We WON'T Visit Tulum Mexico Again - Here's Why...

[@soniaclaire]

I don’t really get how you can complain about crowds of tourists when you are in fact a part of that? I was at Chichén Itzá last month. So crowded but worth the discomfort to witness such an incredible ruin and part of history.

[@chrisandsara]

We're definitely adding to the crowds, no doubt. Our frustration is due to the fact that none of what we saw or read about Tulum leading up to the trip mentioned the massive crowds. Mostly because Tulum is growing like crazy right now and even info from two years ago is dated compared to what is there today. 😕

[@sharonsegal9784]

My sentiments as well! How does one moan about tourists when you are a tourist as well!

[@arturoreyes4583]

Tourist places=Big Crowds tourists places=higher prices Stop complaining. If you don’t like big crowds and really want to experience Mexico, go to the secluded places where nobody wants to go. There, you will have a really good idea of what Mexico is all about.

[@felipegonzalez4149]

I'm sorry to say this , and to be honest. You guys are the most boring tourist couple I ever seen in a You Tube video, stop complaining and try to enjoy your days in Mexico !!!! 🇲🇽.

[@Galbanolli]

@@chrisandsarapopular places will be crowded. Every country I’ve visited that is popular like Italy will have crowds. Go to places that are less popular and equally as beautiful like Guatemala and other Latin American places. The riviera Maya has been capitalized and Americanized, that’s not a surprise tbh

[@ElRanchoSupply]

Just got back from Tulum. Hands down the worst place I’ve ever been in Mexico. We have property in Oaxaca and have traveled all over the country. The scams and constant worry about being ripped off ruined it.

[@chrisandsara]

:( It's such a bummer... we felt the same way. Beautiful location though!

[@Carolinapetroska]

I agree 100%

[@j.kristineemmons]

Same. There were some things I enjoyed, but I was angry/in a bad mood most the time, just knowing about it.

[@camels9654]

100%. I'm leaving early, the whole place is a giant scam, everything from the restaurants to the cabs, you just feel violated trying to go about your day.

[@dursonj]

It’s a shame you had a bad experience. I live in playa and although I do agree with you on some things - and others not. Your wife made a comment towards the end that the city is difficult. You’re right it is so difficult because it’s grown so fast from the hype. And developers from all over are swarming here. I’m a developer and run a concierge and Airbnb management company and the issues are the people just don’t understand efficiency. It’s difficult but my goal is to have that organized so people like yourselves know where to go and know what do to. You have to understand that tulum has grown so much and the people it attracts. You guys seem like me - that’s why I live in playa. You like the culture and the authenticity. But tulum attracts a different vibe. There’s tons of great things to do in tulum but there’s nothing online that’s organized properly to do it. They don’t understand how the internet works and operates. It’s a good video - but after reading the comments it’s as if you guys turned a lot of people away. I think had you come with a plan instead of the way the video was filmed it could have been a total different experience. If you guys don’t like touristy things then of course that’s why this video turned out the way it did. You should have went to the Coba ruins and the cenotes there and visited Francisco Uh May where they have all sorts of hand made items. Palma Centro to get authentic food in all the food trucks and visited Mezzanine and playa Parisio. Inside Aldea Zama there’s all sorts of restaurants. The Sian Ka’an biosphere is out of this world with wildlife. Those beer bottles in the video were at the 7/11 in the hotel zone. If you guys want authentic Mexican in tulum you can’t go to the hotel zone and complain 😅 Calle 7 in la veleta is a great spot for authentic stuff. Good video I’m gonna subscribe - but I think it was super biased and I only know what I saw ! Cheers!

[@chrisandsara]

🙏

[@bellstuff455]

Agreed on running through a place like Francisco Uh May on the way to Coba. I’ve been through that little town many times, and not a white person to be found or even a sniff of American culture. Well, I did see a Pittsburgh Penguins luchador mask for sale which I had to do a u-turn to drive back by to confirm… 😅 I walked around Akumal pueblo (north of Tulum) for 45 minutes taking in all the epic artwork painted on the houses and businesses. Check out the art walk. Get off the beaten path and you will find the treasure of Mexico!

[@mattc1602]

You would have loved tulum 25 years ago. No one was there.

[@chrisandsara]

That's what we keep hearing! 😭

[@TSnimestefy]

I'm from Quintana Roo and yeah...that's totally a truth. All my state was a hidden paradise during so many years.

[@DUNGSTA]

No seaweed probably

[@BradHines]

Been to Tulum twice, and my "secret" has been that I don't even do anything related to the Hotel zone or visit. I do everything up in town, at places that cater to locals, and I rent my place with the bike for free and use zero cabs.

[@chrisandsara]

Those are good tips! We enjoyed town more than the hotel zone, too.

[@sbac00]

Been working and living in Tulum for almost 8 years now, I can asure you Taqueria Honorio is the best place to eat tacos in Tulum, a shame you missed it

[@chrisandsara]

We'll have to visit again and try it out. Thank you for the recommendation.

[@camels9654]

I'm in Tulum right now, here's my experience. Taxi's are extortion, a 5 min cab ride to get groceries at Chedraui is $300 MXN, that's almost $24 CAD, and that is only one way. $50 round trip. Want to buy some tiny dried out flavourless tacos? $280 MXN! A few tacos and some nachos will run you around $500 MXN or $45 CAD. Chedraui groceries for just myself is $3000 MXN or $300/week! Everything is so overpriced here. I rescheduled my flight and AirBnB, was supposed to be here for 3 months and cut it to just shy of 2 months. This place is twice the price of Canada and you get 1/4 the service, and Canada isn't cheap! It's noisy, all you hear is bricks being cut all day and offroad vehicles with no mufflers.. Garbage lines the streets. It's filled with snooty Instagram idiots. Everything is a scam, even renting a busted old scooter is a rip off. Every restaurant I've been to was a disappointment, it's either run by hippy Americans with no culinary sense or Mexicans who just slap cheese and beans on store bought nacho chips, either way minimum charge will be $280 MXN or $22 CAD. I've lived in some rough places, but this place is just insulting because you know they know you know they are ripping you off, and they know you have few options, so you just shut up and get ripped off. Come to Tulum, for a week, no more. You'll thank me, Tulum is quick pit stop but living here full time you'll lose your sanity being gouged daily.

[@stefanlundmark2982]

I have read there are plenty of cheap good food in the Tulum city, is this false?

[@WK3nn3dy]

They charged me and my wife nearly $40 for a 8 minute ride to the beach. I was very angry and we speak spanish natively. The guy pulled out a laminated chart with prices and it was literally their standard to do that. Also watch out for Cancun airport taxis which can charge you $70 for a 6 minute ride. Happened to us and my bank stopped the charge.

[@chrisandsara]

😔

[@whatsgoodbtong]

Appreciate the well-done quality, cinematography, and edits! Looks like we're going to switch our mindset and just go and live for the present moment and discover. It's been hard prepping for it without any idea or eyes on the ground, but this helps gives the expectations of it more and more. Looking forward to capture my part of the Tulum experience. Sony gang what's up!

[@annebateman8339]

I just spent a week in Tulum and Playa De Carmen and saw Chichen Itza and the Tulum Beach. It was especially busy due to the fact that it wasn't just the beginning of High Season but there was a music festival going on near the beach as well. I did not make it to the festival but I loved the energy and knew that I would need to be patient at times with the crowds/traffic but I loved this place. I found it restful, even Zen in some areas and the beach was beautiful. I actually went to Tulum looking at a Condo to purchase if I liked the area as much as I thought I would.....And I found one. A beautiful One Bedroom about 3 miles from the beach. It is true that Tulum is booming. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to get in on a luxury investment property at a reasonable price. The more I look into Tulum the more excited I get. I will spend winters there and summers her in New Mexico, but also know that with the warm weather of a constant 75 at night and 85 in the day, I may spend more time there that I initially planned. So much to do there too! If you don't like to explore and do things due to too many people, you can plan to go at the Low Season where there are less people and the weather is the same. Plan ahead and have a optimistic attitude even when things don't go your way, and I believe you'll have a terrific adventure.

[@chrisandsara]

❤

[@JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers]

One thing we love about you two is your honesty! Thank you for showing us around. We too don’t love tourists areas. We were just in Chattanooga had a wonderful time and we’re looking out for you two. ~Cara 😊

[@chrisandsara]

I can't believe we missed y'all passing through Chattanooga again!! One day we'll finally cross paths! :)

[@j.vasquez9718]

The only places I like in Tulum are the Mayan Ruins and the beaches. But then, I love the Bacalar Lagoon, south of Tulum.

[@photographyalamexicana]

Tulum, located along the Riviera Maya in Mexico, is a renowned coastal town with a distinctive blend of stunning natural beauty and rich history. It's famous for its pristine beaches, azure waters, and the well-preserved Mayan ruins perched atop a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Tulum has gained popularity as a laid-back, eco-conscious destination with boutique hotels, yoga retreats, and a thriving food scene. The town effortlessly combines ancient Mayan heritage with a modern, bohemian vibe, making it a favorite among travelers seeking a relaxed, beachfront escape with a touch of culture and natural wonder. Thanks, Chris and Sara!

[@chrisandsara]

❤️❤️❤️

[@joelparetas3107]

It’s not for everyone. I visit Tulum every summer because I have family there, love the cenotes more than anything plus I stay free.

[@chromecartel]

How much money would you recommend taking to Tulum after the flight and rooms are booked?

[@WK3nn3dy]

Per person? Me and my wife spent $5,500 there in about 2 weeks. Not including hotel cost. Tulum is as expensive as Hawaii. Beware.

[@chrisandsara]

Depends on what you are wanting to do but it is expensive

[@brandonleon4068]

thats true about Tulum, its like the opposite of Merida, everything goes and goes more expensive and most of it its because the amount of foreigners moving to. I'm always gonna defend strangers always they're being respectful but sadly for locals, Tulum and Mexico city are examples of gentrification, an amount of people wh lived for decades in the centre of mex city cant afford it anymore. And (if you're interested in local politics) the "Cartel Inmobiliario" has MUCH of guilt on that. And precisely what u said, "this doesnt feel exactly like Mexico, this feels more like an instagrameable thing" this happens too in one of the most gentrificated zone of Mex City "Polanco" its called the "Bebberly Hills of México" (actually Polanco and La Condesa in my opinion) and yeah, its so pretty its so charming but just feels so separated from the rest of Mex even when its literally in the city has a lot of history, yeah but doesnt makes u feel at all the experience of "being in Mexico". For the things u said, Tulum and Polanco are way "gringo adapted" MUCH LOVE LOVELY GRINGOS ❤️

[@chrisandsara]

I agree with everything you said, Brandon. We felt the same way when we visited Polanco and La Condesa. While we loved some of the cafés in La Condes, it definitely felt removed from what we've loved about Mexico. We've enjoyed finding some of the smaller towns throughout the country that have given us glimpses of the real Mexico culture that still exists. :)

[@persaud881]

Thank you - i won't be visiting anymore. Great video.

[@chrisandsara]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@HayleyandJake]

Sorry to hear you didn’t have the greatest time in Tulum! We haven’t been, but it’s on our route for when we get over there. ☺️ Good to know it might be a bit chaotic (especially with the van! 😂)

[@chrisandsara]

Y'all might really enjoy it! I would think that having a van and being able to cook in and not have to pay crazy hotel prices would make the experience a bit more tolerable. I hope you get a better experience than we did! The beaches sure are pretty (minus the seaweed this time of year)!

[@loriherrmann3181]

My daughter has lived down there for a year. She doesn’t recommend going after mid April due to the weather, bugs and seaweed problems that all intensify now. After I spent a day at a resort beach I finally understood the draw of the place. SFER IK blew my mind!

[@chrisandsara]

We'd love to visit the Mayan Riviera area again in the winter sometime. Such a shame we didn't know the seaweed would be such an issue this time of year. That was our fault entirely because we didn't think to research that part of Tulum ahead of time.

[@DS-tq5zf]

A lot of good things that Tulum provides can be ruined by the rip off that local people take on you. From the international airport to hotel, taxis charge you 50-85 dollars for a quarter hour ride. When I rented a car with damage protection included from Priceline, the local rental firm required $10,000 deposit for not using their own damage protection/insurance. I ended up having to pay four times more than what I paid for my rent plus damage protection by Priceline. Tulum hotelzone charges $15 dollar (200 pesos) for whichever parking lots you will find. I was even required to pay extra 100 pesos when the valet person at a restaurant scammed me saying that I don’t have the same valet ticket that he gave me (which is a lie, since he knew which car key I was driving with). The overall perception I received from local Mexicans (merchants) was that they are looking at tourists as nothing more than objects to rip off from 😢. As someone who enjoyed goodwill and kindness from locals in Thailand, Bali, Japan, Brazil, or most of European countries, I would not recommend trip to this area especially for people who want to avoid this kind of treatment.

[@chrisandsara]

Thank you!

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

As someone who spent a lot of time in different areas of Mexico (a long time ago) and lived there on my boat for close to 4 years (in the late 90's and then again in 2018/2019, it is seriously CHANGED over the years and continues to change every day. It's just not what it used to be.

[@chrisandsara]

That's what we keep hearing... such a shame they haven't tried to preserve the character of some of these places a bit better. I understand the economy in Tulum is booming, but at the expense of the locals home and the quaintness of the small town feel. :/

[@smalta101]

This is a common experience for travelers. I have seen other videos where people did not like Tulum. I went once, and I personally loved it! I did all the things and it wasn't high season. But one cab driver told me "Tulum is not Mexican culture, it was created for tourists " - so this year I am planning to go to Merida.

[@chrisandsara]

I hope you really like Merida, too!

[@sonjaarrasi]

Really appreciate your honesty, especially with all the information out that seems geared toward boosting social media channels (not reality). I’m much more into authentic cultural experiences as well. I’m eager to get your take on Puerto Vallarta (if you go there after Guadalajara) on your recent overland adventure.

[@chrisandsara]

❤

[@steveb.5617]

Just finished a 2.5 week trip in Tulum and I will never go back. The Hotel Zone and beach clubs is a total rip off, SUPER high American pricing. Most cabs in Tulum overcharge by double if not triple. After Tulum we went to Playa del Carmen and it was much better then Tulum.

[@chrisandsara]

❤️

[@jdhay88]

This was absolutely my experience in Tulum as well

[@chrisandsara]

Checkout Bacalar instead next time. So much better!

[@martylovejoy]

Thanks Sara and Chris! I feel you. My partner and I just left Tamaraindo, Costa Rica having studied Spanish at a language school there for 9 weeks... we have NO interest in going back. Very expensive, dusty & crowded... and the beach, which is supposed to be paradise, was simply not beautiful. Nothing there but tourism - so much so that we couldn't even practice speaking Spanish as English has taken over and no locals can afford to live in this town anymore. Oh well. On to the next.

[@chrisandsara]

Oh that's so frustrating!! We haven't been to Costa Rica but we've always wanted to go. :/ Did you enjoy the 9 week Spanish school though?? We've thought about doing something similar because Spanish has always been a struggle for us.

[@michelewinfreyhuddleston1489]

So we were thinking of visiting Tulum but your video has really influenced us not to. Because we are more like you in wanting to be with the locals and having a natural experience. So,,,, what is you favorite place in Mexico to visit. Couldn't find the video.

[@jennyhong6746]

Don’t. It’s literally an instagram nightmare. Nothing authentic about it. I knew ahead of time but didn’t expect it to be worse than I thought.

[@jennyhong6746]

If you like to be surrounded by rich American party kids doing fentanyl, loud awful music until 10am, and military guarding restaurants from cartels…go for it😂. Oh, and getting scammed everywhere.

[@jennyhong6746]

The only cool thing was Mystika museum.

[@chrisandsara]

Hi Michele, we really enjoyed Bacalar (we made a video on it). It's a beautiful town and little more low key compared to Tulum. We have more information at www.chrisandsara.com as well. Holla if you need anything else!

[@AMBBannersCom]

You visited Disneyland, a part of Mexico (Tulum Resorts Area), met some locals, and experienced the authentic culture, just like you did with the pastor tacos and churros. You guys are awesome! Great content, good vibes, and excellent video editing. However, there are a couple of things to correct: firstly, there are no "American Prices"; those are "USA Prices". America is a vast continent, not just the 50 states in the north with red and blue stripes. Secondly, learning some Spanish can make a significant difference. I'm not saying "Speak Mexican in Mexico" (as some "Karens" "Speak American in the USA" use to say), but making a little effort to say "Gracias" instead of "Thank you" for the churros can go a long way. You should consider staying in an Airbnb with a local family, as it's much cheaper than the ridiculously expensive resorts. and you can walk to many places, There are public beaches, like "Mamitas," for example. I know that big resorts cover most of the beaches, but in Mexico, all beaches are public by LAW. No matter if hotels are in front, Mexican beaches cant ever be private like in the USA. So, there's always a small entrance between all those beach clubs. Loved your video, and I'm a new subscriber. Blessings.

[@chrisandsara]

🙏

[@WilliamBryanTucker]

Sorry you guys didn't have a good time, but I wouldn't have liked it either. 😞 When I was there YEARS ago, it was a totally different place. 4 of us had flown down to Cozumel to SCUBA and rode the ferry to Playa del Carmen, rented a Jeep and ran around for a day - had a blast. The setup to see the ruins was primitive and there were probably 100 people max walking around in them...really uncrowded. This was WAY pre-Instagram days...maybe that crap will settle down someday. I'm glad people are getting out and about - but wish they could be travelers instead of tourists. Looking forward to more from the peninsula (Merida's my fave so far!)

[@chrisandsara]

I wish we could have experienced it years ago, too! We did love Mérida though, and Bacalar! Still some beautiful and less developed places to explore in the Yucatan! :)

[@roxyright4782]

Where would you recommend going for someone at the end of October, November. If you're looking for clear blue water ..white sand, quiet, focusing on meditating, etc. ideally not in the hurricane belt.🙏🙏🌴💜

[@immaculateheart1267]

Was just in Tulum. It was awful. Too expensive. A bunch of rich kids up all night dancing to really bad techno, completelycheesey stuff. And people practically naked on the beach. Went in to the city which had stinky garbage piled up everywhere. Military riding around with machine guns. And my hotel was just as bad. Even the beach is dirty with seaweed and the water is turning brownish. I was in Tulum 7 years ago and loved it. It was beautiful clean affordable. I mean 30 us dollars for a hamburger. Sorry but, no thanks. We left for Cancun after a few days. So much better!

[@chrisandsara]

Yeah it’s rough out there

[@Roger72075]

Wow how much it’s changed since I was there 10 years ago. Amazing video editing as always!

[@chrisandsara]

Thanks so much, Roger! That's what we keep hearing... that it's changed so much and it continues to change daily.

[@ropro9817]

Lol, thanks for going to Tulum so that now I don't have to. 🤓 I know that part of travel is exploration, but few things annoy me more than time and money wasted on a crappy vacation.

[@chrisandsara]

There are still some really beautiful places in the Yucatan that are worth visiting! We'd recommend Bacalar just two and a half hours south of Tulum. We absolutely LOVED it there!

[@Syveck]

Lol I’m in tulum Mexico right now it just so happens and I’ve been having problems too, I literally typed in tulum to the search bar and your video came up first. Mirrored my feelings exactly lol

[@chrisandsara]

Oh man, I'm so sorry to hear that!! If you're still in Mexico, try visiting Bacalar just 2 1/2 hours south of Tulum. We really loved that town!

[@heathertormey]

Such a bummer you had a bad time. Some places are all hype and underdeliver I guess. So glad you authentically shared your experience though. Can't wait for next week!

[@chrisandsara]

Thanks, Heather! I hope it was helpful. The place we featured in this week's video was amazing and we can 100% recommend it!

[@donb.puryearjr.8699]

....appreciate your honest-candid review....we need more of these before others plan hard earned money and time to visit.....😊

[@chrisandsara]

I hope it was helpful!

[@hunghing883]

what hotels did you all stay at?? recap of your drive to Tulum. how was that drive and cost?

[@chrisandsara]

We stayed at Motto by Hilton. We got a good rate on it since they have pretty low capacity at the time. I have a blogpost about the drive if you're interested: www.chrisandsara.com/post/driving-from-cancun-to-tulum-mexico

[@2ndSprings]

You guys have such great content, videography, and chemistry on camera. I love it! Also, thank you for your constant vulnerability. 🙂

[@2ndSprings]

Also, I love the Lat-Long's you guys provide. I love me some maps!

[@chrisandsara]

Thanks so much, Brian! We have a lot of fun making these videos and it's nice to hear that it shows on the other side of the screen. Thanks for watching! :)

[@charlespolanco7427]

Agree guys. Went there a few years ago. No need to go back to a USA town. You guys are so on point LOLOLOLOL.

[@chrisandsara]

🤙

[@justnaji679]

Tulum is just an Insta destination. You go there for a few grid posts

[@AshleyandChristian]

literally had the exact same experience in Tulum. We just did NOT fit in hahah, we are not influencers. Loved the cenotes in that area though!

[@chrisandsara]

It's definitely an influencer's paradise! 😂

[@kaylaandmarkalan]

Thanks for the great tips! What a bummer that it’s overpriced and overhyped, but at least you guys were able to make the most of it!

[@chrisandsara]

Thanks for watch friends! How’s FL?!

[@kaylaandmarkalan]

@@chrisandsara So good! Best decision we’ve ever made! 💛

[@amylopez1922]

We went to the Yucatán and playa del Carmen and tulum. I didn’t love Tulum either! We payed for a hostal that was tiny that was the same price for a nice hotel in playa. When I go to Mexico I expect cheaper prices and good cheap food so I won’t visit Tulum again either!

[@chrisandsara]

Try visiting Bacalar next time! We enjoyed it so much more than Tulum!

[@rogeroneill1432]

Very accurate description of the Tulum ruins. Everyone is trying to rip you off and the whole thing is disorganized.

[@chrisandsara]

😅

[@judymiddleswart9350]

Love your honesty

[@chrisandsara]

I hope it was helpful!

[@faith5226]

Any restaurants you recommend?

[@chrisandsara]

Honestly, all of our recommendations made the video. Beyond that we weren't too terribly impressed by Tulum. 😔

[@coffeecoffeecoffee7651]

Appreciate that you are staying true to yourselves! ❤

[@amac4194]

Sundays it’s free for Mexican residents??? It should be free every day for Mexican residents it is Mexico by the way??

[@MaryYager-o9r]

Sunday is family day and everyone goes to the beach...

[@chrisandsara]

They don't have to give anything for free if they didn't want to. We thought it was a nice gesture.

[@piperanks9376]

In any Place in Mexico except Los Cabos... you are better going to the places that cater locals. Rent a Car, Bike, or Motorcycle, absolutely no Taxi. Move on your own. Be polite and friendly, I don't care how much time you have been saving to get to a destination, whatever that place is, Is just another place on planet earth. Your Money doesn't buy you the best experience. Let that sync for a minute, i am sure that expectation won't be a problem anymore. My free 2cents ✌️

[@chrisandsara]

Thank you for that! It's always nice to get input from others who know the area better than we do!

[@faith5226]

How much were the churros?

[@chrisandsara]

Oh man, I wish I could remember. I think they may have been a few dollars each? Tulum is definitely more expensive than the rest of Mexico.

[@alexgranados8719]

Merida is way better. Good beaches in playa progreso, a great city with amenities and authentic local culture (Cancun, Tulum, Playa were planned communities.), very safe and affordable.

[@chrisandsara]

Agreed!

[@j.kristineemmons]

I find that it's almost better to dine at the bougie places. You're overpaying regardless, but some of these places that you think are cheaper and more authentic are charging about the same prices, -and- will scam you, versus some chef driven restaurant, using local, ancient ingredients, and you're more getting what you're paid for, without having to worry about changing prices, switching money or credit card scams. There are other ruins overlooking the sea, but they're not whole, preserved cities, like Tulum. At first pulling into the lot, even that looks sketchy and unofficial. They need official national park signage and a non third-world looking entrance, but Mexico is so obviously corrupt, that they haven't even gotten the entrance to the ruins right. There is an official worker at the (booth? I'm don't remember now, it was bombarded with so many tour operators), who told me to go to the left. But there were so many cars ahead of me getting stopped. I could tell they were mostly tour operators, but they're so aggressive that they make you think you're going to get in trouble for not stopping. The guy who stopped me said he was official. So I'm super skeptical, already know they're trying to sell tours, but maybe there's official operated tours, in addition to private companies. I politely tell him I'm only doing self guided, basic entry and don't mind waiting in line. But to LIE about being "official"!......😂 They should get in trouble for that, ohhhh, Mexico. For the right price though, seems like it's okay to get a tour with one of these guys, if you want a nice package that includes snorkeling just off-shore of the ruins. ...Now that I think of it, when I traveled with someone else to Cancun, we were gonna take the ferry to Isla Mujeres, but one of the operators stopped him, and he haggled a tour there. Ended up being a great tour, haha! As of January '24, I think it was about $15 to go to the ruins on your own. This was parking, park entrance, and then you have to buy a ticket to get into the actual ruins. They wouldn't let you in without it. Honestly, you could slyly creep past tour guides and take pics where they were explaining things, but this is one of the few ruins sites that already has plaques explaining everything. Very comprehensive. It wasn't terribly crowded when I went, but I went backwards in the direction of everyone else, and it was better. I hate that IG culture has ruined so much, but you can do it just like them if you are rich, rich and/or sponsored. Also, they get up before the crack of dawn to get uncrowded pics, but it looks like thid was a horribly overcrowded time, regardless. The famous ruins beach was closed when I went, too, but just follow the path to the big beach down the way... but then you run into more scammers trying to send you down an unofficial path, like it's the official, and sell you more things. You really scored with that restaurant after the ruins, but its not the tulum vibe. You can get that Mexican beach town food at any other spot, like Play del Carmen. I did find $15MXN al pastor tacos off the road, next to the Super Aki grocery store, though. I didn't go to Tulum to get that "traditional Mexican" experience. Mayan culture is its own and unique, so wanted to experience that, but Tulum became famous for its house culture, chill vibes and spirituality. I'm pissed about the gouging though, because in your experience, you said it's almost as expensive as the US, but it's MORE!!!! More expensive than NYC, but it's Mexico?!?!?! Having to deal with some of Mexico's worst B.S.? Oh, no, no, no! This is my first vid I've seen from this channel, but Punta Allen seems more of the vibe they were looking for. They said they headed south in the next vid. I wonder if that's where they went.

[@chrisandsara]

We haven't been to Punta Allen yet unfortunately!

[@FyahAlex]

You've summed up Tulum. One big tourist trap. The place to be seen...and if that's not your thing...PASS!

[@chrisandsara]

Agreed! There are plenty of other places in Mexico to explore!

[@samiryahiaoui]

Beautiful couple! Sorry for the bad experience.

[@chrisandsara]

Thank you for watching!

[@partydelcarmen]

IMO, Tulum is best enjoyed by 'vacaying at the beach.' Otherwise, i'd rather stay almost anywhere else. And even then, the beach side can become a complete sh!tshow and get annoying, along with its high prices. This vid does seem like 2 travelers visiting Tulum and there was friction all the way. even the music choices for this vlog do not represent the Tulum vibe, and maybe its just not a match overall. IDK of any other boho chic places like Tulum [maybe Holbox which i do recommend] so this unique place will likely continue to be popular [airport coming soon too]. What a change of pace, headed to Bacalar next. I wonder what there is to do other than lagoon activities. Looking forward to the vid.

[@raulsanchez9795]

I went to places around america to check it out, just to find out it is no more... even tho Google maps has them as recommended places to visit.

[@chrisandsara]

😣

[@raulsanchez9795]

"The Mayan breakfast" lmao

[@chrisandsara]

😂

[@jeanettvlogs]

tulum is for real just a gringo place. I’m mexican and mexicans we know that’s a type of place that just gringos would go. So now is a place for gringos that’s why. The same wt cancún.

[@chrisandsara]

Agreed 😔

[@PonderingBiker]

Montreal is tulum for me

[@youknowwithMartyKauffman]

I’ve never been there before, but I’ve only heard that it’s like a spring break party all the time and there’s always beautiful people there your video didn’t really portray that so I guess it’s not true.

[@chrisandsara]

It definitely has a spring break vibe about it. Most of that is seen in the beach clubs which we chose not to pay to get into since that's not really our kind of place. If you like the spring break feel, you might really like Tulum! These were just our experiences and you may have totally different and better ones. :)

[@youknowwithMartyKauffman]

@@chrisandsara hey thanks for the response

[@laflor8720]

Welcome in tulum enjoy 👋👋👍👍👍

[@julietschida9114]

Hi, I’m assuming you left your pup at your rental?

[@chrisandsara]

We did for the Mayan ruins part. :)

[@ddv4084]

How was the chocolate churros?

[@chrisandsara]

AMAZING

[@purpletc1]

Right on target with Tulum… except for the sea cliff location.. the ruins are 3rd class…poorly constructed…Coba just down the highway is much more impressive

[@Bogdan_Ch]

Thank god they make videos like this. At least they give good advice and keep the ugly people (and this is not by means any refferal to physical view) outside of people that found the glam there.

[@chrisandsara]

😊

[@bigmoneyjo41510]

Tulum is expensive and so is Playa Del Carmen . U can make it cheap but you will have to go to sketchy areas . Remember u r in Mexico . Stay in the tourist areas to be safe.

[@antoniogradilla7933]

What you say it’s absolutely ridiculous!

[@chrisandsara]

Tulum was definitely more expensive than anywhere else we've been in Mexico!

[@antoniogradilla7933]

@@chrisandsara yes! I agree … BUT what I found ridiculous is the comment : remember you’re in Mexico , stay in the tourist areas to be safe … I could easily say the same thing about USA (multiply by 10) and I would be ridiculous as well lol 🤣

[@bigmoneyjo41510]

@@antoniogradilla7933 I can easily say the same bout USA as well. Both countries are shitholes with nice beaches

[@bigmoneyjo41510]

@@antoniogradilla7933 your tripping. Mexico is a dump.

[@FoodTrucksForDummies]

social media overrated!

[@WK3nn3dy]

100%. Avoid this place for every reason.

[@chrisandsara]

😔 it's true.

[@sijilo]

😊

[@rickestrada6752]

Tulum was great in 2018..no seaweed in the summer..wasn't much a party place..seaweed came in 2019 Instagram influences coming in by herds..more boutique hotels been built..all hell broke loose..expensive ...cover fees..taxi fees up..crowded.shit load of seaweed..equals no way in hell im coming back!

[@chrisandsara]

We felt the same thing. :/

[@chaitanyanandurkar9009]

How is glasses free life going for Chris? I guess it’s been a few months

[@chrisandsara]

Chris is still LOVING the lasik and would do it again in a heartbeat. Highly recommend if it's something you're considering!

[@marialira6372]

Go to the mercados.mexican supermarket. Instead, go to local street food.

[@chrisandsara]

Good to know!

[@couchphotography8861]

Looks like a total nightmare.....not my cuppa tea at all....thanks for the expose

[@chrisandsara]

We wanted to love Tulum but unfortunately we just didn't. 😔

[@NickFaulkner]

I think Tulum is becoming overhyped.

[@chrisandsara]

We do too.

[@zx3carlos]

Huevos motuleños el platillo de los huevos con frijoles jamón chícharos el platillo es originario de Motul Yucatán

[@jaspm]

the camera is bad guys 😅😅😅

[@chrisandsara]

So bad

[@ahuatltelicza7874]

Tulum is the Birmingham (UK) of Mexico 😭

[@chrisandsara]

😅

[@ucthinhnguyen7776]

Did not like Tulum either 3 weeks ago

[@rockthebarber9929]

Y’all have some good audio

[@chrisandsara]

Thank you!

[@fernandofranco7306]

Me da mucho gusto verlos, igual bienvenidos México un abrazo, saludos.

[@neilbritton6262]

Ill skip this spot.

[@amac4194]

It was beautiful about 25 years ago before tourists came ?? And ruined your experience you could actually walk on the pyramids??

[@chrisandsara]

😔

[@STEPHANIEENAJE]

Good - the infrastructure is on the verge of collapse and the ecological disasters of hosting 2 million tourists a year will continue to “ruin” your tourist experience.

[@chrisandsara]

😣

[@ronzombie6541]

Tulum an Instagram town.

[@chrisandsara]

😔 It really is...

[@arishaliti9474]

where is your tuk tuk

[@chrisandsara]

We still have it! You'll see more tuk tuk videos here soon. :)