Guides

Travelling Tulum on a Budget: A Complete Guide & Tips

So you’re looking to travel to Tulum but may have heard that it’s quite expensive, at least compared to other parts of Mexico. While it’s true Tulum can be very expensive, possibly one of the most expensive places in Mexico, do not worry – it is still possible to travel to Tulum on a budget.

Tulum has exploded in popularity in recent years, popular with digital nomads (especially since the pandemic), Instagram influencers, bohemian hipsters, and even families. Because of the certain crow it attracts, the prices have gone up dramatically.

The main thing to consider is how long you’re planning on staying and what you’re planning on doing while there. If you’re going to party every night and looking to stay at a fancy beach resort, then this guide is not for you. Either way, we’ll make sure you save money and have the time of your life in Tulum! On with the guide.

How to travel Tulum on a Budget

Travel during the low season

While it may not be the best time to visit Tulum, the months from May to October tend to be the cheapest. The reason is that most people travel during the holidays in November/December/January.

Also, the summer months tend to be cheap as it’s usually unbearably hot and the beaches are covered in seaweed, a common problem along the Caribbean coast.

Either way, flights are going to be cheaper during this time, as well as accommodation – so if you’re looking to save money, it’s a no-brainer to travel during the off-season. If you can’t travel during the low season, then this guide will still be helpful if you want to travel to Tulum on a budget.

Take the ADO bus from Cancun Airport

Cancun is the closest major airport to Tulum, and flights are cheapest to here. Sometimes it’s even cheaper to fly to Cancun than Mexico City from some international destinations.

One thing to keep in mind is that there’s no Uber in Tulum, so that won’t be an option for getting there. You can check out our guide for getting from Cancun to Tulum here.

Once you find yourself in the airport, you’ll be harassed by all kinds of taxi drivers and shuttles. Ignore them. We recommend taking a bus straight to Tulum, the best and safest is ADO. You can book tickets beforehand here: https://www.ado.com.mx/

Buses typically leave every hour or so, and the ride to Tulum can be around 2-3 hours. They will drop you off in the center of town. The price is usually around 340 pesos ($16 USD).

Stay in the Town Center

This is an obvious no-brainer, staying on the beach or closer to the beach in the jungle is going to be much more expensive than staying directly in town. You can see a basic overview of the layout of Tulum on the map below.

Aldea is an up-and-coming more modern section of Tulum, with fancier apartments and condos. You’re going to want to stay right in the town center area.

The beach is around a 45-minute walk from here, but we recommend renting a bicycle from your hostel or hotel for around only 150 pesos per day. This is the best way to get around Tulum, in our opinion, and also the cheapest.

Stay at a Hostel

Also, an obvious choice, staying in a hostel dorm is going to save you tons of money rather than staying at a resort or Airbnb. There are tons of hostels in the town center, check out our hostel guide here. If you’re looking to do Tulum on a budget then hostels are a must.

Tulum on a budget
Mama’s Home hostel in the center

If you want to stay on the beach, then we’d recommend Selina hostel in the zona hotelera, it’s still pricey but is going to be much cheaper than the surrounding resorts. The other benefit of staying at a hostel is meeting all kinds of awesome people!

Rent a Bike

Renting a bike is an inexpensive and eco-friendly way to explore Tulum and its surroundings. Many accommodations offer bike rentals for around 100-150 pesos per day, allowing you to cruise along the beach, visit the ruins, or explore the town at your leisure. We recommend Ola Bikes for the best price, quality and service.

Go to Free Beach Clubs

Tulum is full of awesome beach clubs, however, most are quite pricey, with minimum consumption of over 1000 pesos per person ($50 USD). While you can use this towards food and drinks, and you get access to beach chairs and the bathroom, it can seem pricey if you just want to chill and have a beer.

To most on vacation, $50 may not seem like a whole lot – but this could be your whole budget for a day if you’re travelling long-term. So it’s best to find beach clubs or bars that don’t have a minimum consumption or cover.

Ziggys’ Beach Club

Ziggy’s Beach Club is a cheaper place that doesn’t have a minimum consumption or cover. CoCo Tulum also doesn’t have a cover as well as Revolución Pancho Villa, a cool little beachfront restaurant and bar in the north beach zone on Playa Paraiso. These beach clubs are the best for Tulum on a budget.

Cheap Activities

Tulum Ruins

These ancient Mayan ruins perched atop a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea are a must-visit. Entry to the archaeological site costs only 80 pesos, making it an affordable way to immerse yourself in history and culture. For an even more memorable experience, consider visiting the ruins early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy the stunning views in peace.

Visit Cenotes Instead of Nightclubs

Cenote Azul

Don’t waste your hard-earned money on getting wasted every night, yes – nightclubs are quite expensive here. The price you’ll pay for entry to a beautiful cenote during the day will be less than half the cost of cover at a nightclub.

If you really need to check out fancy nightclubs, then pre-drink at a bar or at your place instead of buying drinks there, just pay for cover. With so many cenotes to visit in Tulum, spend your money on these natural wonders instead of partying.

Cook or Eat at Cheap Restaurants

Cooking at your hostel or Airbnb is the number one trick for doing Tulum on a budget. Most hostels will have a communal kitchen where you can cook meals, also hotels and Airbnbs. This will save you a lot of money rather than eating out 3 times a day.

Of course, you can’t visit Tulum without checking all of the amazing restaurants it has to offer. You don’t have to spend a whole lot for delicious meals – it is Mexico after all. Here are some of our favourite budget places to eat in town:

Taqueria Honorio

Taqueria Honorio is one of the best taco spots in Tulum, especially for breakfast – they make amazing breakfast tacos. They also make an amazing cochinita pibil!

Tropi Taco

Hands down our favourite spot to eat on a budget. Amazing tacos, burritos, gringas and more. The great, fast service is a plus.

Suculenta Tamaleria

If you’re looking for vegan food that doesn’t hit the wallet too hard, check out Suculenta Tamaleria, which is famous for its tamales of course. Some of their food is super spicy so watch out, and their mole is mouth-watering.

Taqueria La Chiapaneca

You can’t miss this place with its giant pastor meat spits slowly roasting on the street sidewalk. If you love Chiapaneca food then definitely check this place out, it’s also cheap for the amount of food you get!

Mercado Tulum

Mercado Tulum, located on Calle Osiris Sur, is an excellent place to not only eat cheaply but to go shopping on a budget as well. This place offers a wide range of food choices in their food court, from ceviche, octopus, tacos, fast food, and more!

Parque Dos Aguas Street Food

All around Parque Dos Aguas you’ll find street food vendors where you can eat super cheap. It’s also a nice park to relax and people watch.

Burrito Amor

Via Burrito Amor

A cute little restaurant that prides itself on healthy eating while not being too expensive, Burrito Amor is a busy spot for a good reason. With delicious smoothies, healthy bowls, and of course fantastic burritos, we recommend checking it out.

Consider Camping on the Beach

If you’re really strapped for cash and happen to have a tent and camping gear, then camping on the beach might be your best option for doing Tulum on a budget. You’ll still have to pay for a dedicated camping spot, but it’s still cheaper than hotels or even hostels.

Playa Maya allows camping for a certain price (around 200 pesos per night). Pancho Villa also allows camping for a round 200 pesos per person, per night. If you’re feeling adventurous you can try finding a hidden beach somewhere out of sight and risk it. Be careful – it is illegal to camp on the beach without proper permission.

Quick Budget Tips

To make the most of your trip to Tulum on a budget, keep these money-saving tips in mind:

  1. Haggle: Bargaining is a common practice in Mexico, especially at markets and street stalls. Don’t be afraid to haggle for a better price on souvenirs, tours, and even accommodations.
  2. Take advantage of happy hours: Many bars and restaurants in Tulum offer happy hour specials, usually between 4 pm and 7 pm. Enjoy discounted drinks and snacks while you unwind after a day of exploration.
  3. Use public transportation: Tulum’s local transportation, including colectivos (shared vans) and taxis, is an affordable way to get around. Just make sure to agree on a price before hopping in to avoid any misunderstandings.
  4. Shop at local markets: Save money on food and souvenirs by shopping at local markets and supermarkets, such as the Tulum Market and Chedraui. You’ll find fresh produce, delicious snacks, and unique gifts at lower prices than in touristy areas.
  5. Travel during the off-season: Tulum’s high season runs from December to April, with prices for accommodations and activities generally higher during this time. To save money, consider visiting during the low season (May to November), when you’ll find better deals and fewer crowds.

Tulum on a Budget Conclusion

Tulum is an idyllic destination that offers a wide range of affordable options for the budget-savvy traveler. By following this in-depth guide and utilizing our money-saving tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the best that Tulum has to offer without breaking the bank.

From exploring ancient ruins and swimming in crystal-clear cenotes to savoring mouthwatering local cuisine and basking in the sun on pristine beaches, your dream vacation awaits in this tropical paradise.

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Load More Posts Loading...No More Posts.