$50 Ice Creams in Tulum Stir Social Media Debate

Tulum, Mexico — A video posted by Mexican influencer Ana Cisneros, known for her appearances on entertainment shows such as Acapulco Shore, La Venganza de los Ex, and Temptation Island México, has gone viral after showing an everyday experience in Tulum: purchasing two ice creams for 1,000 pesos (approximately $50).

The Viral Clip

The clip, which lasts less than a minute and has surpassed 2 million views on TikTok, features Cisneros leaving the ice cream shop “Velvet,” located in Tulum’s tourist district, accompanied by her mother. Both are seen enjoying their ice creams, which are prepared with cookies, nuts, and other gourmet ingredients, while commenting on the high price of the purchase.

Mixed Reactions Online

The reaction from her more than 5 million followers was immediate. Some users expressed shock and indignation at the steep prices for basic goods in Tulum, while others defended the cost as part of the exclusivity that has come to define the area in recent years.

The video has reignited debate over the growing economic disparity in the municipality, where luxury tourism offerings contrast sharply with the low wages of much of the local population.

“A 500-peso ice cream doesn’t represent the people of Tulum,” wrote one user. “That’s part of the tourist spectacle that’s been artificially inflated to attract influencers and foreigners with high purchasing power,” commented another.

No Official Response

Velvet, the ice cream shop mentioned in the video, has not issued an official statement. On its social media channels, the business promotes its products as “unique artisanal experiences,” featuring organic, vegan, and locally and internationally sourced ingredients.

Tulum’s Luxury Reputation

Tulum has solidified its reputation as one of the most exclusive tourist destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, with hotel rates exceeding 15,000 pesos per night and a growing presence of high-end brands catering to affluent visitors.

However, this fame has also drawn criticism for eroding local identity and driving up the cost of basic goods and services—even for something as simple as an ice cream.

The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between Tulum’s upscale tourism boom and the economic realities faced by its local community.