Is Tulum Expensive? A Detailed Breakdown of Travel Costs

Is Tulum expensive? Or is Tulum cheap? THIS is the question. Tulum is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and luxurious atmosphere, but is it really that expensive?

In a way, Tulum reminds me of Vegas – where you can find a great hotel for $30/night and another great hotel at $3,000 a night. A meal for $20 at a buffet in Vegas or a Michelin star restaurant for $200 a person.

Translation: the prices vary wildly in Tulum based on the decisions you make.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the costs of traveling to Tulum, offering a “choose your own adventure” approach with both expensive and more affordable options.

Where to Stay in Tulum is a HUGE Price Difference

The cost of your stay in Tulum can vary significantly based on your location. Staying on the beach is far more expensive than staying in town.

One of the biggest factors affecting your budget in Tulum is where you choose to stay. Accommodation costs vary significantly between Tulum Beach and Tulum Town (Pueblo).

Staying at the Aloft, for example, tends to be (with taxes and fees) around $120-$150/night.

Staying directly on Tulum Beach is a premium experience, offering easy access to the pristine shoreline and vibrant beach clubs. However, this convenience comes at a higher price.

Example: If you stay at a beachfront hotel, you can expect to pay around $220-$300 per night for a private room. This is a significant increase compared to town accommodations.

Famous hotel, Azulik – phew, it goes for way more. Sometimes $500-$5,000 a night. See the latest price by clicking here.

Tulum Town (Pueblo)

Opting to stay in Tulum Town can save you a considerable amount of money. Although you’ll be farther from the beach, there are plenty of charming and budget-friendly options available.

• Example: I stayed at Selina Downtown for $60-$75 per night. While the stay was decent, it didn’t match the beach experience but offered substantial savings.

Other Neighborhoods

If you’re considering other neighborhoods like Aldea Zama or La Veleta, be aware that these areas are rapidly developing. They can offer great accommodation options, but transportation can be more challenging.

You can learn more in the “neighborhoods guide” and “where to stay in tulum” youtube video by clicking here.

Getting Around

Transportation in Tulum can also impact your budget. Here are the main options:

Biking vs. Scootering

Biking is an affordable and eco-friendly way to get around Tulum, especially if you’re staying in town. Rentals are readily available and relatively cheap. Scooters, on the other hand, offer more convenience and speed but come at a higher cost.

• Bike Rental: Typically costs around $10-$15 per day.
• Scooter Rental: Can range from $25-$40 per day, depending on the rental shop and season.

Taxis and Public Transport

Taxis in Tulum are notoriously expensive and often inconsistent with pricing. It’s not uncommon for different passengers to pay vastly different amounts for the same journey.

• Short Taxi Rides: Can range from $5 to $50, depending on the driver and your negotiation skills.
• Public Transport: Limited options, but local colectivos (shared vans) are a budget-friendly way to travel between town and the beach.

Beach Experiences

There are different ways to enjoy Tulum’s beaches:

Free Beach Access

Free beach access in Tulum is limited due to private properties and beach clubs. However, there are still a few spots where you can enjoy the beach without paying.

• North Tulum Beach: Now a national park, access is free but limited.
• South Tulum Beach: Small stretches of free beach are available, but expect crowds.

Beach Clubs

Beach clubs offer amenities like loungers, umbrellas, and food service. They come in several tiers:

• Pay for What You Consume: Some clubs allow you to only pay for food and drinks.
• Minimum Spend Clubs: These clubs have a minimum spend requirement, typically between $50-$100 USD.
• Entrance Fee + Minimum Spend: Some high-end clubs charge an entrance fee plus a minimum spend, which can significantly increase costs.

I personally love beach clubs where you only pay for what you consume. They offer a great balance between luxury and affordability. However, others have minimum spends or entrance fees that can add up quickly.

Dining Out

Dining out in Tulum offers a wide range of options and prices, depending on whether you choose to eat in town or on the beach. Breakfast in town at places like Botanica can cost around 215 pesos (about $11 USD) for avocado toast with an egg and a cappuccino, whereas similar options on the beach at Fresco can run you about 290 pesos (around $15 USD).

For lunch and dinner, town eateries and taco stands provide significant savings, with meals typically costing $5-$20 USD. In contrast, beachside dining, such as a meal at Jaguar Restaurant, can be quite expensive, costing up to $150 per person for dinner with light drinks.

Evening meals can also impact your budget. Dining at popular beach spots like Azulik can be luxurious, with sunset drinks costing $20-$25 per cocktail. For a more affordable evening, consider dining in town where the prices are significantly lower. Overall, dining out in Tulum can be tailored to fit a variety of budgets, whether you are looking for a luxurious beachfront experience or a more affordable yet equally enjoyable meal in town.

Key Takeaways:

• Breakfast Costs:
  • Town: 215 pesos ($11 USD)
  • Beach: 290 pesos ($15 USD)
• Lunch/Dinner Costs:
  • Town: $5-$20 USD
  • Beach: Up to $150 per person
• Evening Dining:
  • Sunset drinks: $20-$25 each
  • Beachside dining: Expensive but luxurious
  • Town dining: Budget-friendly and enjoyable

Tulum Tours from Budget Friendly to Luxe

When it comes to exploring Tulum, there are plenty of tour options ranging from budget-friendly to more extravagant experiences. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best tours you can take, whether you’re looking to save money or splurge a little.

Cenote Tours

Visiting a cenote is one of the most special experiences you can have in Tulum. Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with freshwater, unique to the Yucatán Peninsula. You can explore these on a budget or go for a guided tour.

• DIY Cenote Visit: If you’re looking to save money, you can visit cenotes on your own. Entrance fees typically range from $20 to $30. For example, although I don’t recommend Cenote Calavera, there are many other beautiful cenotes to choose from.
• Guided Cenote Tour: For a more comprehensive experience, guided tours cost between $50 and $100 per person. These tours often include transportation, equipment rental, and sometimes even lunch. They are convenient and provide more insight into the history and significance of the cenotes.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers an incredible opportunity to see diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes.

• Budget Tour: If you’re on a budget, consider a basic tour that might cost around $100 per person. These tours typically include a boat ride through the reserve and basic wildlife viewing.
• Premium Tour: For a more extensive experience, premium tours can range from $150 to $200 per person. These might include a full-day excursion with guided wildlife spotting, a visit to the Mayan ruins, a swim in the cenotes, and lunch.

Tulum Ruins

The Tulum Ruins are a must-see for any visitor. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, these ancient Mayan ruins are breathtaking.

• Self-Guided Visit: For a budget-friendly option, you can visit the ruins on your own. The entrance fee is about 100 pesos ($5 USD). It’s an affordable way to explore at your own pace.
• Guided Tour: If you prefer more context and historical background, consider a guided tour. These tours generally cost around $30 to $50 per person and include a knowledgeable guide who can share insights about the Mayan civilization and the significance of the ruins.

Beach and Water Activities

Tulum’s coastline offers a variety of beach and water activities that can suit any budget.

• Snorkeling: On the cheaper end, you can rent snorkeling gear for about $15 to $25 and explore the reefs on your own. It’s a great way to enjoy the marine life without spending much.
• Private Boat Tour: For a more luxurious experience, consider hiring a private boat. These tours can cost anywhere from $150 to $300 per person and often include snorkeling, fishing, and a private beach picnic.

Evening and Cultural Tours

Evening and cultural tours offer a unique way to experience Tulum’s rich culture and nightlife.

• Pub Crawl in Pueblo: If you’re looking to experience local nightlife on a budget, join a pub crawl in Pueblo. This can cost around $40 per person and includes free shots at several bars, making it a fun and affordable evening.
• Mystica Interactive Museum: For a cultural evening, visit the Mystica Interactive Museum. Entry is around $25 per person, providing an engaging and air-conditioned break from the heat.

Key Takeaways:

• Cenote Visits: DIY ($20-$30) vs. Guided ($50-$100)
• Sian Ka’an Reserve: Basic ($100) vs. Premium ($150-$200)
• Tulum Ruins: Self-guided ($5) vs. Guided ($30-$50)
• Beach Activities: Snorkeling ($15-$25) vs. Private Boat Tour ($150-$300)
• Evening/Cultural: Pub Crawl ($40) vs. Mystica Museum ($25)

Tulum offers a wide range of tour options that cater to different budgets and interests. Whether you’re looking to save money or splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience, there’s something for everyone.

Want MORE tips? Watch the VIDEO version of this blog post!

Catch more in the “Is Tulum Expensive” Youtube video by clicking here or see it below!

Bottom Line

Your experience in Tulum can range from affordable to luxurious, depending on your choices. Here’s a quick recap:

• Accommodation: Beachfront hotels are significantly more expensive than town hotels.
• Transportation: Biking is the most budget-friendly option, while taxis can be costly and inconsistent.
• Dining: Town restaurants and taco stands offer great value compared to beachfront dining.
• Activities: DIY options for cenotes and cultural sites are more affordable than guided tours.
• Evening Entertainment: Sunset drinks and pub crawls in town provide more budget-friendly options than beachfront activities.