Is Tulum Dead? Inside The Cracks In Mexico's Hottest Destination

"Tulum was once an off-the-grid backpacker town on the Yucatan Peninsula where life moved slowly. The coastal town was quiet, filled with dirt roads and stretches of white sand against the backdrop of turquoise waters. The real luxury in this modest beach town was found in its natural beauty and history, as it's home to some of the most important Mayan archaeological sites in the world."

"Anyone with a social media account knows that Tulum was portrayed as a beach-chic, glamorous, and carefree place that was affordable and safe, especially when compared to its northern neighbor in 2020. Americans were dealing with record inflation and a significant racial reckoning following a series of high-profile police killings of Black Americans. It prompted a Blaxit movement from the U.S. Many Black Americans reported feeling safer in other countries and found community in groups such as Black in Tulum."

"However, the once undiscovered gem became a victim of overtourism, and problems inevitably arose. The town, with an average population of about 46,000, became chaotic and overcrowded, as locals were being pushed out by rapid growth and rising prices. Tulum experienced unprecedented growth without adequate infrastructure, which ultimately led to a paradox of "luxury tourism" and the lack of basic services."

Tulum shifted from a slow, off-the-grid backpacker destination to a booming tourism center driven by natural beauty and major Mayan sites. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated growth as digital nomads and travelers arrived, aided by Mexico's relaxed border rules. Social media amplified Tulum's beach-chic image, attracting visitors and groups seeking safer, affordable alternatives. Rapid population and tourist influx created overcrowding, rising prices, and displacement of locals. Infrastructure failed to keep pace, producing a contradiction of luxury tourism alongside insufficient basic services. Authorities announced a new airport to address access and overcrowding concerns.

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