We have been for the second time now since 2019 and you’re right, it has changed. Ive been recommending Tulum to anyone cause we have been blew away by the service,beach, everything and now ? From 10 to 2 maybe and trash is everywhere😢
This is true, it has changed everywhere. When I visited in 2020, the land was pristine and so clean. It smelled so fresh! Now there is trash everywhere and the areas that are outside of the beach area smell. It is sad to see.
I just got back from Tulum and although so beautiful 😍 I got robbed so much that we decided to go elsewhere for vacations. Day club added charges to our bill. Charged 10% for using our debit cards. 1 Margarita at our hotel $30😢 beyond crazy. Our friends got pulled over by police,extorted out of $500. When we told the servers to add tip they added a higher % caught a guy going through my purse who was out driver for the day ugggg😢
I haven't been to Tulum since 2021. It was beautiful but on my second trip there I couldn't shake the feeling that the best was over for vacationing in Tulum, yknow? It was almost perfect, but seemed like it was the beginning of the end there. The more recent content I've seen since just seems to share that sentiment. I've not got around to heading back, though I do plan to at some point, it seems a lot of people are finding this the case. Sad.
I totally get it. There are some areas and hotels that still preserve some of that Tulum identity. It's just not as available as before I would say. Everything changed a lot, but there are ways to be there and still feel in paradise.
I have been to Tulum about 30 times since 2005 when it was still pristine! There was hardly anything on the jungle side of the road (a dirt road after Zamas) and there were just several ecological hotels on the beach operating on wind and solar power. So I have seen all the changes. To stay at a place that is similar to what Tulum used to be, see my videos on Libélula Tulum here on RUclips. It is 0.5 km within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, still just a bike ride to restaurants, and it has its own kitchen and bar, too, so you don't necessarily have to leave the hotel and beach! It has no neighbors and miles of deserted beach to the south where you will see hardly anyone!
The only thing you will be surprised in Tulum is how SUPER expensive everything is. The Hotel Zone has higher prices then the US does, huge rip off in this area. You will find much better pricing on the city strip of Tulum.
You pay for what you get … city street view, car fumes, with noise and traffic and crowds 💩 nice and “cheap”…. Or beautiful, blue Caribbean, sound of the waves and cool ocean breeze ❤️ luxury, pampering…
I literally went alone other woman and I thought it was fine until my birthday. This dude was like you’re gonna get raped and murdered by the cartel and I was like what the real estate agent I made friends with said that everything was safe here spoiler alert no it was a real estate agent.😂😂😂😂😂
I will watch this video, but I wanted to leave this comment now. I have been to Tulum about 30 times since 2005 when it was still pristine! There was hardly anything on the jungle side of the road (a dirt road after Zamas) and there were just several ecological hotels on the beach operating on wind and solar power. So I have seen all the changes. To stay at a place that is similar to what Tulum used to be, see my videos on Libélula Tulum here on RUclips. It is 0.5 km within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, still just a bike ride to restaurants, and it has its own kitchen and bar, too, so you don't necessarily have to leave the hotel and beach! It has no neighbors and miles of deserted beach to the south where you will see hardly anyone!
Thank you Kenneth! Indeed, the closer to Sian Ka’an the more peaceful without a doubt! The only thing for me about Libélula though is that is not per friendly, otherwise it should be great! Thanks for watching 🫶🏽
@@carlalatraveler options? For pet-friendly? Well, the sole option for me is Libélula, because I'm only looking for a cabin right on the beach away from the hubbub. But it's extremely expensive now. What I could get for $150 or $200 a night in 2005 - 2010 is now several hundred a night. Quality food apart from what they offer at that hotel can also be extremely expensive.
Influencers ruined Tulum. It got too popular and greedy entrepreneurs started charging too much. Pass. Huge country with lots of fabulous places to visit. No need to pay 2-3x as much in Tulum.
Gracias Carla, for this excellent synopsis. I'll be in Tulum next month - staying in centro for 4 days then will decide if I move onward or stay for remainder of my vac. I was first in Tulum in 2020 before lockdown and loved it, but I am not a party person LOL and prefer spending my tourism $ w small mom & pop (family) establishments. I appreciate the shots you included of such restaurants.
Thank you for your feedback! I can definitely relate. I went pre covid and LOVED IT but like I mentioned things changed a lot. It’s definitely harder to find quiet spaces and hotels if that’s what you’re looking for, but it’s possible to find them! Enjoy Tulúm!!♥️
Check out the video of the man’s husband who was paralyzed and the hospital didn’t help him and the manager at the beach didn’t even call an ambulance. The corruption of this country is awful, would never go somewhere you can’t get emergency medical care.
thanks so much for the review! we haven't been since 2017, so i was curious how things might have changed. bummer about the cartels... trying to not be paranoid. still excited to visit in January though!
Just returned for the 2nd time there. Nearly 5 years in between visits, oh what a change. Gouging hotels and restaurants. My hotel, at 750.00 a night actually asked us to not flush toilet paper. I'm still trying to figure out what they expected us to do with... well... used toilet paper wtf? The money grubbing owners say Tulum is a hot spot. The infrastructure says not even close.
Oh wow… that’s a tough one!! I had that happening in San Miguel de Allende. It is though a common issue in the whole country, unfortunately. Nevertheless, thanks for watching. 🙏🏽
@@carlalatraveler aww thanks for your reply! We booked our Airbnb in PDC already 😞. We haven’t picked our final night before our flight. So maybe we’ll spend it in Tulum. Anyway, we’ll make the most of PDC as we can! Thank you again!
I went down there numerous times in the early 90s to switch the beachside cabanas over to solar. All expenses paid and I could bring my friends down also and we were provided free lodging. However it was tough for me because my friends were partying while I was working. One of the Mayan hotel owners came by and told the guy I was working for that my solar workmanship was great but he would never do business with no gringo. So he hired some local Mexicans to do solar and they ripped him off. 😂😂
Thank you for sharing. What car rental company did you go with? Would you recommend them? Also what Party restaurant and Jungle high end restaurants do you recommend or are super unique. Thank u
We use National and I would recommend it. That's our go to company. As for Party restaurant you might want to check out Porfirios, Gitanos (my favorite) or Rosa Negra. Jungle high end restaurant: Kitchen Table (my absolute fav)
I have been in R Maya 10 yrs ago, and apart from Paradise Beach, which we went to on an excursion, I didn't visit the hotel area (south side), n paradise beach (north side) by myself The question is: Is it possible to get there in both areas by public transportation from Tulum town? Also returning to town by public transportation?
I can totally understand your point of view however, it’s still possible to have the closest to an authentic experience if you do some research and contact the right companies. The more locally owned you go the closest to a better off the tourist path experience you will get.
Yes, there’s sargassum season and that’s what it looks like. The good news is that not like that every day all day. You can watch on my videos the sargassum on and off. It’s more prominent off the shore when it rains.
Lol that I thought it was like a magical place on my birthday and I thought I was reading the most angelic people real estate agents lol I thought I was best friends with real estate agents, and that they were throwing the party is inviting me to parties and I was like this is so fun everyone is so kind I don’t even want to say what happened but someone can guess I thought I met this girl in this really cute little boutique bar with glass rooms and that we were like friends. I’m confused though because she never asked me to pay for anything. I was constantly trying to pay for stuff because I don’t like when people pay for stuff and they wouldn’t let me and I can’t tell if they were angels or devils
Hi Dimitrios! I’m sorry that was your experience. Not sure where you went. I’ve experienced excellent service. And yes, the Greek islands have great service too. Both places are very different though, but I totally respect your opinion! Thanks for watching 🫶🏽
Yeah, I took a day tour from Merida to see the ruins. Worst tour I've ever taken and worst place I've visited in Latin America. The ruins and coast are beautiful, but the people who manage it are completely incompetent. And don't even get me started on the rest of Tulum. 20 years ago this place was amazing, now it's a piece of junk! Trust me, don't waste your money. There are far better place in the Yucatan.
We have been for the second time now since 2019 and you’re right, it has changed. Ive been recommending Tulum to anyone cause we have been blew away by the service,beach, everything and now ? From 10 to 2 maybe and trash is everywhere😢
Wow…did you stay at the same hotel??
@@carlalatraveler no, we have Been changing acommodations, but we have Seen everywhere that LOT of Has changed
This is true, it has changed everywhere. When I visited in 2020, the land was pristine and so clean. It smelled so fresh! Now there is trash everywhere and the areas that are outside of the beach area smell. It is sad to see.
I just got back from Tulum and although so beautiful 😍 I got robbed so much that we decided to go elsewhere for vacations. Day club added charges to our bill. Charged 10% for using our debit cards. 1 Margarita at our hotel $30😢 beyond crazy. Our friends got pulled over by police,extorted out of $500. When we told the servers to add tip they added a higher % caught a guy going through my purse who was out driver for the day ugggg😢
That sounds about right. Stay in Progreso next time.
I haven't been to Tulum since 2021. It was beautiful but on my second trip there I couldn't shake the feeling that the best was over for vacationing in Tulum, yknow? It was almost perfect, but seemed like it was the beginning of the end there. The more recent content I've seen since just seems to share that sentiment. I've not got around to heading back, though I do plan to at some point, it seems a lot of people are finding this the case. Sad.
I totally get it. There are some areas and hotels that still preserve some of that Tulum identity. It's just not as available as before I would say. Everything changed a lot, but there are ways to be there and still feel in paradise.
I have been to Tulum about 30 times since 2005 when it was still pristine! There was hardly anything on the jungle side of the road (a dirt road after Zamas) and there were just several ecological hotels on the beach operating on wind and solar power. So I have seen all the changes. To stay at a place that is similar to what Tulum used to be, see my videos on Libélula Tulum here on RUclips. It is 0.5 km within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, still just a bike ride to restaurants, and it has its own kitchen and bar, too, so you don't necessarily have to leave the hotel and beach! It has no neighbors and miles of deserted beach to the south where you will see hardly anyone!
@@KennethGardner7 That sounds perfect, I'll take a look at it, thanks for the recommendation
The only thing you will be surprised in Tulum is how SUPER expensive everything is. The Hotel Zone has higher prices then the US does, huge rip off in this area. You will find much better pricing on the city strip of Tulum.
Absolutely!
Truths!
You pay for what you get … city street view, car fumes, with noise and traffic and crowds 💩 nice and “cheap”…. Or beautiful, blue Caribbean, sound of the waves and cool ocean breeze ❤️ luxury, pampering…
The town now has better restaurant options and great accomodations much more affordable.
Supply & demand
Thank you for sharing!! 🙌🏼👏🏼
Thank you so much for covering this because the last time I was in tulum was 2022 and I have been wondering how it is now ❤
That's a very good review. Thank you for all the info.
Thank you so much for watching!
I love it,it’s a perfect guide for new visitors to Tulum, I’ll keep it in mind. Thank you!
Thank you for your feedback Beli!
Phenomenal video !! Very informative… i have family there right now and they wanna leave the resort for local shopping but scared..lol
Don’t be. Really. It’s not as you see on TV. Go and eat some real Mexican food at Honorios. They won’t regret it. Enjoy!
I literally went alone other woman and I thought it was fine until my birthday. This dude was like you’re gonna get raped and murdered by the cartel and I was like what the real estate agent I made friends with said that everything was safe here spoiler alert no it was a real estate agent.😂😂😂😂😂
@@carlalatravelerHonorios is amazing!!!
Thank you SO much for this video, this was an AMAZING overview ❤❤❤❤❤
Wow! Amazing video! Full of valuable information beautiful images and a great story.
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for watching!
Loved watching every part of this. Thank you for sharing 👌🏾
Thank you so much!!💛
I will watch this video, but I wanted to leave this comment now. I have been to Tulum about 30 times since 2005 when it was still pristine! There was hardly anything on the jungle side of the road (a dirt road after Zamas) and there were just several ecological hotels on the beach operating on wind and solar power. So I have seen all the changes. To stay at a place that is similar to what Tulum used to be, see my videos on Libélula Tulum here on RUclips. It is 0.5 km within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, still just a bike ride to restaurants, and it has its own kitchen and bar, too, so you don't necessarily have to leave the hotel and beach! It has no neighbors and miles of deserted beach to the south where you will see hardly anyone!
Thank you Kenneth! Indeed, the closer to Sian Ka’an the more peaceful without a doubt! The only thing for me about Libélula though is that is not per friendly, otherwise it should be great! Thanks for watching 🫶🏽
@@carlalatraveler Oh, you know the place? Oh, not pet-friendly? Most people can't take their pets, anyway. :)
@@KennethGardner7 you’ll be surprised! There are options out there!🙂
@@carlalatraveler options? For pet-friendly? Well, the sole option for me is Libélula, because I'm only looking for a cabin right on the beach away from the hubbub. But it's extremely expensive now. What I could get for $150 or $200 a night in 2005 - 2010 is now several hundred a night. Quality food apart from what they offer at that hotel can also be extremely expensive.
Omg I love that term “jungle high-end kitchens” LOOKS SO GOOD
Influencers ruined Tulum. It got too popular and greedy entrepreneurs started charging too much. Pass. Huge country with lots of fabulous places to visit. No need to pay 2-3x as much in Tulum.
Well indeed Mexico has many other beautiful places that are not as pricey. Thanks for watching.
A wealth of information. Love it! Thank you 🙌🙌🙌🙌
Thank you Michelle!
Carla thank you for your review. It's nice to see Tulum the way you show and some of your advices.
You are so welcome!
Gracias Carla, for this excellent synopsis. I'll be in Tulum next month - staying in centro for 4 days then will decide if I move onward or stay for remainder of my vac. I was first in Tulum in 2020 before lockdown and loved it, but I am not a party person LOL and prefer spending my tourism $ w small mom & pop (family) establishments. I appreciate the shots you included of such restaurants.
Thank you for your feedback! I can definitely relate. I went pre covid and LOVED IT but like I mentioned things changed a lot. It’s definitely harder to find quiet spaces and hotels if that’s what you’re looking for, but it’s possible to find them! Enjoy Tulúm!!♥️
Thanks so much for watching!! Make sure to visit La Chinampa (cash only) and Tacos Honorio.
Check out the video of the man’s husband who was paralyzed and the hospital didn’t help him and the manager at the beach didn’t even call an ambulance. The corruption of this country is awful, would never go somewhere you can’t get emergency medical care.
New subscriber I love your content and perception on Tulum.
Thank you so much for the feedback and for watching this video. It means a lot!♥️
Thank you Carla, this was a great review.
Thanks so much for watching! You can follow more tips and info on my Instagram @carlalatraveler
very helpful, thank you
You did amazing with this review
Thanks so much! I really appreciate the feedback.♥️
I never thought of sarcasm as something to consider for vacation destinations
thanks so much for the review! we haven't been since 2017, so i was curious how things might have changed. bummer about the cartels... trying to not be paranoid. still excited to visit in January though!
January should be a great time to visit. I’m sure you’ll love it still.
So pretty … YOU Carla! … and Tucumán of course …. Thank you for your videos.
Thank you so much for watching🙏🏽✨
Just returned for the 2nd time there. Nearly 5 years in between visits, oh what a change. Gouging hotels and restaurants. My hotel, at 750.00 a night actually asked us to not flush toilet paper. I'm still trying to figure out what they expected us to do with... well... used toilet paper wtf? The money grubbing owners say Tulum is a hot spot. The infrastructure says not even close.
Oh wow… that’s a tough one!! I had that happening in San Miguel de Allende. It is though a common issue in the whole country, unfortunately. Nevertheless, thanks for watching. 🙏🏽
I am here now, 4yrs in between. Indeed major changes and shifts. Money grabbing for sure, a few gems left, but not the same as before.
I was at a touristy place in downtown Tulum and the restaurant got shot up, girl next to me died. Its crazy dangerous.
That girl that got shot was tarjetero because she stole drugs
A+ video. Thank you! Trying to decide how to spend 7nights in Quintana Roo. 3 nights Tulum or PDC, then 3 nights Bacalar.
That sounds like a good plan. I would skip PDC and split your trip between Tulum and Bacalar.
@@carlalatraveler aww thanks for your reply! We booked our Airbnb in PDC already 😞. We haven’t picked our final night before our flight. So maybe we’ll spend it in Tulum. Anyway, we’ll make the most of PDC as we can! Thank you again!
Was in Tulum a month ago. Didn’t like it at all. The beach area is a rip off. The town and beaches are too far apart.
I went down there numerous times in the early 90s to switch the beachside cabanas over to solar. All expenses paid and I could bring my friends down also and we were provided free lodging. However it was tough for me because my friends were partying while I was working. One of the Mayan hotel owners came by and told the guy I was working for that my solar workmanship was great but he would never do business with no gringo. So he hired some local Mexicans to do solar and they ripped him off. 😂😂
I guess I have to go to tulum now😵💫😵💫🤝🤝
yes you do!
Excelente información!
muchas gracias Yolanda!
I loved this Vlog, so informative but still so fun. PS, your skin is beautiful.
Oh thank you so much!!!♥️♥️
Kulkulcan near LeVeta and Centro is smelly car fumes and the native Mecians live in squalor
I love it!!!
Thanks for watching Mariam!
Thank you for sharing.
What car rental company did you go with? Would you recommend them?
Also what Party restaurant and Jungle high end restaurants do you recommend or are super unique. Thank u
We use National and I would recommend it. That's our go to company. As for Party restaurant you might want to check out Porfirios, Gitanos (my favorite) or Rosa Negra. Jungle high end restaurant: Kitchen Table (my absolute fav)
@@carlalatraveler thank you so much 💓
I have been in R Maya 10 yrs ago, and apart from Paradise Beach, which we went to on an excursion, I didn't visit the hotel area (south side), n paradise beach (north side) by myself
The question is:
Is it possible to get there in both areas by public transportation from Tulum town? Also returning to town by public transportation?
I am quite sure but I didn’t see public transportation per se in the hotel zone. I could be wrong though.
Tulum is one big messy scam right now. Playa del carmen is the same. Better to visit other places/countries that do offer great service.
I can totally understand your point of view however, it’s still possible to have the closest to an authentic experience if you do some research and contact the right companies. The more locally owned you go the closest to a better off the tourist path experience you will get.
I can guess its "controlled" so wont get better.
Good review. Places you’d recommend to stay?
Hi there! Honestly as south on the beach zone as you can afford. La valise is great, Nomad, Ahau
How do u rent a car out of the airport? Is there services there?
There are plenty of booths as you’re exiting baggage claim but I highly recommend booking in advance.
Do you have any recommendations for rental companies out of Cancun Airport?
We used National and everything went smoothly. Good luck!
I see all the sargassum just laying down there on the beach. The beach looks very dirty. It does not look appealing at all.
Yes, there’s sargassum season and that’s what it looks like. The good news is that not like that every day all day. You can watch on my videos the sargassum on and off. It’s more prominent off the shore when it rains.
What car rental agency did you use ?
We used National and everything went smooth
Too many people, too expensive. Just wait till they finish the airport. It will be hell on earth
lol, ill take that hell any day.
We shall see… thanks for watching 🙏🏽
Lol that I thought it was like a magical place on my birthday and I thought I was reading the most angelic people real estate agents lol I thought I was best friends with real estate agents, and that they were throwing the party is inviting me to parties and I was like this is so fun everyone is so kind I don’t even want to say what happened but someone can guess I thought I met this girl in this really cute little boutique bar with glass rooms and that we were like friends. I’m confused though because she never asked me to pay for anything. I was constantly trying to pay for stuff because I don’t like when people pay for stuff and they wouldn’t let me and I can’t tell if they were angels or devils
Tulum doesn't deserve its money for no reason the quality of the services is really low try Greek Islands instead
Hi Dimitrios! I’m sorry that was your experience. Not sure where you went. I’ve experienced excellent service. And yes, the Greek islands have great service too. Both places are very different though, but I totally respect your opinion! Thanks for watching 🫶🏽
Drogas narco y extorciones es lo que es...
Muchas gracias por ver el video.
No one, seriously ?? Actually LOTS of people do talk about it.
Thats great. I’m offering the point of view from my experience. Thanks so much for watching 😉
Tulum not worth it. Trust me. Go elsewhere unless you like to spend money.
Yeah, I took a day tour from Merida to see the ruins. Worst tour I've ever taken and worst place I've visited in Latin America. The ruins and coast are beautiful, but the people who manage it are completely incompetent. And don't even get me started on the rest of Tulum. 20 years ago this place was amazing, now it's a piece of junk! Trust me, don't waste your money. There are far better place in the Yucatan.
Tulum is party destination. Deal with it. You made it seem kind of boring.
yes, it can be! depends on what you're looking for. "Party" has a different meaning for different people. Thanks for watching!