Explore Mexico

Cost To Visit Tulum: Complete 2026 Budget Guide

This Tulum travel cost guide breaks down exactly how much you’ll spend on lodging, food, attractions, and transportation to help you plan your trip.

Is Tulum Expensive to Visit?

Compared to U.S. prices, Tulum can be affordable, but it’s no longer the budget destination it once was. Over the past decade, Tulum has transformed from a sleepy backpacker town into a luxury wellness and eco-chic hotspot. As a result, prices—especially for beachside lodging, fine dining, and tours—can rival those in U.S. cities.

Within Mexico, Tulum is one of the most expensive destinations, alongside Cancun and Los Cabos. However, budget travelers can still visit Tulum affordably by staying in town rather than on the beach and eating at local spots instead of upscale restaurants.

This guide breaks down:

Cheapest and most expensive travel seasons
Where to stay based on your budget
Costs of food, lodging, attractions, and transport
Daily and weekly budget ranges
Day trips from Tulum

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Seasonal Cost

Tulum’s tropical climate means prices vary with weather, tourism waves, and seasonal events.

Peak Season (December–April)

Dry season with sunny, warm weather (77–86°F / 25–30°C)
Most popular time to visit, especially from Christmas to Easter
Hotels, tours, and flights are at their highest prices
Very busy—early bookings recommended

Shoulder Season (May–June, September–early November)

Warmer temps with some humidity and rain
Fewer tourists and more affordable hotels and tours
Great time to visit for fewer crowds and better deals

Off-Season (July–August)

Hot, humid, and the start of hurricane season
Afternoon showers are common, but mornings often stay clear
Deep discounts on hotels, packages, and some flights
Still popular with local tourists and budget travelers

Most Expensive Times To Visit Tulum

Christmas & New Year’s (Dec 20–Jan 5) – extremely high prices
Easter/Semana Santa – domestic holiday period
Art With Me, Zamna Festival, and other events (Jan–Feb) – wellness and music festivals bring crowds
Spring Break (March) – influx of U.S. travelers drives up hotel and tour costs

Cheapest Months To Visit Tulum

September–early November – low tourist traffic and cheaper rates
Late May–June – before summer vacation crowds hit
Mid-August – after peak summer travel ends

Where You Stay

Tulum is split between Tulum Pueblo (the town) and Tulum Beach (Zona Hotelera). Your location drastically impacts how much you’ll spend.

Most Expensive Areas To Stay

Tulum Beach (Zona Hotelera)
- Luxury eco-resorts, boho boutique hotels, beachfront cabanas
- Most expensive area, especially on the southern end of the beach
- Near: Yoga studios, beach clubs, fine dining
Aldea Zama
- Modern residential development between town and beach
- Luxury condos and boutique hotels
- Quieter and upscale but walkable to both beach and town

Affordable Areas To Stay

Tulum Pueblo (Town)
- Budget hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs
- More authentic and local, with walkable streets and taquerias
- Near: ADO Bus Station, restaurants, bike rentals
La Veleta
- Emerging neighborhood with boutique Airbnbs and small hotels
- Cheaper than the beach but newer and trendy
- Farther from beach (requires bike, scooter, or taxi)

Cheapest Areas To Stay

Colonia Tumben Kah / Villas Tulum
- Primarily local residential neighborhoods
- Cheap long-term rentals and no-frills guesthouses
- Far from beach, limited public transit access

Tulum Vacation Costs

Here’s what you can expect to spend in Tulum across categories.

Average Accommodation Cost (Per Night)

Budget traveler
- Hostels or guesthouses in town or La Veleta
- Shared dorms or simple private rooms
- Some include free breakfast
Moderate traveler
- Boutique hotels or mid-range Airbnbs in Aldea Zama or town
- 2–3 star hotels with A/C, Wi-Fi, pool access
Luxury traveler
- Eco-resorts, beachfront cabanas, designer villas
- Full-service spas, private beach access, organic restaurants

Food Cost (Per Person, Per Day)

Budget
- Tacos, tortas, empanadas from street vendors
- Local restaurants and markets
- MX$150–250 / USD $9–$15
Moderate
- Beachfront or mid-range restaurants
- Fusion, vegan, or international dining
- MX$300–600 / USD $18–$36
Luxury
- Fine dining at beach clubs or resort restaurants
- Wine, cocktails, organic tasting menus
- MX$800+ / USD $48+

Transportation Cost

Bicycle rental
- Most popular and budget-friendly option
- MX$150–250 / USD $9–$15 per day
Scooter rental
- Faster way to get between beach and town
- MX$400–600 / USD $24–$36 per day
Taxi
- Expensive, especially from town to beach
- MX$150–300 / USD $9–$18 per ride
- Prices are not always metered
Colectivos (shared vans)
- Local and very cheap
- MX$20–50 / USD $1–$3 per ride
Rental car
- Useful for cenote or ruins day trips
- MX$800–1,200 / USD $48–$72 per day

Attractions

Tulum Ruins – MX$95 / USD $5.50
Cenote Dos Ojos – MX$350 / USD $21
Gran Cenote – MX$200 / USD $12
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Tour – MX$1,500–2,500 / USD $90–$150
Tulum Tower (Observation Deck) – MX$250 / USD $15
Beach Clubs (entry + minimum spend) – MX$500–1,000 / USD $30–$60

Day Trips From Tulum

Coba Ruins
- Ancient Mayan pyramid and jungle site
- 45 mins by car or colectivo
- Entry: MX$100 / USD $6
- Round trip transport: MX$200–400 / USD $12–$24
Sian Ka’an Biosphere
- Protected nature reserve with wildlife, lagoons, and snorkeling
- Day tours: MX$1,500–2,500 / USD $90–$150
- Includes transportation, lunch, and guide
Valladolid
- Colonial city with cenotes and local culture
- 1.5–2 hours by car
- Round trip by bus: MX$300 / USD $18
- Cenote entrance: MX$100–250 / USD $6–$15
Cenote Trail/Route (Cenote Calavera, Carwash, and others)
- Multiple cenotes near Tulum accessible by bike, scooter, or car
- Entry: MX$100–350 / USD $6–$21 each
- Combo tours available for multiple cenotes

Daily Budget (Per Person)

Budget Traveler
- Stay in a hostel, eat local food, bike everywhere
- Visit free beaches and a cenote or ruins
- USD $35–$55 per day
Moderate Traveler
- Boutique hotel or Airbnb, mix of street food and restaurants
- 1–2 tours or excursions
- USD $80–$130 per day
Luxury Traveler
- Beachfront resort, fine dining, guided eco-tours
- Wellness experiences and private transport
- USD $250–$400+ per day

Weekly Budget (7 Days)

Budget Traveler
- Lodging: $150–$250
- Food: $80–$120
- Transport: $30–$50
- Attractions: $50–$100
- Total: $310–$520
Moderate Traveler
- Lodging: $500–$800
- Food: $150–$250
- Transport: $60–$100
- Attractions: $100–$150
- Total: $810–$1,300
Luxury Traveler
- Lodging: $1,500+
- Food: $350+
- Transport: $150+
- Attractions: $200+
- Total: $2,200+

Flight Cost

Tulum’s new international airport (Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport - TQO) is expected to be fully operational in 2026, which may bring down prices and allow direct flights from major U.S. cities.

Average round-trip flights in 2026:

Peak Season: $500–$850
Shoulder Season: $400–$650
Off-Season: $300–$500

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