Is Tulum Safe? Safety Tips for Solo Travelers & Backpackers!

Tulum, Mexico will steal your heart! One look at its beautiful beaches and you’ll be looking for an affordable plane ticket.

This well-preserved area on the Yucatán Peninsula welcomes backpackers, digital nomads, solo travelers, and vacationers with open arms. But with all its wonders, how safe is Tulum?

Tulum takes the award for being one of the safest areas in Mexico. With a low crime rate and plenty of safe areas to stay in, most vacationers return from Tulum incident-free. With that in mind, there are still things to avoid.

It's been on my travel bucket list for a while, but I wanted to make sure I had all the info before I went. So I wanted to share all of the valuable information I found!

Stay tuned for all things Tulum as I dive into the best safety tips for backpackers and solo travelers alike...

How Safe is Tulum, Mexico?

What used to be a sleepy beach town is now a city that welcomes over 1.5 million visitors annually.

With that many visitors it must be a safe place to visit right? Well the answer to how safe Tulum is depends on who you ask.

Although there have been some safety concerns over the years, most people agree that Tulum is moderately safe for travelers.

How do you ensure you stay safe? Of course, as with any busy tourist destination, take precautions! There are a few dos and don'ts that I'll outline in this blog, as well as tips to staying safe in Tulum.

But on the whole, Tulum is a safe area in Mexico to soak up some rays and explore Mexican culture.

Is Tulum Safe for Solo Travelers?

Solo backpacking has become increasingly popular in Tulum. It's a great destination to meet fellow backpackers. Everyone is on a mission to find affordable Mexican food, even cheaper tequila, and amazing adventures in cenotes.

Tulum is safe for solo travelers. There's a reason it's so popular for solo female travelers and digital nomads! Not only is it considered a secure city in Mexico, but it also boasts epic hostels and great working spaces.

The most common problems for solo travelers in Tulum are mosquitoes, sunburns, and hangovers! So slap on that sun cream and get ready to make amazing memories.

Crime in Tulum

No matter we're you're going, I think it's always important to be informed about potential safety issues, including crime.

In the case of Tulum, the overall crime rate is relatively low compared to other parts of Mexico—part of the reason many people consider it such a wonderful place to travel to. But, as is the case anywhere, travelers should always remain vigilant.

Petty crimes that do occur in tourist areas include petty theft, such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded places, and car break-ins.

Looking to minimize the risk? Use common sense, take precautions, and look after your belonging.

That sounds pretty generic, but I've also listed out a whole bunch of more detailed safety tips and tricks you can follow so that your travels to Tulum are safe and secure.

Scams can also be a concern. Be wary of too-good-to-be-true deals, and always confirm prices before accepting goods or services. Credit card fraud is another issue to be aware of, so it's always best to keep your credit card within sight during transactions.

Violent crime in Tulum is less common, especially in the main tourist areas. However, if you plan on venturing off the beaten path or visiting less touristic areas, it's recommended to do so during daylight hours and to stay in groups.

If you're a solo traveler, consider going on a local tour or use one of the many apps to connect with locals!

Outside of Tulum, there is a higher rate of cartel-related crimes involving drugs and gangs. However, these aren’t in tourist areas and don't affect tourists. So you can rest easy and continue packing for your trip to Tulum.

Natural Disasters in Tulum

It's important to be aware that, like many places, Tulum can occasionally be affected by natural disasters.

Tulum is located in the Yucatan Peninsula and has a very tropical climate. This means that the country is susceptible to hurricanes, especially during the hurricane season that's likely to happen June, September, and October.

Heavy rains and strong winds can cause flooding and other damage. It's essential to monitor weather reports if you're visiting during hurricane season!

Earthquakes, although less common, can also occur in the region. The effects in Tulum are typically minimal but being aware of what to do during an earthquake can contribute to your safety.

If you're planning on swimming or snorkeling in Tulum's beautiful cenotes or coastal areas, remember that strong currents can occur, so always follow local advice and never swim alone.

Before traveling to Tulum, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local emergency procedures for these types of natural disasters.

Many hotels and resorts have specific plans in place, so don't hesitate to ask about them upon arrival.

So this sounds like it's important to pick the best time to visit Tulum. You're right!

I'd recommend the shoulder season, which happens during May, July and August. This isn't quite high season and therefore you'll get better prices and still avoid any natural disasters.

Prefer to experience everything Tulum has to offer in the high season? That's okay too—there's a reason Tulum is so popular during those months. Book yourself tickets from November to April if this sounds like you!

Safe Places You Should Stay in Tulum

Safest Areas in Tulum

Put your mind at ease when you stay in Tulum. Here are some safe areas to consider when planning your trip there.

• The Hotel Zone: The best for a lively atmosphere
• Paradise Beach: The best for beach bums
• Tulum Pueblo: The best for backpackers
• Aldea Zama: The best for Eco Adventures

Each area has something different, but what they have in common is their safety. Before booking a hostel in Tulum, make sure they have the following:

• 24-hour security
• Security locker
• Working locks on your doors

Top Hostels & Affordable Hotels

There are many affordable options in Tulum, Mexico, whether you’re looking to stay at a hostel or a low-cost hotel! You’ll be surprised with the high quality of hospitality you receive even if you don’t stay at more expensive and upscale accommodations.

If you’re a backpacker or solo traveler who enjoys staying in hostels, Tulum is the place to be! Hostels in Tulum are very diverse, so you should pick where to stay based on your needs.

If you’re looking to have an amazing time and you consider yourself a bit of a partier, book a room at the Straw Hat Hostel & Rooftop Bar. On top of having a beautiful rooftop bar, the hostel boasts a pool, runs nightly activities, and hosts a daily happy hour!

More of a beach go-er? Then you should stay at Selina Tulum, a beachfront hostel sitting right in between the sacred Tulum ruins and a nature reserve. You’ll love the secluded feel of this stay and easy access to one of the best beaches in Tulum.

Alternatively, you may like more privacy while still staying on budget. In that case consider choosing one of these three hotels that cost under US$100 per night for 2 people: Mimosa Tulum, Hotel El Capitán Tulum, or XscapeTulum. All of these hotels have great ratings on Booking.com and XscapeTulum is even considered a “Travel Sustainable Property” based on Booking.com’s definition!

7 Safety Tips for Solo Travelers

About to head off to Tulum on an epic solo adventure? Then save these Tulum safety tips for later. They'll put your mind at ease and help you a lot as you explore Tulum.

1. Consider Travel Insurance

While Tulum is generally considered safe for tourists, it's always better to prepare for the unexpected. Travel insurance can offer a critical safety net for various scenarios that could happen during your trip.

From minor inconveniences like lost luggage or delayed flights to more significant issues such as medical emergencies or trip cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, travel insurance can provide coverage that helps protect your investment in your trip.

Beyond mere financial protection, travel insurance often includes services like 24/7 assistance hotlines which can provide valuable support in navigating unexpected situations in a foreign country.

Whether it's helping to find local medical services or arranging for emergency evacuation, this can be an invaluable resource in a time of need.

2. Learn Some Spanish

It's always a good idea to learn the language of the country you're visiting. Since you'll be in Mexico, I highly suggest learning some key, helpful Spanish phrases.

If you have some knowledge of Spanish, you're less likely to get scammed and you'll be able to find your way around more easily by being able to communicate with locals.

Here are some fantastic Spanish phrases to learn before you go to Tulum:

• ¿Cómo llego a...? - How do I get to...?
• Necesito ayuda - I need help
• Estoy perdido/Estoy perdida (for male/female respectively) - I am lost
• ¿Dónde está la comisaría más cercana? - Where is the nearest police station?
• ¿Dónde está el hospital más cercano? - Where is the nearest hospital?
• ¿Hablas inglés? - Do you speak English?

3. Don’t Carry Huge Amounts of Cash

Post-pandemic, I find that the world has become more accepting of debit and credit cards. When possible, carry your cards and minimal cash. Take out more cash as needed.

If you need cash to buy from local street stalls or bargain with artisans, then you'll definitely need to rely on cash more. If that's the case, then I'd recommend keeping your cash separated in different spots in your luggage.

Best yet, if you have a locked storage compartment or safe at the place you're staying, keep your extra money there!

Only carry what you need and then grab more from the different compartments in your bags as needed. Don't carry the full amount of cash on you in case of pit pockets or theft.

4. Keep Your Valuables Safe

This is similar to not carrying large amounts of cash. Keep your valuables, like a wallet or camera, in a safe or locked compartment at your accommodations whenever you don't need them.

And when you're out and about, try not to handle thesse expensive items too much since thieves could see you as a potential target if they see you with too many valuables.

5. Carry Your Cash in a Money Belt

Grab a money belt or hip pack to carry your money and valuables in a very convenient and safe place. Not only can you wear your money belt so that it'll be in your line of vision at all times, you can also hide it under jackets!

6. Stay in Well-Reviewed Hostels

I know some of you are adventurers and don't mind taking some risks while you travel. That being said, I highly recommend staying at highly rated hostels in Tulum to make sure you're extra safe.

Robberies are less likely to occur at more reputable places. Although not entirely out of the question. Remember my tips about keeping cash and valuables in safes or locked compartments!

I'll provide some top rated hostels a bit later in this guide. Stick around to find out 3 of the top hostel suggestions based on my research.

7. Keep Your Alcohol Safe!

Lots of visitors to Tulum go to party the night away. If this is part of your plan, I support you fully! Just one piece of advice...

Always keep an eye on your drink.

I know this is a general rule for going out, but it's especially important in Tulum or while you're traveling.

Things You Should Avoid in Tulum

Solo backpacking is thrilling and gives you memories that last a lifetime. When in Tulum, you’ll want to do all the tourist activities like Chichen Itza, lie on pristine beaches, and ATV through the Mayan jungle. However, there are a few things to keep an eye out for in Tulum.

Avoid Drinking Water

The water in Tulum, like in Cancun, isn't filtered and can upset your stomach. Drink bottled water and avoid tap water where possible. No one wants a Tulum tummy!

Avoid Drugs

This one is simple. If you buy drugs in Mexico, you, your fellow backpackers, and the locals of Tulum could all face serious consequences. Avoid them at all costs.

Avoid Walking Alone at Night

Even though Tulum is safe for solo travelers and backpackers, it's recommended not to walk alone at night. So buddy up with your hostel mates when you hit the town.

Avoid Secluded Places

As much as it's great to explore off the beaten track, try to avoid secluded areas. Not only will you struggle to get local transport, but you could also put yourself in unwanted situations.

If in doubt, book a local tour so you have an expert guide to show you the unknown safely.

Avoid Driving at Night

Avoid driving at night if possible. If you have to drive, stick to the highway and drive straight to your destination.

What should you avoid in Tulum?

Solo backpacking is thrilling and gives you memories that last a lifetime. When in Tulum, you’ll want to do all the tourist activities like Chichen Itza, lie on pristine beaches, and ATV through the Mayan jungle. However, there are a few things to keep an eye out for in Tulum.

Avoid Drinking Water

The water in Tulum, like in Cancun, isn't filtered and can upset your stomach. Drink bottled water where possible. No one wants a Tulum tummy!

Avoid Drugs

This one is simple. If you buy drugs in Mexico, you, your fellow backpackers, and the locals of Tulum could all face serious consequences. Avoid them at all costs.

Avoid Walking Alone at Night

Even though Tulum is safe for solo travelers and backpackers, it's recommended not to walk alone at night. So buddy up with your hostel mates when you hit the town.

Avoid Secluded Places

As much as it's great to explore off the beaten track, try to avoid secluded areas. Not only will you struggle to get local transport, but you could also put yourself in unwanted situations.

If in doubt, book a local tour so you have an expert guide to show you the unknown safely.

Avoid Driving at Night 

Avoid driving at night if possible. If you have to drive, stick to the highway and drive straight to your destination.

Commonly Asked Safety Questions

Is Cancun Safer Than Tulum?

If you’re trying to decide between Cancun and Tulum, we understand because it's a hard pick! Both have blissful beaches, cheap quesadillas, and heaps of Latin American culture. But when it comes to safety, is one safer than the other?

I recently reviewed how safe Cancun is, and when comparing Cancun and Tulum, both are very safe. Cancun has a few more tourist scams like credit card fraud and fake excursion tickets due to it being a busier area. Whereas, Tulum is more affected by natural disasters.

Overall, both destinations are safe for tourists. If you walk with confidence and keep your common sense close, your trip to these beautiful places will be like a dream.

Are Taxis in Tulum Safe?

Taxis in Tulum are a pretty safe bet. Just remember to set the price before you hit the road to avoid any confusion later.

And if you want to play it extra safe, stick with taxis from established stands or those hailed by your hotel.

One important thing you should know is that Uber is currently not available in Tulum—at least not at the time my blog was published.

Is It Safe to Stay in an Airbnb in Tulum?

Absolutely! I took a look at all the wonderful Airbnbs available in Tulum and there are countless positive reviews.

Just remember to do your homework—check out the host's reviews and ratings to make sure you're in for a pleasant stay. Oh, and I recommend a little Google Maps scouting to check out the neighborhood.

Is There Gang Violence in Tulum?

Thankfully, Tulum has largely been spared from the gang-related issues that have affected other areas in Mexico. Still, staying updated on local news and heeding any advice from local authorities is a good rule of thumb for any traveler.

After all, being informed is always the best way to ensure a smooth journey.

What's the Best Way to Deal With Police Officers in Tulum?

As with any place, experiences with local law enforcement can vary.

In Tulum, most police officers are dedicated professionals who are there to maintain peace and safety. But, you might come across stories about travelers facing issues.

There are some people who have stories about being in the wrong place, wrong time. And as such, they were asked for bribes.

Let me assure you, these situations are not the norm. But they can occur.

What can you do if you're stopped?

If you're pulled over by the police for a traffic violation or something similar, it's best to stay calm, be respectful, and follow their instructions. Know your rights, and remember you can always ask to deal with any fines at the local police station rather than paying on the spot.

Prepare a little in advance and make sure you know more about the local laws and customs. Most importantly, respect the local laws and customs!

So, Is Tulum safe?

After doing all my research, yes, Tulum is safe for traveler as long as you are responsible!

Backpackers, digital nomads, and solo travelers rave about this beautiful place. Not only do you escape the crowds, but you also get epic nightlife, gorgeous beaches, and fascinating culture.

Remember there are precautions you should take to keep yourself safe! Avoid walking alone at night, don’t drink the local water, and try not to visit during the rainy season. Also keep an eye on your belongings, including your cash!

If you follow the safety tips in my blog, you'll feel safe in Tulum and enjoy your Mexican adventure!

Traveling through the cities of Mexico, especially Tulum, will give you lasting memories. Whether this is your first time backpacking or your 10th, Tulum is a safe area where you can relax, party, and enjoy the Mexican sun.

Grab Your Flights With Skyscanner!

If you're still looking at flights for your trip to Tulum, make sure you're booking the cheapest flights available on the market with SkyScanner!

SkyScanner helps you find the cheapest flights available so that you wouldn't have to pay more for flight tickets and you can save that money for more things to do or food to eat!

You Had Me at Tulum!

Now that your mind is at ease about Tulum, it's time to pack your bags and book a trip to this unforgettable destination. Use Pilot, a social trip planner, to help you plan the ultimate trip to Tulum with less stress!