Tulum on A Budget: How to Visit without Breaking the Bank

The words “Tulum” and “on a budget” are not often seen together in the same sentence.

This jungle paradise on the Yucatan Peninsula has been rapidly growing in popularity over the years; bringing the prices higher and higher.

From spending money on food and cocktails at all the beach clubs in Tulum to day trips to Mayan ruins, visiting Tulum can be expensive if you’re not careful.

But with a few creative budgeting skills, there are still plenty of ways to experience this stunning destination without breaking the bank.

I visited Tulum in 2021 and was actually unemployed at the time (thanks, Covid).

Despite this, I was still able to see a lot of the major attractions and make it out without spending my entire savings account.

Even though Tulum is super trendy and more expensive than some other cities in Mexico, it can still be done on a budget. From lodging to transportation, meals, and activities, this guide will provide you with simple tips on how to make your trip to Tulum more affordable.

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Top tips for visiting Tulum on a budget

1. Choose the Right Time: Choosing when to visit Tulum is key if you’re looking to save money. The high season (December-April) is when prices really skyrocket, making it more expensive to visit during this time.

The shoulder season (May-June and October-November) are great options for those on a budget, as prices tend to be lower than in high season but the weather is still pleasant.

The rainy season (July-September) is also a good option if you’re looking to save money. However, you may not be able to participate in some outdoor activities due to the weather.

2. Look for Deals: Take advantage of deals and discounts when traveling to Tulum. There are often promotional rates available on flights, hotels, and car rentals if you book ahead of time or are willing to be flexible with your dates.

Keep an eye out for discounts and coupons as well, and don’t be afraid to ask around.

3. Consider Alternative Accommodations: When looking for a place to stay in Tulum, you can save a lot of money by opting for an Airbnb or hostel instead of a hotel. Such accommodations are often significantly cheaper than hotels, and can often be found in great locations.

If you’re looking for a more luxurious option, hotels in the beach zone tend to be more affordable than those located in downtown Tulum.

4. Eat at Local Restaurants and Food Stands: Eating out can add up quickly while traveling, so finding ways to save on food is key if you’re on a budget. Fortunately, Tulum is full of great restaurants, food stands, and markets where you can get delicious Mexican cuisine for a fraction of the cost of the more expensive tourist spots.

5. Shop Around for Tours: Tours are one of the best ways to experience Tulum and its unique attractions, but they can also be expensive. Shop around for different tour operators and compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Don’t forget to ask about discounts if you are traveling with a large group or will be booking multiple tours.

Getting to Tulum for cheap

The first step to making a budget-friendly trip to Tulum is finding the best way to get there.

If you live in or near one of Mexico’s major cities, such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Cancun, then you can take a direct flight for relatively cheap prices.

You can also take the ADO Bus from anywhere in Mexico for a very affordable price, or take a cheap domestic flight from within Mexico.

Otherwise, if you’re coming from the United States, then you might want to look into finding cheaper flights that don’t come with the hefty US domestic flight taxes.

Try to book your flights in advance to get the best rates! Prices tend to go up closer to travel dates.

I like to use WayAway to find the best deals on flights. And since I’m a premium user, I get access to airport lounges, exclusive discounts, and more. I highly recommend anyone who travels frequently to join!

The closest airport is Cancun International Airport, which is only an hour away from Tulum. Airlines like Aeromexico, American Airlines, and United often offer deals on flights to Cancun.

Depending on the time of year and how far out you book, you can typically find flights to Cancun for around $300-400 USD.

The cheapest time of year to visit Tulum is during the off-season, which is typically from June through October.

Avoid the high season and plan to visit during this time if you want the most bang for your buck.

🛩️ Search for the best rates on flights to Cancun on WayAway by clicking here!

From the Cancun airport, you can take the ADO Bus right to Tulum, or take a taxi for a fixed price. ADO Bus is definitely the more affordable option and it’s relatively straightforward and easy to navigate.

You can expect to pay around $15 USD for a direct bus from the Cancun Airport to Tulum, and the ride will take a little over 2 hours.

You can buy tickets for the bus on Busbud or online through the official ADO website.

Where to stay in Tulum as a budget traveler

First, let’s talk about what part of Tulum to stay in to get the most bang for your buck and maximize your budget. The main streets in Tulum are the beach road and the main road, which run parallel to each other.

Choose one of these roads if you want to be close to most of the action.

Tulum Town vs Tulum Beach

If you’re looking for cheaper accommodation options, I recommend staying in Tulum Pueblo, or Tulum Town.

This area is the most budget-friendly as it is far from the beach, but still offers plenty of opportunities to explore the city.

In Tulum Centro you’ll find a variety of budget accommodations from backpackers’ hostels to quaint guesthouses and mid-range hotels. You can also find some cheap Airbnb options in this area.

Budget hotels and hostels in Tulum Pueblo

If you’re looking for something with more luxury, consider staying on Tulum Beach Road or Tulum Main Street.

Although these areas are more expensive than Tulum Centro, they offer a unique beachfront experience that can be found nowhere else.

You’ll find many mid-range hotels and Airbnbs with discounted rates if you book in advance.

The Beach Road is slightly more expensive but still offers plenty of great value-for-money options if you book far enough in advance.

Budget hotels and hostels in Tulum Beach

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to experience Tulum, then the best option is to book an all-inclusive package deal through a travel agent.

These deals usually include direct flights from Mexico City or Cancun, accommodation in the ‘Hotel Zone’, and sometimes meals and activities too.

Best all-inclusive stays in Tulum

You can browse over 1,000 hotels, resorts, and apartment stays in Tulum here 👇

How to get around Tulum for cheap

Walking

Tulum is a very walkable city, with most of the popular attractions and restaurants within walking distance. However, if you’re planning on visiting the beach area, I’d recommend renting a bike or scooter.

Can you walk from Tulum Town to Tulum Beach?

Yes, you can walk from the city center to the Tulum Beach area. It’s about a 3-mile distance and will take you about 1 hour and 15 minutes to walk. You can also get a taxi between the two. it’s a 15-minute ride and will cost you around $15-20 USD (depending on how busy it is).

Can you walk from Tulum Town to the Tulum Ruins?

Yes, walking is possible from Tulum Pueblo to the Tulum Ruins. It’s about a 2-mile distance, and will take you about 45 minutes to an hour to walk. You can also get a taxi between the two for around $15 USD (depending on how busy it is).

Bike

Biking is by far the easiest and most affordable way to get around Tulum.

Not only that, but it’s the most popular! Most hotels and hostels even offer bike rentals for free for guests.

The hostel that I stayed in while visiting Tulum provided free bike rentals for hostel guests and it was my holy grail when it came to getting around in Tulum!

Since I was visiting on a budget, renting a bike saved me a lot of money.

If your hotel doesn’t offer free bike rentals, don’t fret.

There are plenty of bike rentals around the city where you can snag a bike for just about $150 Mexican pesos ($7.50 USD) per day. The rental will typically come with a bike lock and a helmet as well.

Most places will ask you to leave a damage deposit in cash when you rent the bike – typically around $1000 pesos ($55 USD).

If you don’t want to leave cash, you can also leave a personal document like your passport or ID.

Most of the bike rental shops in Tulum can be found along the 307 Highway or the main road that leads to the beach. Some popular bike shops here are Ola Bike Tulum, El Tigre Tulum, and iBike Tulum.

Taxi

Taxis are also an option in Tulum, but they will add up quickly if you’re not careful.

A taxi ride in Tulum can average anywhere between $5 and $30 USD, depending on where you’re going.

There are no meters in the taxis in Tulum, so the price is set by the driver.

Always negotiate the price with the driver before getting in, and make sure to agree on a price beforehand.

Try to speak in Spanish if you can! This will help you get the best rate possible.

Despite taxis being more expensive than some of the other options listed, it’s still an affordable way to get around Tulum. Due to the low cost of living in Mexico, your ride will likely be cheaper than it would be in the US or Europe.

Taxis can be found at most hotels and hostels, or you can flag one down from the street. There is no Uber in Tulum for the moment.

Safety tip: Be sure to jot down the license plate numbers and take a picture of the taxi you get into. This helps in case something bad happens, and you need to report it to the police.

I always do this and send it to a trusted friend or family member in case something unexpected happens.

Collectivo

Collectivo taxis are shared taxi-style vans that will take you from one spot to another.

They charge less than regular taxis, and are typically used by locals and hotel employees going to work.

colectivo taxi van in tulum — *Colectivos can be found all over Tulum*

You can find them around the main squares in Tulum Town or on the highway near the beach.

Colectivos transport people from one town to the next, so it’s not usually the best option for transportation within Tulum itself.

But if you need to get to nearby towns or even Cancun Airport, they can be a great and affordable option.

Just flag one down from the street as they come by, and make sure to negotiate the rate before hopping in – it never hurts to ask!

The typical price for a colectivo ride is around $2-5 USD depending on how far you’re going.

Colectivos don’t stop at specific stations, they only drop people off at their requested destination. Be sure to tell the bus driver where you’re going when you get on to make sure they’ll go to your stop.

The colectivos also don’t have a set schedule and usually just leave as soon as they fill up with passengers, so you’ll have to be ready to go when it arrives.

Keep in mind that they are often crowded and uncomfortable. But that’s the price we pay for saving money, right?

ADO Bus

ADO bus is one of the best ways to travel around Mexico on a budget.

It’s a shuttle bus that runs from Tulum to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and other nearby towns.

ADO bus mexico — *ADO buses are the best way to explore Mexico on a budget*

The ADO buses are comfortable, safe, and very affordable – you can get a one-way ticket for as little as $7 USD.

The tickets can be purchased at the ADO Bus Station in Tulum Town or online through Busbud or the ADO website.

The buses have air conditioning, comfortable seating, and a restroom on board. You can also listen to music and watch movies during your ride – perfect for those long-distance trips!

The buses depart several times a day, so you can plan your trip around the ADO Bus schedule.

I took an ADO bus on my last trip from Cancun to Tulum and it was smooth sailing. The bus left on time, was on schedule, and arrived safely.

🚌 You can purchase ADO Bus tickets on Busbud by clicking here!

Car rental

Renting a car is a great option if you plan to explore more of the Yucatan Peninsula. Prices vary, but you can get a rental car for $30+/day.

I recommend using DiscoverCars, as you can easily compare prices from different rental companies and book online. You can even read the ratings and reviews for each place before you make your choice.

You’ll need to have an international driver’s license or permit in order to rent a car in Tulum. You can also check if your car insurance covers rentals in Mexico, as this can help you save money.

Always be sure to take plenty of photos of the car before and after your rental, as well as any existing damage.

🔍 Search for rental cars in Tulum on DiscoverCars by clicking here!

Keep in mind that driving in Mexico is very different from driving in the US or other countries, so make sure to read up on the local laws and regulations before taking the wheel. But in general, it’s fairly safe to drive in Tulum.

Be sure to know all the local traffic laws before you hit the road – some areas have speed limits as low as 30 km/h! Driving can be a bit chaotic in Tulum and there are plenty of potholes, so always drive with caution.

Unfortunately, it is fairly common for police to pull over drivers and ask for bribes. If this happens, it’s best to remain calm, be respectful, and politely decline.

⚠️ Do you need travel insurance while visiting Mexico? The answer is yes! I recommend Travel Insurance Masters. It’s a unique, comprehensive marketplace where you can search through different policies and choose the best deal for you. Get a FREE quote by clicking here!

What to eat in Tulum on a budget

And now for the best part: the foooooood.

al pastor tacos in tulum — *Yummy Al Pastor tacos!*

Tulum has an array of Mexican food options for all budgets, from street tacos and quesadillas to gourmet seafood dishes.

The good news is that the prices are still far cheaper than most other places in the world, meaning you can enjoy some delicious meals without breaking the bank.

I’ll be writing up a complete guide to all the best restaurants in Tulum and the best places to eat for all budgets shortly, but for now, here are a few of my favorite cheap food options.

Street foods

If you’re looking for cheap eats, head to one of Tulum’s many street vendors. They offer up hearty tacos, quesadillas, and other Mexican favorites at very affordable prices.

Some of the best places for street food in Tulum are: Taqueria Honorio, Antojitos la Chiapaneca, and Aguacate Limon.

Restaurants and cafés in Tulum

For a slightly higher price, you can also get fresh seafood dishes and authentic Mexican plates at one of the many sit-down restaurants.

Dishes like ceviche and fish tacos are especially popular. My favorite was La Barricuda – it’s located just along Highway 307 and is known for its delicious seafood dishes.

ceviche in tulum — *Eating ceviche at La Barricuda*

Tulum also has some excellent cafés – perfect for a quick bite or coffee break. The prices are still lower than what you’d find in most Western countries, so don’t be afraid to indulge.

And don’t forget to try out some of Tulum’s famous smoothies and yogurt bowls!

They’re made with fresh fruits and vegetables and are so good for a fresh treat with a healthy boost of energy.

Groceries

Don’t be afraid to hit up the local markets to stock up on groceries. It’s one of the best ways to save money in Tulum.

You’ll find fresh fruits, vegetables, and even some prepared dishes that you can bring back to your accommodation for a cheap dinner.

Most hostels in Tulum have community kitchens that you can use, so be sure to take advantage of them.

street food in tulum — Street vendors in Tulum, Mexico

The markets also tend to have lots of snacks and treats like tamales, churros, and freshly-squeezed juices. You can find fresh produce at the Tulum markets for as little as a few pesos per kilo.

Some places even have a “tacos de kilo” where you can fill up a plate of tacos for only $1.

For a quick bite, you can’t go wrong with the local fare!

Cheap and free things to do in Tulum on a budget

When it comes to fun activities, there’s no shortage of things to do in Quintana Roo. And especially in Tulum!

From lounging on the beach to exploring ancient ruins, you can find plenty of things that won’t cost you a fortune.

If you’re looking for a really cheap activity, try visiting the local cenotes. These natural swimming holes are scattered throughout the Yucatan Peninsula and offer some of the most beautiful natural views in Mexico.

Some top cenotes here are Cenote Calavera, Gran Cenote, and Cenote Zacil Ha.

Admission to the Centoes is often just a few dollars, making it one of the best budget activities in Tulum.

The most popular cenote in Tulum is by far Cenote Dos Ojos. This iconic cenote is a popular place for diving and snorkeling in Tulum.

cenote dos ojos tulum — *Cenote Dos Ojos in Tulum*

It’s open to the public and has a stunning underground cave system. Cenote Dos Ojos runs over 40 miles long and is the largest underwater cave system in the entire Yucatan peninsula of Mexico.

Entry to the cenote is about $20 USD per person.

Tulum also offers plenty of free activities, such as exploring its many Mayan ruins or taking a stroll along the beach.

The nearby Tulum National Park (Parque Nacional Tulum) is also super cheap to enter and gives you access to some incredible nature trails. It’s about $35-40 pesos ($3 USD) per person for entry.

They do charge an extra $30 pesos to bring in video cameras though, so keep that in mind.

It’s worth the price for the gorgeous views though!

You can also spend an afternoon checking out the local arts scene. There’s no shortage of galleries and street art to explore without spending any money.

The street art around the city was one of my favorite things about my trip to Tulum.

*My favorite street art near my hostel in Tulum Pueblo!*

We often see so much of the aesthetic beachy side of Tulum on social media, but it’s important to appreciate the culture as well.

4 Tips for saving money on attractions

There are so many incredible attractions in Tulum, but they can get pricey if you’re not careful.

Here are some tips to help you save money when visiting the most popular attractions:

1. Book online: Most of the major attractions have websites where you can book tickets in advance. This will often give you a better deal than just showing up at the gate.

2. Purchase combination passes: If you’re planning on seeing multiple attractions, it might be worth your while to purchase a combination pass. This will allow you to access all of the attractions for a flat rate and typically comes with discounts on food and souvenirs.

3. Look for deals: Always keep your eyes open for deals on sites like Groupon, Viator, and GetYourGuide. You might be able to snag a really good deal if you plan ahead.

4. Ask your hostel about activities: Hostels usually have partnership deals with local attractions that can get you discounts or freebies. Be sure to ask your hostel staff what they recommend and what offers are available.

With a bit of planning, it’s easy to visit Tulum on a budget. By following these simple tips, you can make sure that you stay within your budget and still enjoy everything Tulum has to offer.

Trust me, I’ve done it!

Final thoughts

Believe it or not, it is actually possible to visit Tulum on a budget.

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With a bit of planning, you can experience all the amazing things this beautiful city has to offer without breaking the bank. So if you’re looking for an amazing vacation spot that won’t break your budget, put Tulum on your list!