Tulum is one of the best places to visit in Mexico, popular for its laid-back vibe, ancient Mayan ruins, and postcard-worthy beaches.
Tulum isn’t as big as Playa del Carmen or Cancun, and you won’t find the big all-inclusive resorts here. This once fisherman town used to be a hidden gem – it is not anymore, but after all, there’s a reason or two why all these people choose to visit Tulum every year!
As its fame grew, so did the number of visitors and, therefore, the prices, which is why many people wonder if traveling to Tulum on a budget is even possible. I was wondering the same thing the first time I visited Tulum a few years back. And you’ll be happy to know it is possible!
While it’s true that the cost of accommodation and food has increased in the past few years, you can still enjoy all the wonders that Tulum offers for little money. Read on to discover how to do that and what are the best things to do in Tulum for all budgets!
Is Tulum Expensive?
Tulum is expensive. That is a fact. While it became known as a hipster town with a quiet atmosphere and low prices (especially compared to the likes of Playa del Carmen and Cancun!), its growth in popularity turned it into one of the most visited towns in Riviera Maya, and possibly the priciest (unless you go to the super fancy all-inclusive resorts in Cancun!).
However, it isn’t off limits to travelers who are on a strict budget or unwilling to pay the exorbitant prices that some of the restaurants and hotels in town request. Tulum still possesses its quiet charm and offers affordable hostels, cheap local cuisine, and free attractions.
How To Get To Tulum on a Budget
One of the cheapest ways to get to Tulum is by bus. ADO Bus is Mexico’s main company, and it connects Tulum with most other cities in the Riviera Maya, making it very easy to get there if you are coming from Cancun International Airport or the surrounding towns.
Tickets are also very affordable, and you might find even better deals depending on the time of day you travel. I recommend buying your tickets in advance. Sometimes you can get unlucky and not find availability for same-day routes,
Another great option to get from the Cancun Airport to Tulum is taking a shared shuttle. They might be more expensive than the ADO bus, but with a shuttle, you have the convenience of getting dropped off at your hostel or apartment. While shuttles can take longer because they stop along the way to drop passengers off, they’re a great means of transportation for budget travelers.
How To Get Around Tulum on a Budget
Beware of taxis in Tulum! There’s a sort of taxi mafia in town, and taxi drivers charge an exorbitant amount of money for even the shortest of the rides. I was asked 20 USD for a 1 kilometer (less than a mile) ride, and this was supposedly a good price we got offered because my partner is from a Spanish-speaking country! Even taxis in Manhattan are cheaper, just for you to understand how ridiculous it all is.
I would absolutely suggest you stay away from taxis unless absolutely necessary. This is why a shared shuttle from the airport can be better than the bus, where you get dropped off at the bus station in Tulum Town, and then you have to make your way to your accommodation. Unless you’re staying somewhere within walking distance, it is not worth it as you won’t have a choice but take an overpriced taxi.
For the rest of your stay, rent a bike! It’s honestly the most convenient way to move around, and not only for your budget. Most attractions are located within easy reach of Tulum Town, and the roads are very bike-friendly. In fact, there’s a bike lane covering the entire distance between Tulum town and the Tulum ruins! You’ll find plenty of bike rental shops in town, and it’s fairly cheap to rent them for the day.
For longer distances, take the colectivo. Colectivos are shared shuttles that connect different towns and cities in the Riviera Maya. They’re very cheap and can drop you off at nearby attractions, besides taking you back to Playa del Carmen or Cancun for your onward journey.
Best Free and Cheap Things To Do in Tulum
Swim at the Cenotes in Tulum
There are plenty of things to be done in Tulum, and many of them are very affordable, if not free! Including the cenotes, which in my opinion, are Tulum’s best trait. Cenotes are sinkholes formed over thousands of years, resulting in beautiful natural pools where visitors can swim, snorkel, and cool off on a hot day.
Many visitors choose to join the cenote tours in Tulum, and I don’t blame them. It’s a hassle-free way to visit a few cenotes in a day, and some of the tours can be quite affordable.
But you don’t have to join a tour to visit the sinkholes! Make your way there on your own, and enjoy them at your own pace.
Cenotes in Tulum are not free, but the entrance fee is usually not high, especially for the least popular ones (which are gorgeous nonetheless!).
Among the cheapest cenotes are Cenote Carwash, Cenote Cristal (which includes access to a second cenote), Cenote Angelita, and Casa Cenote, all of them costing around $5. You can spend hours here swimming and basking in the sun. In my opinion, cenotes are even better than beaches.
If you’re on a budget, avoid the most expensive cenotes, such as Cenote Calavera, Gran Cenote, and Cenote Dos Ojos.
Visit the Tulum Ruins
The Tulum Ruins are the town’s main attraction. Dating all the way back to the 13th century, the walled city played a major role in the trade route of the Mayan empire, and it boasts a very advantageous location perched atop a cliff. Where else in the world can you visit ruins with a gorgeous backdrop of white sandy beaches and the Caribbean sea?
The ruins offer some of the most beautiful views you’ll see in Tulum and the chance to learn about the incredible history of the Mayan civilization and its architectural feats.
The Tulum Ruins have an entry fee of 85MXN ($4) at the time of writing or 300MXN ($30) if you want to hire a guide on-site. While the guided tour is fantastic for a deeper understanding of the site, visiting on your own is equally enjoyable and very affordable.
Relax at the Beach in Tulum
Tulum beaches are considered some of the most stunning in all of the Riviera Maya. Featuring turquoise waters and powdery white sand, they offer the perfect spot for relaxing with a drink in hand, practicing watersports, enjoying a seaside lunch, and working on your tan. The best part? Most beaches in Tulum are free.
Among the best ones are Las Palmas Beach, Chamicos Beach, Playa Ruinas (free if you’re visiting the Tulum Ruins), and Playa Pescadores.
Sure, there are plenty of fancy beach clubs in Tulum where you can rent a bed for the day, but they usually come with a pretty expensive price tag. So pack your beach towel, some lunch, and maybe just splurge on a beer or two.
Here’s a complete Tulum packing list to help you pack!
Go on a DIY Taco Tour / Food Tour
As you can probably imagine, food is a big deal in Tulum – we’re in Mexico, after all! And no matter how tight your budget is, you can’t leave without trying the most traditional flavors of the area. My favorite way to do it is by going on a DIY taco tour, checking out some of the best taco spots in town, and stuffing yourself with all the different types there are.
Alternatively, you could join an inexpensive food tour that includes food and beverages, as well as a guide. Depending on how much you can afford to spend on dinner or lunch, one option will be more convenient than the other (especially if you fear you’ll be tempted by all the good options and end up spending way more on your own!)
Go and try tacos at Antojitos la Chiapaneca, Taqueria Honorio, and Burrito Amor in Tulum Town. The tacos in each of those places are mouth-watering!
Spend the Day at Kaan Luum Lagoon
Kaan Luum Lagoon is one of Tulum’s hidden gems, often referred to as its best-kept secret. This massive lagoon is astounding to look at, as the depth difference of its waters makes it appear vividly blue in some sections and incredibly turquoise in others.
Kaan Luum is perfect for swimming, and its warm waters are a good alternative to the fresh, cooler water of the cenotes.
A long pier provides access to the lagoon, and swimming is only allowed in the shallow areas…after all, the deeper sections of the lagoon are over 260 feet deep! It’s a good destination for a day trip, and while the facilities are rather basic, there are toilets available. As for food, I recommend you bring your own picnic!
Visit Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is an hour’s drive north of Tulum and a great city to visit on a day trip. Bigger and livelier than Tulum, it combines the best aspects of city life with the paradisiac beaches you’re surely after in Riviera Maya.
There are numerous things to do in Playa del Carmen besides sunbathing, and these include partying in Coco Bongo, visiting the nearby cenotes, and ziplining in the jungle. But if all these are too expensive for your budget, just get down here and stroll through Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue), the busiest street in Playa del Carmen, and then relax at the beach.
You can easily get to and from Playa del Carmen by Colectivo, a shared shuttle that departs several times a day, and it’s very economical (a couple of dollars per way). The trip takes around 1.5 hours.
Best Cheap Restaurants in Tulum
Eating out in Tulum while on a budget is possible, as there are quite a few cheap restaurants with great food in town.
Taqueria Honorio is one of the best cheap eats in Tulum, as it’s among the most renowned taco eateries in the area, but its prices remain low. Tacos are the main item on the menu, but you can also order freshly-made sandwiches and quesadillas.
El Sudaca is an Argentinian restaurant that specializes in empanadas, a traditional dish of the country. These stuffed pastries are offered with a great variety of fillings and flavors, including several vegetarian options, and are absolutely delicious. The best part is that prices are very accessible.
Burrito Amor is a very local restaurant, and this is reflected both in the prices and rich flavors of its food. Burritos are the main specialty, and they’re offered with vegetarian, meat, or seafood fillings in freshly-made tortillas. Salads and starters are also on the menu, and the prices are incredibly low, especially compared to restaurants in the Tulum beach zone.
Where To Stay in Tulum: Affordable Hotels & Hostels
Tulum Town is undoubtedly where you should stay. The Tulum Beach area mainly features beachfront resorts and high-end hotels that will most certainly escape your budget. Tulum Town, on the other hand, has good-value hotels and quite a few hostels that are very affordable.
Mayan Monkey Hostel is one of them. This highly-rated accommodation features a swimming pool, a bar and restaurant, and a shared kitchen, besides modern dorms and private rooms. A continental breakfast is served daily, and the hostel also offers yoga classes, a variety of activities, and access to coworking spaces.
La Palmita Budget Boutique Hotel features double rooms with a balcony, outdoor furniture, a working desk, and a wardrobe. All rooms are air-conditioned. And some have their own kitchenette with microwave and kettle, while the common areas include a shared full kitchen and a 24-hour front desk.
Bufo Alvarius is an enchanting hotel that offers private rooms with a balcony and rustic decoration that matches the natural surroundings. The bathrooms are shared and equally charming. Outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a garden and terrace, free parking, and a shared kitchen are some of the hotel’s amenities.
Other Tips for Visiting Tulum on a Budget
Visit in the shoulder or low season to get better prices. During the high season, which goes from November to April, the cost of accommodation, transportation, and food increases considerably, decreasing again once the masses of tourists leave. Therefore, visiting in any of the other months will be cheaper.
Make sure to book your trip in advance. You can get fantastic deals when organizing your accommodation and flights ahead of time, whereas last-minute arrangements tend to be even pricier than normal. Planning in advance will also give you some extra time to look around for flights and hotel offers, whose prices usually vary on a daily basis, therefore ensuring you get the best possible deal.
Another very important tip that often goes overlooked is the time of day at which you’ll arrive. Aim to get a flight that arrives during the day, so you don’t have to take a taxi or private transfer from Cancun Airport, which can be very expensive. Instead, take the ADO Bus from the airport to Tulum, which takes around two hours and costs less than $20.
Avoid eating out for all of your meals, and instead, get groceries at the supermarket. Preparing sandwiches to take to the beach or fixing your own breakfast will help you save considerable money. Booking a hotel that includes breakfast is another great money-saving tip!
Author Bio
Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph, a travel blog focused on sustainable and luxury travel. Stefania has been traveling the world full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries. She mostly writes about Mexico and Italy, two of her favorite travel destinations.
