Despite the fact that the U.S. periodically issues warnings about being cautious when traveling in the Mexican Caribbean, the Mexican government and authorities actually take the security of tourists quite seriously.
Security operations are implemented before pretty much every busy season, and security projects, like installing more cameras and putting panic buttons at bus stops, commonly take place throughout the year.
In the case of Tulum, the city is now launching new measures to reduce crime and keep tourists safe.
The Announcement
Following a meeting between multiple branches of security and government, the new Mayor of Tulum, Diego Castañón Trejo, who took over the position after the sudden death of the previous mayor, announced that new security measures would be implemented.
The new measures, according to Trejo, are an effort to guarantee citizen and tourist integrity.
He commented that “If there is security, citizens, tourists and businessmen feel better. There is more investment, more employment, more economic spills.”
Tulum Appoints New Secretary of Public Security
Right before the press conference on the new security measures began, a new Secretary of Public Security and Citizen Protection of Tulum was sworn in.
Ricardo Morales Santo, Lieutenant of Frigate Marine, has a long military history and was commander of a number of marine infantry battalions.
In response to the new security measures, Santo stated that “There will be more presence in the coming days in the tourist area and in the Mayan area, and that they “are going to do a good job, and are not going to disappoint the citizens.”
New Measures Being Implemented
One of the new measures that will help improve security in Tulum is the equipping of all of the security booths within the municipality.
Additionally, the 150 municipal police officers that are currently deployed in Tulum will be joined by 70 Marines from a unit in Isla Mujeres, and bars will also be required to close earlier.
It is the hope, and the objective, of municipal authorities to significantly reduce crime in Tulum within the first 100 days of the operation.
Past Security Operations In Tulum
Members of the different military and police branches are often deployed to Tulum tourist areas in advance of the busy tourist seasons in order to increase security.
It was only last month, ahead of the start of spring break, that the National Guard was deployed to the popular vacation destination to protect tourists.
At that time 50 troops were deployed to the areas of the ruins and the beaches.
About Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is just under two hours away from the well-known, extremely popular, and busy vacation destination of Cancun.
It’s known for its stunning white sand beaches, its close proximity to mesmerizing swimming holes known as Cenotes, its culturally significant Mayan ruins, and its dense surrounding jungle.
It is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world and has plenty of amazing resorts and fantastic restaurants.
Is Tulum Safe?
Despite the feeling that the presence of security might give you, it is actually in spite of it that Tulum is such a safe place to visit in the Mexican Caribbean.
As with visiting any major tourist destination, though, visitors should always take precautions, and if you do you shouldn’t run into any problems.
These precautions include not straying away from tourist areas, not getting involved with illicit substances or drinking too much, and not exploring alone.
Getting To Tulum
Currently, there is no airport in Tulum, though there is talk of there being one in the near future, but for now, you’ll have to fly into Cancun International Airport if you plan to visit Tulum.
From the airport, you have to take either a taxi, a bus, or private transportation to get to your hotel.
This can be pricey, but the laid-back Mexican Caribbean vibe of Tulum, and the safety of the destination, are well worth it.