Tourists Accuse Tulum Business of Deceptive “Free” Parking Offer

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Visitors have accused a business near the Tulum archaeological zone of misleading advertising, saying it promotes free parking but requires customers to buy a product, tour, or service to keep their cars on site.

According to the complaints, some tourists enter the establishment expecting to park without charge, only to be told they must make a purchase to leave their vehicle. Those who refuse are asked to move their cars from the property.

The complainants said the issue is not that businesses set conditions for using their facilities, but that they fail to disclose them in advance. Advertising a service as free without mentioning that it depends on a purchase can confuse visitors, especially those unfamiliar with the area’s commercial practices, they said.

They also said the practice is not limited to a single establishment, as tourists have reported similar experiences near other major Tulum attractions. They called for greater clarity in advertising for parking, tours, transportation, and other tourist services.

The complaints come as local officials work to boost visitor numbers at the archaeological zone and Parque del Jaguar, where entrance fees and access conditions were recently adjusted to encourage attendance. Service providers in the area depend heavily on the flow of visitors.

Visitors urged vendors and tour operators to make prices, promotions, and terms clearly visible before any transaction, so tourists can decide where to park and what to buy without confusion.

They added that transparent customer service is crucial to Tulum’s reputation. Negative experiences can lead to poor recommendations and slow the area’s recovery, while honest, competitive service can help rebuild tourists’ trust in the destination.