• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Backpacking Brunette

Because life is not meant to be lived in one place

  • Members
  • Move To Mexico
    • Start Here
    • Mexico Residency Roadmap: Your Guide to Living in Mexico Legally in 2025
    • Learn Spanish
    • Move To Mexico
    • Move To Spain
  • Schedule a 1-1 Clarity Call
  • About Alex
    • About Alex
    • Contact Me
    • Schedule a 1-1 Clarity Call
    • Work Together
  • Camino de Santiago
    • 25 Eye-Opening Things To Know Before Walking The Camino de Santiago
    • How to Prepare for the Camino de Santiago Like a Pro
    • Cost of the Camino de Santiago {2021}: How Much Should You Budget?
  • Mexico Travel
    • Baja California Sur
    • Central Mexico
    • Jalisco
    • Oaxaca
    • Puerto Vallarta
    • Yucatan
  • Europe Travel
    • Europe Travel Tips
    • Spain Travel
      • Best Cities In Spain
      • Madrid
        • Day Trips
  • Budget Travel
    • Guides
    • Stories
    • Tips
    • Work Abroad
      • Start Here
      • Au Pair
      • Teach English Online
      • Teach English In Spain

Tulum On A Budget: What To Do In Tulum When You’re Broke AF

August 21, 2018 by Alex | Backpacking Brunette 4 Comments

2105 shares
  • Share
Tulum On A Budget: What To Do In Tulum When You’re Broke AF

From the best hostels in Tulum to backpacking Tulum, get my top tips for visiting Tulum on a budget!

Backpacking Mexico but not sure if you can swing Instagram’s favorite beach town? From cheap eats in Tulum to the best places to stay in Tulum on a budget, this guide has everything you need to experience Tulum without breaking the bank!

Learn how to travel Mexico on a budget! This essential guide has everything you need to visit Tulum without breaking the bank. Read this to make the most of your Mexico vacation on the Riviera Maya in Mexico!

Backpacking Brunette updated this post on March 7, 2019. 

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking on them, I make a small commission (at no extra cost to you). You get an awesome product, and I can keep creating valuable content. Talk about a win-win!

Why is Tulum so expensive?

Is it just me, or is Tulum ALL over Instagram? If I was guessing this year’s hottest destinations based on the ‘gram alone, Tulum, Mexico, would definitely make the list.

Located less than an hour south of Cancun, Tulum is a longtime favorite of backpackers and hippies (and hippie backpackers) seeking chill beach town vibes. In recent years though, thanks to tourism efforts and word of mouth, Tulum’s popularity has exploded.

With so many travelers and influencers (and travel influencers) flocking to its white sand beaches and crystal clear cenotes, businesses are raising prices making it difficult to visit Tulum on a budget.

Whether you’re visiting with friends or have tickets for one of these incredible music festivals in Tulum, you CAN visit this popular destination without breaking the bank.

Backpacking Tulum

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula but aren’t sure if you can swing Instagram’s fave beach town, have no fear! It’s easier than you think to visit Tulum on a budget.

Even if you’re a traveler with lots of pesos to spend (color me celosa), these tips will help organize your Tulum itinerary and ensure a more authentic experience.

Tulum has two main tourist areas: Tulum pueblo (town) and the Zona Hotelera (hotel zone). Along Tulum town’s main drag, you’ll find lots of restaurants, bars, tour companies and souvenir shops. Along the strip itself and as you move back into the neighborhoods, you’ll find the best places to stay on a budget in Tulum. Think hostels and budget hotels.

Find Tulum on a the map! Tips to visit Tulum on a budget!

>> This Mexico Yucatan backpacking guide has all the info you need to map out your itinerary! Budget travelers will want to check out typical costs! <<

Best hostels in Tulum

One mile east of downtown, the hotel zone runs parallel to the coast. As the name suggests, there are many accommodation options, but if you want to visit Tulum on a budget, these boutique hotels and mini-resorts probably aren’t for you.

For travelers with their hearts set on staying on the beach, some places offer hammocks for $10 USD per night. But, that’s as cheap as it gets.

Where to stay in Tulum on a budget

Joy Tulum

For couples or anyone traveling with a buddy they don’t mind sharing a bed with, I recommend Joy Tulum. Opened just this year, Joy Tulum is priced to attract guests as it builds its reputation. With only a handful of reviews on Hostelworld, I took a chance and booked a night in one of its 24 bungalows.

Between the private room, pool, complimentary bike rental and free continental breakfast, Joy Tulum gives you a lot of bang for your buck ($30 USD per night). The only downside is its a bit outside Tulum town, but if you have a rental car (which is affordable in the Yucatan!), the location isn’t an issue.

Pueblo Magico Tulum

For more centrally-located accommodation, check out Pueblo Magico Tulum. It’s within walking distance of the bus station and main drag. The hostel rents bikes, and it’s an easy 15-minute ride to the Tulum ruins. Rafa, the owner, does everything he can to make guests feel at home. He speaks English and is very knowledgeable about the area. Private rooms cost $25 USD per night while dorm beds are $10 USD per night. 

Casa del Sol

This is my favorite hostel in Tulum! It’s a fantastic option for budget travelers who want a little bit of privacy. Like Joy Tulum, Casa del Solo has cabañas for rent. There is also a standard multi-bed dorm which is great for solo travelers. But, what really stands out about Casa del Sol is the staff.

Every single morning of my stay there, Eric (one of the owners) was up at 8 a.m. to cook EVERYONE in the hostel breakfast. One day, he made oatmeal. Another, crepes. And, he did it all with a smile on his face. By the way, these fantastic homemade breakfasts are included in the price. Private rooms cost $36 USD per night while dorm beds are $15 USD per night. 

Visit Tulum on a budget and stay in Tulum town over the pricey hotel zone. Check out the street art!

>> The Yucatan isn’t the only place in Mexico worth backpacking! This Oaxaca backpacking guide has everything you need to know about visitng one of Mexico’s most incredible states on a budget! <<

Cheap eats in Tulum

My very first night in Tulum, I asked the guy working Joy Tulum’s front desk for a dinner recommendation. He asked if I wanted something delicioso y barato. What kind of question is that?! Of course, I want something delicious and cheap.

He sent me to La Chiapaneca, and my life hasn’t been the same since. You think I’m kidding? Whether you’re backpacking Tulum or not, you MUST eat here. While I was in Tulum, I ate at La Chiapaneca at every single day. One day I even ate there twice!

Scared of street food? Check out these Mexico travel tips for how to avoid getting food poisoning.

Address and hours

  • Avenida Tulum
    • Look for the orange building, thatched overhang, vertical rotisserie and satisfied customers.
  • Open Tuesday – Sunday; 9 a.m. – 1 a.m. Closed Monday.

What to order

I lost count of how many times I ate at La Chiapaneca, but I do know I always ordered the same thing: tacos al pastor. Hot off the spit, I could usually put away between three and five pork tacos. La Chiapenca doesn’t sell alcohol, but I found the house-made horchata (rice milk) to be the perfect complement. Like everything else, the guacamole is fantastic, and the tortilla chips are made fresh when you order. My entire meal plus tip cost $5 USD.

Ditch the Tulum hotel zone

When I learned some of the popular beach clubs in the hotel zone required $30 USD food/drink minimums, I was like, UMMM NOOOOO!  That was my budget for the entire day, and I wasn’t about to spend every last peso on a place just because I’d seen it on Instagram. So, I forgot about the hotel zone and went out in search of more budget-friendly options.

>> Curious about Mexico’s Pacific Coast beaches? Check out this Puerto Escondido guide for everything you need to know about the most beautiful beach town in Oaxaca! <<

Caleta Tankah

About halfway between Tulum and Akumal, Soliman’s Bay is a gorgeous stretch of beach off the beaten tourist track. For just $8 USD, I spent a relaxing day at the Caleta Tankah resort. It’s a five-minute drive or so off the main highway and down a dirt road. The entrance fee includes access to the beach, a cenote and the clubhouse. Food and drink cost extra but is not mandatory. As an added bonus, the beach has a view of the Tulum ruins.

Visit Tulum on a budget and spend the day at the Caleta Tankah resort.
Visit Tulum on a budget and spend the day at the Caleta Tankah resort.

Kaan Luum Lagoon

While it doesn’t have the white sand beaches Tulum is famous for, this hidden gem also doesn’t have the hoards of tourists that flock to them. Situated in the middle of a nature reserve just south of Tulum, Kaan Luum is very much a local hangout. For $5 USD, it’s a great way to cool off on a hot day and get off the beaten path in Tulum. Plus, it has that boardwalk your Insta grid so desperately wants.

Get off the beaten path with cheap things to do in Tulum!
Head south out of Tulum on Mexico 307, and it won’t be long until you see a sign for Kaan Luum Lagoon on your left.

Find the best cenotes in Tulum, Mexico

No trip to the Yucatan would be complete without spending quality time at some cenotes. At first glance, visiting cenotes might sound like a budget-friendly activity, but with entrance fees at $5 USD a pop, costs can really start to add up if you’re visiting more than one each day.

Rather than spending those precious pesos just anywhere, do some homework to figure out which cenotes best fit your vibe. Where can I take the best pics with the fewest people? Which ones should I spring for snorkel gear? Make a plan! I used Anna Everywhere’re Ultimate Cenote Guide.

Skip the guided tours at the Tulum Ruins

Like cenotes, visiting Mayan ruins are a quintessential part of any Yucatan adventure. Both the Tulum and Coba ruins are easily reached from Tulum. You can get to Tulum ruins by bike while Coba, which is 40 minutes away, while require you to catch a ride in a colectivo (shared taxi).

It won’t cost you much to get in, but I recommend skipping the guided tour, which costs $600-1,000 MXN ($31-53 USD), if you’re backpacking Tulum on a tight budget.

Instead, spend some time beforehand reading about the ruins. Even Wikipedia can give you enough information to better understand what it is you’re seeing.

If tours are your thing, find other English speakers to split the price of a guide. The bigger your group the cheaper it costs per person.

How much does it cost to go to Tulum ruins?

  • Tulum Ruins
    • Hours: Open daily 8 a.m. –  5 p.m.
    • Entrance fee: 70 pesos ($4 USD); 100 pesos ($5 USD) parking fee.
  • Coba Ruins
    • Hours: Open daily 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    • Entrance fee: 70 pesos ($4 USD); 50 pesos ($3 USD) parking fee.
Don't miss the Mayan ruins and visit Tulum on a budget.
Rent a bike and peddle down to the Tulum ruins!

How to visit Tulum on a budget

Even though Tulum has gotten more and more expensive over the years, it’s still possible to visit Tulum on a budget.

  • Stay in Tulum Town
  • Eat at La Chiapeneca (then send me a note so we can talk about how AMAZING it is)
  • Ditch Tulum’s Zona Hotelera
  • Research to find the best cenotes in Tulum for YOU
  • Skip the guided tours at the Tulum and Coba ruins

To make the most of your trip to Tulum, it’s helpful to know some Spanish. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just need to brush up, this Ultimate Spanish Learner’s Resource Guide has everything you need to take your language skills to the next level. Best of all, it’s FREE!

Got questions about Tulum? Leave them in the comments or send me a DM on Instagram (@alexnotemily)!


Psst… Don’t forget to Pin this post for later!

From where to stay in Tulum, Mexico, to how to visit the Tulum, Mexico, ruins, this has all the best things to do in Tulum on a budget!

Tulum On A Budget: What To Do In Tulum When You’re Broke AF

2105 shares
  • Share

Filed Under: Yucatan

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Stefan says

    December 11, 2018 at 11:27 am

    Hey Tulum is on my list of places to visit. Thanks for sharing this great article.
    Stefan recently posted…Rockford Fosgate P1683 ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
    • Alex Wittman says

      December 12, 2018 at 9:00 am

      Hi Stefan! I’m glad you found this post helpful! I hope you’ll be able to make it to Tulum soon 🙂
      Alex Wittman recently posted…How To Learn A Language Online With italkiMy Profile

      Reply
  2. Brenda Carlos says

    August 31, 2020 at 11:38 am

    Hello, thanks for the great info!
    Quick question. Did you ever feel unsafe? our flight leaves Cancun at 5:45am. Which means i’ll have to drive back to Cancun in the middle of the night. So im a little scared.

    Reply
    • Alex Wittman says

      August 31, 2020 at 2:29 pm

      Hi, Brenda! Thanks for reading & I’m glad you found the post helpful. When I was driving back from Tulum to Cancun on my most recent trip to the Yucatan, the police pulled our car over & said that we had to pay a fine since my friend wasn’t wearing a seatbelt in the backseat. It was a very odd situation (very much seemed like a scam) & once they realized we spoke Spanish and were going to fight the fine, they let us go. I only tell you this because I’ve heard that it’s a pretty common thing to happen on the road between Tulum and Cancun. The police are hoping to get tourists in a hurry to the airport who will just hand over money so they don’t miss their flight. I never felt in danger, but I would have probably been intimidated had I been alone. Not sure what you will do with this little anecdote, but I thought I should pass it along. As a rule, I generally avoid driving at night in Mexico. Safe travels.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

Primary Sidebar

Search the Site

Recent Posts

  • Ultimate Mexico Travel Guide for Vegans & Vegetarians (2024)
  • 17 Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in 2024
  • Is Host Relocation Mexico Worth It? (Honest Review)
  • Best Things to Do in Melaque, Mexico (Complete Guide + Tips)
  • Best Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta (For Every Budget & Taste)

© 2025 Backpacking Brunette

Privacy Policy and Disclosure

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
2105 shares