Why I HATED Living in Tulum, Mexico [Honest Review] 

Why I LOVED living in Tulum: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-lrdQuB_FilQ.html&

I’m mexican, I remember less than 10 years ago Tulum was quiet, cheap and a beautiful escape. It’s sad to see that tourism ruined that 😓

Fair warning - but ironic that the real problem, that underlies all the issues you described, is that Tulum is an influencer magnet - especially during these times when Mexico is one of the few countries to accept international travelers. Sadly, most internationals who visit Tulum are not really interested in the history, culture and food of Mexico - they are looking to enjoy the same privileges that they do at home - except with a more scenic and enviable backdrop for their photos and videos. Who can blame the locals for jacking up prices (and supplying drugs) for these superficial twits. While there might be a movement among grown ups towards "slow travel" after COVID - the influencers will be the last to adopt a more respectful and meaningful approach to destinations (because their business model requires constant fresh backdrops, right?). Bottom line - the real problem with Tulum is that it attracts a lot of undesirables with more money than brains. If you do not want to be surrounded by them, stay away.

Over-tourism has ruined all of these unique places, killing the culture and making these places too expensive to live for the locals. Social media and Instagram influencers are partially the blame. Some tourists show no respect for the local culture and will do anything to snap a picture for social media clout. Tulum housing is getting too expensive for locals since investors are buying up all the property to advertise as AirBnBs. Venice, Italy has been reduced to nothing more than a giant Disneyland for adults now. The local population there is down to just 50K people. It once was 200K.

Just watched another video on how the massive influx of tourists is creating an environmental catastrophe as mangroves are cut down to build new hotels , parking lots etc... Mangroves are natures filtration system , and as they are decimated the ocean becomes polluted and coral reefs die .

Mexican from Mexico City here, a note on tipping. It is actually illegal in Mexico to include the tip in the bill, you can call Profeco (Consumer defense attorney) and dennounce the establishment. Though the fact that it is illegal doesn't necesarily mean they will pay heed to the warning, things might depend on where you are. For example in Mexico City that practice is practically non existent, if I find a restaurant doing that I immediately tell them to delete their tip and they will do it. I don't know how things are in Tulum, but still it's important to know it is in fact illegal at the federal level. Maybe they do it to foreigners only? Or maybe Profeco is weaker there? I don't know, just giving a heads up. Edit: One clarification, "service fee" or "cubierto" is a different thing and that is indeed legal. But you can tell the difference from forced tip because these ones are not derived from the bill, they are fixed fees not related to the bill total.

Great video. I visited Tulum in late January and again in February and totally agree. I had the mirrors stolen off on my scooter while at the beach, constantly shorted on change everywhere I went in hopes I wouldn't notice, cell service and internet made trying to check in with work stressful, most cenotes were very expensive (and for what really?). Paid $10 for a 7 minute taxi ride. Stayed in Aldea Zama and was amazed at the amount of trash everywhere. Just got back from Puerto Vallarta last week where public transportation is cheap and easy, a 15 minute Uber ride is $4, a dinner for two with drinks and an appetizer is $18 - and didn't feel like I was constantly being scammed.

As someone who lived there for 7 years and watch people like you arrive who 'live' somewhere for 2 or 6 months. And then post on social media which has made cartels move in and shitty party tourists move in. From natural beauty and silence to instragrammers and youtubers stomping all over the place promoting the building (and thus raping) of the sacred land there. The real local community is doing all they can to stick together and live a decent life. I finally sold my house in Villas last year and moved away with a broken heart at what has happened to my home. PLEASE think about what you're doing with your way of making money to small communities. maybe you can do this thing for cities but tulum, ubud, goa etc etc etc have all been destroyed but people like you plus you'll have the internet you need...

Ive been going to the peninsula yucatan for the past 5 years. The last time i went to tulum was back in 2015-2016when it was still very much a sleepy town and things were way cheaper than playa and cancun. I did however notice the beginnings of rapid gentrification and an absurd price increase and the opening of “exclusive “ organic places and the diminishing of the actual indegenious culture.. this greed needs to stop! Nature belongs to everyone not just the wealthy.. Its mexico ppl! Its Obvious who “owns” the road.....

I appreciate your transparency. This is imperative information! Thank you!

$550 for entry and $50 for a tequila lol 🤣 that might be the most expensive place in the world, let alone Mexico! I'll stick with my $1 tacos and $12 hotels 🤣

Wow! That was informative! Can’t believe some of those prices! Dang! And shootings? Nobody is talking about that for sure! I’ve also heard that everyone is just partying like there is no virus and the illnesses are going up. Stay safe and have fun Janet!

YES DON'T GO TO TULUM..GO HOME

Enjoying your videos a lot lately Janet! I'm going inbetween this channel and your social media tips channel, very good 👌

So incredibly gorgeous Tulum is great for rich digital nomads or tourists that do not do drugs or party but just spend time in their resorts, residential areas and go to out to the beach and to have a bite to eat during the day.

Great video! I expected and heard about everything you mentioned...EXCEPT I've seen no one talking about power outages. I booked a lovely boutique hotel for $51 US. An hour after check in the power went off and NEVER came back on! The entire area (a new area off the main strip) was out. The area is building hotels, vaca rentals and cute restaurants. I had another person tell me their power went out too in an Airbnb, but it came back on. Imaging sleeping, in Tulum without air, lights, wifi, nothing. SMH

Thanks for creating this video. Well organized and presented.

I would add: water contamination, you are basically swimming in sewage water, most hotels have leaky water treatment tanks. The water color 10 years ago was completely different. NOISE, loud music on the beach, contantly. Contaminated cenotes, all of them. Air quality due to diesel generators. Dead coral reef, wildlife mostly gone. Tulum used to be a paradise.

thank you for your honesty. is paying the tip twice mandatory? what would happen if someone refused?

Janet . thank you for the info really great. how about water and eletricity? does the electricity works all of the time?

I'm mexican and i think this is valuable information, it'll be worst if anyone talk about the scamms and the bad things cuz at the end of the day that will affect negatively their experiences sooner or later, so its better know that before and take good decisions 😄😄 By the way theres places even better than Cancún for less, for example Puerto Vallarta

Thank you for sharing an honest review and some tips! Liked!! 👍🏼

Really interesting, Janet. The fact that you're always so positive about places you visit makes one like this even more relevant. And, of course, as the ultimate professional, you simultaneously post a positive one about Tulum! Rather hilariously, the only time I've heard a Cork accent from you was in this clip where you were imitating the girl selling drugs! 😂 Best of luck with your new destination. (Back to Bali?) Stay safe!

I cycled everywhere I lost six pounds by the time I left Tulum 😂 I only paid the taxi when I went on an excursion I learned my lesson after that!

Great info and super helpful for someone looking to go to Tulum in February

I used to go to Tulum before it was developed and had tons of tourists. I have zero interest in going there as it is now. It’s sad. I’m so grateful I spent lots of time on the Riviera Maya before it got as it is now. Totally not my vibe.

Well I am mexican , and I had went recently , Tulum Is expensive but there are some options for example a hostel in the centre cost 15 dollars , they hice a bicicle free to go the beach , and if you eat at places for local people Is so cheap , if you want more advice I can tell you

I’m going in 2 weeks. I booked Livetulum for $96 a night but they have rooms as low as $66 I can’t wait to go! I will keep all your tips in mind

Hello, I live in Texas but I’m from México born and rise until I was 18 I moved so I know exactly what your talking about . I’m from Monterey but I’ve been to Tulum and other turistic places and I support everything you said it’s very honest

You have courage to say the truth about the negatives.

In December, I had to decide if we should do a week in Tulum or 5 nights in Merida. We decided to go to Merida and so glad we did. You mentioned several of the reasons why we went to Mérida.

Thank you for ur info , i went to cancun and pdc and plan for tulum next but after watching ur vid and other people vids i kind change my mind about tulum

Thanks for this video, amiga!! We miss to go traveling with you!

Very, very helpful information..thanks!!

I am Mexican and I relate to what she's talking about but tourists are allowing this high prices to happen, you FIRST need to ask HOW MUCH because then they will suck it to you ! ESPECIALLY if you are from another country, ALWAYS ask for prices FIRST. I would NOT give them my business if they are being GREEDY. NEGOTIATE with GREEDY!

We lived in Tulum for a month. I think 2 weeks is enough time to be there and not be bored. We had a good deal on rent - $300 for a 2 BR apartment with exclusive rooftop access. I had been using tap water to make coffee (boiled first) until I found out they were filling the cistern from the pool, lol!

Oh my. I am going to Mexico for the first time in mid-february. I am going to travel around for 4,5 week. Fly in and out Cancun. I decided to make Tulum my first sleep straight from Cancun airport. I might have to rethink that. :-) I booked a room in central Tulum for 3000 pesos for 4 nights (about 150 USD). I noticed that the prices was a bit high but decided to go for that room which looks nice. I might have understood you wrong. The expensive accomodations is near the beach right? I have travelled to 77 countries already and learnt during 30 years of travel to shy away from tourist areas, but some are still worth visiting, cause there is often a reason why they have become popular in the first place. I fully understand you as I have also been back 5-10-15 years later to absolutely charming small places that has turned the way you describe it. Should I skip Tulum and go something else? It is easier to find moderately priced accomodation in Playa del Carmen. I might use Playa as base instead and do day trips from there. Cancun I am saving for my last few nights...haha.

Well Mexico has many destinations for every budget, maybe many foreigners think that Mexico is very cheap and it is but it depends on each destination, it is like Los Cabos everyone knows that it is very exclusive and it is, same as tulum. Everything is relative, one day Acapulco was the top in Mexico visited by Hollywood stars, today it is in decline. it's called the supply and demand

Remember Tulum lives from the tourism so is so expensive..I am not agree with costs, but also if you can't afford going to Quintana Roo you can choose other destinations..that are very beautiful also, is not like the Caribbean side, but Puerto Vallarta , Mazatlán, sayulita, la.paz, los cabos, etc are beautiful beaches and cheaper, some destinations were created to make money haha. Unfortunately that's the way it is.

Girl you ain't never lied. I just left Playa Del Carmen with the same issues. I stayed away from Tulum for the same overpriced reasons you just mentioned. I left Quitana Roo for Yutacan and dont have those problems anymore. Thanks for keeping it real!

You're absolutely right. They just want money and most of the times their service is really bad. And always espect to be ask for tip even if they don't deserve it.

Could you do one on playa del carmen too?

My hostel and Airbnb had great wifi. To have service on the beach I’d suggest getting a Mexico SIM card for your stays.

40 miles away you can get most of these things for 1/10 of the price,in Playa Del Carmen.

Thanks for sharing this. Just got $300 out of the ATM at the supermarket (SUPER long lines) yesterday and didn't realize I could decline the conversion. Made it seem like it would decline the transaction.

I, as a Mexican that knew Tulum in its old days agree with you a 100%. Last time I was there was January 2020 and I was horrified of what it has become. So so sad.

Great tip for the atm!

Hello. I'm. From tulum so there's some tips if you want to come here jejeje 1 don't stay in the beach area we from here we never go there just in the public beaches and olso aldea zama is too expensive 2 taxis are mafias cheaper if you rent a car or a bike 3 Food find the restaurants that always have Mexicans means it's cheap and good Taqueris honorio, tropitacos, carbonsito, la chiapaneca don't go too much where there's a lot of tourism 4 Place to stay there's rbnb some are crasy expensive there's some that are cheap so if you want to come at least check a month before because the cheap and good places they get ocupide very fast 5 Atm it's better to bring cash a tip jejejje

I agree with you! I feel that the same people who love partying like in Ibiza are also going to Tulum for drugs and they increase the demand and prices. I have heard people offering drugs like you described in Ibiza too as well as internet connection problem.

I spent a month, February 2018, and I am so glad I did it then, before it has gotten this bad! No doubt, accelerated by the pandemic crisis. I had the best time, living with a Mexican family who did not speak English, and I barely knew any Spanish! The people in the pueblo were very friendly and I made lots of friends there. I knew it was growing rapidly, so I could never expect it to be as good again if I were to go back someday, but I am forever grateful to have my memories! Thanks for these videos!

I've been to Tulum twice, first time was about 16 years ago. Then it was a little village, hardly anyone there. Second time a few years ago, change was 180 degrees to the negative. Was disapointed

Wow i got alot of info from u thanks for the video can u tell me are you also tour too

Good stuff > it would be really interesting to do a Bali /Mexico comparison vid!

A lot of people coming from Canada and America??? Canada and Mexico are America. Should be a lot of people coming from Canada and the United States of America because America is a continent. We all Americans. I love tulum

Hi Janet, to begin, I really enjoy your videos and I'm relatively new to your vlogs. I started following you once you started posting Mexico videos and you're right on with all of your observations, actually Tulum is over-priced, I suppose it's what the market will bear but as you discovered, there's a lot of other cities nearby that offer much more value for the money (Puerto Morelos and Playa Del Carmen come to mind). Another thing you never mentioned was that a lot if not ALL of the ATM's are hacked in the Yucatan, actually even the machines in the Cancun airport have been compromised and thiefs can get your pin number once you scan your card and drain your account shortly after you're gone. There's videos posted on RU-vid about this subject that actually shows how the thiefs take over the machines. I personally was skimmed at a machine in Akumal and they got away with $15,000 Canadian dollars (which I got back through my card company - eventually). Anyhow, I look forward to seeing what you loved about Tulum in your other new video - Cheers!

Am in Tulum now (April 2021), everything you say is spot on with exception of internet access in the town area apartments. There must have been some upgrades, as I'm getting 50mbps down, 30mbps up, and this is my second place. Otherwise correct and probably worse in the short time since you posted the video. Only reason I'm staying for a few more weeks is that this is the only place I can work remotely from AND my gf can visit. "The Dark Side of Tulum" is worth watching, mainly the first 20 minutes, after that it's all emotional fluff with bad science.

What I don’t like about Tulum is that most of the people living there are not from Mexico... that’s the worst and Most sad thing of Tulum

Happy new year 💚

I am Mexican living in Puebla. I like what you say, I'm developing a housing complex for nomads-youtubers-content creators-tourists where they can stay several months and know Puebla, its magical towns and nearby states. Renting a comfortable house at a good price and with a GOOD internet (high-speed fiber optics) can makes the difference of having guests or be a failure as a project.

Yes Tulum is expensive, but I found out Hawaii is even more expensive. Although Tulum beaches are nice, going to Honolulu was like LA with a beach. Didn’t expect that either. I like Bacalar much better.

You got me at number 1 lol 🤣

Just spent a month in tulum. Very spot on!

I’m in Tulum now Sept 2021 and I paid $2000 for this “condo” at a condo complex in La Veleta (it’s really a small stylish studio with fast good WiFi ) … and it’s off of a dirt road- I really can’t understand why money hasn’t been reinvested in the roads

Where did you find good food?

A lot of good things that Tulum provides can be ruined by the rip off that local people take on you. From the international airport to hotel, taxis charge you 50-85 dollars for a quarter hour ride. When I rented a car with damage protection included from Priceline, the local rental firm required $10,000 deposit for not using their own damage protection/insurance. I ended up having to pay four times more than what I paid for my rent plus damage protection by Priceline. Tulum hotelzone charges $15 dollar (200 pesos) for whichever parking lots you will find. I was even required to pay extra 100 pesos when the valet person at a restaurant scammed me saying that I don’t have the same valet ticket that he gave me (which is a lie, since he knew which car key I was driving with). The overall perception I received from local Mexicans (merchants) was that they are looking at tourists as nothing more than objects to rip off from 😢. As someone who enjoyed goodwill and kindness from locals in Thailand, Bali, Japan, Brazil, or most of European countries, I would not recommend trip to this area especially for people who want to avoid this kind of treatment.

Thank you for your honesty.

Everything you said can relate to my experience in Cancun for 2 weeks, never going back to Mexico since I could be in nicer places, cheaper, safer like Bali, Thailand, Philippines, and many more.

Just been to Tulum, can confirm most of the points adressed in this video (we had our own car so I cannot say anything about the taxi service, but I was told several times they are similar to the maffia). The beach is amazing but traffic and prices are just not worth. Also they broke into our car in the middle of the day, we thought we were unlucky, but yesterday apparently there was a shooting and several tourists got killed at a restaurant. I would avoid Tulum, but if you really want to go, be careful.

Thank you for keeping it real.

Thanks. Very helpful

What they will do to you if you don’t leave anymore more tips? Since it is already being charged.

All tequila is not cheap, yes there is cheap tequila, but there is very high end tequila, just like whiskey, bourbon, etc.

Thank u foe all the info

As a NW US person traveling alone. My #1 dangerous spot was Acapulco. Then I started going to Talum. I spent 10 years there 2-4 weeks every winter up til 2018. Being alone you go from being watched to excepted. The first year the resort Dr gave me a piece of paper with a address on it and said give this to your driver, if you want fantastic food and views. For 45 minutes on a 10’ 2 way dirt road with Nothing but fences and armed security! He pulled over and said right there. On the other side of the fence was perfection. It reminded me of “paradise restaurant” in AkA from the 80’s but From public to private areas I didn’t experience over pricing. I Wasn’t trying to bargain in which I think is insulting but the prices were very respectful And I was on my phone at a local cenote. So it’s possible your service provider was a aid in service restrictions. But what killed it for me was.. I was at a resorts that experienced poisoned alcohol. When I got back to Chicago I found out it was said to be thousands of gallons . And if it wasn’t for a honest west coast female that I meet 20 hrs prior to me being Extremely Sick and unable to move for days. Not to mention I knew nothing about her, my passport, money, life was there for the taking. I still talk to her, she saved my life and halted her trip for me. It’s truly a good chance I wouldn’t be here. That’s a platinum membership destination that has sailed for that reason.

Oh crap! no phone reception while i'm at the beach? Because we all go to the beach to be on our phones? I find it funny, an influencer complaining about high prices, while it's the influencers and the hype they created that are one of the main reason for a lot of the issues exist.

Thank you for your review.

Wait until Tren Maya is completely built out. Small charming towns along the route will become like the Las Vegas strip.

seems, the decision to stay in Tulum for 2020 lockdown was the best idea ever. I saw impossible: affordable accommodations, empty streets and beaches, kind locals and zero traffic.

As Mexicans we need to pay attention of all this things.

I was in tulum today stayed a night 🌙 don't go its a dump its not worth it aya del Carmen is way way better

This couldn’t be more true. Everyone just sees the typical Tulum Instagram photos and think that’s the accurate depiction. My wife and I just got back from Tulum on our honeymoon and the one thing we couldn’t get over was the price of taxis. We stayed at La Zabra and would taxi to dinner every night, but the taxi drivers just rip you off like none other. We were charged 40 USD one way to get from La Zebra to Azulik for dinner only 2.5 miles away 😭

You don't get shot for doing drugs. You get shot for disrespectful actions

I just came back and you are so right! The taxis were the worst! I will never go there or recommend anyone go there. I'm probably going to check out Puerto Morelos next.

Tienes razón en lo que señalas. La forma de corregirlo desde el punto de vista del turista es, lamentablemente, alejarse por mucho tiempo de los sitios donde ocurren esos problemas. También, desde luego, escribir directamente al Secretario de Turismo de México. Gracias por tu valor al compartir la verdad.

A taxi driver tried to charge me 900 pesos to get from the beach to Tulum town this week. I’m fluent in Spanish, and it was the afternoon. Several bills I got either had a surprise charge, a hidden tip, or an added item. I really didn’t enjoy Tulum - both for the way I had to constantly stand guard, and for the way many tourists acted there. That’s okay. Eager to visit other spots in Mexico some day.

It's illegal for them to add a tip onto a bill.

I think every tourist place is like that! Everyone was telling me how cheap Thailand was and my first place there was Phuket which is a very tourist destination... First coffee I bought there was almost double the price the coffee in downtown Sydney Australia where I live, I was like WHAT?

If you think that is expensive try Cannes, Monaco on high season you will bend over backwards. $500 usd is chump change compared to the French Riviera on high season. Everybody knows if you go somewhere on high season prices are nuts.. Paris or London on the 31st of December FORGET IT! Regarding traffic most european cities also have massive traffic, Rome was not build for cars as many European cities... Unfortunately there is no perfect city is the world that fits all the checkboxes (trendy, not expensive, beautiful people, nature but developed) doesn't exists..

im mexican and i live in Belgium .. taxis here start price is already around 9euro and rise high. i took a taxi from Tulum to playa del carmen and i didnt pay that much for it. was around 40euro. still cheaper then belgium. my transport from home to the airport is standard 70euro here. and only 40min ride

I was there a couple weeks ago . You're right. traffic . Taxi prices . To many people . And expensive

Definitely get taxi prices before you start the ride! Take the ado from the airport the cab price is insane AND STAND AT THE BUS DEPARTURE . They will not announce time they will not announce departures. Share a taxi if you can or take the collectiva transportation

love your honest and I agree with everything you saying especially the tipping issue and the drugs etc which also balls down to the fact the Tulum has lost its Mexican charm its juts a tourists nightmare spot for those watching their monies ,for those who dont care let them spend it

Im Mexican and you are right in everthing! The violence you talk about is all over México the city where im from there are shooting everday. And the tipping thing thats another thing i hate about my country because its just not in tulum its all over Mexico!

I've been at Selina Tulun for the past 3 weeks and I can confirm the prices are insane, got the same 200usd for 2 beers and 2 tequila shots (this happened to me twice) It's a beautiful little bubble at Selina, but damn. I'm going to Isla for 10d and then looking forward to 45 days at la Punta in Puerto Escondido

I'm curious to know more about why you think it doesn't make sense for Tulum airbnb prices to be the same as NYC and SF?

Holly shit!! You just described tulum the way i always describe, interesting that we share the same point of view. Im a mexican and live from tourism couse a i give a service but makes me sad to see how the prices are just out of control. You are so accurate. Taxi are a mafia and everybody wants to charge you a lot for doing anything for you.

It was odd to hear that since its México! ... Those prices shouldn t exist. Also like someone below told you that you aré complaining but you willingly decided yo stay there couple months so you baisically achieved that lifestyle. The reasons that Tulum have such prices are many, including how visitors portrayed It like THE mystical hipster place... think about It. cheers

If they find suckers to pay those prices,more power to them.

I went in Tulum back in the 1996... just few camping with restaurant on the beach... a couple of dollars a night for the bungalow...

I was in Tulum 11years ago and would not go back now. It has been ruined. Why anyone would want to go there, much less live there, is beyond me.