Tulum Beach Access Dispute Highlights National Issue

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Here, where the jungle meets the sea and conservation rhetoric collides with economic interests, access to nature has turned into a very public dispute. Municipal President Diego Castañón Trejo is calling out Grupo Mundo Maya (formerly Grupo Aeroportuario, Ferroviario, de Servicios Auxiliares y Conexos Olmeca–Maya–Mexica) for failing to uphold an agreement guaranteeing locals free entry to the Jaguar Park.

“If they presented their local ID, they could all enter for free. It was an agreement we made, but they have not fully complied with it,” he lamented.

Access to both the public beach and the adjacent protected area now lies at the center of growing tensions between authorities, tourists, and the private operator. Castañón insists this is more than broken promises—it’s an affront to citizens.

“We spoke with them more than ten times; we had meetings and working groups. Initially, agreements were reached, but not now. And there is now a great sense of frustration.”

Seeking political support, the mayor and Governor Mara Lezama met with federal deputy coordinator Ricardo Monreal, resulting in a legislative proposal to require all of Mexico’s protected natural areas, including beaches, to grant at least one day of free access each weekend plus all public holidays.

“This is not just for Tulum, nor for Quintana Roo; it is for all of Mexico. What we want is for any citizen to be able to enjoy their natural heritage,” Castañón explains.

It’s worth noting that under Article 27 of Mexico’s Constitution and the General Law of National Assets, all beaches are public federal property—but private developments, beach clubs, and gated communities frequently limit practical access for non-guests. In Playa del Carmen, Mayor Estefanía Mercado has recently reaffirmed this right, stressing that beaches like Mamitas, or any beachfront, should remain free for public use. 

Even in Puerto Aventuras, gated residents have faced criticism over restricted beach entry—specifically, members-only “passes” that excluded nonresidents. Legal experts emphasize that despite such limitations, access to the shoreline remains an inalienable right. 

In Mahahual, angry locals staged road blockades this summer after illegal evictions triggered frustration, a reminder that community access matters extend beyond just the coast. 

The context is important: the Jaguar Park spans 2,913 hectares, and includes the Tulum Archaeological Zone and the Mureco Museum—lands managed by INAH but administered by Grupo Mundo Maya. Meanwhile, tourism remains central to the debate: the Tulum Archaeological Zone saw 628,000 visitors in the first half of 2025, 137,000 fewer than in the same period of 2023, before additional fees were applied.

The emotional and political resonance of this dispute is clear: it’s not just about sand and ruins. It’s a test of whether natural beauty and culture can remain truly public for the citizens meant to cherish them, or whether economic interests will continue to erect invisible walls along the coast.