10 Reasons NOT To Stay In Tulum

[AdGuy]

I figured we need something to keep the masses away, as our paradise is in danger of discovery! :) Feel free to add to the list...

Top Reasons Not To Go To Tulum


Unlike Cancun or Playa Del Carmen, there’s no McDonald’s.
There’s no elevator to the top of the ruins…you actually have to climb!
You can’t drink the water…and even if you could, it’s brackish.
You’ll have to reacquaint yourself with cash.
Not everyone has the common courtesy to speak English.
None of the hotels give frequent flyer miles.
Reception on your cell phone will be spotty.
If you’re a big tanzanite buyer or Diamonds International shopper, you’ll be disappointed with the shopping opportunities.
Your child will likely be damaged permanently without television or PS3.
It’s a jungle out there, complete with mosquitoes, lizards, and scorpions…and they all want to share your room.

[minniemex]

Lee - it reads more like - top reasons to go to Tulum:confused:

[Gale in KY]

1. Fuel is sold by the liter, how do you know how much you are buying?
2. Banditos patrol the beaches dressed like the miltary with big guns.
3. Bugs and Mosquitos, geckos and Iguanas..Oh My!:eek:
4. The noise from the tides is deafening
5. The food is strange looking and tasting
6. The speedometer is in Kilometers, who knows how fast you are driving?
7. The milk is not refrigerated! Neither are the eggs!! You dont' want me to tell you what's in the butcher shop window
8. It's too HOT and there are too many dogs and cats prowling everywhere
9. The locals like Pesos better than US$$...and if you try to spend US$$ with
a tear or a rip, they won't take them!
10. There's not a disco within 30 miles!

[MollyJ]

Electricity is on in some hotels only at certain times.

[Userbe3231@aol.com]

Scorpians are commonly found crawling on your walls :D

IV's of antibotic are used after getting ecoli from the quaint little resteraunt

Some Spiders are bigger than small dogs

Bugs in your room are still waiting to be named by scientists

[minniemex]

userbe - aren't you just back from Tulum? Any new pictures of the house?? any trip report?? We are hungry:D

Sorry for the temporary hijack -

Just a few others-

Most resorts don't have swimming pools

Lots & lots of sand.

No irons or hairdryers in the rooms. Whoops:eek: , no electricity for these either.

[MikeW]

Bathing suits may be in short supply.

[AdGuy]

tope request by Phyllis and others on one of the trip report threads...feel free to add to the list. We have to discourage others from finding out about Tulum! :)

[PhyllisB]

Thanks, Lee! This time I'll remember what words to use to search for it next time! Shoot, maybe Minnie or Gale should make it a stickie!

[PhyllisB]

Hm, let's see. A few more....


The sun wakes you up too early.
Gas stations trick you out of your money.
High probability of head injuries due to topes.
The driving is wayyyyyyyy too scary.
What are those things in the sky at night???? Spy satellites???
With all the celebrities, you can't get away from paparazzi.

[Vital Turbulence]

* Banditos are everywhere and they kidnap you at night.
* Scary Russians drinking 2 Superiors at 6:30 in the morning on the beach before they have a coffee at 7:30 (so true :))
* NO HOT Water.
* NO Doorman
* NO Beach Guards. If you drown, the coast sharks will eat you for dinner/breakfast/whatever.
* Alligators
* Coconuts that can drop on you and kill you.

[think]

Why in the world drive ALL THE WAY down to Tulum when you are flying into Cancun? Makes no sense. Just stay in Cancun and party!! Wooooo!! :eat-drink:

[susan]

Plus you are likely to incur a head injury when you fly over the topes and hit your head on the roof of your car!!!!!

[PhyllisB]

And you may end up having to bribe a police officer!

[DougSR]

- Strange men want to rub me for money.
- Sand in all the wrong places.
- Slight probablility of over exposure...to the sun.
- Caution: hangover and weight gain crossing. :trafficlight:

[DougSR]

On the serious side, refolding that Can-Do map is a B!#^H!!

[kcaraco]

There's too many weird animals/fishes/rocks in the water:dolphin:

[boreal j k]

What about the brainwashing that makes you want to return again and again...
The ocean water is salty.
I find the beer too cold.
And what about those scary guys on mopeds.:moped:

[cgl7]

No real cream for your coffee!

[PhyllisB]

Hey Minnie, let's sticky this thread! Maybe we need to compile everything into one big list too.

Have we mentioned the bugs? The crabs crossing the road that you can't see and might step on? How about the tarantulas? Kevin and I saw some VERY impressive tarantulas crossing the road on one of our trips. HUGE! :eek::eek::eek:

[Tranquilo Tomas]

With every photo and trip report you post (no matter how wonderful and informative), you may be giving "Tuluminarios" a vicarious fix, but you're also inviting hundreds to book your favorite cabana. Availability diminishes and prices go up. Just a couple years ago, many of the properties you know of were half the rate, even during high season. Also, consider the ecological impact on the coast, the mangroves and cenotes. Playa del Carmen is out of control. Akumal, Bahia de Soliman, Tankah Bay will never be the same. Now we're experiencing excessive development in Tulum, with more to come.
Lo siento, I don't mean to be such a "kill joy". I love this place and its people intensely, and have for a long time. Just something to think about.

[Lynnette]

Hey Tomas.......I too was on the original LG board, which we referred to as Kay's board. Back then I loved Isla Mujeres....it became too busy & developed, so I started my journey south. As you said, the more we talk and promote paradise, the more appealing it becomes. Unfortunately, I think it's too late to stop the development and hoards of visitors. I'm hopeful, though, that as newbies visit this board, they can be educated to respect the natural environment as well as the local population. As for developers, only the government can control that, and I don't see it happening. If Tulum becomes too chic and just another party place (heaven forbid this board ever has a party sub-forum), there are a lot of us who will just keep moving to find the next Tulum if it exists.

[Tranquilo Tomas]

Hi Lynette. I thought that was you. Ahh, remember the old days. I'm glad we got to experience what many will never have known. It was a privilege. The old LG board used to be a kick.
Tulum is one of a kind I'm afraid. Even Punta Allen has changed.

[Maineacs]

Don't forget - No flushing of TP!

[Gale in KY]

There really ain't nothing there but a bunch of old stick huts and rocks that used to be a city. Can't figure out why anyone would want to drive for over an hour to see that, much less stay there all night with no electric or air conditioning. It's windy and sand is always blowing around, gettin' in your eyes, makes ya miserable I tell ya, miserable. Nothing at all to enjoy there, just alot of scrub jungle and sand...oh and these giant cockroaches..egawd. Big as boats.

[PhyllisB]

Oh my gosh, Gale, I'm glad you mentioned the WIND. Man I've never seen such sand storms. Makes it impossible to actually hang out on the beach, so why bother?????

[TrishandIan]

Watch out for Barracudas! I see them all the time in shallow water. They're just waiting to rip you to shreds.

[Lynnette]

Don't forget the bats & boas that hang out in the palms or thatched palapas!!. And the very worst are the thieving iguanas...they steal everything that isn't locked, tied down and out of sight. They can outweigh a man, have been know to ride motorcycles and grab cameras, backpacks and purses, zipping off into the jungle. :rolleyes:

[austxdan]

Don't forget those man-eating pelicans!!!

We were relaxing on the beach one day and saw a young family nearby. One of the little kids was splashing about in the water un-protected, and the next thing ya know this guy swoops in, scoops up the young-un, and carries him back to it's pre-historic nest to feed the baby pelicans. Yowsa!
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1253/772581532_bb48fd0c92.jpg

Be on guard people, be always on guard! :eek: This ain't Playa down here.


Dan

[Lynnette]

Don't forget those man-eating pelicans!!!

We were relaxing on the beach one day and saw a young family nearby. One of the little kids was splashing about in the water un-protected, and the next thing ya know this guy swoops in, scoops up the young-un, and carries him back to it's pre-historic nest to feed the baby pelicans. Yowsa!
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1253/772581532_bb48fd0c92.jpg

Be on guard people, be always on guard! :eek: This ain't Playa down here.


Dan

Thanks for photoshopping that picture, Dan. The water is such a murky brown, and with all of the oil slicks from the cruise ships, it's always hard to tell what color the sand is.

[AdGuy]

Unlike Cancun and PDC, Tulum has an alarming shortage of dance poles! I mean...how's a guy/gal to party? http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/1/1_4_129.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk762YYUS)

[FITZ]

I just cannot stand the way the locals greet me, always smiling, and ready to go the "extra mile" if need be. They've got alot of nerve!

[minniemex]

Don't forget the bats & boas that hang out in the palms or thatched palapas!!. And the very worst are the thieving iguanas...they steal everything that isn't locked, tied down and out of sight. They can outweigh a man, have been know to ride motorcycles and grab cameras, backpacks and purses, zipping off into the jungle. :rolleyes:

You are right!! I forgot about the bats!!

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/MALDIVES/DSC02207.jpg

[beachreader]

Don't forget those man-eating pelicans!!!

We were relaxing on the beach one day and saw a young family nearby. One of the little kids was splashing about in the water un-protected, and the next thing ya know this guy swoops in, scoops up the young-un, and carries him back to it's pre-historic nest to feed the baby pelicans. Yowsa!
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1253/772581532_bb48fd0c92.jpg

Be on guard people, be always on guard! :eek: This ain't Playa down here.


Dan



Dan! Brilliant! I've seen pelicans flying around with their beak pouches stretched to the limit, must have been full of children. :D:D

[BatteriesIncluded]

Watch out for Barracudas! I see them all the time in shallow water. They're just waiting to rip you to shreds.


Go ahead. Wear shiny jewelery and wade on in!

[austxdan]

Thanks for photoshopping that picture, Dan. The water is such a murky brown, and with all of the oil slicks from the cruise ships, it's always hard to tell what color the sand is.

Photoshopping? Ah, you caught me Lynette. Here is what that pelican and the Tulum beach at really looked like:

http://www.scienceclarified.com/images/uesc_08_img0463.jpg

I knew I couldn't fool you!


Dan

[Gale in KY]

Stuck like glue..lol! Enjoy!

[mayaflya]

I realize that a lot of the posts in this thread were made somewhat tongue in cheek, and that some of the “problems” described may have been exaggerated in an attempt at humor, but all kidding aside, Tulum may not quite be the “paradise” that it’s devotees depict.

I think there are legitimate reasons that someone may want to think twice about making a trip to this area…and be forewarned…

1. Prices….there really are no bargains to be had anymore for food, drinks, lodging or entertainment.

2. The myth of Eco-resorts…when there was only a few resorts spotted along miles of beachfront, the “charm” of eco tourism might have made sense. But now, with almost every foot of frontage developed with rental properties, bars, and restaurants, eco resort just means that you don’t get any electricity or hot water, and you can’t flush your toilet paper…

3. The language barrier…if you are fluent in Spanish, you’ll find great service, friendly people and charm…but if English is your first language, good luck with communication. And even if you have some rudimentary Spanish speaking skills…good luck with Mayan. And you can forget about bi-lingual signage..unless you are thinking bi-lingual means Spanish and Mayan.

4. Drugs, crime and security…I don’t know about you, but the sight of military patrols and machine gun toting soldiers roaming the beach doesn’t exactly make me feel more at ease.

5. Police corruption…there are numerous posts and threads regarding the way that tourists become fair game for highway shakedowns…

6. Gas station scams…see #5

7. Driving in general…the traffic, crazy drivers, unconventional rules of the road, rental car scams and sky high insurance combine to make the trip from Cancun to Tulum a real gauntlet….what a great way to start a vacation..or end one!

8. Mosquitos…There is not enough DEET in the world!

9. The weather…just take a look at any extended forecast for the area…rain/rain/rain/rain/thunderstorm/rain/rain/hurricane/rain.

10. Nudity…and not the good kind…we are talking middle aged German tourists in speedos or less….it’s like an all nude Walmart…

I could go on…but that’s ten….

[PhyllisB]

You're absolutely right Maya. I was thinking the very same. Tulum really isn't for everyone, and we shouldn't be giving the impression that it's heaven on earth. It really isn't!

[Lynnette]

Those ARE serious reasons to travel elsewhere, Maya....especially #10.

[DougSR]

I do feel safer when I see troops with guns. I think that show of force is for my safety and not to frighten me.

Also, I love negating items 5, 6, and 7 by not driving. It's one less thing to worry about on vacation.

[Lynnette]

I do feel safer when I see troops with guns. I think that show of force is for my safety and not to frighten me.


Yes, they have to patrol the beaches to watch for drug smugglers and illegals coming from Cuba.

[ilovewyoming]

never mind,

[ilovewyoming]

There is nothing to do . It gets BORING there

[ilovewyoming]

soft white sand
Beautiful turquoise water gazing hurts your eyes

Free spirts everywhere!

Mexican beer is just nasty
Mexican tequila is worse than mexican beer...

[dionski]

Really $$$$$
Hot
Sand gets everywhere
agua mala
scary things in water
bumpy roads
big potholes
no ac
no wristbands
windy

:rolleyes:

d2

[dionski]

and there is no good food here either. I think they import the seafood.

d2

[Lynnette]

and there is no good food here either. I think they import the seafood.

d2

They do import the shrimp from the Gulf......it's not harvested locally.

[PhyllisB]

Ugh, last time we went Kevin got so sick. I hear that it's really easy to get denge, and parasites in the water... he was sick for days!

[beachreader]

They do import the shrimp from the Gulf......it's not harvested locally.


Yes, the Gulf of Tonkin.

[ilovewyoming]

yikes....hope this doesn't make him never want to go back!

[dabears4]

They do import the shrimp from the Gulf......it's not harvested locally.

I've heard the same thing from some knowledgeable restaurant folks down there. Makes me laugh everytime I see someone write how much they enjoyed their fresh shrimp taco's from such-n-such place.

[Lynnette]

I've heard the same thing from some knowledgeable restaurant folks down there. Makes me laugh everytime I see someone write how much they enjoyed their fresh shrimp taco's from such-n-such place.

I was told by a local fisherman on Isla, that they do get it delivered very quickly on ice from the gulf.

[wildflower]

tope request by Phyllis and others on one of the trip report threads...feel free to add to the list. We have to discourage others from finding out about Tulum! :)


Too late Lee, I think the word is out... shhhhhhh. Although the "scene" up at the north end of the beach has done a good job of keeping folks away...

[AdGuy]

Too late Lee, I think the word is out... shhhhhhh. Although the "scene" up at the north end of the beach has done a good job of keeping folks away...


Good point...maybe we can tell everyone that the Mexican government has shut down Tulum! :D

[beachreader]

From a trip report on this very board:

no tequilla, bars, beach clubs, cerveza, or peep meets. Sounds pretty boring???

Who would ever want to go to a place like this? It's BORING!!!

[PhyllisB]

And don't forget the latest we've heard about the cops. Corrupt cops everywhere!

[Dale]

From a trip report on this very board:

no tequilla, bars, beach clubs, cerveza, or peep meets. Sounds pretty boring???

Who would ever want to go to a place like this? It's BORING!!!

Thief!

Well there wasn't any of that stuff as far as I was concerned!

[BP.]

salty showers
hot water? maybe, maybe not
stray dogs
limited electricity
hardly any swimming pools
cold cenotes
pyramids ruined
it's all about manana
where are all big screen TVs?
there's a worm in my mezcal!

;)

(Really like your thoughts, everyone.)

[c943]

Ha...the two big ones...did anyone get these?? How could they be forgotten?
What the hell are those ropes across the road...they are friggen huge. and Of Course..."whadya mean there is no damn airconditioning!"

[Serenity]

Hi Lynette. I thought that was you. Ahh, remember the old days. I'm glad we got to experience what many will never have known. It was a privilege. The old LG board used to be a kick.
Tulum is one of a kind I'm afraid. Even Punta Allen has changed.

A voice from Punta Allen. You`re right Tomas, Punta Allen has changed but it`s still a sleepy little fishing village and lo and behold, some accommodations have ac! Not that I want to take anything from Tulum but we were here 10 years ago and watched it explode until now it`s a vacation destination just like Playa was. Fortunately for us, Punta Allen is off the beaten path, and if you really want to get here, you need to work for it! The road is still rugged and the beaches are spectacular. Well worth the trip if you want to get away from it all. Though the north winds have been battering us for a week, the fishermen are still fishing!!
:boat:

[Grasshopper]

BUGS, BUGS and MORE BUGS!!!

Even the Grasshoppers are scary down there!

[Grasshopper]

BUGS, BUGS and MORE BUGS!!!

Even the Grasshoppers are scary down there!

I forgot to mention that DOGS BITE down there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D:D

[Serenity]

OYE Grasshopper! In my travels, I have found that dogs bite everywhere!

[AdGuy]

Believe me, dog bites are the least of your worries. Imagine the hunk of hide this guy (last seen near Copal) would take out of you!


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/godzilla.jpg

[Dale]

Believe me, dog bites are the least of your worries. Imagine the hunk of hide this guy (last seen near Copal) would take out of you!

Oh yeah....and remember this guy????


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a202/Abacodabra/saber-toothtiger.jpg

And what he does????:eek::eek::eek:

http://coneyislanddreams.com/tri/images/YUMMY.jpg

He hangs out down south..........near the arch!!!!!:D

[minniemex]

Ok you guys, we need some new monsters for Tulum!! :D

Maybe a self portrait Lee?? Did I say that out loud??:D

Love ya Amigo!!

[Dale]

Ok you guys, we need some new monsters for Tulum!! :D



OK, OK......This guy is down there too.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a202/Abacodabra/DSC03627.jpg

Just remember....objects are larger than they appear!!!!;)

[AdGuy]

Ok you guys, we need some new monsters for Tulum!! :D

Maybe a self portrait Lee?? Did I say that out loud??:D

Love ya Amigo!!



Only because you asked so nicely. I have it on good authority that this beach dog was spotted near Tita Tulum...

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/Trex.jpg

Oh..and Dale, don't listen to minniemex. That illustration with the human skull in the tiger's mouth always cracks me up!!

[Lynnette]

What scares me the most are the snakes. Minnie, you have to post the photo of that huge one you found in November. YIKES!!!! :eek::eek::eek:

[minniemex]

Lynnette you are totally right!! I forgot about the "Giant" snakes in Tulum!!

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM2008078-1.jpg

[NWCreoleLady]

YIKES is right! I keep hearing of other people stumbling across these guys, but I have yet to see one. I guess it's only a matter of time! :eek:

Serenity, how is the road to Punta Allen at this time of year? We will be there in a few weeks and wanting to journey down the road and go out and see the dolphins in the wild. A reasonable day trip?

[Mindy in Tulum]

WOW! this is the absolute funniest load of S%#*! I have every heard. There are some great places that I would recommend that these haters go on vacation... its called the USA. If you are really upset at the idea that people do not have the "common courtesy to speak English" I know what you mean... how rude of the locals, seriously. I mean where do they think they are a Spanish speaking country or something.

I am not saying that everything is perfect here, but even the downsides can be viewed more as positives when you don't look at them as negatively as you are acting.

Might I suggest Epcot for your "exotic vacation away" that way you do not really have to experience the world, you can just pretend!

[beachreader]

Sense of humor much?

[Mindy in Tulum]

I thought that this whole thread was hilarious. I am still working on my humor and my sarcasm coming through clearly when I am typing. It worked I my head. Clearly it did not come through! When I read it I did sound like an uptight hag. Not the case trust me.

[Mindy in Tulum]

My comment is not for the people being sarcastic here, it is for the countless people who actually think these things. And there are a lot of them unfortunately.

[minniemex]

Mindy ~ you had us concerned for a minute or two!! We thought you were on the same page, but then we were not sure:). We actually started the thread to deter people from visiting Tulum ~ we wanted to keep it all to ourselves for as long as possible.:D

Welcome to the forum!!

[beachreader]

Sorry I was so quick to snap-judge. :o Welcome to the board!

[Serenity]

Si amiga, vale la pena! They are working on the road right now and in a couple weeks it will be even better. Look me up at the end of the road at Serenidad Shardon. If you get lost in town, just ask for Niki`s place!

[Mindy in Tulum]

That is a really good idea to keep it to ourselves. The only downside is that we live on tips. Oh well, I would rather be broke the crowded. - No worries Beachreader! My sarcasm is well received via voice but still needs work in writing.

Niki's place! I will look for it. And with all of the new roads it will take me all of a few minutes.

PS- now that business at hubby's hotel is WAY down - I am starting up my own money making endeavor. I am offering babysitting for those on vacation who do not think that bringing the kids to a romantic dinner on the beach or a infant on an ATV tour sounds like a good time. If you know anyone who might be interested... let me know.

[Grasshopper]

These are out there and they like smokes.... you wont be safe!!!!!!!!! http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv159/GrasshopperinMexico/Mexico2009110.jpg

[Serenity]

Oye Grasshopper, another good reason not to stay in Tulum, El primer cafetero Pierre is in Punta Allen with the best coffee in the Yucatan. I know, wrong thread but at least he doesn`t bite!

[Hobo_beacher]

But what about the runs? cant you get it frmo the food and water? LMAO

[Serenity]

Si amigo, but you can get traveler`s from lots of things. In reality it`s not the food and water only. We use purified water in Punta Allen. Sometimes, if there is soap left on your dishes, it will cause the same reaction. I always travel with grapefruit seed extract. Great for everything that bites, inside and out!

[AdGuy]

I am starting up my own money making endeavor. I am offering babysitting for those on vacation who do not think that bringing the kids to a romantic dinner on the beach or a infant on an ATV tour sounds like a good time. If you know anyone who might be interested... let me know.

Mindy...can I snatch other people's obnoxious kids and have you watch them while Jen and I are at a restaurant? Many parents seem to think their screaming ankle bitters are different and, therefore, it's okay to bring them to sophisticated restaurant so they can wail and throw things. I pay top dollar! :)

[Serenity]

Well put AdGuy, and while we`re at it Mindy, here`s a thought. Bring together a group of young people and teach them how to take care of the kids. You supervise and ensure the quality of the care. Think of it! "Rent a Niñera" Then the little "ankle biters" could benefit from the multicultural care and the parents can enjoy their vacations! And here`s another reason to NOT stay in Tulum, Sian Kaàn is blooming with orchids right now. Check out Cesiak for a channel tour! No biting crocks in the fresh water channels!

[evZENy]

Common - for some of the reason the mere excuse is "Because you are a gringo!"
Just because the rest of the world uses Liters, Kilometers etc, doesn't make Tulum unique or different! So the joke is lost. On you :-)

[eliza899vt]

#10: Too damn quiet and relaxing
#9: Too far from Kentucky Fried Chicken
#8: The ATM eats cards sometimes and you have to wait until after lunch to get your card back
#7: We didn't get sick, so there must be something funny going on with the water
#6: There's no one hassling you on the beach
#5: The restaurants are good and you get fat
#4: There are scary stingrays in the water.... right near the beach
#3: It's cheaper than Anguilla, so it must not be any good
#2: There was a naked old Austrian guy on the beach once
#1: The beach parties disturb my nap sometimes and I have to get up to see

[jeniferdesauza]

Mexico has so much to offer. From beaches to the Central area (my personal favourite). But for *ucks sake do not go to Tijuana. Seriously. There are so many better places it'd be a waste of money. Also if it's culture you're after you're not going to see shit in Cancun either. There will be tourist celebrations for the Day of the Dead. But nothing truly authentic.

[katzgar]

I am thinking about bringing my Explorer down from Seattle but I have a problem. The gas tank takes qallons but you guys say gas is sold in liters down there. How does that work? Do I get a new tank or is there a conversion kit?

[beachreader]

Good one, Katzgar! :D (sorry our laughing smiley is so lame)