With enchanting cenotes, white sandy Caribbean beaches, and Mayan ruins, Tulum lives up to the hype. It’s a bucket list destination for people around the world, which has led to rapid development over the past ten years and made Tulum a more expensive vacation spot.
Yet it is completely possible to explore Tulum on a budget—I did it and you can too! After spending a month and a half living in Tulum, I’ve complied my top recommendations for cheap things to do in Tulum, along with Tulum budget tips to keep you from breaking the bank.
Whether you’re spending a few days or a few months in this magical part of Mexico, I hope my Tulum budget travel guide helps you maximize your trip!
Note: This article may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through these links, at no cost to you. But don’t worry, I only share products I’d truly recommend to a friend.
👙 My Tulum Favorites 🌴
🐠 Muyil River Float: This one-of-a-kind adventure involves exploring a turquoise lagoon and floating down a natural lazy river, just a few minutes south of Tulum! Read my full guide to the Muyil River Float.
🌊 Beach Days: Escape to the soft golden sandy Tulum beach by either staying at a waterfront hotel, booking a day pass at a beach club, or relaxing at a public beach. If you’re staying in downtown Tulum, riding a bike to the beach can be fun (but it gets hot!)
🥾 Mayan Ruins: Step back in time at the breathtaking cliffside Tulum ruins, or venture further to see one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza. This highly-rated Chichen Itza day trip also includes a visit to my favorite colonial town (Valladolid) and a gorgeous cenote.
👙 Cenote Hopping: A trip to Tulum is not complete without swimming in a few gorgeous cenotes. Visit three lesser known cenotes on this Tulum cenote tour with a local guide.
🌺 Where to Stay: Breathtaking ocean front rooms at Habitas Tulum (luxurious ecoresort), airy suites with private pools at Hotel Shibari (hotel with private cenote), treehouse villas with private jungle pools at Rubi Tulum (one-of-a-kind jungle resort), or moody boho suites with private pools at Hotel Bardo (adults-only hotel near downtown Tulum).
Find more of my Mexico favorites and Tulum travel tips at the bottom of this article!
How to Visit Tulum on a Budget
Mexico is full of budget friendly beach destinations—but Tulum isn’t necessarily one of them. It’s easy to spend several hundreds of dollars (or thousands) per night on accommodations here, plus loads more for transportation, food, drinks, and activities.
But it is also possible to find affordable, clean, cute hotels a little further from the beach, eat incredible food each day, and explore the area’s best cenotes, lagoons, beaches, and other attractions without spending too much.
And if you want to plan an affordable Tulum vacation, you’ve come to the right place! But before we get into my Tulum budget tips and list of cheap things to do, let’s cover a few FAQs.
How much does a Tulum trip cost?
If you stay in a hotel on the beach, take taxis, and eat at trendy restaurants, you can spend thousands of dollars in Tulum. However, if you choose cheaper accommodations in the downtown area, eat street food, and use local forms of transportation, you can spend a week in Tulum for less than a thousand dollars.
Is Tulum expensive?
Tulum is one of the most expensive places in Mexico. The cost of living has increased significantly since Tulum blew up online in the early 2010s, but the local Mexican population continues to live with very low income. Visitors from countries like the U.S. will find beach hotels and restaurants with similar prices to the U.S., but there are plenty of ways you can enjoy Tulum on a budget.
Tulum’s only FREE cenote, one of my favorite places to visit in Tulum on a budget
The Best Cheap Things to Do in Tulum
1. Lounge at Playa Paraiso
I could spend every day of my life reading by the water in a lounge chair. But in Tulum, beach clubs and oceanfront hotels are pricey (think minimum $40 USD per person).
My favorite spot to rent a lounge chair for cheap is at Playa Paraiso, a public beach popular amongst Tulum locals and expats.
Right at the entrance of the beach there is a lowkey beach bar with lounge chairs and umbrellas. You can rent two chairs and an umbrella for $320 pesos ($17 USD) a day.
If you want to spend less and don’t mind not having an umbrella, you can set up a spot on the beach with a beach towel for free.
As an added bonus, Playa Paraiso has plenty of free parking for bikes and scooters.
2. Explore Tulum’s secret free Cenote (and other cenotes)
You know those breathtaking natural sinkholes with turquoise water that are all over Instagram and Pinterest? They are called cenotes but most are privately owned and difficult to get to with hefty entrance fees.
Very few visitors know that there is a FREE cenote within walking distance of downtown Tulum! Cenote Aldea Zama is a small cenote, but it is gorgeous nonetheless and a perfect spot to take a dip on a hot day.
It is worth noting that this free Tulum cenote is a popular spot for local families and it can get quite crowded at certain times of day. If you’re okay with potentially sharing the small cenote with several local kids, definitely check it out!
Tulum’s other cenotes are also worth exploring, although each have entry fees and you’ll need a scooter, car, or other transport to get to them. Alternatively, you can consider booking a cenote tour with a local guide.
3. Bike to the beach
Renting a bike is the most affordable way to explore Tulum (other than walking), and its also a lot of fun! Bicycles are available to rent on nearly every street and they cost around $8 USD per day.
If you end up staying in Tulum Centro rather than a beach resort, you’ll be a few miles from the beach. Thankfully, the spacious sidewalk between downtown and the Tulum beach road is frequented by cycling tourists all day long, and there are bike racks at the entrances to most beaches and shops.
Do keep in mind that the bike ride from Tulum Centro to the nearest public beach can take upwards of an hour. Avoid making this trip in the heat of midday, and make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks. If you’re trying to figure out which beach to visit, check out Playa Las Palmas which is the closest free public beach.
4. Visit the Tulum ruins
Although I’ve had the chance to visit dozens of archeological sites across Latin America, Europe, and Asia, I have to say that Tulum’s ruins are some of the most beautiful.
Tulum’s ancient Mayan city is situated along cliffs beside the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean. The views are incredible to say the least, and the ruins are intriguing as well, though the site is much smaller than places like Chichen Itza, Teotihuacan, and Tikal.
However, don’t miss a visit to the ruins if you’re in Tulum. The entry fee is $90 pesos (about $4.50 USD) and the ruins are open everyday from 9-5pm, making it one of the best budget-friendly things to do in Tulum!
5. Try local street food
Restaurants in Tulum (especially along the beach) can get pricey. But since you’re in Mexico, eating local food is probably one of the top things on your to-do list!
Thankfully, the most local foods are also the cheapest food. To find some local street food, head into Tulum Centro. One of the best spots for taco trucks is outside the OXXO convenience store on the corner of highway 307 and C. Geminis Sur. Each night, this area lights up as swarms of locals and tourists come to grab a quick, delicious meal.
You might also like: Guide to the Best Vegan Restaurants in Tulum
Relaxing at a rooftop bar, one of my favorite cheap things to do in Tulum
6. Chill at a Rooftop Pool Bar
There are several rooftop bars with pools in Tulum Centro. And surprisingly, out of the ones I’ve visited, they tend to not be too busy even in the height of tourist season.
Typically, paying for a drink (or two) and snacks grants you access to luxurious lounge chairs and a pool with a view. These rooftop pool bars are the perfect place to relax for a few hours (or longer) if you don’t want to make the trek to the beach.
One of my favorite spots is Casa Vegana, a vegan restaurant and rooftop pool bar. It’s one of the nicest vegan restaurants in town, and a great place to hang out. Their menu items aren’t super cheap, but its still more affordable than a lot of restaurants along the beach. Their infinity pool is small but sufficient to cool down after sunbathing while sipping a delicious drink.
7. Attend a donation-based yoga class
I love yoga, but I was shocked when I saw the prices of yoga classes in Tulum. Most studios charge more than I pay in the US. Then I found Om Collective.
Om Collective Tulum is a fully donation-based yoga studio in Tulum Centro. They offer classes everyday at 8am, 10am, 12pm, 6pm, and 8pm. You can find their daily schedules on Facebook or Instagram.
I encourage you to give generously so they can keep offering classes in Tulum.
8. Explore free activities on Tudu Tulum
The Tudu Tulum app is the best place to see free (and cheap) events in Tulum. It’s a great place to hear about places with free live music, yoga classes, and more.
If you’re curious about what is going on in town during your trip, be sure to download the app ahead of time!
Floating down ancient Mayan Canals at Sian Kaan
Affordable day trips from Tulum
There are so many places worth exploring nearby Tulum. Some can be reached by colectivo (shared van) for a few dollars, but others may require a rental car or guided tour. Some of the best day trips from Tulum include:
9. Sian Ka’an Nature Reserve
There is a gigantic nature reserve right outside of Tulum. It’s called Sian Ka’an and can be easily accessed by car or scooter. Sian Ka’an is an incredible place to experience local wildlife—dolphins, manatees, crocodiles, turtles, and more. Be prepared to pay the entry fee, plus extra if you want to take a tour.
Floating down the natural lazy river at Sian Kaan was one of my all-time favorite travel experiences. If you’re interested in trying it out yourself, be sure to read my Muyil River Float travel guide to learn how to do it!
10. Kaan Luum Lagoon
Kaan Luum Lagoon (Laguna de Kaan Luum) is a breathtaking blue lagoon just 15 minutes away from Tulum. It’s easy to reach from downtown Tulum by colectivo, car, or scooter and costs $60 pesos per person.
It is similar to Sian Kaan in some ways, with bright blue water, but somewhat easier to get to and slightly cheaper to visit.
11. Coba Ruins
The Coba archaeological site is one of the most popular day trips from Tulum. The ruins of this ancient Mayan city is just under an hour outside of Tulum.
The Coba ruins are much larger than the Tulum ruins, but not as impressive as Chichen Itza. However, if you want to climb up to the top of a pyramid, Coba is the place to go!
The easiest way to get to Coba is to take a day trip with a local guide. But for a more budget-friendly option, take an ADO bus.
Regardless of how you get there, expect to pay the Coba entrance fee of $80 pesos per person, plus $50 pesos for parking if you drive.
12. Bacalar
Often called the lagoon of seven colors, Lago de Bacalar is a stunning lagoon that is one of my favorite places to recommend to friends and family. The lagoon is two and a half hours south of Tulum, but it is so worth visiting if you have time!
It is easy to catch an affordable ADO bus from Tulum to Bacalar town. From there, you can enjoy the vibrant blue lagoon, the charming town of Bacalar, and the many cenotes surrounding it.
13. Valladolid & Chichen Itza
If you’re interested in visiting a lesser known Mexican city that feels completely different from Tulum, Valladolid is the place to go! This charming colonial city is an hour and a half away from Tulum, right along the way to Chichen Itza.
The colorful streets and Mexican charm reminds me of other parts of Mexico, like Oaxaca City and San Cristobal de las Casas. So if you’re open to experiencing a different side of Mexico, be sure to check this city out.
Of course, Chichen Itza is also a wonderful Tulum day trip. It is certainly the most popular day trip in the whole Yucatan Peninsula with thousands of tourists visiting every single day, and for good reason. This Mayan archaeological site is is one of the new 7 wonders of the world, and a UNESCO world heritage site.
Most Chichen Itza tours from Tulum include a stop in Valladolid, so be sure to book a tour that includes both.
14. Xcacel Beach
Xcacel Beach (Xcacel Área Natural Protegida Estata) is a sea turtle sanctuary and beach just twenty minutes north of Tulum. It’s an easy day trip close to Tulum if you’re looking to enjoy the beach without the crowds.
You can reach Xcacel via colectivo or by renting your own car. The colectivo ride costs only around $30-60 pesos, and the entry fee for the park is $97 pesos per person.
If you do plan to visit Xcacel, be sure to read my full Xcacel Beach travel guide to for local tips.
15. Muyil Ruins
On the edge of Sian Kaan you’ll find the Mayan Muyil Ruins. This is a less visited Mayan archaeological site that is just a few minutes away from downtown Tulum.
While the archaeological site is very small, it is certainly interesting because Muyil is one of the oldest and longest-occupied Mayan sites in the area.
In addition to wandering through the ruins, you can go on a fun jungle walk and climb tower that overlooks the breathtaking blue Muyil lagoon, which connected the ancient city to the rest of the Mayan world.
You can take a colectivo, drive or go with a tour guide to get to Muyil. Expect to pay an entry fee of $65 pesos per person.
16. Akumal
Akumal is a small beach town just thirty minutes north of Tulum. Its name means “place of the turtles,” in the traditional Mayan language, and it is a popular destination for folks wanting to swim with sea turtles.
I will be honest—I don’t think I can recommend the turtle snorkeling tours sold on the beach, though. Tours are extremely crowded, and even though you’re told specifically by the tour guides not to crowd the turtles, the guides themselves encourage you to do so while in the water.
Instead, save your money and bring your own snorkel gear here to snorkel in other parts of the bay. I specifically recommend the area in front of the Secrets resort, which is a calm, shallow area a soft sandy shore.
17. Mahanual
Manahual is a fishing village and cruise port near the Belizean border. It’s a funky, laid back town has grown in popularity over the years since becoming a cruise port.
It is two and a half hours away from Tulum, but if you’re up for an adventure and can rent a car, it’s worth exploring the beaches and small towns around this area.
Also see: 202 Mexico Instagram Captions
Quick Tulum Budget Tips
1. Stay in El Centro instead of Tulum Beach
You can save a lot of money by staying in Tulum’s Centro neighborhood instead of on the beach road. It’s easy to find a highly rated hotel with modern amenities and a pool for around $60 USD in the town. You can save even more if you stay at a hostel for around $10 USD a night.
2. Consider a hostel
If you want to stay along the beach but are on a strict budget, consider staying at a hostel like Selina. You can stay in a mixed dorm for about $35 USD per night if you don’t mind sleeping in a room with strangers.
3. Use colectivos and bikes
Colectivos are a local form of transportation in Tulum and other parts of Mexico. They are safe, reliable, and cheap. They operate like local buses and run very frequently along the main roads in Tulum.
Many of the local attractions and nearby towns are easily accessible by colectivo. For example, you can take a colectivos to Akumal for around $40 pesos ($2 USD), a trip that would cost around $600 pesos ($32 USD) in a taxi.
4. Enjoy the beach like a local
When luxurious beach clubs and restaurants line the beaches throughout Mexico, it can be easy to normalize spending an outrageous amount to enjoy a day at the beach. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Sometimes it’s worth it to splurge for a day at a beach club, but it is so easy to save money by sitting on a beach towel instead.
Bring along your own snacks and drinks, or spend a few dollars more on food on the beach.
5. Make food at your hotel
You don’t have to eat out for every single meal while you’re visiting Tulum. Think of how much you could save if you ate a free breakfast at your hotel and packed a sandwich for lunch most days?
My favorite easy meals to make while on vacation include spaghetti with tomato sauce and mushrooms, ramen with fresh veggies, tacos, and smoothie bowls. If you do make food at home, make sure you sanitize your veggies and don’t cook with tap water.
Where to Stay in Tulum
☀️ Habitas Tulum: Stay on Tulum beach in a stunning boho villa with your own private pool and jungle patio. Habitas is a beachfront luxury ecoresort with an incredible restaurant, spa, and immerse experiences. Check current prices.
🌴 Rubi Tulum: This Instagram-worthy property features boho treehouses connected via suspension bridges immersed in the jungle. Book a suite with your own private pool, or a luxurious soaking tub. Check current prices.
👙 Hotel Shibari: Get access to Hotel Shibari’s private cenote when you stay at one of their airy suites. This beautiful hotel is a short walk from the beach with an onsite pool, restaurant, bar, spa, and fitness center. Check current prices.
🌿 Hotel Bardo: Stay close to downtown Tulum at this adults-only hotel with a gorgeous turquoise pool, lush green foliage, and moody design. Check current prices.
Getting Around Tulum
Tulum is notorious for being a bit difficult to get around. That is because the beach is quite far from the town, and traffic along the beach road can be brutal.
🛵 Renting a scooter: A scooter or moped is a fun and affordable way to get around Tulum. You can get around more quickly and efficiently because you can zoom around cars as needed if there is traffic, and its easier to find parking. Read my full guide to renting a scooter in Tulum.
🚙 Renting a car: Renting your own car makes it easier to get around Tulum, and its the best option if you want to explore more of Mexico outside of Tulum. Compare local rental companies here.
🚲 Renting a bike: You can bike along the Hotel Zone by the beach or in town, or even between the two areas. Bike rentals are easy to find in Tulum, just make sure you understand the distance between the beach and town, and have plenty of water!
🚐 Colectivo: Shared shuttles run between Tulum and many parts of Quintana Roo regularly. They are a cheap, easy, and safe way to get to nearby towns like Akumal and Playa del Carmen, along with other attractions like Sian Kaan, cenotes, and the Coba ruins.
🚌 Guided tours: If you don’t rent a car, you can still visit other parts of Mexico on day trips with a local guides. I usually book tours through Viator and have always had a great experience—I always read reviews before booking to make sure I’ve chosen the best possible tour.
🚕 Taxi (not recommended): Taxis in Tulum charge outrageous prices so I strongly advise against using them. However, there are taxis available if you need to take one.
My Favorite Things to do in Cancun
🌿 Day Trip to Chichen Itza & Valladolid: Don’t miss Mexico’s most iconic ruins at Chichen Itza and my favorite Yucatan town, Valladolid! For the best experience, book this VIP private tour from Tulum, or check out this budget-friendly option.
🥾 Discover Quintana Roo’s Mayan Ruins: Step back in time at the breathtaking cliffside Tulum ruins, visit nearby Coba ruins, or see the Muyil ruins at Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve.
🐠 Muyil River Float: This one-of-a-kind adventure involves exploring a turquoise lagoon and floating down a natural lazy river, just a few minutes south of Tulum! Read my full guide to the Muyil River Float.
👙 Swim in Cenotes: The Yucatan peninsula is home to thousands of gorgeous cenotes (natural sink holes) that make the perfect swimming holes. Rent a car and go explore them, or join this Tulum cenote tour with a local guide!
🌊 Soak in the Sun at Tulum Beach: Escape to the soft golden sandy Tulum beach by either staying at a waterfront hotel, booking a day pass at a beach club, or relaxing at a public beach. If you’re staying in downtown Tulum, riding a bike to the beach can be fun (but it gets hot!)
More Yucatan & Quintana Roo Travel Guides
⚓️ How to Explore Cancun’s Nichupté Lagoon: Kayak + More
✨ The Ultimate Bacalar Itinerary: 1-7 Days in the Lagoon of Seven Colors
👙 7 BEST Valladolid Cenotes for Swimming
🛵 The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Scooter in Cozumel
Final Thoughts: Tulum on a Budget
While Tulum might not be the most budget-friendly spot in Mexico, you can still enjoy the natural wonders that this Mexican town has to offer without breaking the bank. As you plan your travels, be sure to check out my other Mexico articles for more Mexico travel tips!