How To Visit Tulum on a Budget

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Last Updated on April 21, 2024 by sydabroad

Looking for the best way to visit Tulum on a budget? Then keep reading! 

If you are into art, wellness, design, and picture-perfect beaches, Tulum needs to be on your bucket list! In this guide, I’m sharing all you need to know about visiting Tulum on a budget. 

Mexico is typically pretty affordable compared to other Western countries such as the US or many countries in Western Europe. However, because Tulum has become so trendy over the years, it can be pricey compared to other destinations in Mexico. 

Traveling to Tulum with a smaller budget is doable and I’m sharing all of the best tips and tricks in this article. Alright, let’s get into the guide! 

Looking for more Mexico travel guides? 

• How To Spend a Long Layover in Mexico City
• How To Plan The Perfect Cozumel Day Trip
• The Best Beach Clubs in Tulum
• The Best Beach Clubs in Cabo

This post is all about visiting Tulum on a budget.

Tulum On a Budget – The Basics

Currency = Mexican Peso

The currency in Mexico is the Peso. (MXN)

1 USD = 18.09 Pesos

Many places in Tulum will accept card payments. However, you will need to have cash on hand for smaller purchases at local markets or if you are visiting less touristy parts of Tulum. You’ll find ATMs in downtown Tulum and at many hotels.

Language = Spanish

The national language in Mexico is Spanish. However, you will find that it’s easy to get around with English because Tulum is a common tourist destination. I do suggest brushing up on your Spanish to be respectful to the locals. I use the Duolingo app to practice new languages.  

Phone & Internet

The phone and internet service can be a bit spotty in Tulum. I didn’t have the best phone service unless I was on wifi. However, most hotels and restaurants do have wifi so you shouldn’t have an issue. 

If you need your maps at any point, I suggest downloading the offline version of Google Maps. 

Dailey Budget 

Although not the cheapest place in Mexico, Tulum can be an affordable travel destination. In this guide, I’m sharing all you need to know about visiting Tulum on a budget. Many budget travelers have spent less than 60 USD per day in Tulum. 

Tipping in Tulum 

In Tulum, it’s customary to tip at restaurants, bars, taxi drivers, and your local guides if you choose to take some sort of tour. It’s typical to tip around 10% to 15%.  

Is The Tap Water Drinkable?

No, do not drink the tap water in Mexico. Drink filtered or bottled water instead.  

Tulum Town vs. Tulum Hotel Zone 

Okay, before we dive into the guide you need to understand that Tulum is essentially split between Tulum Town (also known as downtown Tulum) and the Tulum Hotel Zone (also known as Tulum’s Beach Zone)

Many travelers will split their time between both. In Tulum Town, you’ll find local cafes, authentic restaurants, more affordable shopping, and unique bars. There are also so many aesthetic villas and hotels you can book at affordable prices. 

On the other hand, Tulum Hotel Zone is where you’ll find beachfront hotels, beach clubs, restaurants, and shopping. Both areas in Tulum offer a completely different vibe and I suggest visiting both during your trip! 

Is Tulum expensive? 

Yes and no. Tulum in general is a more expensive destination to visit in Mexico. However, you’ll find that Tulum town is very affordable and the Tulum beach area is the expensive part. 

In town expect to pay about $25 to $40 per night for accommodation and from $4 to $10 for a good meal. In the beach zone, prices can be pretty insane (like $30 for a tequila soda at a club. insane). But I’ll share affordable places to visit in the beach zone later in this guide. 

15 Tips For Visiting Tulum On a Budget

1. When is The Best Time to Visit Tulum? 

December through April is the high season in Tulum and it’s warm sunny and beautiful. However, it will be more crowded. 

Although this would be a great time to visit I suggest visiting during the shoulder season. Either in November or the beginning of May. You may get some rain in November but showers shouldn’t last too long. 

You’ll also find that prices are much cheaper during the shoulder season or off-season. This is helpful if you are visiting Tulum on a budget.

2. Book with a Budget Airline and Set Flight Notifications

To visit Tulum on a budget I suggest booking with a budget airline and setting up Skyscanner or Hopper to track the cost of your flight. 

Search for flights on Skyscanner here.

Also, keep an eye out for Southwest Airlines sales. Another way to find cheaper flights is to fly out of a nearby larger city if it’s not too far instead of your home airport. You can typically find more flight options and cheaper flight options in larger airports. 

For instance, the first time I visited Tulum I flew out of Atlanta, Georgia instead of Birmingham, Alabama. Atlanta had much better flight deals. 

3. Getting From The Airport to Tulum On a Budget

Getting into Tulum is relatively simple. You’ll fly into Cancun International Airport and then you’ll take a bus or shuttle from Cancun to Tulum. The journey will take about an hour and a half.

Private transportation can be affordable if you are arriving in a group and splitting the cost of a van. However, if you are arriving on your own, it’s pricey to get to and from Cancun. 

I suggest taking the ADO bus. The ADO bus is super efficient and affordable. These are the big red buses and you can book an ADO bus to Tulum at the Cancun airport once you land. 

Click here to book your bus from Cancun to Tulum!

Click here for a list of the best in-flight essentials. 

4. Travel in a Group

Traveling in a group typically saves you money. You can split accommodation and the cost of taxis and airport transportation. 

5. Stay in Tulum Town 

If you are visiting Tulum on a budget you’ll want to stay in Tulum Town. The town is just about a 10-minute drive from the beach area. You can find the most aesthetic villas at extremely affordable prices in Tulum. 

Tulum Town also has delicious authentic restaurants and local shopping at a much more affordable price compared to the beach zone. 

I’ve stayed at Copal Tulum Hotel and Amelia Luxury Residences in Tulum Town and I suggest them both. I booked Amelia Luxury Residence through Airbnb and it’s perfect if you are traveling in a group. We spent less than $25 per night. 

If you are staying with a group, search for an Airbnb in Tulum Town. You can find many nice, spacious villas at very affordable prices. And the beach is just a short drive away. Both times I’ve visited, I’ve paid under USD 25 per night for accommodation. 

Alternatively, if you are on your own, there are great hostels in Tulum. I use the Hostel World website to find affordable hostels. Here are a few hostel recommendations in Tulum. 

• Mayan Monkey Hostel 
• Day Tripper Hostel
• Oostel Smart Hostel

Book hostels here.

6. Rent Bikes to Get Around 

Biking is a great way to get around Tulum on a budget. You can rent bikes for as little as 8 USD per day. 

I’ve rented bikes from OLA Bikes – it’s a fun way to get to know the area and it’s a nice workout too! For the most part, there are bike paths here and there. But you’ll see a lot of people on bikes in Tulum. 

Aside from bikes, you can use taxis to get around. These are affordable if you are in a group and split the cost. All taxis in Tulum have set fairs that they are required to follow so you don’t have to worry about getting scammed. 

Typically, if you use the same driver, they will give you a discount. Have What’s App downloaded so you can communicate with your driver. Also, know that Uber is not in Tulum.  

7. Eat in Tulum Town 

The food and drinks are where you’ll end up spending the most money. If you want to save money on your meals, I suggest eating most of your meals in Tulum town. The food is absolutely amazing in town and the prices are much cheaper. 

Here are a few of my favorites in Tulum Town! 

• Bonita Burger: One of the best burgers I’ve ever had. 
• Eat at Liefs: A delicious vegan spot. 
• Burrito Amor: Hands down the best burrito I’ve ever had.  
• Matcha Mama: There are a few locations. They offer smoothies, bowls, and other fresh bites. 
• Ki Bok Coffee: For amazing coffee.  
• Taqueria Honorio: Authentic tacos. 
• Antojitos Chiapanecas: More authentic tacos. 
• Batey: Famous for their mojitos. 
• Bajon Vegano: Great vegan tacos. 
• Kosmos Coffee: For more amazing coffee in the beach zone. 
• The restaurant at Hotel Panamera has a lovely atmosphere. (It’s in the beach zone) 
• Kitchen Table in the beach zone.

8. Beach Clubs in Tulum On a Budget 

Tulum has some of the most over-the-top beach clubs you’ll find in Mexico. Many are pretty expensive with a high entrance fee or a steep minimum payment you have to meet. 

However, some beach clubs are more reasonably priced. I suggest visiting either Amansala, Ziggy’s or La Zebra. 

Amansala has an entrance fee of $40, and drinks and food are reasonably priced. Your entrance fee at Amansala includes beach lounges, towels, and access to all of their facilities. They have a volleyball net, pool, hot tub, lots of different seating areas, and of course a stunning beach. 

At Ziggy’s, as long as you purchase something, you can enjoy their beach. We paid for a drink and then enjoyed the beach for a little bit. Bring your towels because you can’t access their lounge chairs unless you pay for them. 

The minimum spend at La Zebra is $50 per person. I’d check during the time that you are visiting the beach club’s websites. Minimum spending and entrance fees tend to fluctuate during the year.  

Ready my guide here all about the best beach clubs in Tulum!

9. Visit a Public Beach 

All beaches in Tulum are public. However, due to beach club entrance fees, some access is not free.   

Regardless, there are plenty of beautiful spots to relax on the beach in Tulum for free. You should visit Las Palmas Public Beach and Playa Paraiso. 

10. Book Local Tours 

If you are looking for affordable activities in Tulum on a budget I suggest booking local tours. Can can find wonderful tours through Airbnb Experiences and Get Your Guide. 

I booked a cenote bike tour through Airbnb Experiences that was hosted by a local guide, it included three cenotes, bikes, and a Mayan snack at the end. This tour was around four hours and only cost $35 each. 

It was the most amazing way to get a taste of local life surrounding Tulum and experience the lush jungles, and seemingly untouched cenotes. I highly recommend this experience, you can book a tour here. 

11. Tulum Happy Hour At The Beach Zone 

If you want to visit a few of the nicer restaurants in the beach zone, I suggest going for happy hour. This will save you money and many hotels and restaurants have two for one drink specials during happy hour. 

Typical drink prices in Tulum’s beach zone will range from 8 to 16 USD. 

12. Visit The Popular Cenotes On Your Own 

Many guided cenote tours in Tulum are expensive. These are typically the tours that take you to the most popular cenotes. 

These cenotes are pretty cool and they are popular for a reason. However, I’d suggest visiting on your own.

For instance, Gran Cenote is probably the most popular cenote in Tulum, and tours and tourists will be visiting all day. So it gets crowded. 

If you plan to visit you’ll want to visit right when the cenote opens (at 8:00 AM) to avoid massive crowds. This way you will have the place practically to yourself and get to enjoy it. The entrance fee is 25 USD which is pretty pricy.  

If you are traveling to Tulum on a budget, I suggest visiting the free cenotes or booking the local guided tour mentioned above for 35 USD. 

13. Admire the Art in Tulum For Free

Tulum is famous for its many art galleries, vibrant street art, and sculptures. If you are an art lover, I suggest just wandering around the Hotel Zone. 

You’ll find unique sculptures, and beautiful interiors at the many hotels, and all sorts of art shops and galleries in the Hotel Zone. You can also find so many murals and street art in Tulum Town. Renting a bike and wandering through the side streets is the best way to see the street art in Tulum Town. 

14. Find Photo Spots in Tulum 

Tulum is a photographer’s dream. As mentioned above there is endless art in Tulum which makes for great photo spots. If you are a photographer, spend an afternoon exploring both zones and shooting photos. This is another free activity in Tulum! 

15. Tulum Ruins vs Chichen Itza Ruins

Although both ruins would be amazing to visit, when in Tulum on a budget I suggest staying local and visiting the Tulum Ruins instead of the Chichen Itza Ruins. 

The Tulum Ruins are right in town and will make for a more affordable activity. The entrance fee is 90 pesos and 58 pesos for the National Park, which is mandatory to access the ruins. 

The Tulum Ruins were built over 820 years ago and over 5000 people lived here. Here, you can get a glimpse into the Mayan civilization’s history and architecture. 

Optional: If you have the time and the budget to visit Chichen Itza, you totally should! This is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. There are various day trips you can book from Tulum. 

Tulum On a Budget Map 

Below is a map with all of the best spots in Tulum mentioned in this article. 

I hope you found this Tulum on a budget guide helpful! If you have any questions about visiting Mexico, comment below or DM me on Instagram. 

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