Tulum’s Tourism Crisis: Chaos, Crime, and Pollution

Tulum, Mexico — While Tulum’s municipal president, Diego Castañón Trejo, continues to highlight his close friendship with Morena federal deputy Ricardo Monrreal Ávila—as seen in a July 9 social media post thanking him for his support—the tourist influx to Quintana Roo’s youngest municipality remains in decline due to government negligence and inefficiency.

A Paradise in Peril

Tulum is internationally renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush jungles, gastronomy, and archaeological sites. However, since the Fourth Transformation (4T) took over municipal administration, investment has grown, but the region faces a severe setback in visitor numbers due to insecurity, chaotic urban development, ecological destruction, rampant sargassum pollution, and a lack of public beaches.

Murders, extortion, disappearances, and corruption among traffic officers and municipal police have turned many tourists’ vacations into unpleasant experiences, with visitors fearing stray bullets or becoming robbery victims.

Corruption and Unchecked Development

The corruption under Castañón Trejo’s administration is pushing Tulum toward collapse, as unchecked urban growth allows real estate developments to bypass legal regulations. Castañón Trejo, who frequently travels to Mexico City, Cancún, and Chetumal to secure political alliances, has facilitated national Morena politicians’ investments in Tulum without legal compliance.

Rafael Barajas, director of the Tulum Citizens’ Observatory, noted that the militarization of Jaguar Park—previously the only non-privatized beach—has further deterred tourists. Now, both foreign and domestic visitors must pay for access to the archaeological site and protected areas, significantly reducing foot traffic. The National Guard operates the park under strict regulations that alienate civilians seeking to enjoy Tulum’s natural beauty without bureaucratic hassles.

Environmental and Infrastructure Failures

The tourism boom in 2019 attracted national and international investors, but unclear urban development policies and corrupt municipal construction permits have led to ecological damage. Federal agencies like SEMARNAT and PROFEPA lack the capacity to conduct required environmental impact studies, enabling large-scale developments that harm the ecosystem.

This disorder has overwhelmed infrastructure: roads, potable water, drainage, and sewage systems are insufficient, forcing businesses to buy water from tankers and dump wastewater illegally in jungles or cenotes due to inadequate treatment plants.

Sargassum Crisis and Public Health Risks

Another factor driving tourists away is the sargassum inundation plaguing Quintana Roo’s coastline. Despite federal funding for the Navy to address the issue, efforts have failed. Barges built to collect the seaweed remain unused, as authorities have not resolved disposal logistics.

Decomposing sargassum emits foul odors, attracts flies, and poses public health risks—a problem officials refuse to acknowledge, despite widespread documentation on social media.

Neglect Beyond the Tourist Zone

Castañón Trejo’s mismanagement extends beyond Tulum’s main tourist areas. In Francisco Uh May, residents complain of rusted, non-functional streetlights, leaving roads in darkness despite repeated requests for intervention.

Environmental activists also condemn the 4T government’s authorization for Cementos Mexicanos (CEMEX) to deforest 4.5 square kilometers (650 hectares) near Tulum for stone extraction—a practice already employed by the Maya Train project across the Yucatán Peninsula. This deforestation is part of the 4T’s legacy, devastating the region’s jungles for future generations.