The Dark Side of Tulum (Documentary)

An independent documentary exploring both the beauty and betrayal of Tulum, Mexico - and what can be done to change it.
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/ thedarksideoftulum
/ thedarksideoftulum
Businesses, organizations, and people seen or mentioned in the film:
Red Tulum Sostenible
/ redtulumsostenible
Woolis Green Industries
www.woolisgreensolutions.com
Farm to Table Tulum
/ farmtotabletulum
No Mas Plastik
/ nomasplastik2015
Tulum Recycles
www.tulumrecycles.com
Holistika
www.holistikatulum.com
Radio Tulum
www.radiotulum.com
Oceanic Global
www.oceanic.global
Habitas Tulum
www.habitastulum.com
Alejandro Duran
www.alejandoduran.com

[@salvadorianmami]

I went to Tulum in June. I did a snorkeling & cenotes tour. On the cenotes tour, our guides were native Mayans and their main concerns were always protecting and conserving the land. They would give us specific instructions so we had zero waste. If they would be in charge, things would be completely different.

[@cathimummery6873]

I agree

[@yvettekosta-jv4bx]

And yet when the people who actually "own" the tourist attraction, refused to heed to the warnings of the health and environmental agencies monitoring water quality, that there was an unacceptable and dangerous level of e-coli bacteria present in the cenotes, didn't shut down or even put up warning signs. What's more the open garbage dumps and untreated sewage leach into the aquifer along with plastics contaminants and drugs. It's been turned into a cesspool.😡

[@SMoore-vj7bt]

Will end up a cesspool and remain that way for decades. Mexico will get what its political system deserves.

[@cathimummery6873]

Nice glad to hear it

[@cathimummery6873]

@@SMoore-vj7bt what are you talking about? What’s a despool? Mexico has many beautiful places has 63 BILLION tourists last year so it’s not know as she’s pool in fact probably the most travelled places on earth

[@caseymccartin4301]

I feel like this is a whole world problem, not just Tulum.

[@777sweett777]

I was just about to comment the same thing! Mankind do this to EVERY ocean coastal line that exists! Developers come, they build, they ruin, they get rich, they ruin, they leave! The locals are left to suffer all the loss! SMH!!!

[@chatoblon]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHzCqWqwrcmKnM0

[@GroovB]

@@777sweett777 monetization almost always leads to greed sadly

[@rick-be]

It is not a problem,that is just the way it is.

[@rick-be]

@@OliEveryDayIsAnOliDay-ez2dy Money makes things happen and nothing can ever stay the same.

[@kegsofvomitspit]

“How can this happen in a place where Leonardo DiCaprio vacations and yogis from around the world hang out?” Lady, you just answered your own question.

[@olgazadig4961]

Tal cual. Como si no tuvieran espacio suficiente en EE.UU.

[@19ars92]

“How can this happen to a place where people from developed nations go to for vacations, but also brings large corporations and pollution that destroys the natural environment

[@olgazadig4961]

Gracias. Pero no creo que entiendan. Esos pinches hipsters no pagan impuestos en México, fomentan corrupción comprando ilegalmente terrenos ejidales. Fomentan el narco, el tráfico de personas y el consumo estúpido de electricidad con sus pinches raves en la playa. Destruyen y matan todo a su paso. Y cuando ya se les acaba la "buena onda", se mudan y destruyen otro lugar. El turismo es una plaga. Y el turismo que pretende ser "ecosustentable" y "socialmente responsable" es la peor de las hipocresías.

[@19ars92]

@@olgazadig4961 la corrupción es un trabajo de 2 el que la propone y el que la acepta la ignorancia de los yucatecos y sureños en general hace que por unos espejitos de los "weritos" vendan lo que ni siquiera es de ellos, pero todos tenemos un precio, y esas personas pobres en todos los sentidos no les interesa el medio ambiente mientras les den para un taco

[@xzrdnizi1405]

Ooo es es s.v.in pe.pa )))

[@jumboshrimp5193]

People love moving to great places and ruining everything that made it great to begin with.

[@amz_user_H]

jumbo shrimp thats why they dont let anyone in Shambala

[@nkiru61]

People = white people. It’s important to be specific.

[@elimdd]

They? All of us... or are you an alien? Do you live in another planet? Seriously, everyone is part of this. Your trash is my trash. My trash is your trash. We live in the same planet.

[@Bocbo]

Boise Idaho

[@malindabrowning9240]

@@elimdd yes

[@acidpanda6500]

I lived in Cancun in 1985-1986 - before hurricane Gilbert. Believe it or not, Cancun was actually a nice town back then. We would go camping in the Sian Ka'an on weekends sometimes, by the Boca Paila bridge (it used to be a little wooden bridge). In Tulum, the town was very small and nothing more than the fisherman's coop and the last gas station on the 307, before heading to the Sian Ka'an or to Bacalar. I went back to the Tulum area many times over the years, and each time it broke my heart to see the changes. The locals being pushed out, the coast becoming so very crowded, and relentless price hikes on everything. Mind you...I do understand why people are drawn to Tulum - it is absolutely blissful. The Sian Ka'an used to be my favorite place on earth. But I decided to not go again because to get there, I have to drive through the madness of Tulum in all its ugly glory. I do hope that those who fight for Tulum will grow in number - and that tourists and visitors join the fight by demanding adequate waste management. In a world ruled by money - demand is king. So... demand!!! Demand brought organic and gluten free foods to our grocery stores - and demand could be key to saving Tulum.

[@Bucketlistretreats]

it must've been gorgeous and fun to camp down there back then

[@segjig4378]

Lo conociste cuando valia la pena.

[@tonypittsburgh9]

Never did Tulum, but I did Playa del Carmen back before it was serious developed, beautiful and I have no desire to see it as it is now. Take a look at Montevideo Costa Rica: Beautiful, with the worst roads on the planet and that is how they want it, they are making sure it does get developed

[@jlow4214]

Tulum was a slice of paradise back in the ‘70s/‘80s. Breaks my heart to see what it has become. I hope at least the local Maya have gained something though I wonder. Zero care was taken by those who forced “progress” on this defenseless place. Times change but Tulum was pillaged by greed heads.

[@nuts4brasil]

Yes, we were there in early '80's and stayed at Cabanas Tulum for $2.00. A sleepy little place that got their Carnaval late since it was hard to get a band. Loved it. Will never go again cause I'm sure I would cry.

[@Ukrainianification]

I think what most people don’t realize that after we are gone nature will go on without us

[@oc4515]

Orlando Mother Nature has already created plastic eating bacteria. The Earth will be just fine without us

[@telikatruss6174]

@@oc4515 right it will eventually clean itself!!

[@Traders_Paradigm]

You need to watch “George Carlin saving the planet” it will address what you just said

[@nursen2106]

@@oc4515 sure - when we would actually go. as long as we are here - everything bends a little to the side

[@patborecky900]

Love this post & what you are doing. I visited Tulum 4 yrs ago & fell in love with the place. Hired a local man to take my family & I to the bioreserve. He told us 100 local families have gotten together & bought a large parcel of land so they can build their own houses before developers take it all. Good for them. I too am sad about how developers come in & take over everything & ruin the place. I had hoped return but am not sure I will.

[@HomesteadMexicoCaribbean-nx5nh]

“Bought” quote unquote lol. When they get together in group that big they just take the land… which they should! They shouldn’t have to buy land that is already theirs!

[@lizmu]

For knowledge: The barrier rief extends from the northern tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula toward Bay Islands in northern Honduras, the Mesoamerican Reef is second in size only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

[@anameyoucantremember]

was* It's dead now.

[@arribaficationwineho32]

@@anameyoucantremember I was just abt to post “I hope it survives” and I see it is too late. We were there before the development. So glad. I would not go there now.

[@valediaz5256]

Well, I'm from México, México city, and I don't go anymore, for the same problem, I love my country, I love the people that live here, but for me is a heartbreaken seeing this beautiful beach, becoming that horrible and nasty beach. Five years ago, I get in sock for the beauty of the sea, it was like love at first seen, but I went two years ago, and I cried, because large resorts hotels, killed the magic and beauty of it. I don´t blame only the hotels and tourists, I blame us, the Mexicans that allow this mess. Of course the government and the corruption are the most guilty, but we have to put our granite for the solution that we have to implement now. RIGHT NOW ¡¡¡

[@username-vz2uz]

vale diaz toda la razon

[@juangarcia-og8bn]

Asi es Vale,. Tendrán accesso al los dos océanos, los climas mas codiciados, la primer civilización que descubrió el universo, al pais mas rico del planeta de vecino,. Todo eso no importa!! Son mexicanos, esa es la respuesta.

[@miriamlove6611]

@@juangarcia-og8bn no son los Mexicanos lo que los destruyen, son los extranjeros por si no la sabes el 60 % de gente que vive en tulum son Argentino ( que se la pasan hablando mal de México y de los Mexicanos y criticando todo. Yo no se que hacen ahi, por muchos están de ilegales y son racistas con los mismos mayas) y mucho de Italiano y otras nacionalidades apoderándose de todo

[@juangarcia-og8bn]

Miriam Arau si Miriam, siempre lo he dicho, por eso lo de mi comentario,. No nada mas Tulum,. Tendran todo a su favor y las condiciones inmejorables para tener un paraíso de pais pero son mexicanos y no lo tendrán,. El mexicano es víctima del extranjero, de la economía, de la calumnia y de gente mala etc,. Es gente exitosa y buena que no se le a permitido ser 👍🏻👌

[@elenaperales5411]

Before we know it Mexico will be out of tropical forests we should not allow that to happen

[@Ev3nStev3n]

This was a powerful message thank you for this video. I just came back from Tulum for my birthday and I loved it so much that I wanted to invest in a condo out there. The people were so nice the food was incredible everything about Tulum was amazing. Now after watching this I feel like it would be wrong of me to even think about doing any investment. I would rather help go to Tulum to help than to invest.

[@ShashiSolluna]

Me too

[@cesariasousa1093]

yes, I as well was sent here by two wonderful Mexican brothers whom saw my spirit and recommended me to go to Tulum when I was first discovering the Caribbean coast and in cancun. in 1994 was when I was captivated by the magic of Tulum and had to return in 1996 to make it my home for 5 years. there I fell in love and in love with a Mexican man and had a beautiful child.I cry when I go every so often to visit with my friends and son's father. my last visit I heard gun shots a couple streets over from where I was staying with my son thinking people celebrating cinco de mayo when found out that it was the cartel from the pacific to seek territory in the Caribbean. saw pictures the next day in local newspaper.the garbage, poor infrastructure, less mayans and more out of towners living there. no more cabanas being made to live in. concrete barred homes instead. people not as friendly. I knew this was coming and would be something we would talk about back in 1996. I cherished every moment that I spent there. now I let go and am discovering places in mexico that in 30 years will become like Tulum. I love mexico's magic and mysticism and don't quite experience this in other parts of the world. I thank Tulum so much for my spiritual growth and for the most incredible experiences of my life.

[@gabycuri3197]

Yes.. They have a very energetic portal

[@joselineo6952]

Same here !! We were probably in Tulum at the same time. Unbelieveable what happened to Tulum. Gentrified. People who would back then have been scared to even be there now live their comfort life in Tulum. The local Mayan's gone...so what..Lost place Tulum...I am sorry for you.

[@howtosurviveelectronichara6474]

It’s so fantastic you got the opportunity to be in Tulum before it became what it is now and before the switching of timelines after 911.

[@abdulwahidburhani9245]

Salaam to all I lived in Tulum in the mid80s, there was only 10 cabana huts and a small restaurant on the beach, that's all Tulum was then. Incredibly wonderful. I passed through Cancun when there was nothing but a beach , from there you could go Isla Mujeres, a small beautiful island. Peace out

[@monicacampos3154]

Ignorance...indifference and greed will destroy our beautiful planet.

[@monicacampos3154]

@Bloodline Neanderthals were much more empathetic than we are today.

[@victordasilva5255]

Monica Campos and socialism

[@dischargesummary8794]

Monica Campos amazes me with insight

[@lidiagarcia6062]

Political corruption

[@Osckarre]

It's like we're all on this little blue space ship in a universe. And we have these mad people in control and by their greed and power are sabotaging that little blue space ship that we all rely on. Crazy humans!

[@medusaschild6102]

Thank you so much for caring for a land where no one is caring enough. Sending love to you and to that beautiful place.

[@vikkih5184]

"Specifically, in English language Maya studies, scholars generally only use the adjective form "Mayan" when they refer to the language(s) spoken by the Maya today and in the past, and use “Maya” when referring to people, places, and culture, without distinction between singular or plural." You continually use "Mayan" throughout in referring to our people...we refer to ourselves as Maya.

[@maryaromero7900]

Look into the book LOST CONTINENT OF MU. and who were the mayan, it will open up a wider view of the history of humanity, and thd mayan were a great big part of that civilization. And their sacred symbols that have been hidden from humanity up to now. 'Oh well not from me anymore.😃

[@vikkih5184]

@@maryaromero7900 have no idea what your answer is referencing to...I am Maya, living in state of Yucatan...MAYAN is the language, MAYA are the people...come on Marya, get with the program.... :)

[@johntresemer5631]

in Cost Rica we’re experiencing the same phenomena from too many people loving a place too much

[@joselineo6952]

Sooo sad to see what's happening to Tulum. I visited many years. Sleeping in cabañas on the beach. Candle and no elctricity. This was THE experience. Tulum pueblo was local. Mexicans !! Fishermen and their families. Tulum is lost and the last years I just pass through. I can't take it.

[@xmulixxnan885]

Que bueno que no te rendiste. Me encantó. Gracia, gracias infinitas por tu contribución. ❤️

[@thomasmccauley414]

Tulum was pristine when I lost saw it in the late 80's. Sad to see one of the most beautiful places destroyed by greed.

[@expeditionadventure318]

This video gives me tremendous insight into why I got sick when I went to Tulum. Such a shame.

[@pantaraxia]

Sick with what? And doing what?

[@expeditionadventure318]

@@pantaraxia all four of us went snorkeling in the cenotes and we all ended up getting something that gave us all diarrhea and nausea.

[@pantaraxia]

@@expeditionadventure318 Yuck. Which cenote? Closest to Tulum Pueblo?

[@expeditionadventure318]

@@pantaraxia we went to Gran Cenote just outside of town and then another "free" cenotes at a place called Caleta Tankah just north of Tulum.

[@missrayelyn3045]

The first time I went to Tulum was in the late 90's. There were a few stalls, and the ruins and that was it. I'm sad to see all this.

[@rick-be]

I liked it more then too,but no one can halt progress.

[@trinityworker74]

I totally agree. I was there at that time, you could sleep in a cabana on the beach with a poured floor and bamboo hut for $10/night. I hardly saw any Americans there - just Europeans and Canadians. We didn't have luxuries, never wanted them or even asked for them. We ate together every morning, couldn't get a hot shower (didn't care), and it wasn't a "party place". The only restaurant was an Italian joint a half a mile down the beach from the ruins. I doubt I'll ever see another place like that place used to be again...last time I was there was at least 20 years ago. Then I wanted to take my family down there but realized the little cabanas were sold off and it was no longer within our budget at the time to go there. Not everyone wants luxury just because you go to a beach! Tulum is spoiled. I would not go there again.

[@rick-be]

@@trinityworker74 We could walk in and out of the ruins. I have a picture inside one of the buildings.No ropes,no guides. We took a fruit truck back to Cancun,sat with the oranges in the back.Very few buses back then,but everyone offered a ride up the road for a few peso's.

[@lionnelmonaco9464]

I spent time in Tulum in 1998. It was a quiet, hidden gem. Akumal was the big town. Unsustainable growth and greed has destroyed many amazing spots. Another heartbreak! Commercialism destroyed the Mayan Coast! Darte Cuenta :(

[@taitran-nk1tk]

Thank you for sharing and shedding light. You are incredible. I really Appreciate this documentary and keep up the fantastic work.

[@olionline3381]

Thanks for the time and energy you took to make this great documentary accessible. I'am happy to have invest 30 mins of my time to get an insight of what's the undegrouds sides of this paradise looking area.

[@JennyRzezniczak]

Great documentary! Will be sharing it with everyone.

[@ikael1000]

En Mexico es muy complicado cambiar la consciencia de la gente; empezando por la ignorancia de la gente, la ambición de inversionistas, el crimen organizado con el gobierno, mucha gente de aqui, no entiende de estos temas, desearia que tu deseo fuera no solo el deseo de cambiar a Tulum, todos los ecosistemas en este pais estan en peligro.

[@NomadaMayaCancun]

Así es!!! Todo el mundo se transforma, evoluciona y es la ley del caos/vida.

[@ikael1000]

@Viva Vivea Tienes razón.

[@adancamargo9214]

a estas alturas no podemos culpar a la ignorancia...la gente es valemadrista de por si... mi primera vez en cancun fue en el 2013... me dejo muy sorprendido de su naturaleza... desde entonces voy cada año...la ultima vez fue en octubre del 2018... me dio mucha tristeza... se mira muy cambiado y deteriorado....que culeros somos los humanos...como una plaga ni mas ni menos... algunos tratamos de cuidar...cargar con la basura que generamos... pero hay gente que le vale madres asi a lo descarado... en isla mujeres mire algo espantoso... la calsada muy bonita limpia y con botes de basura... pero en un descuido mire que vaciaban el tambo al otro lado del muro... me asome y ahi estaba el cochinero... que pinche coraje... lomas culero que los mismo de la limpieza estan actuando asi....

[@juancacj12]

Tal vez la gente que hizo el documental no entiende todo el contexto y problemática, pero cada quien tiene que hacer algo al respecto, el principal problema es la ignorancia, apatía, y malas costumbres, dígase cultura, esto se mata con educación, pero no hay tiempo para la velocidad con que crecen estos lugares.

[@juancacj12]

@Viva Vivea está ciudad por sus bellezas naturales tiende a ser de cultura globalizada, sin embargo no podemos culparlos solo a ellos, acá nosotros ponemos las reglas y las costumbres y lo estamos haciendo mal.

[@KINGSQUAD22]

Beautiful. Well said and very informative! Thanks for sharing!

[@gladra9596]

Excellent job. Thank you for shedding light of the problem.

[@lornayoga]

Sad, what happened with Cancun? And continue happening, what is happening with playa, and holbox? Around the globe, please be aware of your consumption, its not a matter of waste its a matter of acquisition

[@lichenporifera8784]

Each day my rage towards Mankind is growing.

[@marztitus3472]

Im glad you said mankind and not HUEMANS ...

[@Alicia-vq8jg]

Tulum is like literally hell on earth. It’s like all prostitution as well as fucking horrible Ness and no one told me I was supposed to move there. I literally would’ve killed myself if i moved there 😢

[@DavidSmith-ne1zp]

Thank you for producing this eye opening doc. Will share it to enlighten others.

[@carmencorinna3336]

great work guys and a strong message! Thank you so much for sharing these precious insights!

[@jondraper9505]

Extremely well done. I was not aware of any of these environmental problems.

[@dougrobinson1879]

As someone who first visited Tulum in 2001, we are seeing Playa del Carmen v2.0.

[@SoloTravelerOffTheBeatenPath]

Tulum will be ruined as a tourism spot of Mexico does not get the cartel violence under control.. It's getting very bad there now. Over a dozen murdered in Playa Del Carmen this week.

[@rick-be]

I visited Playa in 1986-the electricity went off at 6:00 north of Juarez. Half the shops and homes were bamboo and thatch.Now everyone has running water and electricity 24 hours a day and the roofs don't leak.

[@meganr4954]

I’m currently in Tulum. This is my third time here. I was here 3 and 5 years ago and I barely recognize this place! How could this happen in just a couple years?! It’s not even fun to ride a bike through town, because you are constantly inhaling fumes or trying not to get run over. Walking gets you to your destination quicker than a cab... the real Tulum that people were drawn to is gone. I’m glad I got to enjoy it when I did.

[@karencorscadden8264]

Yes you were there at beginning of the problem and continue to be... Third time ? ..maybe the answer would be like in the Galapagos Islands were numbers are controlled and it is cost prohibitive to go..needing a permit..maybe then not so many visits?

[@saywhat951]

@@karencorscadden8264 in my 34 years in Tulum I have seen fluctuations in NOT Construction rather Destruction of the Rain Forest between Centro and the Beach. As each Corrupt Administration is replaced by a Non Corrupt Administration there is a definite lull in construction. Now, in 2022 there are NO further building permits to be issued as in ALL the land has been acquired Tulum is saturated give it time to pour all the Concrete over the Forest Jungle Mangrove until it is destroyed. I fully support the Pandemic! Not to have people die, but I was here for 2020 lockdowns the City was empty less Military Road Blocks, the Hotels & Beaches closed...I biked to the Beach Pre dawn every day to clean up the washed up plastic garbage etc to check on the Turtle nests and to witness wildlife enjoying solitude of human less beaches. Then BAM Tulum reopened and the noise returned....its a terrible loss to see a beautiful virgin landscape be raped by greed. 34 years ago it was ECO Tulum, by 2010 it became ECO as in ECONOMIC Tulum for Investors some of whom have never will never visit here, they are Developers only $$$.

[@1983khd]

Tulum actually have gotten worse with the pandemic American IG influencers are flocking there.

[@JH-wg2lo]

Let’s make that statement a bit more factual by saying IG influencers from around the world ..........

[@Runmikerun1onTube]

Most Americans don’t even travel out of the US.

[@marthadickinson3342]

Totally agree! I have been going to Tulum every year for the past 5 years, was just there May 2021 during Covid and it was crazy busy. Traffic everywhere, long lines to get a photo op in front of Raw Love, shootings in the beach area, etc. What is going on!!! As much as I fell in love with Tulum for the diving, yoga, great food - I feel that i now need to take a step back from visiting. I wish the best for Tulum, hopefully some day I will return and see changes.

[@alejandra_lopez]

@@marthadickinson3342 100% Agree

[@carolgoergens9275]

It’s because Mexico is one of only countries that is open for travel! Travel you tubers can’t go anywhere else

[@ricardoromero8599]

Great documentary. So sad to see how humanity keep doing things wrong in terms of the ecosystem but it is great at the same time to see a few people getting the courage to raise awareness. I can’t just but to feel pain for what is happening in Tulum and the earth in general. Rachel, its an unvaluable work what you are doing there with your team. Hope you never give up!

[@cathimummery6873]

The problem is we are to populated on eatth

[@yvettekosta-jv4bx]

@@cathimummery6873 Perhaps, but the bigger problem is bad management of resources, waste, corruption, infighting, ignorance, the greedy taking everything and not giving anything to the communities they plunder, and people so desperate to survive that they will destroy everything on earth not caring if anything or anyone lives just as long as they get theirs now.

[@AlwaysHereAndNow]

Thank you so much for this great documentary. Well narrated, clear, informative.

[@martintwd]

Thank you so much for this doc. I love Tulum so much. I can’t see it destroyed!

[@VeroLazack]

Beautiful documentary. Thank you for shining light on the truth.

[@saracarbonari5283]

Very informative 🙏🏻thank you for sharing

[@raveonme7376]

I just love the last sentence said by this lovely lady, it gives hope. You are amazing group of people. Thank you 🙏

[@kooroshostowari5279]

Thank you! You opened my eyes to what I have always been afraid of or incapable of seeing clearly. Now I can take action.

[@iscanderyabrajam2858]

Estoy súper triste yo viví 10 años en tulum del 2000 al2010:y fui muy feliz no puedo creer que la gente x su ambición destruyan uno de los mejores lugares del mundo fui este año nuevo y no creo q tenga posibilidad de recuperar Tulum soy arquitecto y urbanista y la corrupción en México es intenté al dna 😭

[@Juanpalatorre]

Hola Iscander, yo tambien soy arquitecto y trabajo con un grupo de urbanistas y asesores con enfoque en problemas como los que esta viviendo Tulum. Estamos en plan de lanzar una investigacion en Tulum y la zona cercana, si te interesa unirte al equipo? mandame un mensaje privado, saludos

[@daisylimon7121]

I recently went to tulum.. I fell in love with the reasons that you mentioned But I noticed a lot of construction 😓 a lot of building and tearing down

[@thegoofy1010]

i appreciate this effort to save what is right. hope this brings awareness to others.

[@duanejackson4220]

Great job. Very well done documentary! Tha k you for keeping people informed!

[@intheshadow1200]

This is a promotional short film , with very, very beautiful images of Tulum , in 4k 💕👌🔥well done !

[@fruitopia5461]

Thank you for this film. I love Tulum. I am Mexican and American. But as you said we are all connected. People don’t fully realize or understand this yet. The acidification of the water, the earth the air is the reflection of humanity doing the same to their own bodies. Humanity commits suicide by acidifying their bodies thereby acidifying everything around them. I pray for healing of all. 🌎🙏💕

[@flyaz11]

Thank You Rachel for this Documentary on Tulum.

[@emmyashbaugh]

Thank you, this is so important.

[@pedromichel9357]

Thank you Rachel for being helpful to this beautiful land and helping bring awareness of the importance of keeping and even improving the environment, l felt as concerned as you are now on the mid 80's when tens of thousands of huge palm trees were gone because of the lethal yellowing virus brought in the imported grass from Florida for the golf course at Maya Coba resort,the actual palm trees are imported,not nearly as tall but resistant to this virus.I trust we will be able to stop and reverse the degradation of our environment thanks to people like you.

[@EvolvingMan]

Thank you for this informative documentary. I am currently visiting Tulum, and can feel these issues around me. It seems like a place that has grown too fast, and I feel late to the party. I think I won't come back, because for now, just by being here, I'm a part of the problem.

[@uranus0007]

you are right but you should stop cut ✂️ down on meat consumption too, as animal agriculture is responsible for almost 50% global warming

[@elenauribe4841]

Thank you so much for this documentary!

[@nutritionstud8802]

Great video, very informational. Thank you! Keep up the great work and info to allow ourselves to make better decisions and exemplify these acts of consciousness. Tulum is a gem and I had the privilege to visit in January of 2020 and will be returning next month. This video helps remind us of the innate system places like these carry and that our footprints either enhance those systems or diminish its magic.

[@iantotheh]

I went to Playa del Carmen a few years ago and the same thing is happening there. I remember when I went to a cenote and you could see the sunscreen oil floating on the surface. No one cared. Look to Costa Rica for the solution. 25% of the land there is protected. You need areas that are totally protected. There is no sustainable city. You have to limit the growth eventually. "The reason you make money is because of this" Well said.

[@shelleyhillier7581]

very well said

[@badgalbecka]

Smh!!!!! I thought they don’t let you in the water if you don’t use biodegradable sunscreen

[@iantotheh]

@@badgalbecka I assumed that's how it would be when I went, but unfortunately no one enforced it.

[@badgalbecka]

Ian H 😭😭😭why 😭😭😭

[@phantpwr]

They make you shower first. Maybe they didn’t some years ago.

[@LS-gh1vk]

Heartbreaking. First time I visited, I fell in love with the cenotes, the waters. I have visited three times while learning about -and seeing- the lack of waste management. I saw the trash, the plastics. I learned more about the ecological damage. This is one reason I do not want to go to Tulum anymore and it breaks my heart. I know visiting there again makes me part of the problem. I have questioned the lack of waste management to certain official Tulum Twitter accounts. Of course never a response. Thank you for this documentary.

[@mexicantraveleronabudget1196]

So you just gonna stay home and do nothing then. I agree that government needs improve its infrastructure its no reason to stop going

[@shanejkoch]

Thanks for the amazing video!

[@1oboeajusco586]

thank you for making this documentary. very important information.

[@earlycuyler9729]

We first visited Tulum in 1985. We were staying at the only "hotel" in Akumal. It was a small beach-side hotel & we paid about $18/nt usd for a clean hut, no phone, A/C or TV, but the beach was why we were there. Tulum, a bit South, was isolated, no hotels - nothing but the Mayan ruins on the beach & the large Cenote. Back then, there were so many special places to explore & swim, including an inland crystal-clear pool right next to the hotel in Akumal that reminded you of a huge aquarium. I can remember one trip inland to a ancient Mayan pyramid temple in Coba situated next to another inland freshwater lake. To our amazement, a modern hotel had been built near the temple basically in the middle of nowhere. We were told that it had recently been purchased by Club Med. It was in between managements & there was only one visitor staying there at the time. After an extremely hot day exploring & climbing the temple, my Wife & my two young children (we were the only visitors to the temple that day) were pleasantly surprised that the hotel welcomed us in to cool off. After cooling off in their A/C dining room, we enjoyed a great meal, including ice cold Cokes! A fantastic memory of a time long past & in virtually an untouched condition (ex the hotel - an example of things to come), unfortunately never to be seen again.

[@EldadAlfi]

Thank you for creating this film and shedding light on what's happening behind the curtains. I really hope this film catches people's attention to bring awareness to the problem so we can correct and improve before it's too late. It will take a community who cares to make a change and get the authorities to care.

[@uranus0007]

you are right but you should stop cut ✂️ down on meat consumption too, as animal agriculture is responsible for almost 50% global warming

[@SMoore-vj7bt]

It was always too late in Mexico. Will end up a cesspool and remain that way for decades. Mexico will get what its political system deserves.

[@gotcalirealestate]

Thank you very much for this! We have to raise awareness and make positive changes for the future preservation. God bless you for your efforts.

[@martyarashi]

What a great video THANKS!!!

[@brucegelman5582]

Well done.When you love a place you must give back.Stay strong.We can save this beautiful planet from greed if we fight and not give up.

[@ORIGINALSOBSTER]

Build a Wall. Keep the Americans out!.

[@grocerylist]

More importantly the Brits

[@clairefavretto]

grocerylist AND the zions 😀

[@fartingfish23]

originalSmedia "they're not sending their best people"

[@shelleyhillier7581]

its not just the americans......but i do get your humour.

[@FunnyvideosRedskiesrules]

That’s not the right answer Americans are not the only ones who are polluting everyone in this world is polluting even your own people on that island are polluting so don’t point fingers look in the mirror

[@stringhiniify]

What a wonderful documentary, thank you!

[@wesnideedouard5230]

Wow! This information is fantastic! 🌱

[@maryaromero7900]

Please indicate witch hotels or homes that are following the right guidelines required to keep tolum safe and beautiful, and you will see how businesses will change and corporate, Thank you for helping in keeping our planet clean and safe.

[@beckwilde]

Amansala is actually eco friendly. All buildings are on stilts on the ocean front so it does not interfere with turtle hatching

[@javierbadaracco8679]

@@beckwildeAmansala is the worst place, only the smell you get when you pass trugh is enough to know it

[@maryaromero7900]

@@dolorespelaez4032 sad nothing stays the same, for people that visit for the first time woud probably believe is stunning beautiful, but everytime they'd return will notice the changes. And i it goes on an on. Terrible for people that live their have to go through all the changes. But you know what, you can always search for a little hidden paradise and make it your own.🤷‍♀️😊

[@maryaromero7900]

In reality Cancun is too small of a paradise for too much "poop" the population to live their should be a quarter of people that reside there now. Millions visit every year. Should be a vacation place, like bora bora, employees of hotels and restaurants owners and employees should live their only,

[@ottoohle]

My family and I went on a trip to Tulum last week. We just got back. The entire time there we were amazed by all of the construction going on, all of the time, which made me look up this information. Thank you creators for this video, and I wish we knew more about what was happening here before this trip.

[@saywhat951]

Hi Otto, I've been coming to Tulum since 1989 Tulum was dead, lucky to see a Taxi, today November 2022 the Taxi Union is requesting additional license permits, towards 700 ! There appears to be this BIG rush to get in every daylight second of construction time, the Jack Hammers chipping away at the limestone bedrock from predawn to post sunset, a what seems like a constant rat tat tat tat tat tat..rat tat tat tat tat....

[@SMoore-vj7bt]

Will end up a cesspool and remain that way for decades. Mexico will get what its political system deserves.

[@Carolinapetroska]

Noisy and polluted with frauds and scams at each tourist attraction.....

[@jeffturner6698]

Beautifully said and presented. I am empowered to help, and will, starting now. Thank you Rachel for the info and more for the empowerment to get involved. Wow... you are an inspiration, an angel no doubt, sent to show us what a solution looks like. 🙏🏼✌🏼🌴😎

[@jeffreyfoster4260]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@FerchhofkGarcia]

Wow, an excellent documentary, thank you, really thank you for making us see that we must be aware, and stop using the plastic.

[@pammyrogers]

The cruise ships have been caught regularly dumping huge amounts of their rubbish into these waters.

[@chikaka2012]

Pammy Rogers True. I was told the same thing by the locals when visiting Belize. The fines are lower than the cost of ecological disposal of cruise ship waste. For this reason, I will never take a cruise

[@CrakenFlux]

@@chikaka2012 who is responsible for setting these fines? it seems an outside agency is needed in there, graft and corruption will make sure things remain as they are.

[@darthdaddy6983]

Kathy B I heard the waters from Cancún to Belize is a protected area now due to being the home of the worlds second largest barrier reef. How can ships still be dumping there ?

[@Honeycomblife]

Well the cruise ships arent operating for a while now hope that helps the oceans

[@EluxeM]

People who take cruises are the dumbest!

[@taml2024]

Thank you for this critical information! 🙌🏼🙏

[@genevamorales2161]

This is such an interesting documentary. Really opened my mind and this never comes to mind when wanting to travel to those places just makes me think about all the other beaches in Mexico. It’s so sad :(

[@bethere8905]

So sad to see this happening I hope this documentary brings awareness. We must respect nature for it to continue giving back to us...

[@VJdustin]

Guys, thank you very much for making and sharing this film with us. I was in Tulum a year ago and it was quite shocking and hard to watch now, how we (tourists) are unwittingly taking part in the destruction of this paradise. I'm going to share this film and tell about it to all my friends. Sadly there many similar places in the world destroyed by uncontrolled tourism and unplanned devolopment. I hope things can still be revised and Tulum can remain unique and beautiful tourist place, wisely coexisting with surrounding nature. Best, Max :)

[@dannyho6786]

I do NOT believe U were in Tulum less than 2 years ago, I think U Lie, U are arm chair traverler....not like Me, I have visited OVER 7 Countries my good friend !!!

[@uranus0007]

you are right but you should stop cut ✂️ down on meat consumption too, as animal agriculture is responsible for almost 50% global warming

[@VJdustin]

@@uranus0007 totally agree, my friend. I don't support meat agriculture, though still eat fish. Let's all have better New Year :)

[@carriyoga]

🌿🌺🕊 Bravo Documentary ... there are Solutions ... and you have done a great job sharing them❣️

[@michaeljunayd6259]

Powerful! Thank you!

[@trendify5220]

Does anyone have a list of Eco friendly hostels, hotels, or Airbnb’s to stay in Tulum? Also, a list of restaurants with locally sourced foods? I’d love to support those places next time I visit. I really enjoyed this video. It was eye opening for me. I LOVE Tulum and I would hate if it were to be destroyed by carelessness and greed. I will definitely be packing differently and being more mindful about the waste I produce when visiting next time!

[@AtlantisStudios]

There will be a list in the near future ! For now, a few great places to start for locally sourced, sustainable food are: Farm to Table Tulum (Caballo Blanco) La Minimal Co Con amor Gypsea Market And a great place to stay is at Holistika!

[@blueback21]

I stayed at an eco-type place that had images from probably many years ago on Airbnb the truth is I got there and there was four huge buildings going up all around the complex. in other words it's a construction zone. They forgot to mention that. the place smelled like sewage. BS

[@marmojalott]

My family and I will be there very soon. We are staying in Tita Tulum. I hear is an ecologic hotel. I hope they are partir your list. BTW, thank you for the list, I’ll definitely use it when we get there. Great job with the video, I hope things will change soon. Tulum is absolutely beautiful!

[@skinnybitchvegan]

Hi there! I'm headed to Tulum and planning to create a sustainable traveller guide to the area. focusing on REAL eco hotels (lots of greenwashing happening there right now) - I am staying at CASA DE LAS OLAS - it's a legit eco hotel right beside the sian kaan bioreserve. you can find my account @wellnesstravelled on IG - hope to have more info for you soon :)

[@allispossible8447]

Trendify You should be mindful everyday not just in Tulum

[@mshell1959]

This documentary is excellent! I used to travel to the Maya Riviera in the early 2000"s. It was really gorgeous and one could feel the spirit and energy of Tulum. Very sad to see what has come to pass.

[@SMoore-vj7bt]

Will end up a cesspool and remain that way for decades. Mexico will get what its political system deserves.

[@MESSEDUPWORLD30]

Blame the gwite man. They always destroy nature.

[@Soustme]

Comparto ya! Me he emocionado... gran documental!

[@NINJA_XR_6R]

I just want to commend you on an excellent video!!! I will be traveling there in May '22 and I love learning all I can about the places I visit. Thanks.

[@Dean0017]

(As a Canadian) it wasn't cheap to buy groceries at the stores in Tulum, I can only imagine how hard it is for the locals to feed their families. Hopefully the locals don't pay the same prices.

[@dulcem.hernandezg.4449]

Unfortunately its very true recently just last weekend, I've visited this beautiful place and prices just to eat on a daily are on a sky high. Wages and salaries are not competent to help families sustain and maintain a living. Its very sad! Soy Guanajuatense que eso realmente me pone más triste 😢. Como Mexicana me decepciona.

[@fredsting8540]

Can't have two prices. Sorry

[@jz295491]

@@fredsting8540 piss of...yes they can !

[@fredsting8540]

@@jz295491 that would be "OFF"

[@rick-be]

I stay in Playa del Carmen,tourists there pay $100-$300 a night and $50 for a meal. A few years ago I ate out every day of my $20 hotel and never paid more than 70 peso for a complete meal.

[@jasonlyle3818]

We drove through Tulum last week and it's straight trash, there are all these preppy hipster hotels that say they're eco-friendly when they all have generators for power and just outside of Tulum all the ditches are filled to the brim with trash. It's funny because all the resorts are spotless but right outside is just trash everywhere.

[@fatskelton]

Maybe it is organic trash.

[@serenajohnson9831]

Great video. Thank you Rachel. I hope they can get on board to take care of Tulum. I’m coming there in June. I will definitely help take care of the environment while I’m there.

[@Theislandpinecone]

Great documentary I had no idea . Thank you

[@elianagerardi8478]

considero que el documental tendria que tener subtitulos , es importante que todos conozcan esto de tulum , vivo aqui y me parece importante que todos los ciudadanos de este pueblo que esta creciendo , reconozca lo que pasa , como los nativos de este lugar !! muchas gracias

[@AtlantisStudios]

Hay subtitulos. Pone el buton 'CC' :)

[@497smile]

Awesome Job! Very Professional, Informative and at the same time you kept it Captivating. Please don’t let a small handful of the 400 comments (out of 135,000 views)making negative or thread highjacking statements trying to derail the conversation dull your shine, optimism or hope. You have a lot to be proud of for your concern and hard work... at a minimum you sparked a conversation and it’s clear you’re not naïve to the insurmountable odds of success due to the corruption and amount of money involved, but maybe, just maybe, you planted a seed to a movement in that region. Either way it’s a commendable investment of your time.

[@AtlantisStudios]

Thank you for your kind and inspiring words

[@SMoore-vj7bt]

@@AtlantisStudios Will end up a cesspool and remain that way for decades. Mexico will get what its political system deserves.

[@jullesmessmann8697]

Wow. Thank you for sharing

[@JZTB]

Thank you for making this video.

[@JZTB]

I think everyone needs to see this.

[@erikabeltran9753]

Thank you for doing this documentary people need to be aware of all the damage We Create. Those people are getting rich destroying our lands and sea...

[@19ars92]

exactly after destroying it they move to a new location to destroyed again, its like a parasite.

[@rick-be]

Tourism makes most Mexicans healthy and wealthy.

[@anaosorio8308]

Excellent documentary! Congratulations to this amazing people who wants to make a huge difference to Tulum and to the Planet!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@dereklopez9534]

Awesome video can't wait to go

[@dwdogwelcome6584]

Gracias. I have been in Tulum about 25 yrs ago. And this documentary makes me wanna cry. PLEASE, do not destroy that paradise. Respect the environment and the sea: they are our home. Thank you.

[@uranus0007]

you are right but you should stop/ cut ✂️ down on meat consumption too, as animal agriculture is responsible for almost 50% global warming

[@dwdogwelcome6584]

@@uranus0007 I do not eat meat since more than 30 years - I do not eat fish and dairy products :)

[@dfsarquitectura3883]

I applaud your movie’s intentions and quality of work. It made me curious about what else could I learn or do, but where do I search? I would expect your platforms (social media/web) to lead your audience to resources to inform themselves on the issues and connect them with people who already are taking action. You have a great opportunity of taking your movie beyond critical inspiration and becoming part of the action. Thank you.

[@hardraintonight]

I hope this gets translated and sent to Chetumal. It is there that change happens.Organize! Organize! Organize!

[@joselineo6952]

You know they don't give a shit. Money talks in Mexico.

[@arribaficationwineho32]

@@joselineo6952 I read that that entire coast was to be a nature area or that was promised by the family that owned it or whomever. They started developing on a grand scale and that lovely area is quickly becoming ruined as we can see from this video, no one seemed to care.

[@wildmovement777]

Thank you for making this film. I recently went for the first time to this region of Mexico and left within a few hours. It did not feel right. This reveals a lot.

[@saywhat951]

Your not alone as I've met people returning after years away only for them to tell me the VIBE has changed for not so much the worst but not the original Beach Hippie Rastafarian Culture it was in 1989 ish when I first arrived. Yes things change Times change and so has Tulum, so sad to still be here with original friends as we all get older, but we keep the faith and we hold on to our beliefs, of keeping the beach clean watching out for our Tortuga's being mindful of our Jungles.

[@terrysullivan1992]

Back in the day the Tulum Mayan site was accessed via a small gate and little concrete shack. The coast line was undeveloped with pristine beaches reached via single lane roads. The first time I visited Tulum I had the beach all to myself. The last time , in 1993, there was a large parking lot, new visitor's center and retail shops, many large tour buses from Cancun, and around 100 tourists on the beach. Now it is 100 times worse. So sad.

[@MrTrevorg18]

that's a part of life though. When something becomes discovered for its beauty, people from all over want to experience themselves. Im not saying its right, or wrong to overdevelop in a once quaint area, its just expected. Money talks, & so do people

[@PhoneBoothLivin]

the problem is not just in Tulum but our entire world 🌎 may god forgive us 🙏

[@JoannaVancouver]

If there was a god, this wouldn't be happening.

[@ghost-ez2zn]

She won't forgive. Just let us all suffer the consequences, and maybe learn before it's too late.

[@curtiserecacho1401]

Exactly

[@elenaperales5411]

Then those who care like you and I should fight for our world and God will help us.

[@NatyRocke]

How about instead of asking god for forgiveness you help make a change so you don’t have to ask? Asking for forgiveness and not doing anything to fix it is just hypocritical. That’s like if someone was allowed to physically beat someone to within an inch of their life and all they do is say please forgive me and then did it again over and over...