Belize Vs Tulum: Which Is Safer?

Belize and Tulum are two geographically similar tourist destinations, but which is safer? Belize is considered moderately dangerous, even for tourists, and it's recommended that travellers always take precautions and avoid travelling alone. On the other hand, Tulum is considered a relatively safe destination for vacationers, with only low levels of petty crime reported against tourists.

Crime rates

Belize is considered a moderately dangerous country, even for tourists, and precautions should be taken at all times. Violent crime is on the rise, especially in urban areas like Belize City, and the country ranks consistently high worldwide for its homicide rate. Generally, anything north of Belize City is considered risky due to gang activity, and police in certain areas have the right to stop and search without warning. The US Travel Advisory classifies Belize as a level 2 country, meaning tourists should exercise increased caution. However, tourists are usually not the target of violent crime, and most crimes that do involve tourists are petty theft and pickpocketing.

Tulum, on the other hand, is considered a relatively safe destination for vacationers, with only low amounts of petty crime reported against tourists. Tulum is big on ecotourism and sustainability, attracting modern, hippy travellers and digital nomads. It is also known for its ancient Mayan ruins and cultural sites.

Belize boasts unmatched scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities, as well as a variety of natural attractions, including rainforests, waterfalls, and the second-largest barrier reef in the world. It is also home to ancient Maya sites such as Caracol and Xunantunich. While Belize may offer more in terms of natural beauty and activities, Tulum is the better choice when it comes to safety.

Transport

Belize

Belize's public transport is generally considered unsafe and unreliable. The Government of Canada advises against using public buses, citing a lack of maintenance and safety issues. They also warn against taking taxis, which may not be licensed and could be unsafe. However, some sources state that taxis are one of the best ways to get around, especially at night, and that licensed taxis with green license plates are considered safe.

Tulum

Tulum's public transport is not extensively covered in the sources. However, taxis are mentioned as a common and easy way to get around, although Uber and Lyft are not available. The ADO Bus is recommended as a good way to travel between towns and cities. The collectivo is a more local experience, but may not appeal to all tourists.

Accommodation costs

When it comes to accommodation costs, Belize and Tulum offer a range of options to suit different budgets. Here is a detailed comparison of the two destinations in terms of accommodation choices and prices:

Belize:

In Belize City, hotel prices can vary depending on location, amenities, and season. According to KAYAK, the average price for a double room is $169, but prices can go as low as $33 per night. The cheapest month to visit is August, when prices drop by 31% on average. Booking at least 85 days in advance is recommended to get the best rates.

Some popular affordable options in Belize City include:

• Belcove Hotel ($36 per night)
• The Red Hut Inn ($34 per night)
• Coningsby Inn ($72 per night)
• Ramada Belize City Princess Hotel ($77 per night)
• Golden Tree Hotel Belize ($83 per night)

Outside of Belize City, there are also affordable options, such as:

• DB Towers (vacation rental with free Wi-Fi and beachfront views)
• Barefoot Beach Belize (adorable and affordable beachfront cabins)
• Caribbean Villas Hotel (great value for San Pedro)
• Pelican Reef Villas Resort (free delicious breakfast)
• Mystic River Resort (luxury at an affordable price in the jungle)

Tulum:

Tulum also offers a range of accommodation options, with prices varying based on location, amenities, and season. According to Booking.com, the average price for a 3-star hotel in Tulum is $124 per night, while a 4-star hotel costs $161 per night, and a 5-star hotel averages $357 per night. The cheapest month to visit is June, when prices drop by 19% on average. Booking at least 23 days in advance is recommended for the best rates.

Some popular affordable choices in Tulum include:

• Selina Tulum ($40 per night, located near South Tulum Beach)
• Xscape Tulum ($45 per night, offers an outdoor pool)
• Los Arcos Hotel ($33.59 per night, features an outdoor pool and is close to restaurants)
• Hotel Poc Na Tulum ($121.18 per night, located inside the Tulum Archaeological Site)
• ECO ROOMS CASA COYOTE ($62.32 per night, cozy rooms for 2 people with AC and private bathroom)

Other budget-friendly options in Tulum include:

• The Beach Tulum Hotel (features 20 large suites, beachfront views, and a complimentary breakfast)
• Casa Ganesh Tulum ($112 per night, one of the most popular choices on KAYAK)
• Emotion Tulum Hotel ($16 per night, best value option on KAYAK)
• Bufo Alvarius ($26 per night, another best value option on KAYAK)
• Mayan Monkey Tulum ($17 per night, best value option on KAYAK)

Food and drink

Belizean food is a mix of Latin American and Caribbean, with Creole flavours dominating the local restaurant scene. However, there are also international options, with Indian and Chinese being the most prevalent. The basis of any Creole main meal is rice and beans, which features heavily in smaller restaurants, where most meals run BZ$8-12. The white rice and red beans are cooked together in coconut oil and usually served with stewed chicken or beef, or fried fish. There’s always a bottle of hot sauce on the table for extra spice.

In San Pedro, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, and Placencia, the food can be exceptional, and the only concern is that you might get bored with lobster, which is served in a vast array of dishes. The lobster season runs from June to mid-February, with festivals held in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), Caye Caulker, and Placencia when the season opens on 15 June.

Belizean breakfasts (BZ$6-10) usually include eggs and flour tortillas and are served from 7 am to 10 am. Lunch is observed religiously from noon to 1 pm, and dinner is eaten early, between 6 pm and 8 pm. Vegetables are scarce in Creole food, but there is often a side dish of potatoes or coleslaw. There are few specifically vegetarian restaurants, but in tourist areas, many places offer some vegetarian options.

To accompany your meal, you could try the local beer, Belikin, which comes in several varieties, including lager, stout, and premium brews. Local rum is also a good choice, with the country's oldest distillery, Travellers Liquors in Belize City, producing rich, dark, fruity rum since the 1950s. For non-alcoholic drinks, tap water is safe to drink in towns, although it is highly chlorinated, and bottled water is widely available for around BZ$2 per bottle. Fruit juices are also popular, with orange, lime, and pineapple being the most common options.

Tulum is described as a "paradise for food lovers", offering everything from authentic Mexican taco spots to homemade Italian pasta and raw vegan joints. With its chic, coastal setting, Tulum provides a unique dining experience.

One popular casual eatery is Mateo's, which serves up a mix of authentic Mexican cuisine and tropical dishes, along with refreshing drinks. For post-dinner drinks, Casa Jaguar is recommended, offering creative and delicious cocktails in an open-air setting on the jungle side of the beach road.

For those seeking vegan options, Restaurare was a popular choice, offering dishes such as coconut ceviche and mole-inspired curry. However, it is noted that this restaurant has since closed due to a rent hike. Other vegan options include Raw Love and Charly's Vegan Tacos.

Tulum's most buzzed-about dinner spot is Hartwood, which offers a daily changing menu featuring fresh seafood, unexpected herbs, homemade juices, and impeccable flavour. The restaurant opens at 5:30 pm and does not take reservations, so be prepared to queue early to secure a table.

When dining in Tulum, it is recommended to bring cash in pesos, as paying with debit cards or US dollars can result in a higher charge due to unfavourable exchange rates. It is also advisable to eat early, as Tulum's dining schedule tends to be earlier than in some other places, with the best restaurants filling up before dark.

Overall, both Belize and Tulum offer a variety of culinary delights, with Belize leaning more towards Creole, Caribbean, and Latin American flavours, while Tulum provides a wider range of options, from Mexican to Italian and vegan fare.

Language

Belize is the only Central American country with English as the official language. However, Belizean Creole is the most widely spoken dialect, with Spanish as the second-most-commonly-spoken language. Over half the population is bilingual, and a large segment is multilingual. This is due to Belize's diverse linguistic backgrounds and its proximity to Spanish-speaking nations. Belize is also home to three Mayan languages: Q'eqchi', the endangered indigenous Belizean language of Mopan, and Yucatec Maya. Approximately 16,100 people speak the Arawakan-based Garifuna language. German is spoken in Mennonite colonies and villages, with the majority speaking Plautdietsch in everyday life and a minority speaking Pennsylvania German.

Tulum, on the other hand, is located in Mexico, a Spanish-speaking country. There are Spanish language schools in Tulum, such as Meztli Spanish School, which offers total immersion into the Spanish language through private and peer group classes.

Frequently asked questions