Tulum, a popular beach town located on the East Coast of Mexico, is known for its clear turquoise waters, white sand, and ancient Mayan ruins. However, despite its attractions, there are numerous problems that make it an undesirable destination for living. In this article, we will explore the top 10 reasons why Tulum falls short, including issues such as profit over people, beach access limitations, transportation challenges, water pollution, excessive trash, land ownership disputes, seaweed problems, drug-related violence, high costs, and the prevalence of Instagrammers. By examining these concerns, we can gain a better understanding of why Tulum may not be the ideal place to live.
1. Profit Over People Tulum prioritizes profit over the well-being of its residents. The town’s master plan lacks necessary infrastructure, such as roads, schools, parks, and playgrounds. Luxury condos are being built without considering essential amenities. Additionally, income inequality is prominent, as locals struggle to make a living wage, while foreign investors enjoy luxurious properties.
2. Beach Access Limitations Although Mexican beaches are supposed to be public and accessible to all, Tulum’s beachfront hotels and condos have taken over the beautiful beaches. Huge gates and security guards restrict public access. The remaining open access points are lined with expensive beach clubs that require exorbitant minimum purchases just to enjoy a seat. The excessive noise from these clubs also deters locals from enjoying the beach.
3. Transportation Challenges Getting around Tulum is difficult due to limited options and poorly maintained infrastructure. Taxis can cost over $100 for a round trip between the beach and the town. Parking is scarce, and the roads are filled with potholes. Walking or biking to the beach is not always feasible, especially during hot or rainy days. Furthermore, plans to improve transportation, such as building a train network, have faced controversy and inadequate planning.
4. Water Pollution Tulum lacks the necessary infrastructure to handle the massive influx of tourists, resulting in significant pollution problems. The wastewater and sewage systems are insufficient, causing many businesses and homes to create makeshift systems that eventually release raw sewage into the underground aquifer. This contamination harms the coral reef and the cenotes (sacred sinkholes) that are popular tourist attractions.
5. Excessive Trash Trash is a prevalent problem throughout Tulum. Dumpsters overflow, streets are lined with garbage, and even newly built condos are surrounded by waste. The lack of a proper waste management system in new neighborhoods further exacerbates the issue. In contrast, other Mexican cities, like Mexico City, take pride in maintaining a clean environment.
6. Land Ownership Disputes Ownership of properties in Tulum’s beachfront areas is often unclear, leading to escalating disputes as property prices increase. Evictions and resales to the highest bidder have caused chaos and unrest among property owners. The lack of proper land ownership documentation adds to the complications.
7. Seaweed Problems Tulum experiences persistent seaweed problems, or sargassum, which cover the beaches from March to October. The increased levels of sargassum are attributed to rising water temperatures. Hotels attempt to manage the seaweed by gathering it into piles, but the decomposing seaweed releases hydrogen sulfide, causing an unpleasant odor and potential health issues. The presence of sargassum detracts from the overall beach experience.
8. Drug-Related Violence Tulum’s popularity as a party destination has attracted drug dealers and cartels, resulting in increased drug use and associated violence. Innocent tourists have found themselves caught in the crossfire of rival cartels. The presence of heavily armed guards and frequent patrols by the National Guard create a sense of unease and insecurity.
9. High Costs Tulum is known for its high costs, surpassing those of many other places in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Accommodations in the beach area can range from $500 to $1000 per night. Food prices, especially along the beach, are expensive, with burgers selling for around $30 and smoothie bowls for $15. Even taxi fares are significantly higher than in other Mexican cities.
10. Prevalence of Instagrammers In Tulum, the obsession with capturing perfect Instagram photos has taken away from the authentic experience of the place. People spend hours waiting in long lines and crowds just to get a photo in front of stunning backdrops. This focus on creating a curated social media presence detracts from the natural beauty and enjoyment of the destination.
In conclusion, while Tulum offers beautiful beaches, active nightlife, and attractions such as the ancient Mayan ruins, it falls short in several crucial aspects. Issues of profit over people, limited beach access, transportation challenges, water pollution, excessive trash, land ownership disputes, seaweed problems, drug-related violence, high costs, and the prevalence of Instagrammers undermine the overall desirability of Tulum as a place to live. Therefore, if you are considering a beach vacation in Tulum, it may still be a suitable destination, but for long-term living, there are many other areas in Mexico that offer a better quality of life.
