Why can't you drink the water in Tulum?


Why can't you drink the water in Tulum? The reason tap water is “safer” in some places versus others comes down to one thing: filtration. In recent years, Mexico water filter standards have improved, but still aren't safe enough. For this reason, I recommend Tulum travelers get a Water-To-Go Bottle.


Is it safe to swim in the sea in Tulum?

Playa del Carmen, the north beach in Tulum, and Akumal all have lifeguards for the beaches but they are limited. Swim close to shore and it you are not a big swimmer, wear a life vest. Waves will not get to big, this is a not a surfers paradise so swimming can be done every day!


Do you need pants in Tulum?

Avoid wearing pants in Tulum unless it's lightweight and breathable (goes for both men and women). Tulum Town is much more casual! You should aim to cover up in town more. No need to wear a bikini, for example — the beach is 20 minutes away (unless you're wearing it underneath your clothes on your way to a cenote).


Is Tulum safe for female travelers?

For the most part, Tulum is safe for the majority of visitors — and its biggest threats are hangovers, sunburns, hurricanes and mosquitoes. However, since no place on Earth is 100% safe, you'll need to observe the same general travel precautions you would when traveling anywhere.


What to avoid in Tulum?

Stay away from drugs and drug-related activities. But when violent crime does happen here, it's usually related to drugs. If you're traveling solo, avoid going to secluded places at night. Bicycling is pretty tempting when you're in Tulum, but avoid bicycling around at night. Take a taxi if you're alone.


Can you flush toilets in Tulum?

Bottles of water are readily available all over Tulum, and we have a water delivery service at the residence. All the restaurants will use purified water in their drinks and ice cubes. You may flush toilet paper (only) in the toilets in the condo, but do not do this elsewhere in Tulum as the plumbing systems are old.


Is the cartel in Tulum?

But at the same time it has become a major hub for drug distribution. As a tourist destination, Playa del Carmen in the resort area of Tulum is booming, but so too is cartel violence.


Are ice cubes safe in Mexico?

Wondering, Is ice safe in Mexico? Yes — You can safely drink ice in Mexico. As mentioned, locals don't drink the tap water, and they don't make ice cubes with it either. While boiling water does kill off bacteria, freezing it does not.


Are Tulum beaches swimmable?

Tulum beaches are swimmable and it should be considered a sin not to get into the water on these stunning beaches.


Should I bring pesos to Tulum?

Many businesses in Tulum accept credit cards, but you'll need pesos for taxi rides, taco stands, excursions, etc. It's also wise to carry cash in order to tip taxi drivers, servers, housekeepers, or anyone who provides a service/assistance during your trip. This goes a long way, especially now.


Is Tulum safer than Cancun?

Is Tulum safer than Cancun? Not really. They're both generally safe. The key difference is that Cancun's mainstream holidaymakers tend to stick more to their hotels, especially the all-inclusives.


Why is Tulum so famous?

Tulum has many beautiful traces of Mayan culture and history, much like the rest of the Yucatán Peninsula and Quintana Roo. Visiting Tulum is worth it simply for the experience of seeing the historical Tulum Ruins in person.


Is it safe to walk in Tulum at night?

Be cautious at night if you're traveling alone – Tulum isn't the most dangerous place at night, but in some places, it's not as well lit as it should be. Don't walk around alone late at night if you can avoid it — especially between the center of town and the beachfront hotel zone.


Should I bring cash to Tulum?

Most places in Tulum are cash-only. Most of the upscale hotels and hotel restaurants accept credit cards, but the stand-alone restaurants tend to not. While there are ATMs on Boca Paila (the coastal road), I would recommend bringing cash. There is an HSBC bank downtown if you need to exchange money while there.