Attention all backpackers, adventurers, and budget travelers! If you're looking for an exotic and relaxing place without having to empty your savings, then Tulum is the perfect destination for you. This city located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico is famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, ancient ruins, trendy restaurants, and bars. And yes, we know that the above doesn't sound like the cheapest place to vacation, but don't worry! Here are some tips for having an amazing time without overspending on your trip to this Caribbean destination. Take note!
Find affordable accommodation
Although Tulum is a very popular tourist spot, there are many options for affordable accommodation. Instead of looking for luxurious hotels or beach resorts, look for simpler accommodations such as hostels. This option is usually cheaper and will allow you to meet other travelers and have a more authentic experience.
Cheap transportation
Once in Tulum, you will easily find public transportation to get around the city. The most accessible and safe option is taxis, which will take you to the main points of interest for a reasonable price. You can also rent a bicycle or motorcycle to move around the city for a very low price. This is one of the best ways to discover Tulum and its surroundings. Of course, if you're trying to figure out how to get to Tulum, the cheapest option would be by bus. Companies like ADO, Mayab, and Autobuses del Noreste connect Tulum with important cities in Mexico.
Eat at affordable places
In Tulum, you will find many trendy restaurants and bars, but these are usually very expensive. If you want to save money, look for simpler places like street vendors or local restaurants where locals usually go. You will find very tasty options at very reasonable prices. Also, we recommend trying fresh fruit juices and smoothies – they are delicious and refreshing! Another thing you should consider to save more money is that some hostels may have a kitchen, which means that you have the option of saving a lot of money by preparing your food.
Visit public beaches
Tulum is famous for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. But not all beaches are privately owned by luxury hotels or resorts. There are several public beaches in the city, such as Playa Paraíso, Playa Pescadores, or the beach in front of Ostel Tulum Playa, all of which are free and open to the public. You can bring your food and drink and spend the day relaxing on the beach without spending a penny.
Explore ancient ruins
The ruins of Tulum are one of the main tourist attractions of the city. You can visit the archaeological site of Tulum for a very reasonable price and explore the ruins of an ancient Mayan city that was once an important trading port. In addition, there are several nearby cenotes that you can visit and swim in their crystal-clear waters for a very low price. Cenote Encantado, Cenote Azul, Los Cenotes de Coba, Cenote Nicté-Ha, and Casa Cenote are some of the cheapest cenotes you can find.
Take affordable excursions
If you want to explore the surroundings of Tulum, one of the first things you can do if you choose to stay at Ostel Smart Hostel is to ask the front desk about the tours they offer as we have attractive alliances. There are also other affordable excursions that you can do on your own. You can visit the Sian Ka'an natural reserve, snorkel in Akumal, or the Mayan ruins of Coba. These excursions tend to be much cheaper than those offered by hotels or tourist agencies and allow you to learn more about the culture and nature of the region.
Buy souvenirs at local markets
If you want to bring back a souvenir from Tulum, look for local markets where you can find crafts and souvenirs at much lower prices than in tourist shops. Additionally, you can support local artisans and bring back a more authentic memory of your trip. Don't forget to bring your reusable bags and contribute to the care of the environment.
Save on your flights
If you want to save money on your trip to Tulum, it's a great idea to book your flights in advance and compare prices across different airlines or flight search engines. We understand that as nomads, plans are often improvised and adventurous, but if you buy your flights in advance, you can get a significant saving on your travel expenses. If you can be flexible with your travel dates and avoid peak season or holidays, you can get much lower prices.
Overall, Tulum is an ideal destination for backpackers, adventurers, and budget-conscious travelers who seek to experience the Caribbean's beauty without straining their wallets. By adhering to the aforementioned tips, you can make the most of your trip to Tulum while keeping your expenses in check.