Why we will NEVER return to TULUM Mexico - Violence, Sewage, Income Inequality 

I have been going to Tulum since 2002 - I would go at various times of the year - No Seaweed!! I remember walking along the beach for hours and occasionally seeing another person/couple - At one point I walked by a giant sea turtle laying eggs on the beach - sooo Magical!!! The “biosphere” national park gave me the impression that the area was protected from over development. Most of the cabanas were “owned” by Europeans - there were a few restaurants on the beach and tons of access - Several years later I began to see trash on the beach, increased development but still pretty suite. I loved going there to get out of the city and decompress, and connect with the locals - there is so much to do and see in the natural world there. Then in around 2012 the seaweed started to appear at certain times of the year - I didn’t go back until last year 2022 - I always stayed at my favorite quirky cabana’s La Luna - I was shocked to see exactly what you are talking about!!! I had to wear ear plugs at night due too (2) clubs next to the cabana’s pumping music until 4am - instagramer’s EVERYWHERE!!! Trash, seaweed - total insanity - I left there more stressed then when I arrived. I literally had a good cry on the beach as I had to let go and say good by to Tulum - It’s so sad to see what we as humans are doing to this planet. How can we not see that we need to live in harmony with the environment, with eachother - with other culture’s. This video is very accurate - so sad!!!!

Everything said on this video is totally true, just returned Mar 11 2023

I live in nearby Akumal. All of our beaches are easily accessible and we still have a quiet and quaint vibe. No overdevelopment has happened yet. I've been here 9 years from the USA and love it. I'd never think of going anywhere else. I get annoyed when people over emphasize the cartel or drug trade. Have you seen the US news lately? I feel much safer here than I ever did in the USA. We don't have to worry about school shootings or Super Bowl Parade shootings. If you stay away from drugs, you will be fine. The cross-fire shootings are few and far between. There is so much beauty in Mexico. Don't judge it more harshly than your own country.

My brother and sister n law just bought a condo in Selva Norte Tulum. November 18 as they were excited to decorate it, there condo exploded due to a gas leak. My brother died a week later and my sister n law died 11 days later 😢 💔 many residents there had complained about gas smells and nothing was done. My whole family is so heartbroken and seeking justice for them 💔

Just returned from Tulum. I chose not to watch your video before I traveled and everything you said is absolutely true. It was such a disappointing trip. It was not a vacation it was absolutely stressful.

You do realize many cities in Mexico are like this? If you don’t stay in a tourist hotel area this is what you experience.

😞 Wow. We used to fly into Cancun & immediately take the bus to Tulum. In the mid 90's, paid $4 per night to hang mi hamaca en una palapa right on the beach, almost next to the ruins. ~$10 for food & 1 piña colada per day. It was very safe & beautiful.

Appreciate the video. I want to share a few thoughts. 1. You are right, a lot of people see profit over people, and that's why I see it as essential to step in where we can and help out where there is inequality. 2. For the beach access, there are unfortunately only 2 or 3 public beach spots left.. some hotels will let you through without needing to stay at their beach clubs or paying anything. 3. I would at all costs avoid taxis in tulum if you need to take one, ask locals what the ride should cost, insist on the price, and never take a cab that is stationary.. always look for someone who is already on the move as the, are somehow less likely to overcharge. Also, if you want to go to the beach, there is a collectivo (minivan) going every few minutes (they have red letters on the front), and they just cost 20-30 pesos. I don't know what to say about 4. & 5. .... Tulum needs some serious systems for waste! 6. Yep, that's the mafia... 7. Luckily, there are systems now to build houses out of seaweed :) There is a project going on. You can find info on vice 8. At least it's armed guards and not the mafia rolling around 24/7, lol 9. If you know where and how it can be affordable... you honestly need to know which places to avoid :) Overall, Tulum is the most expensive town in Mexico!! 10. I hate them Instagrammers 😂

Thanks for sharing the other side. It definitely changed our plan and we are skipping Tulum.

So sad. Almost brought me to tears. Loved Tulum before it was 'discovered' and destroyed.

Glad I saw Tulum 30 years ago when it was still relatively rustic and quiet.

Thank you for the honest and authentic video about Tulum. Basically its the equivalent of Bali, Indonesia where I lived for 3 years. Almost identical problems and issues, land ownership, overpriced, sewage, etc., etc.

Unfortunately this is the story for lots of coastal tourism cities in Mexico and Latin America, really sad to see the the two extremes of wealth living side by side. Also hard to see this cycle ever ending😢.

10 minutes in Tulum, and I was turned off. The Seaweed was rancid, and the price gouging ridiculous. Asked a taxi for a ride for what amounted to about 3 blocks, and he wanted 500 pesos. No thanks, I'll walk. The same attitude was present multiple times. I have no interest in going back. Loving Bacalar, though.

This is barely scratching the surface. What I felt when I was in Tulum this last weekend was the palpable grip of extremely powerful, greedy, and dangerous cartels. Short of the evil, most people were just entirely fake. The real Tulum, as I imagine it was was probably far more public or at least not so disjointed between dozens of beach clubs. It's not just that the prices are high, it's that you can't skip from party to party on the beach and just have a good time like you should be able to or like you can in places like Boracay, Thailand, etc. What you end up with is paying over $20 per drink and blind covers of over $50 in an elaborate and classless money washing station. Tulum is invariable proof that billionaire cartel leaders still don't have good taste and don't know how to create a great party. They're more about the flex, but clearly don't understand the first thing about authenticity and human space interaction. This is a particular shame when you consider the immense beauty that could be enjoyed if none of the clubs were there, or at least were far less intrusive. Tulum is a treasure, nightmare, and a tragedy all wrapped into one. Mexico is losing its charm, most prominently in Tulum.

Very helpful information. Thank you for this!

Very informative video and it keeps you watching. Very professionally done and fact based. Thanks Bret. Looking forward to watching your thoughts about Bali in Indonesia.

You nailed this one brother

Tulum is beautiful. The hotel industries do not care about the Ecosystem or the community. This is why I chose not to return. My goal is to support local economy and the people to help them prosper aswell.

Yes I just saw where a couple where on a special trip came from Texas a wave broke the one guys next and the hospital wouldn't do anything until they paid 20,000 and when they got back to american he was in critical condition. Because the unsanitary conditions at the hospital he got meningitis and they also did the surgery wrong. Doctors in Texas saved his life.

Thank you for this info. You’re totally right!!!

Thanks for your video. Never been but will definitely reconsider 😮

Thank you for this video!

Muy buen video me gustó bastante, qué muestra los alrededores, el ecosistema donde no hay una infraestructura para aguas residuales, donde muestra que está creciendo sin control, y dónde muestra la riqueza del lado de la playa y la pobreza del otro lado, es exactamente documental, Y si yo viviera del lado donde todo es bello , dónde es playa, es mar, etcétera, todo se vería bien. pero tú video muestra todos los aspectos que hay que ver, antes de decidir dónde vivir.

My Deceased Husband and I had a Ball in Tulum...We we're at the Resort but we Rented at the Airport and drove to Tulum.. RIP Benji Miss you BAby

Love Tulum, but this is pretty on point. Good video

got back from Tulum about 3 days ago, definately need to rent an atv or scooter but driving is chaotic to say the least ! restaurants in town are okay but beach side we felt being taken advantage off most of the time wich is unfortunate on vacation. it is very expensive.. ive seen ice cream sell for 14$ in a supermarket and prices were almost the same or higher than Canada. The national guard is hard to get used to as well..and police are corrupted to the bones. Overall weather is great, we found a beach club that we liked so spent most of our time there but definately not going back and wonder if we would have traveled there having seen this video before ! I recommend going elsewhere :) enjoy your trips and thanks for the video it explain well whats going on there behind the instagram photos ;)

Yes to all of this! You my friend understand what is really going on here 👌🏼

I went to Tulum during December in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2017. Each time I stayed in inexpensive hostels and hotels in the town. I had a good time every time I visited. I like the funky, gritty feel of the town. I always biked to the beach, no problem, I like the heat. Scuba diving in all the cenotes is amazing, did that every visit. However, I may never go back as in 2017 I could tell it was getting more expensive and overbuilt, and the last stretch of beach that hadn’t been developed as of 2012 had finally been developed as of 2017, so there was no longer any beach area in Tulum with nothing behind it but trees and other plants. That was hugely disappointing to me, my excitement turned to sadness. I didn’t even hang out there, I biked a couple minutes south to the Papaya Playa hotel where I was able to hang out on their relaxing beach for the cost of a Corona beer purchased at their bar, which was fine. I hope they can get the pollution and trash problems under control. In 2017, I also visited Playa del Carmen for the fourth time, and the amount of beach erosion in the central part of the city, paralleled to Quinta Avenida, as compared to 2012 was shocking. The beach width from hotels to water was half what it was in 2012; the stench of sewage in the seawater was quite noticeable, too, so I didn’t even go in the water. Alas, we are loving the “Riviera Maya” to death.

Wow! Extremely informative!

We scratched Tulum off our list about a month ago. We'll still be looking for our place too.

NOOOO! Was advised to stay in Tulum so we can do some cenotes and Bacalar and we are leaving in two weeks. I feel ripped off already!!! I am in Australia and ten minutes from awesome quiet beaches so we were never attracted to that part of Tulum - it just seemed the best option to use as a base for four days. Any ideas on how to rearrange?

Ive been in Tulum for 1 day and I’m already over it. Might end my trip early

I wish everyone considering Tulum as a destination would watch this video. I have stayed in Tulum for 2 months and experienced everything in your video. You did a good job putting this together. Please keep posting links to your video on the message boards so people have all information to make informed decisions.

I totally agree in some of your points. I hope they will get the problems under control. Please would you say me, where is the place in the "Expensive" chapter?

Your video is very real and I appreciate you pointing out the problems that need to be resolved in Tulum. Creating awareness is important. Now I do have to point out a few things, for those looking for first world country feel, in Mexico tourist beach towns, and others such as Dominican Republic you will not find it there. These are THIRD world underdeveloped countries with a multitude of problems to resolve. I was raised in third world, so I know first hand. Please set your expectations to understand this. Secondly, yes, all this is true, but I lived in Tulum 2 years (2020 to 2022 and will be back to live again soon) and I fell in love with its beauty, uniqueness, and energy and there is a TON of initiatives from both locals and expats that also fell in love with Tulum coming together in community to help resolve these issues. The community in Tulum for those that choose to stay is nothing short of amazing. People from all over the world and backgrounds coming together for love of a place. There are beach clean ups and other environmental events initiated by local organizations and local community members regularly. We are working on building a Tulum local currency to help support local producers and businesses. We have an endless list of projects aiming for protecting the environment and pushing sustainable initiatives. Yes, we are up against massive issues, but there are also new government initiatives being launched to help resolve this situation. Just a week ago, a new council was set up by the municipality to oversee Tulum's development, aiming for protecting the environment and pushing for sustainability. Let's pray it is successful and does what it intends. What you see happening here is not uncommon in many other highly sought-after tourist beach destinations in underdeveloped third world countries that are under threat of overdevelopment and mass tourism without proper urban planning. Many forces and interests at play in a constant war against each other. I appreciate your asking to support locals, as that is exactly what is needed, among many other things. I'd also advise in your trips to also seek out the local initiatives that are fighting the battles on the ground to help resolve these issues and find a way to support these. You can do so from a distance. No, Tulum is not for everyone, but is an incredibly special place, unique, sacred and absolutely beautiful. Once you understand what is going on and you accept what is, but also do your best to be a part of the positive change, I promise you will experience magic and incredible life changing experiences. Much love and thanks for creating awareness. Feel free to reach out to me if you want to learn more about what we are doing. Follow @tulumcoindao on IG and get involved or create awareness also about this. Blessings.🙏🏻

I have lived in Tulum for months and greatly loved the place. Just be slightly open-minded and considerate and you will fall in love with Tulum. Most of the comments trashing tulum on the web come from Karens, uncultured, Americans. Don't be a Karen, if steppin' out of your comfort zone and into a different lifestyle just stay home. :)

Man, this was depressing. Do you have a video on places you recommend?? (beaches) . Thank you for the info!

This video is 100% accurate. I've been to Tulum 6 years ago and it was nothing like what I've found when I've been there last week. Cartels ruined this place and they totally privatized it. The maintance of public (but no so public) beaches is laughable for a place like this. Roads are 3rd world material, and yes you almost need a 4x4 Jeep/pickup in La Valeta if you get a hotel there like I did. Pollution is just crazy. The massive presence of police and military sometimes feels weird to say the least. But me personally I didn’t had issues with them. The stuff you find on local shops are sooo overpriced and they can be found at the local Chedraui or Walmart in Cancun for more than half the price. Same stuff. You can't even take a walk to enjoy the place because you will be ASSAULTED by hundreds of people wanting to sell you something in a very annoying and disrespectful way. Another thing I totally HATE and everyone should be aware of are those people all around the city (even inside Chedraui and on the road at the entrance of the Ruins right next to the police) rushing you to sell their tours claiming to be Mexican authorities or actual tour guides. THEY ARE NOT! They are just scammers, probably criminals, DO NOT FALL FOR THEIR LIES and do not pay them a single pesos. These people are not just stealing off tourists and not improving the local people's lives at all, they also stress the local fauna so so much. All they care about is their income, doesn’t matter who or what they’re hurting on the process. Even Akumal is quickly following the same path and it's really really sad... This place deserve better.

Great informative video. Appreciate all the sources included. It’s sad to see a beautiful place and their people ran down by greed.

We agree.... we did not like Tulum as much as the hype is. There were some amazing parts, but its still don't think it's worth a long stay. We just bought a house in Medellin, Colombia, so maybe check Medellin out ;) It's a perfect city!

As Mexican I must say that is True what you say about ‘profit over people’. Te destruction of Tulum is related with the destruction of the originals community.

We just got back from Tulum a few days ago. Stayed at Secrets Tulum Resort, which is an all inclusive resort. It was very beautiful and the food was amazing. We did try to venture out to walk into town but we could not find our way and ended up going back to the resort. During our walk I was so shocked and saddened to see trash absolutely everywhere. It’s so beautiful there but I wish they took more pride in their land in keeping it clean. All in all we had a nice and relaxing time.

Thank you for this very honest, detailed & accurate review of Tulum! The whole place has turned into such a money-grabbing tourist trap so between that, the total lack of environmental consideration & planning, and unpredictability of drug violence, it is a no-go for investing for us. Anyone who visits, will see every one of the points you brought up completely confirmed. Ugggh, its very sad & my heart goes out to the locals, who deserve so much better.

We just got back from Tulum and I agree with all of your points. It made me sad and confused as to why things are the way they are there. Namely, the hundreds of construction projects, trash, and lack of good touristy things to do like shopping or walking stretches of beach. I enjoyed my time there because I liked our resort and the food, but I won’t go back.

Great job on this video

It looks like it can be very beautiful they should employ the locals to clean up the area. Imo when individuals are valued they tend to take better care of their areas. Wow I wanted to visit,I'm glad I saw this video.

I remember the beach was so big at the Tulum ruins, went back last year no beach left , sea level rise , in 10 years no beach left 😮

I agree with most of your points however you clearly have not spent much time in Mexico. People living in dirt floored shacks with no running water is not uncommon at all. Playa del Carmen suffered most of the same issues 10 years ago but has grown up since. Comparing a new, rapidly growing Caribean tourist town to the metro Mexico City is comparing apples to oranges. Mexico is not the US but it is rapidly being over run by the hords of US citizens escaping from that nightmare and bringing their money and problems here.

Wow! Great video. A friend works for one of the All Inclusive hotels in Tulum. His recommendation for us was not to stay at one of the beach hotels, and to stay in town. He said the drug cartels run Tulum and target the beach hotels more so than in the town area. And those policia and National guard vehicles we saw, the cartel control them. And its to keep those midlevel guys safe, not us. I liked Tulum, but not enough to go back. Have you explored Bacalar or Isla Holbox? I decided Chetumal is not the place for me either.

I was lucky to visit Tulum twice before 2015 and it was magical. Not anymore. And the garbage/water pollution is literal -- sewage goes directly into the local water supply/ocean.

the fact is if tourism ended in tulum 99% of the locals would be in far worse shape. i also became friends with a few locals that i speak with pretty regularly who moved from mexico city and they enjoy the slow paced life there. Also, go to Playa Mirador right on beach road and it's pretty much ONLY locals as it's free parking and access. It's clear you only spent a couple days in Tulum and act like you are an expert on local life.

Tulum is indeed undergoing a massive transformation. It’ll look and feel more like Playa Del Carmen in about 3-5 years. All the building is happening now so it’s chaotic, but it will and is a special place. If you want something polished where the kinks are fleshed out and the gentrification is more organized then Tulum would not be a place for you right now. PDC would be more likely your place.

You forgot to metion a few things, but I like your video in general. Thanks!

This was a your personal opinion! I have live there and travel many times. We absolutely loved it!!!!❤️❤️

Was there over thirty years ago it was nothing like this then. Wow, sad.

An important video that shows the need for better civil engineering and fair treatment of locals, issues that have solutions so now over to the local authorities to step up.

The only thing you will be surprised in Tulum is how SUPER expensive everything is. The Hotel Zone has higher prices then the USA does, huge rip off in this area. You will find much better pricing on the city strip of Tulum.

Well just got robbed by cops stopping cars tonight. My daughter and I had just finished an excellent yoga session. One of them had me stand outside the car with my hands on the car. They said they were checking for drugs. Very intimidating. Yes all the other stuff on your video is true.

Just go To Costa Rica 🇨🇷 🌊🌎🏄‍♂️🦋Caribbean ,pacific mountain, volcanos forest and much more in a small country the take you 5 hrs to drive from one side to the other side of the country...

Just got back after staying for 9 days. I stayed in an aldea zama hotel. It was my first time out of the country and I had an eye opening experience. Biked through the slum to the Main Street from my luxury hotel. Never felt unsafe except for one time with a dog that almost wanted to take a chunk out of my leg.

It's true what he says about income inequality BUT it's not like there are better-paying jobs that the people are CHOOSING not to take in the area. If everyone boycotts Tulum over low wages the companies that pay these wages won't pay more and the people will be left with nothing. Tourists shouldn't have to subsidize corporations that exploit workers but if this really bothers you (and it should) since you're already getting a deal on your vacation, tip generously. I'm all for boycotting to improve things, but in this case, it won't.

The taxis are all part of one union, they have a fixed charge they charge everyone. It's price fixing to the max. But Uber has won a supreme court decision to operate in Quintana Roo now.

Gracias ❤ yes, this is Tulum's sad reality

Just got back from Tulum 2 days ago. Spent 3 nights there and had a good time. But this video is spot on. 1. I was shocked at how much trash and rubble lined the streets. One of the dirtiest places ive ever been. 2. Costs were insane!!!! Food, i paid damn near double what I’d pay in the US. Uber rides from the city to just about anywhere cost about $50. 3. Speaking of Ubers, if you don’t want to pay that much you can rent a car. But parking is Trash. I rented an ATV, which was fun but also over priced. Not to mention, the roads are so unsafe. Definitely felt like i was living life on the edge. 4. Beach access was trash. I found 1 sneaky, sure fire way to get into the beach without paying. But I just got lucky. 5. I did enjoy the beach (once I was able to sneak on). Gran Cenote was a great experience. Food was really good. Overall i had a good time but probably won’t go back, on my own dime at least.

This is very sad. I visited Tulum during the pandemic in 2020, so barely anyone was there. Just a sprinkling of us. At that time it was very magical and peaceful. I remember the beaches and environment smelling very fresh and floral like. I am glad that I went at that moment in time. I had planned to return this summer, but after watching your video I may have to honestly reconsider.

This is so true...

This is a sad situation, I was in TULUM 5 times in the 2000s. It was cheap, safe, and fun. I have been eager to go back but no more. Belize, anyone?

Me watching this a week before my 2 week Tulum trip. Can you share some positives at least? Because this was pretty discouraging

agree with you 100%

This is spot on!

Going for a wedding, any recommendations for safe drinking water for my baby?

I have to agree with most of the points you mention, especially the trash issue. Unfortunately, it is like this in most tourist places in Mexico. Being in Holbox especially broke my heart from seeing some many layers of plastic trash in the natural areas. I’ve see the locals just leave their trash everywhere, such ignorance and disregard for their beautiful home. I have decided to stay out from places like that🤕.

Two amazing beaches that you can't access. The public beach has a bit of free parking on the street but the hotels and restaurants charge $25 to park. That was 2022 prices, who knows what they charge now. I first went there in 2008 what a find. I want to retire in Mexico but this area is turning into Florida.

That seemed to me to be a fair and balanced real time description of an area this here gringo knew well 35 years ago. Having lived in both Merida and Chetumal when Playa del Carmen was a still and quiet fishing village with only a couple of spots to really hang out, I lament the passing of that area's quaint & rustic charm. Quintana Roo is a Territory of Mexico, not one of the federated States of Mexico. To understand this fact and it's attached history, is to understand the People and the Place, with Love, unconditionally. There is a Something Present there which, while being far from hidden, is all but Invisible to most. Ojo. ❤ 🌙 🌞 🌧

Currently in Tulum, May 2024 and everything you said is spot on. I wish I saw your video before coming. It is not a good vacation spot and I’m genuinely disappointed

Very sad to see what has happened to what was one of my favourite places to visit. We have stayed at several resorts down the Mayan Riviera and every time back you could see more and more development, traffic, garbage, etc. Have not been back for several years now.....don't think I'll be back anytime soon. Sorry to say. I still remember Playa Del Carmen as a laid back sleepy town. Corporate boom....

25 years ago was when to visit Tulum

I travelled the gringo trail way back in the 80's - spent 10 days in Tulum. There was only 2 restaurants... stayed in a cabana aka a thatched roof hut - hooked up my hammock & the floor was sand. The only shower was down the road w/a huge bag of water that spilled over me while I washed up. The whole area was quite primitive which is exactly what I was aiming for. Looks like the world mindset has infiltrated the area... nowhere near what I experienced way back when. I could go to one of the two local restaurants & have a fresh local fish steamed to perfection... with hm salsa, beans & tortillas. Seems like those days are long gone which is very saddening. There was no city way back then - it was a quiet off the grid paradise - no more. Even the beaches have changed & I wonder if the coral reef is still alive? 😥

This is what happens worldwide! Chicago a U.S city where violence is crazy run by politicians that support criminals. Shootings, carjackings, robberies, etc. Neighborhoods being undertaken by new construction taxes up the roof to make residents that can’t afford these taxes leave. Go to the west and south side and you will see dirty roads and buildings all boarded up. Pot holes all over the city! Everything is pricy now and crowded. And of course like Tulum you got your nice places and neighborhoods so it’s the same all over the world my friend.

Visiting now. Totally agree with all in the video. Will never return. Really sad. Puerto Vallarta, where I have been living is a totally better experience.

I wish I saw this before I went 2 weeks ago. I’ve been a few times years ago. Never again

I'll never return again either, loved it before but this video is totally accurate. Try staying in La Veleta it's a nightmare

Everything is completely thru, you probably even tried to make it look little bit better. I will comeback only because of the parties and beautiful nature but yea I was really pissed during my entire stay there. Cartels make all the money, and locals work for them for Pennies and literally can’t do nothing about it. Sea food was the best sea food I ever tried ih my life tho

Tristemente cierto!! Todo lo que mencionas es 100% real. Yo y mi novio habíamos ido 3 veces antes, claro, hace 5 años y era OTRO lugar!! Sin tanta basura, sin mafias de argentinos (en arriendo de moto, bicis, autos, deptos, todo!!!) Es muy triste ver cómo en 5 años cambió tan drásticamente todo 🥺 destruyeron algo que pudo ser un paraíso. También desistimos en invertir y vivir ahí. No tiene absolutamente nada del espíritu mexicano, solo les interesa sacar el máximo de dólares posible a alguien. Una pena y un robo todo. Ni en Ibiza pagué por una cerveza lo que cobraban ahí.

I Think greed has made that place SUCK rn but it will get better with the years as more governance reaches every corner of Mexico. Like you mentioned Mexico City has everything now that Tulum doesn't but it didnt always.

This is so sad. I went in 2002 for the first time. It was a magical place back then. Getting to the beach from the town was less than $5 and there was hardly anything on it. I camped or stayed in huts on the beach for five bucks a night.

I’ve been 3 times , in the 90s when it was a sleepy hippy seaside resort with cheap low rise cabanas- white beaches and wonderful food- very safe.Second time 2008-I noticed that very few low grade cabanas left , more expensive ones , garbage starting to appear- the last time 2018- very very expensive- very busy - loud - dirty beaches- gang violence ,drug use -big hotels being built - seaweed everywhere- multinationals ownership- high noise levels .its truly sad to see the beautiful place become what it is. The blame - people , greed , tourism.

Im Here right now and Tulum is lacking lot , im staying at aldea zama , my airbnb was dirty and we paid top $$$

11 rising sea level, beaches cut to half the size of 15 years ago

I heard there's like a shooting once a week at least at night near the clubs 🥺

Wish I’d seen this video before I spent a small fortune seeing it for myself. Absolutely hated this place, and couldn’t get away fast enough. After an amazing week in Mexico City, this seemed like another country altogether… The prices were shocking: one meal cost as much as what we spent to eat amazing food in MXCD for a week! It’s a beautiful area, but the vibe feels dark and the people here seemed almost hostile towards tourists… people were constantly trying to scam us out of money, from paying to park in free areas to overcharging us for a downgraded room… the whole area is just a big money grab! Mostly sad millennials Instagramming their food and beach posing… Won’t be back, won’t recommend.

I love tulum mexico nice weather is a paradaise regarts from Canada.

My and my bff went in 2022. We had a blast. Swam w the turtles, never had an ounce of a problem.

That’s why I love Croatia … I travel to Dubrovnik every year. I love Croatia because it is so clean, extremely safe and the people are very friendly and civilised. No crime …. I have never seen anything in 8 years of visiting . I live in Lo don but I feel at home in Dubrovnik . It can be a bit expensive but not extortionate …. There is something for all budgets

Amazing explanation ! 100% agree with everything

Lo que esta pasando en Tulum es lo mismo que esta pasando en Barcelona, este fenómeno y movimiento anti-turismo está creciendo silenciosamente. Sus efectos se están haciendo notar de manera sutil, más allá de la codicia, la elevación de costos también [entre muchos aspectos más] ayuda evitar que los extranjeros se queden a vivir ahí. El lema 'comes y te largas' de los locales no es tan descabellado. ¿A razón de qué? bueno, el Cartel inmobiliario es más peligroso para los locales, activistas y defensores de la tierras que el cartel de las drogas, el cartel inmobiliario contrata sus propios hombres armados, que se confunden con los narcos/sicarios. Los medios de comunicación en Quintana Roo no siempre dicen la verdad (he ahí México primer lugar en periodistas asesinados) el problema no son las drogas, son los conflictos con las tierras. Los locales saben que los jóvenes turistas solo van a vacacionar, pero los adultos son los que se quedan y eso más afecta que beneficia a los locales en muchos aspectos.

I agree with what you said. Playa del Carmen is WAY better than Tulum imo. I’ve returned to playa MANY times, it’s one of my favorite places on the world. I won’t go back to tulum. I wanted to like tulum because I get the appeal, it’s a smaller city with a bit more of a natural appeal. But for the reasons you stayed Playa is way better even if that’s the vibe you want. Playa is an actual established city with way better planning so the entire city has sidewalks and good roads and stuff. The city is also right on the beach and public access is easy. 5th Avenue is a super touristy but also charming fully pedestrian street that runs parallel to the beach for quite a length, and it has everything you need as a tourist. There’s even public transportation. The beaches are also very clean, never see trash and the city cleans the seaweed. It just has a super warm small beach town vibe but with more amenities than you would expect. And the locals are super friendly and seem to enjoy where they live for the most part. Tulum is such a weird place because everything there is literally made for Instagram pictures but then the reality of the place is way different. There’s beautiful museums, sculptures and expensive high rise condos but then the roads are dirt, no sidewalks and there’s trash. It sends a weird message about the priorities of the place. Playa is like everything tulum wants to be but WAY more down to earth and better planned.

Foreigners: Our hearts go out to the locals😂

Recordemos que somos mundo y nadie somos indespensables!