Is Tulum Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Tulum is generally safe for solo female travelers. The majority of locals are friendly and helpful, however, it is recommended to remain vigilant about personal belongings. Common precautions include not walking alone at night in areas outside the tourist zones and not flashing expensive personal items in public. The reef waters can also be strong at times, so ensure you're a confident swimmer before exploring independent ocean activities.

Safety rating

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Safety index

Safety at night:Moderate

Tulum is generally safe, but like any tourist destination, it attracts some opportunistic crime. It's safest areas are in well-lit and crowded locations, while less populated areas can be more risky particularly at night. As a solo female traveler, always prioritize your safety. Avoid walking alone at night, or if necessary, stick to main paths and populated areas. Use taxi services for transportation during night times whenever possible.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Tulum is reasonably safe. The buses are generally reliable and timely. Taxis and colectivos are also available and are generally trusted by locals. However, it's recommended to always stay alert, particularly during night hours or when using transportation services in remote areas. Be prepared to negotiate fares in advance with taxi drivers to avoid potential misunderstandings.

Street harassment:Low

In Tulum has a relatively low level of street harassment. Though, like other popular tourist destinations, occasional hassles can occur, the community generally exhibits respect towards visitors, especially women. The laid-back, bohemian vibe of Tulum contributes to this ease, and most encounters with locals are friendly and respectful. Most commercial activities are centered on tourism and service industries, and the locals are very aware of the benefits of maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for tourists. However, it's always recommended to stay vigilant and follow all the safety guidelines.

Petty crimes:Low

Tulum, although part of Mexico which often has a reputation for crime, is generally considered quite safe from petty crimes especially in the beach and resort areas. While incidents aren't unheard of, they tend to be infrequent. Follow standard safety practices such as keeping your belongings close and secure, and avoid exhibiting expensive items in public. Always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Tap water:Unsafe

In Tulum, tap water isn't generally recommended for consumption by travelers. Even in some hotels and resorts, the tap water may not be sufficiently purified for drinking. Ingesting unfiltered water can lead to unpleasant stomach issues due to unfamiliar bacteria. It's best to stick with bottled water for drinking and possibly even for brushing your teeth depending on the area.

Is Tulum safe to travel?

4 /5

Based on 7 experiences

Nakita

Nakita

Spain

Solo travel experience

I stayed in Tulum, Quintana Roo for 2 months at the start of 2022! I was teaching yoga at resorts and glamping ground and I rented a loft from Facebook sight unseen! It was quite an adventure, I lived about 20 mins from the beach, deep in the Mexican jungle. I did lots of healing and wellness / adventure activities like a Temazcal ceremony, Sobada Maya massage for DEEP anxiety relief, Holotropic Breathwork with an Intuitive life coach and I took Atv’s out for rides, rode horses on day tours, swam in the cenotes. I felt pretty safe! I even walked home multiple times a week at night in the dark after I finished teaching a yoga class and although nothing happened I wouldn’t recommend you do this lol because it’s pitch black and you’re walking into the jungle so if someone did appear, there’s no one around. Be prepared that Tulum town isn’t upscale like Tulum beach area. It is more of a local area , village vibes. Both areas are incredible to explore and the hotels are GORGEOUS. You MUST go to Holistika Tulum - that’s where I did a full moon sound healing ceremony, temazcal ceremony and some yoga classes and they have the best restaurant on-site. Otti tulum is THE hub for your morning or afternoon Cacao , it’s deliciously soothing and the vibes are HIGH!!! All in all I had a beautiful time in tulum; it’s a powerful energy vortex so I did some pretty deep healing there and also enjoyed some parties on the beach with incredible DJ’s! Tulum is definitely a MUST visit

Posted: December 20, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I went to Tulum alone. I easily made acquaintances, as I stayed in a hostel. Out of all the places around Tulum, Tulum was the safest because it wasn't a tourist trap. I recommend learning a bit of Spanish, because then they will try to rip you off less.

Posted: October 16, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I constantly felt extremely safe, the transportation was easy to understand, and there were always some English-speaking people around. Lots of things to do and discover. I definitely recommend Tulum and its surroundings.

Posted: October 14, 2023
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Group travel experience

I was in Tulum and had the best time there. I felt very safe and stayed in an Airbnb with two friends. We were outside at all hours of the night and felt safe.

Posted: August 3, 2023
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Solo travel experience

Over the past year, I have traveled alone twice and felt safe everywhere. I stayed in the hotel zone and dared to go out both during the day and at night. I ate so much incredible food. I also enjoyed visiting the Mayan ruins.

Posted: April 23, 2023
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Is Tulum safe for women?

Is Tulum safe right now?

Before your visit to Tulum, it's essential to check travel advisories for Mexico, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Mexico, due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 15, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Mexico overall, due to the threat of violent crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 5, 2024

Is Tulum worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 7 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5
Ekky

Ekky

Canada

Solo travel experience

Tulum is an incredible place - so much to do when you are reveling solo or with a group. If you love delicious food, bustling nightlife and daytime relaxing parties Tulum is a must. I went twice in one year. The ocean in November is a lot cleaner than in April, but there are a lot more parties in April than in November. If you like spiritual rituals there are also sooo many things to try like temazcal and meditation. Prices are a bit steep but it’s well worth it.

Posted: May 12, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5
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Group travel experience

We stopped in Tulum, which was absolutely amazing. I would recommend renting a car if you can, because there are so many attractions there! We visited some amazing beaches and went snorkeling around the local coral reef, which is said to be the second or third largest in the world.

Posted: November 27, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Tulum

Meet local women in Tulum who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Jacky

Jacky

About Me

I love dance hula hoop with fire it’s amazing I want to traveling in Europe now And I would love to know new places

Speaking

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Sofia

Sofia

About Me

Hello girls!! I am Sofi and I will be traveling by myself for a month visiting family and friends. I am from Argentina but I live in Tulum, Mexico, since 2021. I am a teacher of English and Spanish 🙌🏻♥️. I discovered a very nice hobby and now passion in Tulum: CrossFit 🫶🏻

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Tulum

Stay with local women in Tulum who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Jacky

Jacky

Tulum

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I love dance hula hoop with fire it’s amazing I want to traveling in Europe now And I would love to know new places

Speaking

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Sofia

Sofia

Tulum

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello girls!! I am Sofi and I will be traveling by myself for a month visiting family and friends. I am from Argentina but I live in Tulum, Mexico, since 2021. I am a teacher of English and Spanish 🙌🏻♥️. I discovered a very nice hobby and now passion in Tulum: CrossFit 🫶🏻

Speaking

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Safety in Mexico