Tulum and the Guadalupe Valley face a decline in tourism due to insecurity, high costs, and the presence of sargassum seaweed.
Approximately two years ago, Tulum and the Guadalupe Valley were the trendiest destinations to visit in Mexico. Tulum was a Caribbean paradise, famous for its turquoise waters and soft sand beaches, while the Guadalupe Valley was popular for its vineyards. Today, both sites face a tourism crisis imposed by the insecurity plaguing the country, in addition to the high costs of hotels, restaurants, and transportation.
Tulum was one of the most visited tourist destinations in Quintana Roo thanks to its bohemian atmosphere, relaxed vibe, and idyllic beaches. However, by the end of 2025 and so far in 2026, it registered a 40% drop in tourism due to various factors, including high prices, the appearance of sargassum seaweed, and beach privatization. Hotels in Tulum increased their rates, making them unaffordable. The same thing happened with restaurants and transportation, with taxis charging up to 800 MXN per ride.
Then there’s the problem of sargassum, which this year has multiplied more than in previous years, affecting the beaches and making them unsafe for swimming. There’s also a serious problem with security and infrastructure, inefficient services, mobility issues, and the strain on local resources. Furthermore, the privatization of beaches in Tulum is reserved for certain hotels, and beach clubs charge exorbitant fees for access to the sea.
On the other hand, Tulum isn’t the only destination affected by the decline in tourism; the Valle de Guadalupe in Ensenada is also suffering. This wine region has reported a 40% to 60% drop in visitors—a severe crisis so far in 2026. The main reasons are the increased prices of wine and lodging. Accommodations have become more expensive due to the experiences they offer, such as vineyard tours and wine tastings. In addition, there is a limited supply of hotels.
Another contributing factor is the saturation of the market on weekends; there is heavy traffic and long lines to find hotels. However, one of the most critical issues in the region is the lack of water, the overexploitation of its aquifers, and the severe droughts that reduce wine production and threaten the region’s sustainability. This, of course, affects the grape harvest and, in turn, puts pressure on the demand for irrigation water.
Source: foodandpleasure
