Affordable Beach Hotels In Tulum - Where To Stay In Tulum On A Budget (2024)

FAQs

Which part of Tulum beach is best to stay? ›

Beach Zone: Split into a northern and southern side, the beach zone is where you'll find all the top hotels, restaurants, and beach clubs in Tulum, stretched out along a busy main road. The north side of the beach is quieter and closer to the ruins, while the south side has more hotels and restaurants.

ADO bus – This is your cheapest option. You'll pay about $10 for a ride to Tulum. You can either book a bus that stops in Playa Del Carmen and transfers to Tulum or you can book a direct bus to Tulum.

Pro's: On the flip side, staying in the center, you have cheaper (and perhaps better) everything – lodging, dining, drinking, etc. The locals hang out in the city center, so you will experience more of the authentic vibes of Tulum. We highly recommend that you read our favorite Tulum bars here.

While there seems to be little difference between the two, overall Cancun can be more cost effective than Tulum. Obviously, this also depends on your choices but on an equal comparison, the pricing is driven up slightly more in Tulum.

Be extra careful at night in Tulum

Besides being extra careful at the bars in Tulum, you'll also want to be extra careful when walking alone at night. If you're staying in a more isolated area, take a taxi home at night instead of walking. Also, keep in mind that Tulum Beach is not well lit at night.

Can you walk from Tulum town to the beach? Yes (But do you really want to?) — While it is possible to walk from Tulum to the beach, it will take about an hour and a half to walk the four miles in extreme heat and humidity. Plus, you'll have another four-mile walk back when you're done, or catch a cab.

Good weather, great prices – The shoulder months of May, July and August are some of the best times of the year to explore Tulum if saving a few dollars and having more space for your beach towel are dealbreakers. Local hotel rates and airfare to the Riviera Maya tend to be lowest during these less-crowded months.

What is the fastest way to get from Tulum to Tulum beach? The fastest way to get from Tulum to Tulum beach is to taxi which takes 7 min and costs $110 - $140.

Tulum, like many tourist areas, is considered NOT safe to walk around at night. Regardless of if you are alone or in a group, you should always try to avoid walking outside at night in Tulum. Nighttime is when the most crime occurs so it is best to stay inside and not take any chances.

Where to stay first time in Tulum? ›

Most travelers to Tulum stay in one of two main areas: the Pueblo (downtown or the town) or the beach. It's about 5 km from the Pueblo to the nearest stretch of beach. The best luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, outdoor nightlife (beach and jungle parties), and boutique shops are on the beach.

Playa Pescadores is a gorgeous beach with calm, clear waters and ridiculously good ceviche. Located just north of Playa Paraíso, this beach offers an enchanting view of Tulum's ruins from the shoreline. With the balmy breeze and the gentle sound of the waves, you'll be in relaxation mode in no time.

Most visitors spend between $286 and $2,225 for a one week trip to Tulum, with the average being $768. This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to have a more in-depth experience in Tulum.

I've traveled extensively around Mexico, and Tulum is easily one of my favorite spots. Based on my experience, the optimal time to spend in Tulum is between 3 to 5 days. This time frame allows you to fully immerse yourself in Tulum's beauty, culture, and history without feeling rushed.

Tulum maintains a laid-back, bohemian vibe while Cabo offers a more energetic, resort-focused experience. So when choosing between these two destinations, travelers should consider whether they want a more tranquil getaway in Tulum or a livelier vacation in bustling Cabo San Lucas.

The best places to stay in Tulum for partying are the Pueblo, Beach Town, or the Middle Beach Zone. For families, it's the South Beach Zone or Aldea Zama. And for romance and honeymoons stay in the North or South Beach Zone (though pretty much every part of Tulum is perfect for a honeymoon holiday).

While both Tulum and Playa del Carmen boast stunning beaches, Tulum's are often considered more expansive and pristine. Playa del Carmen's beaches, though beautiful, are more compact and can get crowded. Tulum offers a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere compared to the more developed and bustling Playa del Carmen.