Tulum Construction Recovery Not Expected Until Late 2026, Architects Say

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Construction work that has stalled in Tulum could start up again between late 2026 and early 2027, according to Francisco Javier Galindo Rojas, president of the town’s College of Architects.

Galindo Rojas said building activity this year has fallen short of expectations, but he expects investors to take another look at Tulum for new projects in the final months of 2026 and the start of the following year.

“I want to stay positive. The situation today, as everyone knows, hasn’t been very favorable this year. I want to think that by the end of this year, or at the start of the next one, companies and investors will look this way again,” he said.

The association president noted that several projects remain on hold, including large commercial establishments and warehouses, and said authorities should keep offering incentives to attract investment.

“We know there are projects waiting in the wings, but they are on hold. There’s talk of a Home Depot, there’s talk of some other large warehouses as well. So let’s hope that soon, and with the help of our authorities and the facilities they can provide, those investors get the support they need and arrive as soon as possible,” he said.

Roughly Half of Active Projects Frozen

Based on what he observes in daily activity, Galindo Rojas estimated that about 50 percent of the projects that were underway are now stopped, though he acknowledged he does not have official figures to confirm that percentage.

“I believe 50 percent of the projects that were active are the ones now halted. I couldn’t tell you if that’s the exact number, but based on what I see on the streets, what we see when we go out, what we deal with day to day, we’re talking about roughly a similar percentage,” he explained.

Galindo Rojas said he hopes construction will regain some of the momentum it had a few years ago during 2027. While any recovery is likely to be gradual, he expects activity next year to reach about 80 percent of the levels seen a couple of years ago.

“I hope that at least 80 percent of what we had a couple of years ago will be back by next year,” he concluded.