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!!!!

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.

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.

😞 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.

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 💔

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

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 😂

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Very helpful information. Thank you for this!

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.

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.

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

You nailed this one brother

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?