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

It seems every video on the internet is about how INCREDIBLE Tulum Mexico is and no one seems to address the problems with this fast-developing coastal town a few hours south of Cancun.

These are the things I really hate about Tulum and a list of some of the problems and scams in Tulum you will no doubt encounter while there. These include: crazy rent prices, Tulum taxi mafia, awful traffic, bad WiFi, bad transport, expensive beach clubs, shootings., drugs and more.

In the interest of sharing a balanced view, I've ALSO made a video about the things I LOVE about Tulum Mexico which you should also watch.

[junvarc]

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 😓

[Vancouver_Dan]

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.

[oliviafritts]

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.

[s.esthetics]

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

[agotahorvath]

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 .

[doingtime]

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.

[derkburke]

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.

[moongodess]

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

[noplansplease]

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...

[peaceandlove]

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.

[ghadahaldayri]

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

[hereiknowmyself-jeaniealks]

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!

[FedericoChieli]

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.

[eddventures]

$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 🤣

[oscarnavarro]

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

[pilozm]

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.

[BeComingNyrell]

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!

[pepinillorick]

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.

[cindyeyler]

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.

[MiguelitaPreval]

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