Tourism Workers in Tulum Report Persistent Informal Promoters at Archaeological Site Entrances

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Tourism workers in Tulum have reported persistent issues with informal promoters, known locally as “jaladores,” operating near the entrances to the archaeological site, affecting visitor experiences and the destination’s image.

Certified guides, merchants, taxi drivers, and restaurant owners said the problem has existed for some time, with frequent complaints from both domestic and international travelers about individuals intercepting visitors to offer tours, transportation, or tourist packages.

According to sector workers, these promoters typically approach tourists before they enter the archaeological site or while they are passing through nearby access points, promoting supposed tourist services with discounts, promotions, or special benefits.

A local guide working in the area explained that many visitors accept these offers, believing they are official services or linked to established operators, which later leads to dissatisfaction when the service received does not match what was promised.

“The visitor arrives with an expectation and ultimately discovers the service wasn’t what they were offered. That creates annoyance and distrust,” the guide said, referring to reports frequently heard by those working formally in the tourism area.

Service providers noted that these situations not only directly affect travelers but also impact the overall perception of the destination, as those who feel deceived often associate the negative experience with Tulum as a whole.

According to collected testimonies, the problem has been addressed at various times through operations implemented by authorities from all three levels of government, aimed at removing these informal promoters from access points to the archaeological site.

However, sector workers indicated these actions typically have temporary effects, as after a few days the so-called jaladores return to the same spots to continue offering unregulated tours or tourist services.

This situation adds a component of traffic and safety risk, as some of these individuals attempt to stop vehicles or intercept visitors on public roads to promote their services, which can create disorder and dangerous situations for both tourists and those working in the area.

Merchants and service providers also noted that the presence of these promoters has extended to other points near the archaeological complex, which they say reflects a lack of constant surveillance in the area.