Tulum on A Budget: 13 Expert Tips for An Affordable Trip
Last Updated on January 31, 2023
If you’ve been longing to visit the vacation hotspot of Tulum, but the costs are holding you back, I’ve got good news! It is possible to visit Tulum on a budget. Find out how to experience this chic beach haven without breaking the bank.
When is the last time you had a vacation so perfect that you considered burning your passport and staying forever? It’s like this for me every time I go to Tulum. After many trips there over the last 10+ years, I’m sharing my best tips for visiting Tulum on a budget so others can experience this too!
Tulum is located about two hours south of Cancun, at the southern edge of the Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. Ten years ago it was a sleepy vacation spot for hippies and backpackers. Now, Tulum’s eco-chic boutique hotels, hip beach bars and trendy restaurants are on everyone’s bucket list. While Tulum isn’t one of the cheapest travel destinations, it’s still possible to get some beach bliss in Tulum on a budget.
Be warned, though, that part of Tulum’s charm is its chilled out Eco-vibe. There are lots of inexpensive and budget hotels here, including Tulum glamping options.
Want your own private space in Tulum? Don’t miss my guide to the best Airbnbs in Tulum, with options for every type of traveler and budget!
This post is packed with tons of tips and links with my best tips from many Tulum trips, so be sure to pin it for later!
I independently evaluate all of my recommendations. I might receive compensation for any links you click on my site. Learn more.
In this Budget Tulum Guide
Travel off-peak season | Cheap flights | Airport transportation | Things to do | Staying in town | Cheap beach stays | Budget restaurants | Grocery stores | Getting around | Beaches + beach clubs | Happy hours | Set your budget | Managing expectations
Tulum on a Budget Travel Basics
Tulum Haphazard Rating: 1 of 5. The only worry you have in Tulum is getting here and then not wanting to leave!
To Instagram: Mayan ruins overlooking the sea, cenotes, white sand beaches with blue waters
To Eat: Tacos on the beach, local fish and ceviche, specialty local cocktails and meals at chic restaurants and bars
When to Go: For the best flight and hotel deals, try May – November; avoid holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, Day of the Dead, Semana Santa, and spring break
Tulum on a Budget Step 1: Book Early + Travel Off-Season
For the best prices on hotels and flights, book as far in advance as possible (3 months for some dates). You’re likely to find the best deals during off-peak season from May – October. This is also Tulum’s warmest and rainiest season. But showers here tend to be short and intense, so likely the sun will back out before you know it!
For where to stay, I’ve got great affordable Tulum hotel selections for you below, including some with kitchens to save on meal costs.
Step 2: Snag a Cheap Flight
The closest airport to Tulum is Cancun (CUN), which has direct flights from many cities in the U.S.
I find the best prices lately on Google Flights, where you can easily set alerts for your preferred dates.
Also sign up for the free Scott’s Cheap Flights mailing list, which sends you daily emails with cheap deals from your preferred airports.
Search flights to Cancun | Sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights
Check routes from your area and see which airlines generally have the lowest prices and direct flights. Consider other nearby cities that are airline hubs (like Houston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Baltimore, etc.). Sign up for direct alerts from airlines like JetBlue and Southwest which also fly to the Caribbean, but might not be part of the search site alerts.
Book Direct with the Airline
I recommend using sites like Google and Kayak to search for flights, but then booking on the airline’s site. Right now, with many travel delays and flight cancellations, it’s best to book with the airline so that you can deal with them directly rather than a third party if problems arise.
By booking direct, you can be clear on the prices for luggage. And this is also the best way to avoid extra last-minute charges: if for some reason the routing changes or flight gets cancelled, the airline is more likely to rebook your flight. A third-party aggregator might instead refund your flight, leaving you to purchase a last-minute fare.
Prices to Cancun
Cancun flight prices tend to drop in the fall and again in the late spring. By booking early and watching flight prices, it’s possible to grab a flight for $200-$300 from many cities in the U.S.
Arrive Early
Whenever possible, try to book a flight that arrives early in the day. This will give you plenty of time to get from the airport to Tulum. It’s always easiest to arrive in a new place and get your bearings while it’s still daylight outside.
Step 3: Get from Cancun to Tulum on a Budget
Tulum is located about 1.5 – 2 hours south of the Cancun Airport. The cheapest way to get to Tulum is by taking a bus which leaves directly from the airport. But if you’re traveling with a group, you could also book a shared van or even rent a car. I’ve got tips for each
ADO Buses
Mexico’s largest bus company, ADO, has routes between major cities in the region. Their buses are comfortable, clean, inexpensive, and easy to use. Buses run directly from station to station, without stopping at any hotels along the way.
During peak season, tickets might sell out, so it’s best to reserve ahead of time. You can use the app Busbud to book ahead of time in English, including reserving your seat selection. Round trip tickets are currently around $40.
Check ADO bus routes | Reserve tickets with Busbud
Pro tip: There is also a bus station in the Cancun Centro, so be sure to book your ticket from the Cancun Aeropuerto to Tulum Centro.
If you prefer to book your ticket on arrival in case of delays, you can purchase your ticket from the ADO counter after exiting customs (it will be in the hallway with the car rental agencies). Or you can go outside and check at the ADO stand directly.
Shuttle Transfer from Cancun to Tulum
If you’re traveling with a group, you might prefer to book a private shuttle from Cancun to Tulum and split the cost. If you have 4 or more in your group, it will be about the same price as taking the bus. Happy Shuttle below is one of the best-rated services on TripAdvisor.
There are also shared shuttle services but reviews are mixed; I recommend checking recent reviews and decide if the bus or shared shuttle is a better option for you.
Book private transfer with Happy Shuttle | Reserve a shared shuttle
Renting a Car
If you have a group of friends or family traveling together, you can also rent a car. This is a good option if you plan to take day trips in the area or want to have your own vehicle to explore.
Driving in the region is relatively easy, but be aware that renting a car can bring added costs and headaches. Rental fees include only the required insurance, and if you waive additional insurance they will often require a high deposit on your credit card ($2500 or more depending on the vehicle). Also in Tulum, parking at beach hotels can be limited, and traffic gets congested along the beach road.
Be sure to grab all of my tips on renting a car in Mexico. It includes how to save money on insurance by using your credit card, and you can download a guide to road signs.
Step 4: Plan On Just 1-2 Activities And A Lot Of Relaxing
I once spent five days in Tulum moving from beach lounger to onsite restaurant to hotel room, then starting the circuit again the next day. A nice man brought me drinks and tacos whenever I wanted, and it was the most blissed-out five days of my life.
But, if this is your first trip to the region, I recommend a few activities as part of your itinerary. Top tips: visiting the Mayan ruins on a cliff overlooking the sea (the only ruins by the sea in Mesoamerica) and swimming in a cenote. Want more tips? Get all my best advice on Tulum sights and tours.
Tulum Ruins
The most affordable way to visit the ruins is on your own, by reading the signs at each ruin, which are in Spanish and English. In this way you can explore at your own pace. Pay in pesos at the entrance, around 85 pesos ($4 USD). Pay a little more to take the train from the parking lot to the ruins rather than walk. There is an additional fee for parking.
You can also hire a licensed guide at the entrance for around $30 U.S. If you’ve never seen Mayan ruins before, consider springing for one. They can be hired at the entrance for around $30.
I recommend going early in the day and bringing a bathing suit. You can take stairs down to the beach for a swim to cool off after touring the ruins.
Love ruins and history in your travels? Check out my guide to the best Mexico ruins including Tulum!
Cenotes Near Tulum
Cenotes are sinkholes found throughout the Yucatán. They were created by collapsing limestone, then filled by underground springs. Some are open to the sky, while others are more like swimming in a cave.
I recommend Zacil Ha, or nearby Aktun Ha, also known as “Cenote Carwash.” You won’t need a wetsuit since both are open cenotes, plus at Zacil Ha there are loungers, a snack bar, etc. It’s refreshing on a hot day, and a totally unique Yucatán experience!
There’s also one cenote located on the beach road, toward the end of the hotel zone on the jungle side of the road at km 10. It’s Cenote Encantado, and you can easily take a colectivo van or ride a bike to get there if you’re staying on the beach road.
If you visit Cenote Encantado, don’t miss visiting the Kaan Luum lagoon nearby.
Budget Tours
You can also find some great budget tour options from Airbnb Experiences like taco tours and cenote tours by bike. These have become one of my favorite ways to find more local and authentic experiences when I travel.
Search all Tulum Airbnb Experiences
Budget Tulum Step 5: Stay Part or All of Your Trip in Tulum Pueblo (Town)
In Tulum, you have a few options of what area to stay in: Tulum pueblo, the beach road south, and the beach road north. You can even stay inside Sian Ka’an, the biosphere reserve past the hotel zone. Since it’s so remote, though, it’s not an affordable Tulum option.
Check out the map below to get an idea of where Tulum Town is in relation to Tulum Beach and ruins.
Tulum Town (Pueblo) Budget Hotel Suggestions
My first trip to Tulum, I stayed in town for 3 of my 6 nights. For the first few days, this let me have easy access to the ruins and cenotes for snorkeling. Plus I saved a little money to splurge on the beach part of the trip.
I TOTALLY recommend this method for a more affordable Tulum trip. We enjoyed a few days of cenotes and ruins and then retired to a beachfront cabana for 3 nights. Tulum town has many boutique hotel options if you still want to feel a little posh.
Based on my own Tulum trips and hobby of hotel stalking, I suggest scoping out these budget Tulum Town hotel options around $100/night or less.
Coco Hacienda Tulum | Tulum on a Budget Hotel in Town
AC, pool and spa center, free WiFi, restaurant on-site. Adults-only hotel. Exceptional reviews! Check out their Insta!
Coco Hacienda: Check rates and availability on Booking.com ⫸
Hotel Posada 06 Tulum | Budget Tulum Pueblo Hotel
AC, pool, free Wifi, breakfast included. Check out their Insta!
Hotel Posada 6: Check rates and availability on Booking.com ⫸
Xscape Tulum | Budget Tulum Pueblo Hotel
AC, pool, free Wifi, restaurant on-site. Check out their Instagram!
Xscape Tulum: Check rates and availability on Booking.com ⫸
Sanah Villa | Stylish Tulum Airbnb in Town
This stylish yet affordable Moroccan-styled Tulum villa with a private pool is set in the jungle of Tulum town. AC, pool, free WiFi plus optional puxury amenities like massages. This is a spectacular Tulum budget option if you want a secluded location with your own pool!
Sanah Villas: Check availability and pricing ⫸
Mango Tulum | Tulum Budget Hotel in Town
AC, pool, free Wifi, restaurant onsite. Super affordable at $50/night and great reviews! Check out their Insta!
Mango Tulum: Check rates and availability on Booking.com ⫸
Mayan Monkey Hostel
This new hostel is located on the road from Tulum town to the beach, and has rates starting at just $12 or around $50 for a private room! Great reviews of the common spaces, pool and nightly DJ. Check out their Instagram!
Mayan Monkey Hostel: Check rates and availability on Booking.com ⫸
If you like mid-century design, check out my review of Hotel Tiki Tiki – a budget boutique hotel in Tulum Town!
Step 6: Or Find A Budget Hotel Deal On the Tulum Playa (Beach)
To find Tulum beach hotels, select “beach” as an amenity in your search, or use a map or this link to search only the beachfront hotels in the “Zona Hotelera”. If you book early or during the low season, it’s possible to find some great deals.
Keep in mind that if you don’t book a beachfront hotel, you might need to pay a daily fee for a lounger or order a minimum amount of food and drinks. This includes the few hotels located on the jungle side of the road without their own beach access. Read the fine print of the hotel description to know what your amenities are – especially if breakfast is included. Also be sure your selection has a private bath: some cabanas have shared bathrooms.
Budget Tulum Beach Hotels: Beach Road South
Driving from Tulum town toward the beach, you’ll have an option to go left or right along the beach road. If you turn right, the Tulum Beach Road South is where most of the hotels, restaurants, and bars are located. It’s easier to walk and bike to get to things here, and parking is limited.
Check out my affordable Tulum beach hotel options under $200/night for a Tulum getaway on the beach road south. Try different dates since they can vary widely based on bookings and season. Some have AC overnight and all have the option of private baths.
Zamas | Budget Beachfront Tulum Hotel
Bungalows and rooms, some with ocean views, with AC and a pool! Gorgeous beachfront with free Wifi in public areas. Check out their Insta!
Zamas: Click to check rates and availability on Booking.com ⫸
Rosa Del Viento | Beachfront Tulum Hotel
One of the last hotels on the beach road, but this hotel has a nice private beach and included breakfast. AC, and free Wifi in public areas.
Rosa Del Viento: Click to check rates and availability on Booking.com ⫸
Playa Xcanan Tulum | Tulum on a Budget Beachfront Hotel
Playa Xcanan is one of the most affordable Tulum beachfront options. it includes a free breakfast, WiFi, and terraces with a hammock. They also offer family rooms with up to 3 beds.
Playa Xcanan: Check rates and availability on Booking.com ⫸
Posada del Sol Tulum | Tulum Beach Hotel
This beach hotel spans both sides of the beach road. The budget rooms are on the jungle side and are one of the most affordable stays along the beach road! AC, free Wifi in public areas and included continental breakfast. Check out their Instagram!
Posada del Sol: Check rates and availability on Booking.com ⫸
Casa Ganesh Tulum | Beachfront Tulum on a Budget Hotel
Casa Ganesh is a budget, pet-friendly hotel in a great location at km 7.6, right across the street from the best restaurants in Tulum. AC overnight, WiFi, and private bathrooms. There’s no restaurant onsite, but plenty of options nearby.
Casa Ganesh Tulum: Check rates and availability on Booking.com ⫸
Coco Tulum | Beachfront Tulum Hotel
Coco Tulum is a classic Tulum hotel: whitewashed decor, a beach bar with swings and a gorgeous private beach. There are rooms on both the beach and jungle side of the road, some with shared baths. Amenities include yoga classes, spa facilities and an onsite restaurant. Coco Tulum is a fun place to stay with friends – there are lots of rooms available, so you can book a few if needed. AC, WiFi and breakfast included in the room rate.
Coco Tulum: Check pricing and availability on Booking.com ⫸
A few more budget options on the Beach Road South in case those are booked:
- Selina Tulum, if rooms with shared baths are available
- Las Palmas Maya jungle cabanas with a shared kitchen
Budget Tulum Beach Hotels: Beach Road North
The beach road north is quieter, and people who really want to “get away” will like this area because the beach hotels here feel so much more secluded. I imagine it’s what Tulum used to be like before its popularity exploded in recent years. To stay here, you should have a car or be ready to take taxis, since there are fewer restaurants close by.
I’ve got several budget options plus some affordable luxury hotel options on the Beach Road North for you under $200.
Playa Esperanza | Budget Beachfront Tulum Hotel
Playa Esperanza is one of the cheapest beachfront hotels in Tulum. Each room has its own balcony for views of Tulum’s stunning beaches. Keep in mind: some rooms have shared baths, and electricity hours are limited in the room. But there is a restaurant and bar on site and you’ll step right from your cabana onto the beaches of Las Palmas beach.
Check rates and availability on Booking.com ⫸
Cinco Tulum Glamping
The Cinco Tulum glamping yurts are on the North Beach Road, just south of the Tulum ruins beach. Bathrooms are shared, but each tent has its own patio. The camp has a restaurant and bar, and a continental breakfast is included. This is a low-key, relaxing Tulum escape where you can just chill out and wake up to the sound of waves every day.
Check Cinco Tulum availability on Booking.com ⫸
Villa Pescadores | Beachfront Tulum Hotel
If you want to simply chill for several days while pretending you’re a movie star, I recommend staying at the beachfront Villa Pescadores. This is the place that made me consider burning my passport! You can kick off your shoes and never put them on again until you leave. It has 18 cabanas all with a private bath and AC overnight, and electricity all hours. Wifi is available in the rooms and at the beach. They have a great restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner — plus servers who will bring you food and drinks on the beach so you never have to leave your lounger! Check out their Instagram!
Villa Pescadores: Check rates and availability on Booking.com ⫸
Poc Na Tulum | Budget Tulum Beachfront Hotel
This is my new top pick for budget beachfront stays in Tulum! Great reviews and affordable Tulum room options, but most without AC. Beachfront, Wifi in lobby, breakfast included.
Poc Na: Check rates and availability on Booking.com ⫸
El Paraiso Tulum
El Paraiso is a small resort located just south of the Tulum ruins beach. Its 10 rooms each feature AC, TVs and private baths. Amenities include a restaurant, bar and beach club, and breakfast is included in the room rate.
El Paraiso: Check room rates on Booking.com ⫸
Ikal Tulum
Ikal Tulum is less than a mile from the beach at the Tulum ruins, on a quiet stretch of beach between the Playa Maya public beach and Playa Paraiso. Ikal has a striking rustic design and offers spa services, yoga classes and an onsite restaurant. Free parking; breakfast available but not included.
Ikal Tulum: Check pricing and availability on Booking.com ⫸
Want more tips on beachfront stays in Tulum? Check out my full guide to Tulum beach accommodation, including boutique hotels, luxury stays and villas for a group!
Where to Stay in Tulum: Best Tulum Beach Hotels, Resorts & Villas
Tulum has a seductive hold over many vacation-goers thanks to its stunning setting and beach hotels that let you step from your room right into sugary-soft white sand. Find out the best places to stay for a dream vacation, honeymoon or girls’ trip here!
Budget Tulum Step 7: Eat at Smaller Local Spots
Tulum Pueblo is full of great local restaurants and street food. Check out Burritos Amor, Tropi-Q, Pizzeria Manglar, Suculenta Tamaleria, Fonda Huauzontle, Taqueria Honoria (breakfast and lunch only), and Antojitos La Chiapaneca (which is about a block from the bus station if you arrive hungry!).
Along the beach road, things get pricier! I recommend a few low-key and affordable Tulum beach options:
Taqueria Eufemia – located around km 10, a spot popular with locals because of their cheap but tasty tacos and fun vibe.This spot is closed! It was always hard to find, so I don’t want you to be searching for when it’s actually closed. 🙁- Safari Tulum at km. 8 by the Tulum Jungle Gym, they’re known for their octopus tacos, chill vibes, and kitchen in a vintage Airstream trailer! Instagram here.
- Restaurant Tunich – at km 5.5, a cute and friendly cafe for breakfast and brunch with great reviews.
- Ziggy Beach Bar – at km 7, cocktails, live music and legendary tuna nachos. Check out their Instagram
Budget Tulum Step 8: Tulum Grocery Stores
You’ll also find two grocery stores where you can pick up supplies in Tulum on a budget. If your room or rental has a kitchenette, or if you just want some snacks or quick breakfast items, check out the markets in Tulum including their two grocery stores.
The Super Aki Tulum is smaller with a limited selection, while the Super Chedraui is more like a Super Wal-Mart. Super Aki is on the corner when you turn onto the road to the beach from town (map here), and Super Chedraui is a little further toward the beach road (map here).
Bring plastic zip bags or containers if you’ll keep fruit or sweets out in a cabana, to protect them from ants.
Don’t miss my Tulum packing list for more tips on what to take along!
Tulum Packing List: What To Wear In Tulum + Outfits Inspo
Pack light and chic for your Tulum, Mexico getaway! My Tulum packing list will help you be ready for a perfect vacation in any season, including weather info and extras based on activities.
Step 9: Getting Around Tulum on a Budget
If you arrive in Tulum via bus, you’ll most likely need to take a taxi to your hotel. You can withdraw cash from the ATM in the airport or bus station (although their exchange rates might not be great) or get some pesos ahead of time to pay for your taxi.
Renting a Bicycle
Once in Tulum, many travelers get around by bike. You can rent them for around $5 a day, or look for a hotel or rental that provides them for guests.
Taxis in Tulum
Uber isn’t available in Tulum, so taxis are your best option for traveling between the beach and town, or for getting to cenotes. Taxis generally aren’t metered. Just agree on a price with the driver before you get in.
Step 10: Use Public Beaches and Beach Clubs for Beach Access
While some hotels might restrict access to their beachfront, all Mexico beaches are technically public beaches. Some of the easiest places to access the beach are Playa Paraiso and Playa Pescadores – check out my guide to all of the Tulum beaches for more details.
Tulum Beach Clubs
Tulum’s beachfront hotels often have a resort beach club that you can visit for the day. If you’re not a guest, you’ll usually need to pay a fee, which can be applied to your food and drink bill. But meals and drinks can quickly add up here at these luxury spots.
For more affordable options, look for independent beach clubs or budget hotel bars. On the Tulum South Beach, check out Ziggy’s Beach, Mia Restaurant & Beach Club, and Akiin Beach Tulum.
In the Tulum North Beach, try Santa Fe Tulum Beach Club, Beach Club ZZK (at Zazil-Kin Hotel), Coral Azul Restaurant & Beach Club, Maia Restaurant.
Step 11: Go to Happy Hour vs. Beach Parties
One of the quickest ways to go over budget on your Tulum vacation is that your restaurant and bar tabs can quickly add up. Particularly expensive drinks at beachfront bars and restaurants.
Although Tulum is known for its nightlife, your budget will go farther taking advantage of happy hour specials. Plus, the lighting will be better for Instagram photos of you with a tropical drink!
At the beach, check out Ziggy’s Beach Club and Mateo’s, which is a great spot for sunset with beach views beach and live music for happy hour. In town, try Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar.
Step 12: Plan Your Budget Ahead of Time
If you want to stick to a budget in Tulum, you’ll need to plan ahead and decide what your priorities are. If you want to stay on the beach, you’ll probably need to save money on restaurants and activities.
If your priority is being able to spend more on tours and nightlife to really experience Tulum, consider booking a glamping or hostel option to maximize your budget.
Tulum on a Budget Step 13: Adjust Your Expectations
Tulum is a truly unique destination, with spectacular beaches, ruins with a stunning view of the coast, and a laid-back vibe. It’s not going to be a a polished, all-inclusive experience, and there will probably be frustrations with visiting such a popular destination. But relax and embrace the beach bliss – you’re in one of the most sought-after getaways in the world!
Can’t Get Enough of Mexico Travel?
Have you dreamed of visiting Mexico for Day of the Dead? Find out how to plan your own trip and experience the unique traditions of Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca!
Looking for another great Mexico beach destination? Check out my guides to visiting the beaches of Todos Santos and La Paz in Baja California Sur or more than 15 beaches in the state of Oaxaca!
More Tulum Tips and Resources
- Grab my Tulum Packing List to know exactly what to take for your dream getaway!
- Get my full Guide to Tulum Beachfront Hotels
- Check out Tulum weather from Holiday-Weather.com
- Tulum restaurant tips from Eater.com
- Renting a car? Get my best tips for Driving in Mexico
- Check out my review of Hotel Tiki Tiki, a Tulum mid-century style gem
Pin these Tulum on a Budget tips!
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