Tulum, with its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant nightlife, has become a must-visit destination on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. With so many people flocking to this destination (and a recently opened airport) it has become a bit of an influencer hotspot and one that comes with a price tag.
Experiencing the magic of Tulum doesn’t have to break the bank, however. There are plenty of amazing pockets in this area of Mexico that remain unexplored and affordable to experience. Follow along as I share some tips that will make your Tulum adventure one to remember!
Shop Your Airfare
Use Flight Comparison Tools: Websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights allow you to compare prices across different airlines and dates. Set up alerts for price drops and track both Tulum and Cancun. Although you’ll need to arrange a ride from Cancun, flights are much more affordable into here than flying directly to Tulum.
Travel Off-Peak: Avoiding peak tourist seasons (December through April) can lead to significantly cheaper flights. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons in May or November when the weather is still pleasant but prices are lower.
Consider Low-Cost Airlines: Don’t overlook budget airlines, but be mindful of hidden fees. Luckily, the weather in Tulum is warm, so you can get away with packing light and just re-wearing a few cute outfits! You’ll spend the majority of your time in a bathing suit anyway.
Pass on Expensive Beachfront Hotels
Instead of opting for expensive beachfront hotels, consider staying in hostels or budget hotels a little further from the beach. Tulum’s town center offers affordable lodging options and is just a short trip from the beach.
Just be aware that taxis tend to price gouge in the area. If you’re open to being even further outside, consider one of the neighboring areas where you can find really affordable Airbnb’s and hotels.
I stayed in Akumal, and we found an incredibly affordable house right on the beach with a pool. We did have a large group, which made it easier to find this, but we had no problem taking taxis into town and loved having our own space away from the crowds.
Eat Like a Local
Tulum’s food scene is diverse, but dining at restaurants on the beach can be costly. For a more budget-conscious approach, eat where the locals eat. There is a section of town often referred to as “old town Tulum,” which boasts numerous taquerías and local markets that offer delicious and authentic Mexican food at a fraction of the price of the tourist spots.
There are also tons of street food stalls that cannot be missed. We primarily ate in this area of town and only went to the expensive beach strip for a nice dinner one night, which was a perfect balance for us!
Rent a Bicycle
We didn’t do this since we were so far outside town, but if you do find a budget friendly option a little off the main strip consider renting a bicycle Instead of relying on taxis or car rentals.
It will be so much cheaper, and we saw lots of people biking, so it’s fairly safe to get around this way. We only rented bikes for one day, but the rates were reasonable, and it was actually far nicer to see the town on bikes at our own pace. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly!
Low-Cost Attractions
While you could easily spend the week shopping and dining, Tulum is also home to several attractions that don’t cost much or are even free. The nearby Tulum Ruins, while not free, are affordable, and there are also dozens of natural cenotes with small entrance fees where you can snorkel for the day.
These are well worth the visit on their own, but as a bonus, you can absolutely manage them on a budget! The biggest cost is getting to these attractions if you opt to do a tour, but if you’re up for it, you can try local transportation or arrange a Colectivo.
Use the Colectivos
These are basically shared mini buses and are so much cheaper than taxis. Most locals use these to get around between town, the beach and nearby attractions. We used these a few times and loved this option!
Take Advantage of Happy Hour
Almost every beach front bar or restaurant offers happy hour specials and it’s a great way to experience the more expensive spots without breaking the bank. Most have signs out front, so you can just take a stroll and pick your favorite, or ask your hotel or host for their favorite recommendation!
Use The Free Wifi
Instead of paying for an international SIM card or data plan, you can easily get by using free wifi at different cafes, restaurants, and hotels around town. If you’re traveling alone, of course, be sure you’re being safe and get a phone if needed, but especially if you are traveling in a group, you really don’t need to spend the extra money on this as you’ll be able to tap into wifi all over the place.
Cook Your Own Meals
While it’s hard not to dine out at all the incredible spots around town, if you’re going for a week or more, consider stocking up on some groceries and cooking in a few meals.
Especially if you stay outside the town (like we did), it can save a lot of money to do a big meal run for breakfast items and snacks so you’re not relying on dining out for every single meal.
Invest in Travel Insurance
It can be so hard to dish out the extra money for travel insurance when you’re adventuring on a budget, but I swear by it as a necessary upfront cost that will save you so much down the line if anything happens.
Tin Leg is the company I usually use. You can cover your entire trip for as low as $50 sometimes, and they will ensure you are reimbursed if anything happens with your flights, accommodations, last-minute illnesses, etc.
Especially if you’re flying budget airlines, this can be a great backup since most airlines will not help you if you are in the cheapest class.
Carry Smaller Bills
Be careful traveling with too much cash, but I recommend taking out a decent amount at the start of the trip and using that instead of credit cards.
While many places do take card, you will see heavy fees you may not even realize. If you are planning to do any shopping at local vendors or shops you also will find you can get better deals if you have smaller bills to offer and negotiate with.
Learn Basic Spanish Ahead of Your Trip
I think it’s important to try to learn some of the local language before any place you visit, but in terms of traveling on a budget this can also really save you if you are able to communicate with locals to negotiate taxis and ensure you’re not being price gouged.
Some people also appreciate you trying to learn the language and will be more open to discounts. Plus, you can meet some locals, which will open the door to the best experiences you can have on your trip!