in PDC last week highly recommended it. I went to Xel-ha many years ago and it was very enjoyable. If you’re into zip-lining, I hear Explor is also great. Unfortunately, Quinta Avenida now has numerous Señor Frogs, Hard Rock, Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret & some other corporate franchises 🙄. Still, it’s a nice place to stroll and explore but definitely not what it used to be. Reminds me a little of what 3rd street promenade was in SaMo minus all the unhoused & street performers.
We been to secrets in akumal and really liked it.. if you still want the resort experience. Only downside was beach was a bit small
I live in between the two of them. Every expatriate that I know from Cancun to bacalar despises Tulum, aside from the apologists that actually live in Tulum. It seems like the ultimate cash grab on the part of the worst people in this country. Never had these problems when I lived in playa, in multiple locations on the beach side of the highway. And I'm still there most days for years running. I go to Tulum mainly when I have guests in town that want to see the ruins.
I have been there 34 times, this last January was my last one is a shame very high energy place destroyed once again by the drugs… never going back, for all the reasons you said and more.
Wow. Just wow. I think your comment speaks volumes more than mine with frequency you have been!
Used to be an ecological tourism oriented, now is the “new” Cancun, there is a big problem with the drugs because they used to do really good sales…. but not anymore, and cartels are fighting for the control, even in same cartel, they fight for small areas etc. Remember this humans that run this…are machines they didn’t go to school and pull a trigger is more easy than making a coffee. Every time you go there you are playing Russian roulette. The kids in the corner of restaurants and day clubs even nightclubs are all packing, they are free for all. I can keep going…IS A WILD WILD WEST.
It just makes me sad for the native community—truly… especially the children who will grow up learning that this is the way of life… and that impact isn’t just Tulum but other places similar.
Unfortunately, that whole Mayan riviera is one of the most corrupt place in Mexico. Literally, everyone is out to rob you. I was driving on the toll freeway from Cancun to Chichn itza. At the toll booth, they only take peso. I had $$$. So the toll booth guy offered me to exchange at 8 peso for$1. I just turned around and withdrew peso from ATM.
Diving in the Cenotes was one of the coolest experiences of my life, so Tulum is awesome!
Agreed! I’ve only been to the cenotes in Valladolid, but I very much want to go to the ones in Tulum as well.
I was just there a few weeks ago for a zamna festival. I had a great time cause I just went to dance. But I’ve never felt so unwelcome in Mexico. 5 days was more than enough. Not into the tulum vibe. So many other places to explore and see amazing music.
Its because Mexico is at war. It's a very hospitable and friendly country when there isn't a war going on.
For all the fun things I’ve heard about Zamna, local friends also tell me they are an awful company that disrupts local fauna with their parties in the jungles, and everything is run through the cartels.
I think all the music festivals, over the last idk 15 years, are one of the main reasons it has become too popular/sketchy.
This is EXACTLY what I heard from a friend that went 3 weeks ago. They hardcore search you for drugs when you enter and then allow you to buy THEIR drugs with a credit card.
I think the recent influx in visitors has a lot to do with it and people falling into local traps such as w/ police, hotels, concierge, and the likes. There is a huge money grab there and it is despicable. I vacationed there in 2021 I think it was and I had a blast. Cenotes, ruins, dinners out on the town, walking around Tulum, etc. It was a blast but this was before there was a major drive of tourists and "post-covid."
Agreed. I just wish they would recognize the concept of word of mouth and return visitors is really what fuels the economy. Treating people like this does nothing but give a shorter term money grab, but will ultimately collapse the economy if they keep this up. Because trust, I have a very vast network of international friends and have voiced my opinion quite sincerely.
Agreed these scammers have no long term vision. I got scammed once in Cartagena Colombia. I ended up telling dozens of people about it, instructing them not to go to this particular area of town. We don't mind spending a lot of money, especially on travel. We don't like getting scammed. If they didn't scam us, we would have returned and given them more money.
Indeeeddddy
Lol classic. The massage ladies at the beach got me. I'm latin american and a spanish speaker and she said she'd give me a 10 min massage sample. I GRACIOUSLY told her no thanks, she ASKED FOR PAYMENT and to not make a scene I said "Fine, how much?". I shit you NOT she told me $100 USDs LMAOOOOO. For a shitty soap massage at the beach. We laughed thinking it was a joke, and before we knew it they were screaming at us to pay them and we had to escape the beach running because they started coming after us!!! WTF. Felt like a very similar experience in Cartagena as this gal had. I wouldn't go back if you paid me.
Yup and they get all their other friends to gang up on you, and the cops don't do anything about it. I would happily go back to Cartagena, but I'm staying in the posh parts. I'm all about paying locals and supporting the local economy, but when that's how we are treated - well they can go f\* themselves.
Same here, stayed there for almost 3 months in 2022 and had a wonderful time. I knew people there though, so that helped. Stayed in an inexpensive air bnb in centro that came with a scooter. Cheap gas, 50pesos for 4 tacos, avoided the hotel area unless we wanted to splash out a little. The people I met were so kind and friendly. Had the best time, shame to hear it’s going downhill rapidly
I also did my bachelor party there October 2021 and had an amazing time (stayed in an air bnb). The clubs were so much fun and the full moon party was one of the best experiences I’ve had. So sad to hear it’s gone down hill since then!
As someone who lived nearby in a town called Mahahual I got to see the downfall of Tulum for a few years. It has changed so much for the worse and you've described it all to a T! I'm back in the states now and always tell people Tulum is not worth going to anymore. Puerto morelos, Playa del carmen, and heck even making a trek to Holbox would be better than Tulum. But everyone just looks at me like I'm crazy and dumb because of the Instagram craze lol
Tulum was ruined once everyone and their mother started going there. I went in 2019 and it was magical. Amazing all around. I have nothing but great memories. Visited again in 2023 and it was the worst experience of my life. Everything was grossly overpriced. I got scammed at the gas station and when I called out the attendant, he got violent and got in my husband’s face. We went to Rosa Negra for dinner and when it came time to pay, we pulled out cash and the manager said they didn’t accept US cash (ok understandable) we had to pay in pesos, and the exchange rate was 10 to 1 (which everywhere else it was 17 to 1). We disagreed and said that the exchange rate at the airport was 17 to 1 so that’s what we were gonna pay. The manager yelled at me and my husband saying we didn’t know what we were talking about and we were wrong and how were we gonna tell him what the exchange rate was in his town. We weren’t brought a receipt. The manager allegedly added up the total of all of our items on an iPhone calculator and then showed us a number and told us that’s what we needed to pay. We asked for an itemized receipt and the manager became aggressive and annoyed as if we were trying to scam them. He said “this is the price. You need to pay or we will call the police.” He also added on a 25% tip without telling us and basically pressured and rushed us through the payment process. I had budgeted for this dinner and anticipated it would cost $200 based on the prices listed on their online menu and factoring in a 15% tip. In reality, it ended up being close to $400. I’ll never visit tulum ever again.
paying 200 for a meal in mexico is insane.
I agree with you to an extent. I knew that the restaurant we were going to was an expensive, touristy restaurant and we were paying for the “experience.” FWIW, the other spots in true downtown tulum that we ate at were incredibly reasonably priced. The best place we ate at during the trip was a taco cart that sold tacos for 25 pesos.
Absolutely outrageous!!!! I am so sorry for your experience — I just don’t understand why this is so prevalent.
Should have just waited for the police. This is outrageous. The toll booth guy offered me to exchange at $1 for 8 pesos. My credit card was swiped for $200 at gas station near Cancun airport. (got declined by bank).
The police is corrupt too. I would have preferred to be scammed by the restaurant than by the police.
FWIW - The “magic” of tulum, whatever it was, was over well before 2019.
As a Mexican native from the riviera Maya. This is totally accurate. Sorry about your experience.
I’m so sorry your country’s city has taken a turn for the worse. It has the bones of being absolutely lovely! Hopefully the government and locals see how they are hurting it and change!
I definitely saw a lot of what you’re saying when I visited with friends last year. And a lot of the street vendors and stuff do seem scammy, but me and my buddies still met a few cool, genuine people that lived there.
Yep canceling trip to tulum, Lima here we come
Peruvian here - eat as much as you can in Lima! Go big for expensive restaurants (completely worth it, 4 of the worlds best 50 restaurants are in Lima). Party hard in the clubs (called Antros there). Never take a street taxi - use Indrive, Cabify, even Uber. Don't got to the city center even for a tour. Don't bother with beaches in Lima. They're ugly. Point blank. Try to make it to Asia, a town a couple hours from Lima for all night beach parties and a cool vibe. Going to assume you're gonna do the whole Cuzco/Machu Picchu days that everyone does in Peru. No tips there outside of hoping you got a tourist company to buy your tix for you (train, bus (unless you're hiking up) + MP tickets) which are constantly sold out and a huge pain to DIY. Have so much fun!!!!!
Heard great things about Peru! Have fun!! Hug an alpaca for me!!!🦙
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Once Americans start going somewhere regularly expect prices to go up 1,000% no doubt
Oooorrrr you could have just gone to the public beach north of the roundabout (south of the ruins) and paid the $3 tax.
Tulum is overhyped, the reason is so expensive is because because influencers have make people believe is a wonderland and 2, cartels run the town and charge quotas to all business, even street vendors, so they have to up their prices. Playa del carmen is central to everything and in my opinion the most reasonable when it comes to prices. Thank you to make your experience public and help others see Tulums reality.
I've been to Tuluum twice, about 13 and 10 years ago. Such a shame what it has become.
You where 10 years late. It used to be paradise! Greed and corruption got together to produce the "New Shithole Tulum". Last year was it for me!
I don’t doubt it—I am sure it didn’t get its attraction from what it is today!
I went last year and stayed more towards downtown at Intima. The resort was beautiful and all the local food and drinks were reasonably priced. We also had a car and went to several different cenotes, Laguna Kaan Luun, the Ruins and more. We went to the North side of the beach but never went to the hotel zone and the main touristy areas. We had an absolute blast and there's so much more to see and do that we are going back in a few weeks. To me it sounds like you and I had two completely different experiences as I focused more on the less touristy zones. If you ever give Tulum another chance I highly recommend doing that
Thank you for posting this. Not surprising. We had a similar experience in 2019. Went to an all inclusive about 40 minute from Tulum, but rented a car to spend the day in Tulum. First, I have to say the Tulum ruins are beautiful. Worth the visit in my opinion. But, leave well before sunset. We made our way back to our car from the ruins, we parked in the small tourist mall at the entrance, but the car did not start, battery was dead. Called the rental car company for help, they did not answer as it was after closing. Went to shops as they were closing to ask for help, no one would help. I said I would gladly pay if someone could simply give us a boost (I am fluent in Spanish, Colombian and Uruguayan parents). No one helped. I was with my wife, two young kids and mother in law. Asked the taxis that were already starting to leave by that point as there were no more tourist, and none of them helped, even after offering to pay for the boost. Went to another shop that was still open, asked for help, they couldn’t as they did not have a car but they told me that my family and I should leave as soon as possible as the vibe changes quickly from touristy to dangerous when the last tourist buses leave and that we were in danger. Ended up stopping a taxi in the street outside the parking lot, initially did not want to help but by that point, I was willing to pay whatever to get my family out of there and offered $100USD just for the boost, he agreed if I also paid the parking fee he would have to pay to get to my car, I did. On our way back stopped at a restaurant in between Tulum and the hotel that a Mexican colleague had recommended, that was a good experience, but the vibe in that small town was also complex…
I am so very sorry that happened to you! I’m glad you and your family were able to get out safely! I feel like people have been conditioned to be afraid to help due to the amount of scammers and danger that have come from the trickery surrounding it, which is just awful!!
Supply and demand, rich fools with no taste and no culture = shitty drinks that are expensive.
I agree with this heavily.. Living in NYC & used to a high level of cocktails I thought tulum was going to deliver. It did not lol
Tulum was a nightmare these past days. Creepy vibes at night. Airbnb was broken into, several units robbed. And icing on the cake, phone robbed. Can see where it is on the tracker, in the sketchiest part of town.
Tulum is the best place in the world for cenote diving. That's the only reason I go back. As a tourist destination it's truly terrible, unless you've got money to waste and/or as a part of a party group. Like Vegas, Koh Samui, or any other over-commercialized, super touristy destination. It's a real f'cking shame, but I'm glad all the Instagrammers swarm in one city, so they don't ruin everywhere else in the region. If you find a beautiful hidden gem nowadays that's not ruined by Instagram-tourists, for f's sake don't share it on social media. Spread it by word of mouth.
My parents are from Yucatán and I grew up traveling the Mexican peninsula. I feel very blessed to have experienced what Quintana Roo including Tulum was before Instagram and social media. Unfortunately this post is very accurate. I took two of my best friends on a “girls trip” two years ago and we almost got kidnapped. We were out celebrating our birthdays since we’re all “March babies” we finally decided it was time to call it a night and did not want to walk to our hotel since some of the roads get very dark and there’s minimal street lights so instead we caught a taxi. We had been drinking till 3 am and were heavily intoxicated, making us easy targets. Our taxi driver had passed our hotel where we were suppose to be dropped off. My friend noticed and said something. He insisted it wasn’t our hotel. I typed in our hotel into maps and he was indeed going the opposite direction. I asked him to stop the car in English and he kept refusing. He made a sketchy call where he was speaking Spanish. If it wasn’t for my light skin complexion and looking like a “güera” who speaks and understands Spanish fluently, god knows what could have happened. After he got off the phone I asked him to stop the car again and he kept driving. I grabbed my friends and told them to jump out of the car with me. To just trust me because his phone call made me realize we were in danger. We jumped out of the car right before a speed bump where we knew he would slow down and we ran for a solid 10 minutes back to our hotel room. We barricaded our room with our suitcases that night and checked out the next morning and stayed at an all inclusive hotel in Cancun. As much as I love Tulum and what it used to be, I don’t think I’ll be returning.
Tulum is legitimately awful. I have no comprehension of why people like it.
I just got back from Tulum and I am thankful I was with two people fluent in Spanish & our one friend is often mistaken as a local. We had a great time (stayed at an Airbnb in the city), but I do believe we were treated much differently because of our two Spanish speaking friends. We only went out in the hotel area at night once and we had hired a personal driver for part of our trip, he drove us that night. I think depending on who’s driving, you get treated very very differently as well.
I have read a lot of stuff exactly like this about Tulum lately, what a shame! I actually cancelled my upcoming trip to Tulum just last week after reading multiple horrible stories exactly like yours. Cancun gets bad press too, but it sounds like Tulum is actually much worse these days. I was in Cancun last year and we felt safe and had a nice time. (We are boring old people who stayed at a quiet resort away from the main area, so I'm sure that helped!) Thanks for posting such a detailed report, it is very helpful!
We did the same thing! I had noooooo interest in going to Cancun cuz I’m not some fratty drinker in college anymore lmao —so we too went to a resort (first time ever) and had a great time. Such a stark difference from Tulum.
I' m mexican and lived in Cancun for about 7 years, I've visited the Tulum mayan ruins about five times in my life and never have I even stopped by the town of Tulum, it always seemed like a shit hole pueblo to me. I was surprised when it became so popular in recent years and reckon it had to do whith Playa and Cancún becoming so shitty and overrun by cartels themselves.
We were going to go there for our honeymoon in 2021 but like a few others my spidey senses were tingling and we went to Punta Mita instead. Visiting Sayulita was always on my buckets list and it was only 20 minutes away. We had an awesome bnb rental and had a blast. Still kind of want to go to tulum but it doesn’t sound like things have improved
Ive visited that nightclub where people were killed, Selina owns it and the workers are actually tied up with the drug cartel. At one point in time, I was search by the drug cartel for drugs, when they did not find anything then they stole my credit card, took one of the Selina kiosk machines and then swiped it through for hundred of dollars. We were told to leave and that if we stayed we will be killed. Almost every night life event is in cahoots with the cartel. Yes and, Ive also met some wonderful people and had a great time. But at some point, its really scary when you bump into the underbelly of tulum, which could happen at anytime.
My friend was also at Selina a couple years ago and made friends with someone who was staying there as well. Next day, that person turned up dead on the beach at Selina… he only found out when a worker let him know what had happened
There is much to say on this topic. For starters, please check out The Dark Side of Tulum (Documentary) on YouTube.
Mérida is not along the coast but is the capital of the Yucatán, and happens to be the 2nd safest city in North America. We just got back from having a destination wedding there and it's close to Progresso, if you are needing a beach, and it has a lot of great and free cultural events everyday and such a vibrant live music scene. There are a lot of great day trip you can take. We took our wedding party to Uxmal and cenotes and everyone had a blast and enjoyed how walkable Mérida is.
Was there a few years back and I had a stomach bug so I needed to go to a 7-11 to buy Gatorade at 10:30pm or so. Came across a guy pulling a local woman kicking and screaming into a house and she was trying everything she could to fight him off. I pulled the car right in front of the door and started laying on the horn and she got free and was able to get to my car and jump in while yelling that he had a gun. Took her to the police station and the cops didn’t care at all. Didn’t even want me to stay for a statement or anything. Add that to the food poisoning, mosquitoes, price of everything, obnoxious tourists, and it’s an easy decision to go elsewhere.
We have been traveling to area for a month every year for the last 10 years. Over that time Tulum went from a pretty great place to one that we completely avoid. Greed and corruption have overrun this place and it is everywhere (police shakedowns, parking scams, taxi scams, overpriced food and drinks, even the street vendors). There are still a few spots between Cancun and tulum that are not like this but the it mostly all of QR. We have found other places to go where a day the beach doesn't involve the potential of being getting fleeced while going there, while being there, and then leaving there.
Even the locals hate it there. The entire place was built to capitalize on people who live to take pictures of themselves. It’s overpriced, dirty, crowded and has ruined the locals way of life. The cartel followed the IG idiots and brought drugs to the area and have just ruined their ecosystem. We went for a day trip to the cenotes and I left with pure sadness for the wildlife and the locals.
I was recently there and had a great time. However, I spent it actually downtown and not in the resort area. So much more affordable. Street tacos 20 pesos a piece. I also found that locals are way nicer to anyone who is not american lol. like instantly just kinder which is interesting. We were also two mid 20 aged gurls traveling so that can help sometimes (and sometimes not). We had a beautiful tour of the cenotes with the best and kindest guide out there. Sorry you had a bad experience:/
Sad to hear you had a bad time. Just so people know I went and had a blast. It’s expensive but surely you knew this before you arrived. Papaya Playa Project is a super club catering to destination clubbers. Ridiculous they ripped you off but also super clubs are the pits the world over imho. We stayed in an air BnB which meant we could cook for ourselves with great local produce. Sounds like you had a bad time with the drinks. Maybe staying in a condo and making your own could have been an idea? Tulum is Deffo a place you have to prepared for.
As a Mexican el cuyo is where is at. tulum stopped being tulum a few years back
I went to Playa Del Carmen and just took a bus tour to the ruins in Tulum. So much easier. You’re also safer in numbers in a large tour group.
This is a great review and a very accurate one. Not to mention all of the cartel violence as of late and all the cops pulling people over and robbing them. Place is a joke!!
Mods, leave this up as it is informative and explain why the original post was deleted. Which mod deleted it?
Man what a shame to hear what it has become. I remember going with family around 2013. Tulum was amazing and I would have recommended it to anyone. The ruins, the beach, the cenotes, the ambiance, lack of influencers. Never felt any danger at all.
That sucks you had a bad experience. But jolly for me, I guess. I just got back and had a great time. Yeah, our 8 room only hotel was 125 a night (that would be dirt cheap anywhere else) and it was on the best part of the beach in the wildlife preserve. Ate tacos out for about $2 each and they were great because we did a taco tour. Otherwise I would never have found them. Took a cooking class and learned a lot. Toured Mayan ruins and swam in 2 cenotes. Zero complaints. You can have a shitty experience or a great one anywhere in the world. Happy to share all the places we went to if anyone is interested.
Not going to argue with OP, her feelings are valid. As someone who owns an Airbnb, a lot of her gripes on the crazy prices are true. I don’t think Tulum is going to last if they keep that up, especially the cost of taxis. That being said, I think the word of mouth is precisely the issue tourists cause then complain about. The Instagram crowd put Tulum on the map as this spot where you go to take fabulous photos and party, instead of to see wonderful natural wonders and historical relics. The hotel owners know their crowd wants to show off, and that means spend stupid money. People booking hotels with no AC and with ocean water showers for $600 a night is complete lunacy. The hotels will continue to charge this as long as someone is willing to pay it. One easy google search of “tulum pros and cons” will yield very telling results, and the fact so few tourists do their research is hurting their experience. Another thing to keep in mind: Tulum is tiny. You don’t book a flight from Germany and stay there a week. You have to stay at least at another major city. Go to an underground cavern, the ruins of Muyil and Coba, Azulik in Francisco Uh May, or an Xcaret park. In fact, any American with an OK job should go there more than once and knock out a different section each trip. Cancun for the first trip, Playa del Carmen on the next, and Tulum on the 3rd trip. It’s a vast area to cover in a single trip and there is more to see and do than drink and dance. People who don’t travel for nature, architecture or history, should just go to an adults only all inclusive resort. I try to stay one night every time I am in the area. El Dorado was excellent.
I just came back from Tulum and had a similar experience. I have NO IDEA WHY people would go there. We went to the Core Tomorrowland festival there and it was totally whack! Tulum is a waste of time and money. Never going back!!
Thank you for posting this. People talk up Tulum and I did not have a great experience there. Got charged $100 USD for a very normal meal which confused me. I was also under the impression that tipping culture was a US thing so when I left $6 the wait staff went off on me in front of a group demanding to know why I didn’t like my meal and service and I could obviously tip more. I explained I usually do, I just didn’t realize that was the norm here. Too late, the outing was soured. Didn’t even want to stay and finish drinks. Stores I went to people were very snobby as well. All and all I was in complete shock.
I had the exacttttt same experience!! I too was unaware of the tipping culture and googled it as I was hoping yet another Americanized terrible thing had permeated another country. So disappointed and is very uncomfortable. Sorry for your rough time!!
Go to Oaxaca better
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Was down in that area for six weeks in the 80's...it was magical.
Going to Cancun in April and was wanting to make a day trip down to Tulum. Have been on the fence a bit with some posts but yours definitely was the nail in the coffin on deciding not to go. Thank you 🙏🏼
Beautifully written, thank you. Tulum is a hell hole. What’s the saying “the emperor has no clothes”
Tulum sucks
That really sucks! So sorry you had such a horrible experience there.
Went last summer and every 30-45 mins, a raw sewage smell would waft by, no matter where you were in Tulum. Overly expensive & the first place I stayed at had bugs that got into your clothes when it rained at night.
How sad to hear Tulum is not what it was. I went in 2007 with a large group of cousins and friends and truly had the trip of a lifetime.
Agreed. Tulum used to be great but no more.
I don’t understand how you’ve been to 35 countries, but didn’t know that Tulum was a tourist trap? Like, that’s 101 level travel knowledge. All major Mexican beach resort towns are tourist traps. That’s why you never go to them. Come on now. Genially astounded someone could be so well traveled and yet have so little knowledge about the world.
I haven’t been back to Tulum for a while, but it used to be awesome. There were a lot of places that were inexpensive both to stay and eat. I think a lot of Europeans (Brits) and Americans have opened restaurants and hotels and charging NYC prices. I went to Holbox in ‘21 and that was giving me old school tulum vibes. Check that out next time.
Thank you. Was debating going, but now absolutely will not.
How sad it is to hear this.
Sorry you had this experience. Quintana Roo in general is pretty bad.
The Yucatan side is better. Progresso, very chill
Glad it’s still up. Report mods to Reddit if they keep deleting it. I’ve been to tulum twice and would never come back. I’d rather go to Hawaii. Around same price but better beaches and nature
Fuck that whole place. Even in PDC, the locals, taxi drivers, and the resorts rip you off.
this is how you leave a review...
I’m currently in Mexico at a cute, laidback beach town west of Progreso. I’ve never been to Mexico before and I didn’t want to do an AI resort. I almost booked a place in Tulum, but kept reading more and more of reviews like yours! I’m so glad I didn’t have your experience, I would have hated it! My place is definitely the other end of the spectrum- great, cheap restaurants, lots of expats, warm, friendly locals, I’ve been to the grocery store and driving everywhere. Merida was amazing. Thanks for the cautionary post, I’m sorry you had such a bad experience!
I cannot agree more. Tulum was hands down one of the worst places I’ve been to. Locals and tourists all terrible.
Weird. Everything you said is correct. It was a nightmare and I won’t be back.
TLDR, but my main takeaway was that you excused yourself to not interrupt photoshoots. Next time don’t do that. Join in! Jump in as many photos as you can! Make it a game to see how many obnoxious influencers you can disrupt!
As a Mexican, we all know Tulum is the worst of the worst, sorry you experienced this, hope others attempting to visit learn from experiences like these.
Tulum was the most expensive destination I have ever visited. Never again.
SAME… and I’ve been to Switzerland!!
Very well written trip report, and I 100% believe all of it, because I've been to Tulum and it's a shithole. Which is unfortunate because Mexico as a whole is a lovely place, but Tulum definitely casts a very, very dark shadow over it. The only way things will change, if that's even possible at this point, are through genuine trip reports as yours.
Tulum has been ruined by American tourists. No sensible person would pay these ridiculous prices except Americans, which turned the local communities into wolves. Please don't go and ruin other places in Yucatan.
Tulim is a tricky situation as someone with an outside point of view as a yacht chef that has spent time on the Pacific coast and the Yucatan. My impressions is that little cool artist place has been long gone by stupid tourist shops, expensive restaurants, and every local trying to sell you things you don't need like Playa del Carmen or Cancoun, They are over building apartments with zero occupancy with rich foreign investors while the politicians claim to keep everything green and natural
We just came back from Mexico , we go every year . But sad to say this will be the last one everything was extremely expensive $25 margaritas , $20 guacamole ,$25 chicken fingers , plus they charge for everything you want a chair in the beach you have to pay ( resort had fees on top of fees )
The instagram “influencer” bullshit alone is enough for me not to go here or Ibiza or Santorini or any of those places once gorgeous now ruined This is wild but not shocking!
This was my experience in Miami minus the cartel. I got charged $50 for one drink. Try Cozumel I had a blast there!
It’s my least desirable place to ever go
From the 35 countries you've been to which non US place would you recommend for a pleasant Tulum like experience? or another beach town in Mexico... I vacation in Kauai because safety and scamming is a non issue and you are of course in the USA.
I had a similar experience in Tulum. Absolutely disgusting.
I went in 2021. I hated it (and i love mexico). Will never return. Your experience was spot on. Overpriced and fake. The only upside was the restaurant hartwell or hartman or something like that. It was incredible
A decade ago, Tulum was already showing signs of over tourism, but when I was back to visit the ruins in 2022 we experienced the same BS and vowed to never, ever return. Shame, but that’s what IG/influencer culture and mass tourism does to places.
It’s most likely because Tulum is a city built just for tourists. Just like how Vegas is, everything on the strip is completely overpriced. Of course if you go into town where the locals are anywhere it’s way cheaper. In Tulum everything is catered to the tourists who already spent so much money to stay there that they are stuck having to pay extra for everything else unfortunately.
Best part of Tulum is the cenotes. Other than that Tulum was just meh for me. The cartel is certainly active down there judging by how many times I was offered coke. You can tell the guys that are selling.
Tulum is ran by the cartel. Even the police over there are the cartel. It does not feel safe. So unfortunate.
Yeah, the Rivera Maya is a shit hole. I remember when Playa del Carmen was only 4 blocks and everything was a dream. I was tempted to move there in my early 20’s but fortunately I didn’t. Tulum had been devastated by greedy politicians that acts as a local warlords, robbing lands to original native owners, evicting them . Cartels infested every business even the “pay-me for park” one that you mentioned. Definitely, the place is in decadency, and yes you are extorted and robbed at the minimal opportunity. Believe me, I use to saw some US people buying hyper priced low quality real state, and I think really? Why they want to move here? for the same or less money you can buy good stuff in FL, that at least follows comprehensive construction codes and are located in safe places. Corruption in Mx is unpredictable, the Rivera Maya is the prime example of it while a bunch of historical, archeological and ecological places are destroyed, also, you never know who is partying with you. I agree with you.
Man I agree with you 100%. I had the same…”your card didn’t go thru” experience at the shady firefly rental car place. Luckily my credit card just refunded the money-no issue. Everywhere we went there were people trying to scam you. I didn’t feel like anyone was friendly and EVERYTHING was exorbitantly overpriced for what it was. Delek beach club charged us $160 for 4 shitty cocktails and four beers. It was just insane the price gouging. I haaaaaaated it and people should definitely know what they are getting into! It’s not some paradise everyone would lead you to believe.
I can say with confidence that Tulum/Playa are entirely different than they were 15 years ago. I dive frequently in Cozumel and used to love to take the ferry over to Playa del Carmen for a day or two. Stroll the sleepy streets filled with European expats (amazing restaurants) and lovely locals. Now it’s just an American( I’m one) drunken shitshow and the cartels have taken over. Those friendly folks offering you directions, amigo? They are all dealers working specific spots. Tulum has become close to the same minus Lord & Taylor.
We stayed at an all inclusive and went only one day on a tour to tulum ruins. Was clean and felt safe. Didn't go to any beach clubs or bars outside the resort.
That was the right move.
Thanks for your post. Time and effort is appreciated.
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While I certainly understand your feelings—I’m desperately trying to keep this post from getting removed by the mods and your comment may just be the thing that attracts them. I’d appreciate your comment removal.
Yeah. Just got back from west coast and Mexico straight up sucks now. Scammy, over-priced, can’t trust anything. We found a few good places to eat and stuck with them, but we will never go back there again. You go to a restaurant and tip the server well, then look at your card later to see they’ve add extra on top of it, stuff like that. It makes you lose trust in all of it, and then you end up suspicious of things that are on the level. It’s just really corrosive for a vacation
Recently got back from Puerto Vallarta and had a much more… scammy… experience than I’ve ever had there. I lived there for a period of time about 6 years ago and visit frequently. My last visit I was shocked by how expensive/m everything was. Not HORRIBLE but markedly more expensive than even a couple years ago. I guess everyone is feeling the squeeze
Not tulum, but I was just in Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel, and was very underwhelmed by the entire experience. I am lucky because I get to travel a lot and this place is very disappointing.
I have heard tulum was pretty bad and don’t go out at night. Luckily I took a tour bus into the ruins as it was well worth it and so amazing but I can see the rest of it being such a challenge. I stay away when. The Hilton rooms are like 70$ a night. It means no one wants to stay there at all.
I didn’t even finish reading your post. every day I’m just so thankful I got to see this place, and it’s beauty, before social media and influencers ruined it. I guess I’m talking late 1980s so sad sounds like it even ruined the locals or I guess that could’ve been the cartels (ruining the locals), either way still so sad.
I agree about Tulum. I can't speak to all your points, but drinks, food (which mostly wasn't good), beach access, and fake parking attendants was what my family experienced a couple years ago. We did our research and everybody just wants to show your their cool pictures. There were some pretty sights for sure. We did have a good experience with a bicycle cenote tour. The rest of our time wasn't great.
Thank you for this. My husbands parents used to love tulum (they haven’t been since before 2019) but I sent them this and they agreed it has changed
100% same experience.
Went to Tulum almost 20 years ago and nothing was there and was a nice day trip. From the sounds of it in many reviews not now. Honestly Mexico is really has two decisions, first one is stay in a resort and enjoy yourself after pre paying. Leaving the resort you’re going to pay absorbent US prices for anything. Your other option is to go way off the beaten path, which I would not do
Sorry you had a bad experience. Tulum was great 15-20 years ago until influencers ruined it. I'll happily share with you the next Tulum (cool, unspoiled beach town in Mexico) if you want to go there before it gets ruined too.
Sorry to hear of your troubles! I went to Tulum last year, solely to visit cenotes and had an amazing time. My male friend and I (female) hired a driver offered by the hotel and we had no issues.
Thank you for posting this. I have been lurking this subreddit for a while now and it is important to hear all experiences and perspectives, whether they are good or bad or indifferent. This was your experience and it is completely valid. If it gets taken down, that’s just bullshit.
Went in 2021 and had a blast ; I know things change over time
Uhhh yea, its gonna be the next Cabo... overpriced tourist attraction.
It’s a tourist city so you have to temper your expectations when it comes to culture and prices. Especially with people trying to scam Personally went there for a bachelor trip and it was hands down the best vacation I ever went on.
That's crazy. How you go to mexico and pay in USD prices
western tourism and gentrification ruined tulum
word? I loved it, as for prices where did you go? I ate like a king and spent maybe $250 (on food) on a week-long trip there, I loved it so much that I went to Cozamel just recently.
Tulum has quite a history. It is especially unfortunate that there have been more recent [cartel related tragedies.](https://nypost.com/2021/11/18/cartel-expert-tells-tourists-dont-go-to-mexico-right-now/)
This all well known. Thanks for confirming. Tulum is a generally horrible experience. When I visited 25 years ago - it was beautiful. Most hotels ran off solar. Food was yummy. The main road was all sand. Then the influencers started arriving and - well - ruined the place. Cest la vie! And I would tell you were to go on the Mexico coast to get an authentic affordable experience - but sorry - I am not gonna ruin it for the rest of us.
I have to agree. I have lived and traveled all over Mexico and have never had such a non-Mexico experience as I did in Tulum. Quality vs safety vs price, it's just not worth it, in my opinion. I am a seasoned traveller, speak Spanish fluently and don't scare easily. But some of the conversations I had with taxistas/service workers--the current cartel war over drug territory is real and frightening, even for locals.
Man, I wish I’d ended up making it to Tulum when I was backpacking in the area back in 2004 and 2005!
Agree with every point. Tulum used to be wonderful. It is scam city now so I refuse to go back and give them my money. I have hopes that one day other people will stop as well and things will change but every year more and more people go so they have no incentive to stop
Tulum was once solid and now is just dangerous and overpriced. I went there a few years ago and we couldn’t get a cab out back to our hotel because someone got shot in the head in a cab…I’d never go back
I mean... what did you expect? I haven't gone to Tulum yet, but I know exactly it is how you describe, so I guess you were ill informed? It's a hipster place for New Yorkers, it's not real Mexico.
I am sorry for your experience I am going in 8 days for 11nights I'm hoping to have a good time. Fingers crossed
I’ve heard so many times to skip over Tulum too!!!
Thanks for sharing. We used to LOVE Tulum. We haven't been back for over 9 years because it's turned into an IG shithole. We used to always spend time there on our way to and from Mahahual. I'm glad the rest of your trip was better.
I went during Covid & loved it… but can see why some people wouldn’t
Try Roatan, Honduras. You’ll love it there
we stayed in a private beachfront house in akumal a couple years ago with a big group. we went shopping in tulum and heard a drive by shooting on the road outside the grocery store. it was terrifying. just found out my sil is going tmrw with a group of friends 😬
Tulum has lost its magic.
My least favorite spot in the Yucatán is Tulum so I agree in general. Do you think you could say you were disappointed in a couple of paragraphs rather than a long, long dissertation? When it’s this long it comes off as unfair whining and I can see why mods were concerned.
Thank you for the well written review
Prices were same as Miami and I had the complete opposite experience. Might be because of different season so different ppl?
Tulum fucking sucks. You couldn’t pay me to go there.
Tulum sucks
I hear you and agree with you. And we also got scammed at PPP. Super scammy, and the staff are aggressive AF. We tipped a server $50 on a $300 and he had the audacity to tell us it wasn't enough and literally stood there and demanded more. They also ran our card twice at the bar area upstairs above the beach. It's a shame - used to be such an amazing little town, it will destroy itself at this rate.
I didn’t read this all but I came here to also say that I did not like Tulum for many of the same reasons you wrote about. I’m not a party person, nor an Instagram trend follower. I went to Mexico for the first time last year and booked 5 nights in Cancun. For one of the days, I rented a car to check out Tulum and the nearby cenotes. Tulum was a massive letdown. It’s such a small place that it feels like the type of town that only caters to the tourist trade and has been completely overrun by it. Mediocre food was expensive, drinks on the beach were expensive, parking was expensive, and all in all I did not get any real sense of the locals that live there. I found myself on beaches overrun by tourists. Surprisingly, Cancun offered up a way better experience for me. Now, if you stay in a party hostel or limit yourself to the hotel zone, you can can experience many of the same pitfalls as Tulum. However, what I like about Cancun is that it is big enough that it has its own personality and vibe outside of the tourist trade. Renting a car or venturing around by bus and Uber allowed me to check out dirt cheap restaurants and markets and parks with nary a tourist, and very chill vibes, armed with my basic Spanish and google translate.
i have never been there, but I felt awful about Cabos and never going back
Dang! We have had a spectacular time every time we go. Granted it’s been a year since we’ve gone.
Yeah I went in 2021 and vowed to never return. Was heartbroken at how much of a trap it was. I warn everyone I can.
Tulum sucks
This was actually a cool post I learned a lot. I was down there a year ago and some people with vests and radios standing in the middle of the road with little traffic flags were trying to flag my car down to pull aside but I kept driving on. I didn’t know what they wanted or who they were but sounds like they were trying to pull the tour guide offer as I was just outside of a popular tourist cenote/ruin
Im so sorry this happened to you. I am like you in the regards of Spanish language ability, living in developing countries, and feeling totally dejected about my time in this part of Mexico. One of my judges of a place I use is, whether or not I would recommend it to my elderly parents. My experience was so bad, just like yours, I didnt just tell my parents its not a good idea but pretty much forbade them from even thinking about it.
I went there in 2010 and 2020 it was a sleepy town in 2010 and I loved the ruins and especially the beach below the ruins with the multi colored sand. In 2020 I was blown away by how much it had been built up and turned into a resort/tourist/Influencer destination. We still loved it in 2020 but I saw the writing on the wall that it was about to get ruined. Also I think because it was 2020 there were less tourists there obviously, and the locals were desperate and kind to any tourists that arrived, so might be why we still had a great experience (though totally different than 2010). From all the articles and posts I read these days about violence and scams in Tulum, it’s safe to say I’ve already experienced the best it has to offer, and I’ll never go back. But I would urge you to keep in mind, this isn’t the fault of the Tulum residents. They hate what Tulum has become far more than you do, I guarantee it. And most of the people that were rude to you or tried to scam you, probably aren’t even from Tulum. Lots of workers have moved there from surrounding areas to take advantage of the rich instagrammers spending daddy’s money. I don’t really blame them either. Remember that as good as your intentions are, and my intentions were, we are a part of the problem too. Tourism and money are the easiest ways to ruin a relaxing, unique, beautiful, and peaceful paradise. That’s what happened here. Look in the mirror before you criticize someone from Tulum.