Town in Quintana Roo, Mexico
Is Tulum safe?
Mostly fine for visitors, but crime has risen: bag theft, drug-related shootings and taxi disputes.
Is Tulum safe?
Mostly fine for visitors, but crime has risen: bag theft, drug-related shootings and taxi disputes. Stay in busy areas, avoid isolated beaches at night and use official transport.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-08-11.
- Homicide rate in Mexico: 24.9 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Mexico: 12.8 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · Tourist police 078 · All emergencies 911.
Safety in Tulum at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Bike and bag theft, break-ins at long-stay rentals, drug-related violence mostly away from tourists, and aggressive taxi and tour pricing. |
| At night | The center around Av. Tulum is lively and fine; avoid walking on the dark beach road. Taxis are mostly union-run, so agree fares ahead. |
| Solo women | Many solo women stay in hostels and boutique hotels. Take usual care at beach parties, watch drinks and avoid empty roads at night. |
| Other risks | Beach-road traffic and potholed roads; Heat and strong sun; dehydration in cenotes; Hurricanes Aug–Oct |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Taxis in Tulum refusing apps and charging inflated flat fares
- Cenote or ruin 'guides' selling overpriced tickets outside entrances
- Fake ticket sellers outside Tulum ruins; buy at the official window
- Rental-bike or ATV 'damage' claims on return
Take care
- Beach road after dark: no lighting, drunk drivers, robberies
- Pueblo outskirts at night: poorly lit, occasional shootings
- Isolated beach stretches: theft when you swim
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carrying any firearm or even a single bullet can mean prison.
- Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned and can be confiscated.
- Drinking in the street is illegal in most cities and brings fines or arrest.
How Tulum compares in Mexico
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Mérida | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Miguel de Allende | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Cozumel | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Isla Mujeres | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Holbox | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bacalar | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Guanajuato | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Monterrey | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Valladolid | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| La Paz | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puebla | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Querétaro | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Morelos | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Mazunte | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Todos Santos | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ajijic | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Mexico City | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cancún | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Tulum | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Playa del Carmen | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puerto Vallarta | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cabo San Lucas | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Oaxaca | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Guadalajara | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puerto Escondido | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Sayulita | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| San Cristóbal de las Casas | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Mazatlán | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Tijuana | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Acapulco | 2/5 · High risk |
Quick answers
Is Tulum safe for solo female travelers?
Many solo women stay in hostels and boutique hotels. Take usual care at beach parties, watch drinks and avoid empty roads at night.
Is Tulum safe at night?
The center around Av. Tulum is lively and fine; avoid walking on the dark beach road. Taxis are mostly union-run, so agree fares ahead.
What is the crime rate in Tulum?
Bike and bag theft, break-ins at long-stay rentals, drug-related violence mostly away from tourists, and aggressive taxi and tour pricing. Nationally, Mexico records 24.9 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Tulum?
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · Tourist police 078 · All emergencies 911.
More about Tulum
Going to Tulum solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Tulum International Airport (GAP)
- ADO
- Tren Maya
- INAH (Tulum archaeological site)
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.